Travel Bulletin 19th April 2013

April 19 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,822 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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Operators seebooking growth

following renewedconfidence

Egypt

April 19 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,822 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent bulletinwhat's in store for Taurus thismonth?

ask renatodealing with clients withdisabilities need not be difficult

NEW! interview bulletinBogdan Becla from the PolishNational Tourist Office advisesagents on how to sell thedestination

accommodation-onlyfestival fans fuel increase inEuropean hotel bookings

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MONUMENT MOMENT...Singapore Airlines, along with SilkAir, Meritus Hotels, Vidotour and the Singapore TouristBoard jointly hosted a week-long fam trip for agents to Cambodia with a stopover in Singapore recently. Thetrip was organised to raise awareness of the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia and the itinerary took in AngkorWat and the Killing Fields outside Phnom Penh. Pictured at the historic Angkor Wat monument are, from the left:Simon Travis, Lotus Travel; Bev Thomas, Kuoni Travel Limited; Duncan Ivett, Singapore Airlines; Bina Patel,Trailfinders; Helen Warnes, Travel 2; Lorna Allen, Meritus Hotels & Resorts; Melanie Bourne, Flight Centre; CamillaBassett, Premier Holidays; David Duncan, Thomas Cook; and Emma Mitchell, Tui.

This Week

3 newssafety and securityrevealed as top concern for business travel buyers

9 agent bulletinwhat's in store for Taurus this month?

11puzzle bulletinwin a £50 Love2Shopvoucher courtesy ofJet2holidays by completingthe crossword

12 airline bulletina round-up of new flightroutes, codeshareagreements & aircraftupgrades

13 ask renatoagony uncle, Renato Fantoni,says that dealing withclients with disabilities neednot be difficult

14 personality bulletinwhich marketing managersays she can sleep almostanywhere - even standing up!

15interview bulletinBogdan Becla from thePolish National Tourist Officein the UK advises agentswhat they should behighlighting to clients

16 accommodation-onlyfestival fans fuel increase inEuropean hotel bookings

19usadriving tips for clients plus a round-up of new tours &programme additions

25 egyptRed Sea returns to Hayes &Jarvis’ top ten destinations

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3www.travelbulletin.co.uk April 19 2013

Safety and security revealed as top concern for business travel buyersTHE IMPORTANCE of safety and security within global travel topped the bill of considerationsaddressed by business travel buyers according to new research from the ATPI Group. Some 54%of respondents ranked safety and security as the most important factor when planning a globaltravel programme, compared to 30% who rated cost savings as most significant.

The research also showed that travel management services, such as out of hours support,365 days a year, are essential in order to deliver duty of care requirements such as safety andsecurity. More than a third of respondents outlined that round the clock emergency support is"very important" to their business.

The company's chief operation officer for Europe & the US Peter Muller said: “With companiesincreasingly conducting business in a global operating environment, safety and security ismoving more and more to the forefront. Many people travelling for work need to make use ofroutes outside of the mainstream, often to hostile and remote destinations. Geopoliticaluncertainty is a factor of doing business in a world of changing and emerging economies. Themessage from business travel buyers is that they are clearly very aware of this, with safety andsecurity measures considered ahead of other pressures, such as cost saving.”

Respondents were also asked to detail their biggest concerns for doing business in 2013, withsafety and security coming in second as an overall factor, behind reducing costs.

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NEW RESEARCH from www.sunshine.co.ukhas revealed that more than a quarter ofBrits actively choose to exercise whilst onholiday and swimming is the number onechoice of holiday workout.

Some 1,862 UK adults took part in thesurvey, each of whom had been abroad onholiday in the past 12 months. Whenasked, ‘Did you actively choose toexercise on your last holiday abroad?’26% answered ‘yes’. These samerespondents were asked if they normallyexercised whilst at home, to which themajority, 62%, said ‘no’. When all wereasked why they had exercised on holiday,

the answers were as follows: ● Good fitness facilities at accommodation

(55%), ● To balance out excessive holiday eating

(39%), ● To keep fit (21%) and help me to relax

(16%). The company asked those who said they’dexercised on their last holiday abroadwhich kinds of fitness activities they hadchosen to take part in. The most popularholiday exercise activities wereswimming, followed by running on thebeach, the gym, an exercise class andyoga.

Quarter of British holidaymakers actively exercise during trip


HURTIGRUTEN REPORTS that its loyalty scheme continuesto go from strength to strength with more than 42,500members worldwide.

To celebrate its 120th birthday this year, the operator isoffering its loyalty members the opportunity to give a 5%discount on all its voyages to up to four family members orfriends.

The offer applies to all new bookings made before its

birthday on July 2, against any trips in Norway, Spitsbergen,Greenland, Antarctica and the rest of Europe, with at leastthree consecutive nights on board.

The scheme is inclusive of the trade and members canbook through agents and still enjoy the same level ofbenefits. For more information call 020-8846 2666 or seewww.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents

VISITENGLAND HAS recruited Wallace & Gromit as TourismTrailblazers to inspire Britons to take a holiday at home thisyear.

The intrepid duo have pledged to make 2013 the year theytake their well-earned holidays here in the UK, and to kickstart the holiday season are starring in a much anticipatedtelevision advertisement due to air on May 12.

The £4m integrated campaign, led by VisitEngland, andsupported by the home nation tourist boards of Scotland, Walesand Northern Ireland, will see Wallace and Gromit take to theroad exploring the country and discovering the best of the UK.

The Government funded campaign, ‘Great Adventure’, aimsto inspire Britons to book a holiday through their local travelagent and the tourist board is working with a number of HighStreet agents and operators who are putting together a rangeof British holiday packages.

AVALON WATERWAYS has launched its 2014 European RiverCruise Preview Brochure with a range of early booking offers,as well as announcing three new Suite Ships due for deliveryin the spring of 2014.

Clients booking before May 22 can save up to £1,400 percouple, while bookings made before June 30 can save up to£1,200 per couple and those booking by September 30 cansave £600 per couple.

The new Avalon ‘Suite Ships’, the Avalon Poetry II,Illumination and Impression will offer the same spacioussuites and focus on service as their sister ships, and by 2014,the company will offer eight Suite Ships all featuring two fulldecks of Panorama suites with wall-to-wall panoramicwindows that open to create unique ‘open air balconies’,upgrades and enhancements throughout.

The new preview brochure features ten of the operator'smost popular river cruise itineraries on the Rhine Danube,Main, Rhone and Dutch Waterways.

The choice includes the Romantic Rhine (eight days from£1,255 per person), A Taste of the Danube (eight days from£1,109), Capitals of Central Europe (ten days from £1,665) andBurgundy & Provence (11 days from £,1909). Ten other non-brochured 2014 cruises are available to book via the websiteincluding Paris to Normandy Beaches (eight days from £1,135),Rhine & Moselle (13 days from £2,605), Grand France (16 daysfrom £2,855) and Upper Rhine to the City of Music (12 daysfrom £2,490).

The operator's European 2014 brochure with the full rangeof cruises will launch on May 23, while its worldwide productsto include Mississippi, Mekong, Yangtze, Nile, Amazon and theGalapagos Islands will be launched at around the same time ina separate brochure.For details call 0800-668 1801.

VisitEngland teams with Wallace & Gromit to launch ‘Great Adventure’ campaign

Hurtigruten extends loyalty scheme option to friends & family to mark 120th birthday

www.travelbulletin.co.ukApril 19 20134

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TAKING STOCK...David Stock (right) from Tickets Travel inMaidstone is pictured winning a Kindle HD Fire at one ofBEST's (Better Escorted Tours) roadshow events recently.Pictured presenting David with his prize is BEST chairman and1STS director of sales, Paul Melinis.

Avalon Waterways launches 2014 Europeanpreview brochure



New promotion from Budget offers clients Fiat 500 from £12 a dayBUDGET HAS launched a promotion allowing customers to hire a Fiat 500 from £12 aday until April 30.

Features of the car include a sunroof, cloth interior, MP3 compatible radio and CD player.The car is available to hire from locations across the UK including Euston Station,

Heathrow, Leeds city centre, Liverpool city centre, Manchester city centre, Newcastlecity centre and Edinburgh Airport.

Customers who take advantage of the offer will also get the chance to win an iPadMini by entering their details online.For further information call 0845-544 3470 or visit www.budget.co.uk/Fiat_500

Free child places for early bookers from Carrier CARRIER HAS launched its Luxury Family Escapes brochure for 2013 with a selection of exclusiveoffers and savings, plus guaranteed free child places to 60 hotels if booked before April 30.

The company has hand-picked a selection of hotels for families, with each offeringdedicated facilities including children’s clubs, kids-only spas and unique experiences wherechildren can try their hand at being a chef, a ranger or marine biologist.

As an example of prices, a seven-night stay in an Ocean Suite at The Cove Atlantis,Paradise Island in the Bahamas costs from £6,900 per family (two adults and two children),with kids staying free, saving up to £1,080. It includes flights from Heathrow with BA, privatetransfers, plus a free Atlantis Kids Experience pass worth more than $350 per stay includingdaily admission to teenage club CRUSH, two Atlantis Kids Adventure sessions, an Earth &Fire pottery session, complimentary ice-creams, pizzas and complimentary movie andpopcorn at the Atlantis theatre.To book or for details visit www.carrier.co.uk/family

GREAT RAIL Journeys has launched its new Winter,Christmas & Spring brochure for 2013/2014 with earlybooking discounts of up to £50 per person.

The brochure showcases 66 escorted tours across the UKand Europe as well as Canada, the US and Morocco, andfeatures a total of eight new tours. All tours include return railtravel and flights if necessary; three-, four- and five-star hotelsin prime locations; many meals; plus itineraries with excursionsand a tour manager throughout.

