Travel Bulletin 20th June 2014

Tunisia outlines newdevelopments &emerging trends with UKholidaymakers

North Africa

June 20 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,877 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

conference updatenews from AITOAgents' overseasconference in Prague

bulletin briefingupdates fromAdvantage's annualconference in Dubai

12 14

this week

trainingthe night in picturesfrom our Mediterranean Islands Showcase

1521all-inclusives

as the trend for all-inclusiveheats up, tempt your clientswith some sizzling offers

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WATER BABES...Attraction World recently hosted an attraction-packed day in London for 20 Thomas Cook managers from the South division, who were theoperator's best sellers during March and April. Pictured enjoying a trip on a Thames Jet Boat are, from the left: (back row): Stephanie Tregunno, Edward Jennings,Andy Watmough and Kathleen Booth, with (front row): Abigail Skinner, Natalie King, Elaine Stephens and Bianca Whaley.

This Week3

newsthe latest industry news,product launches & develop-ments

8notes from normantonSandy chats to Carrier'snew business developmentmanager, Raj Mistry

9 agent bulletina round-up of new agentoffers & booking incentives

11puzzle bulletinplay Su Doku for a chance towin a £50 Love2Shopvoucher from Voyages-sncf

12conference updateJill Sayles reports from AITOAgents' overseas conferencein Prague

14 bulletin briefingupdates from Advantage'sannual conference in Dubai

15trainingnew training opportunitiesplus the night in picturesfrom our MediterraneanIslands Showcase

20personality bulletinthe business developmentmanager of the IsraelGovernment Tourist Officetakes this week's hot seat

21all-inclusivesas the trend for all-inclusivebreaks heats up, tempt yourclients with some sizzlingoffers

26north africawe find out what's new forTunisia from the touristoffice's head of promotions

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BRITISH HOLIDAYMAKERSnow browse at least eightdifferent websites, talk to fourdifferent friends and readthree travel articles ahead ofcommitting to their holiday,according to researchundertaken by Club Med.

The average holiday abroadnow involves more than 30hours of preparation – a wholefour working days, as Britsrely on social media and theinternet to pick the bestholiday spot.

The survey found that morethan a quarter of respondentsadmit to instantly researchinga hotel or destination afterseeing it on social media. Thestudy of 2,000 holidaymakersalso found that Brits rack up atotal of four-and-a-half-hoursscouring the web for feedbackand recommendations fromsocial media ahead of

committing to a holiday.Other four-and-a-half

hours are spent looking forthe right hotel and room price,while similar time is investedin working out airport logisticsand checking for the bestflight deals.

The change in holidaypreparation has changedmassively since the start ofthe digital age, with more thana quarter of people in thestudy admitting they used tobook a holiday just by lookingat a brochure, and pinning alltheir hopes on it being nice.

Many remember the daysof booking a resort and hopingit would turn out successful,with concerns over the qualityof the resort meaning manyholidaymakers were on edgeuntil arriving at their holidaydestination.

The biggest fears behind

booking holidays include lowquality of facilities (63%) andlow quality food (47%).Concerns of being let down onholiday mean people are nowturning to onlinerecommendations to ensurethey make the right decision.

The operator's managingdirector, Eric Chauvet, said“Our expectations of a holidayare now a lot higher as peoplearm themselves with far moreinformation before committingto going away. Finding outabout other people’sexperiences at the same hotelor resort is now deemedessential before progressingwith the holiday. People wantto know everything they can tomake sure the enjoyment oftheir holiday isn’t jeopardisedand the extent to which they’llprepare is clearly shown inour survey results."

Survey reveals Brits spend four days planning the right holiday

AVALON WATERWAYS has launched itsnewest ‘Panorama Suite Ship’, the 83-stateroom Avalon Illumination, in a ceremonyin Vienna hosted by the Vienna Tourist Board.

With the same state-of-the art design asits sister ships, Avalon Illumination is thethird addition to the company's fleet this yearoffering two full decks of suites, each withwall-to-wall panoramic windows which openup to create open-air balconies, designedwith comfort in mind.

Next year the company plans to

introduce another two Suite Ships – AvalonTapestry II and Avalon Tranquility II – givingit a total of ten Suite Ships in an overallEuropean fleet of 15 vessels.

Avalon Waterways launches latest suite ship on the Danube

Pictured at the christening ceremony of AvalonIllumination are, from the left: Captain Anton vanden Boom with Stewart Williams, Deborah Huttonand Patrick Clark from Avalon Waterways.


PREMIER HOLIDAYS hasput together a dedicatedMalaysia campaign toencourage client bookings,with a selection of tacticaloffers available for travelto Borneo, Kuala Lumpur,Penang and Langkawiuntil 2015.

The campaign offersclients the opportunity toexperience the wonders ofMalaysia, with offersincorporating both beachand city elements. Thenew selection of offersfeature a range of theoperator’s most popularMalaysia holidayitineraries, generallybased on ten- or 11-nighttwin-centre stays witheither four- or five-staraccommodationthroughout, and offeringsavings of up to £546 percouple.

As examples, clientslooking to experience bothcity and beach can opt fora ten-night Kuala Lumpurand Penang itinerarywhich costs from £999 perperson, offering a savingof £272 per couple. Theholiday includes threenights in Kuala Lumpurand seven nights in thebeach resort of Penang. Ifclients prefer to spendtime on the island ofBorneo, they can select an11-night, four-star stayfrom £1,145, saving £546per couple.

Meanwhile, for clientswho want to experience acombination of both KualaLumpur and Langkawi, thecompany has put togethera choice of two, ten-night,four-star offers from£1,195, with savings up to£536 per couple; including

breakfast in eitherLangkawi or KualaLumpur, dependent on theselected offer. Both offersinclude three nights inKuala Lumpur followed byseven nights in Langkawi,but vary on departure dates.

All of the offers arebased on two adultssharing and include flightsfrom Heathrow withMalaysia Airlines, privatetransfers and a variedmeal basis. The offers canalso be tailor-made to suitclients’ requirements andagents will receivebetween £25-£150 perbooking as an incentive,based on the bookingvalue. For more information or tobook visitwww.trade.premierholidays.co.uk or call 0844-493 7542.

www.travelbulletin.co.ukJune 20 20144

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BROCHURE BUDDIES...Pictured markingOmega Holidays' two new brochurelaunches which promote London breaksby rail and coach are, from the left:Shelley Ayres, Travel Empire; DinoToouli, Omega Holidays; and GavinTaylor, Travel Empire. The brochuresoffer up to 540 coach pick-up points toLondon and more than 100 mainlinerailways stations to travel from. For details call 01524-772010 or visitwww.omega-holidays.com. Brochures can be ordered viawww.trade-gate.co.uk

Brits waste £100m in unused

loose changeCAXTON FX has found thatBritish holidaymakerswaste more than £100m bynot reusing their loosechange once they returnfrom an international trip.

In a surveycommissioned by thecurrency card provider,the results found that71.9% of people bring backloose change after theirholiday; with nearly 25% ofall respondents bringingback between £11 and £20.

Some 21.1% ofrespondents were cluelessas to how much cash theywould bring back after atrip, and women inparticular are more likelyto be unsure of how muchthey spent.

The data highlights theamount of wastedcurrency that is sittingdormant in British homesaround the country. To putthis into perspective, morethan £100m is wasted -enough to buy more than87,000 Rolex watches ornearly 250,000 pairs ofChristian Louboutin shoes.

The survey also found agenerational gap in theapproach to reusingcurrency. It seems thatyouth travellers (agedbetween 16 and 24) are theleast likely to reuse theirloose change on their nextholiday compared to themore frugal 55+ groupwhich saw 87.8% claimthey save their cash fortheir next trip.

FOLLOWING A sustained period of research,the Cyprus Tourism Organisation haslaunched a new ratings scheme that seeksto recognise hotels and otheraccommodation providers that go above andbeyond the legal requirements set out bythe star rating system.

Following an initial trial period, the labelwill also be applicable to cateringestablishments.

The Cyprus Tourism Quality Label(www.cyprustourismquality.com) is awardedto businesses that ‘apply proven goodquality management practices and provideimproved service quality standards andfacilities, over and above the legalrequirements of their specific officialclassification’.

Application for the label is on a voluntarybasis and establishments are appraised viaa two-stage process, with Stage A looking at

fundamentals and Stage B rating clientexperience, including a ‘mystery guest’inspection.

Evaluators take into account a range ofcriteria - from hospitality to health andsafety and environmental sustainability.Reflecting Cyprus’ commitment toresponsible tourism, emphasis will also beput on aspects such as the level ofpromotion of local character, support oflocal businesses and waste management.Where applicable, labels are then awardedat two levels: Gold and Silver.

For visitors to Cyprus, the CTQ labeldenotes added value in terms of improvedquality of services and facilities.

The quality label scheme is open to the75% of accommodation establishments inCyprus that are rated three-star and above. For more information visitwww.cyprustourismquality.com

Cyprus Tourism Organisation launches new accommodation rating

Premier Holidays unveils dedicated Malaysia campaign


FOR 2015, Fred. Olsen CruiseLines’ guests will have thechance to experience thefjords of Norway onBoudicca’s nine-night ‘TheGreatest Fjords of Norway’cruise, which departs fromNewcastle on September 11.

Boudicca’s first port of callis Kristiansund, home toNorway's scenic and world-renowned ‘Atlantic Road’,followed by a scenic cruise tothe UNESCO-protected

Geirangerfjord. Here, guestswill have a morning toexplore the quaint village,before arriving for theafternoon in Hellesylt, asmall fishing port withthundering waterfalls andtraditional Norwegianhouses.

Other highlights include avisit to Skjolden; cruisingthrough Nærøyfjord - thenarrowest fjord in the worldstretching just 250 metres

across at certain points; andvisits to Bergen and Eidfjord,a small village where popularpastimes include kayaking,hiking and cycling.

Prices start from £999 perperson, based on two adultssharing a twin, inside cabin,and include all meals andentertainment on board, plusport dues. For further information visitwww.fredolsencruises.com orcall 0800-035 5242.

Two free nights atThe Sandpiper

GUESTS WHO book abreak for stays up untilJuly 4 and betweenAugust 2-8 can nowreceive two free nightswhen booking a seven-night stay at TheSandpiper, Barbados. The exclusive offerincludes onecomplimentary dinner aswell as daily breakfast onthe two additional days.

Guests will have accessto the resort's amenitiessuch as room service,complimentarywatersports, tennisinstruction, dailytransport to Bridgetownand access to the CoralReef Club Spa.

