Travel Bulletin

October 17 2008 • ISSUE NO 1,612

THISWEEK

● THERE’S A SHORT BREAK FOR TWO TO BE WON WITH HOSEASONS – Page 2

● SURVEY REVEALS CONSUMER CONFUSION OVER PROTECTION – Page 3

● PLAY SU DOKU AND YOU COULD WIN A £50 MARKS & SPENCER VOUCHER

GREECEHow Crete is top of the sales pops for one specialisttour operator

CretePicture: Cyplon Holidays

GREECEHow Crete is top of the sales pops for one specialisttour operator

WITH THIS ISSUE

Front Cover Oct 17 14/10/08 16:11 Steve Bone Steves 80GB:Desktop Folder:OKs:

Hoseasons Ad 14/10/08 16:01 Page 1 Steve Bone Steves 80GB:Desktop Folder:OKs:

is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd,University House, 11-13 LowerGrosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX.Tel: 020-7834 6661 • Fax: 020-7834 7519e-mail: [email protected]

Publisher: Jeanette [email protected]

Editor: Paul [email protected]

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected]

Features Contributor: Lauretta [email protected]

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Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected]

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Online Operations Manager: Ian RoullierCirculation Manager: Jim Merchant

Printed by: St Ives plcOrigination by: Bidder, Bone & Clifft,London EC1M 5QPTravel Bulletin is published weekly anddistributed to every ABTA, TTA & GTG agent.Subscriptions are £75 p.a. for tour operatorsand others, plus additional ABTA, IATA copies.Overseas subscriptions by air mail, £125.ISSN: 0956-2419

October 17 20083

This Week

Lapland ................................................17-19Keeping track of the massivechanges over 20 years in themarket for Lapland experiences.

Personality Profile ................................20Southern Africa .................................21-23

A round-up of new productsand developments across theregion.

ABTA’s Holiday Survey reveals extent of consumer confusion on financial protectionfrom PAUL SCUDAMORE, Gran Canaria

ABTA used The Travel Convention to alert the industry tosome of the latest trends and figures which could helpagents and operators plan for the present and future.

Many of the conclusions came from the latest ABTA Holiday Surveyconducted by Ipsos MORI. For instance, almost six in ten (58%) ofrespondents said that they were not aware, didn’t know or couldn’tremember if financial protection was included or not in their lastholiday they booked, yet 82% said it was important their travelarrangements were financially protected. The survey revealed that onlyone in ten (9%) of respondents was aware that financial protectionwas not included for the travel arrangements they bought and ofthose, a fifth (19%) then went on to complete the transactionanyway, while 76% said that they arranged their own specialised

FRAGGLE FRIENDS… Arnold Fisher Insurance Services sponsored the FHA’s campaign by giving a Fraggle toy to delegates inexchange for a contribution. Pictured with the charity’s Jacqulyn Bell are, from the left, the company’s Paul Turner, Vito Sepe, JackieKnight and Stuart Burt.

News ........................................................3-6You Could Win a £50 Marks & SpencerVoucher in our Prize Su Doku Puzzle.....6Cruise News..............................................10Business Travel.........................................11Bulletin Crossword ................................11Noel Josephides........................................12Greece ...................................................13-16

travel insurance policies.ABTA’s chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “It’s not

surprising consumers are unclear about financialprotection for holidays. The area is incrediblycomplicated.

“The law governing the financial protection of holidays is nowoutdated, and the way we all buy holidays has changed massively overthe past few years. We can see from this survey that there is clearly agap in people’s desire to be protected and actually being protected.Either travellers assume cover is included or they don’t want to spendthe time getting tangled up in that level of detail.

“We have been lobbying our Government and governments inEurope to change legislation, but so far there has been none.”

The survey also revealed that younger people were more likely to● Continued on Page 6

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HOT TO TROT… The Family Holiday Association can help around 40 underprivilegedchildren have a break away with their family thanks to delegates at The TravelConvention in Gran Canaria who helped raise £6,000 through a number of initiatives,including a fun run organised by Argyle Recruitment and the Gran Canaria TouristBoard and sponsored by Citybond Suretravel. Pictured are the winners Howard Doveof Holiday Extras and Gill Blundell of Worldwhoice with, from the left: Jacqulyn Bell ofthe FHA; Martine Sullivan, Argyle Recruitment; Iain Chalmers, Citybond Suretravel, andDavinia Matarredona, Gran Canaria Tourist Board.

News

October 17 20084

Govt slammed for domestic tourism policy

Jetset Flights adds to incentive offer

Aegean to add third daily flight from STN

MAILBOXMailings with Travel Bulletin this week include:● Transun: Arctic Spirit. Thrilling winter holidays without the need to

ski, with exhilarating snow activities in the True Lapland, includinghuskies and snowmobiles. Plus spend a night in the Snow Castleand take an Icebreaker voyage. See www.transun.co.uk or call01865-265200.

● Hoseasons Lodges and Parks 2009 collection is out now burstingwith great value holidays and brand new and exciting locations.See www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call reservations on 0844-8471144.

For further details and special offers please read the mailshotsthat accompany this issue.

THE Government has been criticised for its lack of support for thedomestic tourism industry. Chief executive of Hoseasons RichardCarrick has called on it for a “joined-up” policy to champion theindustry following the announcement of the eighth Tourism Minister in11 years and the news that responsibility for supporting the industrywhich is worth £85billion to the economy each year is to be splitacross nine different Government departments.