The eight new tours include The Northern Lights & Lapland,Christmas or Hogmanay at the Castle, The Harrogate FlowerShow, Andalucia in Spring, Lille and Brussels' ChristmasMarkets, Armistice Commemorations in Lille, RemembranceDay in Flanders and Highlands All-Inclusive. As an example of

prices, an 11-day Northern Lights & Lapland seeks out theNorthern Lights and travels on some of Scandinavia's mostscenic railways, taking in the Lofoten Islands. Prices lead in at£2,295 per person including scheduled flights, rail and coachtravel, ten nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast and sixdinners, a rail journey on the Dovre Railway to Trondheim, a railjourney on the Nordland Railway to Bodø, a Hurtigruten cruiseto the Lofoten Islands, a Northern Lights photo safari, a Vikingfeast, a journey on the Ofoten Railway to Kiruna, a guided tourof the Ice Hotel, a Sami Experience, transfers in Scandinavia,flight taxes and charges. The price is based on February 14, 28and March 7 departures. For bookings or further information call 01904-521980 or visit www.greatrail.com

GRJ launches eight new tours in 2013/14 Winter, Christmas & Spring brochure

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@AmericanAir

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Ever heard of theVinehopper? It's the bestway to experienceStellenbosch's #wine route.http://tinyurl.com/cqm7qnp

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29April 7nts Nile Cruise 5*Full board + 4nts Hurghada4* All Inclusive £899ppGatwick flights, transferand luggage inc. 0844 880 0462

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

TravelBulletin

GOAL-CHESTER...Staff from AITO Agent member, Colchester Travel, held a cake sale for clients andmanaged to raise more than £60 on World Water Day last month as part of the AITO Specialist TravelAgents’ campaign to raise £20,000 over six months in aid of Just a Drop. The funds will enable three villagesin Uganda to be provided with boreholes, supporting and improving the lives of more than 6,000 people.Pictured are, from the left: the agency's Sharon Penszor, Paul Bennett and Fiona Coburn.

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PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS is featuring a range of offers on springbreaks to Croatia with savings of up to £190 per person(40%) on a seven-night Dalmatian Highlights cruise, whichdeparts on May 19.

Starting and ending in Dubrovnik, the cruise visits theDalmatian Islands including Mljet, Hvar, Split and Korcula. Aweek’s break departing from Birmingham costs from £642per person including flights, transfers and accommodationon board with breakfast and lunch. Other options include an

escorted Grand Tour of Croatia, with savings of up to £106per person for a May 5 departure; a 25% saving (£98 perperson) on stays before April 23 at the Dubrovnik PalaceHotel, a five-star property set on the shore of the LapadPeninsula; and savings of £164 per person (40%) on a seven-night Adriatic Paradise cruise when departing on May 4 or12. For more information call 01425-480400 or visitwww.prestigeholidays.co.uk

KUONI HAS launched itsfirst campaign dedicatedto wildlife. With a hand-picked selection ofitineraries around theglobe, the campaign isdesigned for wildlifeenthusiasts and explorerswho want to uncover theirDavid Attenboroughpersonas.

It features wildlifeholidays in the IndianOcean, India, Canada,Latin America, Antarcticaand Africa. Customers canswim with manta rays inthe clear waters of theIndian Ocean, brave theCanadian wilderness tospot grizzly bears orjourney to Antarctica towitness penguins, whalesand sea lions surviving inthe extreme conditions.

The operator has alsoincluded a selection ofvolunteering holidays from

its sustainable Ananeaprogramme, such asassisting biologists tospot, catch, weigh andmeasure animals on theEarthwatch AmazonRiverboat exploration, orgo behind the scenes onthe Born Free Shamwariexperience to support thecharity in its dailychallenges to save theplanet’s most endangeredanimals.

As an example of prices,a Bear & Wildlife Watchingholiday at Great BearLodge, Port Hardy inCanada leads in at £1,199per person for two nightsin a floating eco-lodge onfull board.

The price is based ontwo sharing and applies toJuly departures. Flightsare not included.For more information seewww.kuoni.co.uk

Travel Network Group's conferencein Lake Bled shaping up well'SHAPING YOUR Future' is the theme at the centre of allactivities at The Travel Network Group's Conference to be heldfrom May 17-19 in Lake Bled, Slovenia.

Presentations will include a strategic update and marketoutlook by The Travel Network Group's senior managementteam and talks from a number of external speakers, includingex John Lewis customer service guru, Andrew McMillan, andbusinessman and philanthropist Billy Gammon.

Andy Cohen of the CAA and Damon Wright of MacIntyreHudson will address ATOL reform, TOMS, Flight Plus and thechanges to the Package Travel Directive, to ensure thatdelegates are fully aware of the changes the industry isundergoing in the future. Simon Ferguson of Travelport will betalking about how delegates can take advantage of newtechnologies.

Delegates will also hear from members who have put inplace highly successful innovations to shape their future intheir businesses.

Kuoni highlights wildlife holidays in latest dedicated campaign

Savings of up to 40% on Croatia breaks with Prestige Holidays


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A SLICE OF THE ACTION...Leeds Bradford Airport’s (LBA) salesteam, Emma Holliday and James Broughton joined Monarchcabin crew Sarah Blackshaw (left) and Jackie Wilson (right) tocelebrate the launch of Monarch’s summer 2013 programme.LBA greeted passengers with a Champagne and cake receptionto mark the airline's first flight to Tenerife on the carrier'snew A320 aircraft based at Leeds Bradford.

The River Cruise Line teams up with TUIto offer dedicated programme

THE RIVER Cruise Line has announced the promotion ofa dedicated programme of itineraries for 2013 with TUI.

The partnership will see a bespoke over-brandedbrochure of river cruises available for the first timethrough the First Choice, Thomson and Cruise Dealsbrands.

The brochure showcases popular itineraries on theDutch Waterways and the Rhine on two of theoperator’s exclusively-chartered vessels, the MPSAmsterdam and the four-star MS Switzerland II. Alsoavailable are a number of cruises on other carefullyselected ships to destinations including the Balticcoast, the Elbe and the Danube.

Prices start from £329 for a four-day ‘Amsterdam andBulbfields Spectacular’ itinerary on MPS Amsterdam.For more information call 0844-544 7580 or visit www.sellingrivercruises.com


Marmaris

www.goturkey.comTurkish Culture and Tourism Office

Tel: 020 7839 7778 | www.gototurkey.co.uk


COX & Kings is offering savings of up to £300 perperson when staying more than six nights in a Taj Safarilodge. An 11-day /eight-night India safari holiday nowleads in at £3,445 per person including Virgin Atlanticflights from Heathrow, private transfers, breakfastaccommodation in Delhi and three nights’ full boardwith twice-daily safari drives at the lodges inBandhavgarh and Kanha national parks.

The offer is based on two adults travelling together ona twin share basis and is valid on all new bookingsmade before May 10 for travel before June 30.

The four parks have healthy tiger populations and arehome to a variety of other mammals including leopards,Indian bison, hyenas and wild dogs, plus more than 150 bird species. For details call 020-7873 5000 or see www.coxandkings.co.uk

Savings of up to £300 on India safari break from Cox & Kings


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WEBSCLUSIVES

● Two great prizes to be won with the Canadian

Tourism Commission: a) Win a fantastic lobsterdinner for 4, delivered direct to your door! b)Entrants are also encouraged to complete theCanada Specialist training module for the furtherchance to win a £50 Amazon Gift Voucher.Go to: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

● Travel Bulletin now hosts some of the trade’smost educational - yet fun - agent events. Toview video footage from our most recentshowcases, go to www.youtube.com/travelbulletin

● Make sure you complete this week’s Crossword,sponsored by Jet2holidays, for the chance to win£50 in Love2Shop vouchers. Just fill in thecrossword on Page 11 of this edition, and thensubmit the mystery location along with yourcontact details via our website onwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

All this and more at:


The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go

JO'S JOY...Jo Plummer from Tropic Breeze won an award forlogging the most number of bookings on Saint Lucia Tourist Board'straining website at www.saintluciaexpert.com. Jo is picturedcollecting her award at the tourist board's 20th annual awardsevening from Dr. Ernest Hilaire, high commissioner for Saint Lucia.

Newsbites● JET2.COM IS to launch twice weekly services to Prague

and Budapest from East Midlands Airport fromNovember 7 and 8 respectively. Flights to Budapest costfrom £38 per person and to Prague from £37.Jet2holidays’ package city breaks are available from£159 per person for three nights' breakfastaccommodation.

● ALL LEISURE Group has announced that it will be joiningACE (the Association of Cruise Experts) to helpstrengthen relationships with the trade through thecompany’s three cruise brands. Detailed information foragents about Hebridean Island Cruises, Voyages ofDiscovery and Swan Hellenic will be available via ACE,including weekly news updates, information about thelatest trade incentives and detailed product briefings.

● TAILOR MADE Cruise Holidays has launched an initiativewith Disney Cruise Line and is offering a free cabinupgrade on all Disney Cruise Line Mediterranean Cruisesbooked before June 30.

● SPECIALIST MOROCCO has joined the Portfolio ofSpecialist Tour Operators to further develop retail tradebusiness for its programme of private and small grouptours to Morocco, including Discovery Tours, TrekkingTours in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and anexclusive Atlantic Morocco Tour.For details email [email protected]

● BUTLINS HAS launched a new agent booking engine foragents. The new site offers simpler booking processesand the ability to add extras and earn more commission.The cost of a break will now be shown before the guestdetails are entered into the system making it easy foragents to quickly provide customers with quotes. Agentsare also able to amend booking details at any stage usingthe ‘your breaks summary’ function, a new addition tothe new booking engine.