The deal is applicableto new bookings only anddoes not apply to TheBeach House. The offer isnot combinable with anyother deal apart from freewatersports, tenniscoaching and exchangedining.

Carrier offers sevennights for the price of fiveat the property from£1,585 per person,offering a saving of £670per couple. It is based ontwo adults sharing aGarden room and includesflights from Gatwick withBA and transfers. For details call 0161-4921354 or seewww.carrier.co.uk

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MOVERS● SARAH MCKUNE has joined If Only...as

business development manager for Scotland& North East England.

● CARRIER HAS appointed Raj Mistry asbusiness development manager.

● JEROME COGNE has been appointed headchef at Macdonald Linden Hall Golf & CountryClub in Longhorsely, Northumberland.

● REGENT HOTELS & Resorts has appointedDexter Chia as global senior vice president ofsales and marketing.

● GROSVENOR HOUSE, A JW Marriott Hotel,has appointed James Wharton as director ofsales & marketing.

● THE LANDMARK London has appointed SarahBaptiste as sales & marketing director.

● CHRISTINA VIDOS has joined GarudaIndonesia as sales & marketing manager forthe UK & Ireland.

● VISITFLANDERS HAS appointed KarenRoebuck as its Great War Centenary projectmanager for the UK and Ireland.

ATLANTIC AIRWAYS has launched its twice-weekly summer schedule from London tothe Faroe Islands.

The Faroese flag carrier returns toStansted following an extensive evaluationof various options for its London route.

Flights operate on Thursdays andMondays until August 25, with return faresstarting from £230, including taxes andcharges.

Flights depart Stansted at 10:05 onMonday, arriving in the Faroe Islands at12:30 and at 13:20 on Thursdays. Return

flights depart at 07:00 on Monday and 10:15on Thursday, and arrive at Stansted at 09:20and 12:35 respectively.

The carrier, along with tourist body, VisitFaroe Islands, have been aiming to add tothe portfolio of UK operators offering theFaroe Islands and are pleased that RegentHolidays, Taber Holidays and Inntravel areall now selling breaks to the islands. Thethree new operators join Sunvil Discovery,which has offered holidays in the FaroeIslands for a number of years.For more information see www.atlantic.fo

Atlantic Airways announces 2014 Faroe Islands schedule for winter

Visit the ‘Greatest Fjords of Norway’ with Fred. Olsen

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HERT-FELT...Pictured are the agency winners of Your Car Hire'scake competition, which rewarded new productive agents whomade at least two bookings with the operator. They are, from theleft: Paul Stowe, Lorna Corr and Angela Read from StowawayTravel in Hertford, Hertfordshire.

DoSomethingDifferent.com boosts India product

DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT.COM HAS launched a largeportfolio of new products and experiences in India, making iteasier for agents to sell experiences and excursions to alltypes of travellers.

As examples, a Private Bollywood Tour offers the chance tovisit the sets, locations and studios where Bollywood hascreated some of the greatest Indian epics, and also includeslunch in the Bollywood restaurant. A Full Day Excursion toAgra is also being highlighted, which includes a visit to the RedFort and the Taj Mahal. Meanwhile, transport via tuk-tuk,metro and private vehicle all make the Temples of Delhi tour aunique excursion which explores some of the better knowntemples, as well as some that are off the tourist trails beforeenjoying a Thali lunch. For details or to book call 020-8090 3890.

THIS SUMMER, two of the biggestinternational sporting events are comingto Warner Leisure Hotels with penaltyshoot outs, live screenings and Pimmson ice amongst the many extrasavailable to help guests celebrate theWorld Cup and Wimbledon.

For clients planning a stay during theWorld Cup, each hotel will test guests’football knowledge with multimediaquizzes, live screening matches anddrinks specials to get them in the spirit.

For the big games, the company'sentertainment team will don their footiegear and when England are playing theymay even play the game live on the bigscreen. There will also be penalty shoot-out competitions run by theentertainment and leisure team.

For Wimbledon fans, hotels will bedecorated with a distinct Wimbledontheme and guests will be treated tomultimedia quizzes to test theirknowledge. The entertainment and

leisure team will also be serving Pimmswith strawberries and cream dressed intheir finest whites to encourage gueststo get in the spirit. Big matches,including the semi-finals, finals andmatches involving Andy Murray, will beavailable to watch live on site.

Prices for a Wimbledon themed breakat Corton Coastal Village, Suffolk startfrom £179 per person based on a June27 arrival and two adults sharing astandard room for three nights.


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ATTRACTION WORLD hasteamed up with KennedySpace Center to offers itscustomers an exclusive freesigned photo of an astronaut.

Customers can pick uptheir photo on arrival at theattraction for bookings madethis month for the operator'sspecial tickets. Every clientmaking a booking will also beentered into a draw to win aVIP experience at the

Kennedy Space Center, whichincludes a private escortedtour around the center by aveteran astronaut.

The winner will alsoreceive a goodie bagfeaturing space memorabilia.

Exclusive tickets includeKennedy Space Center VisitorComplex Admission, KennedySpace Center with Transportand Kennedy Space CenterVisitor Complex.

Newsbites● THE FOREIGN and Commonwealth Office's 'Know Before

You Go' (KBYG) Campaign is encouraging LGB&T couplesto research destinations before booking theirhoneymoon. The FCO has partnered with The GayWedding Guide (www.thegayweddingguide.co.uk), whichhas produced two infographics highlighting LGB&Tfriendly destinations picked by its readers and its team.For more information and advice visitwww.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice

● THE HOTEL Bellevue luxury 91-room boutique propertyin Dubrovnik is being offered by British Airways Holidayswith Club Europe Class flights from Gatwick onSeptember 8 for a week for £1,659 per person. The hotelis a member of Adriatic Luxury Hotels, which alsoincludes the 308-room five-star Hotel Dubrovnik PalaceConference & Spa Resort, and 158-room Excelsior Hotel& Spa, a five-minute walk from the Old Town.

● JET2.COM HAS launched a new mobile version of itswebsite. The simplified design makes it easier to searchfor and book flights to more than 50 city, sun and skidestinations via a handheld device.For details see www.jet2.com

● THE CROATIAN National Tourist Board has launched anew social media campaign at www.sharecroatia.hr. Thesite forms part of its recently launched social mediacampaign entitled Visit Croatia. Share Croatia., andencourages holidaymakers to tweet, video and Instagramtheir holidays to Croatia.

● CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages (CMV) has enhanced itsblog site, ‘World of CMV’, with the aim of providinginteresting articles and allowing users to 'meet theteam'. See http://blog.cruiseandmaritime.com

● SUPERBREAK IS offering a Paris to Normandy D-DayTour & Hotel Package from £219.50 per person. Itincludes a night's stay at the two-star Sejours et AffairesParis Vitry, plus tickets to the tour and hotel pick-up,based on a June 21 departure.

● ENTERPRISE RENT-A-Car is now available to customersin the new markets of Belgium, Czech Republic, Cyprus,Bosnia Herzegovina and Macedonia. This is the next stepin the company’s phased expansion programme andmeans that the brand is currently operating in 19European countries with more in the pipeline.

● E-VISAS FOR travel to Turkey are now available forgroups of between 10 and 300 online viawww.evisa.gov.tr

Warner Leisure Hotels offers new activities to World Cup & Wimbledon fans

Kennedy Space Center offer from AW


New iPad trial from TUI UK & Ireland FOLLOWING THE successful roll out of its multi-millionpound technology programme across its entire overseasnetwork, TUI UK & Ireland has announced it will now focuson its airline, with an iPad trial announced for the summerfor Thomson Airways’ crew at its Luton Airport base.

As part of the TUInnovate programme, the projectaims to increase customer satisfaction and differentiatethe company's experience for customers. Cabin crew willhave access to information about the destinationcustomers are flying to and can make recommendationsabout the best excursions for their party, restaurantsand places to shop. The crew will also have access tocustomers’ historic booking information, so they canrecognise loyal and returning customers and deliver amore personal service through interaction about pasttravel experiences.

Carl Gissing, the carrier's director of customerservice, said: “This programme will really help us takeour customer service to the next level as cabin crew willbe able to make recommendations to customers aboutwhat to see and do in resort, and even suggest a quietspot to enjoy a sunset. It will also allow us to recogniseloyal and returning customers, which we know they willappreciate. This programme is just one of many ways inwhich we as a business are focusing on innovation andwe can’t wait for all our customers travelling from Lutonthis summer to experience the benefits it offers.”

Following the trial, Thomson Airways plans to roll theprogramme out across all UK airport bases during 2015.

FREE Disney Dining* is back, or enjoy NEW FREE breakfast!*

FREE DISNEY DINING FOR CUSTOMERS STAYING AT A DISNEY MODERATE, DELUXE OR DELUXE VILLA RESORTBook 24 Apr–4 Nov 2014, for arrivals on selected dates from 1 Jan–30 Nov 2015**, and everyone in the party dines for FREE for the entire stay.

FREE BREAKFAST FOR CUSTOMERS STAYING AT A DISNEY VALUE RESORT†

Book 24 Apr–10 Jul 2014, for arrivals 1 Jan–1 Nov 2015**, and your customers will enjoy free breakfast, every day of their stay.

disneytravelagents.co.ukRecord your bookings now via*Terms and conditions apply — see disneytravelagents.co.uk for details. **Excludes arrivals 25 Mar–11 Apr 2015. †Excludes Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. ©Disney.

New!New!

PLUS WIN BREAKFAST FOR YOUR STORE!

To celebrate these fantastic offers, we have an exciting new incentive from 29 May–10 July 2014, where you can WIN £100 of M&S vouchers to treat your whole store to a delicious breakfast — on us. There are FIVE prizes of £100 vouchers to be won, so get selling!

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OLE!...Pictured marking Jet2.com's inaugural Menorca flight fromBlackpool Airport are cabin crew staff with Flamenco dancers.Fares for the weekly flights start from £48 per person includingtaxes, while Jet2holidays’ ATOL protected package breaks toMenorca start at £289, secured for a £60 deposit. For details see www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com


Free Wi-Fi from CroisiEuropeCROISIEUROPE HAS introduced free Wi-Fi for allguests. The new offering is available on all thecompany's ships throughout the fleet, and while Wi-Fi isavailable in the reception area and lounge bar on mostships, on the newest ships - such as the MS GerardSchmitter, the MS Cyrano de Bergerac, the MS Lafayetteand the fleet of four hotel barges - Wi-Fi is availablethroughout.

The company is also equipping every ship in the fleet(apart from those ships on the Mekong) with a SamsungGalaxy Tablet for guests’ use.