Carrick said: “How can tourism be properly represented atGovernment level when its minister is so far down the food chain andwhen it is looked after by a disjointed group of departments all ofwhich have different priorities? How can any minister do the jobproperly when they are in it for so little time? Successive governmentshave simply ignored how important tourism is to the UK economy,with the result that we are continually the Cinderella sector.”

Last week he criticised key speakers at the ABTA Convention forignoring domestic tourism and pointed out that the industry accountsfor 3.5% of the UK’s economy, employing 2.1million people – some7.7% of the workforce.

He said: “With the economic situation worsening, 2009 actuallyrepresents a golden opportunity for the domestic industry. People willstill want to go on holiday, but they will look to do so closer to home.It seems crazy at a time when the UK economy needs all the help itcan get that the Government is not taking this huge potentialseriously.”

In the most recent Government reshuffle Barbara Follett wasappointed Tourism Minister at the Department for Culture, Media andSport. Tourism responsibilities also lie within the new Department ofEnergy and Climate Change, Department for Transport, Department ofBusiness, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, Department forEnvironment, Food and Rural Affairs, Foreign and CommonwealthOffice, Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills, Home Officeand the Treasury.

JETSET Flights has announced that in addition to the £10 perpassenger Capital Bonds incentive for agents it will also arrange for a£10 per booking duty-free voucher to be sent electronically to thecustomer via the booking agent. The vouchers have no minimumspend and can be used against a variety of items. The promotionrequires no claiming by the agent as vouchers are automaticallydistributed to the agent so they can be passed on to the client.

AEGEAN Airlines is to add a third daily flight from Stansted to Athensfrom December 15 with connections to 17 Greek destinations. Faresare from £69 including taxes and charges. Details at www.aegeanair.com or on 0871-200 0040 (Greece – Pages 13-16).

C H E C K YO U R I N B OX F O R

T O D A YFeaturing the latest news and offers from:

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or email: [email protected]

� InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel – For

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� Dertour – Agent Prize Draw. Win a spa break for two

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AND MORE!

p4/News 14/10/08 16:22 Page 1 Steve Bone Steves 80GB: Steve Work Folder:OKs:

October 17 20085

‘Business as usual’ for tourism to Iceland

Red Sea winter sale from Longwood

ICELANDIC tourist chiefs are reassuring British visitors that it is“business as usual” despite last week’s turmoil in the country’sfinancial market. With the devaluation of the Icelandic krona, thetourist board says UK travellers’ spending money now goes furtherand it is asking UK operators and agents to reassure clients thatplanned trips will be unaffected.

Tourist board director of marketing Sigrun Hlin Sigurdardottir said:“This current advantageous exchange rate means that it has neverbeen a better time for UK travellers to visit Iceland. The ATMs arefunctioning normally, restaurants are open and tour companies are alloperating tour and excursion schedules. Our UK tour operator partnersare also promoting some excellent deals which agents should beaware of when speaking to clients about their winter holiday choices.It is definitely business as usual.”

Iceland Express has launched a discounted shopping package at£195 including two nights at a three-star hotel and flights. The offer isavailable until December 15.

• JET2.COM has announcednew flights for nextsummer from Edinburgh toIbiza, Menorca and Venicewith one-way fares from£46.99, £55.99 and £35.99respectively. It is also toincrease services fromEdinburgh to Dusseldorf tofour times a week fromMarch 29. Fares are from£24.99 one-way includingtaxes. It has alsoannounced that Dalamanwill be served from LeedsBradford and Manchesterfrom May to September.The flights went on saleon Monday.

• WARNER Leisure Hotelshas launched new agentpacks which include a 2009file brochure copy,window poster, customerleaflets, travel agentguide, rack card andcompetition.

Newsbites• FLYBE has announced the

early release of a selectionof sun routes to befeatured in its 2009summer schedule includingBirmingham to Dubrovnikand Split, Exeter toAlicante, Dubrovnik, Faro,Malaga and Palma, andSouthampton to Alicante,Dubrovnik, Faro, Malaga,Palma and Split. Details atwww.flybe.com

• THOMSON Worldwide haslaunched a new America &Canada brochure for2009/10 featuringfly/drives, escorted tours,cruises and train journeys.

• LD LINES has received fullapproval from the Port ofDover for the introductionof its new Dover-Boulogneservice from July 1. Theservice will offer foursailings a day.

Newsbites

LONGWOOD Holidays has launched a Red Sea winter sale offeringsavings in December and January. Offers include £325 for seven nightswith breakfast at the three-star Captain’s Inn, El Gouna, and £429 fora seven-night half-board stay at the five-star Hyatt Regency, TabaHeights, including a free upgrade to a sea view room, 15% discounton all beverages and 25% discount on massage treatments andproducts. Details at www.longwoodholidays.co.uk or on 020-84182514.

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News

October 17 20086

‘Holidays helping credit crunch survival’

ABTA lands in third runway controversy

Survey reveals effects of economic crisis

SU DOKUWin a £50 M&S voucher

in the Travel BulletinSu Doku prize puzzle!

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each ofthe 3x3 squares contains all the digits 1-9. You won't need any mathsto solve it, just a little reasoning and logic.

