Travel Bulletin 8th June 2012

A round-up of thelatest products &

deals to offer your clients

Dynamicpackaging

June 8 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,782 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent bulletinPontins offers free one-night stay for agents &their families

romaniaBlue Air to startworking with UK traveltrade

NEW! fam feedbackan agent’s experienceof a KwaZulu-Natalfam trip

9 10 18this week

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the night in pictures fromour Greece & Cyprusshowcase networking event

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CARIBBEAN ESCAPADE...AITO Agents took a group of agents on a Caribbean fam trip recently to the island of Mustique. Sponsored by AITO operators, ITC Classicsand Complete Caribbean, the trip was awarded to the top eight selling AITO Agents in the AITO All Stars incentive scheme over the first half of last year. Picturedtaking in the sights are, from the left: Peter Holmes, Classic Travel; Chris Edwards, ITC Classics/Complete Caribbean; Caroline Peacock, Deva Travel; GemmaAntrobus, Haslemere Travel; Oliver Broad, Robert Broad Travel & AITO Agents' chairman; Graham Knight, The Travel Bureau; Sarah Rayner, ITC Classics; Rosie Doran,Edwin Doran Travel; Carolyn Lodge, Carolyn Lodge Travel; and Bryony Hordern, Tickets Anywhere.

This Week

3 newsthe latest industry trends,launches & offers

9agent bulletinPontins is inviting agents and their families to acomplimentary one-nightstay at one of its fiverefurbished coastal holidayparks

10NEW! fam feedbacktravel agent Yaksha Variashares some of herexperiences from her fam toKwaZulu-Natal

11 puzzle bulletinwin a £50 Hotel Chocolatvoucher by playing Su Doku

12event bulletinthe night in pictures fromour Greece & Cyprusshowcase event

16dynamic packaginga round-up of the latestproducts & deals to offeryour clients

17romaniaBlue Air starts working withUK travel trade for the firsttime since commencingoperations

20israelnew programme additions toentice your clients to book

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WTM conference analyses industry's long-term prospectsTHE TRAVEL and tourism industry’s longer term prospects are good, delegates were toldat the recent WTM Vision Conference, which took place in Florence.

Despite the global financial problems which continue to impact the industry,Euromonitor International Travel and Tourism analyst, Angelo Rossini, predicted that thenext five years will be brighter and highlighted the growing middle classes in theemerging countries, which now have the money and the hunger to travel.

He added tourists from developed countries would continue to travel but that theywould just look for cheaper alternatives.

He said: “The long-term prospects are good for the travel and tourism industry. It is veryhard for people to give up travelling, so they will look for cheaper options such as shortbreaks or low cost holidays.”

Meanwhile, the industry’s technology was criticised for being behind the times at theconference. Amadeus Italia marketing director, Tommaso Vincenzetti, said that thetechnology the industry currently uses makes it seem outdated.

He said: “Technology should bring advantages for us in our working lives as it does in ourprivate lives. The industry works in a way which is way behind what people are used to.”

The WTM Vision Conference series has expanded this year, taking the number of eventsto five. The Florence event was the final in the series which has also travelled to Moscow,London, Dubai and Shanghai.

EBOOKERS.COM HAS undertaken researchthat reveals almost two thirds of Britishcouples end up arguing while on holiday, withas many as a quarter (25%) arguing by thethird day of their break.

Topping the list of factors contributing toholiday fall-outs are: Not agreeing how tospend time together (34%), spending too muchtime together (27%) and spending too muchmoney (27%).

The research, which polled 2,000 Brits,delved into couples’ holiday habits revealingthat arguments are starting before coupleseven set off on holiday, with not being able toagree on the holiday destination (52%) and thefrustrations of the holiday booking process(37%) rocking the relationship boat. However,despite couples feeling the tension from

● Continues on next page

Research reveals nearly two thirds of British couples argue on holiday


TABER HOLIDAYS has added a Four Capitals Tour whichexplores the Scandinavian capital cities.

The itinerary starts in Stockholm where guests spendthe first two nights and highlights include the Royal Palaceand the Old Town. The next night is spent sailing toHelsinki, where guests take a tour of the Finnish capitaland also have free time before the return cruise toStockholm and onward coach journey to Copenhagen –home for the next two nights. In addition to a city tour,highlights include dinner at the famous Tivoli Gardens.

The trip concludes with travel with DFDS Seaways toOslo, which includes a visit to the Viking Ship Museum,Vigeland Sculpture Park and free time.

Prices for this eight-night escorted tour lead in at £2,216per person, based on two sharing, and include flights,transfers, accommodation, all sailings, the services of atour escort and most meals. Departures are on selecteddates in July and August.

Meanwhile, the company has launched its summerprogramme to Iceland and Greenland with the inclusion ofthree new tours. The extended portfolio now features the‘Best of Iceland’, ‘Grand Tour of Greenland’ and ‘VikingChallenge’ itineraries, taking the total offered for bothcountries to 13. These include a mixture of fly/drive, citybreak, escorted, self-catering, self-guided, activity andspecialist cruising options.For more information call 01274-875199 or visitwww.taberhols.co.uk

Taber adds Four Capitals Tour

www.travelbulletin.co.ukJune 8 20124

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BODMIN BUDDIES...Ten members of Bright, including KirkerHolidays, 1st Class Holidays, Canadian Tourism, Jersey/PrestonTravel, Cox & Kings, Mosaic Holidays, Veloso Tours, Viking RiverCruises, Hurtigruten and Crystal Cruises, visited the LanhydrockHotel & Golf Club in Bodmin last week for a dinner and workshopfor independent agents in Cornwall. Pictured receiving a warmwelcome is Kerry Kitto (middle), Co-op Personal Travel Advisorfrom Jenny Rojas of Velso Travel and Andrew Schweitzer fromViking River Cruises. For details on future events see www.brightconsortia.com

Newsbites● ALASKAN DREAM Cruises has appointed sales and

marketing agency Discover the World Marketing asits UK representative as it looks to sell through thetrade and work closely with UK travel agents. Thecompany provides small ship, intimate cruiseexperiences in Alaska’s wilderness, offering three-,six-, eight-, ten- and 13-day cruises on newlyrenovated 42 to 66 passenger ships. Cruises startfrom $899 for a three-day Glacier Bay Quest and allpackages are commissionable at 10%. For details call 020-7107 2303 or visitwww.alaskandreamcruises.com

● NORWEGIAN HAS signed an agreement to lease twoadditional Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners for its futurelong-haul operations, with expected delivery inearly 2014.

● TAM AIRLINES’ passengers who want to travel to-and-from China and Brazil now have a faster routeoption. With the expansion of the codeshareagreement between TAM and Air China, passengerscan now fly to-and-from Beijing and Brazil throughParis, with a connection at Charles de GaulleAirport, from where they will travel on flights of theChinese airline.