The line's all-inclusive pricing includesaccommodation in an outside cabin with all onboardmeals, complimentary beer and wine at lunch anddinner, an open bar throughout the voyage (excludingChampagne, special wines or fine brandies), onboardentertainment and port taxes. For reservations or further information call 020-83281281 or visit www.croisieurope.co.uk

Gatwick routes from NorwegianNORWEGIAN IS continuing to expand its route networkfrom Gatwick with the launch of two new routes to Warsawand Berlin, as well as increasing the number of dailydepartures to Copenhagen.

From September 15, the carrier will offer six weeklyflights from Gatwick to Warsaw and Berlin and willincrease the number of flights between Gatwick andCopenhagen from four to five daily departures.

REALLY EXCITED to be going back to Gouves inCrete from my favourite airport (LBIA) to stayat the Kaissa Apts for 10nts. Always used to

go away for 7nts as I didn't like to leave mum forlonger than a week, so I’m looking forward tostaying longer. Even though it has gone on to half-board I will still be eating out at my favouriterestaurants up the road, especially the Paradise. Iam also meeting up with a couple of people fromthe Greek Cat Welfare Society to see about somecat neutering, especially the ones at the KaissaApts who have been there a few years now,Lipstick, Shadow and BB (big balls!). If they can'tbe done straight away then at least they will beearmarked for later. I think it is fantastic that theGCWS has agreed to put some money on one sidefor the Gouves cats - as they say, one small step...In my case I will have two donation boxes, a canvascat carrier which folds flat and about 30 pouches ofcat food!

Was chatting to the lovely Raj Mistry the otherday - he has joined Carrier as businessdevelopment manager. I think he will be great inthat role as he has been in the industry a long time.Isn't it nice that tour operators are getting peoplelike Raj to help the trade? I am sure he will bedoing lots of product training and exploring newpromotional opportunities for Carrier. If you wantto contact him his email is [email protected] is also nice that Carrier is based in Cheshire and,I must say, their luxury holiday brochures for allround the world are rather special. 'Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but amanner of travelling' and 'Action may not alwaysbring happiness but there is no happiness withoutaction'.

by SANDRA MURRAYin Normanton, Yorkshire

Notes from

Normanton...

To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email

jill. [email protected]

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WEBSCLUSIVES● Win an awesome World Cup Hamper including

goodies relevant to 6 of the tournament favouritecountries! Just enter Jetset’s Road To Riocompetition to get a unique sweepstake ID foryour chance to win. Go to:www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

● Win an iPad Mini courtesy of the China NationalTourist Office. To enter, just come up with asnappy new slogan for the CNTO and submit yoursuggestion atwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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All this and more at:

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The home of the web savvy travel agent

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● IN CELEBRATION of the FIFA World Cup 2014,Western & Oriental has launched a specialtrade incentive throughout the period of thetournament. The incentive, in collaboration withRainbow Tours, will allow agents to earn a £50Love2Shop voucher every time they make abooking to one of the countries taking part inthe FIFA World Cup that Western & Orientalsells, until the country in question is knockedout of the tournament. In addition, if thecountry the agent books wins a match on theday the booking is made, a £100 Love2Shopvoucher will be earned, as well as £25Love2Shop vouchers on all other bookings.Countries that agents can earn vouchers fromthroughout the tournament include Croatia,France, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spainand the US. The incentive runs until July 13. For details see www.westernoriental.com

● THE DOMINICAN Republic Tourist Board, inconjunction with Hard Rock Hotels All InclusiveCollection, has eight pairs of tickets withhospitality, to give away at Haydock ParkRacecourse for an evening of racing and anopen air performance by Jesse J on August 8. To be in with a chance of winning a pair oftickets, agents should book a holiday to theDominican Republic to any hotel to receive oneentry into the draw. Agents booking the HardRock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will earn threeentries into the draw. Bookings should beemailed to [email protected] by July 20.

Agent offersAS PART of the Red Sea Rewards programme(www.redsearewards.com), agents can enjoy arange of perks and discounts with El Gouna's traveltrade package. These include special discountedrates at all hotels, room upgrades, flexible check-inand check-out, a 20% discount on spa treatments,golf walk-in rates, all activities with the OrangeConcept and sailing courses with Sail La Vie. For more information visit www.elgouna.com

TITAN IS hosting an exclusive Agent Open Day at itsheadquarters (Titan House near Redhill in Surrey)on July 17, from 10:00-16:00, to celebrate thelaunch of its new Worldwide Brochure 2015/16. Theday includes afternoon tea, a tour of the offices, aQ&A session, goodie bags and the chance to win a£100 Love2Shop voucher. For further information or to register to attendemail [email protected] or call 0800-988 5166.

A PIZZA THE ACTION...Bath Travel inTotnes enjoyed free pizza, courtesy of SerenityHolidays’ first out-of-office hours webinartraining session for its Corsican Places andSardinian Places products. Pictured tucking inis the agency's Hilary Field. Agents looking totake part in the next training session (on June25) and receive free pizza delivery, shouldemail [email protected]

Booking incentives

It’s in thestars…What’s in store for Cancer?

TOWARDS THE end of this month a period of betterprosperity is in store. This might mean a new job or asudden windfall, so get entering those competitions!Next month is the right time for a change - and thatincludes your image and your outlook on life. As youembark on this change, your confidence soars andyou start coming out of your shell. Capitalise on thisnew self-esteem by going after the things you reallywant in life.

Lucky day: Thursday

Lucky number: 16


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TITAN, IN exclusive partnership withUniworld Boutique River Cruises, hasannounced the launch of The World’sBest River Cruises 2015.

The brochure offers savings of up to£800 per person (Grand European RiverVoyage - 29 days from £6,999) if bookedby September 30 and contains a total of36 crafted itineraries, encompassing allthe major European rivers as well asRussia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Two new ships have been added to theUniworld fleet - the SS Catherine whosemaiden voyage was in April and the yetto be launched SS Maria Theresa, due toset sail in 2015 along the Rhine, Mainand Danube.

There are six new itineraries for 2015

including Jewels of Spain and Portugaland the Douro River, a 13-day cruise thatallows guests to delve into the culturaltapestry of ancient and modern Spain,cruise through the Douro Valley andexperience three legendary Spanishcities - Madrid, Toledo and Salamanca.Prices start from £3,299 if booked bySeptember 30, saving up to £300 perperson.

Uniworld River Heritage ClubDiscounts have also had an overhaul withprevious Uniworld cruisers nowreceiving £90 cabin credit for cruises upto 12 nights' duration and £150 perperson for 13-night durations and above.

In addition, a free case of quality winewill be sent to previous Titan/Uniworld

clients if they book their 2015 Uniworldcruise before July 12. All existing clientswho have booked their 2015 Uniworldcruise from a previous brochure will alsoqualify for a case of wine.

Itineraries are based on all-inclusiveand include all gratuities; unlimitedwines, beers, spirits and soft drinks;daily excursions; and on-boardentertainment and activities. In addition,every Uniworld cruise includes Titan’sdoor-to-door VIP Home DepartureService as standard.For more information, availability or tobook call 0800-988 5867 or visittitanagents.co.uk A bulk supply of brochures can beordered via BP Tradegate.

FOLLOWING A significantincrease in early bookingtrends to the Caribbean,Gold Medal has launched aCaribbean and Mexicopreview brochure for thefirst time.

The 32-page brochurefollows the success of the2014 brochure andprovides up-to-dateincentives and offers whichare all in place untilDecember 31, 2015, andinclude up to 40%discount, free nights andfree child places.

The operator's nationalaccount manager, Tina

Hodge, said: “We’ve seenconsiderable growth to theCaribbean and Mexico overthe last 12 months. This isthe first time we haveproduced a previewbrochure for thisdestination, and in doingso we’re demonstratingour commitment to thisdestination and our agentpartners, ensuring theyhave the tools they need togrow their Caribbean andMexico business with us.And by offering doublerewards through ourindustry-leading rewardsscheme – Farebank –

we’re providing agents witheven more of a reason tochoose us. The brochure ispacked full of hand-pickedresorts and hotels acrossislands includingBarbados, Antigua, SaintLucia, Grenada, Jamaica,

Bahamas, Cuba andMexico. It is an excitingaddition to our portfolio ofbrochures and it paves theway for even more excitingdevelopments for 2015.”For more information seewww.goldmedal.co.uk

COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has launched its 2015 Europeanriver cruise programme and is the first UK operator tofeature the new ‘MS Loire Princesse’; the first of its kind forthe River Loire, a purpose-built paddle wheel ship with en-suite guest cabins.

An eight-day ‘Chateaux of the Loire Cruise’ leads in at£1,199 per person and offers the chance to experience theheart of the Loire Valley. Also new is a selection of superiorriver barge holidays on French canals and waterways oncustom built ‘hotel ‘barges’ offering an authenticexperience combined with a high level of comfort andservice. The choice of regions include Alsace, Burgundy,Champagne and Provence. As an example, a seven-day‘Wonders & Wines of Burgundy’ costs from £1,899 andfeatures wine tasting at Satenay, the historical town ofChalon-sur-Saone, the natural sites of Cirque du Bout duMonde and the Mont de Sene, Saint-Jean-de-Losne as wellas the Grand Crus Wine Route.

The operator's product and commercial manager, SimonLeeming, said: “Our new superior river barge holidays offeran original and more intimate cruising experience

combining comfortable deluxe accommodation, attentiveservice and French cuisine with sailing through the heart ofthe beautiful French countryside. Guests are given theoption of helping crew to raise or lower the locks or cyclealong the tow path; all adding to an authentic holidayexperience. “With flights, all-inclusive accommodation,excursions and even a home pick up service included in theprice we believe this niche holiday will appeal to many ofour customers wanting to experience something different.”

Also available for 2015 are a selection of river cruises onthe Seine, Rhone, Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Douro as well asthe Guadalquivir in Andalucia. An eight-day ‘Portugal’s DouroRiver Cruise’ offers a relaxing cruise through the DouroValley with its vine steeped terraces and traditional villagesand costs from £1,099, while an eight-day ‘Majestic Rhine &Moselle’ cruise showcases the historical towns and citiesalong the picturesque rivers and leads in at £949.

Selected cruises offer free cabin upgrades if bookedbefore December 17.For more information visitwww.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk or call 0843-227 0961.

2015 Caribbean and Mexico preview brochure from Gold Medal

Pictured marking thelaunch of the new

brochure is theoperator's Tina Hodge

and Mark White.

Titan teams with Uniworld to launch 'World’s Best River Cruises' 2015 brochure


newsbulletin

Cosmos Tours & Cruises issues 2015 river cruise product with new Loire options

S03 TB2006 News 2_Layout 1 6/18/2014 10:31 AM Page 10

puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Third longest river in Australia.