Remember, the numbers 1-9 must appear only once in each row,column, and 3 x 3 block.

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers thatrelate to the letters, A, B, C and D(grey squares) and e-mail thesolution, with your name, companyname, and full postal address plusphone and ABTA number ifapplicable to:[email protected]

Closing date for entries is nextThursday, October 23. Solution and anew puzzle will appear next week.

Puzz

le b

y A

DM

AC

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Su Doku winnerTHE winner of the £50 Marks & Spencer voucher prize in theOctober 3 Su Doku puzzle was Clare Harrington of HaysTravel, Peterlee, County Durham.

NEW research released in Gran Canaria by lastminute.com hasrevealed that despite the credit crunch Britons are refusing to give uptheir increasingly precious holidays. A quarter said they viewed theirholiday as more important than ever in light of the credit crunch and35% said that future holidays are helping to motivate them throughthe current tough times.

A quarter also said they were adapting their weekly spending,compromising on drinking and eating out to ensure they save for theirholiday.

● From Page 3book in person with a travel agent.Bucking expectations, 16- to 24-year-oldsare more likely to book through a travelagent in person than any other agegroup. Some 45% said they had booked their last holiday in personwhile 50% said they would use a travel agent online, by phone or inperson. The 25- to 44-year-old group was by far the most Web savvywhen it came to booking holidays online, with 68% saying that washow they booked their last holiday. More than half of allholidaymakers book through agents or operators by using theInternet, phone or going online, 35% book with an agent and 16%book through an operator. In addition, 19% book with Website-onlycompanies such as Lastminute, many of whom are ABTA members orhave companies within their group which are members.

Meanwhile, there is a new supplier failure insurance policy for touroperators. ABTA and International Passenger Protection have joinedforces to offer ABTA principals insurance that will insure them againstlosses they incur when a supplier fails. ABTA’s head of finance MikeMonk said: “This product will provide a welcome safety net for ABTAprincipals who have always in the past had to carry the burden forsupplier failure without means of protection. This is even morerelevant in the current uncertain world economic climate.”

ABTA has also launched a “Book with Confidence” nationwidemedia campaign with a series of advertorials in regional dailies thisweek to reinforce the confidence and expertise gained by bookingwith an ABTA member. Tanzer said: “The strength of the ABTA brandis widely recognised by consumers as a sign of trust and confidence.We hope that by emphasising this we will send a strong message ofsupport to our members and an equally clear signal to consumers.”

DESPITE the economic crisis, more than eight in ten (83%) of thosewho have been on a recent overeseas holiday are planning to takeanother one in the next 12 months, according to the ABTA HolidaySurvey results revealed at The Travel Convention. It also found that47% will not adjust their travel plans because of the economicsituation, while 24% are still undecided. But while 39% said that theywill not plan to reduce the number of holidays they take, 38% saidthey will take fewer holidays next year. And 35% revealed the currenteconomic situation and strength of the euro will affect the destinationthey go to – 46% are planning to holiday in western Europe next yearcompared to 65% this year.

ABTA has stepped in to the third runway for Heathrow controversy byhitting out at Tory plans for the airport and the aviation industry,saying they are illogical, ill-conceived and “totally unworkable”.

ABTA’s chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The Conservative Partyannouncement that they are against expansion at Heathrow and willactively discourage aviation travel it totally illogical. A knee-jerkreaction is not what is needed, particularly when many thousands ofjobs depend on aviation, and inward investment could well bethreatened. What about travellers from Scotland, Northern Ireland andthe regions who have no choice but to use Heathrow as their gatewayto international destinations? Their plight seems to have been totallyoverlooked.

“High-speed rail has its place as part of an integrated transportsystem but should be seen as complementary to air travel, not anexpensive substitute.

“Lack of capacity at our airports is damaging our economy. It is badfor customers, bad for the industry and ultimately bad for theenvironment when we have planes in holding patterns across the skiesabove our heads waiting for landing slots.”

p3,6/This Week 15/10/08 9:14 Page 2 Steve Bone Steves 80GB: Steve Work Folder:OKs:

Only one destination off ers

your clients a limitless number

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and nonstop action, they’ll be

free to raise the stakes.

To start planning a holiday,

go to www.VisitLasVegas.co.uk

or call 08705 238 832 today.

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If neon could speak, it would say,

“go ahead.”“go ahead.”“go ahead.”

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“go ahead.”

R&R Job#: __57799_____Date: ___09.29.08___Size ___210 x 297mm_______

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Welcome to the October edition of the Airport Team news!

Ski across Europe

with CrystalYour customers will be spoilt for

choice with so many resorts on

offer fl ying from MAN.

The UK’s No.1 ski and snowboard

specialist to France, Austria,

Switzerland, Spain, Andorra, Bulgaria,

Slovenia and Finland. Departures run

every weekend from December giving

skiers the chance to enjoy action-

packed alpine adventure to Europe’s

top resorts. For more information

visit your Crystal booking system

or call their friendly Sales Centre

team on 0871 231 2256.

See the REAL Father Christmas with TransunTransun has special offers for Lapland, fl ying from MAN. Short breaks, day breaks and festive collection breaks are all available.

They offer guaranteed private family visits with Santa, husky safaris, reindeer adventures and lots more…

Further offers include ‘Kids go FREE on Day Breaks & Stay, play and eat for FREE on Short Breaks’.

