Travel Bulletin 20th September 2013

CTO launches LoveCaribbean campaign

for agents

Caribbean

September 20 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,842 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent bulletinfind out what's in storefor Libra this month

bulletin briefingElite Travel Grouphighlights theindustry's hot topics

laplandoperators unveil newtour options, resortadditions plus thelatest deals

9 2710this week

insurance

new research byGocompare.com revealsholiday mishaps

25

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This Week

3 newsnew trend report reveals skiindustry is back in growth

8 notes from normantonfind out what Sandy hasbeen up to lately

9 agent bulletinwhat's in store for Libra thismonth?

10 bulletin briefingElite Travel Group discussesthe industry's hot topics

11 puzzle bulletinplay Su Doku for your chanceto win a £50 M&S voucher

15caribbeanCTO launches LoveCaribbean campaign foragents

23 central & eastern europeoperators & airlinesannounce new destinations& routes

25 insuranceresearch byGocompare.com revealsholiday mishaps

27 laplandoperators unveil new touroptions, resort additionsplus the latest deals

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3www.travelbulletin.co.uk September 20 2013

'Tan-tastic' tourism ispriority for Brits

A POLL by Sunshine.co.uk intothe holiday habits of Brits hasrevealed more about theirpriorities when on holiday,uncovering the very reasonswhy they want to go away inthe first place. The researchrevealed that the top holidaypriority for the majority ofholidaymakers is ‘to get a tan’during their short stintabroad, followed by: torelax/have a break from work(22%); to spend quality timewith friends/loved ones (14%);holiday flings/romances(12%); and create goodmemories (7%).

Of those who said their toppriority was to get a tan, some61% said that they would haveliked to have been moretanned before going home.

More than one in ten (12%)admitted to regretting theamount of time they spent onholiday trying to get a tan anda third said they didn’tactually find the process ofgetting a tan ‘enjoyable’.

THE OVERALL ski market saw positive growth last winterafter four seasons of decline according to findings fromthe Crystal Ski Industry Report 2013.

Tour operators and the independent travel sectorexperienced a 1% rise, with packages including liftpasses, equipment and catering proving popular withconsumers seeking good value and financial certainty.However, the schools market encountered a furtherdecline of 2% year-on-year.

The 2012/13 season finally turned the corner due toideal snow conditions across European resorts, a ‘goodcalendar’ for Christmas and New Year departures, plusan early Easter holiday in March. The overall number ofskiers increased by 5,000 year-on-year (1%) increasingthe number travelling abroad to 899,700 in 2012/13, thefirst increase of numbers since the peak in 2007/08.

The top seven ski operators' market share remainedstable at 84% of the total tour operator market. CrystalSki strengthened its leadership last season with a 1%rise in market share to 34% helped by its value-for-money Ski Plus packages as well as inclusive and earlybooking offers. Thomson Ski saw an increase of about3,000 skiers, while TUI Ski remains the market leaderwith just over 41% share. Hotelplan's increase to 26% (up1%) of the total tour operator market is mainly due toInghams rebuilding its portfolio following heavyreductions in preceding years. Esprit and Ski Total alsoincreased their share marginally. Thomas Cook ownedNeilson remains in third place with just under 12% and a15.8% decline in sold holidays during the year.

● continues on next page

New trend report from Crystal Skireveals ski industry is back in growth

RARING TO GO...Affordable Car Hire recently sponsored a 007 driving experience at Silverstone as part of a charity auction. Pictured is the winner, SteveGalpin from CHR Travel, with partner, Janet Elnaugh (middle) and Lucy Clare (left) and Stacey Evetts from Affordable Car Hire agency sales.

newsbulletin


FFESTINIOG TRAVEL will be celebrating its 40th anniversarynext year and, to mark the milestone, has issued a 2014 editionof its Rail Holidays of the World brochure.

Featuring nine new itineraries, the brochure also features acommemorative 40-day Around the World trip.

After a welcome dinner and overnight stay at London’s five-star St Pancras Renaissance Hotel on May 3, the anniversarytour will include European city tours; an 11-day journey on theTsar’s Gold Luxury train; escorted excursions to the Great Wallof China, Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City and theTerracotta Warriors; a flight to Vancouver with time to explorethe city before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer for a GoldLeafjourney to Kamloops; visits to the national parks of Banff andJasper, with an optional Ice Explorer tour to the Athabasca

Glacier; and a three-night journey on Via Rail’s ‘Canadian’through the Prairies, Saskatoon and Winnipeg to Toronto.

A Maple Leaf service will take guests to the final destination -New York - for a three-night stay and farewell dinner.

Prices lead in at £19,695 per person based on two sharingincluding First Class rail tickets (where possible), special railjourneys, Economy flights from Beijing-Vancouver and NewYork-London, hotel and on-board accommodation as per theitinerary, excursions, transfers, welcome and farewell dinnersplus the services of a tour leader throughout.

Shorter duration itineraries can also be created, with pricesavailable on request. For more information call 01766-772030 or visitwww.ffestiniogtravel.com

Ffestiniog Travel celebrates 40th anniversary with new brochure edition

www.travelbulletin.co.ukSeptember 20 20134

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A BARREL OF BOOZE…Agents from Co-operative Travel in Whitbywere the winners of a recent Superbreak incentive for making themost bookings for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo across theNorth East and Humberside region. Pictured with their prize of abarrel of booze are, from the left, the agency's Olivia Nobel; KellyGiblin from Superbreak; and the agency's Beckie Dack.

The combined school and student market reduced by2% to 115,700 while the independent travel sectorexperienced a marginal increase in volume of 1%,predominantly as a result of more flight options to theAlps, notably Geneva as well as Jet2 and easyJet intoGrenoble airport.

The report also found that France continues to be themost popular country with British skiers, taking 34.8% inthe 2012/13 season, an increase in market share from34.6% due to improved self-catering accommodation and‘added value’ offers.

Simon Cross, managing director of Crystal Ski, said:“As anticipated, last year the decline in the ski markethas now bottomed out and we are starting to see signs ofrecovery and growth.

“With initiatives from Snowsport England, the indoorski centres in the UK, our own first time ski or boardpromotions and the efforts of resorts in Europe andbeyond, there is a real focus on attracting new or lapsedskiers to the market. This focus, combined with theadditional exposure that the Winter Olympics in Sochi willbring to the sport, should ensure that the growth that weexperienced last season is the start of the recovery.”

● continued from previous page

Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include:

● Enchanting Holidays new 2014 dedicated Mauritiusbrochure, OUT NOW, offers a sensational selection of51 HOTELS IN MAURITIUS. 7 nights All Inclusive from£1349pp. HIGH AGENTS' COMMISSION 13%. Res: 020 8951 3837; www.enchantingholidays.co.uk

● Crusader Holidays part of the Motts Travel Groupcelebrates its 40th Birthday in 2014. The new HolidayBrochure offers over 120 holidays across 17countries. Departures are available from over 120FREE joining points in the South East and HomeCounties. Trade sales have increased by 30% in thepast year. Call 01255 425453 or visit www.crusader-holidays.co.uk.

Mailbox

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


New 2014/15 brochure from Just You offers enhanced product JUST YOU has issued its 2014/15 brochure featuringenhanced product across five distinct categories –Cities, Explore, Escape, Tour and Festive.

The operator’s group sales director Colin Wilson said:“There are now more single people in the country thanever before and we felt that we really needed to take ournew brochure to the next level in offering people morechoice. It’s not just the look and feel behind thebrochure that has changed but also the ethos and theproduct.”

In an ambitious move, the company says that it plansto double sales over the next three years and aims toensure that it stands out as a single travel specialist.

Wilson said: "Our client research has found thatenriching single travel experiences was the mostimportant factor when it came to people deciding tobook a holiday so that’s exactly what we’ve done in thenew brochure. Alongside enhancing the product, thebrochure is categorised into five sections to make iteasier for agents to use and carries a new tag line ‘Wecreate the possibility, you make the personaldiscoveries’."

Prices lead in at £299 for three days stay on a bed-and-breakfast (one night) and half-board (one night)basis at the Novotel in York. It includes a welcome drinkand dinner on the first night, a city tour with a localguide and entrance to York Minster.For more information visit www.justyou.co.uk

Southampton Airport launches weekly ski route to InnsbruckSOUTHAMPTON AIRPORT is set to welcome a newInnsbruck route, chartered by Inghams, on Saturdays fromDecember 21, taking travellers into the heart of the Tirolregion, which is ideal for ski holidays for all abilities.

Ski packages to Austria with flights are available to booknow, with prices from £599 per person for a January 11departure, including transfers, seven nights' cateredaccommodation at the Chalet Arlhof in St. Anton, plus theservices of a rep.

Catered board includes hot breakfast, afternoon tea anda four-course evening meal on six days. For further information see www.inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays

Compagnie Du Ponant launches B2B booking system

COMPAGNIE DU Ponant has launched a new onlinereservations portal for travel agents, designed to simplify thebooking process.

The new portal, at en.ponant.com/travel-agent-centre,provides agents with a simple, quick and direct method ofbooking port to port cruises.

Agents will receive access to the company's portfolio ofcruises and availability, as well as the latest fares andpromotions.For more information call 0800-980 4027.