● HOLIDAY AUTOS has teamed up with the recentlylaunched low-cost, all-inclusive airline JetXtra, tosupport the airline's service with a live booking solutionfor car hire on its website.

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● AGENTS CAN win £250 in vouchers with Travel 2as part of its ‘Australia. It’s Time To Go Back’campaign. In conjunction with Tourism Australia,AAT Kings, maui/Britz, Avis and Great SouthernRail, the new campaign highlights off-the-beaten-track itineraries. To encourage secondtime holidaymakers, the operator is giving fouragents the chance to win prizes of £250 inshopping vouchers. To be entered into the prizedraw agents must make a new booking by May31 that includes a minimum of five nights’ground arrangements. If the booking includes anAAT Kings, maui/Britz, Avis or Great SouthernRail product, agents will receive twoentries into the draw. See www.travel2.com

● AGENTS CAN get their hands on £250 in cashwhen they book a cruise with Swan Hellenic orVoyages of Discovery before May 31. The tradeincentive coincides with the launch of the twocruise lines’ new 2014/15 brochures. To be inwith a chance of winning, agents must confirm anew booking from the new brochures. Voyagesof Discovery (www.voyagesofdiscovery.com) issailing to 19 new ports of call across tencountries, including a full circumnavigation ofthe African continent, as part of the new summer2014 and winter 2014/15 cruise programmes,and Swan Hellenic (www.swanhellenic.com),which celebrates its diamond anniversary in2014, has also launched cruises up until January2015 to destinations including the Baltic, BlackSea, Adriatic, Mediterranean, India and the FarEast. The winner will be picked randomly fromAll Leisure Groups’ system in early June 2013,once the early booking offers have ended, andwill be notified shortly afterwards.

Agent offerNORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has announced the details ofits ‘Engage & Reward’ programme for agents attendingthe launch of its latest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, inSouthampton on April 29. The programme will focus oneducating agents in various aspects of the ship, whilerewarding them with incremental bonus commission fortheir attendance and participation. When agents arriveat the inaugural in Southampton and check in, they willbe given a unique barcode which can be used in keylocations around the ship. At each location there will bea presentation or walk through about a specific featureof the ship and by visiting these key locations agentscan earn their company up to 4% bonus commission intotal. Agents will also have the opportunity to meet withrepresentatives from tourist organisations from the keycruise destinations as they move through check-in andembarkation at Southampton. Destinations includeAlaska, Seattle, Miami, Clearwater Beach, Barcelona,Malaga and Palma. Any bonus commission secured byattending agents can be earned on all new bookingsmade between May 15 and June 14 for sailingsbetween May 15 and December 31.

For details on Norwegian Breakaway seewww.breakaway.ncl.co.uk and for more information andupdates, agents can visit the new Partners Firstwebpage at www.ncl.co.uk/agents/partners-first/index.html

PICTURE PERFECT...Travel 2 presentedTanya Goodall of Robins World Travel with atop of the range SLR camera as one of the fivewinners of its South Africa incentive. Picturedwith Tanya is the operator's Andy Harris.

Booking incentives

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

YOU ARE very influential at present so try to capitalise onthis - whether that means talking your way into a well-deserved pay rise at work to convincing your other halfto change your living room decor. Increased confidencemeans that you can be more spontaneous this month,which also presents an opportunity for you to learn anew skill or try something you wouldn't normally do.

Lucky day: Friday

Lucky number: 24


agentbulletin


TRAVEL INDOCHINA has announced a new 13-daygastronomy tour of China that explores the destination'scuisine in a number of ways, from back street foodtasting tours to hands-on cooking lessons in speciallocations.

Travelling through Beijing, Xian, Chengdu andShanghai, customers will discover China’s culturalofferings and iconic attractions, including the Great Wallof China, the Terracotta Warriors and Giant Pandas.

Along the way, the tour offers a selection of special‘Insider Experiences’ designed to bring the gastronomy ofChina to life. These include three hands-on cookinglessons at a typical hutong house in Beijing, a local homein Chengdu, and the former French Concession area ofShanghai; two carefully-designed food tours through theback streets of Beijing and Xian; as well as the chance totry the famous Peking Duck at one of the most popularroast duck restaurants in Beijing’s hutongs.

Prices lead in at £2,365 per person and include 12

nights’ accommodation, three domestic flights, all roadtransport in air-conditioned vehicles, sightseeing andentrance fees, a tour leader (based on a minimum ofseven travellers) and local English-speaking guidesthroughout, airport transfers, and some meals.International flights and visas are not included but can bearranged at an additional cost.

BRITISH AIRWAYS is launchingdirect flights from London toChengdu in September, and JonBaines Tours has added two culturaltours to the region that both take inthe ancient city of Chengdu andallow visitors to learn more about itshistory, culture and people.

The Trail of the Tea Horse (fromSeptember 12-29) travels fromChengdu on a journey to Tibet andEverest Base Camp on the Trail ofthe Tea Horse, via the ancient tradingtowns of Dali, Lijiang and Zhongdian.Highlights include visiting TigerLeaping Gorge, where the YangtzeRiver forces its way between jagged

mountain peaks; a visit to the sacredlake of Yamdrok-tso in Tibet; andspending two days in Lhasa, thespiritual heart of Tibet.

Prices lead in at £3,880 includingflights, meals, accommodation and atour guide.

A Journey Along the Yangtze touroption, from October 11-27, has alsobeen added. In Chengdu, guests canexplore the spice and art markets,enjoy a hot pot (a special lunch), andvisit Wushan monastery, the DazuGrottos, the panda breedingprogramme and the giant man ofLeshan.

The tour is led by The School of

Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)professor Hugh Baker, who providescommentaries throughout.

Highlights of the tour includevisiting Shanghai and learning aboutits colourful past; visiting thefamous gardens and silk workshopsof 2,000-year old Suzhou, watchingcontemporary designers workingwith ancient techniques; and takinga four-night cruise along the YangtzeRiver.

The ground-only cost of the tour is£2,940, excluding flights, visas andtransfers.For more information seehttp://jonbainestours.co.uk

Head down under to the Ashes withAustravel over Xmas and New YearAUSTRAVEL IS offering a variety of Ashes packages, inassociation with Gullivers Sports Travel, to combine thecricket series with a holiday down under.

Alistair Cook and his team will head to Brisbane inNovember for the first of five tests taking place over theChristmas and New Year period, and the operator isrunning city packages which tie in with each of the Testsand can be linked together to create a tailor-madeitinerary. The operator has a number of flexible optionsavailable, combining accommodation and the Test ticket.

As an example, guests can opt for a New Years Eve breakin Sydney watching the fireworks over the Harbour Bridgebefore taking in the fifth and final Ashes Test at SydneyCricket Ground. The nine-day holiday costs from £2,589 perperson and includes scheduled flights from Heathrow withMalaysia Airlines, eight nights' accommodation at the four-star Citigate Central Hotel and a five-day Bronze ticket forthe Sydney Test starting on January 3. The price is basedon a December 29 departure.For more information call 0800-988 4834 or visitwww.austravel.com

Jon Baines adds tours to Chengdu following BA's direct flights

Travel Indochina highlights newly added 13-day Chinese culinary tour


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TENERIFE TAKE-OFF...Pictured marking the launch of BritishAirways' flights to Tenerife from Gatwick, which operates five timesweekly and offers new “hand baggage only” fares are, from the left:Ricardo Melchior, president of the Council of Tenerife; Lucie Wesley,BA; and Miguel Ángel Santos, Tenerife Tourism Corporation.

Dumplings


puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Mount Columbia is the highest point of thisCanadian Province.

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, April 25th. Solution and new puzzle will

appear next week.

The winner for 5th April is Su Dillon, Travel Counsellors in

Thorngumbald.

April 5 Solution: A=9 B=2 C=5 D=8

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 108

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 German airline’s name derives from two Sanskrit words meaning ‘disappearing crane’ (bird).

143 million people in a hurry

Flash Tuna

A Sir Us

Fill in the crossword to spell the mystery location highlighted bythe blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword tosubmit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prizedraw and one lucky winner will win £50 Love2Shop vouchers.Closing date for entries is Thursday April 25th.

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 28

Crossword

Num

ber:

108

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Across 1. If you went on a Jet2holidays Discovery Weekend

Break to St. Petersburg which airport would youarrive at? (7)

4. Australian state, in short (3)6. Association of Independent Tour Operators, initially (4)7. Themed restaurant chain, ___ Hollywood (6)9. Abu Dhabi is the capital (3)11. Lausanne is the capital of this canton (4)12. Hayes & Jarvis is part of this travel group (3)14. Highest mountain in Japan (4)15. Britain's Got Talent co-host (3)17. Sri Lanka is located in this ocean (6)18. The national carrier of Israel (2,2)20. London Heathrow airport code (3)21. State capital of Georgia (7)

Down 1. Popular European city break destination (6)2. Airline operating out of Warsaw (3)3. Tom and Morgan star in this futuristic movie at

cinema near you (8)4. Family-friendly P&O cruise ship (7)5. Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, currently touring

the UK (4)8. Lake on the border of Peru and Bolivia (8)10. Quito is the capital (7)13. First name of celebrity fashion designer, sounds

like a well-known lager (6)16. Comedian Harry, famous for his big collars and

glasses (4)19. Luton airport code (3)

Congratulations to Susan Shaw, Travel Experience who won the 5th April crosswordprize of £50 Love2Shop vouchers


AIR CANADA is to introduce a new International PremiumEconomy cabin for customers seeking enhanced comfortand service on international flights as it continues tomodernise its widebody fleet with the addition of five newBoeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Complementing its Economy and Executive First optionson international flights, the airline's new PremiumEconomy cabin will offer customers a range of benefitsincluding a dedicated cabin featuring larger seats that arewider, providing more recline, with seven more inches oflegroom than Economy. Customers will also be offeredpremium meals with complimentary bar service andpriority check-in and baggage delivery at the airport.