Visit www.transun.co.uk or call Transun on 01865 265200.

No-one knows the planet likeKuoni has been voted the World’s Leading Tour Operator for a decade and has been creating tailor-made luxury holidays around the globe for over 100 years.

Think Kuoni for great offers from MAN. Save up to £364 per couple on Hua Han, Thailand and up to £274 per couple on Kenya Safari (Ref:N15250/CE910).

Visit your Kuoni booking system for the latest offers.

Stylish villas in the Mediterranean

What better reason to book ahead for summer 09 and choose the pick of the bunch before someone else does. Glorious sunny days, jaw-dropping locations and a big juicy bite of the good life in a hand-picked villa.

Style Villa Holidays is offering great savings on EMA departures to Malta, Algarve, Menorca or Cyprus.

For the latest offers visit www.styleholidays.co.uk/agent or call reservations on 0844 800 7002.

Agents learn to ski with BalkanLast month agents were treated to ski lessons courtesy of Balkan Holidays and EMA.

With help from our very own Katie Kirk and Balkan’s Tracey Burke, a fun night was had by all!

www.manchesterairport.co.uk/agentsEmma Curnow 07958 [email protected]

www.eastmidlandsairport.com/agentsKatie Kirk 07904 [email protected]

Romance in Venice from EMAYour customers have an even greater choice of fl ights to this romantic city, with easyJet now offering up to seven fl ights a week from EMA.

With great prices starting from £23.99 one way including taxes. For availability visit www.easyJet.com

MAN TB_OCTOBER.indd 1 14/10/08 11:38:43

October 2008

Dear Agent

With the Winter months almost upon us there is great emphasis on Ski and all the MAG airports have ski programmes for W08/09.

The MAG team also recently attended the Travel Bulletin Star Awards where MAN were nominated and EMA managed to scoop Airport of the Year.

It means so much to the whole team.

Amsterdam onwards with KLMKLM now offer up to four fl ights daily to Amsterdam from HUY.

Providing customers with connections to destinations around the world whether it be business or pleasure.

For updated offers visit www.klm.com

Make it Malta with Newmarket HolidaysIf your customers fancy a great deal look no further than Newmarket Holidays for a range of special Maltese offers!

They may want a late getaway? Prices start from as little as £279 for a seven night break departing from HUY on the 11 November 2008.

To take advantage book now by calling Newmarket Holidays on 0845 226 7742.

Make tracks from HUY

with InghamsInghams offer weekly Saturday departures from HUY

to Innsbruck commencing 6 December 2008 through

to 11 April 2009.

Your customers have a choice of EIGHTEEN Austrian

resorts, including Serfaus and Fiss which are new for this

season. What are you waiting for? For all the latest offers

and availability, check your Inghams booking system

or call agents reservations

on 020 8780 444.

www.humbersideairport.com/agentsKatie Kirk 07904 [email protected]

www.bournemouthairport.com/agentsJodie Eaton 07958 [email protected]

Winter warmers with Thomsonfl yYour customers can now escape to the sun with prices from £49 to Malaga and £59 to Gran Canaria one way including taxes.

What are you waiting for?To book these great offers check out the Thomsonfl y website

www.thomsonfl y.com

Turkish Delight at BOH AirportLeading Turkish holiday specialist Holidays4U has chosen to expand its regional departures and for 2009 will be offering fl ights to DLM from BOH.

They will offer weekly fl ights on Thursdays from the end of July until the end of September.

For bookings or more information visit www.H4U.co.uk or call the reservations team on 0844 415 2444.

Save ££££’s with Palmair from BOHFor your customers who want to escape to the sun on a budget.

For November getaways try Tunisia from £199pp or Fuerteventura from £279pp.

Take a look at their Poundsaver brochure for a wide selection of offers to various destinations in the sun, departing now until March 2009.

Order brochures at www.palmair.co.uk or for latest deals call 01202 200700.

MAN TB_OCTOBER.indd 2 14/10/08 11:39:17

Cruise News

October 17 200810

UK industry on crest of a growth wave

Hurtigruten has best-ever trading month

Antarctica savings from Discovery

Scenic Tours offers five-star river cruises

Two Fred. Olsen ships set for Caribbean

Dedicated Alaska brochure issued by NCL

THE UK cruise industry is predicting further long-term growthaccording to the latest figures released at the ABTA Convention inGran Canaria last week. The Passenger Shipping Associationconfirmed that 1.5million British holidaymakers are expected to take acruise this year and predicted further long-term growth. The PSA’s BillGibbons said in a statement: “We’re still a relatively young andexpanding industry with plenty of opportunity to grow as new shipscome into service. With the present difficult economic climate, cruisingis better placed than many other sectors as the inclusive nature of acruise holiday makes it easy to budget for while continuing to offerexceptional value for money. Some 14 ship launches are planned for2009 and we are anticipating the number of British cruise passengersto exceed 1.6million in 2010.”

Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas is due to launch inNovember next year and will be the largest cruise ship in the worldwith capacity for 5,400 passengers.

Carnival Cruise Lines will launch Carnival Dream, while Italianbrands Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises reflect the strength of theEuropean cruise market by launching four ships between them nextyear – the Costa Pacifica, Costa Luminosa, MSC Splendida and MSCMagnifica.

