Travel Bulletin 23rd November 2012

Why diversity, quality and valuemakes Portugal the ideal

playground for all

Portugal & Madeira

November 23 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,804 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent bulletinbecome an Asia Pacific expert &win up to £70 Love2Shopvouchers

W-AITO-Go!Sue John from Sunvil looks atthe value of a representative outon the road

far easta round-up of new brochurelaunches & programmeadditions

cruisingPSA reveals increase inpassengers for UK cruise industry

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OOH LA LA...the Superbreak team visited Tunbridge Wells recently to promote its value Eurostar breaks to shoppers, with local travel agent BaldwinsTravel joining them to show their support. Pictured highlighting the breaks with the Frenchman are Mervyn Willard (left), general manager at BaldwinsTravel with the operator's sales executive, Donna Smithson.

3www.travelbulletin.co.uk November 23 2012

CITY & Guilds has released its Career Happiness Index2012, which offers broad insights into what people in theUK consider to be most important factors contributing totheir happiness at work. The study reveals the jobs thatmake people the happiest and why, painting a picture of aBritish workforce who want flexibility, reasonable controlover their daily duties and the opportunity to use theirskills to tackle challenges and gain rewards.

Of the 2,200 workers surveyed, those in the travel andleisure industries were the sixth happiest profession, with

more than two thirds (67%) saying they were happy intheir job. Some 87% said it was because they got on wellwith colleagues and, perhaps because of the nature of thework, more than three quarters (76%) agree that they liketheir working environment.

Those in the travel and leisure industries also placegreatest importance on feeling valued, with 92% of thosepolled agreeing that being recognised and appreciated fortheir work is the most important contributing factor towork life happiness. Despite this, just under half (49%)agreed that they feel appreciated in their current job.Similarly, whilst 85% of this group of workers agreed thatgetting to use their skills every day is important tohappiness at work, only 59% agreed that this is a reality intheir current role.

Overall, the Index shows that people in vocationally-trained and skills-based jobs, such as hairdressers,gardeners, plumbers and electricians, were happiest -65% compared to 58% of those in largely academicallytrained, office-based jobs. Learning a trade from thebeginning and working your way up also has a positiveimpact on levels of pride, with 68% of those invocationally-trained jobs saying they were proud of theirwork, compared to 62% in academically-trained jobs.

The organisation's group director Nick Bradley said:"Most people spend half of their time working, so wewanted to find out what makes people happy at work andhow that differs by job role. It’s particularly interesting tosee the low numbers of workers in the travel and leisureindustry who get to use their skills every day. Runningparallel to this they are unlikely to feel valued at work.There’s certainly something to be said for putting yourskills to good use and seeing your talents recognised."

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Career Happiness Index reveals travel workers feel under-appreciated

This Week3 news

a round-up of this week’sindustry news & reports

8 at home with eileenfind out what homeworkerEileen has been up to

9 agent bulletinbecome an Asia Pacificexpert & win up to £70Love2Shop vouchers

11 puzzle bulletinplay Su Doku for a chance towin a £50 Hotel Chocolatvoucher

12 W-AITO-Go!Sue John from Sunvil looks atthe value of a representativeout on the road

14 hotel bulletinRotana expands Centrohotels in Middle East & Africa

16 personality bulletinwhich MD claims shepossesses great powers ofpersuasion?

17 far easta round-up of new brochurelaunches & programmeadditions

22 portugal & madeira why diversity, quality & valuemakes Portugal the idealplayground for all

25 cruisingPSA reveals increase inpassengers for UK cruiseindustry

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BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS has issued its first year-round Malta, Gozo & Comino brochurefeaturing more detailed and informative introductions to the resorts on the islands,to help agents choose the ideal holiday for their customers.

Following feedback from trade partners, the operator has introduced more imagesof each of its properties, to make it easier for agents to gain a good idea of theproperties’ facilities, and has added more information on all-inclusive hotels, as wellas more facts and figures.

The new programme also includes the addition of a Costa Favolosa cruiseprogramme. Exclusive to the operator, the seven-night cruise departs from Maltaand takes in Catania, Naples, Savona, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, beforereturning to Malta. Pre- and post-night stays in Malta and Gozo are also available.

The company has also introduced a pricing insert with the new brochure, whichwill be reproduced every three months, making it easier for agents to give theirclients the most up-to-date price for their holiday (currently until October 31, 2013).

The pricing of all-inclusive options have also been simplified into one packageprice, making them easier to read and book, and the insert also includes all pricesfor excursions and transfers, terms and conditions and details of all the latestoffers, including long stay, three weeks for the price of two and early savingsdiscounts (up to £378 per couple).

Seven-night package prices for winter 2012/13 lead in at £199 per person.

Debut year-round Malta, Gozo & Comino brochure from Belleair

www.travelbulletin.co.ukNovember 23 20124

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HAVING A BALL...more than £100k was raised by the ThomasCook Children’s Charity at its first fundraising ball held earlierthis month. More than 300 guests, including celebrities, attendedand helped raise the amount towards making dreams come truefor sick and disadvantaged children across the world. Pictured atthe ball are Thomas Cook's Pete Constanti with celebrities LindaLusardi and Tanya Franks.

New RCI course set to benefit agentsROYAL CARIBBEAN International has launched acomprehensive new training module designed to engage andeducate agents on its newly revitalised Serenade of the Seasand the seven-night Dubai sailings she will be offering tocruisers from January to April next year.

Available on the line’s e-learning programme, Cruising forExcellence Online, the module allows agents to explore theship’s various decks and take part in fun interactive gamesrelating to its Dubai itinerary, featuring quizzes and videos tokeep agents engaged. It also outlines the key selling points ofSerenade of the Seas and the Dubai itinerary so agents canmore easily sell the enhanced ship.

The company’s training & events manager UK & IrelandMichelle Russell said: “Our new training module focusing onthe newly revitalised Serenade of the Seas and her excitingwinter line-up of Dubai sailings is fantastic news for all travelagents. It’s no surprise that agents who continue to stay up-to-date with the latest Cruising for Excellence Online trainingmodules sell the most cruises, so, with that in mind, werecommend agents complete the new module as soon aspossible to maximise their sales.”For more information visit www.cruisingpower.co.uk

Early booking offers from CarrierCARRIER HAS launched two early bookings offers for 2013breaks. A seven-night break to St Lucia staying at TheBodyHoliday offers a saving of up to £1,950 per couple andcosts from £2,090 per person, based on two sharing on anall-inclusive basis. The price includes flights from Gatwickand private transfers and is valid for travel between March1 and October 31, when booked by November 30. A seven-night stay at Domes of Elounda in Crete offers a saving ofup to £820 per couple and leads in at £595 per person. Theoffer is based on two sharing a Garden View Suite withoutdoor Jacuzzi and includes a free upgrade frombreakfast to half-board, flights and private transfers. Theoffer is valid for travel between April 20 and October 31,for bookings made by December 31. For details visit www.carrier.co.uk



All aboard forNational Ferry

FortnightTHE UK’S annualNational Ferry Fortnightwill take place fromMarch 2–16, 2013.

Now in its fifth year,the campaign has beengrowing steadily sincelaunching in 2008.Supported by the 13 ferryline members ofDiscoverFerries.com, thetwo-week showcase wascreated to heightenconsumer and mediaawareness of the UK’sferry services.

This year, NationalFerry Fortnight isencouraging ferryoperators andpassengers to get ‘ferryfamiliar’ and experiencethe value and flexibilityof ferry travel.

Central to thecampaign will be a seriesof promotional offers onferry routes to France,Belgium, Holland,Denmark, Spain, Ireland,the UK, Channel Islands,Isle of Wight, Isle of Manand Scottish islands.For more information seewww.discoverferries.com

VIRGIN HOLIDAYS has launched its USA & Canada 2013 brochure, featuring ‘Rockstar’ benefits,early booking discounts and a selection of new hotels, destinations and tours.

Offers include free access to the v-room airport lounge when staying in a favourite or Platinumhotel in Las Vegas; free nights and room upgrades at various hotels; free additional driver withfully inclusive car hire packages; and teen prices at all San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston andNew England properties.

New destinations for next year include Texas, Atlantic City, Plantation Country and Louisiana,while new trips include a Classic Texas & Louisiana tour, encompassing Houston, Lafayette, NewOrleans, Natchez, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio; and a Lone Star Trail, which includes Houston,Corpus Christi, San Antonio, El Paso, Albuquerque, Amarillo, Dallas and Austin.

Prices lead in at £659 for three nights at the Midtown Boston including flights, departingbetween January 7 and March 4.For more information visit www.vhols4agents.co.uk or call 0844-557 3973.

Virgin issues USA & Canada brochure with 'Rockstar' benefits

LENDING A HAND....AITO Specialist Travel Agents has announced a partnership with internationalwater aid charity ‘Just a Drop’, with the aim of raising £20,000 over the first six months of next year.Pictured helping to kickstart the fundraising campaign, which will benefit more than 6,000 people inUganda, are, from the left: Eleanor Pitts, Just a Drop; Gemma Antrobus, AITO Agents’ panel memberand MD of Haslemere Travel; Oliver Broad, chairman of AITO Agents; and Kelly Railton, Just a Drop.For details see www.justadrop.org

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@tui_travel

On Dec 13th the world willsee its 1 billionth globaltourist for the first time ina single yearhttp://1billiontourists.unwto.org

@bhx_official

Monarch to OperateFlights for MIPIM 2013:http://tinyurl.com/ad3f43t

@On_The_Go_Tours

India welcomes moreshort-haul weekendtourists. http://ow.ly/fjalF

@Monarch

Our new pre-book Wintermenu includes Coq auVin & a buy-on-boardhog roast baguette. Triedit yet?http://bit.ly/mealOB

@mosaicholidays

Our new Egypt & MoroccoLuxury Brochure is out!Time to pop open a bottle& have a sneak peek atour fab holidays!pic.twitter.com/NrvSAqeo

@WindstarCruises

Be the first to sail aboardthe fully refurbished WindSurf and Wind Spirit thisDecemberhttp://ow.ly/fiExp

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

TravelBulletin

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Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau undergoes rebrandTHE PHILADELPHIA Convention & Visitors Bureau hasundergone a process of rebranding.

The organisation has updated its Website, the PhiladelphiaOfficial Visitors Guide (OVG) and the Philadelphia ProfessionalPlanners Guide (PPG), along with its social media propertiesand international guides.

Following a series of focus groups and one-on-oneinterviews, the company devised six narratives from the resultswhich it said defined Philadelphia: Freedom, Democracy &America; Innovation & Education; Creative Spirit; Vibrant StreetLife; Accessible & Friendly; and Outdoor Life & Sports.

Plans to create new solutions for its print and webproperties are now in place, and a creative video asset will alsobe developed to highlight the six narratives and buildawareness of Philadelphia as a modern renaissance city.

The launch of the new travel products is intended to positionthe city as a global destination for meetings and conventions,international visitors, group travel and prospective students.To sign-up for updates visit vip.discoverphl.com or follow the new social media accounts atwww.facebook.com/discoverphl andwww.twitter.com/discoverphl

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CONDOR FERRIES has announced that it willagain begin operating regular sailings fromWeymouth next summer, subject to worksbeing completed on the harbour wall.