The new cabin will be introduced on the carrier'sMontreal-Paris flights effective from July 11. Additionalroutes offering Premium Economy will be added over timeas new aircraft enter the carrier’s mainline fleet. For more information visitwww.aircanada.com/premiumeconomy

LUFTHANSA HAS boosted UK services with a double-digitincrease in capacity on the Aberdeen to Frankfurt route andthe start of two new services to Glasgow and Cardiff.

The increase in capacity between Aberdeen andFrankfurt is the result of introducing the larger B737-500 aircraft with 114 seats to replace the 70-seat CR7,which has been operating the route.

A seasonal service to Cardiff will operate everySaturday between May 4 and October 5, while the airlineis expanding its long-haul services by introducing a newroute from Munich to Vancouver on the west coast ofCanada to complement its existing service fromFrankfurt. The new route launches on May 16 and willbe served daily with an Airbus A330.

Lufthansa increases capacity onAberdeen service

Air Canada to introduce InternationalPremium Economy cabin on new fleet


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BMI REGIONAL is launching several new airline routes this summeroffering greater choice and flexibility for travel into Europe fromUK regional hubs. Amongst the options launching are routes toGothenburg, Lyon and Toulouse from Birmingham which launch onMay 13. Also launching on the same date are flights to Munich,Milan and Hannover from Bristol. In June the airline will thencommence daily flights (excluding Saturdays) to Billund, Denmarkfrom Birmingham. Prices start from £59 one-way including 20kg ofhold luggage and complimentary in-flight catering.

InBrief● GAMBIA BIRD has introduced a new corporate air travel programme

to provide corporate travel services, preferential fares and otherbenefits for corporations, organisations, professionals, executivesand frequent flyers. For details email [email protected] orsee www.gambiabird.com

● LATAM AIRLINES Group has chosen oneworld to be its global alliancefor all its airlines. With this decision, TAM Airlines is now a member ofoneworld, joining LAN Airlines and 11 other member airlines.

● FLYBE HAS launched its summer schedule that offers a total of up to3,031 flights a week on 148 routes. These include five which are new,namely Exeter and Southampton to Barcelona, Birmingham to Lyon,Glasgow to Shannon, and Manchester to Waterford. In addition,there are returning services between Southampton and the Isle ofMan, and Exeter to Nice plus extra frequency on seven popular seaand sun destinations from Exeter, Manchester, Cardiff andSouthampton. For details see www.flybe.com

● KLM HAS launched a new twice daily route from Manston Airport inKent to Amsterdam Schiphol. Passengers will be carried in a Fokker70 aircraft, which seats up to 80 travellers. Flights lead in at £79return including taxes. For details see klm.com

● ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES has entered into a codeshare partnership withOman Air on the Addis Ababa and Muscat sectors, which will offergreater choice for customers of the two airlines. The codeshareagreement will cover flights between the Ethiopian capital of AddisAbaba and the Omani capital of Muscat. The service will be operatedusing Ethiopian Airlines’ aircraft and will build on the airline’s fourflights per week service between the two cities.

● JET2.COM HAS announced it will launch a direct new route from EastMidlands to Budapest from November 8.

● THOMSON AIRWAYS has introduced extra legroom seats on its 757aircraft this summer. Available from May 1 on a range of short andmid-haul routes, the extra leg room seats offer between 33 and 34inches of legroom.

Norwegian to launch new LGW routes NORWEGIAN AIR Shuttle is establishing a UK base atGatwick and is set to launch 12 new short haul routesthis month.

Basing three aircraft at the airport will also enable thecarrier to offer more frequent services, as well as tap intothe London market and Gatwick’s wide catchment area.

The new routes, which include many of Europe’s majorholiday hotspots, offer passengers more choice in terms offlight times and prices to popular destinations includingthe Canary Islands, Spain, the Balearic Islands, Italy,Croatia, Portugal and France.The airline has alsoincreased the volume of its daily flights to keyScandinavian business destinations.

Critically, flights to Stockholm in Sweden and Oslo inNorway - key trading partners of the UK - now offermore choice in the first morning wave when businesspassengers prefer to travel.

The carrier is also now offering free in-flight Wi-fi onflights within Europe as well as video on demand.


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If you have a question for Renato, email him at [email protected]

Agony uncle, RenatoFantoni, offers advice onhow to help clients with

disabilities...

Ask Renato...

DEALING WITH clients with disabilities need not be difficult.The key thing to remember is that they are people; their

disability just happens to be one of many characteristics theyhave. They have the same holiday needs as everyone else; a niceenvironment, comfort, pleasant company, good food etc. Whatthey also need is dignity and respect. The words we use areoften a concern, but once you’ve leaned to use phrases like‘Person who needs mobility assistance’ or ‘Person with specialeducational needs’ you’ll soon get the hang of appropriatelanguage. If a person wants to come to see you, you shouldmake them feel welcome and arrange an appointment.

Simple Rules: Treat everybody as you want them to treat you.Think about the person first, not their disability.

When you interact with a disabled client, talk directly to themand not to their carer, friend or interpreter.

Ask before offering support - just because a person mighthave a disability, they don't necessarily want or require yourhelp. Ask before offering assistance.

When you talk to a person with a disability, don't use termslike "dear" or talk down to them. Avoid showing pity andpatronising behaviour.

Tips for interacting with people with specific disability issues:If somebody is deaf/hearing impaired, bear in mind that

some people can hear to some extent, others can lip read andsome prefer sign language or assistive technology. Simply askhow they prefer to communicate.

When interacting with a person who is visuallyimpaired/blind, first introduce yourself and let them knowwhere you are (e.g. sitting behind a desk). You can offer tohelp them sit but only if they want your assistance. Do notpush or drag them. Avoid petting a guide dog, it is a workinganimal, not a pet.

If you are interacting with a client in a wheelchair, avoidpushing, leaning on, or holding it. It’s a good idea to be at eye-level when connecting with someone in a wheelchair.

Interacting with a person with a cognitive disability mayrequire patience. Speak in clear, simple sentences and listento what they want to say. Do not assume you know what theywant and do not guess. When interacting with someone who isspeech impaired (e.g they have had a stroke) give them asmuch time as they need to communicate. Be respectful andtry not to finish what they are saying for them.

Next time we will deal with arranging the actual holiday…

Dear Renato, I was called by a client who asked that giventhey have a disability, could they come to our shop to book aholiday. I was unsure how to answer as I don’t want to do thewrong thing – what should I do?Mark, Daventry

MOVERS● GARY MCINTYRE has joined Funway Holidays as sales

development executive. ● HOLIDAY EXTRAS has appointed Louise Bates as

partnerships development manager for the north.● ALL LEISURE Group has appointed Julie Franklin as group

national account manager for trade.● AEROMOBILE HAS appointed Kevin Rogers as CEO.● AIR MALTA has appointed Maltese tenor, Joseph Calleja,

as its brand ambassador.● THE LONDON Marriott Hotel County Hall has appointed

Sebastian Schwietzer as director of food and beverage.● MACDONALD HOTELS & Resorts has appointed Stuart

Maxwell as general manager of Macdonald CardronaHotel, Golf & Spa in Peebles and Eileen Newman asgeneral manager of Macdonald Crutherland House in EastKilbride.

● SILVERSEA HAS appointed Amanda Middler as regionalsales manager with responsibility for Northern Ireland,Scotland and the North East of England.

● JUMEIRAH GROUP has announced key appointments forits global sales office in London. Anne Jensen has beenappointed director of sales for Western Europe; KathrinWildeshaus has taken on the role of director of globalsales, corporate, UK and Ireland, & Scandinavia; andElodie Lacroix has been announced as the director ofglobal sales for France & Benelux.

● PRINCESS CRUISES has announced that a new dedicatedsales team, led by Alex White, head of sales in the UK, hascome into effect.

● THE TOURISM Council of Bhutan has appointed ElizabethAbusleme as the new in-market marketing and PRmanager for the UK, Europe and Latin America.

● PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC Dockyard has appointed SunnyCrouch OBE as its new independent chairman.

Croiseurope barges into canalcruising with MS La JeanineCROISIEUROPE HAS expanded its fleet with a 12-cabincrewed hotel barge, the MS La Jeanine, which willoperate on the Alsace canals and in Burgundy, offeringbespoke experiences with English speakingcommentaries between May and October.

The air-conditioned vessel features outward facingcabins that have windows or portholes plus privatebathrooms. There is also a spacious lounge and diningroom along with a fleet of bicyles for the use of theguests who are looked after by a team of five crew.

The barge will operate in Burgundy, in Alsace, fromStrasbourg to Xouaxange and from Dijon, sailing a journeythrough the Saône-et-Loire and La Côte d'Or regions ofFrance. The gentle cruise passes the banks of the RiverSaône and takes in the attractions of the Canal du Centre,linking the River Saône to the River Loire.

Cruise-only prices start from €1,551 per person(approximately £1,315) including accommodation in anoutside cabin with all meals onboard, drinks withmeals, entertainment, excursions, use of the bicyclesand port taxes.For further information and reservations call 020-83281281, email [email protected] or visitwww.croisieurope.travel


Who is your ideal travelling companion? David Attenborough as he’d explainall about the little things you mightjust walk straight past otherwise.Plus he’d soothe me to sleep withhis storytelling.

Where was your last work-related trip? Last October I joined a TrekAmericatour called the Wild West. Ten daysthrough the USA’s Desert Southwestincluding L.A, the Grand Canyon andLas Vegas (to name a few). Ourgroup gelled brilliantly and we stillmeet up to talk about ouradventures at cowboy camp orbraving the sweltering heat of DeathValley.