New ultra-luxury cruise ships are due for Yachts of Seabourn andSilversea Cruises, while river cruise specialist Viking River Cruises is tolaunch the 189-passenger Viking Legend which, at 443ft, will be thelongest ship on European rivers, and Holland America Line hasannounced $200million in enhancements to five ships as part of itsSignature of Excellence programme.

HURTIGRUTEN reports that last month was its best-ever trading monthwith sales revenues of more than £3million. It says that bookings havebeen generated from a mixture of products both for this winter andnext year and demand is set to continue as it enters another busymonth with the launch of its 2009/10 brochure to the trade. Head ofcommercial Kathryn Beadle said: “September was a month like noother for us in our history. In an environment where there is so muchnegativity at the moment, it’s even more encouraging that we arebreaking sales records. It’s hard to put this phenomenal demand downto just one factor – it seems to be a combination of many.Undoubtedly the recent BBC programme about the Northern Lightsfeaturing Joanna Lumley has boosted our winter bookings but we’vealso taken a substantial number of bookings from our previewbrochure for next year, with agents pushing our early bookingdiscount which is bigger than it has ever been before.”

Former Ocean Village vocalist Will Martin, 24, has become the youngest tenor inmusical history to top the classical charts with his debut album A New World. It got tothe No. 1 spot in its first week of release while he was performing back on the OceanVillage. He will be also performing on selected Ocean Village cruises next year. Detailsat www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk

VOYAGES of Discovery is to begin its final season for the foreseeablefuture in Antarctica next month and is offering savings on theDiscovery. Bookings made by the end of this month for the December-January cruises qualify clients for savings of up to £1,000 per couple.Details at www.antarcticadiscovery.com

SCENIC Tours has announced a new river cruise programme withflights from Cardiff. The programme offers five-star river cruises withdirect flights from Cardiff to Amsterdam and one-stop connections toBudapest. Prices start at £1,495 for a 15-day cruise betweenAmsterdam and Budapest. Details at www.scenictours.co.uk/cruise oron 0161-236 2444.

FRED. Olsen Cruise Lines is promoting its most comprehensive andvaried Caribbean cruise programme ever. The introduction of its latestship, the Balmoral, has increased capacity and allowed for two ships tooperate Caribbean seasons simultaneously from different home ports –Barbados and Miami. The Braemar will operate from Miami and theBoudicca from Barbados. Details at www.fredolsencruises.co.uk

NCL has launched a dedicated Alaska brochure featuring five newitineraries for next year including Alaskan Seascapes to the GoldenGate which takes in Ketchikan and San Francisco, and Pacific Coast &Sawyer Glacier, setting sail from Los Angeles to Vancouver.

The brochure takes advantage of the company’s Better Stateroom,Better Price, Better Book Now autumn campaign which enables clientsto save up to £190 per person. The promotion enables agents tocapitalise on free upgrades of up to seven stateroom grades as allstaterooms within a category – inside, oceanview and balcony – arenow the same price. The offer applies to all 2009 Alaskan packagesbooked before the end of this month.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines sponsored 22 agents to attend The Travel Convention lastweek in Gran Canaria. Pictured with the company’s marketing director Nigel Lingardare Linda Hill (left) of Lah Travel and Laura Jones of Gills Cruise Club.

p10/Cruise News 15/10/08 9:27 Page 1 Steve Bone Steves 80GB: Steve Work Folder:OKs:

October 17 200811

Business Travel

ITM and GTMC hit at surcharge policy

Puzz

le b

y A

DM

AC

Across1. Part of the TUI group (7)5. Type of accommodation (5)7. North African country (7)8. Pretoria is the capital (3)

10. Italy’s largest lake (5)11. Belgian city (7)12. SeaFrance operates from here

(5)13. Language spoken in Iran (5)19. Stephen Fry is touring this

country in a black cab (7)22. Part of Thomas Cook (5)23. Tour operator, Page & ___ (3)24. The Brenner Pass links this

country with Italy (7)25. Paris underground system (5)26. Welsh city (7)

Down1. She hosts a Frock Exchange on

BBC2 (6)2. Canadian province (7)3. State capital of New Mexico

(5,2)4. Capital of the Bahamas (6)

5. Hotels and resorts company (5)6. Inner Hebridean island (5)9. Mountain range (4)

14. Spanish holiday region (7)15. Caribbean holidays specialist (7)16. Californian desert resort, ___

Springs (4)17. Topeka is the state capital (6)18. Island in the Tyrrhenian Sea (6)20. Peltours specialises in holidays

to this country (5)21. US state (5)

Crossword

LAST WEEK’SSOLUTION

Luxair Luxembourg Airlines reports that with the number of passengers betweenLuxembourg and London City increasing by 26% this year it is to add connections tothe airport this winter and as a consequence will pull out of Heathrow, with the lastflight being a week tomorrow. Passengers who have already booked to or viaHeathrow will be re-routed without additional fees.

THE Institute of Travel Management and Guild of Travel ManagementCompanies have issued a joint statement to travel buyers, TMCs andairline executives that while it is existing practice that airlines refundany taxation charges on receipt of unused non-refundable tickets, thetwo organisations have become aware of a practice by some airlinesto withhold the portion of the total cost referred to as “fuelsurcharge”, stating that it is not indeed a tax and therefore notrefundable on non-refundable tickets.