HOL I DAYSThe home of Mediterranean holidays

Birthplace of Myths & Legends

Greece ABTA No.V5573

byDesign

or visit www.cyplon.co.uk

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PANDA PAIR....Pictured marking the launch of Wendy Wu Tour's2014/15 China brochure is the operator's managing director,Laurence Hicks. The new launch features 40% more holidays andexperiences, as well as 'Special Interest' trips. Fully-inclusivegroup tours start from £1,690 per person including flights,transport, accommodation, all meals, touring with guides,entrance fees and visa fees for EU passport holders. Also new forwinter 2013/14 are Chinese New Year itineraries, offering thechance to spend New Year on a dragon boat, plus a range of familyfriendly itineraries running over the school holiday periods. For alimited period, clients can save up to £300 per couple on selectedChina group tours in 2014 for bookings made by October 31, fortravel between March 1 and August 31, 2014. For details see www.wendywutours.co.uk or call 0844-499 3899.


S02 TB2009 News 1_Layout 1 17/09/2013 16:00 Page 5

NEW ADDITIONS in Turkey have been made to OlympicHolidays' Summer Sun 2014 programme including thefive-star Majesty Mirage Park Resort in Kemer, where aseven-night all-inclusive holiday leads in at £469.

The company has also added two four-star hotels inOlu Deniz: the 16-room Nirvana Boutique Hotel, where aweek's bed-and-breakfast costs from £459, and the 41-room Belcehan Deluxe Hotel, which leads in at £405 fora week's breakfast stay.

Three-star programme newcomers are the all-

inclusive Yel Holiday Resort in Ovacik Hisaronu and twoin Marmaris: the all-inclusive Blue Lagoon Hotel andself-catering Golden Orange Apart Hotel.

Meanwhile, the operator is offering seven-night guletcruises from Marmaris and Bodrum next year, withprices ranging from £540 out of Bodrum in October upto £750 out of Marmaris in August, on full-boardarrangements.For more information call 0844-499 4449 or seewww.olympicholidays.com

HEADWATER SAYS it expects to offer the use of electric bikes on selected European cyclingholidays next year.

The operator introduced the use of electric bikes on a trial basis across eight of its cyclingtours in Italy, Portugal, Austria and Switzerland earlier this year due to increasing demand.

Clients who wish to upgrade from a normal bike to an electric bike on the cycling tours will payan additional supplement of £50 per person.For details call 0845-322 4672 or email [email protected]

Headwater announces launch of electric bike options

Olympic adds new properties in Turkey to Summer Sun 2014 programme


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Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

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TravelBulletin

Newsbites● DIXONS TRAVEL has unveiled its new concept store at Heathrow Terminal 5, which is

scheduled to open in June next year. The new store will offer the latest tech alongside holidayessentials in a future-facing layout and will feature state-of-the-art digital signage and aKNOWHOW service bar.

● THE NEW World Travel Market App is now live and features a full event schedule, exhibitorand visitor listings, social networking, a floorplan and speaker listings. It is available todownload for free from http://showcase2.eventgenie.com/wtm/?f=1

● BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS has launched its Top 50 hotels for 2014, now all bookable online atwww.belleair.co.uk/agents for holidays up to August 2014. The site gives agents the chance tobook their clients early to secure their exact holiday requirements, on the date they wish anddeparting from the airport they prefer.

● GULLIVER'S MILTON Keynes has added a new Nerf attraction. The interactive play zone offersNerf blaster fun in a purpose-built environment and includes a Nerf blaster target range anda combat zone. For details see www.gulliversfun.co.uk

● PARK RESORTS has joined with Wifinity to deliver the latest in superfast WiFi to all 39 of itsholiday parks.The enhanced WiFi signal will be available from early next year for free in thecomplex and club areas, and the company is also looking to bundle wireless access as part ofits online holiday purchase process. For details see www.park-resorts.com or call 0843-3088767.

● ICELOLLY HAS completed a £17million management buyout backed by Palatine Private Equity.● EBOOKERS.COM IS running a 'Travel Happier Sale' giving customers discounts on holiday

breaks, including up to 50% off hotels, until September 30.● ETHOS MARKETING has announced its appointment as the UK office for Majeka House in the

historical town of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

BROADWAY BEATS...Off Broadway Travel, a member of The Global Travel Group, recently received a visit fromthe group’s Carly Charteris and Dave Kneale (left) from Premier Holidays, which has recently launched its2014 US brochure. Pictured marking the new launch with Dave and Carly is the travel agency's Mark Beattie.


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Adventurous honeymoons from KuoniMORE MULTI-CENTRE and adventure honeymoons havebeen added to Kuoni’s new weddings and honeymoonsbrochure for 2014.

Combining two or three destinations in one trip is agrowing trend for honeymooners, and the new brochurefeatures more options including an adventure tour ofChile combining the capital, Santiago, with Patagonia andthe Atacama Desert. It also includes San Francisco andHawaii, Sydney and Fiji plus the Serengeti and Zanzibar.

More luxury ‘mini-moons’ closer to home in Europe arealso featured for the first time, plus new hotels inGreece, Cyprus, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Civil partnerships and blessings are also available witha variety of options in New York and Canada for theceremony, while personal travel experts can offer adviceon hotels and destinations that offer blessings and same-sex honeymoons.

A&K adds Italy's Dolomites for winterABERCROMBIE & Kent Villas is expanding its portfolio ofski chalets this winter to include a collection of propertiesin Italy’s Dolomites.

As examples, Chalet Iergl in the village of San Cassiano,is a four-bedroomed farmhouse which offers childrenunder the age of eight a free lift pass, while the PenthouseAlpina, located within minutes of the main ski lift, is a two-bedroomed hideaway and offers guests the use of facilitiesat the Relais & Chateaux Rosa Alpina Hotel and Spa. To theeast, San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge sleeps up to ten and issituated within a 42-acre estate which features a golf course.For more information visit www.akvillas.com

MADE A sudden decision after the cold spell that Iwanted to get away for a few days for some sun. Idecided on my favourite place, Gouves in Crete,

but sadly the Kaissa Apts were full. The only flights Ifound that were suitable were with easyJet and I have tosay they were brilliant – fast and friendly check-in. And Iliked the fact that she mentioned it was quite a long walkto Gate 15 (for the sake of £3 fastrak was brilliant). I musthave walked straight past at least 45 people! When I wason easyJet’s site I also had a look at whataccommodation they had in Gouves. Villa Marie KellyApts was on there, which is in a great quiet spot and nottoo far to walk to my favourite restaurants – Ilios forlunch as it’s close to the beach and 2Friends andParadise. I’ve said it before but the food at the Paradise issecond to none! Can’t wait to go back again.

Attended a good night at the Wendy Wu event in Leeds.They have some lovely brochures, especially the oneswith animals on the cover, and they have a special offerin their China brochure that if you book by 31st Octoberto travel between 1st March and 31st August 2014 youcan save £150 per person. I think the brochures aresome of the best looking around and they have a fantasticrange of holidays. Not wishing to be controversial but I dowish tour operators that deal with countries like Chinawho are largely responsible for the decline of the tigerdue to their medicinal beliefs would try and dosomething to protect them. The same goes for operatorswho offer holidays to places where the elephants andrhinos etc., are being killed for their tusks. Theseoperators could do so much to protect the wildlife if theyput their mind to it. And I think customers would be moreinclined to book with a company that showed they caredrather one that did nothing – just a thought! – I knowkeep them to myself!

‘The odd thing about inspiration is that it usuallycomes after, not before a new journey is started’ and‘Thoughts become things, choose the right ones’.

by SANDRA MURRAYin Normanton, Yorkshire

Notes from

Normanton...

To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email

jill. [email protected]

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www.travelbulletin.co.uk

WEBSCLUSIVES● Brochure of The Week: Enchanting Holidays

presents Enchanting Mauritius 2014, featuring aselection of 51 hotels and offering an agents’commission of 13%. Go towww.travelbulletin.co.uk to view in digital format.

● Carnival Cruise Lines 2014-15 brochurefeaturing amazing cruises to the Caribbean,Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and Panama.Can be viewed in digital format at:www.travelbulletin.co.uk/brochures

● The 2014 brochure from IntoRussia (formerlyIntouristUK) can be viewed in digital format atwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/brochures

All this and more at:

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go


● CARRIER IS offering one agent and their guest thechance to see Rihanna live in Barbados as part ofan incentive launched alongside the BarbadosTourism Authority. The prize includes flights fromLondon, three nights’ accommodation at the ColonyClub and tickets to the concert on November 1. Tobe entered into the draw, agents must make abooking to the destination with the operator beforeSeptember 28. The operator will offer two entriesfor any 2013 booking, which can also be combinedwith a current incentive where agents can earn upto £300 on bookings. For details call 01614-921354 or visitwww.carrier.co.uk/traveltrade

● UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29, agents who book transfers,airport lounges, attraction tickets and tours withTravelCube will be entered into a weekly prizedraw. Prizes include two Tumi – Just in CaseTravel/Duffel Bags, four Molten Brown JetsetterToiletry Sets and two Kindle Fires. Winners will beannounced weekly and notified by email.For details see www.travelcube.com

● A2BTRANSFERS HAS launched a Septemberincentive where it is giving agents who enter itsonline competition while making bookings thechance to win Amazon vouchers. The winners in thedaily draw will be able to instantly claim their prizewith no limit to how many prizes an agent can win.Alongside Resort Hoppa, the company has alsolaunched an end of summer sale where agents can

find savings on a range of shuttle and privatetransfers. For details email [email protected] [email protected]