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 26th. Solution and new puzzle will

appear next week.

The winner for 6th June is Vicky Wash, Protravel in Milton

Keynes.

June 6 Solution: A=5 B=7 C=1 D=9

Number: 024

Travagrams

Across 1. Cruise company with HQ in Genoa (5)3. Major hotel group (5)5. He is starring in A Million Ways to Die in the

West at a cinema near you (4,6)7. Car rental company (4)9. Historic Portuguese town famed for its

castles and palaces (6)11. Intourist specialises in holidays to this

country (6)12. Hawaiian island (4)14. Annual rugby union championship (3,7)15. Capital of Antigua and Barbuda, St ___ (4'1)16. One of the Great Lakes (5)

Down 1. Boy band winners of BTG, recently signed up by

Simon Cowell (8)2. The Ponte Vecchio spans this river (4)3. First name of Andy Murray's new coach (6)4. Porec and Pula are popular resorts in this

country (7)6. International hotel company owned by Carlson

(8)8. County town of Suffolk (7)10. County Antrim landmark and tourist

attraction, ___ Causeway (5'1)13. Salt Lake City is the state capital (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 30

Crossword

Num

ber:

024

This operator offers villa holidays in Corsica

This airline has just launched a new daily service between Doha and Heathrow

Pancreas Colics

Array Was At Qi

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Su DokuWin a £50 Love2Shop voucher in the Su Doku prize puzzle


www.travelbulletin.co.uk12 June 20 2014

The AITO Agents & Supplier awards were held on June14 during the gala dinner at the baroque Troja Palace,Prague which dates back to 1679.

Agent of the Year award went to Journeys à la Carteand Kenneth Macleod Travel Ltd in joint first place,second place was awarded toTravelwise Ltd, and in thirdplace came RB Collection.

The Operator of the Year award was won by Inspiredby Asia, in second place was Kirker Holidays and thirdplace went to Visions Holiday Group.

Affiliate of the Year award was won by Holiday Extras,and Claire Hunt from Journeys à la Carte won theOutstanding Achievement award. The Super ServiceAward went to Gareth Bell from Inspired by Asia.

Members recognised in AITO Agents & Supplier awards

CZECH US OUT…Pictured enjoying drinks on the terrace atPrague’s Lobkowicz Palace are, from the left: Paul Cusack,Cockermouth Travel; Hisham Mahmoud, Kirker Holidays; HazelBryant, Travel with Kitts; and Eddie Kyle, Kyle Travel.

InBrief● AN INNOVATING Within session saw delegates come up with ideas

for improving business such as rewarding customer service success,displaying staff holiday experiences, iPads in stores, themed events,marketing the right products through the right channels and actingon feedback, not just logging it.

● CAA HEAD of ATOL, Andy Cohen, said many agents are still notcomplying with the 2012 ATOL regulations. He reminded agents thatit is illegal to take bookings without agency agreements. One bigagency was forced to pay out a lot of money to clients due to it nothaving an Agents Agreement in place when the operator failed.

● PRAGUE CITY Tourism said it is aiming to shift the image of the cityfrom the rowdy, hen and stag drinking crowds to a romance andweddings destination. It will also focus on the luxury hotel market. Anews website (Prague.eu) will be launched in September. Delegateswere also given a presentation and tour of Pilsen which will becomeEuropean Capital of Culture 2015. The city has a strong ‘beer city’brand and is home to the famous Pilsner Urquell brewery. Aprogramme of events and guided tours during the European Capitalof Culture are available.

● CHARLES REID of Carat Media said that social media offers an idealplatform from which to approach customers. Offline clients usesocial media early in the booking process and he added that they arestill open to advice from trusted brands after receiving initialinformation through social media and news channels. Oftencustomers will buy online because they don’t like the ‘hard sell’approach of sitting at a desk and buying the trip immediately.

● SPEAKER KAREN Willey from Music Concierge said using carefullyselected music in shops to set the right mood for purchasingholidays can help make money.

● INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER was Joel Hicks who founded the AlwaysWith A Smile charity, details of which can be found atwww.alwayswithasmile.com

● THE NEXT AITO Specialist Travel Agents domestic conference willonce again be held at the Drayton Manor Hotel in Warwickshire onJanuary 10 and 11, 2015.

conferenceupdate

AITO Specialist Travel Agents recently held its summer overseasconference in Prague, the theme of which was Innovation. JILL SAYLES reports on the latest news & developments...

GEMMA ANTROBUS (Haslemere Travel) was announced as AITOAgents’ first female chair, taking over from Oliver Broad (RBCollection).

Antrobus became chair as Oliver Broad stood down at theend of the Prague conference. Ted Wake of Kirker Holidayscontinues to support as deputy chair.

Antrobus said: “It’s an honour and a pleasure to be takingover from Oliver as AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ chairperson.Some fantastic foundations have been laid over the past fouryears under Oliver’s leadership and I look forward to buildingupon those for the benefit of our agent members.

“Following our long-term strategic review, a number of newprojects will follow. The AITO Agents’ Panel sees value inpromoting the AITO brand more visibly. It is important that

consumers understand andappreciate the values of bookingwith an AITO Agent, and brandawareness is a huge part of this.”

In 2008, Gemma becamemanaging director of HaselmereTravel, which consists of a retailshop in Haslemere and a divisionof nine elite homeworkingconsultants based across thecountry. Gemma has served onthe AITO Agents’ Panel for five years,working on the sub committees for PR& Marketing, Training & Events and Conferences.

Gemma Antrobus crowned AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ new chair

Gemma Antrobus



Industry Insight by...

Colin O’Neill, business development director of The Advantage Travel Partnership, feels the loveat the 2014 Advantage Conference in Dubai

www.travelbulletin.co.uk14

WITH THE 2014 AdvantageConference in Dubaibehind us, I have had time

to reflect on the positive lessonslearnt from it - and there weremany.

Undoubtedly, the standoutspeaker from the conference wasbusiness entrepreneur Ellis Watson;Ellis is currently the CEO Publishingat family-owned newspaper groupDC Thomson but his career historyis very impressive indeed. In histime he has worked for RupertMurdoch at News International, forSimon Cowell, (he was CEO ofCelador), the creators of theinternational brand Who Wants tobe a Millionaire? and he also spenttime in the US, breathing new lifeinto the $3bn Greyhound Busbusiness.

In what was a highly amusingpresentation the one thing thatreally struck me was his passionateplea for delegates to love theircustomers which at first glanceseems very evangelical but inessence he was urging the audienceto make their customers feelspecial if they are going to both gainand retain them.

He also made the crucial pointthat you need to care for your stafftoo and if they are going to giveexceptional service, it will helpimmeasurably if they feel loved too.

However, there was a sting in thetail to what he said in that in orderto show customers the love, youcould no longer accept indifferentservice in your business and thatstaff who are potentially not up tothe task should be addressed.

Ellis confidently predicted thateveryone in the audience knew who

the blockers in their businesseswere but he urged everyone to havethe courage to positively tacklerather than duck the issue – hebelieved that in many instances theindividual concerned may respondto some tender loving care.

Carrying on the love theme, butnot quite to that extreme, theoverall impression that I was leftwith in Dubai was the level offriendship and camaraderie thatexisted across the entire range ofdelegates. Certainly the stunningsetting of Dubai helped set the rightvibrant tone for the weekend but tosee our member partners, both inthe leisure and corporate arenas,willing to share their experienceswith colleagues and businesspartners does indicate a stronglevel of professionalism andintegrity across the travel industry.

Since we returned from the event,we have been told by a largenumber of delegates they have beenmoved by the Dubai experience and

have looked at their businesses in anew and objective light and setabout making changes that willultimately make them a betterorganisation than they were before.

Finally, whilst our 2015conference is still a year away, wehave already started work oncreating a business programmethat will have member case studiesand practical real businessexperiences at the heart of theevent - the only thing left to do is tofind a location to rival theexcellence of Dubai.

PS: I could not really let myconference report go without alsomentioning our other keynotespeaker, tennis legend MartinaNavratilova; to spend time in thepresence of a sporting icon wassomething that our 450 delegateswill never forget - particularly withan opportunity to have signedtennis balls thrown at them – youneeded to have been there tounderstand it!

"The overall impression that I was leftwith in Dubai was the level of friendshipand camaraderie that existed across theentire range of delegates... to see ourmember partners willing to share theirexperiences with colleagues and businesspartners does indicate a strong level ofprofessionalism and integrity across thetravel industry"

June 20 2014

bulletinbriefing



BRAND USA has announcedconfirmation of a 2015 Megafam inpartnership with American Airlines andBritish Airways, following its successful2014 Megafam finale, which took place inAustin, Texas.

The event was attended by 100 agentsfrom the UK and Ireland who hadqualified and won a place on the secondannual Megafam which ran from May15-22. The participating agentsembarked on seven simultaneousitineraries that took them to 21 statesbefore meeting together in Austin, whereeach group presented highlights of theirexperiences in order to educate otheragents and empower them to sell thevariety of destinations to travellers.

The participating agents booked morethan 12,000 flights to and within the US,

up from last year’s 5,500 flights andsignificantly increasing the number ofinternational tourists planning holidaysto the US. To qualify, agents were alsorequired to complete two specialistmodules on the Brand USA agenttraining site,www.usadiscoveryprogram.co.uk. Thesite allows agents to become specialistsas well as to share insights with their

peers on the Knowledge Forum and tobe the first to hear about othercompetitions and fam tours.

Details of how agents can qualify towin a place on the 2015 Megafam will bereleased at the end of the year; as willthe new itinerary options and dates.For more information about the variety oftravel experiences and destinations visitwww.discoveramerica.com

Win flight tickets from The Lufthansa GroupTHE LUFTHANSA Group's online travel training coursehas been created for agents to learn all there is to knowabout each of the group's four carriers - Lufthansa,Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SwissInternational Air Lines, and sell them with confidence.