As part of its 2013 sailing schedule, thecompany is reintroducing regular fast ferry

services from Weymouth to the ChannelIslands and on to St Malo in France from July17, 2013.

Services from the UK to the ChannelIslands and France will continue to operatefrom Poole until July.

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER has unveileddetails of its new destination, LakeLouise in Alberta.

The new destination features in thecompany's First Passage to the Westroute between Vancouver andBanff/Calgary in 2013, and marks thereturn of a passenger rail service to

Lake Louise for the first time in morethan two decades.

Often referred to as the ‘Jewel ofthe Canadian Rockies’, Lake Louise isset in a small glacial valleysurrounded by mountains, from whichguests will now be able to begin andend their two-day journey. Guests

who choose to stay at The FairmontChateau Lake Louise will be providedwith a complimentary transferbetween the train station and theproperty.For more information call 0800-0606 7372 or visitwww.agent.rockymountaineer.com

G ADVENTURES haslaunched an expanded2013 line-up of 730 tripsin its ‘Earth’ brochure,including tours to 12 newcountries ranging fromWest Africa to EasternEurope.

New countries includeAlbania, Australia, Bosnia& Herzegovina, Croatia,Iceland, Montenegro, NewZealand, Scotland, Serbia,Sierra Leone, Sri Lankaand Sweden.

As an example of newitineraries, a 14-daycultural Sri Lanka trip,travelling from Negomboto Colombo visits anelephant sanctuary andfishermen in Galle, andgives guests theopportunity to learn aboutthe national heritage at atea plantation and relaxon beaches. Prices lead inat £1,279 per person, withdepartures in March andApril and from Septemberto December.

Other tours include aten-day Sierra LeoneUncovered trip based inFreetown, givingtravellers the opportunityto experience village life,local cuisine and arainforest trek, withprices from £1,499, whilea 15-day Croatia and theBalkans itinerary travelsthrough Serbia on itsroute from Budapest toSplit and leads in at£1,399. For more information call0844-272 2040 or visitwww.gadventures.co.uk

Lake Louise addition from Rocky Mountaineer

Weymouth sailing dates from Condor Ferries


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Newsbites● TO CELEBRATE the launch of its new

River Lights cruise, City Cruises isoffering 20% off all ticket prices everyFriday until March 2013. For details see www.citycruises.com orcall 020-7740 0400.

● TOURISM FLANDERS has confirmed itsstatus as WTM Premium Partner for thenext two years.

● HAYS TRAVEL has signed a contract tomove its GDS business to Travelport.

● SHEARINGS GROUP has purchased 30new coaches from Daimler-owned brandSetra as part of a £7million deal.

● SANDALS RESORTS International haspurchased LaSource Resort in Grenada.

● UAE AUTHORITIES have introduced amultiple entry visa for business travellers,property investors and cruise passengersin a bid to simplify the process oftravelling to the region.

● JTA TRAVEL Group has partnered withtravel software specialists Traveltek toprovide services to agents.

● MALTA’S CAPITAL city, Valletta, has beenselected as European Capital of Culture2018.

● THE NAME BAA has been dropped,meaning Heathrow, Glasgow, Aberdeen,Southampton and Stansted Airports arenow to operate solely under their stand-alone brands.

G Adventuresexpands 2013 tripsin 'Earth' brochure

LATA PARTY… pictured are Paulo Senise (left), from the Rio Visitors and Convention Authority and ChrisPickard from the Latin American Travel Association, who recently attended the Rio de Janeiro-themed LATAparty to announce this year’s WTM award winners. They included Inkaterra, which received an award forsustainability; Journey Latin America, which was awarded for its outstanding customer service; MashpiLodge in Ecuador for innovation; and Turismo Chile, for promotional success.



TAILOR MADE Travel's latest brochure includes a rangeof new itineraries and hotels and offers a comprehensiveyet flexible range of holidays, covering exclusive self-drive itineraries, rail journeys, escorted tours andcruises.

For an expedition style adventure, guests can opt for aBluewater Adventure Cruise through the Haida Gwaii inBritish Columbia on The Island Roamer, a 68ft motorsailor with eight cabins and a natural history library. Thecruise departs from Sandspit in the Queen CharlotteIslands between May and August, with a nine-day tripleading in at £3,299 per person includingaccommodation, all meals, an onboard naturalist, fulluse of all facilities and taxes and fees.

A new Heli Hiking in the Bugaboos itinerary exploresBanff National Park, starting in the Fairmont BanffSprings before travelling by helicopter to hike throughthe glaciers of the Bugaboos sub-range of mountains.The eight-day tour, which departs between July andSeptember, costs from £2,725 per person includingaccommodation, two-and-a-half days of heli hiking, allmeals whilst staying at Bugaboo Lodge, transfers, taxes,the use of hiking gear and the services of two certifiedhiking guides.

One of the self drive holidays available is Wonders ofQuebec, which encapsulates the historic cities ofMontreal and Quebec City as well as the Charlevoixregion and includes a stay at Sacacomie Lodge. Ninedays costs from £649 per person.

The brochure also includes two new RockyMountaineer itineraries and 12 new accommodationoptions spanning the whole country. A range of earlybooking offers are available including the newlyrenovated four-star Georgian Court Hotel in Vancouverwhich, if booked by March 31, 2013, offers a saving of upto £31 per room per night. For more information call 0845-456 8050 or visitwww.tailor-made.co.uk

GRAND AMERICAN Adventures has launched its latestbrochure which features 11 new trips for 2013 - from in-depthwalking tours to short-break mini adventures. Alongside thelaunch, the operator is also offering a 10% discount on all newtours booked before November 30.

Four new walking tours have been developed to cater fortravellers of all abilities, with two tour leaders to ensureguests have more flexibility to participate in walks, treks andhikes that are suitable to their abilities.

New tours include a seven-day Grand Canyon & HavasupaiWalk, which departs between May and September, and visitsNevada and Arizona. Prices lead in at £1,199 per person or£2,059 including flights. A seven-day Yosemite, Tahoe &Monterey Walk is also new and departs in July and August toexplore California and Nevada. The tour, which is ideal forwildlife enthusiasts, costs from £1,099 per person and £2,129including flights.

The company's new range of Mini Adventure tours arebased over three or four days and are being highlighted as anideal add-on to a city break. Examples include a four-dayMiami & Everglades option, which departs between July andSeptember and costs from £569 per person and £1,239including flights. A three-day New York to Washington tourleads in at £355 (£875 with flights) and departs between Mayand October, while a four-day Los Angeles & Grand Canyontrip costs from £429 or £1,209 with flights. For more information call 0845-576 1370 or visitwww.grandamericanadventures.com

VILLA VAMP...Half Moon in Jamaica has announced a US$10millioninvestment in its 33 Royal Villas, launched a Blissful Escapehoneymoon package and unveiled special offers for winter andsummer. A seven-night winter break package with The CoutureTravel Company, which includes a US$200 resort credit, leads in at£1,999 per person. Pictured marking the new announcements are,from the left: Aram Zerunian, general manager at Half Moon; SharonLogan, Half Moon; and Donovan Donaldson, Jamaica Tourist Board. For details see www.halfmoon.rockresorts.com

Tailor Made Travel unveils latest Canada & Alaska programme

GAA adds new tours & special offers for 2013

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Visit www.BourneLeisureSales.co.uk for our latest HALF PRICE offers and

to claim your vouchers

Incentive ends: Sunday 2 December

Terms and conditions: Incentive is valid for all new 2012 Warner Leisure Hotels bookings made between 12 November - 2 December 2012. All claims must be received by Wednesday 5 December 2012. £25 Love2Shop voucher is per booking per agent. Vouchers will be sent directly to agency. We reserve the right to withdraw or change this incentive at any time without prior notice. Guests must be over 21 years of age or over.

Warner would like to thank you for all your hard work and support this year... and to celebrate our award winning year with you, we are giving away

A BIG THANK YOU FROM WARNER

Earn £25 Love2Shop Voucher with EVERY 2012 Booking!

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£25 Love2Shop vouchersto every single agent who makes a 2012 booking!

Earn £25 Love2Shop Vouchers

with every 2012 booking

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£50£50£25 £50

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with Eileen...At home

What has homeworker Eileen

been up to this month?

NEVER A dull moment here at “Saunders HQ”. Forthe last couple of months, I’ve not only beenlooking after my sick mother but have also had

the builders in, taking my house apart. At the moment,we have no bathroom and half of the house has no floorupstairs and no ceiling downstairs. We were anxious toget the work completed before my son and his fiancéearrive at the end of the month, in preparation for theirChristmas wedding, but with amazingly bad timing, thebuilder has now just gone off on holiday to New Zealandfor 2 weeks. Before you ask, I didn’t book it for him - hewon it in a radio phone-in competition.

Following on from my last column about my trip toGeorgia, there’s just a few things I didn’t have space to tellyou about. Georgia is a great choice for a fly/drive holiday.On our trip we flew into Orlando and drove up the north eastcoast to Georgia. It’s an ideal choice for clients that love thetheme parks but also crave a bit of history and culture, andit’s an easy drive to combine the two states.

There is an amazing range of accommodation in Georgiafrom luxury hotels, self-catering seaside cottages, guestfarms and ranche,s together with many beautiful smallhistoric guest houses. For more information on visitingGeorgia, take a look at www.exploregeorgia.org

I made the annual pilgrimage to WTM earlier this monthand it was good to meet up with a few familiar faces. I wentalong on Wednesday afternoon and I have to say it wasn’tvery busy. Others that I met commented on this too. I don’tknow if it was the same on other days, but it was certainlynowhere near as busy as previous years.

Just heard the news that La Source hotel in Grenada hasbeen taken over by the Sandals chain of hotels. Didn’t seethat coming, did you? I’ve stayed at this hotel a couple oftimes and I can understand why Sandals were attracted tothe property - it’s a lovely hotel on a beautiful island. I’msure it will prove popular and successful and will be goodfor the island, but I wonder how La Source’s repeat guestswill feel about this takeover? The change of ownership willinevitably bring many changes particularly to the ambianceand clientele, so I guess many will feel disappointed thatthe hotel they know and love will never be the same again.To be honest, I can’t help feeling a bit like that myself.

Finally, as this is my last column of the year, I’d like towish you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperousNew Year!

by EILEEN SAUNDERS of Travel Counsellors To respond to any of Eileen’s comments email

[email protected]

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WEBSCLUSIVES

● Win an iPad2 courtesy of The Sultanate of Oman

Ministry of Tourism. All you have to do to enter isanswer 3 simple questions. Just go towww.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions. But hurry,the competition closes at the end of the month!

● A range of 2013 new brochure deals from Bourne

Leisure: including First Child Goes Free deals fromButlins and 50% Savings from Haven.Go to www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk for full details.

All this and more at:

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go

Active winterbreaks from Ranch Rider RANCH RIDER is offeringseven nights at The Williams'Family Ranch in Arizona from£719 per person, based ontwo sharing. It includesmeals, most activities, taxesand gratuities. Transfers areexcluded.

Alternatively, a Horses &Horizons holiday includesthree nights at CampKalahari and two nights'camping on the pans, withthe chance to spot a varietyof wildlife. A night game driveis included in the experience,with the chance to spot theregion’s nocturnal residentssuch as bat-eared foxes.