● AGENTS CAN hit the High Street again this month asTravel 2 has brought back its 'Every Day’s a Pay Day'incentive, with guests also able to receive anadditional bonus voucher for bookings that includeBA or American Airlines flights. From car hire topackage cruise bookings, agents can earn between£5 and £50 per booking. Details of qualifyingbookings made until September 30 should beemailed to [email protected] within sevendays of booking and should include name, address,booking reference, lead name and travel dates. For details visit www.travel2.com

● BALES WORLDWIDE has added a 'Rhythms ofCuba' tour to its 2014/15 programme, and othernew additions include itineraries to Morocco, India,Sri Lanka, Indonesia, South Africa, Kenya, Chinaand Egypt, as well as Responsible Tourismholidays. To mark the launch, the operator is givingagents the chance to win an iPad Mini when theymake a booking by September 30 and register it atwww.vhols4agents.com. To entice clients to book,the company is offering £200 off all new tours fromthe programme and £100 off any existing tours onall bookings made until September 30. For details call 0845-057 0600 or visitwww.balesworldwide.com

SUPER FRIENDS...Fans of Jessie J and Will.i.am are beingoffered the chance to win tickets to see them live at London’sO2 Arena as part of Superbreak's overseas booking incentive.Four pairs of tickets for each gig are up for grabs, with Jessie Jperforming on October 30 and Will.i.am performing onDecember 5. To enter the prize draw, agents need to book anyoverseas package between now and October 18 and emailtheir booking reference to [email protected], statingwhich act they would prefer to see. Pictured is the operator’sGraham Balmforth with his famous friends. For details call0871-221 4444 or see www.superbreak.com/agents

Booking incentives

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

ANY FINANCIAL issues with family members orfriends of the family need to be sorted out onceand for all, particularly next month. Draw up aplan and stick with it to see you through therough. Expect to meet new people in the nextfew weeks - but be warned about getting tooclose too quickly. Know who you are dealing withbefore jumping in with both feet.

Lucky day: Friday

Lucky number: 33


agentbulletin


AUTUMN IS officially here! According to the MetOffice, autumn starts on September 1 and theyhave confirmed that we have had one of the

warmest summers on record. Temperatures in thesummer months of June, July and August have madeit one of the top ten warmest summers since recordsbegan back in 1910! We often hear talk of us havingan Indian Summer but in order for this to happen, theMet Office states that we need to have warmtemperatures in October and November: and therewas I always thinking that November was winter-time!All that I do know is that as soon as we get decentwarm weather in this country, it plays havoc withbooking patterns for overseas holidays. For those ofus struggling to make a living out of outboundtourism therefore, nice weather here is notnecessarily a blessing in disguise!

I think that the whole of the UK travel industry,whether involved in outbound or inbound tourism, owes ahuge debt of gratitude to the 285 MPs who voted againstthe UK having any involvement for the time-being intaking military action against Syria. I never thought that Iwould say a 'thank you' to MPs! The two biggest liesaround are ‘Trust me – I’m a politician’ and of course‘The cheque is in the post!’. What is it with our recentbatch of Prime Ministers who seem never happier unlessthey are war-mongering! All of us employed in travelknow the havoc caused whenever there is any militaryconflict, especially one in which the Middle East isinvolved. It causes huge uncertainty amongst thetravelling public as it raises massive concerns about thesafety of air travel, possible bombing campaigns or likelyretaliation against holders of British passports.

People often ask me: what is the point of a travelagent? Having been selling holidays for far too long (onecould walk across to France when I started in thisindustry!), there is still nothing more satisfying thanseeing long-standing clients who want to arrange aspecial holiday but starting with a blank piece of paperas they have no idea where to go! Yes: they could look ont’internet and fill themselves with lots of ideas thatwould just cause total confusion. As Maureen Lipmansaid for years in the BT adverts: “It’s good to talk!”. Ihave just seen some lovely clients who want somethingspecial for their Golden Wedding anniversary. By thetime we had chatted over coffee and had travelled all

over the world, they were really excited about one of mysuggested destinations that they had never evenconsidered – Sri Lanka. I will now put together a verynice tailor-made holiday for them and I am confident thatI will come up with something that will really appeal tothem. If this does not work out, I will fall back on myother two suggestions for them which they equally liked:Costa Rica or Namibia combined with South Africa. Theirparting words to me were: “That is why we come to you:not knowing where to start, you have come up with threeholiday ideas – all of which have got us excited!”. THAT isthe point of a travel agent for the doubters!

I am full of anticipation about our Travel Conferencefor Independents, run by the Elite Travel Group inEdinburgh over the weekend of 4th to 6th October.Interestingly, when I asked our members whether therewere any specific topics that they wanted to be includedon the agenda, the main items still were: changes to thePackage Travel Directive and continuing evolvement ofthe current ATOL scheme. These have been discussedfor years at conferences but still travel agents want to beconstantly updated. We have listened to our members:Noel Josephides from ABTA and Andy Cohen from theCAA will be there speaking and taking loads of questionsfrom the floor. And to spice things along a bit we haveSimon Calder from The Independent – never one to shyaway from controversy! Any independent travel agent iswelcome to join us. A good time will be had by all and asthey say in Great Expectations: ‘What larks, Pip!’.

Neil W Basnett, chief executive at Elite Travel Group, says that the recent warm weather hasn'tnecessarily had a positive impact on business...

bulletinbriefing

“As soon as we get decent warm

weather in this country, it plays

havoc with booking patterns for

overseas holidays. For those of us

struggling to make a living out of

outbound tourism therefore, nice

weather here is not necessarily a

blessing in disguise!”


Industry Insight by...


puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Region shared by Argentina and Chile.

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, September 26th. Solution and new

puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 6th September is Melanie Wells, Fred Olsen

Travel in Bury St. Edmonds.

September 6 Solution: A=3 B=2 C=5 D=8

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 128

Travagrams

Across 1. Worldwide hotel chain (6)4. Capital of Latvia (4)8. Safari specialists ___ Holidays (5)9. Scenic Costa Blanca resort (5)10. State capital of California (10)14. Capital of Aruba (10)18. Highest mountain in the British Isles,

Ben ___ (5)20. Major resort city on Biscayne Bay (5)21. Sexagenarian out of retirement with her

new album, Closer to the Truth (4)22. Island group, sounds like a bird (6)

Down 1. Hurry to see this fast-moving film at a cinema

near you (4)2. Popular Kenyan holiday destination (7)3. Capital of Senegal (5)5. Type of accommodation (3)6. Rainforest and river (6)7. First name of Countryfile farmer / presenter (4)11. This card can be high or low (3)12. Falls between America and Canada (7)13. Alcoholic drink, named for a French town (6)15. English singer / songwriter, ___ Stone (4)16. Apia is the capital (5)17. Word following the name of six of this

season's Premiership football teams (4)19. Cinema chain (3)

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

Su Doku

Num

ber:

128

This airline is the national flag carrier and largest airline of the country.

A stay with at one of this group’s hotels will stop you feeling ‘Blu’

A Faraway Citron Sushi

Absurd Lions

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


ENCHANTING HOLIDAYS has issued itsnew 2014 dedicated EnchantingMauritius brochure.

The operator's head of product,contracting and marketing, ShafiqueCockar, said: “The brochure featuresthe largest selection of hotels toMauritius from the UK and is purelyfocused on Mauritius only. We nowfeature a choice of 51 hotels on theisland which ranges from some of themost exclusive resorts to some of themost popular five-star luxury andmedium standard hotels.”

New hotels include Dinarobin,Paradis, Trou aux Biches, Shandrani,Outrigger, Centara Poste Lafayette,Centara Grand Azuri and Zilwa Attitude.The brochure also features specialoffers -from early booking and weddingand honeymoon discounts, to freenights and child deals. Flights areoffered with Air Mauritius, BritishAirways and Emirates.

Cockar said: “We are dedicated toworking with our trade partners andprovide travel agents with a high basiccommission of 13% with opportunities

to earn higher levels. Throughout theyear we also offer numerous otherfinancial incentives. Our programme toMauritius is essentially a luxuryproduct with an average booking valueof around £5,000 per couple. Therefore,with our base rate being 13%, agentscan earn some extremely rewardingcommission levels.

“Next year we will again be hostingsome luxury fam trips to Mauritius.Agents should watch out for these andalso for our regular and special agencystaff booking incentives.”

FROM WINTER 2013/14, airberlin is increasing thenumber of flights it operates to Russia.

The airline will fly twice daily from Berlin to St.Petersburg in the winter, and on its popular Berlin-Moscow route, the carrier will increase the number ofservices on offer by one additional flight weekly to atotal of 14.

The airline's chief commercial officer PaulGregorowitsch said: "Russia is a key strategic marketfor airberlin.

“By introducing this expanded service we arereacting to the increased demand for flights to andfrom Russia and strengthening our position. We nowoffer our guests a consistent year-round service andprovide excellent connections via Berlin. With thisexpansion we are particularly strengthening ourservice between Berlin and St. Petersburg."For more information or to book visitwww.airberlin.com

airberlin boosts services to St.Petersburg and Moscow

Enchanting Holidays issues dedicated Mauritius brochure featuring 51 properties


newsbulletin

SKIERS AND snowboarders travelling with Balkan Holidays can nowtake advantage of a new winter charter flight from Glasgow whichcommences on December 22 through to March 30, 2014. Winter sportsfans will also be able to take advantage of special offers and bookingincentives including a free night skiing in Pamporovo, Bulgaria, stayingat the Hotel Perelik; free lift passes in Bansko and Borovets; freeski/board storage in Bansko, 50% off full ski and board packs inBansko, staying at the Strazhite, Pirin, Bansko and Mura Hotels; 50%off full ski and snowboard packs in Borovets, staying at the Hotel Rila;early booking discounts of up to £147 per couple; a 5% loyalty discountfor previous customers; free child places; and free luggage allowanceof 20kg on Bulgaria charter flights.See www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents or call 0845-130 1114.