● TWO OF the management team at Attraction Worldhave been announced as finalists in the Midlandsheat of Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year.Tony Seaman, group sales and marketing directorand Paul Stobbs, managing director, will competein the regional final in Birmingham on June 19.The company has also added ‘Big Ticket’ forBlackpool - a combination ticket that offers accessto a range of attractions. See www.attractionworld.com

● TRAVELODGE HAS opened a 96-room hotel aboveEdinburgh’s largest Topshop store in the city’sPrinces Street. The four-storey hotel, whichrepresents an investment of £10million, has beenbuilt in Scotland’s first steel frame grade ll listedbuilding.

Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include:

● Hurtigruten have launched their latest brochure - 'Insearch of the Northern Lights' - further details on020 8846 2666.

Mailbox

For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

spending 24-hours a day with their loved one, more than half(56%) have come back from holiday feeling their relationshipwas stronger.

The research also found that women are more likely toblame alcohol (26%) for fueling arguments on holiday,compared to men who are more concerned with their partnereyeing up others on the beach (12%).

● continued from previous page



New Cape Verdeflights for Condor THE CAPE Verde islands ofSal and Boa Vista will benew additions to leisureCondor's winter timetablefor 2012/13, in addition tothe new destinations ofRio de Janeiro (Brazil),Rangoon (Myanmar) andSiem Reap (Cambodia).

The carrier's Rio deJaneiro service is due tostart in October and in thesame month the airlinewill be increasing flightfrequencies for some of itsCaribbean destinationssuch as Punta Cana(Dominican Republic),Cancun (Mexico), St. Lucia,Barbados, and Varadero(Cuba). After the initialflight in winter 2011/12,San Juan on Puerto Ricowill keep its place insummer 2012, to becomea year-round destination.

Leger launches one-off battlefield tour LEGER HOLIDAYS has launched a one-off, exclusive tourwhich offers travellers access to a series of undergroundtunnels from the First World War for the first time.

The British Tunnelling Campaign of the Great Warremained an official secret until 1962, when it was revealedthat British and French soldiers carved tunnels to layexplosives which could damage the German defencesabove. It was dangerous work, both from the risk ofcollapse and explosions, but also because the Germanshad their own series of tunnels, leading to fierce battlesfought 100-feet below the surface of the ground.

On the company's ‘Underground War’ tour, which departson September 21, passengers will have the opportunity towalk through tunnels below the battlefields of The Sommewhich are being reopened for the first time in almost acentury and are currently closed to the general public.

Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the peopleinvolved in the excavation of the lost labyrinth of tunnelsrunning below the village of La Boisselle, and will be ableto take a one-off guided tour through the tunnels, givingthem the opportunity to discover firsthand more about theirpurpose and the lives of those who served in them. Priceslead in at £259 per person including three nights’ breakfastaccommodation, travel by executive coach; free localjoining points; a specialist battlefield guide; and allbattlefield visits and excursions.For more information visit http://battlefields.leger.co.uk orcall 0844-504 6250.

TITAN IS encouraging its trade partners to think ahead tothis year’s winter festivities with the release of itsChristmas and New Year brochure, which incorporates arange of tours - from traditional festive trips in the UK andEurope, to more exotic offerings in far-flung destinations.

As examples, guests can take in the Champs-Élysée andEiffel Tower on a five-day Christmas in Paris option, whichcosts from £995 per person and rail journeys on the BritishPullman, including Bath at Christmas, a three-day shortbreak that explores the historic city, from £975 per person.

For customers looking to holiday further afield, aChristmas and New Year Down Under option offers a 22-day tour with enough time for Christmas shopping inHong Kong. Other destinations visited on the trip includeUluru (Ayer's Rock) and Sydney, and prices start from£5,995 per person.

All holidays include scheduled flights,accommodation, a range of excursions, tour managerand door-to-door transfers. For details call 0800-988 5166 or visit www.titanagents.co.uk

Titan issues Christmas & New Year brochure to trade featuring breaks in UK & abroad

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EXPRESS SUCCESS...pictured launching Heathrow Express' fully refurbished trains - part of a £16minvestment into the brand that has seen a new corporate identity launched are, from the left: ColinMatthews, CEO of BAA; Keith Greenfield, managing director of Heathrow Express; John Holland-Kaye,commercial director, BAA; and Dan Smith, head of engineering, Heathrow Express.

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@Travelbag1979 5 nights in #Florida(flights and accom) from£679 per personhttp://bit.ly/L22Sa1

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Follow us on Twitter!http://twitter.com/

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New destinations from Germanwings GERMANWINGS HAS released its flight schedule for the2012/13 travel season on www.germanwings.com with arange of booking offers, new destinations, optimised flyingtimes and more frequent flights to a selection of destinationsfor its three hubs Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart and Dortmund.

This winter the carrier will also further develop the routesfrom its largest hub Cologne/Bonn to Italy’s third largest city,Naples, as well as Sicily’s second largest metropolis, Catania.The connection to Heathrow will remain part of theprogramme, while the North-African cities of Nador andTunis will also be served from the Rhine region this comingwinter.

The new destinations of Bilbao, Bremen, Brussels,Heathrow, Milan and Manchester will also be served fromStuttgart in the 2012/13 winter flight.

HURTIGRUTEN HAS added a directdeparture from Belfast to its programme offlight inclusive packages for winter 2012/13.This is the first time the operator hasincluded a charter flight from Belfast andprovides agents in Northern Ireland with aselling opportunity to promote NorthernLights voyages from their regionalcatchment.

The trip is a six-day ‘Arctic Highlights’voyage from Tromso to Kirkenes in the farnorth of Norway and includes a range of

winter activities - from snowmobiling andhusky dog sledging to a trip to North Capeand a visit to the Kirkenes Snow Hotel.

Prices lead in at £1,115 per personincluding flights from Belfast Airport toTromso, three nights' half-board on the ship,two nights in a centrally located Tromsohotel with breakfast, transfers and taxes.

The price is based on a February 24, 2013departure with two sharing. For more information call 020-8846 2666 orsee www.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents

Collette issues2013/14 previewbrochure COLLETTE WORLDWIDEHolidays has launched apreview brochure whichfeatures departuresthrough to April 2014 andgives agents anopportunity to sell achoice of 18 escortedtours to destinationsincluding Iceland, NewZealand, America,Canada, Costa Rica andEurope.

As an example,highlights include a new'Exploring Australia' tourfor 2013, which takes inSydney, Melbourne,Barossa Valley WineRegion, Blue Mountains,Alice Springs, Uluru,Cairns and the GreatBarrier Reef. The 18-daytour includes 23 mealsand costs from £4,499 perperson, including an earlybooking offer of £150 perperson for bookings madeby July 31.