ITM executive director Paul Tilstone and GTMC chief executive PhilipCarlisle say: “Our two associations consider that if an airline practicesthis approach then the ‘fuel surcharge’ is in effect being treated aspart of the ticket price, and airlines undertaking this practice have ineffect said this is the case. If this is so, then this element of the fareshould be included in any corporate agreements between buyers andairlines. If this is not the case then this surcharge should be refunded ifa ticket is not used, regardless of ticket restrictions.

“The airline community is entitled to treat the surcharge as theywish a far as refunding is concerned, but you cannot have your cakeand eat it. It should either be treated as a tax or as part of the fare orapplied accordingly to relationships to TMCs and travel buyers.

“We therefore jointly call on airlines who presently treat the fuelsurcharge as part of the fare to include it in all corporate negotiations,or treat it as a tax like other airlines. We also call on all buyers andTMC account managers to ensure in relationships with the airlines thatthey are treating this surcharge fairly, either as a refundable tax orincluded within corporate deals.”

New look for thetrainline.com WebsiteTHETRAINLINE.COM has given its business Website a new look toimprove functionality and help customers find the cheapest fares. Ithas also launched a TV and outdoor advertising campaign to highlightthe average 39% saving that can be made by booking tickets inadvance. The Best Fare Finder booking tool highlights cheap rail ticketsfor those who can be more flexible with journey times and dates. Itfollows the success of Ticket Alert which enables customers to sign upfor email alerts when advance tickets for their pre-selected journeysare found. Both tools can be found on thetrainline.com’s corporateclients’ own Websites.

Director of sales and distribution Adrian Watts said: “With theadded functionality on the site it is much easier for business travellersto book their seats they want, whether this is one next to a powerpoint so they can work or in a quiet carriage if they need to relax aftera long meeting.”

The Best Fare Finder tool informs customers when they need totravel to get cheap fares such as London-Bristol £10.

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October 17 200812

To respond to any of Noel’s views email [email protected] send us a letter to the address on Page 3

Noel Josephides is managing director of Sunvil Holidays

Over the last few years thebed banks have been the

NOELJOSEPHIDES and down. There is no future

in just selling accommodationdarlings of the travel industry. Their growth has beenphenomenal but so, it seems, are the overheads. The expenseof getting known on the Web is growing by the day but themargins are constantly being forced down by the transparencyof the product and the need to grow.

I read that Hotels4U made a profit of £1.7million on a turnoverof £3.4million in 2006. Yet, to the end of 2007, the turnoverhad risen to £4.8million but it recorded a loss of £270,600. Nowonder they had to sell out to Thomas Cook. I wonder whathappened there.

Like many of these Web-based technology businesses, the aimis to grow quickly and then sell out to a more traditionalplayer before anyone realises there is not much there to buy.

These have been easy businesses to get into because they areso simple. However, a simple business attracts others justbecause of the very fact that it is so simple, and that’s whenthe fun starts. Volumes have to keep going up and up and, inorder for this to happen, margins have to keep coming down

that doesn’t belong to you because the owner can always sellit cheaper direct to the consumer if he or she wants to.

The price comparison sites further exacerbate the problems ofthe bed banks because they are instrumental in bringing pricesdown even further. As I’ve said before, I just cannot imaginewhy anyone would want to feature on a price comparison site.

Just think how much worse the problem would be if bedbanks had to bond their turnover and have their accountsscrutinised by the likes of the CAA, IATA and ABTA. However,as they begin to fail, then the chances are they will have to bebrought within the system, otherwise the public just will notbook with them but would simply book direct with the hotelprincipal.

Finally, don’t forget that bed banks are simply technologycompanies. They are not tour operators as some of themwould lead us to believe. A tour operator runs a far morecomplicated business. The combination of flight, transfer,accommodation and other services is far more complex thanone at first imagines.

There is the small matter of visiting and assessing theaccommodation to see if it fits the tour operator’s image. Thenthere is the complication of contracting the flight and thedecision as to what proportion of the accommodation is takenon commitment. Then the beds have to be matched with thecommitted flights and so on and so forth. It’s not easy andbecause it’s not easy there is the possibility of a higher margin.A well-run tour operation is a much more stable business andable to stand the shocks of a changing business environmentbecause what is produced is unique to that organisation.

In the same way as security and moderation is slowlybeginning to appear in the financial sector, so willtraditionalism return to the travel industry. For the time beingthere will be no growth in aviation. Once aviation slows sowill growth slow in all sectors reliant on aviation to transportpeople from their home country to foreign climes.

The name of the game will be product differentiation andspecialisation along with the service to match. Whether youare a tour operator, travel agent or bed bank, if you can standapart from those companies in the same sector looking for aquick and easy buck then you will survive – and in some caseshopefully prosper – during what it is to come.

LOOK OUT FOR THESE

Editorial Contact:[email protected]

020 7834 6661

Editorial Contact:[email protected]

020 7834 6661

SUPPLEMENTS November 21

“How to Sell”Cruising

December 12“How to Sell”

the Middle East

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October 17 200813

GREECEDestination Update

Seligo expands Greece programme by 70%Crete is top seller for Olympic HolidaysCRETE is again attracting the biggest share of Olympic Holidays’bookings to the Greek islands for next summer with all-inclusive andluxury properties selling best. The operator’s commercial director PhotisLambrianides said: “Crete is almost like a country itself – it’s so muchlarger than all the other Greek islands and returning clients haveplenty to discover.