LOVING LONDON…The Original Tour recently held a ‘We love London’party at DSTRKT in the West End to celebrate beating its ownpassenger forecasts for the summer. According to Mayor of LondonBoris Johnson, 3.4million visitors came to the city in the first threemonths of this year, a 4.2% boost on the same period last year. In thelast 12 months, the company has also been named SightseeingProvider of the Year 2012 by UKInbound and has invested more than£6million in more than 30 new sightseeing buses, all of which havelow-floor wheelchair access and a new commentary system.Pictured toasting the company’s success are, from left to right, ColinAtkins, The Original Tour; Elaine Lumley, Evan Evans Tours; and AshKennedy and Marc Brasó from Axis and Globe Travel.

BRAND USA has launched a new Music, Culture &Heritage module on the USA Discovery Program – therecently launched online training site for agents in theUK and Ireland.

Housed at www.usadiscoveryprogram.co.uk, the toolenables agents to learn about destinations andexperiences available in the US and take interactivequizzes.

Once users have completed the Regional Expertbadge, which ensures basic knowledge of the US statesand territories, agents can then take specialist moduleswhich focus on various experiences and holiday themes.

The USA Culture & Heritage Specialist badge focuseson the music, arts and historical experiences across theUS and joins three existing modules – Big City Buzz,Great Outdoors and Winter Sports.

To celebrate the launch of the new module, BrandUSA is giving one agent the chance to win two VIPtickets to see Will.i.am in concert at The O2. To be inwith a chance of winning, agents need to complete thenew module before the end of this month.

Win VIP tickets by completing BrandUSA’s new Culture & Heritage module


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CTO launches Love Caribbean campaign for agentsTHE CARIBBEAN Tourism Organisation is kicking off this year’s Caribbean Month withthe launch of a new campaign, Love Caribbean, designed to help agents sell thedestination by providing them with a range of special offers in themed leaflets, whichcan also be used as promotional display materials.

The tourist office’s director of marketing UK & Europe, Carol Hay, said: “As aregion, the Caribbean really values and understands the importance of travel agents.We want to encourage them to love the Caribbean as much as we do by providinginspiring offers and materials to help sell the destination.”

The tourist office is distributing the special offers and e-leaflets to agents to displayand email to their clients and can be downloaded fromwww.caribbean.co.uk/specials/LoveCaribbean.aspx and viewed online atwww.caribbean.co.uk/specials

To mark the campaign launch, the CTO is giving away shopping voucher prizes forparticipating agents. Prizes up for grabs include £300 worth of shopping vouchers tothe first two agents to log 20 or more bookings this month; £150 worth of shoppingvouchers to the first two agents to log ten or more bookings this month; and £75worth of shopping vouchers to the first two agents to log five or more bookings.

To be eligible to receive the above prizes, only offers from the Love Caribbeanspecial offers campaign will be accepted as eligible bookings. Agents must also be amember of the Caribbean Training Programme (CTP).

To enter, agents need to download the registration and booking form atwww.caribbean.co.uk/specials/LoveCaribbean.aspx and email it to Ann-Marie Brooksat [email protected] with the subject ‘Love Caribbean Campaign Incentive’.To request materials email [email protected] or call 020-8948 0057.

Cultural packagefrom Grenada'sMount CinnamonMOUNT CINNAMON inGrenada has launchedCamp Cinnamon, acultural experience whichaims to benefit the localcommunity.

For each CampCinnamon Family Escapepackage booked for staysup to October 15, a localchild will attend CampCinnamon free of charge.

The packages lead in at$2,500 (approximately£1,646) and include aseven-night stay for theprice of five in a one-bedroom villa, for afamily of four with twochildren under 16 onroom-only. Alternatively,guests can stay 14 nightsand pay for ten nights. Italso includes two hoursof complimentarybabysitting daily andtransfers.

Camp Cinnamon is $50(£33) per child, per dayand includes a range ofactivities such ascostume making, cookingclasses, pottery, yoga,nature trails and beachtime. For further information visitwww.mountcinnamongrenadahotel.com or email:[email protected]

TO COINCIDE with St Lucia’s first LoveElevated Wedding Symposium, taking placefrom September 26-29, sister resorts AnseChastanet and Jade Mountain are offeringtravel agents and wedding planners attendingthe event the opportunity to experience theproperties first hand.

On September 29 and 30 respectively, AnseChastanet and Jade Mountain will be offering aMade for Romance day excursion with pick upfrom the host hotels in the North of the Island.

The day trip includes complimentary landtaxi/boat transport to Anse Chastanet andJade Mountain, a tour of wedding locations onthe resorts' 600-acre estate with two beaches,including a tour of the two resorts and

complimentary lunch at Jade Mountain. Theresorts' destination wedding concierge willalso be available for in-depth discussion andconsultation.

Alternatively, a small number of hotelrooms have been set aside at Anse Chastanetin conjunction with the Love ElevatedSymposium to allow agents to extend theirstay on St Lucia and spend time at this exotichideaway resort. Agent rates are US$99 perperson per day (approximately £63) in doubleoccupancy inclusive of accommodation, allmeals and tax/service. For more information seewww.ansechastanet.com andwww.jademountain.com

Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain announce 'Made for Romance' famtrip deal for agents & wedding specialists

SANDALS LASOURCE Grenada Resort & Spa is set towelcome its first visitors in December. With 225 rooms andsuites, the oceanfront property will offer all-inclusiveguests the choice of nine restaurants - including thecompany's first steakhouse, three pools, two river poolsand full spa facilities. For more information visit www.sandals.co.uk

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JAKES HOTEL, Villas and Spa in Jamaica is hosting a newyoga programme which runs until November 3, whereguests can take part in twice daily yoga classes withinstructors.

Rates start from approximately £700 per person perweek, including accommodation, classes, meals andtransfers. For more information visit www.jakeshotel.com/yoga.html

THE CONSTRUCTION of the Argyle International Airport(AIA) is due to open for operation early next year.

The new development will allow direct flights from theUK, thereby increasing accessibility and encouragingtourism to the destination. The airport will accommodate

jets as large as the Boeing 747-400s and will allow fordirect flights to St Vincent and the Grenadines from a rangeof destinations including the US, Canada, Europe andCentral and South America.For details see www.svgiadc.com

Jake's Hotel adds yoga programme


caribbean

CARIBTOURS IS offering a seven-night stay at Half Moon in Jamaica from £1,469 per person. The price offers a 25% saving and is based ontwo sharing a superior room on a room-only basis for stays by December 19. Scheduled flights, private transfers, use of a lounge atGatwick and a $150 resort credit are included in the price. For details call 020-7751 0660 or see www.caribtours.co.uk

Virgin Atlantic resumes flights fromGatwick to Trinidad and Tobago

VIRGIN ATLANTIC is set to resume its direct flights toTobago from October 29 until the end of March 2014from Gatwick to Trinidad and Tobago.

Return fares for the weekly flights start from £680per person. For more information see www.gotrinidadandtobago.com

St Vincent and the Grenadines’ new airport set to open early 2014

2014/15 launch of Sandals byFunway brochure FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has launched its Sandals byFunway 2014/15 brochure featuring new resortsincluding Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort &Spa and Key West Village at Beaches Turks &Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.

The company's marketing manager NickTalbot said: “The Sandals by Funway brochure featuresSandals and Beaches Luxury Included Resorts, as well asGrand Pineapple Beach Resorts across Jamaica, Saint Lucia,Antigua, The Bahamas, Grenada and Turks & Caicos. As wellas the resorts, there are fantastic offers including savings ofup to 40% plus free nights to be had. Plus, the all-new SandalsLaSource Grenada Resorts & Spa has a pre-opening offer withsavings of up to 45% plus free nights.”

As an example, a Sandals Luxury Included holiday leads inat £1,655 per person for seven nights at Sandals Carlyle,Jamaica, including flights with Virgin Atlantic, taxes and fuelsurcharges.



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Club Barbados Resort & Spa launches all-inclusive spa stayTHE CLUB Barbados Resort & Spa, the newest resort to join the Elite Island Resorts Group,has launched a spa-inclusive stay option.

Guests can choose five treatments from a specially designed spa menu, featuring avariety of wraps, scrubs, facials and massages. Rates start from $185 per person per night,based on double occupancy, or $269 per night, based on single occupancy. For details see www.theclubbarbados.com

Saint Luciawelcomes CapellaHotels & Resorts THE SAINT Lucia TouristBoard has welcomedCapella Hotels and Resorts,the second large-scaleluxury travel brand for theisland’s portfolio in the last12 months, following SixSenses and its project atFreedom Bay.

Capella will take over themanagement of Discovery atMarigot Bay following itsacquisition by aninternational developmentgroup.

Re-branded CapellaMarigot Bay from the middleof 2014, the resort willfeature 124 rooms, including57 suites, most with theirown private plunge pools,spacious balconies andextensive views of MarigotBay and Marina.

The tourist board's directorof marketing UK and Europe,Jean-Marc Flambert, said:‘We are delighted to welcomesuch a popular brand to theisland of Saint Lucia.Synonymous with luxury, theMarigot Bay property willprovide the perfect basisfrom which Capella can buildtheir brand in the Caribbean,bringing in their famousphilosophy and aconsummate service that issecond to none.’