A five-night stay costs from£2,150 per person, based ontwo sharing and includesinternal flights from Maun tocamp, meals, riding, drinks(including alcohol) andtransfers. Return flights costfrom £1,150 per person. For details call 01509-618811or visit www.ranchrider.com

Set sail to the SouthEast with Swan SWAN HELLENIC’S 21-dayKingdoms of South EastAsia cruise, which departsfrom Hong Kong, visits fivedifferent ports of call inVietnam before exploringCambodia and Thailand.Highlights include an in-depth exploration ofVietnam with the chance tojoin a local boat sailing thelimestone coast of HalongBay, a visit to the royalPhnom Penh in Cambodiaand transit through theiconic Saigon River. Priceslead in at £4,340 per personbased on two sharing for aJanuary 24, 2013 departure.It includes flights, transfers,a tailor-made programmeof shore excursions, talksby guest speakers, mealsand entertainment onboard, all gratuities and allrelevant cruise taxes/fees. For details call 0844-822 0679 or seewww.swanhellenic.com(Cruising feature - page 25)


● THOMAS COOK is working in association withChannel 4 and ‘The Snowman & The Snowdog’ –the sequel to the classic Christmas family favourite‘The Snowman’ – to offer agents and customersthe chance to win exclusive premiere ticketsalongside family holidays to Lapland. Runningthroughout this month, all Thomas Cook, GoingPlaces and Co-operative Travel agents will be inwith a chance of winning one of the prizes on offerwith every Thomas Cook Lapland booking theysecure for 2012/13. Prizes include tickets to the‘White Carpet’ premiere of ‘The Snowman &Snowdog’ in London in December, a family holidayfor four to Lapland and a number of goodie bags.

● WARNER LEISURE Hotels is offering agents a £25Love2Shop voucher for every 2012 booking madeby this Sunday (November 25). The company haslaunched the incentive to show their gratitude forthe support agents give to the brand. To helpsecure sales and collect vouchers, agents willreceive a selection of guaranteed half-price offers.See www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk to downloaddedicated half-price window offer posters. Allclaims must be received by November 28.

● AGENTS HAVE the chance to win one of four luxuryspa days worth up to £250 with Travel 2’s latestcampaign – Thailand’s Miles Better. In partnershipwith the Thai Tourism Authority and Thai Airways,the operator is highlighting a selection of offersacross the destination including Bangkok packagescombined with Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. To beentered into a prize draw to win one of the four spadays agents must make a holiday booking toThailand with the company that include flights withThai Airways before November 30. Any bookingthat contains a minimum of five nights’accommodation or premium cabin flights willreceive two entries. For details see www.travel2.com

Agent compTHE FIRST 50 travel agents to complete one of thenew PATA Academy courses ‘Pacific Expert’ or ‘AsiaExpert’ before December 21 will receive a little helpwith their Christmas shopping this year with a £10Love2Shop voucher per certificate. Every monthuntil January 2013 a tourist office member of PATAUK will also give away a £50 Love2Shop voucher ina prize draw for all agents who have completed acertificate in that month. Agents can register andstart training at www.pataacademy.com. All agentswho complete a certificate will also be guaranteed aplace at the PATA Party events, to join PATA UKmembers for a Christmas drink at the Island Bar inBirmingham on Monday December 10 or at theSports Café London on Wednesday December 19.For more information and to register visitwww.pata.org.uk/events

WEB SAVVY...Inghams reports that improvementsto its agents' Website have led to an increase of50% year-on-year in more agents visiting the siteto make bookings, search for offers and promotionsand follow the training modules to improve theirproduct knowledge. Pictured marking theannouncement is Karen Simmonds (left) fromTravel Matters, Clapham South, who uses the siteto keep up to date with new products and makebookings, with Charlotte Yeomans of Inghams.For details see www.inghams.co.uk/agents or call 01483-791025.

Booking incentives

Caribbean themed dining experienceThe 2013 dates and locations for Destination Caribbean

have been finalised and agents are being invited to

attend and meet eight leading Caribbean destinations

and hotels, boost their knowledge of this region via

interactive training and enjoy a Caribbean themed

dining experience. The dates and locations are:

Wednesday February 6 - Bournemouth; Tuesday

March 26 - Essex; Tuesday April 23 - Stoke On Trent;

Wednesday April 24 - Milton Keynes; Tuesday May 21

- Bristol; Wednesday May 22 – Exeter; and Tuesday

June 18 - Croydon.To book a place email events@destination-

representation.com


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TRAFALGAR HAS expanded its At Leisure collection for2013 with ten new itineraries in Europe, North and SouthAmerica, Australia and, for the first time, Asia, aimed atthose who want to have more time to relax and exploreindependently.

The new trips include an 11-day Corsica and Sardinia;15-day Bohemian Highlights, taking in Germany, Poland,Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria; nine-day East CoastTown & Country Retreat, showcasing New York City andWashington DC; nine-day Southern Icons in New Zealand;nine-day Classic China and ten-day Highlights of Vietnam.

Most tours include breakfast accommodation, extrameals, sightseeing and transport, as well as a traveldirector, scheduled flights and VIP UK airport transfers

within 150-miles of the departure airport. The companyalso offers “insider highlights” such as the Be My Guestexperience, Your Choice Dining, Unique Insights andLocal Specialities.

As an example, a ten-day Highlights of Vietnam tour,which begins in Hanoi and ends in Ho Chi Minh City, leadsin at £2,775 per person based on two sharing. Highlightsinclude a cycle ride through Hanoi’s French quarter and anight cruising Ha Long Bay. Insider experiences include aBe My Guest lunch at a Vietnamese farm to learn aboutlocal customs, a Vietnamese cookery class and theopportunity to learn the art of Tai Chi.For details call 020-7468 4335 or visit www.trafalgar.comand www.onestoptouringshop.co.uk

AGENTS WHOSE customersare looking for a uniqueovernight experience arebeing encouraged to highlightthe new ‘Treehotel andIcehotel’ tour from TaberHolidays. The five-night tripoffers the chance to sleephigh up in the treetops in agiant Bird’s Nest, Mirrorcubeor UFO, as well as theopportunity to spend a nighttucked up in a thermalsleeping bag on a bed madeof ice and snow at TheIcehotel.

The tour takes in two ofSweden’s most unique hotelslinked by a rail journey acrossthe Arctic Circle and offers

two full days at leisure inJukkasjärvi, plus time for pre-booked activities including arange of Northern Lightsoptions, ice driving and a moosesafari.

The five-night break departsdaily from December 7 to April14, 2013, with prices leading inat £1,506 per person. It includesflights from Heathrow,transfers, the rail journeybetween Luleå and Kiruna, andall accommodation includingone-night at the Treehotel andone-night at the Icehotel, basedon two sharing. For more information or to bookcall 01274-875199 or visitwww.taberhols.co.uk

Escapades unveils new concept for youth travel marketESCAPADES HAS been re-launched for summer 2013, with the introduction of a new conceptfor the youth travel market. Asking the question of customers, are you a ‘Raver or a Relaxer?’the new branding offers customers a choice between the Club 18-30 product for ‘ravers’ and thenew Escapades holidays for ‘relaxers’.

The 'relaxers' concept still offers access to clubs, nightlife and events, but hotels have beenspecifically selected to fit the needs of customers looking for a more relaxing experience, whichmeans destinations not available through Club 18-30, such as Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt, arenow available. The operator is also offering guests the option of a more bespoke conciergeexperience, with events tailored specifically for customers looking for a more balanced holiday.

Prices lead in at £238 per person for seven nights in Ibiza, staying at the two-star plus PuetApartments on a self-catering basis, based on a May 15 departure. A seven-night stay at thefour-star Three Corners Palmera Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh, leads in at £615, based on all-inclusive for a June 5 departure. Both holidays fly from Gatwick with Thomas Cook. For more information call 0844-879 8201 or visit www.escapades.co.uk

Taber Holidays promotes unique hotel options on new Sweden tour

UFO Treehotel

Trafalgar expands 2013 At Leisure programme with ten new itineraries


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FAIRY GODMOTHER...Voyagesof Discovery has announcedthat television presenterMiranda Krestovnikoff(pictured), will be Godmotherof MV Voyager. Krestovnikoffwill name the ship in itshomeport of Portsmouthduring a formal namingceremony on December 4,before she sets sails to theCaribbean, Central and SouthAmerica, returning toPortsmouth in April for a CelticTreasures cruise, which leadsin at £1,099 per person.

Riviera Travel adds new tours to Moscow, Burma & Prague in 2013 brochure

RIVIERA TRAVEL has added new tours to Moscow, Heidelberg, Burma, Rajasthan andPrague to its brochure for next year. The new destinations join the company's existing toursto Pompeii, Paris, Lake Garda, India, South Africa and California.

All tours are escorted with a no surcharge guarantee and are commissionable to agents. For details call 01283-744307 or email [email protected]


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:

090

puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Known as Taprobane by the ancient Greeks,my capital is Kotte

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, November 29th. Solution and new

puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 9th November is Sharron Whetherly,

Travel Counsellors in Dursley.

November 9 Solution: A=3 B=5 C=7 D=2

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 090

Travagrams

Where Am I?

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

Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle

This airline operator is well known as a winged friend of Hercules

Hub of Indian’s IT sector this city could be a sausage statute

Sea Pugs

An ager lob

Congratulations to Jeff Kilby, Amity Travel who won the 9thNovember crossword prize of £50 Pizza Express vouchers

Across 1. Leading UK ferry operator (4,7)5. New England state (7)8. British singer-songwriter, Rita (3)9. City on New Zealand's south island (7)10. Perth international airport code (3)11. Sheldon's girlfriend in The Big Bang

Theory (3)12. Prestige Holidays can take you to this island

in the Canaries (2,5)13. Mauritius airport code (3)14. Capital of Cyprus (7)16. Welsh university town and resort (11)

Down 1. Boxer recently seen in the Celebrity

jungle (5,4)2. San Francisco airport code (3)3. Tyrolean ski resort, St ___ (5)4. State capital of Maryland (9)6. Location alongside the Thames, famous for its

association with the Magna Carta (9)7. Northern Ireland county (9)12. Island off the coast of North Devon (5)15. Cape Town international airport code (3)



SUNVIL HAS had reps on the road (two, actually, forquite a while) for more than 20 years now. Workingwith the trade has always been a very important part

of our business, so quite naturally having a continuedpresence out there in the marketplace is something that wehave always believed in. I’m glad to report that it has provedsuccessful in the past and it continues to be so today.

Not every tour operator has representatives out on theroad. Those which have reps may have questioned thevalue of such a role from time to time. In this age of ever-improving technology, could the question “Is arepresentative out on the road a dying form of customerliaison?” be a valid one?

I believe that the tour operator needs to build asuccessful working relationship with the agent and thatthe rep must become the all-important point of contactand helping hand whenever needed.

My experience is that only direct contact can build atrue and lasting working friendship that will lead toimproving future business for both. The trust has to begenuine and it has to be a two-way situation (win-win) forit to work satisfactorily.