Once agents have completed each of the four separateairline training modules, they will be entered into aprize draw to win a pair of tickets to either Austria,Belgium, Germany or Switzerland. The company is alsooffering runner-up prizes of a Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0and one of four “Zip” fitbits, which will be provided bythe four Lufthansa Group airlines. The closing date forthe competition is June 30, while the course itself willrun until September.For details see www.lufthansagrouptraining.com

NEWCOMERS...Pictured at Tipto’s recent 15th birthdaycelebration training event at the Hallmark Hotel inBournemouth is Ashley Secker (middle) from NewmarketHolidays with agents from Bath Travel in Boscombe.

training

AGENTS COMPLETING the VIA Rail Canada online training programmewill be in with a chance of winning £25 in Love2Shop vouchers. The courseis designed to give agents an overview of the company's s services and thetools and knowledge to sell the product to customers confidently andsuccessfully. It is offers the opportunity to learn about the new ‘PrestigeSleeper’ Class on The Canadian from late 2014, which is ideal forcustomers looking for some added luxury on their trip to Canada.To complete the course visit www.onlinetraveltraining.com/free-courses/providers/homeviarailuk

Brand USA Megafam hailed success as American Airlines & British Airwaysconfirm 2015 support

S03a TB2006 News 3_Layout 1 6/18/2014 12:04 PM Page 15


eventbulletin

TRAVEL BULLETIN played host to a Mediterranean Islands Showcase event earlier thismonth at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Birmingham. The event gave agents the opportunity tolearn more about the region and, at the same time, win a range of fantastic prizes...

COOKING UP A STORM...Enjoying thereception drinks are, from the left: LauraBogojevic, Jessica Nixon and Yvonne Taylorfrom Thomas Cook Shirley.

DIAMOND DEAL...Collecting their goodiebags are, from the left: Sophie Kerrigan,Donna Aarons, Jenny Daley and NovieneWhyte from Diamond Travel.

TABLE TALK...Max Tchanturia (left) from Eagles Palace chats withPersonal Travel Agents at Co-op Travel, Linda and Pat Reynolds.

AEGEAN DREAM...Lisa Palmer (left) from Four Oaks Travelwon a pair of Aegean Airlines tickets to Athens, courtesyof the carrier's Lily Alicabiotis.

RIU WIN...Rob Doran from RIU Hotels & Resortspresents Rachel Wilcox from Thomas Cook Oldburywith her prize of a four-night stay for two at anyRIU hotel worldwide.

A LOT OF BOTTLE...Stelios Constantinides fromthe Cyprus National Tourist Office presentsSuzanne Barney of Travel Counsellors withbottles of Cypriot wine.

S03a TB2006 News 3_Layout 1 18/06/2014 14:33 Page 16


WINE O'CLOCK...Elaine Robertson (left) from JustSardinia, Just Sicily & Just Corsica presents SylviaMusgrove from Moseley Travel with a fine wine.

BOTTLE BABES...Lianne Davenport (left) from MoseleyTravel won a bottle of wine courtesy of Aqua Vista Hotels.Pictured presenting the wine is Jeanette Ratcliffe fromTravel Bulletin.

SAM'S SURPRISE... Samantha Bird from Carrick Travel inSolihull won a three-night, half-board stay at the AldemarRoyal Mare in Crete, courtesy of Aldemar Hotels. Picturedpresenting the prize to Sam is Travel Bulletin's Matt Gill.

PAPHOS PRIZE...Hazel Simpson (left) from Thomas Cook,Sutton Coldfield collects her prize of a seven-night, all-inclusive stay for two at the Olympic Lagoon Resort inPaphos from Maria Evripides of Kanika Hotels.

BUBBLES & TRUFFLES...Jayne Chapman (right) from YourHoliday Booking won bubbles and Champagne trufflesfrom Cyplon Holidays. Pictured with Jayne is theoperator's Jayne Scott. LINDA'S LUCK...Linda Reynolds (right) from Personal

Travel Agents at Co-Op Travel won a two-night, half-board stay for two at Sani Beach Hotel. Picturedpresenting the prize is Maria Machera from Sani Resort.

HAIL HALKIDIKI...The Halkidki Tourism Organisation gave awayfour prizes of three-night, half-board stays. The tourist office'sSandra Bruce (centre) presents the prizes to, from the left:Sharon Cox, Moseley Travel; Zoe Franklin, Travel Club Elite;Donna Aarons, Diamond Travel; and Dave Allen, Andara Travel.

ON THE CASE...Anastasios Pissas (left) from theGreek National Tourism Office presents PatReynolds from Personal Travel Agents at Co-OpTravel with a case of wine.

eventbulletin

S03a TB2006 News 3_Layout 1 18/06/2014 14:33 Page 17

Brand new interactive online modulesGet ahead by planning, promoting and

selling outstanding New Zealand holidaysRegister and find out more at:

www.traveltrade.newzealand.com

Become a


Win a VIP fam withVisit Orlando VISIT ORLANDO and itstheme park partners,SeaWorld Parks &Entertainment, UniversalOrlando Resort and WaltDisney World Resort, inpartnership with BritishAirways, will host 50agents on its annualOrlando SuperFam fromOctober 3-10. The fam willhelp agents boost theirknowledge, with eightdays of VIP treatment,plus exclusive access tothe newest, most popularattractions, shoppingoptions and diningexperiences.

To be eligible for aplace, agents must be over21 years and shouldcomplete all modules ofthe newly revampedOrlando Travel Academy atorlandotravelacademy.com by July 11.

Lanarkshire tourism body createssector wide training portalAN EXTENSIVE training portal aimed at those working withinthe tourism and hospitality industry in Lanarkshire has beenlaunched, designed to provide education on the value of thesector as well as build the profile of the destination andensure its visitors receive the highest quality service.

BeLanarkshire has been developed by the Lanarkshire AreaTourism Partnership (ATP) which includes representativesfrom North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire councils,VisitScotland and other private sector partners.

The online programme which is free and takes around twohours to complete, educates and tests participants on areas ofessential knowledge and skills in the business and leisuretourism sectors which combined currently contributes around£317m to the Lanarkshire economy with an estimated threemillion visitors travelling to the area annually.

It features modules entitled; The Lanarkshire Experience,Exceeding Customer Expectations, Maintaining PositiveAttitude, Handling Customer Feedback and ContinuallyImproving.

Mark Calpin, chair of the Lanarkshire Area TourismPartnership, said: “Tourism is a major contributor both forjobs and the local economy in Lanarkshire and we are proudto say that we have an excellent reputation for providing awarm welcome to our visitors, with many people choosing toreturn again and again.

"BeLanarkshire has been designed to ensure that workersacross the hospitality and tourism sector continue to act asambassadors for the area. This is especially important whenwe consider the plethora of events that will be taking placeacross Scotland this year, presenting Lanarkshire with a realopportunity to shine on a global platform.”For more details see www.belanarkshire.com

PICTURED AT a recent VisitDenmark, Faroe Islands & Greenland workshop event, held at StErmin's Hotel in London, are, from the left: Joergen Christensen, Small Danish Hotels; BirtheNielsen, Baltic Travel Company; Anne Hübner, VisitAarhus; Birgitte Bergman, Visit NorthZealand; Margaret Scowen, Specialised Tours; and Marianne Purup, VisitSkanderborg.

training



To promote your online training course on the Travel Gym call 020 7834 6661

IF YOU want to extend your knowledge, find out what’s newwith Attraction World and become an all round expert onour massive range of attractions, you’ve come to the rightplace. We're going to draw one lucky winner at random towin a bumper prize. All you have to do is complete ourcourse and you'll automatically be entered into the prizedraw. We're also offering agents the chance to win adeluxe goody bag when they complete our cruise module,plus we'll be picking two lucky winners each month toreceive some splendid treats.

BE ONE of the first 100 agents to complete the courseand win a £5 Love2Shop voucher! Learn everything youneed to know about our fabulous range of products, fromluxury lodges and cottages to boating in the UK &Europe...become a Hoseasons expert!

QATAR AIRWAYS' course provides an up-to-date overviewof its products and services, with highlights on keyelements which make it stand out among its peers. Thecourse is geared to equip agents with the informationthey need in selling the airline, with modules that caterto different industry market segments. There are alsoregular competitions with winners picked at randomfrom amongst those who complete and pass the course.

WIN A fabulous fam trip to Southwest Germany. Cuckootraining is fun, interactive and, once completed, you willfeel more than confident to sell SouthWest Germany toyour clients. Register now and have the chance to win afam trip to SouthWest Germany by completing theCuckoo Training.

AS GERMANY'S leading leisure airline, specialising intaking your www.condorexperts.com customers to morethan 75 of the best sun & beach destinations, together withbetter understanding of our airline through our trainingmodules at our global partners, we are very pleased to beable to help you gain a better understanding of our airlinethrough our training modules at www.condor.com

NO GAINNO GAINDiscover the latest additions to Travel Gym, Travel Bulletin’s

online learning portal for travel agents.

Log on now at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/travel-gym to complete some of the coursescurrently appearing, including...

training



newsbulletin

Business development manager, Israel Government Tourist Office

What's your favourite household gadget?My laptop, Kindle or my Sky+ – I can’t imaginelife without any of them.

What are your favourite TVprogrammes?Family Guy, South Park and the Daily Show. Ialso watch loads of Judge Judy – got to lovethe Judge.

Who does the cooking?I’m blessed with a housemate who’s a brilliantchef, but my hubby is also getting quite good. I’lloccasionally cook for everyone, but it doesn’thappen as often as it should.

What's a typical weekend for you like?Laundry, homework (I have a 13 year old and anine year old so there is ALWAYS homework tohelp with), and any family fun activities we canfit in. This summer we’re going to try and visit asmany amusement parks in the UK as possible.

What's your guilty pleasure?Karaoke. I don’t get to do it very often, but I pitythe people who share a night of Karaoke withme. I’ll sing as many songs as they let me sing!

What music do you listen to?I’m a rock chick. One of my son’s middle namesis “Floyd”. Guess who my favourite band are?

What other companies/ organisationshave you previously worked for?Many! I did long stints at USAirtours, TheDestination Group, Kenwood Travel and shorterstints at many other places. I’ve doneeverything from sales to data entry to productmanagement.

What personal item do you have onyour desk at work?Photos of my family – they are the reason Ihave to do my best.

What's the best thing about your job?I love training and doing presentations. It helpsthat I get to train/present about such aninteresting and diverse country as Israel.

What's a typical day like?No two days are ever the same. My tasks areso varied – one day I’m proof reading, the nextI’m updating our websites, and the next I’ll bein sales meetings with both existing and newtour operators. We’re a small team but we allhelp each other when needed - our days arenever boring.

What was the last email youreceived?My colleague telling me what he wantsupdated on one of our websites. I’ve only justtaken over updating ourwalkwherejesuswalked.com website and I’mstill on a huge learning curve!

What skill are you most proud of?Giving interesting and energetic presentations,both to the travel trade and the public. I’mpassionate about Israel and I do whatever I canto pass on that passion to others.

What item do you always take withyou when travelling?Comfortable shoes. I love exploring andcomfortable shoes are a must.

Michelle Roberts

Where would you most like to visitand why?I have many destinations on my bucket listbut New Zealand is at the top.