320-room Ritz Carlton set to open in ArubaARUBA WILL gain another luxury hotel later this year with the opening of a 320-roomRitz Carlton.

Provisionally scheduled to open in December, the hotel is on a Palm Beachfront siteand will include four restaurants, a 15-treatment room spa, two swimming pools, a 24-hour casino and state-of-the-art meeting facilities.

The seventh of the hotel group's properties in the Caribbean/Mexico region, will offerguestrooms with a choice of king-size or two queen beds. A total of 55 suites, includingdeluxe, executive and parlor will also be available, two of which offer seafront viewswith a master bedroom, living room and private balcony with outdoor showers.

The property’s signature Ritz-Carlton Club Level also overlooks the property’scoastline and offers 35 exclusive rooms, with additional personalised services, includinga private club concierge and all-day food and drink choices.For more information visit www.ritzcarlton.com

CURTAIN BLUFF in Antigua is introducing anew kids' club this autumn which will involvetwo sessions daily, five days a week.

The club is aimed at children aged three-tenand activities, which are mainly land based andin resort, will include arts & crafts, baking &cookie decorating, making mock cocktails atthe bar, fishing off the dock, hermit crabhunting, guided nature walks and shelling onthe beach.

There will also be special festive/themedactivities around Christmas/Easter and thekids’ club counts as all-inclusive.

The resort is also introducing a new tennisescape, The Perfect Match: Tennis &

Wellbeing, with tennis and TV stars AnnabelCroft and Andrew Castle, along with tennislegend Owen Davidson. The break takes placefrom November 16-23.

A seven nights for the price of five deal isavailable and leads in at £2,569 per personthrough Western & Oriental, offering a savingof £1,700 per couple. The deal is valid fortravel from October 27 to December 4 and isbased on two sharing a Junior Suite on an all-inclusive basis, including flights and transfers.For details call 020-7666 1234 or seewww.westernoriental.comFor more information on the resort visitwww.curtainbluff.com

New kids’ club launches this autumn at Antigua's Curtain Bluff

caribbean

NISBET PLANTATION Beach Club, a boutique resort in Nevis, is offering seven nights for the price of five plus a free upgrade to full board whichincludes breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The offer is available for bookings made by September 30 for stays up to December 19.Guests booking a stay of 14 nights or more will receive a free upgrade from a Superior room to a Garden Deluxe or Lower Deluxe Premier Suite.For more information visit www.nisbetplantation.com


RIHANNA IS bringing her Diamonds World Tour beachsideto Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana on SaturdayOctober 26.

Music fans staying at the first all-inclusive Hard RockHotel will have the exclusive opportunity to see theBarbados-born star perform some of her chart-topping hits. For ticket purchases see www.uepatickets.com/rihanna oremail [email protected]

HOLLAND AMERICA Linehas launched a new OnLocation initiative, whichaims to give guests animmersive destinationexperience on board andashore.

The winter 2013/14season will be the firsttime guests can experiencethe new programme on theline’s numerous Caribbeancruises.

At each new port of calla Location Team from theregion visits the ship toshare unique, personalinsights with gueststhrough lectures,demonstrations andperformances. They willprovide information aboutlocal customs, the way oflife, off-the-beaten-trackport highlights and localsecrets.

Guests can alsoexperience the flavour of

each destination throughthe programme. The line'schefs use local ingredientsand recipes to createregionally focused menus,whilst guest chefs willcome onboard to givedemonstrations andcookery classes. Guestswill also receive a range ofCaribbean cocktails andthemed mixology classes.

On shore, guests canexperience a range ofexcursions - fromhorseback riding on thebeach, watersportslessons, swimming withstingrays and turtles and4x4 rainforest safaris, tofood experiences, folkloreand historical tours.

As an example of prices,savings of up to £250 areavailable on a nine-nightEastern Caribbeanfly/cruise, with pricesleading in at £1,239 per

person or seven nightsfrom £452.

The cruise departs onNovember 2 on MSWesterdam from FortLauderdale and calls inGrand Turk, Turks andCaicos, San Juan, PuertoRico, and St. Maarten,before visiting Half Moon

Cay for a full day, thenback to Florida. The priceincludes scheduled flights,a one-night shore stayeither side of the cruise,transfers and full-boardaccommodation. Thecruise-only offer is valid forthe seven-night, full-boardcruise.

British Airways to boost flights to the Caribbean

FROM NEXT year British Airways will offer daily flights toand from St Lucia; three weekly flights to and from PuntaCana; six weekly flights to and from Antigua, and fourweekly services to and from Kingston, Jamaica.

Return flights from the UK start from £597 includingall taxes, fees and charges.For further information see www.britishairways.com

Holland America Line announces new ‘On Location’ initiative from winter 2013/14

Half Moon Cay

Rihanna brings World Tour to Punta Cana


caribbean

GUESTS AT True Blue Bay in Grenada will be able to get moreactive from next month with the opening of a new gym and yogastudio. The new venue will offer pilates, Zumba and dance classesas well as yoga and meditation workshops. For details visit www.truebluebay.com

Biras Creek savings with Tropic BreezeTROPIC BREEZE is offering a seven-night half-board stayin a garden suite at Biras Creek Resort in the BritishVirgin Islands for £1,699 per person, based on twosharing.

The offer includes seven nights for the price of five,Virgin Atlantic flights from Gatwick, inter-island flights toTortola and transfers, and represents a saving of morethan £865 per person. The deal is valid for bookingsmade by November 30 for stays up to December 20. For more information call 01752-880880.

TICKET SALES for Fred Olsen’s 2015 Caribbean fly/cruise arenow available.

Guests will have the opportunity to join the 929-guest cruiseship, Braemar, which explores a number of islands includingBarbados, Cuba, Curaçao, Aruba and the British Virgin Islands.

The cruise departs from Barbados on January 12, 2015,with prices from £999 per person (cruise-only), based on twoadults sharing, including all meals and entertainment.

Return flights from the UK start from £780 per person. For more information visit www.fredolsencruises.com

Bookings for Fred Olsen’s 2015 fly/cruisenow available to book



COUPLES PLANNING a wedding can now takeadvantage of four new wedding options atPeter Island Resort & Spa in the British VirginIslands.

A personal wedding planner is on hand tooversee all the details from legalrequirements and paperwork to photography,catering, flowers and some well-earnedpampering for the bride to be.

As examples, packages range from a You &Yours Package, priced at US$1,500 (£1,004),which includes all paperwork and a simpleceremony to The Orchid, the resort's mostexclusive wedding package, priced at $9,500(£6,356) which includes a ceremony in thecouples’ choice of location, two hours of

photography, a Champagne toast for up to 40guests, steel band or saxophonist, three-tierwedding cake and a 75-minute couplesmassage.

The resort also offers a Vow RenewalCeremony from approximately £803, to allowcouples to celebrate their years of marriagealone or with friends and family. It includes adedicated resort coordinator, minister’s fees,bridal bouquet and groom’s button hole, abottle of house Champagne and two keepsake,logo engraved Champagne flutes.

Accommodation prices start from £249 plus18% tax/service per night.For further information seewww.peterisland.com

ITC CLASSICS and sister company ITC Sportshave announced an exclusive luxury PlatinumCaribbean Cricket Cruise taking place inMarch 2014.

Billed as a 'must-do' trip for cricket fans ofall age groups, the Caribbean Cricket Cruisewill take place from March 6-19 and willencompass eight islands, three matches and13 days of sailing.

Guests will spend their nights on theSeaDream, a small, sociable yet spaciousluxury ship which will sail guests from islandto island including Barbados, the Grenadinesand Tobago Cays. During the day cricket fans

will have the opportunity to visit eight islandsof the Caribbean, plus three matches duringthe trip.

Prices lead in at £10,385 per person basedon two sharing a Yacht Club Statesroom. Itincludes Economy flights, transfers, 13 nights’accommodation on SeaDream, all meals anddrinks on board, cricket tickets for each T20match, transfers to the cricket, a celebritycricket host, port taxes and an ITC sportsmanager on hand to answer any questions.To book call 01244-355370 or [email protected] and for further informationsee www.itcclassics.co.uk

Intrepidintroduces groupvalue sailing inthe Caribbean INTREPID TRAVEL hasintroduced two new smallgroup sailing adventureswhich lead in at £920 perperson for a week.

The British Virgin IslandsSailing Trip offerstravellers the chance tosnorkel in warm Caribbeanwaters around NormanIsland, swim with seaturtles at Dead Man’s Bay,discover a sunkenshipwreck near Salt Island,hike around the island ofJost Van Dyke and soak upthe laid-back Caribbeanvibe at lively beach barsand authentic localrestaurants.

A St. Vincent and theGrenadines Sailing Tripincludes snorkellingamong the world’s thirdlargest coral reef at theTobago Cays Marine Park,visits to artisan workshopsand a turtle sanctuary onthe island of Bequia, hikingor biking to the peak ofMount Taboi and thechance to visit Mustique.

Both sailing adventurestake place on modern,skippered yachts with eightberths, and guests aregiven the opportunity tohelp sail the boat if theywish.

Trips depart fromNovember and include sixnights in a twin berthcabin, snorkellingequipment, excursions,breakfasts and lunches(subject to a trip kitty of

60, payable locally).Flights are excluded.