Agents also have thechance to offer specialdeals on 2012 tours, withsavings up to £300 perperson on October andNovember departures onan 'Exploring NewZealand' tour. Earlybooking offers areavailable on all toursbooked before July 31.For brochure supplies ormore information call0800-804 8700 or visitwww.trade-gate.co.uk

DOUBLE CHEERS...pictured marking the unveiling and christening of two of Avalon Waterways' SuiteShips in Holland last month are, from the left: Andrew Gardner; cruise.co.uk; Terri Eaton, CruiseInternational Magazine; Alan MacLean, Avalon Waterways; Penny Guy, Passenger ShippingAssociation; and Barry Peters, Bluewater Holidays. The Avalon Visionary and Avalon Vista weredocked alongside each other for a dual ceremony. The smaller 52 suite Avalon Visionary will saileight-day ‘Romantic Rhine’ cruises (from £1,735 per person) and later in the year severalChristmastime cruises on the Rhine and Danube. The Avalon Vista will sail the longer itineraries of the15-day ‘Magnificent Europe’ (from £2,895), the 11 day ‘Legendary Danube’ (£2,345) cruise and 13-day‘Blue Danube Discovery’ (from £2,549) For 2013, both ships will sail an eight-day ‘Tulip Time’ cruisefrom Amsterdam (£1,865) and additionally the Avalon Visionary will sail the newly introduced eight-day ‘Tulips of Northern Holland’ cruise (from £1,935).

Hurtigruten adds new Belfast departure for winter 2012/13


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CYPRUSCYPRUSQuality accommodations from 3�

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TRAVEL AGENTS specialising in selling cruise holidays willsoon be able to benefit from additional e-learning modulesto be unveiled on the new ACE website.

The five new modules will complement those whichwere launched in early May and include sections coveringthe onboard and destination experiences together withchoosing the right room onboard and tips on the bestplaces to cruise at certain times of the year.

The association has also revealed details of its first

Expedition Expo which includes agents visiting Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanseatic while she’s moored on the River Thameson September 18. The ship, with up to 184 guests, visitsremote, unpopulated regions of the world includingAlaska, Asia and Antarctica. The Expo will also include adestination expert, companies specialising in expeditioncruising together with representatives from variousdestinations. For more information visit www.cruiseexperts.org

THE CAPE Verde Experience hasannounced the addition of a Tall ShipTour to its island-hopping options forwinter 2012/13. The 50m three-masted topsail schooner‘Oosterschelde’ was built in theNetherlands in 1918 and its CapeVerde tours will provide passengerswith the opportunity to view thearchipelago while mixing aconventional sailing holiday with avoyage of discovery.

Departing from the island of Saland visiting at least six islands duringits travels, the itinerary comprises 11

nights on the ship and three nights ina Sal hotel. Landing places includeSantiago, São Vicente, Santo Antão,São Nicolau and Boa Vista.Excursions with local guides arearranged on most islands and keyattractions include a UNESCO WorldHeritage site, banana plantations, avolcanic crater, the remainder of aprimeval forest in the mountains andCape Verde’s cultural capital Mindelo.

Scheduled tour dates areDecember 1, 12 and 23 and January3, 14 and 25 and February 5, 2013.Prices lead in at £2,387 per person

and include flights from Gatwick toSal, taxes, transfers, 11 nights’accommodation on a full-board basison the ship plus three nights'breakfast hotel accommodation. For more information visitwww.capeverde.co.uk/tallship or call0845-330 2046.

newsbulletinAssociation of Cruise Experts plans new e-learning modules for Website

Cape Verde Experience adds tall ship tour for winter



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WEBSCLUSIVES● Crystal Cruises is offering agents the chance to win a

fantastic Spa experience! To be with a chance ofwinning, enter via the Travel Bulletin website onwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions.

● Win a kindle courtesy of the AMResorts competition onwww.travelbulletin.co.uk. All you have to do is answer3 questions on AMResorts’ brands (Zoetry Wellness &Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts& Spas, Now Resorts & Spas).

● Win a place on a fam trip to Hong Kong courtesy ofFunway, BA and the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Fordetails on how to enter, visitwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

All this and more at:

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

The home of the web savvy travel agent

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India & Nepal brochure from InsightINSIGHT VACATIONS has launched its second edition2012/13 India & Nepal brochure, featuring prices up to 16%lower, which offers savings of up to £1,680 per couple.

The programme includes exclusive escorted journeysincluding an invitation to a gala dinner at the privateresidence of the Royal family of Jaipur and private behind-the-scenes tours of palaces.

As an example of prices, savings of up to £840 perperson are offered on the 11-day Imperial Treasures ofIndia Gold tour. Prices lead in at £4,425 per person basedon a September 27 departure. For details call 020-7468 4335 or seewww.onestoptouringshop.co.uk

RIU HOTELS and Resorts and the Tunisian Tourist Board held aspecial presentation evening for 40 TUI UK agents at the CrownHotel in Bawtry recently. The event offered a mix of information,general discussion and a question and answer session to helpagents understand more about Tunisia and the product range thatRiu offers in the resort.

MUST THANK Beachcomber on behalf of Luella -she has come back from her Mauritiuseducational on cloud 9 and says that she can’t

wait to sell it – her enthusiasm is certainly catching!Keith from North America Travel called in. He was

saying they are doing the new flights Man–Washingtondirect with United and Heathrow-Vancouver with Virgin. Ifyou have biker fans they have a great selection of self-drive or guided motorcycle tours with Eaglerider whopioneered the Harley-Davidson rental concept back in1992 and today they are the world’s largest motorcycleprovider! They have also added El Monte RV motor homeswhich are luxury motor homes and look fantastic. Also,have you seen their American Safari Cruises? Theiryachts are sleek and nimble and allow access to some ofthe most intricate and remote passages in NorthAmerica! Keith said the Hairy Bikers were doing theMississippi Delta – music and food, so that will beinteresting. If you need any info or help contact them byemail at [email protected]

Have you seen the new Jet2 Families brochure? It’s justwhat we’ve been waiting for! It’s as if they’ve asked uswhat we think would be good and put it together for us. Ifyou want to look for a free child place then go to the freechild finder on the Website - it comes up with a hugerange of offers so you don’t have to go into each individualflight. You can tell your client all the destinations andareas that have free child places – much easier for us!Free child places are on family friendly flight times aswell and infants travel free, flexible durations from 1nt to42 nts and 2* to 5* plus single family parent holidays aswell. They still have their no hidden extras and 22kg ofluggage – so thank you Jet2 for listening to us and givingus what we have asked for - TUI and Thomas Cook pleasenote!

‘I have found out that there is no surer way to find outwhether you like people or hate them than to travel withthem!’ and ‘Courage is what it takes to stand up andspeak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen’.

by SANDRA MURRAY of Sandy Travel in Normanton, Yorkshire

Notes from

Normanton...