“We offer 17 all-inclusive properties there and the sector is sellingwell. Crete has a good range of luxury properties in its main resortsand they are also seeing good demand. Crete has something foreveryone. Hersonissos and Malia are busy resorts with a lively nightlife,while Elounda and Rethymnon have traditional charm and attract adifferent market. Aghios Nikolaos and Chania are other lively places,while Bali and Sissi appeal because of their attractive harbours. There’slots for culture lovers on an island rich in history.

“Booking levels to the islands for next summer are broadly in linewith market conditions, and besides Crete, Corfu and Rhodes areexperiencing upbeat sales.

“There was good early interest for Greece and we’ve been getting asteady intake of advance bookings. It could turn out to be one of2009’s strong sellers. Much of Greece’s success is down to our pricingas there are few increases from this summer. Some of the best valueholidays around are to be found in the Greek islands.”

Crete is the base for one of three seven-night cruises such as VarietyCruises’ Classical Greece itinerary out of Rethymnon which costs from£1,299 per person. Two itineraries of Zeus Casual Cruises are alsooffered – the Ionian Odyssey cruise from Zante and the GrecianDelights cruise from Rhodes, both from £759. Lambrianides said: “Acruise allows clients to visit several islands on one holiday. Thesecruising yachts carry only small numbers of passengers and are ofexceptional quality.”

Greece also features in the operator’s upmarket Gold Collection andBudget Smart Choice programmes.

For next summer prices lead in at £269 per person for seven nightson a self-catering basis at a selection of apartments in Corfu. Two-week packages start at £279.

As an example of other packages available, a ten-night half-boardstay at the mid-range Golden Beach Hotel in Rethymnon costs £535per person for departures between June 20 and July 3 and includesflights from Gatwick or Manchester and transfers.

Details at www.olympicholidays.com or on 0844-499 4449.

SELIGO has expanded its Greece programme for next year by 70% toinclude a selection of self-catering apartments, hotels and luxury villas.The company says expansion follows consumer demand which hasbeen fuelled by the value for money that Greece represents andincreased air lift. It says that this year has seen both Corfu and Creteincrease in popularity for families. In Corfu next year prices start from£50 per studio per week at the Kavos Marina Beach Studios in Sidari,with hotel options from £57 per week at the Mimosa Hotel, also inSidari.

The Crete programme has been increased by 40% next year withproperties such as the Heliatrope Hotel from £85 per person per weekon a half-board basis and self-catering from £89 per studio per weekat the Happy Days Studios, both in Malia.

New are the Azure Luxury Villas which sleep up to four and are inthe resort of Tsilivi in Crete. Prices are from £500 per week.

Crete

Pict

ures

: Sel

igo

Corfu

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Greece

October 17 200814

Crete and Rhodes debut for easyCruise

Simpson Travel adds island of Hydra

Cadogan to add to choice of hotels

Libra highlights Greek diving holidays

Planet Holidays plans 2009 expansion

EASYCRUISE has announced its 2009 cruise itineraries which includestops at some of Greece’s most popular islands as well as thecompany’s first visit to Crete and Rhodes, and a new range of festivalcelebrations including the Greek Orthodox Easter. In all it will berunning nine itineraries with a seven-night cruise from £310 perperson based on two sharing a compact inside cabin, including portand fuel fees, housekeeping and a half-board meal plan.

For bookings by the end of this month it is offering savings of up to20% on cruises next spring and autumn, 30% off its Classical Greeceitinerary and up to 40% off its special Easter cruise. The ClassicalGreece seven-night cruise is on March 28 and April 4 and the CatholicEaster six-night cruise is on April 10. Details at www.easyCruise.com oron 0871-210 0001.

PLANET Holidays is to expand next year’s summer programme toGreece. The operator’s aviation and commercial director Harry Kyrillousaid: “We haven’t gone over the top as we are still concerned thatsales will not meet expectations as a result of the weak pound againstthe euro. Having said this, we are encouraged by the feedback ofretailers and their clients on the desirability of quality breaks to Greeceand the satisfaction on all counts with what we are offering. With thisin mind I have hand-picked additional product which will enhance ourexisting collection.”

New for 2009 will be additional hotels on Rhodes including the five-star Imperial Rhodes in Ixia which used to be a Hilton but has beentaken over by a private consortium, the five-star Elysium in Kalithea,the new Port Royal Hotel & Villas in the resort of Kolymbia and thefive-star Atrium Prestige in the resort of Lachania. The already-featuredfive-star Rodian Amathus Beach Hotel has added a new block of suitesand the Miramare has also added extra rooms.

The lead-in price for next summer is £559 per person at the RodianAmathus Beach on a bed-and-breakfast basis for departures duringthe first two weeks of May, including flights from Gatwick and privatetaxi transfers.

LIBRA Holidays has issued its 2009 Greece programme which featuresdiving holidays on seven Greek islands in association with specialisttour operator GoldenJoy Dive. They are Corfu, Crete, Santorini,Skiathos, Kos, Rhodes and Zante. The operator’s yield and productexecutive Russell Jones said: “As more holidaymakers want more thanjust sun, sand and sea, diving has gradually become a popular activityfor both couples and families. The Greek islands are recorded as thecleanest in the Mediterranean and are proving to be an ideal short-haul destination for divers to discover and experience the fascinatingdive sites and beautiful marine life on the islands.”