If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why? Mila Kunis. She’s beautiful, doesn’ttake herself too seriously and evengets to play Meg in Family Guy!

What three words would yourfriends use to describe you? Loyal, generous & sarcastic.

What have your travels taught you? To be patient. Timekeeping isn’t tooimportant in some parts of the worldso sometimes you just have to gowith it. If something isn’t happeningimmediately that’s OK!

What is the best advice you recall?Listen to what others have to saybefore charging in with your opinion.

If you could have a room full ofany one thing, what would it be?Cheese - red, blue or yellow; I lovethe stuff!

If you could change three things in the industry, what would they be?APD, APD and APD. It’s the mostridiculous tax in the history of taxesand it’s damaging the economy.

Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career? Joanna Waterman (ex VirginHolidays) as she took a chance onme when I had no marketingexperience. Without her and Tom

Hayley GriffithsThe marketing manager of TrekAmerica has the

ability to sleep almost anywhere and says that APD is the ‘most ridiculous’ tax in

the history of taxes...

Scott agreeing to hire me I wouldn’thave made the transition from sales tomarketing and I wouldn’t be where Iam today.

What's your favourite city and why? Las Vegas – it’s unashamedly loud,superbly brash and you can getanything you want 24-hours a day.

If you were not doing this job,what would you be doing? I’d be a freelance travel writer, livingout of a backpack and covered in mud.

What is your motto in life? Eat dessert first: Life is uncertain.

What was your nickname at school and why? Love Puffin. Not telling why…

What item do you always take with you when travelling? Face wipes - useful for clearing up anymess, anywhere!

What's your favourite airline and why? Singapore Airlines. I’ve flown withthem to Sydney and their Airbus A380sare stunning.

What special skill do you have? I can sleep almost anywhere –including standing up.

What’s your favourite programmeon the TV right now? I love Come Dine With Me – it’s neverabout the food, but the group dynamicis like watching some kind of socialexperiment.

What do you love about your job? I get to talk about travelling all day, andhelp people to find an experience whichthey’ll love and remember forever.

Career path● 2004-05: Virgin Atlantic - sales advisor● 2005-06: Uptrips (Thomas Cook) -

sales advisor● 2006-09: Virgin Holidays - sales

advisor● 2008-09: Virgin Holidays - marketing

executive● 2009-10: Round the world trip● 2010-11: John Lewis - marketing

executive● 2011-12: Lloyds TSB - assistant

marketing manager● 2012-present: TrekAmerica - marketing

manager

"Timekeepingisn’t too important

in some parts of theworld so sometimes youjust have to go with it. If

something isn’thappening

immediately that’sOK!"

personalitybulletin



A FTER the success of Euro 2012, Poland is reaping the benefits of massive exposure and predicting a bumper year for tourism, particularly from the

UK. It also seems to be reaping the benefit of not beingin the eurozone, with its zloty currency representinggreat value. And in a third benefit, the country is certainto see an increase in featured coverage in the consumerpress following its hosting of almost 80 members of theBritish Guild of Travel Writers in February, whenit held its annual general meeting at theBelvedere Hotel and Spa inZakopane, preceded and followedby tours that took in severalhighlights of the southernMalopolska province,including the medieval cityof Krakow.

As a result of thisincreased exposure travelagents can expect an influx ofenquiries from all sectors of thepublic – singles, couples of allages, families and small groupslooking for one of the huge range ofholidays the country can offer. Theseinclude city and country breaks,touring packages, beach stays along500km of Baltic coastline, and active and adventureholidays, as well as those which focus on history,culture and the arts.

The country is also renowned for its place in thehealth and beauty sector, and features 43 specialistresorts offering the complete range of treatments. Abrochure, Poland for Health and Beauty, is availablefrom the Polish National Tourist Office in the UK, whichis headed up by Bogdan Becla, who said that there wasalso an increasing demand in the medical sector,particularly for those seeking affordable plastic surgeryand dental treatment, often combined with the relaxationof a holiday. He said: ”We are also seeing the emergenceof golf and spa combination packages – not everyonerealises that Poland has 23 18-hole golf courses, half of

which also feature a spa. And there are 60 historicpalaces throughout the country, 25 of which have a spa.”

From the UK, the country has around 1.2millionvisitors each year, mostly tourists, but also a substantialamount of VFR traffic and about 10% business travel. Itcertainly benefits from easy access, with flights fromWizz Air, Ryanair, easyJet, LOT and British Airways, andby road with companies such as Eurolines, as well as

rail options. The main city destinations areKrakow, Warsaw, Zakopane, Gdansk

and Wroclaw, which is popularwith the stag and hen sector.

Bogdan Becla said: ”Forthose who haven’t yetdiscovered Poland, I’dsuggest agents offer abreak to Krakow – it’s atried and tested

destination and a greatway of getting a customer

booked. It’s also just tenminutes by road from the

airport, and the kind of city peoplereturn to. There’s generally no problem in

bringing people to the major cities, but what I’d like tosee – and this is where agents can help – is gettingpeople to visit longer and discover what lies beyond thecity they’re visiting.”

This year the tourist office is promoting activityholidays and the spa and health segment, in addition toits cities, mountains, lakes and forests, sports events,culture and heritage. In all, there are 175 UK touroperators which feature Poland, among them BritishAirways Holidays, Thomson, Thomas Cook, First Choice,Cosmos, Kirker Holidays, Cox & Kings, Cresta,Shearings, Ramblers, Page & Moy, Contiki and ExploreWorldwide.

The tourist office is keen to support the retail tradeand offers agents online training viawww.specialist.poland.travel as well as telephonesupport on 0300-303 1812.

There is also a website at www.poland.travel ✦

by PAUL SCUDAMORE

When it comes to

benefits, Poland leads the

field on the tourism front

"Not everyonerealises that Polandhas 23 18-hole golf

courses, half of whichalso feature a spa”


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Bogdan Becla


YOUTRAVEL.COM has announced the addition of severalkey cities and seaside resorts to one of its most popularyear-round destinations, Italy.

The company has added more than 100 hotels in Italy,with a focus on iconic cities such as Rome, Florence andVenice, with Milan to be added shortly.

On the beach front, the operator features a wideselection in Sicily, Calabria, the Neapolitan and theVenetian Riviera.

The company has also secured a number of exclusiveoffers across Italy, with prices for seven nights, doubleoccupancy in May starting from £238 at the three-starCosta Azzura in Calabria, £370 at the four-star Hotel For

You in Sardinia, £456 at the three-star Miralago Hotel inLake Garda and £705 at the four-star Degli Aranci inRome.

The operator's group CEO Ioannis Kent said: “Our latestItaly portfolio expansion will enable us to provide our agentpartners with even more choice in one of our very populardestinations.

"Keeping in view the ever increasing number of low-costand full service flights to Italian cities, it makes sense forus to look at the citybreak market in order to meet ourpartners' demands. We are the only 100% trade focused,principal status bedbank and getting our product-mix rightfor our trade customers is our top priority.”

YTL HOTELS has announced thatguests booking five nights at the luxuryresorts of Pangkor Laut Resort,Tanjong Jara Resort and Gaya IslandResort can take two complimentarynights at The Majestic Hotel KualaLumpur, until the end of November.

The original heritage Hotel Majestichas been restored to its originalsplendour and is known as the MajesticWing, housing suites as well as TheBar, The Colonial Café and The TeaLounge.

As a new extension complementingthe original building, the Tower Wingfeatures the main reception, Contangorestaurant, 16 meeting rooms, apillarless ballroom seating 1,200, agym and pool. Food and beverage

offerings include Contango, acontemporary restaurant serving avariety of cuisine and The ColonialCafé, which offers traditional fare suchas Mulligatawny Soup and HainaneseChicken Chop. The adjacent TeaLounge is also designed in colonialstyle and serves light refreshmentsand afternoon tea.

As an example of packages, InspiredBy Asia is offering five-night stays from£1,289 per person at Tanjong JaraResort in a Bumbung room and twonights at The Majestic Hotel KualaLumpur in a Deluxe room, saving £430per person. The offer includes flightswith Malaysia Airlines, breakfast andprivate transfers, based on twin shareaccommodation.

To book call 01423-704118 or for moreinformation on the properties visitwww.ytlhotels.com

YouTravel.com introduces new Italian cities and resorts to programme

Tanjong Jara Resort


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MALLORCA FARMHOUSES is promotinga week’s stay at Gaballi (pictured) for £993

this summer. The two-bedroom property, whichsleeps four, is located in Campanet, near Pollenca old

town, and is ideal for couples looking for a quiet break. Theproperty features a private pool with furnished sun terrace, gardens,

an outdoor covered dining terrace and a barbecue. The beaches of PuertoPollenca and Cala Sant Vicenc are a 15-minute drive away. For details see www.mallorca.co.uk or call 0845-800 8080.

YTL Hotels offers free nights at Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

S04 TB1904 2013 Accomodation Only_Layout 1 17/04/2013 11:20 Page 16

DE VERE Hotels has launched Chambre Unique, a new room upgradefor guests staying at selected properties. For a small supplement,guests can upgrade and benefit from Sky Movies HD on a SmartTheatre TV and Bose SoundLink bluetooth speakers. Other facilitiesof the upgrade include a Starbucks “Verismo” coffee machine, aselection of Newby of London Specialist Tea Infusions and ESPAtoiletries. The Chambre Unique rooms are available at the Cheshirecountry house Mottram Hall (pictured), following a nine-monthrefurbishment of all 120 rooms, for an extra £30 per night on top ofthe normal room rate. The hotel is surrounded by 270 acres ofparkland and includes a championship golf course. For details see www.devere-hotels.co.uk

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LATEROOMS.COM has revealed that European hotels close tothe continent’s biggest music festivals have seen bookingsurges in the last year of up to 1,500%.