To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email

jill. [email protected]


● TRAFALGAR IS celebrating its 65th birthdaywith a "Make my Cake" campaign. Agentscan test their cake baking skills to be inwith a chance of winning one of 15 birthdayprizes from the operator including travelvouchers, Visa gift cards, cook books andKobo e-readers. Agents can post a pictureof their cakes on the company's Facebookpage to win.For details see www.tipto.co.uk

● TRAVEL 2 is continuing to celebrate its 30thbirthday festivities with the launch of a newmini brochure ‘The Big 30 destinations of2012’ and is giving agencies across thecountry the chance to join in the party withthree cash prizes up for grabs. The prizemoney will be used as a contributiontowards a staff treat, for example a day atthe races, dining out or making the nextstaff party extra special. All bookings madebefore July 31 that include productsfeatured in the new brochure will beautomatically entered into the prize draw,which includes cash incentives of £1,000,£500 and £250. The mini brochure detailsthe hottest holiday spots for 2012 coveringcity, beach and beyond locations.To order a copy [email protected] or for moreinformation see www.travel2.com

● AGENTS HAVE the chance to win a theatre tripfor two, £40 or £20 worth of Love2Shop whenthey make a booking with NewmarketHolidays this month and next. Each bookingcounts as an additional entry, so the morecruises sold, the higher the chance of winning.See www.tipto.co.uk for details.

● SUPERBREAK IS offering agents abackstage pass to meet The Wanted &McFly who will be headlining at Blackpool’snewest open air venue the Tower FestivalHeadland on June 24. The prize includesovernight accommodation in Blackpool fortwo, tickets to the concert and backstageaccess. To enter agents need to make abooking for the concert and email theirbooking reference [email protected]. Packages cost from£41.50 per person including overnightaccommodation and admission to theconcert. For details seewww.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

Fancy a fam?PONTINS IS inviting agents and their families toa complimentary one-night stay at one of its fiverefurbished coastal holiday parks. To apply e-mail [email protected] with your ABTAnumber, choice of park, dates and number in theparty. The offer is subject to availability andexcludes holiday dates between July 20 andAugust 31. Additional nights are available onrequest at a minimum charge.

OLYMPIC WINNER... Sophie Beldham (left)from Toucan Travel won a luxury chocolatehamper from Olympic Holidays in TIPTO'srecent training competition. Pictured presentingthe hamper is the operator's Carmel Sneyd.

Booking incentives


agentbulletin

IPAD GLAD...Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ran a

competition for agents at the recent ACE Cruise

Convention, and four winners triumphed in

the test to win an iPad 3. Pictured is Danielle

Cox (right) receiving her prize from Suzanne

Robinson, the line's area sales executive south.



African Wanderer (with Philip & Tommy)

On arrival at Durban airport we werewelcomed by Philip and Tommy whotook us to have lunch and refreshments.

Philip was not only the driver but alsoa very friendly, intelligent, and extremelyknowledgeable guide. Tommy was aman with many abilities. Not only doeshe manage the Amangwane Lodge butis also an expert chef, life guard, aninspiring teacher (he taught me how tosnorkel), tour guide with immenseknowledge and experience. I wastouched by the fact that he went theextra mile to make my own vegetarianmeals with pride. I even managed tolearn new dishes from him and havecooked them since. I name themTommy’s recipes.

Protea ShakalandA two-hour drive from Durban and wearrived at Protea Shakaland where wewatched a short film on Shakaland andKing Zulu. Everyone was friendly and itwas lovely to see children playing andposing for photos. Some of us took partin the Zulu dancing and a few men triedout the spears and stick fightingactivities.

Umkhumbi Lodge

Umkhumbi Lodge is a great locationto venture to different activities andsightseeing. On site we walked morethan an hour for night game withPhilip and saw several creatures,which was fun as we were alltogether in the dark.

St Lucia / Simangaliso Wetlands areaI will be honest in saying that when Iread the itinerary Kayaking on St LuciaEstuary. I just thought what distance Ihave to travel to row. Little did I knowthat I would be in same waters andmeters away from a crocodiles andhippos. My heart was beating faster andfaster, and I was rowing faster, I wasscared for my life yet it was such athrilling experience. We saw threehippos coming out of the water and itwas an overwhelming experience. Avisit to a crocodile centre waseducational and the demonstration ofhow to catch a croc was incredible.

Elephant InteractionI have never come so close toelephants in their natural habitat. Welearnt about how they live and survive,with the guide giving us a detailedinsight into an elephant’s welfare. Wehad the opportunity not only to feedthem through their trunk but alsothrough their mouth and feel theirtongue - a rewarding experience!

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game ReserveI was impressed by the beautifullush, green, hilly scenery and itwas not what I expected. I hadimagined it to be flat with a dry

savannah and was excited to be in anopen air jeep. We saw lions, buffalosand elephants from a distance but itwas great to see giraffes close up asthey crossed the path in front of us.

Princes Grant Golf CourseWe visited this 18-hole championshipgolf course set on beautiful groundsoverlooking a private sandy beach. Iwould recommend this place togolfers considering it only costaround 285 rand for a round of golf,which is comparatively low for anexclusive standard of a golf coursewith so much adventure andexploration nearby.

My highlightsThe whole trip was very well plannedand we were well looked after. We didso much in just one week - the trip toKwaZulu-Natal was exceptional andexceeded my expectations. I will beshining when I promote it to myclients. Up till now KZN was not onmy mind and honestly South Africanever came to mind. Now KZN will beon the top of my list as it has so

much to offer - it is full ofdiversity and haswonderful people whoare proud of theirprovince.✦

At Travel Bulletin’s inauguralnetworking Southern & EastAfrica showcase event, travelagent Yaksha Varia won aTourism KwaZulu-Natal famplace in the free prize draw.Here she shares some of herexperiences from the trip...

famfeedback


puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Capital city... sounds like the word wisdom in Greek

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the

3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate

to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name,

company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if

applicable to:

[email protected]

Closing date for entries is Thursday, June 14th. Solution and new puzzle will

appear next week.

The winner for 25th May is Gemma Scott, Rapid Travel in

Southhamption.

May 25 Solution: A=8 B=1 C=6 D=2

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 068

Travagrams

Across 1. Operator specialising in holidays to Egypt (8)6. Formula One driver, ___ Hamilton (5)8. Picturesque Corfu landmark, ___ Island (5)9. Flows through Egypt (4)10. US state, shares a border with Canada (5)13. Venetian attraction, Bridge of ___ (5)14. English climber Kenton, who recently took

an Olympic medal to the summit of Mt Everest (4)

17. Safari specialist (5)18. Castle in Kent, sounds like it should be

in Yorkshire (5)19. Volcanic island in the South Atlantic (2,6)

Down 1. Co-host country of UEFA Euro 2012 (6)2. Siberian city (4)3. Hotels and resorts operator (6)4. Canal connecting the Red Sea to the Med (4)5. Four presidents appear on this Mount (8)7. Robbie who recently performed at the

Queen's concert (8)11. Popular Thailand resort (6)12. US state, known as The Last Frontier (6)15. Scandinavian capital city (4)16. European river (4)

Where Am I?

Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 22

Crossword

Su Doku

Num

ber:

068

Home to a famous 90s cartoon character

This Portuguese archipelago shares its name with a tasty type of cake

Man As At I

Dare Am I

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle



RHODES TRIP...Anna Davies from

Preston Travel won a seven-night

holiday to Rhodes courtesy of Cosmos

Holidays. Pictured presenting her prize

is the operator's Marek Serzeniewski.