The company is offeringa 5% discount on both newitineraries for bookingsmade by September 30 byquoting the promotionalcode 10320. The discountapplies for travel betweenNovember 1 and December31, 2014. For more information or to book visitwww.intrepidtravel.com/marine/sailing

ITC Classics announces new cricket trip cruise

Peter Island Resort & Spa announces new wedding packages


caribbean

SOVEREIGN LUXURY Travel is offering a saving of up to £875 on a five-starBarbados holiday departing on October 7. The holiday costs from £1,525 perperson and includes two free nights, flights from Gatwick with BA, airport loungeaccess, private transfers and seven nights' breakfast stay in an oceanfront deluxeroom at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion (pictured). For details call 0843-770 4526 or see www.sovereign.com

AMResorts unveils new five-star property in Punta CanaOPENING IN November is AMResorts’ new five-star property, Breathless Punta Cana Resort &Spa. Located in the Uvero Alto region of Punta Cana, the all-suite resort features 750contemporary suites with private terraces overlooking the Caribbean sea, the pools or gardens.

Funway Holidays is offering seven nights' all-inclusive stay at the property from £1,179 perperson, based on travel between October 18 and December 4 and two sharing. Flights withBritish Airways are also included.For details or to book visit www.funway4agents.co.uk or call 0844-557 0626.



AGENTS BOOKING shortbreak packages to Praguecan now take advantage of arange of new add-onexcursions that Superbreakhas introduced. Bookablewhen staying in popularshort break cities, the toursshow off more of the localarea and will ensurecustomers get to see morewhilst away. All tours arefully commissionable andbookable in conjunction withan overnight hotel stay.

New tours that can beadded to a hotel bookinginclude 'Prague Castle InDetail' which leads in at £32per person and offers awalking tour of Europe’slargest medieval castle andits grounds; a 'PragueGrand Tour' for £26, whichcombines a coach tour anda guided walk of the mainmonuments; a 'Prague ByNight, River Cruise' from£48, where a bus will takeguests from the PowderTower to the Vltava Riverwhere an air-conditionedpleasure boat awaits for athree-hour cruise; and a'Prague Castle After Dark'from £19. For more information or to book visitwww.superbreak.com/agentsor call 0871-221 4444.

Prague additionsfrom Superbreak

central&easterneurope

NEXT YEAR the 50-passenger Danube Express will offer three journeys of discovery, exploringsome of Europe’s best-kept secrets. They include The Central European, travelling betweenBudapest and Prague; The Transylvanian between Budapest and Istanbul; and Istanbul toPrague for a ten-day adventure.

The Central European itinerary takes in five countries, six cities and some of Europe’s finestpalaces over a long weekend, while The Transylvanian takes guests from the banks of theDanube to the shores of the Bosphorus, and covers four countries in four days. On TheTransylvania passengers will enjoy sightseeing stops in the ancient capital of Veliko Turnovo andthe centre of rose oil production, Kazanlak, ahead of arrival in Istanbul. Prices lead in at £2,990per person including three nights on the Danube Express with various departures next year.

Prices are based on two sharing a deluxe twin en suite compartment on the Danube Expresswith all meals, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks, all scheduled sightseeing, and theservices of a train manager. Deluxe single accommodation is available at a supplement and add-on services for air or rail travel from the UK as well as hotel accommodation are also available.For more information call 01462-441400 or see www.danube-express.com

Danube Express unveils rail journeys for 2014

15-day ‘Transylvania Tale' tour from Tucan TravelTUCAN TRAVEL has added a 15-day Transylvania Tale to its portfolio which travels fromBudapest to Istanbul through Romania and Bulgaria.

Highlights of the tour include visits to Sighisoara Citadel, Bran castle, Plovdiv RomanAmphitheatre and Selimiye Mosque, and prices start from £1,379 including accommodation,transport and a tour leader.Tours commence in April next year and exclude flights.

WIZZ AIR has added threenew routes to its currentportfolio at Luton Airport.From this autumn passengerswill have direct access to the2013 European Capital ofCulture, the “City of a MillionRoses” and the universitytown of Craiova.

Founded in 1869 by Welshbusinessman, John Hughes,Donetsk, Ukraine is known asthe “City of a Million Roses”and is home to the famous FCDonetsk Shaktar football

team. Donetsk offers manyparks and open public spaces,museums and a planetarium.

Košice is Slovakia’s secondlargest city and is the 2013European Capital of Culture.The city houses the oldestrecorded coat of arms inEurope and is home to St.Elizabeth’s Cathedral, thelargest church in Slovakia.

Meanwhile, university townCraiova is Romania’s sixthlargest city, housingmuseums, art galleries and

religious buildings, some ofwhich date back to medievaltimes.

Simon Harley, businessdevelopment manager atLuton Airport, said: “We aredelighted to add Wizz Air’snew routes to our everincreasing portfolio ofdestinations. Low cost flyinghas made business andleisure travel an affordableoption and the arrival of thesenew services reinforces ourpartnership with Wizz Air."

Wizz Air announces three new routes from Luton Airport

FRED.\ IS offering a Christmas Time Cruise which visits Budapest, Vienna, Linz, Regensburg and Nuremberg on the five-star deluxeAmaCerto. Prices lead in at £1,999 per person, based on a November 25 departure, and include seven nights' cruise accommodation inan outside stateroom; daily tours and excursions; gourmet dining including complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at lunchand dinner; internet access; free WiFi on board; special highlights including lectures, themed dinners and cooking demonstrations;flights; taxes and rail transfers. For details call 0808-250 7052 or see www.fredrivercruises.co.uk

S05 TB2009 Central & Eastern Europe_Layout 1 17/09/2013 17:21 Page 23

REGENT HOLIDAYS has added two new group departuresfor next year, a Kosovo In Depth Group Tour plus a BosniaIn Depth Group Tour, which coincides with the anniversaryof the shooting of Franz Ferdinand (an incident whichstarted WW1).

Prices for the ten-day Bosnia In Depth Group Tour, whichdeparts on June 26, 2014 lead in at £1,485 per person,based on two sharing. It includes Economy Class flightsfrom Gatwick with BA, airport taxes and security charges,breakfast accommodation in three- and four-star hotels,various other meals, transfers and transport, sightseeingwith an English-speaking guide plus a tour leader.

The eight-day Kosovo In-Depth Group Tour departs onMay 24 next year and costs from £1,295 based on twosharing. It includes Economy Class flights with BA fromGatwick, all air taxes and security charges, accommodationin rooms with private bathroom and breakfast as specified,transfers and transport, an English speaking guide,entrance to museums, various lunches and dinners plus atour leader.For more information visit www.regentholidays.co.uk or call 020-7666 1244.

New group departure options from Regent Holidays


central&easterneurope

LUXURY TRAIN Club, which offers 5% commission to agents or from11.5% for groups of more than ten, is promoting a new tour for nextyear, Jewels of Persia, on the Golden Eagle Danube Express.Destinations include Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Iranand the trip can also be taken in reverse. Eastbound itinerariescommence on October 14 and Westbound from October 27, withprices leading in at £13,995 per person, based on two sharing. Pricesinclude one night in Budapest, Istanbul and Tehran; 11 nights on theDanube Express in a deluxe twin compartment; all meals; welcomeand farewell dinners plus wine and soft drinks with meals; a guestspeaker, tour managers; excursions; transfers and all gratuities.

FROM DECEMBER 21, Estonian Air will launch a seasonal airlink between Tallinn and Munich. The weekly flight, onSaturdays, departs Tallinn at 08:00 and from Munich at 10:20local time. The route will be operated until March 29, 2014, withfares leading in at €99.90 one-way including all fees and taxes.

Meanwhile, the carrier reports that between January andAugust it carried 378,040 passengers, out of which 51,976 werecarried in August.

The airline has also introduced a new automatic check-insystem for passengers.

For automated check-in passengers have to enter theirmobile phone number during the booking process. Passengerswill receive check-in confirmation and a link to their boardingpass on their mobile phone at 19:00 the previous evening iftheir flight departs the next day between 02:00 and 11:00, orabout four hours before the flight’s scheduled departure if theirflight departs after 11:00.

Automated check-in is available on the carrier's directflights departing from Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen,Tallinn, Vilnius, Oslo, Paris, Trondheim, Stockholm and Nice.

The airline's ground handling manager Vilma Oras said:“The self-service check-in is becoming a norm and isincreasingly available across a variety of channels includingonline, at airport kiosks and via mobile devices, giving theluxury of choosing where to sit and to print or scan theboarding pass.

"Taking the concept of self-service check-in one step furtherwe have made checking in for our customers even easier.”

Transfer passengers who commence their journey onother airlines' operated flights and connect on the same dayon to Estonian Air’s flights may check-in free of charge atthe check-in desk in the transfer hall, transfer service centreor at the gate.

For automated check-in passengers need mobile phonesenabling internet access to present a readable bar code oftheir boarding pass. In case the boarding pass cannot bepresented via mobile phone, it can, irrespective of ticket type,be printed out free of charge at the check-in kiosk or picked upfrom the baggage drop-off or check-in counter. For more information visit www.estonian-air.com

Estonian Air opens seasonal route between Tallinn and Munich

HILTON WORLDWIDE is offering visitorsto the city of Lodz a unique voyagethrough Poland’s cinematic historyfollowing the opening of the country’sfirst DoubleTree by Hilton, part of HiltonWorldwide’s upscale brand whichfeatures more than 350 hotels globally.

Opening at the site of the Lodz FilmStudio, the newly built DoubleTree byHilton Lodz pays homage to the goldenage of Polish cinema.