Could virtual contact be just as effective? Research hasshown that nine out of ten people still prefer face-to-facemeetings and believe that this builds strongerrelationships. Personal contact demonstratescommitment from the tour operator to the travel agent ina way that could never be established using virtualcontact. Virtual contact does not enable us to engage fullywith one another. It can’t use body language and othersubtleties of direct conversation that enable us to reallyunderstand what is being communicated between us. Thetour operator rep is that vital human point of contact -someone who can be trusted, someone who is there tohelp and who will provide support, both routinely and atkey times of need.

When I visit agents, they want to talk to me about newproducts, promotional opportunities, training – includingfam trips – and about customer experiences on Sunviltrips. They even make suggestions about our brochures.All of this contributes to what I believe to be a successfulworking relationship. A face-to-face visit can often also act

as a timely reminder – many are the times that a bookinghas been made following a visit, and it’s always a hugelywelcome booking.

When it comes to training, there are now many onlinetraining schemes, some with tempting free holidays asprizes. I believe that a personal visit offering directinsight to a destination is so much better. Accompaniedfam trips – and Sunvil offers a good many each year - arebetter still. Giving agents the opportunity to immersethemselves in the product and to gain first-handexperience of it is simply the best way to showcase the carewith which our team crafts its holidays and the wide rangeof options available across all budgets. Fam trips are agreat way to make long-lasting friendships, too, and themany such trips that I have led over the past 12 years havegiven me and Sunvil’s guests much fun and companionshipas well as building important business relationships.

There is of course a place for virtual contact; it issomething we cannot get away from. It is particularlyuseful when the tour operator wants to get a commonmessage across quickly. However, I believe that to relysolely upon this type of communication - particularly inour business, which is such a “people” business - risksalienating the travel agent.

Yes, the virtual meeting is an important business tooland, as the technology becomes better and cheaper, it willbecome more widespread - but it will never completely oradequately replace face-to-face contact. Thank goodness,because I still love my job after nearly 13 years with Sunvil!

I wonder how many times a tour operator has questionedthe value of a representative out on the road?

"Fam trips are a great way to make

long-lasting friendships"

To respond to any of Sue’s views email [email protected]

opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go!by SUE JOHN, SUNVIL



VisitEngland launches new campaigns to boost tourismVISITENGLAND HAS announced plans to launch eight marketing campaigns to run fromJanuary to boost domestic tourism next year. The campaigns will cover four key themes ofcountryside, heritage, culture and coastal, and will run in partnership with destinationsacross England as well as national commercial organisations.

Funded by £2million from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF), as well ascontributions from partners, the campaigns aim to provide a cost effective opportunity fordestinations to inspire more domestic visitors next year.For more information see www.visitengland.org

Dragoman announces new trips for 2013/14BURMA, BHUTAN, Ladakh, Tibet, North America, Central America, Togo and Benin are justsome of the new destinations included in Dragoman's new 2013/14 brochure.

As examples, a four-week Kunming to Bangkok (via Burma) tour departs on October 15next year and costs from £2,386 per person, which includes a local kitty payment. Flights arefrom £869 per person from Heathrow.

The operator has also launched a new Rio Carnival Basic to its three-strong Rio CarnivalPackage portfolio. The 2013 departure sold out before the brochure was printed, so the advice isto book early for 2014, when the Carnival is being held between February 28 and March 6. Thepackage costs £1,040 per person, with flights from Heathrow from £649 per person.

Meanwhile, the company’s first three-week trip between India, Bhutan and Nepal departs onAugust 25, 2014 and costs from £2,200 per person, plus a ground payment of US$270 per person,while a three-month trip round-trip from Kolkata via Bhutan takes in India, Nepal and Bhutan andcosts from £6,058 per person. Flights from Heathrow lead in at £599. For more information or to book call 01728-861133 or visit www.dragoman.com

KIRRA HOLIDAYS has released its New Zealand Coach Holidaysbrochure for 2013/14, featuring three distinct levels of escortedtours ranging from five–23 days duration.

The series have been designed for people looking toexperience New Zealand the way New Zealanders do, andexplore more off-the-beaten track regions such as theCoromandel, Nelson and Wanaka. It also includes an overnightcruise on Milford Sound and two nights in Nelson, allowingclients time to take in Tasman National Park.

The Classic tour series are among the operator's mostpopular tours and feature centrally located three-and-a-half tofour-star accommodation and many of the must-see attractions,

including the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch andwine tasting in the wine region of Marleborough.

The Highlights series offers freedom and flexibility withaccommodation based in centrally located three- to three-and-a-half-star properties, as well as more free time to choosesightseeing options.

Optional tours are also available for clients to include in theirtour, including an overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands, a three-day guided walk on the Hollyford Track, and a walk/cruise daytour into the Abel Tasman National Park.For more information call 0800-856 5494 or email [email protected]

Kirra Holidays offers three levels of escorted tours in New Zealand Coach Holidays' brochure

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DFDS SEAWAYS is offering four-night German Christmas market breaks from £269 per person, with departures from Newcastle. InCologne eight different festive markets are offered for visitors to explore. Prices lead in at £269 with departures on December 1, 6,13 and 15, based on two sharing an en-suite cabin. It includes two nights onboard, two nights' breakfast accommodation at the four-star Marriott Cologne and coach transfers. A four-night Hamelin break, which departs on December 1, 8 and 15 leads in at £289. To book or for more information visit www.dfds.co.uk/festive or call 0871-522 9976

EVA Air unveilsnew WebsiteEVA AIR has launched anew look Website atwww.evaair.com, whichfeatures upgradedfunctions and easy to readinformation to make itmore user-friendly.

The carrier developedthe new site to betterfacilitate the purchasing oftickets online, the selectionof meals and the pre-orderof duty free goods.

The airline has alsoadded new tools such as adigital in-flight magazine,which is now available foronline browsing, as well asthe facility for orderingmeals online, and hasannounced plans togradually introduce newoptions for businesstravellers.


JURYS INN is carrying out an extensive £25million refurbishmentprogramme across its estate, with more than 1,000 bedrooms andpublic areas having already received a makeover this year. Theprogramme, scheduled for completion in 2014, will focus primarilyon refurbishment and will also include some IT and systems spend.Midweek rates at the hotels typically range from £65 inLiverpool and £75 in Manchester with non-refundable advancepurchase rates available.Hotels that have already been refurbished include Belfast,Birmingham and Newcastle, with Chelsea, Leeds and Glasgow tobe completed before the end of the year.

FOUR PILLARS Hotels has launched a range of offers onstays from December through to March 2013, with pricesleading in at £42 per person, per night including dinner,bed-and-breakfast. The offers also include free mealsand accommodation for children under 16 years.

The company’s six predominantly four-star hotels aresituated in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and theCotswolds, within easy distance of a range of localattractions.

January breaks start from £33.60 per person per nightmidweek or £42 at weekends including breakfast anddinner. Prices during February half-term start from £42per person per night. The company is also offeringcomplimentary Sunday night stays on January 13, 20 and27 where guests can book a free room and only pay fordinner and breakfast. For details see www.four-winter.co.uk or call 0800-374692.

ROTANA HAS announced the opening of its fifth Centro byRotana property in the UAE, Centro Capital Centre in AbuDhabi, as it continues a concerted push into the mid-tiermarket across the Middle East and Africa.

The new hotel is located within the Capital Centredevelopment in Abu Dhabi, a vibrant business and lifestyledestination featuring Abu Dhabi’s leading exhibition spaceADNEC, a commercial zone, marina, outdoor cafes,restaurants, retail outlets and premier residences.

The Capital Centre district will see the opening of threeproperties to be managed by the company, the first of which isCentro Capital Centre. The second is Capital Centre Rotana, afour-star 300-room hotel, set to open in 2014, and the third isCapital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, a four-star 200-room hotelapartment property set to open next year.

The opening of the new property signals the hotel group'spush into the burgeoning mid-tier market, with plans to open25 ‘Centro Hotels by Rotana’ properties across the Middle Eastand Africa by 2014.

With the opening of Centro Capital Centre, the company nowoperates 1,464 rooms under the Centro brand, taking the totalrooms managed by Rotana by the end of 2012 to more than14,000.

The company's executive vice president & chief operatingofficer Omer Kaddouri said: “The demand for affordableaccommodation that offers comfort, functionality and style hasnever been stronger in the region. In recent years, Rotanarecognised the arrival of a new generation of travellers, gueststhat expect the elegance and finesse of a five-star hotel but notits corresponding cost at the end of their stay. This is thecategory of guests that drove the conceptualisation of theCentro brand.

"Centro’s design flexibility allows for easy adaptation to awide variety of cities, locations and plot sizes and we expectthe success of the concept in the UAE to be mirrored acrossthe region as the portfolio of Centro properties grows over thecoming two years.”

Centro Capital Centre offers 414 contemporary rooms, sixfully-equipped meeting rooms, recreational facilities includinga swimming pool and fully equipped gym and three food andbeverage outlets. For more information visit www.rotana.com

Christmas party packages from Hilton BrightonHILTON BRIGHTON Metropole is celebrating Christmas byoffering companies two Christmas joiner party nightpackages.

Designed as a group event to cater for multipleorganisations, joiner parties allow smaller companies toexperience the atmosphere of a large-scale event on anaffordable budget, whilst also offering networkingopportunities.

Available throughout December and priced from £29.95per person, guests will receive a three-course meal, half abottle of wine and a party night DJ.

As an example, a Waterhouse Christmas Party Nightspackage is available from December 1-22, every Thursdayto Saturday night. After a welcome tipple and a festivethree-course meal, guests are entertained by the hotel’sresident DJ. Prices lead in at £39.95 per person for aThursday event and £44.95 Friday-Saturday.

Guests can also take advantage of special overnightrates from £69 per room per night, subject to availability.For details see www.hilton.com/brighton, call 01273-720710 or email [email protected]

25 Centro hotels planned across the MiddleEast and Africa by the end of 2014

Centro Capital Centre

Winter breaks from £42 per night from Four Pillars Hotel


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What's your earliest childhood memory? Getting a puppy for Christmas – myparents believed in responsibility from anearly age. I have had dogs ever sinceand currently have two miniature long-haired dachshunds, Kaja and Jaz.

Where was your last work-related trip?Southend – I really live it up these days,but it was extremely nice and the sunwas shining! When the sun shines thereis nowhere quite like the UK.

If you were a celebrity who wouldyou choose to be and why? Judy Dench – what a career she has had,from Shakespeare to Bond. She is alwaysso classy.

What three words would yourfriends use to describe you? Passionate, energetic and (hugely) loyal.

What have your travels taught you?Under-promising and over-deliveringshould be the focus of anyone involved inthe travel industry – airlines/hotels/travelagents!

What is the best advice you recall?The strength of any company is its team.

If you could have a room full of anyone thing, what would it be?Dogs – all sorts of shapes and sizes. Youwould never be short of cuddles.

Who has been the biggestinspiration/influence in your career?Lord Forte. Having worked with the hotelgroup for 16 years it was a great place tobe and he was such an inspirational man.

What's your favourite city and why?Durham – probably because it is myhome county. I just love pulling off theA1 at night to be confronted with the

castle and the cathedral all lit up…I knowthen I am almost home…well, mynorthern home anyway.