What are your hobbies?Singing, writing and hopefully pottery comethe autumn.

What's your favourite (non-work related) website?Cracked.com - I love the interesting and funny articles.

Do you use social media for work and play?As I’m an American living in the UK, Facebook is very important to me. I’ve contacted somany friends from my past, and it gives me a platform to stay in touch with my friends fromaround the world. Sure, we all complain about it at times but Facebook rocks!

What trait do you dislike in other people?Negativity. If you look hard enough you can find a positive in most situations.

What is your best quality?My friendliness - I enjoy making people smile.

What's your most embarrassing moment?When I was in high school, one of my teachers kicked me out class for talking too much,which irritated me. He placed me in a side room where there was another student studying. Iproceeded to act up in front of this kid by telling him what an idiot the teacher who stuckme in the room was. I had also had his wife as a teacher a few years earlier and stated whata horrible teacher she was as well. The young man let me rant, and when I was finished heinformed me that they were his parents. I doubt I’ve ever felt as embarrassed as I did thatday, but I also felt bad for disrespecting the guy’s parents. I learned a valuable lesson thatday – keep negative comments to myself!

Do you have any nicknames?My friend Pat calls me Marmie, which is short for Marmite. You guessed it…you either loveme or you hate me.

At work At play

At home


FUNWAY IS promoting new all-inclusive hotels in Mexico including the Hard RockRiviera Maya, which opened at the end of last year, and Secrets Playa Mujeres,

which is due to open in November 2015. A seven-night stay at the five-starOccidental Grand Punta in the Domician Republic leads in at £899 per person

including flights and accommodation. For details visit www.funway4agents.co.uk


PLANET HOLIDAYS' summer 2014 Cyprusand Greece brochure features a selection ofall-inclusive offers, and the company reportsincreasing interest in holidays to Greece.

The operator's director, Harry Kyrillou,said: “Greece continues to be very popularwith British holidaymakers and as ABTApointed out in its 2013 trend report, itcontinues to attract UK tourists despite thepolitical and economic turmoil over the lastfew years.

"Many Greek hoteliers have embellishedand improved their all-inclusive productwhich offers better value and better qualitythan some other Eastern Mediterraneandestinations. Cyprus also has some excellentall-inclusives. Families have booked later

than usual this year and we are still gettingenquiries for family all-inclusive holidaysfrom the trade.

“We are urging agents to offer a few daysin Athens before clients head off to theseaside along mainland Greece or any one ofthe Greek islands we feature.

"We have added classic tours this year toprovide another dimension for those wantingto supplement a traditional Athens city stayor mainland and island holiday with extracultural cache, and this suits families lookingto add an educational element to theirstandard annual beach holiday abroad inEurope."For further information call 01438-841270 orsee www.planet-holidays.co.uk

CLUB MED has unveiled itslatest winter holidayoffering. The 'Snow and Co'and 'Flexi ski programs'offer holidaymakersincreased control over theirski holidays and how theyspend their time. Snow andCo gives visitors the chanceto take part in non-skiingactivities such as hiking,Nordic walking or fitnessprogrammes, while the'Flexi ski' offering meansthat skiers can opt for alonger ski session in themorning and a later lunch,allowing them to enjoy theirholiday at their own pace.

The operator is featuringa range of deals for familiesincluding an early bookingbonus for bookings madebefore July 16, to receivecombined savings of up to£1,350 per family. Clientswill also be able to benefitfrom the company's snowguarantee next seasonwhich states that if fewerthan 50% of the pistes areopen during their holiday,holidaymakers will be ableto claim 50% of their holidaycost back.Details atwww.clubmed.co.uk

Club Med revampsski offering for

next season

all-inclusives

Planet reports Brits appreciate value & quality from Greek hoteliers

TO CELEBRATE the arrivalof the school holidays,Neilson is giving parentsthe opportunity to save£250 per child on familybreaks at a number of itsBeachclubs in Greece andTurkey this July andAugust.

All Beachclub holidaysinclude flights, transfersand accommodation asstandard, as well as allbreakfasts, lunches andfour evening meals perweek. The Beachclubs arein hand-picked locationsand exclusive to theoperator.

Activities are also

inclusive and range fromwatersports such aswindsurfing and dinghysailing with RYA tuition, tocomplimentary grouptennis coaching,waterskiing, fitness classesand mountain biking.

Also included arechildren's clubs for kidsaged two-17, with seventailored clubs for each agegroup.

As examples, the £250discount is available at theAdakoy Beachclub inTurkey for holidaysdeparting on July 12 and19, and August 2, 9, 23 and30. A one-week all-

inclusive holiday for twoadults and two children(aged two-14 years) costs£3,976 and includes a £500discount per family, basedon the family sharing tworooms for a July 19departure.

In Greece, a one-weekall-inclusive stay at AeolianVillage Beachclub costs£4,856 and includes a £500discount per family, basedon a family of four sharingtwo rooms for an August 2departure. For further information orto book visitwww.neilson.co.uk or call0844-879 8155.

Save £250 per child on a family holiday with Neilson

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Ultimate all-in packages by Captain’s Choice

THERE ARE all-inclusives, and then there's Captain'sChoice, which can be rightly regarded as the ultimate all-inpackage, writes Paul Scudamore.

Founded by Australian Phil Asker, the private jet toursinclude everything - "When we say our tours have nohidden extras from beginning to end, we mean it" he says.As an example, there is an Exotic India and MountainKingdoms 19-day tour of Oman, India, Nepal and Bhutanfrom September 15 that includes private chauffeur returntransfers within 100-miles of departure airport Luton, andaccommodation at the five-star Luton Hoo hotel the nightbefore the flight from the Harrods VIP terminal.

The flight itself is on a re-configured Airbus A319 withonly 44 Business Class seats, state-of-the-artentertainment and top-of-the-range catering.

Accommodation is in five-star hotels with all meals anddrinks, including visits to "exceptional" local restaurants,there are guided tours with local experts and fullycomprehensive travel insurance with no upper age limit,and an on-board doctor throughout the trip. Thecommissionable price? Only £21,950.

Other packages include The Silk Road and Beyond fromSeptember 3-18 for £19,500 and a Circumnavigation of theGlobe from March 4-26 using a Boeing 767 with 92 seats(instead of the normal 210) for £34,850. Details at www.captainschoice.co.uk


all-inclusives

TRANSUN IS promoting a four-night Northern Lights break fornext Easter from £799, which includes full board accommodationin Lapland, flights from Gatwick and a range of activities includinga snowmobile safari, a guided forest trek and a husky sled ride. For details visit www.transun.co.uk/agents or call 01865-265200.

JET2HOLIDAYS IS offering a seven-night, all-inclusive stay at the five-star Aldemar Paradise Mare in Kalithea, Rhodes from £1,839.84 fora family of two adults and two children. The deal is based on a July departure from East Midlands Airport. For details call 0800-408 5599 or see www.jet2holidays.com

TRAVEL 2 reports thatincreasing numbers ofproperties are choosing toswitch their meal plans tooffer all-inclusive only,following demand.

The operator's productmanager for Africa (Eastand Southern), Mauritius,Seychelles & Jordan,Michael Creighton, said:“The market continues to

grow as all-inclusivepackages offer fantasticvalue for money.

"A selection of hotelsthat currently offer variousmeal plans will now onlyoffer all-inclusive mealplans for the new 2015season, including ourrecommended CentaraPoste Lafayette Resort &Spa and Veranda Grand

Baie, both in Mauritius."These properties will be

added to a growing list ofhotels that offer all-inclusive only such as theHeritage Awali andTamassa in Mauritius."

As an example of prices,an eight-night, all-inclusivestay at the Centara PosteLafayette Resort & Spaleads in at £1,059 per

person including flightsfrom London.

The offer, which is basedon departures betweenAugust 11 and September30 includes four free nightsand is based on twosharing a superiormountain view room. For further information orto book visitwww.travel2.com

Travel 2 sees rise in properties offering all-inclusive-only following demand


North Cyprus deal from

Anatolian Skyoffers £150 savingANATOLIAN SKY ispromoting a seven-night,all-inclusive stay at MeritCrystal Cove in Kyreniafor £1,169 per person,offering a saving of £150per person.

The deal is based on aJuly 9 departure fromLuton with Atlas Jet andincludes transfers,luggage allowance andfuel surcharges.

The hotel features aswimming pool,sunbathing terraces, arange of sporting andleisure facilities, a spaand a choice of local andinternational cuisine. For details seewww.anatoliansky.co.ukor call 0844-273 3117.

all-inclusives

WITH EIGHT months to go before the officialre-opening of Sandals Barbados, SandalsResorts International has released a selectionof renderings offering a sneak peek at itsnewest resort. The images showcase SandalsBarbados’ luxury accommodation, whichfeatures contemporary furnishings throughoutincluding mahogany four-poster beds, flat-screen TVs, luxury bathrooms and indoor andoutdoor soaking tubs. Sandals Barbados

will reopen its doors on January 28, 2015and, as well as the addition of anexclusive Club Sandals lounge, departurelounge and an expanded Red Lane Spa,the new-look resort will also feature anexclusively-designed wedding garden,Sandals Signature swim-up pool bar, firepits, a beachfront whirlpool and 11restaurants. See details visit www.sandals.co.uk

Sandals offers sneak peek at new Barbados property

Sandals Barbados

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SHEARINGS IS promoting aselection of all-inclusivegetaways for travel up toSeptember.

As examples, a ten-daystay at the Hotel Oasis Parkin Salou leads in at £399 perperson and includes sevennights’ full-board

accommodation at the HotelOasis Park and return coachtravel. The option to travelby air is also available.

A seven-night breakexploring the Italian andFrench Rivieras leads in at£454, with highlightsincluding Diano Marina, San

Remo, Ventimiglia, and theexclusive resorts of Cannes,Monte Carlo and St Tropez.The price also includesthree excursions and coachtravel.

Meanwhile, a 'Venice & itsLagoon' all-inclusive optionoffers a five-day cruise to

take in the sights of Veniceand leads in at £819. Theprice includes four nights’full-board cruise, flights andtransfers, with departuresavailable until October.For more information call0844-824 6359 or visitwww.shearings.com

Shearings highlights selection of late deals with seven nights from £454


all-inclusives

CYPLON IS highlighting its all-inclusive, four-star Panorama Hotel in Crete, Chania, which reopened last month. The property consists of amain building and bungalows set within landscaped gardens, and is located 5km away from Chania town. On-site facilities include twooutdoor pools, a children’s pool, playground, tennis court, basketball court, gym, sauna, billiards and games room. Scuba-diving is alsoavailable while a Go-karts track is located nearby. Prices lead in at £659 per person in a twin inland view room, based on a September 8departure, including flights from Gatwick and private transfers.