Its towering 8,000sq.m glass façadedepicts a scene from one of the manyPolish film masterpieces to have

emanated from Lodz’s famous ‘DreamFactory’ studios. Once inside, guestscontinue their journey through cinematichistory with guest rooms featuring filmmotifs, whilst its swimming pool forms avisual tribute to the works of Oscarwinning director, Roman Polanski.

Simon Vincent, president, EMEA,Hilton Worldwide, said: “HiltonWorldwide has a long history ofassociation with the film industry andDoubleTree by Hilton Lodz builds on thisheritage in an important Europeanmarket. Over the last six years, we have

expanded our Polish portfolio withopenings in some of the country’s mostvisited cities including Gdansk, Krakowand Warsaw and our new hotel in Lodzmarks a superb debut.”

The property features 200guestrooms, a presidential suite,concert and congress hall plus a total ofsix meeting rooms.

An indoor swimming pool and spawith four treatment rooms is alsooffered, along with a cinema room. For more information visitwww.doubletree.com

DoubleTree by Hilton makes Polish debut with latest opening in Lodz

S05 TB2009 Central & Eastern Europe_Layout 1 17/09/2013 17:21 Page 24


CAR HIRE supplier,eRentals.co.uk, is warning ofthe dangers of notpurchasing Collision DamageWaiver Insurance (CDW),following a recent survey thatfound 63% of holidaymakersfail to do so when hiring a carabroad.

The survey, conducted bythe Post Office andsummarised in their carrental report, also found thatthe cost of paying the excessof a car hire policy abroadcould reach nearly £1,200 tothose without adequateinsurance. This excess couldoccur through an accident,the theft of the car or

vandalism to the vehicle,regardless of who may be atfault.

Briony Fairbairn ofeRentals.co.uk said: “Thereis a worryingly highpercentage of people who failto purchase adequateinsurance when drivingabroad; collision damagewaiver is somethingeverybody should have whenrenting a car. Purchasingexcess insurance at therental desk can be costly but,if holidaymakers purchaseCDW prior to their trip it cancost as little as £4.99 a day.However, neither of thesecosts are close to what you

would pay if you had to paythe excess on your policy,which usually starts ataround £400.”

The company says thatmany excess insurancepolicies will cover the excesson the rental agreement forup to £50,000 worldwide,plus the tyres, windscreenand under carriage of thehired vehicle, which are oftennot covered by the basicinsurance you receive withinthe rental cost.

Overall excess chargesresearched in 19 Europeanholidays revealed Turkey andBulgaria had the lowestexcess charges while

Switzerland and Irelandcarried the highest, with£1,064 and £1,186respectively. Some 79% ofholidaymakers also failed totake out excess insurance fortyres, undercarriage andwindow damage if notalready included in theirinsurance, according to thereport.

Briony said: "Notpurchasing CDW insurance isa risk travellers should notbe taking. We should viewthis as a compulsory costwhen hiring a car, not an‘additional extra’.”For more information visitwww.erentals.co.uk

insurance

Survey reveals majority of Brits driving abroad have inadequate insurance

GOCOMPARE.COM HAS compiled a list of the biggestholiday mishaps following its research that found one inten go abroad uninsured.

The findings revealed that in terms of booking, £1,982.90is the average amount British families spend on their mainholiday of the year. Some 93% of British families whoholiday abroad believe travel companies and airlinesunfairly ramp up prices during the school holidays and 25%don't always remember to arrange travel insurance beforegoing on holiday.

In terms of holiday mishaps, 9% of Brits have beenripped off by a local taxi driver, 18% have beendisappointed with their accommodation, 8% have got foodpoisoning on holiday and 6% have needed medicalattention. Other negatives have included ending up inhospital (2%), had something stolen while away (5%) and

have had to stay indoors for at least one day with serioussunburn (7%).

On a more positive note, 14% tried something new onholiday like scuba diving, parasailing or bungee jumping;3% got married and 7% have had a holiday romance.

The company's travel insurance expert Caroline Lloydsaid: "There are some things you just can't insure against,like bad romances, sunburn and hangovers but a surprisingnumber of British holidaymakers have found themselves insituations where a good travel insurance policy could be abig help.

"Unfortunately, 11% of Brits will head abroad withoutany travel insurance whatsoever. Which when you considerthat travel cover for a family of four starts from as little as£10 for a week in Europe it's the first thing you should bepacking."

New research by Gocompare.com reveals holiday mishaps

S06 TB2009 Insurance_Layout 1 17/09/2013 17:24 Page 25

COVER-MORE TRAVEL Insurance haslaunched a new quick-to-quotemanagement system to enable itsagency partners to provide customerswith fast, easy and comprehensivequotes for travel insurance, either in-branch or from their call centres.

The new system offers a suite ofupgraded products and onlinemedical assessment, so agents can,in real time, provide customisedquotes and policies that take intoaccount pre-existing medicalconditions and individualrequirements. Agents will also beprovided with online product trainingand sales support.

The new product includes fourlevels of cover: Diamond, Gold, Silverand Economy. Diamond providespolicyholders with up to £7,500 coverfor cancellation, up to £15million formedical expenses, £2,500 forluggage, and incorporates cruise andgolf cover as standard benefits.

The company's CEO Adam Finchsaid: “Our new quoting system andsuite of customer-oriented travelinsurance products will support ourtravel agency partners to ensure

their customers are comprehensivelyinsured when they travel abroad.

“We believe our new seamlesssystem and products will help ouragent partners to sell more travelinsurance, through a quicker time-to-issue and simplicity-of-salemodel.

"The new products also offertravellers optional extras such ascar rental excess and valuable itemcover, so that agents can createbespoke policies for each customer,and policies are available fortravellers aged up to 84 years ofage."


insurance

HOLIDAY EXTRAS has strengthened its holiday insuranceoffering with a new underwriter, Allianz GlobalAssistance. The new partnership means that customers can benefitfrom the same service that they are used to receivingfrom the holiday add-ons company.

Lee Taylor, chief sales officer for Allianz GlobalAssistance UK, said: “This partnership with HolidayExtras is an exciting and significant one for us, as thecompany is such a well known brand in the UK and isrepresented across multiple distribution channels. Welook forward to working closely with them to continuallydevelop and update the products we offer to theircustomers whether through the website, aggregators ortravel agents.”

Holiday Extras’ bespoke holiday insurance servicesinclude: Latitude, specifically designed for customerswith pre-existing medical conditions; and Cruise Travelinsurance, with flexible levels of cover, designed for alltypes of cruise and coach travel insurance cover.

The company's head of insurance Andrea Clayton said:"We're delighted to be working with Allianz GlobalAssistance and to be making our insurance service evenmore robust.

"It's free to become one of the appointed agents whosell our insurance – and it’s easy to provide our award-winning insurance services for your customers. Even withthis new, improved level of cover, our rates and pricesare staying the same until April 2014.

“You can transfer your customers to us directly forquotes. Then, when it comes to renewing the policy, we

invite customers to renew – and the agent continues toget commission when they do." For more information call 0871-360 2590 or [email protected]

Allianz Global Assistance teams up with Holiday Extras

Cover-More launches quick-to-quote management system for travel agents

Adam Finch

S06 TB2009 Insurance_Layout 1 18/09/2013 10:52 Page 26


lapland

TABER HOLIDAYS has added a new excursion to its four-night ‘Luleå and the Treehotel’ break. Ideal for agents whose customers arekeen to see the Northern Lights, they can now opt to do a Northern Lights tour by snowshoe from Luleå, which includes dinner aroundan open fire in the snow. Following a walk through the Brando forest where they will learn about life in the wilderness, guests willstop to light the fire and cook their evening meal. Away from artificial light pollution, there is a good chance of spotting the aurora ifthe weather conditions are favourable. With one night spent among the branches of the famous Treehotel and three nights in Luleå,prices start from £1,186 and include flights, transfers and accommodation based on two sharing. The optional Northern Lights tour bysnowshoe costs from £195 per person and departs daily from January 6 to April 7, 2014. For details call 01274-875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk

INGHAMS' LAPLAND WinterWonderland programmeruns from December to Apriland features four Laplandresorts: Levi, Ylläs,Saariselkä and, new for thiswinter, Pyhä.

The company offers achoice of high-qualityaccommodation in hotels,apartments, log cabins andcatered chalets andoperates three direct non-stop charter flights everyweek to Kittilä from Gatwick,Manchester andBirmingham.

A range of excursions andwinter activities can bearranged including reindeerfarm visits and sleigh rides,dog-sledding, snowmobiling,snowshoeing, Icelandichorse-riding, NorthernLights viewing, ice-fishingand ice-floating in specialsuits. The operator also

offers excursions to Samivillages and the SiidaMuseum in Inari and canarrange weekly Lappishnights.

As examples of prices, aseven-night package stayingat the four-star Villa ArmasCabins in Ylläs costs from£460 per person on a self-catering basis.

Free child places are alsoavailable and the companyoffers free ski insurance forchildren.

Meanwhile, new forwinter 2013/14, the operatorhas introduced the resort ofPyhä to its programme. Setin Finland’s oldest nationalpark, the traditional resortoffers some of the bestskiing and has seen heavyinvestment in recent yearswith the new Polar Expresssix-seater chairlift to whiskskiers and snowboarders to

tree lined slopes. For aunique experience guestscan ride on a Snow-cat tovisit an Arctic AmethystMine, taking home their veryown lucky amethyst. And forthe more adventurous, IceClimbing on the Tajukangasice fall is also available.