If you were not doing this job, whatwould you be doing?If I had been more academic I alwayswanted to be a vet, but I do love thisindustry and think it offers masses ofopportunities, especially for women.

What is your motto in life?Treat everyone how you would like to betreated yourself.

If you had a super power whatwould it be and why? Time travel – it would be fantastic to getto where you want to be without all thehassle. Beam me up, Scottie!

Vivienne Hudson-Findlay

The owner & managing director of HotelshopUK Ltd and Great Little Breaks says her special

skill is getting people to do what she wantsthem to…

What's your favourite airline and why?Virgin. I am a big Richard Branson fan.

How do you deal with stress?Get outdoors and walk or run.

Is there anything that you dislikeabout the travel industry?The lack of imagination and desire tochange to keep up with the customers’requirements.

What special skill do you have?Persuasion (or so they tell me!) – gettingother people to do what I want them todo (most of the time) – particularly withall the charity fundraising work I do forThe Prince’s Trust.

What’s your favourite programme on the TV right now?Downton Abbey. My chicks have beennamed after the characters and areaffectionately known as The DowntonChicks.

What do you love about your job?We are always doing something new, Ilove seeing the business grow and myteam rising to all the challenges. I doenjoy the customer relationship side andteam development.

Career path● 1979-95: Director of corporate

sales – Forte Hotels● 1995-99: Director of sales –

Corus/Regal Hotels● 1999-present: Hotelshop UK Ltd● 2011-present: Great Little Breaks

“IfI had been

more academic Ialways wanted to be

a vet, but I do love thisindustry and think it

offers masses ofopportunities,especially for

women”

personalitybulletin




KLM ROYAL Dutch Airlines will commencescheduled services to Fukuoka, Japan, onApril 3, 2013.

Fukuoka will be the airline’s thirdJapanese destination and the new threetimes weekly route will offer a total of 21weekly frequencies to Japan next summer.

The service will depart from Amsterdamon Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays,arriving in Fukuoka the following day. The

return flight, KL870, will depart fromFukuoka on Mondays, Thursdays andSaturdays, arriving in Amsterdam the sameday.

Flights will be operated with a Boeing777-200ER, which can seat up to 318passengers; 35 in World Business Classand 283 in Economy.For more information visit www.klm.com orcall 0871-222 7474

Qatar Airwaysexpands Far East

servicesQATAR AIRWAYS hasimproved its services tothe Far East with the re-launch of its Myanmarservice following a four-year absence and theintroduction of a non-stopdaily Tokyo flight.

The carrier now servesMyanmar three timesweekly, with return flightsfrom Heathrow leading inat £606 and flights fromManchester from £615.

Fares on the dailyTokyo flight fromHeathrow cost from £564return, while flights toTokyo are also availablefrom Manchester from£569.

Passengers travellingto the Far East with theairline will also be able toexperience a new onboardmenu, designed inpartnership with fourrenowned chefs. Themenu, compiled by TomAikens, Chef Nobu, VineetBhatia and Chef Ramzi,will be rolled out acrossboth Business andEconomy Class.

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THE ADVENTURE Company has added a new Burma tour to its 2013 Family Adventures programme. The 13-day Breathtaking Burma tour isaimed at families with teens who want to experience Southeast Asia. Prices lead in at £2,389 and highlights include exploring the ancienttemples at Bagan, the floating villages at Inle Lake and the rural mountain villages of Kalaw. There is also the opportunity to take part in alanguage lesson and to learn the favourite games, songs and dances of local children on an orphanage visit.

KLM to launch scheduled service to Fukuoka, Japan

ANANTARA HAS launched its first property in China and its 20th overall with the opening of Anantara SanyaResort & Spa on Hainan Island. The resort, which is inspired by both oriental and Thai design, offers 122

guest rooms, suites and private pool villas, with an emphasis on spa accommodation. For details see www.anantara.com

Intrepid Travel offers six new tours in 2013 Asia brochure INTREPID TRAVEL has introduced its new 2013 Asia brochure which features six new Chinaand Silk Road tours.

As examples, a 12-day Discover China itinerary leads in at £1,895 and a 28-day Indochinatour through China, Burma and Thailand, costs from £1,680 plus a trip kitty of £850.

To celebrate the launch of the brochure, the company is offering 15% off bookings madeby December 12 for travel by October 31, 2013. The discount applies to bookings on selectedtrips when quoting the promotional code ‘9284’.

S04 TB2311 Far East_Layout 1 20/11/2012 10:30 Page 17

KYOTO CONVENTION Bureau has announced that KansaiAirport saw a 41% increase in the number of internationalpassengers arriving in August, compared to the previousyear.

August was the sixth consecutive month to see anincrease in visitors, with the total number of internationalpassengers using the airport reaching 353,160. The

company attributes the rise in numbers to businesstravellers coming to Kyoto, as the city has hosted anumber of high profile conferences and meetings over thelast six months.

Further investment is being made at the airport toimprove access for visitors to the region, and will be hometo Japan's first dedicated low-cost carrier terminal.

BANYAN TREE Hotels and Resorts hasintroduced Banyan Tree Shanghai OnThe Bund Resort in mainland China.

Offering views of the Bundthoroughfare and Huangpu River, thehotel is located close to historicallandmarks and modern cultural andcommercial centres.

General manager of the hotel PanchoLlamas said: “Following the success ofour group’s three other urban resorts –in Bangkok, Macau and Seoul, Banyan

Tree Shanghai On The Bund capitaliseson our core brand value of rejuvenationand offers a sanctuary for the senseswithin the context of Shanghai’s vasturban cityscape.

“Business and leisure travellers cantake advantage of our many amenitiesand facilities, such as an award-winningspa, a multitude of dining venues andvarious meeting spaces, during theirvisit to what is one of China’s mostdynamic urban environments.”

Until December 31, guests bookingthe Oasis with Romantic Pool packageor category above can redeem hotelcredits for any amount spent in thehotel’s food and beverage outlets andthe spa.

Additionally, until February 28 nextyear, all guests will receive a 30%discount on all spa treatments, exceptbeauty services. For more information visitwww.banyantree.com

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts launches urban retreat in China’s Shanghai

Banyan Tree Shanghai

Kyoto Convention Bureau welcomes 41% increase in visitor numbers


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HAYES & Jarvis has expanded its Bali collection in itsnew 2013 Far East brochure, with the addition of twomore properties on the west coast at Legian andJimbaran.

The five-star Jimbaran Puri Bali, overlooking one ofthe island’s beaches and managed by the Orient Expressgroup, offers accommodation in suites and villas. Five-night flight-inclusive packages cost from £1,819 perperson.

At four-star level, the recently refurbished LegianBeach is another new addition and offers family-friendlyaccommodation with prices from £1,259 per person.

Buoyant Bali gets H&J boost

BANGKOK AIRWAYS, together with 4Garcons restaurant andBangkok Air Catering, has added a special menu during Christmasand New Year. Pictured marking the new menu are, from the left:Tom van den Berg, exclusive chef of Bangkok Air Catering;M.L.Nandhika Varavarn, the carrier's vice president of CorporateCommunications; Chef Ayusakorn Arayangkoon, operation managerof 4Garcons; and Polpat Asavaprapa, the airline's president.



CENTARA HOTELS & Resorts has launcheda Last Minute programme with selectedproperties in Thailand, Maldives, Bali andVietnam that delivers savings to agentsmaking late online bookings for clients.

Properties offered in the programme arelocated in Bangkok, Krabi, Chiang Mai,Phuket, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Mae Sot,Pattaya, Rayong, Trat, Udon Thani, Samui,the Maldives, Bali and Vietnam.

Rates vary according to room types,period of stay, and whether or not thebooking is for the high or low season.

As an example, rates for a Superiorroom at Centara Mae Sot Hill Resort startfrom Baht 800 (approximately £17) perroom per night, while one night under theUltimate All-Inclusive package at a luxurybeachfront two-bedroom Pool Villa atCentara Grand Island Resort & SpaMaldives costs approximately £727. Ratesare subject to service charge andgovernment tax. For more information [email protected] or visitwww.centarahotelsresorts.com

TWO NEW Far East itineraries have beenlaunched by Bales Worldwide for nextyear.

A 17-day Java & Bali Uncovered tourin Indonesia visits the Hindu-Buddhistmonuments of Borobudur and theKomodo Dragons, alongside numerousbeaches. The tour costs from £2,895 perperson and includes flights withSingapore Airlines from Heathrow,accommodation and sightseeing. Also

included is a sightseeing itinerary andmedium-star hotels throughout. Theprice is based on a March 22 departure.

Meanwhile, a 14-day Highlights ofVietnam tour explores Hanoi to Saigon,taking in Halong Bay; Mai Chau; theruins of the Cham Dynasty; Hoi An, tocelebrate the Full Moon Festival; and HoChi Minh.

Prices lead in at £2,395 per personincluding Thai Airways flights from

Heathrow, accommodation andsightseeing, based on a July 14departure.

Both prices are based on two adultstravelling and sharing on a mixed-boardbasis and include all applicable UK andoverseas airport taxes and fuelsurcharges.For more information or to book call 0845-057 0600 or visitwww.balesworldwide.com

Snow & Sunpackage fromInside Japan Tours INSIDE JAPAN Tours ispromoting a selection ofitineraries including a 14-night Snow and Sun package,which leads in at £2,448 perperson and offers threenights in Tokyo, two nights inKyoto, five days on the slopesof Hakuba and four nights onthe island of Ishigaki.

Other itineraries beinghighlighted include an eight-night Niseko Winter Sportspackage from £1,100 perperson, including two nightsin Tokyo and six nights inNiseko, and a 13-nightWinter Sports and Culturepackage, which leads in at£2,500 per person andincludes three nights inTokyo, five nights in Niseko,three nights in Kyoto and onenight in Yudanaka.

All prices are based ontwo people sharing andinclude transfers, somemeals and lift passes.For more information seewww.insidejapantours.com

Bales Worldwide adds 17-day Indonesia & 14-day Vietnam tours for 2013

Java, Indonesia

Make savings with Centara’s Last Minute programme


VICTORIA HOTELS & Resorts has developed a new range of short tours from itsChau Doc Hotel in the Mekong Delta to help visitors explore the area on the

river route between Cambodia and Vietnam. These include an eco-tour ofTra Su Nature Reserve and a cultural tour of the significant pilgrimagesites and temples at Sam Mountain. Half and full day cycling tours are

also available which take in hidden trails, cycling past Khmerpagodas, fishermen in their basket boats, farmers working the

fields with their buffalo and villages. Tours start from US$18. For details see www.victoriahotels.asia

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New 12-day cruise from Shearings SHEARINGS IS offering a new cruise that takes in Vietnam andCambodia, with destination highlights including Ho Chi MinhCity and the Mekong Delta.

The 12-day cruise leads in at £2,749 and includes eightnights’ full board cruise, a two-night stay in Siem Reap on afull-board basis, flights and transfers.

Departures are available from March to December next year. For details call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearings.com

Wendy Wu adds new tours in MacauWENDY WU Tours has added two new Macau tours to its 2013brochure, including a five-day Hong Kong & Macau Discoverytour, which combines two nights in each destination with amix of guided touring and free time.