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FOUR OF A KIND...swapping notes are,

from the left: Anne-Charlotte Boutleux,

Travel Intelligence; Andreas Vasiliou,

InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort

Hotel; Alan Meadows, Amathus Holidays;

and Ella Mullings, Travesse.

IT'S IN THE BAG... BarbaraGoodman (left) from GadaboutsTravel and Jayne Byott from JMBAssociates guess what's in theTravel Bulletin goodie bag.

TRAVEL BULLETIN held its Greece & Cyprus showcase networking event on May 29 atThe Elysée Restaurant in London’s West End. The event kicked off with a welcomereception, featuring a selection of canapes, followed by a speed networking session,before concluding in a delectable buffet meal, sponsored by the Cyprus TourismOrganisation, as well as a free prize draw and entertainment which included platesmashing and a bellydancer. Here’s a snap shot of the night in pictures....

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I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Photo coverage sponsored by

FORM FRIENDS...Darryl Rodrigues fromSteamond Travel collects his £50 M&S voucherfrom publisher of Travel Bulletin , JeanetteRatcliffe , after being picked as the winner in thefeedback form prize draw.

SO SANDRA...Sandra Bruce (left) from So White Boutique

Suites/So Nice Boutique Suites/Porto Carras Grand Resort

catches up with Darrell Toakley and Sharon Billings

from Darrell James Travel.

Full photo coverage of the showcase event, with downloadable images, can be found at www.fotoseeker.com



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A SMASHING TIME...attendees make themost of the plate smashing tradition.

ONE OF A KIND-LE... Suzanne Warren

from Prestige Holidays presents a Kindle

Touch to prize winner Lee Kennealy of

Rhino World Travel.

GOING FOR GOLD... Julian Pearl (middle)

and Andrie Ioannou (right) from Olympic

Holidays show travel counsellor, Karen

Hobbs, their latest brochure.

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Full photo coverage of the showcase event, with downloadable images, can be found at www.fotoseeker.com

LEARNING THE ROPES...about Cyprus' Palm

Beach hotel & Bungalows are , from the left :

Karen Hobbs, Jack Leaf, Dennis Jacks and Marie

Raynor, all from Travel Counsellors.

GREAT GREEKS...Simon Eddolls (second from left) from Travel

Bulletin teams up with Costas Catsellis (left) and Lillian Panayi

of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and Yannis Efthymiou from

the Association of Greek-Cypriot Travel Agents (AGTA).

A CLASSIC LINE UP...Vanda Bauer (left) from ClassicCollection Holidays hooks up with, from the left: LamSim, Esther Jap and Annson Chong from Reliance ToursUK Ltd.

GREEK TREAT...getting ready for the evening's speednetworking event are, from the left: Yavanna Arnold-Blanchard, Thomas Cook; Jonathan Andreades, Le MeridienLimassol Spa & Resort; Yvette Farrer, Flight Centre; and TassAnastasi, Cyplon Holidays.


BRITISH TRAVEL agents are feeling upbeat and optimistic,despite the double dip recession and fragile UK economy,according to a new survey from Carnival Cruise Lines.

The nationwide poll found that 70% of agents are feelingconfident about bookings this year and when asked howpositive they were feeling about the industry, the majority ofrespondents rated their mood as more than six out of ten,with just 2% feeling very negative.

The survey also showed that almost two thirds (61%) ofagents hit their sales targets in quarter one.

The findings are from the line's new Travel Agent MoodIndex – a nationwide poll that aims to gauge the level ofoptimism in the UK travel trade.

More than anything else, holidaymakers are looking forvalue for money (93%) – while cruises, all-inclusive breaks

and package holidays were found to be driving most bookings.This suggests that British travellers are keen to secure afixed price including most expenses, making it easier tobudget. The Mood Index also revealed that travel agents aremore confident about booking cruises than any other holiday.

Despite the challenges faced by the cruise industry so farthis year, more than 65% of agents said they were feelingpositive about taking bookings for cruises.

Adolfo Perez, the company's managing director, said:“We’re encouraged by the feeling of optimism in the industry,and delighted the agents are so confident about bookingcruises. While recent events have given the cruise industry areal challenge, we are really upbeat about the rest of theyear, which will be boosted by the launch of our brand newship, the Carnival Breeze, this month.”

AVALON WATERWAYS’ 2013 full range ofcruises featuring two new suite ships, achoice of new cruise itineraries and anew flexible river cruising concept is onsale now.

Early bookers can take advantage ofsavings of up to £1,200 per coupleincluding £600 off per couple on cruisesbooked before August 31, as well asfurther discount of £600 per couple onselected cruise departures if booked byJune 30.

Suite ships Avalon Expression andAvalon Artistry II will be launched intoservice in May 2013 bringing the total ofsuite ships in the fleet to five. All fiveships feature two full decks of

Panorama Suites with wall-to-wallsliding panoramic windows opening tocreate an open air balcony.

Avalon Artistry II will sail the eight-day 'Romantic Rhine’ cruise, whichleads in at £1,855 per person, whileAvalon Expression will sail the longeritineraries of the 13-day ‘Blue DanubeDiscovery’, which costs from £2,459, the15-day ‘Magnificent Europe’ (£3,035) andthe 11-day ‘Legendary Danube’ (£2,459).

The new flexible approach to rivercruising provides passengers with morechoice relating to dining and sightseeingoptions. Sightseeing will be offered atthree different levels: LeisurelySightseeing where a certified local guide

shows the destination’s highlights in arelaxed and unhurried way; TraditionalSightseeing will be led by a certifiedlocal guide to explore a wide range ofsights at a moderate pace and EssentialSightseeing will show the must-seesights, with plenty of time for guests toexplore on their own.

The range of itineraries has also beenincreased with the introduction of fournew cruises including the 13-day‘Highlights of Germany’ on the DanubeCanal, Main and Rhine rivers as well asthe nine-day ‘Austrian Highlights &Bavaria’ and ten-day ‘Capitals of CentralEurope’, which both sail the RiverDanube.

Avalon Waterways launches 2013 brochure with new suite ships

Carnival Cruise Lines survey reveals travel agents are in positive mood


cruisebulletin

HEBRIDEAN ISLAND Cruises' is highlighting its Gastronomic Tourof Skye option, which leads in at £3,995 per person. The five-nightcruise gives guests the opportunity to sample oysters, dine atSkye’s ‘The Three Chimneys’ restaurant and Flodigarry CountryHouse Hotel on Kyle of Lochalsh. Also included in the itinerary islunch at the Michelin Starred Kinloch Lodge Hotel with the chanceto learn more about Scottish cuisine during a cookerydemonstration by Lady Claire Macdonald.For details see www. hebridean.co.uk or call 01756-704700.