A range ofaccommodation is offered -from a half-board stay at therecently renovated three-star Pyhätunturi Hotel withits ski in, ski out locationfrom £670 per person, to thefour-star Pyhä Log Cabinsset in a wooded locationfrom £474 per person on aself-catering basis.

The company's three- andfour-night Santa breaksoperate from November 28to December 18 fromGatwick, Manchester andBirmingham where familiescan have a private meeting

with Santa and his elves andtake part in an afternoon ofgames and activities at oneof Santa’s workshops. Thereis also the chance toexperience husky rides andreindeer safaris plus aChristmas feast with turkeyand all the trimmings.Guests can stay in a half-board or self-catering hotel,apartments or log cabinsand complimentary thermalsuits and boots are includedin the stay.

Prices lead in at £624 fora three-night half-boardbreak at the three-starCrazy Reindeer in Levi orthree nights at the Ylläs LogCabins on a self-cateringbasis from £619 per person,including flights andtransfers. For more information visitwww.inghams.co.uk/agentsor call 01483-791114.

Inghams adds new resort of Pyhä to Winter Wonderland programme for winter 2013/14

S07 TB2009 Lapland_Layout 1 18/09/2013 10:26 Page 27


laplandTHE SANTA Claus Village in Rovaniemi is currently being refurbished and will open ten new cottages for Christmas this year,

with the addition of an Igloo-hotel which will have the capacity for 20 to 30 tourists. Another 18 rooms will be finished by spring2014, and Santa’s reindeer village will be completed in three years.

For more information visit www.santaclausholidayvillage.fi/destination/

CLIENTS VISITING Santa in Finland this December cantake their child for free with Santa's Lapland.

The operator is highlighting a three-day stay for £649per adult, with the first child travelling for free and thesecond child for £469. The offer is based on four sharinga family room at the Hotel Kieppi in the Lapland town ofSaariselkä, and includes flights from Bristol (Gatwickalso available) on December 2, free car parking,

transfers, loan of thermal outer clothing, a full day in awoodland activity centre with a visit to the Elves andIgloo Fantasia, reindeer sleigh ride, husky-dog sledadventure, sledging, snow-hockey, ice-fishing, a mini-skidoo ride, lunch and warm drinks, plus a privatefamily meeting with Santa.For more information or to book seewww.santaslapland.com or call 01483-791945.

Cosmos Holidays offers range of prizes as agent booking incentives

COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched an agents’ bookingincentive to win a range of presents on a Christmas listto Santa including an Amazon Kindle Fire, a digitalcamera, a Samsung tablet and £100 worth of High Streetvouchers.

Agents booking a Lapland holiday for this winter withthe operator, by October 15, will be entered into a prizedraw to win the list of presents for their agency.

To be in with a chance of winning, email the bookingreference to [email protected] with 'Santa' inthe subject line. The winning agency will be notified onOctober 31.

Meanwhile, early booking offers on Lapland holidaysinclude single parent family offers at selected hotels fordepartures on December 5, 8 and 11; low deposits of£99 per person on bookings made before September 30;and a further saving of £100 per child (aged two to four)on the Ready, Steady, Snow itinerary or children (agedtwo-six) on Santa’s Tinsel Trail.

Prices lead in at £599 per child and £699 per adult fora three-night stay at the Apartments Levistar on a bed-and breakfast-basis, including flights and a range ofactivities based on a December 8 departure fromGatwick or Manchester.

Activities on all Lapland holidays include a privatemeeting with Santa, reindeer sleigh and husky dog sledrides, snowmobile and toboggan rides, as well as anArctic Circle ceremony. All guests receive a presentfrom Santa, a visit to Santa’s Post Office and aChristmas gala feast.

Santa's Lapland announces first child goes free this December


SCANDINAVIAN TRAVEL ishighlighting tailored itineraries toagents whose clients want more thanan 'off the shelf' package.

Suggestions include a stay in aluxury glass igloo with electricrotating bed to follow the night sky;

experience the rainbow of colours inan ice-carved suite at the ice hotel;explore National Parks with a guideand team of huskies; experienceprivate dining where a personal chefdemonstrates the best tastes of theArctic; and opt for a multi-centre

holiday that combines a stay inFinland’s Baltic capital with thetranquillity and natural beauty ofLapland. For more information email [email protected] or call on 020-7199 6010.

Glass igloos

laplandScandinavian Travel offers tailored suggestions to help sell Lapland


We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

If you had to go on holiday on your own

where would you choose?Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] Cornwall...my spiritual home!

Editor: Lauretta [email protected]

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected] where I can meet up with French friends

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected]

Sales Director: Simon [email protected]

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] with my golf clubs. Can I please?!

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected] Winter Ashes Tour or British Lions Rugby Tour. Makeplenty of friends once there!

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] Tour later this year in Australia

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected]

Sales Executive: Matt [email protected], Alaska

Senior Designer: Genaro [email protected]

Assistant Designer: Nicky [email protected]

Production: Nick Salt [email protected] to take my adopted cat back to its homeland

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]

lapland

Crossword:Across: 1. RAMADA, 4. RIGA, 8. SOMAK, 9. DENIA, 10. SACRAMENTO, 14. ORANJESTAD, 18. NEVIS, 20. MIAMI, 21. CHER, 22. CANARY.Down: 1. RUSH, 2. MOMBASA, 3. DAKAR, 5. INN, 6. AMAZON, 7. ADAM, 11. ACE, 12. NIAGARA, 13. COGNAC, 15. JOSS, 16. SAMOA, 17. CITY, 19. VUE.

Highlighted Word: ROMANIA

Travagrams: (top) South African Airways (bottom) Radisson Blu

Where Am I?: Patagonia

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 £105 p.a. £155 overseasISSN: 0956-2419

Follow us on Twitter!@TravelBulletin

FOLLOWING AN increase in early bookings for Northern Lights breaks, Arctic adventuresand small group family Father Christmas and New Year adventures, Nordic Experiencehas added a number of new tailor-made tours including Northern Lights & Snow Fun forAll The Family based near Kiruna in Swedish Lapland. Here guests can ride on a sleigh,mush with huskies, meet real reindeer herders and visit the iconic IceHotel for lunch.Prices start from £1,295 per adult and £895 per child including flights, transfers, fournights’ breakfast accommodation and excursions. The company is also promoting a NewYear’s Eve option at the Nellim Wilderness Lodge (pictured) situated by Lake Inari inFinnish Lapland. Activities include husky safaris, snowmobile drives, reindeer visits andSami culture. Prices are from £1,299 per adult and £1,099 per child including flights,transfers, four nights’ full board accommodation, a New Year’s Eve festive dinner andactivities. The tour departs on December 28.

Lapland adventure and IceHotel from ExodusEXODUS IS promoting a Lapland adventure in Lappeasuando combined witha visit to the IceHotel.

Guests will spend two days learning to drive the dogsleds, build an igloo,and break trails through fresh powder on snowshoes, before ending theweek with a night at the IceHotel.

The next departure is on December 29 and prices lead in at £2,399 forseven days including flights, accommodation and meals. To book or for more information visit www.exodustravels.com or call 0845-863 9601.

TRANSUN HAS launched a new exclusive, adult-only daybreak packageallowing agents to sell the best of Finnish Lapland in a one day break.

The Arctic Explorer package is exclusive to the operator and includesa snowmobile pick-up from the airport, traditional lunch in a frozen-lakeside forest setting, lessons in the ancient art of ‘snow-shoeing’ anda husky sled safari, before a final snowmobile ride back to the airportto catch the flight home.

The company's director of trading Nico Kostich said: “The new ArcticExplorer daybreak package is ideal for agents with customers who havean adventurous streak and are looking for a really memorable,adrenaline-fuelled experience. The nature of being all in one day makesit great to sell for special occasions and the winter timing also means itis a perfect Christmas treat.”

The package costs from £499 per person and includes flights fromGatwick, Birmingham, East Midlands or Bristol airport; in-flight meals;lunch; a full itinerary of activities; and thermal suit and boot hire.

Specially chartered flights depart on December 1 from Gatwick;December 8 from Birmingham; December 17 from East Midlands;December 18 from Gatwick; and December 19 from Bristol.For further information or to book visit www.transun.co.uk/agents orcall 01865-265200.

Transun launches new adult-only Arcticdaybreak package from £499


CHRISTMAS comes

early with COSMOS!

Make a Cosmos Lapland booking for winter ‘13 and email the booking reference to [email protected] with ‘Santa’ in the subject line before 5pm 15/10/13 and you will be entered into a prize draw to win all the presents for your agency listed on the letter to Santa. The winning agency will be notified on 31/10/13.

F

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ABTA No.V0531

Cosmos holds an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) which is

granted by the Civil Aviation Authority.

WIN ALL THE PRESENTS on Santa’s letter

for you and your colleagues....

Dear Santa

All of us at our travel agency

have been very good this year and

have made lots of bookings for

Cosmos Holidays! Please can we

have for Christmas….

An Amazon Kindle Fire

A digital camera

A Samsung Tablet

£100 worth of high street

shopping vouchers

All Cosmos Lapland Holidays include:

A private meeting with Santa Reindeer sleigh & husky dog sled rides Snowmobile and toboggan rides Arctic Circle ceremony

Visit to Santa’s Post Office Thermal suit & boots A present for every adult & child Gala feast with Santa


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Documents

Travel Bulletin 20th September 2013