NESTLED INTO one of Grand Bahama Island’s private beaches, the GrandLucayan Resort has introduced a new all-inclusive deal for summer.

The package includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, soft drinks;unlimited select alcohol drinks; and non-motorised sports, and is valid for newbookings made by June 30 for travel until November 15.

Facilities at the hotel include a selection of restaurants,swimming pools, four tennis courts, a spa and fitnesscentre and an 18-hole golf course. The resort is alsorunning a 'kids eat free' offer for children under theage of 12.

Agents should use the promotional offer code'AISUM' when booking with Thomas Cook Signature. For more information visit www.grandlucayan.com

Grand Lucayan announces all-inclusive deal for summer


Taj Group launches'Maldives Unlimited’VIVANTA BY Taj Coral Reef- Maldives has launchedMaldives Unlimited, an all-inclusive plan, which is afirst for the Taj Group.

From this month, guestsof Vivanta by Taj - CoralReef, located in the NorthMale Atoll, can benefitfrom the new plan, whichincludes all meals on an ala carte ‘dine around’ basisat the hotel’s threerestaurants, signaturecocktails, premium spirits,juices and sparkling winesat the Reef Bar (open untilmidnight), as well as Wi-Fiand mini bar.

To ensure guests makethe most of the resort’scoral reef, a guidedsnorkelling trip is alsoincluded in the price, aswell as a sunsetChampagne cruise in atraditional Dhoni boat anda daily Stingray feedingsession.

Rates start at US$1,250(approximately £745) pernight on a doubleoccupancy basis.Additional services(including Jiva Spatreatments, diving,motorised watersports,signature experiences andlaundry) are subject tocharges and 18.8% tax. For more information visitwww.vivantabytaj.com/maldives

all-inclusives


Oceania Club package with Classic Collection

CLASSIC COLLECTION is offering seven nights at thefive-star Oceania Club & Spa, located on the Halkidikipeninsula, from £1,599 per person.

The price is based on two adults sharing a double sidesea view room on an all-inclusive basis and includesprivate transfers and flights for an August 22 departure.

Sister hotel of the popular Sani Resort, Oceania Cluboffers an infinity pool, private beach and a selection ofwatersports. For parents looking for a little bit of ‘quiettime’ on the beach, the hotel’s resident Babewatchservice offers a free 30-minute service whereby trainedinstructors entertain children beneath a tented canopy. To book or for further information see www.classic-collection.co.uk or call 0800-294 9315.

Turkey deals from ThomsonTHOMSON IS highlighting two all-inclusive deals inTurkey - at the Marti Resort in Marmaris and the MartiMyra Resort in Antalya.

A one-week stay at the five-star Marti Resort, whichfeatures its own private Blue Flag beach, a range ofactivities for families, a new rollerblading promenade,two swimming pools, a toddler’s paddling pool and adedicated children’s buffet, costs from £734 per person.It is based on two adults sharing and includes flightsfrom Gatwick.

A week's stay at the five-star Marti Myra Resort costsfrom £499 based on two adults sharing and includes flightsfrom Stansted and transfers. The resort features a zoo;family-friendly activities include silk painting, guitarlessons, DJ lessons, a surf rodeo; and a private beach. For more information or to book visitwww.thomson.co.uk or call 0871-230 2555.

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The Egyptian Experts

ABTA No.Y2507

Call today on 0845 072 2477Visit redseaholidays.co.uk/agentSubject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Lead-in price shown is based on 2 adults sharing, and is available on at least one departure date from at least one UK airport. Correct at 02 May 2014. Once sold out there is no guarantee that alternative holidays will be available at that price. Other conditions apply; see brochure for details. ATOL protected 9749. ® Red Sea Holidays logo is a registered trade mark of Red Sea Holidays UK Ltd. © 2014.

Bright here.Bright now.

All Inclusive

Award-winning holidays

4 and 5 hotels

Named accommodation

Every holiday includes 20kg luggage,

resort transfers and full rep service.

Most include free late check out, too.

Dazzling last minute deals to Egypt From

£299All

Inclusive

S05 TB2006 North Africa_Layout 1 6/18/2014 4:21 PM Page 26

LAST YEAR Tunisia welcomed more than seven million tourists –

a figure that the tourist officeis aiming to surpass this year.We catch up with the touristoffice's head of promotions,Moncef Battikh, to find outwhat agents should behighlighting to their clients...

What is your advice toagents selling Tunisia?Hospitality is at the heart ofthe Tunisian experience, andwe hope that every visitorleaves the country withpositive memories and thedesire to return again fortheir next culture-richsunshine holiday. Now thatthe dust has settledpolitically, Tunisians aremore eager than ever towelcome holidaymakers andto show off the country’s3,000 years of history, ancientarchaeology and stunningwhite-sand beaches. What’smore, at only two and halfhours flight away from the

UK, agents can also easilypitch Tunisia as the perfectholiday location for an exotic,sunny getaway but withoutthe price tag and hassle of alonger-haul flight.

What new developmentsare taking place and arethere any new operatorsfeaturing Tunisia?This summer sees Monarchintroduce new twice-weeklyflights from both Manchesterand Gatwick to Enfidha,while Just Sunshine hasadded more flights to itsTunisia programme, whichwill no doubt help to bringmore UK and Irishholidaymakers to our shores.Golf Breaks and GolfEscapes are the latest touroperators to have addedTunisia’s prestigious golfcourses to their portfolio ofgolf holidays for 2014. Inaddition, we’re also lookingforward to working with, asof yet to be named, a newtour operator who will

specialise in holiday stays inour boutique hotels andDars.

What does your currentcampaign highlight andwhich target market is itaimed at?Our current campaign isultimately aimed at anincrease in tourism acrossthe board, as Tunisia as adestination is an ideal placefor most demographics ofholidaymaker. However weare currently focusingattention on Tunisia’s mainfive pillars of tourism,including Beach, Culture,Golf, Desert andThalassotherapy. Ourprimary target marketsinclude seniors, families,couples and individuals.

What emerging trends aretaking place with UKholidaymakers?Apart from the growth of theincoming tourist market ingeneral, the key trends

emerging with UK visitors arefor longer stays in Tunisiaand to learn more about therich history and culture of thecountry. Also emerging is astrong musical culture,helped by artists such asAdele and Joss Stoneperforming here. Joss Stoneperformed in Tunisia on April12 at the Jazz at CarthageFestival, and Adele willperform at the SummerMusic Festival in CarthageRoman Coliseum in July. We are also experiencing astrong interest in our golfproduct, with the Tunisia GolfFestival in Hammamet lastMarch attracting a highattendance rate.

In what ways are youhelping agents sell Tunisia?Every year we hold 15roadshows for the traveltrade to ensure that agentsare always well equippedwith the latest destinationand product information tobest promote Tunisia.✦


northafrica

Tunisia outlines newdevelopments & emerging trends

GLOBAL CITY tour operator, Urban Adventures hasintroduced a new Gnawa Music Experience tour inEssaouira, Morocco.

Gnawa is a traditional, trance-like style of music withacrobatic dance moves, which is popular in Morocco.Travellers can get a behind-the-scenes look at itsculture and customs as they visit the town's medina tohear musicians playing percussion instruments, go tothe home of a Gnawa dancer to see him perform in anintricately embroidered costume, watch the maalem ormaster of the troupe play the lute-like guembri in hisprivate quarters and visit a zaouia temple where sacredrituals are enacted to drive out evil spirits.

The Gnawa Music Experience lasts for three hoursand costs €70.

Agents can sell the tour on its own or as an add-on toan Intrepid Group tour. For details visit www.urbanadventures.com

Urban Adventures takes travellers behind-the-scenes of Moroccan music

Q&A with Moncef Battikh, head of promotions,

Tunisian National Tourist Office



northafrica

RED SEA Holidays took a group of agents on a recent Nile cruise.The group stayed on the five-star MS Grand Rose and highlightsincluded visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings,Colossi of Memnon and Luxor Museum. Pictured enjoying aGallabeya night on the ship are, from the left: Dany Konsein, TravelPA; Marc Butler, Lincolnshire Co-operative; Rachael Willey, CentralEngland Co-operative; Angela Church and Tracy Deane, ThomasCook; Rachel Perry, Broadway Travel; Kevin Arnold, CentralEngland Co-operative; Janine Bursey, East of England Co-operative;Nia Kallonas, Regal Travel; and Mr Sameh, Cairo Express Travel.Prices for seven nights on the Nile lead in at £599 per personincluding flights, ten free excursions, on-board Egypt specialists,free UK VIP airport lounge access and all-inclusive board basis.

Classic attributes Morocco'sdiversity to continued successCLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays reports that sales to Moroccohave climbed more than 20% this year and says that thediversity of the product offered by the destination is the key tothe country’s continued success and popularity.

Four of the operator's most successful properties include the25-bedroom riad Palais Sebban in the heart of Marrakech;Richard Branson’s Atlas Mountain retreat, Kasbah Tamadot; theHeure Bleue Palais coastal property in Essaouira; and the all-inclusive beach resort hotel, Iberostar Founty Beach in Agadir.

The company's head of purchasing, Gary Boyer, said: "Wecontinue to see visitor numbers to Morocco increase, andthat’s no surprise given that it’s such an exhilarating countrywith a multitude of different visitor experiences.

"Holidaymakers can choose between the vibrant andintoxicating sights of Marrakech, the golf, spas and beaches ofAgadir, trekking or sight-seeing in the Atlas Mountains and thesurprisingly relaxing feeling of the delightfully authentic andunderstated coastal resort of Essaouira.

"For many years Morocco was seen mainly as a winter sundestination, but certainly for us, our visitor figures are now verynearly an even split between winter and summer. Investmentin the road infrastructure in Morocco has also made twin andmulti-centre holidays, in what is a very large country, easier toaccomplish. Improvements in recent years mean visitors cansee more of the country in much less time."

Three-night breakfast stays in Marrakech at the PalaisSebban start from £402 per person this month, includingflights and private transfers, while seven nights' all-inclusive atthe Iberostar Founty Beach costs from £927.For further information or to book call 0800-087288 or visitwww.classic-collection.co.uk

VIRGIN LIMITED Edition has announcedthat Kasbah Tamadot has recentlybecome the first hotel in Morocco tosupport ‘Pack for a Purpose’, acommunity based project which issupported by hotels and resorts in 56countries around the world.