InBrief● VOYAGES TO Antiquity has launched its 2013 brochure

exploring ancient Mediterranean civilisations. The programmestrengthens the company’s focus on history and culture with16 cruises from March through to November 2013 includingthe new destinations of Carcassonne, Palma, Barcelona, TheIsland of Elba, Izmir and Jerusalem.For details visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com

● SILVERSEA WILL debut new audio technology on selectMediterranean voyages this summer including shoreexcursions on Silver Spirit’s Mediterranean voyages. The‘Silver Shore Sotto Voce’ will enable guests to wanderfreely around attractions while listening to their tourguide’s commentary via a single personal earpiececonnected to a small wireless receiver. With a transmissionrange of up to 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) the device willeradicate the need for guests to huddle in a group in orderto hear the guide’s insights.

● SWAN HELLENIC is highlighting its 29-day GrandMediterranean and Adriatic cruise on Minerva which leads inat £3,382 per person, based on two people sharing an insidecabin. The price includes a tailor-made programme of shoreexcursions, talks by guest speakers, meals and entertainmenton board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.See www.swanhellenic.com for details.


2013 Avalon River Cruises On Sale Now!

Danube Maine Moselle Rhine Rhône Seine Yangtze Mekong

Save up to £1200 per couple on 2013 river cruises if booked by 30 June OR up to £600 if booked by 31 August ’12

New Suite ships Avalon Expression & Artistry II on sale for 2013

New itineraries – 25 holidays with up to 42 itineraries on offer

New flexible dining and sightseeing options available for 2013

FESTIVE AND THEMED cruises available

Luxury European River Cruises

All air-inclusive packages are protected by ATOL. AvalonWaterways is a trading name of Cosmos Coach Tours Ltd; Registered in England No. 1175122. Registered Address: Avalon Waterways (trading name of Cosmos Coach Tours Ltd), Prospect House, ProspectWay, London Luton Airport, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 9NU. *Lead in price is based on the departure marked with an asterisk on each itinerary. These offers apply to new bookings only, are subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. AvalonWaterways reserves the right to withdraw offers at any time.

For details of the early booking offers on 2013 Avalon cruises or for brochures call 0800 668 1865 or contact

[email protected]

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Summer ofopportunity foragents sellingLondonSightseeing PassTHE LEISURE Pass Group isencouraging agents tomake the most of London’scelebration-packedsummer by cashing in onits lucrative attractionsmarket.

The company’s LondonPass gives access to morethan 55 top touristfavourites including StPaul’s Cathedral, ZSLLondon Zoo, the ChurchillMuseum & Cabinet WarRooms and The Tower ofLondon.

The company's salesmanager, Peter Muttitt,said: “After a strong start tothe year we have highhopes for a successfulsummer. We know agentsacross the UK are doinghuge amounts of city-breakbusiness around the Jubileeand Games, but there isalso a big opportunity forthat June and July period inbetween. London has beensmartened up, looks greatand is really buzzing. Withall eyes on the two bigevents this summer thereisn’t a better time to seethe city."

“As well as offeringagents great earningpotential, the London Passis a pretty easy sell to thoseon short breaks. It offerspriority entrance at many ofthe featured attractions,which is going to be a greatbenefit this year. If retailersare selling London theyhave to be selling passestoo.”

As well as priority accessto avoid queues, pass usersreceive a free guide bookand more than 40 additionaldeals and discounts.For more information visitwww.londonpass.com

SUPERBREAK ADDS new hotels on CostaDel Sol

Superbreak has added three newproperties on the Costa Del Sol, which itsays are ideal for agents to use whendynamically packaging trips to the area. Allthree are Pierre & Vacances' three-starproperties – one in Benalmadana, one inTorremolinos and one in Estepona.

All three properties lead in at £111 for theunit, based on four people staying fournights on a Monday arrival.

Meanwhile, the company is encouragingagents to get the most out of the Olympicsbuild-up period by focusing on London shortbreak sales.

The operator's average lead in time forbookings to London is four weeks andcombined with value rates there are stillopportunities for agents to drive bookingsbefore the Olympics starts.

The company's sales director, JaneAtkins, said: "We don't want agents to beconfused about selling London this summer– there are still some great opportunities tobe had. London is buzzing with activity andin the weeks running up to the Olympicsthis will only intensify. Agents need toremember that the Olympics are in fact only

for two weeks and there is a great sellingperiod between now and the opening day onJuly 27.

"Following the Jubilee celebrations thestreets are awash with flags, theatmosphere is electric and I have no doubtthe coming weeks will be one of the finesttimes to visit. I urge agents to communicatethis to their customers via all channels suchas direct mail, window displays, in-storecommunications and even calling customersor engaging with them social media toensure they are doing everything to piggyback on the media attention London isreceiving."

The operator is highlighting a range ofdeals including a three-star break at theSidney Hotel in Victoria from £65 per personper night between July 1-23; a War HorseTheatre Break from £138 per person,including one night's breakfast stay at thethree-star President Hotel plus a top pricedticket to see War Horse on July 21, and afour-star break at the St George Hotel onLangham Place from £90 per person pernight, including breakfast between July 5-19.For more information seewww.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

Superbreak adds new hotels on Costa Del Sol

dynamicpackaging

HOLIDAY EXTRAS is offering deals at four-star airport Hiltons this summer, with rooms starting from £45 anight. The offer is available to clients planning a getaway before September 30, flying from Gatwick,Heathrow, Manchester or Stansted. An overnight stay at the Hilton Manchester Airport, which is five minutesfrom the terminals, starts from as little as £45, or travellers who are planning to fly out of a London airportcan book a night's stay from £51 at Stansted, £75 at the Gatwick Hilton and from £71 at the Heathrow Hiltons.

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NEW RESEARCH from Avis highlights that, in the wake of therecession, we are increasingly becoming a nation of fakers to‘Keep up with the Joneses’ and make a winning firstimpression.

The latest sales data for the company highlights a four-foldincrease year-on-year of posh motor hires from its luxurySelect Series range. Occasions Brits look to upgrade to a drivebeyond their pay packet include attending a friend’s wedding(37%), going on a date (29%), attending a school reunion (28%),going for a job interview (26%), attending a party with an ‘ex’on the guest list (19%) and meeting the in-laws (14%).

More than a third (35%) admit the reason for hiring aluxurious car would be to give the impression they are doingwell for themselves, to stand out from the crowd (18%) and tobe taken more seriously (14%). Brits also agree that appearingto lead a lavish lifestyle gives a better first impression (29%),means people are nicer to you (27%) and assume you earnmore money (27%).

The company's managing director, Kaye Ceille, said: “Ourresearch clearly shows that for Brits, first impressions reallydo count and when it comes to standing out from the crowd,having a flash set of wheels is the ultimate way to grabattention and get people talking. With this in mind, we’vecreated profiles of our Select Series cars, whereby customerscan understand what their choice of vehicle really says aboutthem as a person and what reaction they can expect to receivefrom onlookers. We hope our customers will really reap thebenefits from this additional insight and ensure they arepicking the right motor for them.”