Figures from the hotel booking specialist reveal that 2013European festival goers are set to shun on-site campingfacilities in favour of the comfort of nearby hotel rooms, andare already booking up rooms for a short break ahead ofmajor events such as Primavera in Portugal, Optimus Alive! inLisbon and the INMusic festival in Croatia.

The company reports that as more headline acts areannounced for the European festivals, customers areincreasingly reserving rooms to secure a comfortable placethat is close to the action.

Previously, lesser-known locations such as Zagreb inCroatia are seeing benefits from the influx of British musicfans, as they flock to the INMusic festival held there every yearin June. Some 1,500% more hotel rooms in Zagreb havealready been snapped up this year through the operator thanat this time last year.

Hotels in Novi Sad near Exit Festival in Serbia have alsoseen a substantial 54% increase on last year’s bookings, asmusic lovers reserve rooms to relax in after seeing Bloc Partyand Snoop Dogg (aka Snoop Lion) at the event in July.

Meanwhile, in Portugal, the popularity of Optimus Alive! inLisbon has caused a big surge for the city’s hotels, withbookings for July rising by 325% in the last two years. AnotherPortuguese event, Primavera in Porto, will see Britpop legendsBlur headline this year in June, and hotels in the Portuguesecity experienced a 116% increase in bookings from around thetime of the festival last year, and are expecting another bigleap this year.

The Pet Shop Boys will perform for Sonar festival goers thissummer, and a hotel stay in nearby Barcelona is provingpopular, with 11% more rooms booked this year around thetime of the music event.

The company’s offline marketing manager LyndaMatthews said: “This year is going to be extremely profitablefor hotels near European festival sites, and we have alreadyseen bookings growing at faster rates year-on-year as thepopularity of these festivals increase.

“More and more of our British customers want tocombine the music event with a short break to Europe andwe are pleased that our vast array of European hotels canprovide a room for their every need, be it to get clean, treatthemselves to a gourmet meal, or just rest their head on thepillow after a day of taking in the music.”

Festival fans fuel increase in Europeanbookings according to LateRooms.com

HolidayCottages.co.uk reveals South West'sfastest emerging holiday destinationsHOLIDAYCOTTAGES.CO.UK HAS revealed this summer'stop five fastest emerging destinations within the SouthWest, with the seaside town of Westward Ho! witnessingthe greatest increase in bookings this year compared to2012, up 32%.

Other beauty spots across the region becomingincreasingly popular according to the company includeHelston; the second oldest town in Cornwall is also thesecond fastest growing destination this summer,experiencing an increase in bookings of 24%.

Nestled in the south of Somerset and surrounded byrolling countryside, the town of Chard takes thirdposition with bookings up 22% compared to last year,followed by the market town of Frome, with an 18%increase in bookings and the village of Berrynarbor, up14%.

The operator's managing director James Morris said:"The South West has been a popular destination for UKholidays for many years and it's great to see theseemerging destinations attracting more and moreholidaymakers every year."


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THE LATEST Hotels.comHotel Price Index, a reportwhich looks at prices UKtravellers paid per night lastyear, has found that a five-star hotel in Warsaw cost anaverage of £77 per night –£320 less than in SanFrancisco, where travellerspaid an average of £397.

Five-star accommodationin other popular luxurydestinations such as New

York and Paris came in at anaverage of £332 and £290 pernight respectively.

Several major Europeandestinations offeredcompetitive five-star prices in2012, with seven Europeancapital cities in the top tenbest value cities. Budapestcame second only to Warsawfor best five-star value at anaverage of £96 per night,while popular destination

Berlin came in seventh placewith an average of £116, tiedwith Tallinn. Also in the topten were Lisbon (£109),Prague (£117) and Brussels(£118). London struggled tomatch such great value,coming in at number 49 in thetable with a five-star averageof £232 per night.

The company’s KateHopcraft said: "UK travellersare understandably worried

about holiday costs now morethan ever, but our HPI reportshows that you can still havea luxury stay withoutexceeding your budget if youare canny in your choice ofdestination. Cities such asWarsaw and Budapest haveso much to offer tourists,from their rich historythrough to stunningarchitecture and delectablelocal cuisine."

DEEP BLUE Apartments, which offerscommission to agents selling stays at itsproperties, has launched a new VIPservice, the ‘Flying Butler Service’,exclusively for guests staying at itsserviced apartments in London andGreater London.

Tailored to each client’s requirements,the service includes transfers from anyLondon airport or train station; grocerydeliveries; additional housekeeping; anda dry cleaning service. It is being offeredto all guests staying at the company’sapartments in London’s Blackfriars,Marylebone, Ealing and Richmond, aswell as properties it owns in Basingstoke,Reading, Windsor and Wokingham.

A new welcome video for guests hasalso been produced to showcase to guestsall the facilities within the apartments.

The company’s general managerAvril Larner said: “Our new FlyingButler Service will enhance theexperience for guests arriving andchecking in to our apartments and itwill be especially welcomed by thosethat arrive after a long flight or trainjourney. Our properties are awonderful alternative for thosestaying in London on business for afew weeks or more who want to enjoya home from home experience in thecapital.”

As examples of prices, a largestudio apartment in Marylebone costsfrom £875 a week, while a four-bedroom penthouse in Blackfriarscosts from £2,450. For more information or to book visit www.deepblue-apartments.com

Deep Blue Apartments announce new ‘Flying Butler Service’ for business travellers

SUPERBREAK HAS added the five-star No.11 CadoganGardens to its portfolio of hotels in London. Built on theformer cricket grounds to Buckingham Palace, the boutiquehotel is located just minutes away from Sloane Street.

Behind the classic Victorian façade, No.11 CadoganGardens features a restaurant, cocktail bar, drawing room,library, outside terrace and state-of-the-art gym.

The hotel offers 54 guest rooms, each with four-posterbeds, decorative baroque chaise longues and Murano glasschandeliers.

Prices are from £143 per person per night includingbreakfast.For more information see www.superbreak.com/agentsor call 0871-221 4444.

Superbreak adds five-star boutique London property to portfolio

Report reveals destinations are poles apart when it comes to luxury accommodation


April 19 2013 19www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Uniworld issues 2014 preview brochure TWO NEW tours feature in Uniworld's Early Booking Bonanzabrochure.

A 16-day Rocky Mountain High - The Best of the AmericanRockies and New Mexico leads in at £2,295 per person, withdepartures from this month through to September 2014. Theprice offers a saving of up to £200 per person and thecompany is also offering reduced prices on singlesupplements.

The itinerary follows the American Rockies south fromDenver to the valley of the Rio Grande and west into Arizona,taking in natural wonders such as Pike's Peak, CarlsbadCaverns and White Sands National Monument. The tour alsoincludes visits to the historic Aztec Ruins National Monumentand Old San Miguel Mission.

A 15-day Florida in Style with a cruise to the Mayan Worldoption has also been added and costs from £1,995 per person(offering savings of up to £200 per person), with departuresfrom November through to March next year.

The tour takes in Orlando, Kissimmee, Sarasota, Tampa(for a cruise on Holland America's MS Ryndam), Key West,Roatan Bay Island, Honduras - Santo Tomas de Castilla,Guatemala - Costa Maya and Mexico.

Ranch Rider reports boost in bookingsACCORDING TO Ranch Rider bookings for its US ranchstays are still rivalling last year's figures, despite sterling’srecent backslide against the dollar.

The tour operator cites an upward trend for holidaysoffering authentic experiences.

The company's managing director Tony Daly said:“Riding out west is still pulling in the cowboys as ranchstays in this part of the world are the real McCoy. In recentweeks, sterling has started to bounce back against thedollar so that’s good news for agents selling the US, but allAmerican ranch stays will continue to be in demand thisyear as they fall into a category where sales are growing.”

Activities at Wyoming’s New Haven Working Ranch varyaccording to the seasons, with guests participating in cattledrives, branding and sorting. Seven-night stays lead in at£995 per person, based on two sharing and includeaccommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes andgratuities. Transfers and flights are excluded but can bebooked from £75 and £839 per person respectively. For more information call 01509-618811, [email protected] or visit www.ranchrider.com

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT Corporation has teamed up withNew York-based luxury hotel brand Gansevoort Hotel Groupto launch the Gansevoort Las Vegas, planned to open in early2014 at the location of Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon.

As the only stand-alone boutique resort, Gansevoort LasVegas will be the fourth installment of the luxury hospitalitybrand following the recent success of Gansevoort ParkAvenue in New York. Following a £121million renovation,Gansevoort’s iconic style will be a first for Las Vegas,creating an intimate property with 188 Parisian apartment-

style guest rooms including 19 suites, designed by TandemLas Vegas.

The property will also feature the creation of Drai’s BeachClub and Nightclub, Victor Drai’s reinvention of Las Vegasnightlife featuring a 65,000sq.ft indoor/outdoor nightclub androoftop pool experience.

Meanwhile, the city welcomes the opening of HakkasanNightclub at MGM Grand this month, with Hakkasanrestaurant due to open in early May. For more information see www.visitlasvegas.co.uk

Caesars Entertainment Corporation announces new boutique hotel set to open in early 2014

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Gansevoort Las Vegas

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HAYES & Jarvis has expanded its range of accommodation in Chicagoand is featuring the Trump Hotel Chicago as one of its luxurycollection, with three-night packages starting from £969 per person.Located further south along Michigan Avenue, opposite Grant Park,the three-star Chicago’s Essex Inn is the operator’s lead priced hotel,where three-night packages start from £669 per person.