Clients can also opt for a three-day Taste of Macauitinerary, featuring a half-day tour of Na Tcha Temple, the OldCity walls, Mount Fortress, Macau Tower and A-Ma Temple.For more information visit www.wendywutours.co.uk

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EVA AIR has increased capacity from Taipei to Hakodate, the third largest city on Japan’snorthernmost island, Hokkaido. The carrier currently operates two flights weekly on a 252-seatAirbus 330-200, and from next month will add a third weekly flight between Taiwan and Hokkaido. For details see www.evaair.com

Singapore Airlinescelebrates launchof fourth daily flight SINGAPORE AIRLINES haslaunched a fourth dailyservice from Heathrow toSingapore.

The carrier’s generalmanager UK & IrelandPhee Teik Yeoh said:“Alongside a wider choiceof departure timings, thenew flight also opens upadditional opportunities toconnect onto our vastrange of destinationsbeyond Singapore.”


PORTUGAL HAS continued to shine as a touristdestination this year. We’ve held globally recognisedevents, welcomed new flight routes and developed

exciting hotel product, providing agents with a plethora ofreasons to promote the destination. Comparing Januaryto August 2012 figures to those of the year before, UKovernight stays now stand at 4.3million and we’ve workedhard to gain these results.

Accommodation & flight developments

Diversity is the key to this beautiful country and is thereason why we’re able to attract so many different types oftourist. The city break market is as strong as ever withLisbon emerging as a culinary hub, welcoming a number ofnew hotels including Myrid by Sana Hotel and the HotelTeatro B&B, along with a fantastic new interactive space,depicting the city’s history - the Lisboa Story Centre.

Regarding air capacity, TAP Portugal, the nationalairline, have also increased weekly flights to Lisbon fromManchester, increasing our connectivity from the UK,while easyJet opened a hub in Lisbon, providing 23European routes from the city.

Consumers now look further afield than the capitalcities of a country, which is why we’ve focused onpromoting other areas such as Guimarães, which has themantel of 2012 European Capital of Culture and Braga,the 2012 European Capital of Youth.

A year-round escape

Portugal isn’t just a summer destination; it’s also an idealholiday destination year-round. The island of Madeira isperfectly warm in the autumn and winter seasons withtemperatures at around 20 ̊c. Our air capacity to theisland has also just increased with Monarch launchingfive weekly flights. The Azores is also an ideal hideawayoffering fantastic walks and wildlife, and the region iscurrently taking part in an advertising campaign headedby adventurer Ben Fogle.

The beautiful beaches of the Algarve are a staplewinner for many UK tourists, however its rustic, quaintvillage life and small intimate towns can also provide ahaven for tourists looking for a quieter experience. Theregion is also home to the recently completed RotaVicentina trail, a beautiful 300km walking, hiking and

biking route that runs through the Algarve and Alentejo’ssouth west coast. Lovers of the outdoors will also beexcited to hear that the new cultural Romanesque Routehas also just opened in the northern regions of Portugal,offering an insight into the area’s history.

Getting active

Activities are in abundance in Portugal and we wererecently awarded the accolade of Europe’s Leading GolfDestination at the World Travel Awards 2012,complimenting our diverse courses. If your clients arelooking for a challenging, championship course we havean abundance of options, but that doesn’t mean we don’thave options for beginners. From Madeira to Lisbon andthe Algarve, there are numerous courses that are gearedto beginners.

We like to say we have the best fish in the world but ourfood in general is second to none. There really is nothingbetter than watching the fishermen bringing in the catchof the day and enjoying a fresh piece of fish for dinner. Wealso have a range of fantastic food festivals throughoutthe year, including the annual cherry festival in June inthe city of Fundão in the central region. Wellness and

by FILIPE SILVA, director, Turismo de Portugal

Diversity, quality & valuemake Portugal the idealplayground for all


portugal&madeira

Did you know…?● The Azores is Europe’s only tea producer ● Serra da Estrela, in the central region, is well known

for its cheese● There are more than 38 manicured golf courses in the

Algarve ● The town of Elvas is the newest place in Portugal to

receive UNESCO World Heritage status ● Madeira is known as the” floating garden of the

Atlantic”, due to its abundance of flowers ● Caldas da Rainha in the region of Lisbon has the

oldest thermal hospital in the world, reinforcing ourtradition and expertise in the wellness area

● Porto is the worldwide home of Port wine● Pico vineyards in the Azores are classified as a world

heritage site, in the category of cultural landscape

● continues on next page

S05 TB2311 Portugal & Madeira_Layout 1 20/11/2012 11:41 Page 22

BASE CAMP...getting ready to take in some of the Azores' islands on afam hosted by Sunvil Discovery are, from the left: (back row) JulieBoocock, Premier Travel; Liz Hogben, Bath Travel; Gordon Boocock,Premier Travel; Mark Scrivener, Fred Olsen Travel; Michelle Vincent,Sunvil Discovery; Agathangelos Agathangelou, Anemone Travel; and(seated) June Riggs, Symphony World Travel; Holly Mayers, Co-operative Travel; Stephanie Elkington, Sunvil Marketing; and SueJohn, Sunvil Discovery. The operator's 'Real Azores 2013' brochurefeatures carefully-selected small hotels, pousadas, apartments andself-catering cottages across all nine islands.


Best-selling tours from Attraction WorldATTRACTION WORLD, which currently offers more than 20experiences throughout the winter months in Portugal, ishighlighting its best-selling attractions.

They include a Porto half-day city tour which costs £47 peradult and £24 per child aged six-11; a Lisbon by Night option,which leads in at £73 per adult and £37 per child aged five-ten,and includes a traditional Portuguese dinner with a show; anda Pena, Sintra, Cascais and Estoril tour option which leads inat £55 per adult and £28 per child aged five-ten. Guests on thetour visit the Palácio da Pena, a huge palace which stands onthe top of a hill above the town of Sintra, before taking in thecoastal town of Cascais and Estoril.

All entrance fees are included.

portugal&madeira

TAP PORTUGAL has launched daily flights from Manchester to Lisbonand from Heathrow to Madeira. Serving 75 destinations across 35countries, including 45 European destinations, the carrier offersonward connections to Africa, North and South America, includingdirect flights between Lisbon and ten destinations within Brazil.For details see www.flytap.com

relaxation are two areas that Portugal excels in. We arelucky as many of the treatments offered across thecountry stem from traditional, natural resources. Thesand from Porto Santo island (Madeira archipelago) forexample has healing properties and is used inThalassotherapy treatments. The water in Centro dePortugal is famed for its purity while the northern Minhoregion has fantastic thermal spa resorts.

Looking to the future

Tourism currently represents 10% of the national GDP,and Portugal will be looking to obtain a sustainableannual growth rate more than 5% within this sector. We’rean affordable, easily accessible destination and we arecontinuing to evolve. Next year we’ll be hosting worldrenowned events including Rally de Portugal, Rip Curl ProPortugal in surfing and the Portugal Masters Golf. We’llalso be welcoming new hotels and activity products,ensuring we’re always offering consumers somethingfresh, new and exciting. ✦

● continued from previous page

Celebrate Christmas & New Year at thefive-star Cascade ResortFROM DECEMBER 22 to January 2, guests can enjoy aChristmas and New Year’s package comprising 12nights’ accommodation and two 45-minute massages atCascade Resort’s Tainai Spa.

Prices lead in at €2,470 for two people and includebreakfast, Christmas dinner, Boxing Day lunch, New Year’sEve welcome cocktail, New Year’s Eve dinner, New Year’s Daylunch and an activity for two from a tailor-made selection.

There are also special break options for just Christmasor New Year. For more information visit www.cascade-resort.com/uk/specialoffers


NEW FOR 2012 is a seven-night cycling tour in Sesimbra, justsouth of Lisbon, to Odeceixe on the edge of the Algarve fromFreedom Treks.

The company offers a seven-night self-guided cycle tour from£841 per person on a bed-and-breakfast basis and a guidedcycle tour from £1,109 per person on full board, includingbreakfast, six picnic lunches and five dinners. Guided tour

prices include seven nights in hotels, transfers, bike hire, ferrycrossings, the services of bike guide, delivery of luggage andcycle helmets.

Prices exclude flights, which can be purchased with easyJetfrom £58 return, based on a March 16 departure. For more information call 01273-224066 or visitwww.freedomtreks.co.uk and www.easyjet.com

Portugal aims to boost annual growthrate with new developmentsTHE PORTUGUESE National Tourist Office (PNTO) reports thatafter a challenging year for the Portuguese economy, thetourism industry has shown significant results, correspondingto a year-on-year increase of 3.7% in UK visitors from Januaryto August. Additionally, UK overnight stays now stand at4.3million and tourism currently represents 10% of thenational GDP.

The destination is looking to obtain a sustainable annualgrowth rate of 5.6% and, in order to achieve this, measures willbe taken within the areas of development for additional airaccess, brand affiliation, key event promotion andimprovements in innovation and technology.

Meanwhile, Monarch began regular operations fromGatwick and Birmingham to Madeira last month, highlightingthe importance of the British market as one of the key touristmarkets for Madeira. For more information visit www.portugaloffice.org.uk

Seven-night Lisbon to the Algarve cycling tour from Freedom Treks

Packages from

£245pp*

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Reservations & Admin 0871 423 8518 (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras)

Brochure requests: www.trade-gate.co.uk

to MADEIRA

LONDON GATWICK

and BIRMINGHAM

FLEXIBLE

WIDE

ACCOMMODATION

diamond properties

board options

* Prices quoted in advertisement are based on seven night packages, with 2 adults sharing, for departures in December ’12 and include return fl ights, accommodation, transfers and taxes, and are correct at time of going to press (23/11/12). Offers and prices quoted apply to new bookings only and are subject to availability.

NEW

portugal&madeira

AS PART of its new Madeira & Porto Santo programme,Anatolian Sky Holidays has introduced a Levada WalkingHoliday. The seven-day tailor-made trip includes three fulldays walking in the company of an expert guide with pricesstarting from £749 per person. Included are flights, transfers,breakfast accommodation, excursions and lunches on walks.For more information or to book call 0844-273 3585 or visit www.anatoliansky.co.uk



THE LATEST UK cruise industry figuresreleased by the Passenger ShippingAssociation (PSA) estimate that 1.72millionBrits will take an ocean cruise this year,compared to 1.7m last year. For 2013, the PSApredicts a growth of more than 2% in UKcruises to 1.76m passengers, on the back ofcontinued investment in new and refurbishedcruise ships (nearly $5billion has beeninvested in new ships launched this yearalone), a fiercely competitive market and thecontinued popularity of ex-UK port cruises.

Some eight out of ten UK cruise sales comethrough Britain’s travel agents, spearheaded

by those specially trained to give advice oncruise options through the Association ofCruise Experts (ACE).

The PSA's director Bill Gibbons said:“There is no doubt that the cruise industryfaced a unique set of challenges this year butour UK figures show that the cruise sectorhas outperformed the rest of the holidaysector. The sheer diversity of cruises offeredby our 41 members, coupled with unrivalledvalue for money has helped to attract the‘new to cruise customer’, key to boostinggrowth within our sector.”For more information visit www.the-psa.co.uk

New advice &news resource forriver cruising IN RESPONSE to the rapidrise of river cruise holidays,Cruise Critic has launched anew river cruise resource tohelp agents compare shipsand cruise lines. TheWebsite, which offersinformation, reviews andratings for more than 380cruise ships, has recentlyadded new information aboutpopular river cruise regions,cruise lines and ships, aswell as river cruise deals.