As examples of prices, a BMW 5 Series costs from £113 perday, an Audi A4 costs from £63 and a Volvo XC90 leads in at£81. Prices from the Prestige range include a Mercedes EClass Cabriolet for £124 per day, a Porsche Cayenne from£188 and a Ferrari 458 Italia from £841. For more information call 0844-581 8181 or visit www.avis.co.uk

Avis reveals surge in luxury motor hire

dynamicpackaging

SPEEDY TRANSFERS reports that it hasbucked the trend of the credit crunchwith a 200% increase in business sincethe start of the year. The company offerstransfer services from airport toaccommodation in a variety of popularholiday destinations. Originally just

concentrating their services andexpertise in Tenerife, Fuerteventura,Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, thecompany has expanded to include themainland of Spain as well as theBalearic Islands. Turkey, Malta , Bulgariaand Cyprus. Whilst most of the business

to date has been via the direct clientroute, the operator has added the optionfor agents to register atwww.speedytransfers.co.uk and earncommission on bookings. For more information [email protected]

Speedy Transfers sees 200% sales growth & adds online registration for agents

AFFORDABLE CAR Hire haslaunched a range ofinitiatives and is investing inits “Complete AffordableRental System” (CARS) toensure that travel agencystaff complete the full salesjourney when planningclients’ holidays.

Angela Day, the company'sCEO, says she understandswhy the car hire option caneasily be overlooked by travelagents by the time they haverun through the range ofindividual planningrequirements of the holidayincluding flights,hotels/resorts, transfers andany attraction tickets.

She said: “We launchedour new online bookingwebsite CARS to ensure thatevery hire booking made is avery simple and dynamicprocess. Agents benefit froman XML return time of justfive seconds when they logthe customer’s details andrequirements into the systemand it will show not only theprices, but the range of carhire suppliers for them tochoose from.

“If there are any specificqueries around the booking,there is a ‘livechat’ facilityon the website whichresponds within 15 seconds.The whole system, includingour white label options, hasbeen designed to make carhire easier to sell for theagents, by giving them andtheir clients real choice andflexibility in the service.”

To help agents maximisethe car hire opportunity, thecompany's training academyoffers online webinarsessions to build productknowledge and confidenceand the operator hasteamed up with ATP(Accredited TravelProfessional) scheme inassociation with ABTA todeliver the training.

Day said: “The experiencecustomers have whencollecting the rental car canmake or break the holiday,so it’s important agentshave the knowledge andinsight to guide themthrough the process,particularly where dynamicpackaging is involved."

Affordable launches new initiatives to helpagents drive new revenue opportunities

S04 TB0806 Dynamic Packaging_Layout 1 06/06/2012 11:53 Page 17

BALKAN HOLIDAYS, which offers thethree Black Sea coastal resorts ofMamaia, Neptun and Euforie, reportsthat most UK holidaymakers visitRomania in the summer to takeadvantage of the sandy beaches andvalue for money.

The company's sales and marketingmanager, Rupert Diggins, said:Holidaymakers can either fly fromHeathrow to Bucharest or takeadvantage of regional departures fromManchester and Luton to Varna inBulgaria which is approximately a two-hour transfer away.

"Mamaia is the biggest and liveliestresort with plenty of family activities,watersports and nightlife. Guests stayat the four-star Golden Tulip Hotelwhich is situated by the beach.

"Neptun is situated near a beautifulforest area, close to two fresh waterlakes. Ceausescu’s former summerresidence is a popular touristdestination and the resort offers plentyof restaurants and bars and excellentbeaches in a picturesque setting. EforieNord is a fun year-round spa resortsituated between Lake Techirghiol andthe Black Sea. The lake provides amineral-rich mud which is combinedwith the salty waters of the Black Seato provide relaxing and therapeutic

treatments in the resort’s Spa &Wellness centre."

Holidaymakers looking to ventureaway from the resorts can takeadvantage of excursions to Bucharest,Transylvania and Dracula country, a tripon the Danube plus a wine tasting tour.

Meanwhile, in the winter, Romania’smountain scenery comes into its ownand the operator features skiingholidays at Poiana Brasov which is1,200 metres above sea level. The

resort offers a skating rink, sportsfields and a Gondola ski lift with acapacity of up to 2,000 skiers per hour.As well as an Olympic ski track, two80-metre high ski jumps and 12downhill slalom runs, there are morethan 12km of marked ski runs and 9kmof cross country trails, plus floodlitskiing. For more information visitwww.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents or call 0845-130 1114.


THE DANUBE Express is highlighting its Transylvanian East option, a land cruise between Budapest and Istanbul, taking in fourcountries in four days, including Romania, where passengers discover Sighişoara, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europeand rumoured birthplace of Dracula, as well as explore Braşov with nearby Bran Castle. Prices lead in at £2,790 per person based ontwo sharing a deluxe ensuite compartment, including three nights on the Danube Express with all meals, complimentary wine, beerand soft drinks, all scheduled sightseeing, and the services of a train manager throughout. The next eastbound departure fromBudapest is on September 5, while westbound journeys from Istanbul are available on September 9 and 23. The company can alsoarrange add-on packages for air or rail travel from the UK, transfers and a choice of four- or five-star accommodation. For details call 01462-441400 or visit www.danube-express.com

romania

Balkan Holidays highlights Black Sea coastal resorts for agents to promote

Poiana Brasov

S05 TB0806 Romania_Layout 1 06/06/2012 12:20 Page 18

romania


Seven-day tour from £749 by G AdventuresG ADVENTURES is offering a week in the land of Dracula,Romania, including a Halloween party at Hunyad Castle, whichplayed host to the paranormal TV programme Most HauntedLive.

The trip also visits Sibiu where the group will walk the 1,400steps to Poienari Castle, one of Vlad III the Impaler's (alsoknown as Dracula) main fortresses, visit Sighisoara, rumouredto be his birthplace, and Bran Castle ‘Dracula’s Castle’.

Tours of Sibiu, the Retezat National Park, Sighisoara, Brasovand Bucharest are included in the seven-day trip fromBucharest to Bucharest, which departs on October 29 andcosts from £749 per person.

CLIENTS LOOKING to explore rural Romania can now do sowith Untravelled Paths. The operator is highlighting its ten-day tour of the Maramures region, with prices leading in at£790 per person including nine nights' full boardaccommodation, transfers, excursions and activities.

Staying in rural guesthouses that are hosted by locals,guests are invited to share peasant customs and traditionswith the opportunity to get involved in village life helpingfarmers herd buffalo and getting their hands dirty makingjam from freshly pickedberries.

Other highlights of the trip include wildlife walks, bearwatching, a day's hike, pottery making masterclass, visits toUNESCO World Heritage sites and a steam train ride throughthe Vasser Valley. For more information visit www.untravelledpaths.com

At the sheepfold

Ten-day Rural Romania experience from Untravelled Paths for £790 per person

Blue Air to work with trade ROMANIA'S LOW-COST carrier Blue Air has announced that itwill start working with the UK travel trade for the first timesince it commenced operations in 2004.