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US driving tips by Holiday Autos● You need to be over 21 to book car hire in the US (the

minimum driving age across the states in 21 years old exceptin New York and Michigan where it is 18 years old)

● Drivers under the age of 25 are subject to several restrictionswhen hiring a car in the US. In some states, drivers may onlyhave access to a limited fleet including compact andintermediate cars only. Drivers under the age of 25 also haveto pay an underage fee if renting a car in the US, which costs$25 per day across most of the US (except New York andMichigan). The company has included the underage fee in itsMax 25 package as part of its all-inclusive products so theclient doesn’t have to pay anything locally. Max 25 USApackages include unlimited mileage, CDW (Collision DamageWaiver), EP (Extended Protection) Sales Tax, Airport fees,Additional Driver charges, underage fees plus one tank offuel.

● Police are strict on car hire codes of conduct so encourageyour clients to carry their driving documents with them at alltimes.

● New York: In the main areas even-numbered streets go eastand odd-numbered streets go west.

● California: You can make a right turn on a red light atintersections.

● Arizona: Look out for signs when driving near NativeAmerican reservations. Many roads are off limits to non-tribal members.

● Texas: Be careful and check before advancing at a green light– just because it’s green doesn’t mean it’s safe to proceed.

● Massachusetts: Parking in a lot will always be cheaper thanparking at a meter.

● Nevada: Avoid driving down The Strip on a Friday afternoon –you won’t get anywhere due to congestion.

● Florida: Lock your doors especially when at a red light orstuck in traffic – it’s not uncommon for someone to jump inthe passenger side.



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ATTRACTION WORLD has added a 'Las Vegas Style' Tribute DinnerShow, The Rat Pack & Friends, to its programme of activities inOrlando. Guests can dine while enjoying performances from Elvis,Frank, GaGa, Marilyn and Michael Jackson to name a few. Theprogramme includes a four-course Italian meal with free housewine, beer and/or soft drinks. Guests will also have the chance fora meet and greet with the cast following the show, which runs onTuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Prices lead in at £39 for adultsand £28 for kids.For details see www.attractionworld.com/Rat-Pack-Friends-Tribute-Dinner-Show.aspx

FOLLOWING THE recent announcement from New Orleans Convention & VisitorsBureau that tourism to New Orleans has bounced back to pre-Hurricane Katrina

levels, with more than nine million visitors in 2012, Intrepid Travel is hoping to lure moretravellers to the city to experience its new, food-focused 'New Orleans Bite-size Break'.

The four-day tour introduces travellers to New Orleans’ most authentic, affordablefood experiences, as well as its cultural highlights. A melting pot of Creole,French, Spanish, Italian, African, Cajun, Chinese and Native American influences,New Orleans’ streets feature bars, cafes and restaurants which serve soul-fooddishes like jambalaya, gumbo, fried green tomatoes, blackened catfish and po’boys, as well as less traditional dishes such as alligator cheesecake.

On the short break, travellers can follow a gourmet food-trail through theFrench Quarter, explore the city's chequered history at a 19th century sugarplantation, taste-test fresh produce at the city's farmers' markets, learn thesecrets to preparing Creole favourites at a cooking school, sip on a refreshingSazerac or two (a local Louisiana cocktail) and dance the night away in some

of the city's renowned jazz venues including Preservation Hall.The first departure of the tour is scheduled for June 6, with further

departures scheduled for selected Thursdays through to September 2014. The tour includes hotel accommodation in the French Quarter, some meals,

classes and tastings, plus a local tour leader. For more information visit www.intrepidtravel.com/food

Intrepid Travel launches gastronomy tour in New Orleans

Saxaphone playerin New Orleans

THE NEW Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival returns fortwo weekends during April 26 to May 5 and features astar-studded line-up.

Headline acts for the first weekend include Billy Joel,Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, BB King, Earth Windand Fire, Jill Scott, George Benson, Dr John, Ben Harperand Charlie Musselwhite. Headlining the second weekendare Fleetwood Mac, Maroon 5, The Black Keys, JohnOates, Daryl Hall, Phoenix, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Cliff,Little Big Town, Marc Broussard, Kem and Patti Smith.

There will be 12 stages showcasing various musicalgenres. Music on offer ranges from the old-time Deltabluesmen to African artists, to Bohemian street folk, topzydeco players and traditional New Orleans jazzmusicians such as Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenueand the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Zones dedicated to exploring culture, cuisine andcrafts will also be available. As examples, the Culturezone will include the Louisiana Folk Life Village and theNative American Village; the culinary region will hostfoodie delights; while the Congo Square African MarketPlace, the Contemporary Crafts in Heritage Square andthe Louisiana Marketplace are some of the craft venuesexhibiting.

Advanced adult single day tickets for the first andsecond weekend cost $50 each. There are other ticketpackages to choose from such as the Big Chief VIPExperience and the Grand Marshall VIP Pass. Tickets forchildren aged two-ten years are $5 and are available atthe gate only.

Bon Voyage is highlighting five-night packages for eachweekend that include flights from Heathrow orManchester and accommodation at the Maison Dupuy inthe French Quarter. The package for the first weekend is£1,635 per person and for the second is £1,675, subjectto availability. Other durations, departure airports andhotels are also available. For more information see www.bon-voyage.co.uk and www.nojazzfest.com

New Orleans Jazz Fest announces headline acts


FOR THE second year in a row, Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwaterhas seen an increase in UK visitors with 606,921 visiting in2012 compared to 584,442 the previous year (an increase of3.8%), and reports from the industry indicate that 2013 couldagain be a bumper year.

The global annual visitor figures for the destination revealthat the area, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, has seen 5,435,000visitors in the calendar year – an increase of 200,000, whichincludes 1.1 million first-time holidaymakers.

The tourist board's UK-based director Venessa Alexandersaid: “The UK continues to be a key market for Visit St.Pete/Clearwater and figures show that UK visitors make up61% of the total European visitor market." For more information see www.visitstpeteclearwater.com

THE MASSACHUSETTS Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT)has announced that it is hosting a garden at the 100th RHSChelsea Garden Show, which takes place from May 21-25.

The Massachusetts Garden has been created by goldwinning garden designer Catherine MacDonald of LandformConsultants, and London handbag designer SusannahHunter, to create a real and leather appliqué garden inorder to give a multi-dimensional effect.

The garden will also showcase an entirely leather “water”feature and dry stone wall, making it a first for the event.

MOTT will be offering a number of garden itineraries tocelebrate and promote the state’s gardens to horticulturefans, with tours being offered by some of the top USspecialist tour operators.

The tourist board's executive director Betsy Wall said: “Weare extremely proud of the gardens and natural spaces thatare present in abundance throughout the state and aredelighted to be working with the Royal Horticultural Society

to promote Massachusetts to the UK market. Thissignificant and innovative campaign involves a number ofstrands which will be initiated over the coming months.”

For clients looking to explore the real gardens ofMassachusetts, there are a number of tours to choose from.Collette Worldwide, which has become the escortedcompany for the RHS, run a Massachusetts/New York tourand have a specialist Massachusetts tour launching nextyear. Similarly, America As You Like It, Bon Voyage andHayes & Jarvis are launching fly/drive itineraries thatcelebrate the gardens and will be promoting the gardencampaign.

As an example of prices, America As You Like It’s eight-night tour of the gardens of Massachusetts costs from£1,215 per person including flights, accommodation and carhire. To book call 020-8742 8299.For further information on Massachusetts seewww.massvacation.com/international/uk

Fort De Soto


AMERICAN CRUISE Lines reports increased demand for itsvarious itineraries offered on the new Queen of the Mississippiand has added shorter four-night cruises to its 2013 schedule,which offer a special emphasis on the various plantations foundalong the river. The roundtrip voyage from New Orleans is idealfor a quick getaway or extended weekend trip, offering anhistoric exploration of the plantations, including NottowayPlantation, Houmas House, Oak Alley and Laura Plantation.Featured dates include November 30, December 4 and 8, withrates starting at $2,395 per person, including a variety ofspecial events and onboard activities. For details see www.americancruiselines.com

TRAFALGAR HAS launched a new Tasteof North America programme, featuringtailored culinary itineraries whichinclude cooking classes with trainedchefs, tastings, visits to farms, wineriesand local producers, the opportunity todine in private homes as part of thecompany's signature Be My Guestexperiences.

UK sales director for the One StopTouring Shop Paul Melinis said:“Trafalgar’s food-focused itineraries areperfect for any clients who have apassion for the finer tastes in life.Cuisine is such an important part of thetravelling experience and we’re seeing

huge interest in these foodie itineraries,though guests who want a lessspecifically foodie experience can stillget a flavour of them, as the majority ofTrafalgar’s First Class itineraries nowfeature a Be My Guest meal. And in ourcustomer feedback, these meals aresingled out as the highlight of the triptime and time again.”

As an example of prices, an 11-dayNew York Zest & New England’s Besttour journeys through New York and NewEngland, with guests getting a taste ofthe East Coast’s foods.

Arriving in New York City anddeparting from Boston, the trip calls at

Newport, Cape Cod, Nantucket, NewBedford, North Conway and Essex.

Prices lead in at £2,950 per person,based on two sharing and include flights,UK private transfers, air-conditionedcoach transport, breakfastaccommodation, a further seven mealsincluding a Harbour Cruise WelcomeReception in New York and the Be MyGuest lunch, plus included sightseeingand activities such as city and museumtours, tastings and cookery classes. For more information seewww.trafalgar.com andwww.onestoptouringshop.co.uk or call 020-7468 4335.