The company says thatwith the rise in popularity ofriver cruising, the mostfrequented rivers willbecome busier, but theincreased capacity is notexpected to lead toovercrowding in theforeseeable future. Thecompany also highlights thatin some cases, river cruiselines are adding ships in newregions which are notcurrently serviced regularlyby other lines. For more information visitwww.cruisecritic.co.uk/river

SEADREAM YACHT Club’s 112-guest SeaDream II will be sailing the length of theAmazon River in February and March next year, while her autumn/winter schedule seesher operate a maiden season of 18 voyages to Asia.

SeaDream II will sail two 20-night voyages on the Amazon, taking in Bridgetown,Barbados to Iquitos, Peru and vice versa, and a team of naturalists will be on board toprovide information and guide guests on land and at sea.

The line will host its Champagne and Caviar Splash on Alter do Chao beach in Brazil.Optional add-on excursions are offered to Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu and toursinclude accommodation in five-star hotels and transport.

The first departure for SeaDream II’s Asia programme is 'Passage to the Far East',which departs from Athens on October 12, 2013 and includes a transit of the Suez Canaland excursions to Egypt’s archeological sites en-route to Mumbai.

Prices for the 15-night voyage lead in at £4,050 per person including governmentfees, handling and port taxes.For more information visit www.seadream.com

SeaDream showcases Amazon & Asia voyages for 2013

cruising

OCEANIA CRUISES has announced changes to its 2013 Alaska sailings on Regatta including the addition of a new 14-day Pacific Explorationvoyage roundtrip from Seattle on June 4. The new voyage combines two originally scheduled seven-day sailings on June 4 and June 11,2013. The company has also amended its June 28 and July 5, 2013 Coastal Alaska sailings to now begin and end in Seattle, followingfeedback from guests and travel partners. Flights are included in the fares, while the new Alaska cruises are offered with promotions thatinclude bonus savings, up to $500 ship board credit per stateroom, two-for-one deposits and an Unlimited Passport Collection shoreexcursion promotion, valued at up to €637 per stateroom, on selected sailings booked by December 31. For details call 0845-505 1920 or visit www.oceaniacruises.com

PSA reveals increase in passengers for UK cruise industry

S06 TB2311 Cruise_Layout 1 21/11/2012 11:02 Page 25

Ex-UK cruising with Voyages of Discovery & Swan Hellenic VOYAGES OF Discovery and Swan Hellenic are offering a total of 12 no-fly itineraries fromPortsmouth next summer to destinations including Iceland, Norway and the Baltic, as wellas cruises around the UK and Ireland.

Voyages of Discovery has announced a 15-day Land of the Midnight Sun Cruise todiscover the coast of Norway and the North Cape on its new ship, MV Voyager. Prices leadin at £1,869 per person, based on two sharing for a June 11 departure. The line is alsooffering a Heritage of the British Isles cruise in its no-fly programme next summer.Voyager will sail around the UK, visiting the nation’s most treasured cathedrals, statelyhomes, palaces and landscapes, with a full selection of National Trust shore excursions.The ten-day Heritage of the British Isles cruise costs from £1,109 per person based on aJune 2 departure. Prices include all relevant transfers, on board gratuities and servicecharges, meals and entertainment. Car parking at Portsmouth port or selected coachtransfers to the port on the Heritage cruise is included, and a free chauffeur service isavailable on higher grade cabin bookings on the Land of the Midnight Sun cruise.

Swan Hellenic is offering a Sagas of Iceland and The Faroes Cruise from £1,995 perperson, where passengers take in the Godafoss waterfall, bathe in the natural hot springsof Myvatn and watch the Strokkur geyser erupt. The cruise calls at a number of ports,including Portrush, St. Kilda, Reykjavik and Torshavn, and the price is based on a July 24departure, with two people sharing. The company is also offering other no-fly cruises,including Baltic Splendour, Above the Arctic Circle, A Taste of France and Shores of TheEmerald Isle. For more information visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com and www.swanhellenic.com

SILVERSEA HAS rolled out new Silver Privilege fares on all 2013and 2014 voyages, which offer guests one simple low fare fortheir desired suite.

The cruise-only fares also reward guests for booking earlywith the best possible fare and the advantage of being able toselect their desired suite when the best inventory is available. Inaddition, guests will be able to customise their holiday with theline's optional air, transfer, hotel and land programmes.

The company is also introducing a new Fare Guarantee

Programme for all voyages departing on or after June 1, 2013,effective for new Silver Privilege bookings.

The guarantee states that if the Silver Privilege fares arereduced on the voyage after a booking has been made, guestscan request an adjustment from the company equal to theamount of the fare reduction in the relevant suite category. Theadjustment will be in the form of shipboard credits, suiteupgrades, future cruise credits and fare reductions.For more information visit www.silversea.com

Silversea introduces Silver Privilege fares across 2013 & 2014 voyages


cruising

CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages is promoting a selection of 2013 cruises in search of the Northern Lights. For example, a 15-night cruise onDiscovery departs on February 28 from Bristol, with prices from £1,479 per person, with the second person sharing paying £740. It includesfull board accommodation, afternoon tea and late night snacks, daytime activities, a guest speaker programme and evening entertainment. For details call 0844-414 6185 or visit www.cruiseandmaritime.com

Hurtigrutenexpands chartercapacity HURTIGRUTEN HAS addedtwo new charter departuresto meet increasing demandfor voyages to view theNorthern Lights.

The additional departuresare from Manchester onMarch 9, 2013 and Gatwickon March 20, 2013 and bothtie in with the 12-day ClassicRound Voyage from Bergento Kirkenes and back.

Prices lead in at £1,372 perperson including flights andfull board accommodation onboard, based on two sharing. For more information call020-8846 2666 or visitwww.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents


Cruise lines implement new agent tool forflight & cruise bookings

A NEW flight allocation tool that allows agents to book flightsdirectly and search for the best rates has been launched byRoyal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises andAzamara Club Cruises as part of a $4million investment inimproving how agents book flights.

‘ChoiceAir’ will offer a simple booking process for agents,with a dedicated online training course available on Cruisingfor Excellence. The course offers agents interactivedemonstrations and a downloadable user-guide to keepusers motivated and engaged.

Meanwhile, for every booking made until December 5,agents will be entered into a daily prize draw to win a £25Love2Shop voucher, with more bookings meaning morechance of rewards. An additional weekly prize draw offering£250 in flight vouchers to a destination of the winning agents’choice will also offered. All prizes are available to agents whomake a booking using the ChoiceAir tool during the campaignperiod and complete the new training module. For more information visit www.cruisingpower.co.uk

cruising


GUESTS ON board AmaWaterways’ luxury river cruiserAmaLyra will have the opportunity to mingle with former MP,novelist and TV presenter, Ann Widdecombe, when she joins theship for a week long Rhine cruise in October next year.

Widdecombe will accompany guests on the 148-guest rivercruiser, AmaLyra, during which she will make twopresentations about her life and her career, join guests onhosted shore excursions and offer the opportunity to purchasesigned copies of her books.

Guests join the ship in Amsterdam on October 15, where theyhave the opportunity to take a canal and city tour. The cruisefollows the Rhine into Germany to Cologne, Rudesheim,Strasbourg, the Black Forest region and to Basel in Switzerland.

The seven-night sailing costs from £1,975 per person,including flights from London, transfers, all meals,complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, dailyguided tours and excursions, free Wi-fi and free use of on board

bicycles. Guests bookingby November 30 willalso receive a £50 perperson discount.

Meanwhile, thecompany is set to returnto cruising the RiverDouro after an absenceof nearly two years, withtwo new cruiseitineraries operatingbetween March and November 2013, on the new 108-guestAmaVida, which launches in March next year.

The vessel features a sundeck swimming pool, fitness centre,spa, free in-stateroom Internet access and Wi-fi.

As examples, a seven- or ten-night 'Enticing Douro' optionleads in at £1,466 and £1,954 per person respectively and visitsRégua, Barc d’Alva, Vega Terrón, Pinhão and Bitetos. Theitinerary includes complimentary excursions and tours of thearea and landmarks.

A 13-night 'Port Wine & Flamenco' itinerary starts with athree-night stay in Madrid, before meandering along the Dourobetween the Spanish border town of Vega Terrón and Porto,before concluding with a three-night stay in Lisbon.

Prices lead in at £2,841 per person including all meals, wine,beer and soft drinks with dinner.For more information call 0808-223 5009 or visitwww.amawaterways.co.uk

AmaWaterways offers river cruising with Ann Widdecombe

Douro River, Portugal

Less than a 2 weeks to go until Voyager launches!

For agency sales information contact:Brian Langford Mobile: 07740 540304Email: [email protected]

Details of improvements and artists impressions are correct at time of print but subject to change. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd ABTA W0302 ATOL 3897

sets sail on her inaugural season to the Caribbean and South America on 4th December 2012.

Find out more at www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Tim Fleming Mobile: 07894 394488

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New river cruises from ShearingsSHEARINGS HAS exclusively chartered the MS Alegria for anew seven-night river cruise entitled Myths & Legends of theRhine, with highlights including visits to Boppard, Loreley Rockand Cologne.

Prices lead in at £1,029 for ten days, which includes sevennights' full-board cruise, two nights' half-board en/post routeaccommodation and coach travel. Eight-day holidays by railand air are also available from £1,029 and departures areavailable from May to August next year.

Meanwhile, an Elegant Elbe cruise takes place on thenewly-chartered MS Princess in April next year, which is asmaller ship that gives customers the chance to experiencethe narrow waterways of the River Elbe.

The cruise takes in Prague, Dresden, Saxon Switzerland anda guided city tour of Berlin. Prices lead in at £1,119 for ninedays which includes seven nights' full board cruise, one night’sbed-and-breakfast accommodation in Berlin, flights andtransfers. For more information call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearings.com


Hapag-Lloyd commences Antarctic 2012/13 season HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES has commenced its Antarctic 2012/13 season. The line's Bremenset sail earlier this month on its first expedition cruise via the Falkland Islands, SouthGeorgia and the South Orkney Islands to the Antarctic Peninsula, with the Hanseaticscheduled to follow next month.

Highlights of the cruises include a zodiac tour in Paradise Bay and setting foot on theAntarctic mainland; landings in colonies with hundreds of thousands of penguins on SouthGeorgia; bathing in the hot springs of Deception Island; whale-watching; cruising throughthe pack ice and to huge table icebergs; sailing though the Lemaire and the NeumayerChannel; a visit to a scientific station; and landing at Cape Horn.

As an example of prices, a semi circumnavigation of Antarctica on Hanseatic leads in at£13,360 per person cruise-only for 26 days. For details visit www.hl-cruises.com

Star Clippers offers third season of ‘Art Afloat’ voyages STAR CLIPPERS is again offering guests theopportunity to learn sketching and watercolourpainting on two ‘Art Afloat’ tall ship cruises next year.Participants can learn to paint and draw, or hone theirexisting skills, in the company of British artist RichardNichols, who specialises in seascapes and coastalscenes. Included in the price of the cruise is a specialartist’s backpack that converts into a seat for sittingand sketching on location. The backpack containssketchbooks, paper, watercolours, brushes andpencils.