The airline operates scheduled flights from Luton toBucharest-Otopeni Airport and also to Bacau, situated in thehistoric region of Moldavia in the foothills of the CarpathianMountains.

The carrier's fleet currently consists of Boeing 737 modernaircrafts, 737-300 series, 737-400 series and 737-500 series,with capacities between 126 and 170 seats. Agents can nowapply for a dedicated login to enable them to book flights forclients. To request a login email [email protected]

Vikki Joyce, UK head of sales for Flight directors, said: "BlueAir is now fully supporting the UK trade and I am confidentthat this will provide a major boost to the airline's successfuloperations between Luton and Romania. For details visit www.blueairweb.com or call 01293-874926.

S05 TB0806 Romania_Layout 1 06/06/2012 12:20 Page 19

FOLLOWING THE launch of volume I and II of the HiddenGems, released in November 2011 and March 2012respectively, the Israel Government Tourist Office hasreleased both volumes online at www.thinkisrael.com

The first volume is entitled North and focuses onplaces such as Galilee, The Carmel Coast and Hula Valley.Readers will gain insight into the unique Hidden Gems

each city and area has to offer through experientialactivities, from participating in an orientation seminar onJewish mysticism to discovering the secluded covesalong Israel’s coast line, or sampling local liquors andproduce at independent restaurants.

Volume II - Centre - informs readers of the central

section of Israel, which includes Tel Aviv, Jerusalem andthe surrounding areas. By far the two most well knowncities in Israel, the second online book aims to lookbeyond what is typically known and more towards thelesser known local treasures.

The tourist office will be issuing a third volume of thebook, focusing on the south, to be released this month.

Israel Government Tourist Office releases Hidden Gems volumes online


israel

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All about

TenerifeJune

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All about

CruisingJune

29All about

Malta & GozoJuly

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Luxury Holidays

August

17

Sea of Galilee

S06 TB0806 Israel_Layout 1 06/06/2012 12:09 Page 20


FOR MANY visitors to Jerusalem orTel Aviv, a visit to the Dead Sea is ontheir must-do list. ThroughAttraction World, agents can pre-book customers a one-day tour thatincludes a tour of Massada and thechance to float in the Dead Sea.

En-route to Massada, the tour willvisit the inn of the Good Samaritan.

This 19th century Turkish buildingnow houses one of the world’slargest Mosaic museums. Once inMassada, guests can ascend themountain by cable car, to tour the2,000-year old palace built by KingHerod.

At the Dead Sea, there is theopportunity to relax and float in the

mineral-rich sea, located at thelowest place on earth, at 400m belowsea level.

From Jerusalem the tour leads inat £67 per person and from Tel Avivcosts £72. For more information seewww.attractionworld.com or call0871-700 8888.

israelWestern Wall, Jerusalem

INTREPID TRAVEL has scheduled an eight-day 'Journey toJerusalem' tour of Israel to coincide with the celebration ofRosh Hashana, or Jewish New Year which this year begins atsunset on September 16 and continues until nightfall onSeptember 18.

The tour begins in Tel Aviv, before travelling by train toHaifa to soak up coastal views, gardens and a growing arts

and cultural scene. It visits holy sites in Nazareth, the Sea ofGalilee and the Dead Sea en-route to Jerusalem, wheretravellers can visit a range of significant Jewish, Muslim andChristian sites, including the Western Wall, the Al-AqsaMosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The tour departs Tel Aviv on September 15 and costs£1,090 per person excluding flights.

Attraction World promotes Massada & Dead Sea tour from £67 per person

Journey to Jerusalem option from Intrepid Travel


El Al launches new Economy Class Plus serviceEL AL has launched a new service class, at the front of the EconomyCabin, which offers passengers an improved seating with extra legroom(36” instead of 32”), a 33% increase in seat-back recline, exclusivecheck-in counters and pampering extras on board.

During the first stages, the carrier is offering the new service on itsBoeing 747-400 aircraft, mainly serving the New York, London and Parisroutes and will offer between 34-40 seats on each aircraft, dependingon the aircraft type.

Prices lead in at $80 one-way for European flights and $150 on long-haul flights.

Top Platinum, Platinum and Gold members of the airline's MatmidFrequent Flyer Club, as well as customers purchasing upgradeabletickets (according to class regulations), will be eligible for the specialseats when reserving, at no extra cost.

Elyezer Shkedy, the carrier's president and CEO, said: “We recogniseour passengers' needs and expectation and do all we can to provideappropriate responses so as to offer the ultimate flying experience. Thenew service class expands the range of products offered by EL AL, thusproviding quality, exclusive service to a variety of passengers.

"We have set out sights on extremely high service standards toenable us to cope successfully with the competition and to preserve ourstatus as the first and preferred choice of passengers flying to and fromIsrael.”

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

Who is your favouritecomedian?

Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd - University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London,SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661

Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited - Travel Bulletin ispublished weekly and distributed to every ABTA, TTA &GTG agent.

Subscriptions are £105 p.a. for touroperators and others, plus additionalABTA, IATA copies.

Overseas subscriptions by air mail: £155

ISSN: 0956-2419

Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] have two...Lee Mack and Simon Eddolls.

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] one and only Michael McIntyre

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected] Wood

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] Vine

Sales Director: Simon [email protected] Up: Eddie Izzard

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] Cameron, sort out APD, or Eddie Izzard

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected] & Bob in their early 'Big Night Out' days. But Izzard,McIntyre and Brand (Russell) all come close....

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] Cooper

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected] Flannagan

Design: Genaro [email protected] Murphy

Assistant Layout Design:Nicky [email protected] Rock

Production: Jeremy Walters [email protected] (Na-Nu Na-Nu) Williams - Shazbot!

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]

israel

Crossword:Across: 1. PELTOURS, 6. LEWIS, 8. MOUSE, 9. NILE, 10. IDAHO, 13. SIGHS, 14. COOL, 17. SOMAK, 18. LEEDS, 19. STHELENA.Down: 1. POLAND, 2. OMSK, 3. RAMADA, 4. SUEZ, 5. RUSHMORE, 7. WILLIAMS, 11. PHUKET, 12. ALASKA, 15.OSLO, 16. ELBE.

Highlighted Word: LINCOLN

Travagrams: (top) Tasmania (bottom) Madeira

Where Am I?: Sofia

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Business magazines

LONGWOOD HOLIDAYS is highlighting city breaks to Tel Aviv. Packages start from£699 per person based on four nights' breakfast accommodation at the four-starMetropolitan Tel Aviv departing from Luton in July. For more information see www.longwoodholidays.co.uk or call 0844-375 8000.



+44 (0)207 647 1018 [email protected] botswanatourism.org.uk

splash out...

...dramatic safari experiences

+44 (0)207 647 101dparr@botswanatbotswanatourism.

18 tourism.org.uk

g.ukor


Documents

Travel Bulletin 8th June 2012