Trafalgar issues new Taste of North America programme offering culinary options

Year-on-year increase for Visit St.Petersburg/Clearwater

Massachusetts hosts garden at 100th RHS Chelsea Garden Show next month

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April 19 2013 25www.travelbulletin.co.uk

egypt

EGYPT UNCOVERED is offering anine-day Nile Family Adventure thissummer from £520 per adult and £400 perchild. Valid for departures on July 20 andAugust 3 and 17, the tour journeys to theGreat Pyramids, the Sphinx and thePharaonic tombs. Travellers will then visita local school and experience a traditionalEgyptian meal before taking a feluccasailboat down the Nile towards Luxor.The price includes transfers,accommodation on a mixed-boardbasis at four- and five-starhotels, a sleeper train andfelucca boat ride, along with theservices of an expert guide. For details call 0845-130 4849 or visitwww.egypt-uncovered.com

ANATOLIAN SKY Holidays has reported a gradualincrease in bookings for holidays to Egypt, following therecent political disruption.

The operator's managing director Akin Koç said: “Egyptis a one-of-a-kind destination, with a history like no other.Many clients who had been keen to visit prior to theunrest, have ended up delaying their trips rather thanopting for other destinations such as nearby Morocco,simply because there is nowhere else like Egypt.

"Clients are regaining their confidence and we arefinding that interest in classic Nile Cruises and packagescombining a Nile Cruise and stay are steadily growing.”

The company is currently offering early bookingsavings of £150 per person on a seven-day luxury NileCruise on the MS Nile Premium, bringing the price downto £1,049 per person for an October 28 departure.

It includes flights, accommodation on board on a fullboard basis, transfers and six excursions in the companyof an Egyptologist.

For more information or to book seewww.anatoliansky.co.uk or call 0844-273 3585.

MS Nile Premium

Early booking discounts on Nile cruise holidays from Anatolian Sky Holidays

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THE RADISSON Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis is offering a 'Day Use' package that includes the use ofthe gym and the spa, where staff will devise a package of treatments and massages for each guest.Prices lead in at approximately £71 for two adults and two children including lunch. For details visit www.radissonblu.com

New additionsfrom Four SeasonsSharm el SheikhTHE FOUR SeasonsResort Sharm el Sheikhhas opened Sails Lounge,an Asian Food Lounge.Located on a clear-walleddeck overlooking the sea,the eatery offers dailyAsian inspiration and aunique seven-coursemenu.

Each of the threemenus, showcasing freshlocal fish and seafood, isserved throughout theweek on a rotating basis,with one menu availableper day.

Meanwhile, the hotelhas also added newactivities for kidsincluding toy tables withtrain and car sets, a sandtable and Pharaonic chalkwalls to decorate.

For kids with extraenergy to burn, there arebreakdance andgymnastics workshops,as well as tennisactivities plus a special“Glee” singing andperforming workshop.Created specifically withthe Red Sea destinationin mind, younger guestscan also enjoy a weeklyFish Talk with aprofessional divinginstructor, or experienceFish of Call, a fun andinteractive dance gameintroducing the variousmarine creatures.

Other programmesinclude Family Quiz Timeand Fair Festive, wherefamilies can play a varietyof games together. For details seewww.fourseasons.com/sharmelsheikh

egypt


Sails Lounge

Wild Frontiershighlights Landof the PharaohstourWILD FRONTIERS ispromoting a 14-day EgyptLand Of The Pharaohstour which leads in at£2,695 per person.

The tour offers aninsight into the legendaryLand of the Pharaohs, aglimpse of the ‘real’Egypt, escaping the touristtrail to visit the remotevillages on the banks ofthe Nile.

Starting in Cairo, gueststake an overnight train toLuxor to start the Nilejourney on a dahabiya(traditional houseboat).Highlights include visitingthe temple complexes ofKarnak and Edfu,exploring tombs in theValley of the Kings and themarkets of Aswan,followed by the temples atAbu Simbel. For more information or to book visitwww.wildfrontiers.co.uk

AW offers new Sharm el Sheikh desert safariATTRACTION WORLD has launched a new half-day desert safari in Sharm el Sheikh. Theexperience includes a quad bike ride across the Sinai Mountains; a camel ride to a Bedouin tentto have dinner; watching a show during which guests can sample traditional shisha; and viewingthe stars and planets with an astronomy guide.

The trip operates daily apart from Monday, with prices leading in at £49 per person, includingtransport.


DISCOVER EGYPT has launched its 2013/14 programmefeaturing a range of packages, cruises and hotels, as wellas the option to tailor-make holidays.

The operator's commercial director Philip Brecknersaid: “We have printed more brochures than usual to copewith additional demand from retailers and are expandingour distribution through the trade.

“As the trade is continually challenged by online sales,it is specialists like ourselves working closely withretailers, delivering well-priced holidays and bespokepackages that will make a difference to the travel industryand its survival.

“We are also offering additional weekly flights inSeptember and October to Luxor. The All Leisure tradesales team is available to help agents promote Egypt andJordan through our specialist programme and we ask thatagents get in touch if they are interested in this region.”

Highlights of the new brochure include 52 weeks of Nilecruising on vessels exclusive to the operator; lead inprices from £799 for a seven-night Nile cruise with flights,transfers, full board accommodation and ten guidedexcursions; a range of cruise & stay packages and tailor-made holidays including a ten-night Classic Egypt from£1,199 per person; and new five-day Lake Nasser cruisesthat include a free Sound and Light show.

As examples of prices, a new eight-night LegendaryEgypt package, which includes three nights in Cairo, two inAlexandria and three in the desert oasis of Siwa, leads inat £1,199 per person including flights.

A 13-night Spectacular Egypt and Jordan package thatcombines Cairo, a Nile cruise and Jordan leads in at£1,999 per person. For more information or to book call 020-7407 2111 or visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk

The serene Sacred Lake at Karnak Temple

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Ritz Carlton


Discover Egypt issues 2013/14 programme with new packages and cruises

Red Sea returns to Hayes & Jarvis’ top ten destinations EGYPT’S RED Sea has returned to Hayes and Jarvis’ TopTen Destinations Worldwide chart for the first time inthree years.

The operator reports that package sales for thedestination, which experienced a fall in demand due tothe Arab Spring uprisings two years ago, have sincegrown by 31%.

Luxury accommodation at five-star resorts such as theRitz Carlton is now being offered at four- or three-starprices, which has contributed to the destination’s successaccording to the company.

In its latest report on holiday currency trends, PostOffice Travel Money says that low-priced Red Seapackages are currently making Egypt a bargaindestination, and that a stronger UK pound means thatholidaymakers have around 8% more spending money intheir pockets.


CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays has introduced Nile cruises on the luxury Yakouta EliteDahabeya, a traditionally styled Nile river boat as historically used by Ottomanofficials. The vessel, which is a modern replica of a traditional Dahabeya, features sixdeluxe cabins and can be booked exclusively for small groups, or cabins can bebooked individually. The eight- or six-day cruise starts from Esna and highlightsinclude the temple at Edfu, El Silsela temple, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Full boardprices start from £1,365 per person for the six-day cruise this winter,excluding flights and transfers. For details call 0800-008 7288.

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:Whose job could you do,

no sweat?Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] producer

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] Andre's wardrobe assistant

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected]

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] car factory chap who places little spiders in the wingmirrors, or Nick Hewer on Countdown, or even better,Jonathan Ross

Sales Director: Simon [email protected] or even a continuity announcer on Radio 4

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] Hodgson's job

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected] Marino's football manager. Pick ten defenders, agoalie and pat yourself on the back if the score stays insingle figures

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] Jong Un

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected] Premier League footballer

Sales Executive: Matt [email protected] Wallace from Masterchef

Senior Designer: Genaro [email protected]

Assistant Designer: Nicky [email protected] football kits

Production: Jeremy Walters [email protected] guys who hand the hats to the F1 drivers prior tothe podium celebration

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]

egypt

Travagrams: (Top) Lufthansa (Bottom) Russia

Where Am I?: Alberta

puzzlesolutions


Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd - University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London,SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange LimitedSubscriptions are £105 p.a. £155 overseasISSN: 0956-2419

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Abercrombie & Kent offers safety guaranteeABERCROMBIE & Kent is offering its clients a Safety Net for all trips booked toEgypt, which will allow customers to postpone their journey for up to two yearsshould they feel concerned about their safety prior to departure.

The operator has a team of 500 on-the-ground staff in Egypt, including aspecialist unit whose sole purpose is to scout the key sites to detect signs oftension.

The operator’s managing director Amr Badr said: “Our country is on a journey.It will take time to achieve our vision of democracy. But we will get there. In themeantime, we have a responsibility to our guests to ensure they experience Egyptin complete safety and comfort.”

The company is now offering 50% off all Nile Cruises until November. Aseven-day itinerary costs from £1,595 per person based on two sharing,including Economy flights, transfers, breakfast accommodation, full-board onthe Nile Cruise and private guides.For more information visit www.abercrombiekent.co.uk

ORBITAL TRAVEL has added a new 14-night cruise between Cairo andAswan on the five-star deluxe HS Nile Vision.

At the end of August the Nile Vision will sail from Luxor to Cairo for thestart of the long cruise programme in September and the operator isoffering a special sailing from Luxor to Cairo on August 27.

The cruise includes seven nights’ accommodation on a full board or all-inclusive basis, transfers and 17 excursions with an Egyptologist. Theitinerary includes visits to Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Valley of theKings, Valley of the Queens, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon,Dendarah Temple, Abydos Temple, Tel Amarna, Beni Hassan, Tuna ElGabel, Cairo Museum, Citadel, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the Pyramids, Sphinxand Sakkara Step Pyramid.

Prices lead in at £609 per person on full board and £699 on all-inclusive,excluding flights. The cruise is commissionable to agents at 15%.For more information email [email protected] or see www.nile-cruise.com

Orbital Travel highlights one-off seven-night Nile cruise sailing in August from £609


Travel Bulletin 19th April 2013

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Transcript of Travel Bulletin 19th April 2013