As an example of cruises, a seven-night round-tripMonaco itinerary on Star Clipper departs on April 27and calls at Calvi, Bonifacio, Costa Smeralda,Portoferraio, Lerci and Santa Margarita (for Portofino).

Prices are from £1,599 per person including flights to Nice. For travel by rail with a one-night stay in Monaco before the cruise, prices lead in at £1,849.

New for 2013, the company is offering a round-trip from Venice on Royal Clipper foreight nights, departing on September 27, and calling at Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj andPiran, with a night in Venice before the cruise. Prices lead in at £1,995 per personincluding flights to Venice and one night’s bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Venice.The price includes transfers, full board on the ships, all art equipment, daily tuition and awelcome cocktail party.For more information call 0845-200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk

Norwegian Cruise Line unveils results for third quarter NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has unveiled its results for the quarter ending September30, with operating income increasing by 8.8% to $174.1million, compared to$160million in 2011 and an improvement in operating margin to 25.8% from 24.0%.

The line has 11 purpose-built freestyle cruising ships, as well as two 4,000-passenger vessels, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway underconstruction for delivery in April 2013 and January 2014, along with one larger“Breakaway Plus” vessel for delivery in autumn 2015.

The company has also announced upcoming enhancements to Pride of America,the line's US-flagged ship, which sails exclusive seven-day itineraries in Hawaii.Meanwhile, the line's Getaway’s season itinerary will sail Eastern Caribbean voyagesyear-round from Miami.

The ‘Art Afloat’ voyages give guests theopportunity to learn sketching andwatercolour painting

Meet Shackleton and Scott with Quark ExpeditionsQUARK EXPEDITIONS has announced Jonathan Shackleton (cousin of Sir Ernest Shackleton)and Falcon Scott (grandson of Robert Falcon Scott) will be guest lecturers on the 11-dayAntarctic Explorer voyage, departing February 9, 2013 from Ushuaia, Argentina.

The new lecturers will join the voyage as part of a unique Expert-in-Residenceprogramme available exclusively on Ocean Diamond, featuring noted scientists,photographers and historians renowned for their expertise in the polar regions.For more information visit www.quarkexpeditions.com

cruising




EUROPEAN WATERWAYShas launched its 2013brochure featuring cruisesalong the canals, rivers andlakes of Europe on a fleetof hotel barges, ranging insize from six to 20 guests.

New highlights in theprogramme include cruisesalong the Canal de laMarne au Rhin in Alsace-Lorraine on the newestaddition to the fleet, the 12-passenger ‘Panache’;cruises to Champagne on

three hotel barges atvarious times of the year;Longer Waterway Journeys;and voyages of explorationof varying duration throughseveral countries.

Also on offer is a rangeof themed charter cruisesthat can be arranged forspecial interest parties,featuring activities such asgolf, walking and wineappreciation. The averagecrew ratio is one crewmember for every two

passengers and includes acaptain, chef, tour guideand hostesses.

Prices for six-nightcruises based on doubleoccupancy lead in at £2,250per person on hotel bargeScottish Highlander in theScottish Highlands in anen-suite cabin and £14,400for six passengers onNymphea in the LoireValley for a whole boatcharter.

The cruises operate from

March to October andinclude accommodation inair-conditioned, en-suitecabins; all gourmet mealson board; selected domaineand château wines; anopen bar; daily escortedshore excursions; localtransfers and the use of allbarge facilities such asbicycles and spa pools. For more information call01753-598555, visit www.gobarging.com oremail [email protected]

MSC CRUISES has launched a comprehensive itinerary tocombine the best of Egypt, Jordan and Israel, withitineraries offering a full range of shore excursions includinghistorical tours, relaxation and snorkelling opportunities inthe Red Sea and a variety of adventurous desert tours.

Until April 6, 2013, MSC Armonia has a full schedule of 21seven-night cruises, departing every Saturday from Sharm

el Sheikh, calling at Safaga, Egypt; Eilat, Israel; Aqaba,Jordan; and Sokhna Port, Egypt. A seven-night cruise whichincludes cruise and flights from London costs from £769 perperson and a balcony cabin including flights costs from£1,119 per person. For more information or to book visit www.msccruises.co.ukor call 0844-561 1955.

CRYSTAL CRUISES is offering low single occupancy fareson an increased number of cruises to more destinationsnext year.

Solo travellers have a choice of a different worldwidecruise in almost every month from April to November,with single supplements of 10%, offering savings of up to£500 on ten varied cruises of seven to 18 nights.

The offer applies to new bookings made by December31 for the following 2013 cruises in a deluxe stateroomwith picture window: April 12: Kobe to Vancouver – 18nights for £4,042 cruise-only; May 9: Rome to Istanbul –nine nights for £2,966 fly/cruise; May 23: New York to

Reykjavik – 12 nights for £4,267 fly/cruise; June 25:Stockholm to Copenhagen – ten nights for £4,013fly/cruise; July 6: Istanbul to Rome – seven nights for£2,485 fly/cruise; July 20: Stockholm to Copenhagen –ten nights for £4,010 fly/cruise; July 30: Copenhagen toStockholm – ten nights for £4,010 fly/cruise; September2: Dover to Barcelona – nine nights for £3,141 fly/cruise;November 2: Rome to Lisbon – 13 nights for £3,745fly/cruise; and November 23: Miami to Rio de Janeiro –16 nights for £4,209 fly/cruise.For more information or to book call 020-7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

Crystal Cruises offers new solo fares on increased number of 2013 voyages

MSC’s Armonia

cruisingNew itinerary from MSC Cruises combines Egypt, Jordan & Israel

European Waterways promotes cruises along the canals, rivers & lakes of Europe


PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises has revealedshore excursion options for guests onseven-night Caribbean and 13- and14-night Panama Canal voyages onits 90-guest Tere Moana.

Guests can pre-reserve standardshore excursions for a maximumnumber of 13 travellers or, for amore intimate experience, pre-paidtours are also available for two to sixguests which include privatetransportation with a personaldriver/guide.

Tere Moana’s Caribbean voyagescruise roundtrip from St Martin andvisit Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, VirginGorda, Basseterre, Les Saintes andSt Barts. Eight departures are offeredon December 29; March 9, 16 and 23;November 30; and December 7, 14and 21, 2013 with cruise-only faresstarting from £1,983 per person.

Shore excursion options forCaribbean voyages include Tortolawhich features a dolphin swim, scubadive, eco-snorkel and kayaking; andSt Barts, which offers a St Barts

Island Tour, Yellow Submarine tour,ATV adventure, BLUE CAT snorkellingtour and BLUE CAT snorkelling &one-tank dive tour.

The ship's Panama Canal voyagescruise between St Martin and PuertoCaldera and visit St Barts, EnglishHarbour, Les Saintes, Oranjestad,Willemstad, Cartagena, PanamaCanal (transit), Isla de Coiba† andCorcovado National Park (Marenco).Two departures are offered onJanuary 5 and February 24, 2013,with cruise-only fares starting from£3,759 per person.

Shore excursion options forPanama Canal voyages includeMarenco which offers a CorcovadoNational Park hiking tour, horsebackriding to the Last Frontier and marinewildlife safari; and Willemstad, whichfeatures a Willemstad walking tour, aJewish heritage tour and CuraçaoSea aquarium tour. For more information or to book call020-7434 0089 or visitwww.pgcruises.com

TB 297x210 Uniworld Sale 14.11.12.indd 1 14/11/2012 14:39

HOLLAND AMERICA Line hasannounced it is expanding its AlaskaCruiseTours programme in 2013, withadditions including three new TripleDenali itineraries, four short pre/post‘sampler’ tours for guests withlimited time and enhancements toexisting tours.

Ranging from ten to 20 days anddeparting between May andSeptember, all cruises combine athree-, four- or seven-day InsidePassage cruise with overland tours.The tours have been created tohighlight the best of Alaska’swilderness, wildlife, native culture andhistory. Six tours also featureCanada’s Yukon Territory with itsKlondike Gold Rush heritage andnational parks such as KluaneNational Park and Tombstone Park.

The MS Amsterdam will join MSVolendam and MS Zuiderdam onselect CruiseTours during the seven-day Inside Passage itineraries sailinground-trip from Vancouver, Canada.

As an example, a Triple Direct toDenali offers guests a three-night stayat Denali, featuring the TundraWilderness Tour and scenic cruisingthroughout the Gulf of Alaska. TheGlacier Discovery itinerary sails fromVancouver to Anchorage, or vice versa.Fares for the 12-night CruiseTourstart from £1,195 per personexcluding flights, based on twosharing and include a free upgradefrom inside to ocean view stateroom,for a May 12, 2013 departure.For more information or to book call0843-374 2300 or seewww.hollandamerica.co.uk

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

What's on yourChristmas wish-list?

Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] Satnav as my sense of direction is terrible

Editor: Lauretta [email protected], Perfume Shop voucher and a huge bag of Haribo

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected] as last year - an iPad - still haven't got one - and a Kindle

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] jolly gathering in the local pub, rest of Christmas Dayin front of a roaring log fire - and snow

Sales Director: Simon [email protected] visit from Mr Scudamore (aka Santa)

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] on Earth & an AC Cobra

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected] of this summer's Olympics and Paralympics. Greatmemories, and personal inspiration whenever I need it!

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] & pants like last year!!

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected] Men Series 1-5 Box set

Sales Executive: Matt [email protected] Surface, tickets for Ed Sheeran, and SOCKS!

Design: Genaro [email protected] 5, to add to my growing Apple collection

Assistant Layout Design:Nicky [email protected] Pro 15inch laptop

Production: Jeremy Walters [email protected] health and happiness for all my friends and family

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]


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

cruising

Paul Gaugiun reveals shore excursions for Caribbean & Panama Canal voyages

Crossword:Across: 1. DFDS SEAWAYS, 5. VERMONT, 8. ORA, 9. DUNEDIN, 10. PER, 11. AMY, 12. LA PALMA, 13. MRU, 14. NICOSIA, 16. ABERYSTWYTH.Down: 1. DAVID HAYE, 2. SFO, 3. ANTON, 4. ANNAPOLIS, 6. RUNNYMEDE, 7. FERMANAGH, 12. LUNDY, 15. CPT.

Highlighted Word: AFRICA

Travagrams: (top) Pegasus (bottom) Bangalore

Where Am I?: Sri Lanka

puzzlesolutions

Holland America Line expands Alaska CruiseTours


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TB 297x210 Uniworld Sale 14.11.12.indd 1 14/11/2012 14:39


SKYPRIORITY. BECAUSE YOU ARE OUR PRIORITY.

SkyTeam introduces SkyPriority, an alliance-wide priority service label which is easy to

spot at every SkyTeam-served airport around the world. Wherever you fly with SkyTeam

member airlines, you* will automatically benefit from priority check-in, baggage handling,

boarding and transfer desks. To learn more, visit skyteam.com

*First Class, Business Class, and SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers.

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Documents

Travel Bulletin 23rd November 2012