‘Pack for a Purpose’ providestravellers with up to date informationregarding the supplies needed in thecommunity of their travel destination. Bycreating just a few kilos of space in theirsuitcases and bringing supplies forschools or medical clinics in need, theinitiative allows tourists to create alasting impact on the lives of childrenand families living in the local area.

With the help of ‘Pack for a Purpose’,Kasbah Tamadot is currentlysupporting three local charitable

projects. The first is a crèche in Asniwhich provides a free-of-charge pre-school activity centre for young childrenliving in remote Berber communities.The crèche helps the children tosocialise and learn Arabic and Frenchlanguages commonly used in Moroccobut not always familiar to Berber-speaking children. Asni crèche requiresa regular supply of learning materials,toys and fun activities to ensure morechildren can benefit in the future.

It is also supporting a girl’s boardinghouse in the Atlas Mountains, built totackle the problem of transporting youngstudents to school. The boarding houseoffers girls aged 13–18 the opportunity tocomplete their studies and benefit frommuch wider chances of employment.

The third project is the Eve Branson

Foundation Craft Houses which are setup in several of the nearby villages andoffer training programmes for youngwomen including English and Frenchlessons, embroidering, knitting andother skills to create high-qualityartisan products, from which they cangenerate a small income.

Jon Brown, the operator's managingdirector of Virgin Limited Edition said:“As a company we are committed tofinding new ways to support thecommunities living close to ourproperties. I am thrilled that we areworking with ‘Pack for a Purpose’ tosupport their goal and help the peoplewho live locally to Kasbah Tamadot andUlusaba.”For more information seewww.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com

ANATOLIAN SKY has added a new tailor-made option to itsMoroccan programme, as well as new boutique and riad stylehotels for 2014/15.

New additions include tailor-made holidays that combineEssaouira and Agadir, with a seven-night break leading in at£729 per person; the Riad Capaldi Hotel in Marrakech, with athree-night stay from £709; the Riad Palais Khum inMarrakech, with three nights from £549; and the Taj Palace inMarrakech, with three-night stays costing from £849.

All prices are based on two adults sharing and includeflights from a selection of UK airports. For more information or to book visit www.anatoliansky.co.ukor call 0844-273 3585.

Anatolian promotes new riad style hotels

Kasbah Tamadot becomes member of 'Pack for a Purpose’ initiative


Orbital Travel adds three- and four-night Nile cruisesORBITAL TRAVEL has launched three- and four-night Nilecruises sailing on the MS Orbital Royal Esadora.

Four-night cruises depart from Luxor on Mondays and three-night cruises from Aswan on Fridays throughout the year.

The shorter cruises are an ideal way for clients to discoverarchaeological sites whilst spending time relaxing on a five-star Nile cruiser. Travellers can experience 6,000 years ofhistory as they cruise the Nile Valley, exploring the Pharaoh’stombs in the Valley of the Kings as well as visiting the greattemples of Karnak and Luxor on the East Bank in Luxor, theTemple of Queen Hatshepsut on the West Bank, and theimpressive temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.

The company's managing director, John McCallum, said:“These shorter cruises offer great flexibility as you can stillsee some of the ‘greats’ of Ancient Egypt whilst relaxing on acruise as well as other highlights. Egypt still manages tooffer exceptional value for money and to be able to see all ofthese incredible sites in just four or five days is amazing.”

The cruises can be combined with a stay on one of the RedSea Resorts or a stay in Cairo to visit the Great Pyramids atGiza and the Egyptian Museum.

Prices for a three-night cruise on full board lead in at £209per person and include nine excursions with a qualifiedEgyptologist and transfers, commissionable at 15%. Flightsare excluded.

The company offers five, five-star Nile cruisers includingMS Orbital Royal Esadora, MS Monica, HS Nile Vision, MSMayfair and MS Orbital Goddess.

2014/15 highlights

northafrica


Travel The Unknown highlights threeMoroccan tours with prices from £1,395TRAVEL THE Unknown is highlighting three tours inMorocco.

They include a 13-day Classic Morocco tour whichfeatures a trip around the major sites of Moroccoincluding Marrakech, the Imperial Cities of Fez andMeknes, the coastal fishing town of Essaouira and acamel ride in the Sahara Desert, with prices leading inat £2,095 per person.

A 14-day Southern Morocco Explorer takes visitorsoff-the-beaten-track into the Anti Atlas Mountains andBerber villages to lesser-seen Atlantic coastal towns,with a relaxing break sipping sundowners at a luxurycamp in the Sahara desert, with prices from £2,295.

Meanwhile, an eight-day Exotic Flavours of Moroccotour is suited to clients with an interest in bothsightseeing and food, with highlights including spiceshopping in the souks of Marrakech and cooking classesfrom local chefs in Fez. Prices lead in at £1,395.

Tours are commissionable to agents at 10% and allinclude ground transport, accommodation, some meals,entrance fees, activities and English speaking guides.Flights are excluded. For more information seewww.traveltheunknown.com/morocco

Tourist authority launches e-learningcourse for agents & operators

THE EGYPTIAN Tourist Authority (ETA) has launched anonline training programme for tour operators and travelagents selling Egypt as a holiday destination.

ETA has partnered with online training programmespecialists OTT (Online Travel Training), to design thecourse which aims to encourage more sales to thedestination by assisting agents to confidently sell Egypt.Agents completing the course will go through a series ofmodules that have a minimum pass mark which needsto be met in order to receive a certificate of completion.

As an added incentive, ETA will enter the first 100individuals who complete the course into a prize draw,from which two people will win an all-expenses paidfam trip to Egypt for themselves and a guest. The touristauthority is also running a quarterly agent competitionto win a seven-day fam to the destination for two,including flights, accommodation and transfers.

Covering a range of topics from Classic Egypt to theRed Sea Riviera, beaches to diving, desert safaris to golfand spas, the course will ensure operators and agentshave a greater knowledge about the many differentaspects that makes Egypt a fascinating destination.

The ETA's UK & Ireland director, Omayma El Husseini,said: “We’ve designed the course to give the travel tradethe opportunity to easily get under the skin of Egypt.The course provides all the necessary information toenable travel agents to effectively sell the destination.

“Additionally, it will allow us to understand whatareas the trade are interested in selling, be it Nilecruises, family all-inclusive holidays or spa andwellness.”For more information visit www.egypt.travel,www.gotoegypt.org and ott.travel


Riviera Travel welcomes 10% rise in salesRIVIERA TRAVEL, which features three tours that encompass North Africa ingeneral, (Carthage, Roman Africa & Moorish Tunisia; Imperial Cities OfMorocco; and Marrakesh & The Atlas Mountains) reports that its mid-haulprogramme of tours is going from strength to strength, despite the politicalclimate in certain areas. It also reports that its 2014 departure figures are upby approximately 10% year-on-year.

As an example of prices, the operator's six-day Carthage, Roman Africa &Moorish Tunisia itinerary leads in at £699 per person and offers selecteddepartures in September and from April to November 2015.

The fully escorted tour includes scheduled flights from Heathrow,accommodation in five-star hotels with breakfast and dinner, plus one lunch;visits to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites; a guided tour of Hannibal’s andRoman Carthage; a visit to Sidi Bousaid; a guided tour of the Bardo NationalMuseum; and a tour of Tunis. For details email [email protected] or see www.rivieratravel.co.uk

Nile cruising attracts tourists seeking a value breakDISCOVER EGYPT reports that there is no better time to holiday on the Nileor in Upper Egypt, as tourists benefit from good value packages and thechance to explore historic attractions without the usual crowds.

The operator is highlighting seven-night Nile cruises on the five-stardeluxe Royal Viking, the latest arrival to Viking Nile Cruises' fleet.

Prices, based on a full board basis and including ten guided excursionsand transfers, lead in at £899 per person based on two sharing. The priceincludes a saving of £200 per person on published rates and directscheduled flights from Heathrow based on travel up to September 22.

The Royal Viking offers four sets of interconnecting family cabins, eachwith a separate bathroom, for children aged eight-18, ideal for families witholder children.

The ship also features 68 air-conditioned cabins with large Frenchwindows, a balcony rail, plus plasma TVs with satellite channels; a mainrestaurant; two bars on the sun deck; plus a lounge bar, massage room,sauna and exercise facilities.For more information visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:Which person (past or

present) would you neverwant to meet?

Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] Hindley

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] Bundy

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected]

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] Maker. Oh, and Nicky Campbell

Sales Director: Simon [email protected] tooth fairy

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected], I would have him exterminated!

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected], Cyrus...examples of too much, too young and nowthey're rebelling in the naffest way. Dull.

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] Cowell

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected]

Sales Executive: Matt [email protected] Matthews

Senior Designer: Nicky [email protected] Disick

Assistant Designer: Lee [email protected] McDonald

Production: Erica Sesay [email protected]

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]

Crossword:Across: 1. COSTA, 3. ACCOR, 5. LIAM NEESON, 7. AVIS, 9. SINTRA, 11. RUSSIA, 12. MAUI, 14. SIX NATIONS, 15. JOHN'S, 16. HURON. Down:1. COLLABRO, 2. ARNO, 3. AMÉLIE, 4. CROATIA, 6. RADISSON, 8. IPSWICH, 10. GIANT'S, 13. UTAH.

Highlighted Word: CARACAS

Travagrams: (top) Corsican Places (bottom) Qatar Airways

Where Am I?: Darling River

puzzlesolutions


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 LimitedSubscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseasISSN: 0956-2419

Follow us on Twitter!@TravelBulletin

MOSAIC PALAIS Aziza & Spa inMarrakech is offering a 'Best of Both

Worlds' package. Prices lead in at €2,085(around £1,719) based on a family of four (two

adults and two children under 12) staying for threenights. The package includes a three-course lunch at La

Pergola or dinner at Maroliano restaurant each day (excludingdrinks); a one hour camel ride; and a Hammam spa treatment for

two adults, with a one-hour baby sitter service for children during thetreatment. A half-day guided tour of the medina is an additional €80 per family.

The price is based on a stay in a Mosaic Villa and excludes flights.

northafrica


We’re upbeat

We’re laid-back

We’re Egypt

See you by the Red Sea SHARM EL SHEIKH - HURGHADA

www.egypt.travel

Selling trips to Egypt? Our new e-learning programme is now live!Complete the course and you could be one of two lucky FAM trip winners jetting off to Egypt. Get started...For more details visitwww.egyptiantravelexpert.com


LUXURY

Prices & offers subject to availability

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Egypt5 Barons Palms Resort ALL INCLUSIVE

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Turkey5 Grand YaziciBoutique Hotel AI

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Documents

Travel Bulletin 20th June 2014