Daily dives cost from £55 per person and PADI Open Water coursesare from £299 per person.

The operator offers a seven-night self-catering stay at the PalmGrove Studios in Sidari, Corfu, from £269 per person based on threesharing and including flights next May and resort transfers. Details on0871-222 8181.

CADOGAN Holidays is planning to expand its Greek programme fornext year. The operator’s product manager Jennie Dalling said: “Weare currently looking at introducing a number of new hotels in theGreek islands. In Rhodes we will be offering rooms at the AmathusSuites, next to the Amathus Beach Hotel Rhodes, with access to all itsfacilities. I have also selected two fabulous seafront hotels in Mykonos,including the Santa Marina Hotel and Kivotos in Ornos Bay, and theSemeli Hotel, a gorgeous relaxed hotel in the heart of Mykonos town.

“In my opinion one of the best places to stay in the Greek islandsfor families or groups of friends looking for a villa experience awayfrom the crowds is in Crete. We will be offering the Paradise Villas andThalasso Villas, stunning seafront luxury properties located next doorto sister hotel St Nicolas Bay, with access to the resort’s facilities.”

SIMPSON Travel has added Hydra, regarded as one of the mostbeautiful Greek islands between Poros and Spetses, for next year. Itwill be featuring a new villa with private pool and a boutique hotelcalled the Four Seasons (not part of the chain of the same name)located on the beach and accessed only by water taxi. The operatorhas also added the Fresh Hotel in the Psirri region of Athens Central.

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October 17 200815

Cyplon adds properties and islands

Avro expands 2009 flights programme

Off-the-beaten-track options by SunIsle

Cosmos adds five new destinations for ’09COSMOS has added five new Greek destinations to its summer ‘09programme including the islands of Lefkas, Santorini and Skiathos andthe mainland resorts of Halkidiki and Parga. The existing programmeto Corfu, Rhodes, Kefalonia, Crete, Zante and Kos has also beenexpanded.

A dedicated brochure is due to be launched on December 18 andwill feature products ranging from self-catering to all-inclusiveproperties from two- to five-diamond rating.

The operator’s head of mainstream products Ian Hailes said: “Part ofour long-term strategy is to expand our presence in Greece, Turkeyand Egypt.

“We have targeted key resorts and properties and extended ourflying programme to cover the new destinations.”

In Halkidiki the resorts of Hanioti, Sani, Nea Moudania, Kalithea andKriopighi are being introduced. The Skiathos programme will offerAchladies, Aghia Paraskevi, Kolios, Koukounaries, Skiathos Town andTroulos, and flights to Preveza will serve Parga and the island of Lefkas,while the programme to Santorini will feature the resorts of Perissaand Kamari.

Prices for the new resorts are from £299 per person based on aseven-night self-catering stay at the three-diamond rated AlkionAparthotel in Kriopighi, Halkidiki.

New resorts in Corfu include Ag Ionnis, Ipsos, Moratika andErmones, while in Rhodes new are Lindos, Tholos and Ialysos. Cretesees the introduction of Elounda and Aghios Nikolaos with the resortof Tingaki introduced on Kos. Prices lead in at £279 per person basedon a seven-night self-catering stay at the three-diamond MariosStudios in Laganas.

SUNISLE says it is honing its expertise as a provider of holidays in off-the-beaten-track destinations such as Kea and Andros and thisautumn is adding the unspoiled island of Sifnos in the westernCyclades, two hours by high-speed catamaran from Piraeus.

On Siphnos it offers the Alonaki Cottage from £1,148 for sevennights, rental only. It is currently offering a 5% reduction for earlybookings and is offering agents 12% commission.

Details at www.sunisle.co.uk or on 08000-911601.

AVRO has expanded its Greek flying programme for next summer.New are the islands of Santorini and Skiathos and Halkidiki on themainland. Flights are from Gatwick and Manchester.

The Skiathos route is to be operated by a Monarch charter eachFriday with prices from £319 return.

Prices to Santorini each Tuesday start from £320, while flights toHalkidiki each Thursday start from £250.

The new destinations complement the existing programme toChania and Heraklion in Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia,Kos and Preveza.

Details at www.avroagents.com or on Viewdata or 0870-160 8181.

CYPLON Holidays has expanded its Greece programme for nextsummer by adding a selection of four- and five-star properties andseveral new islands including Corfu, Kos, Zakinthos and Santoriniwhich join Crete, Rhodes and Mykonos and the Greek mainland.

New properties will include the Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort inCrete. The operator’s product director Sharon Yiapatou said: “Thisresort of five exquisite hotels is on its own peninsular beside a smallfishing village and has been superbly designed throughout. It is sure toexcite even the most discerning of our customers. While some areasare exclusively for adults, families will find lots of entertainment at theproperty’s private zoo and its own amusement park, so there issomething for everyone.” Details on 020-8340 7612.

Crete

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Greece

October 17 200816

Tourist office reports 2.6m visitors from UK Attraction World expands experiences

The five-star Aldemar Royal Mare Village in Crete, which is offering new wedding packagese for next year with prices from €1,100 for a Premium package, €1,700 for a Silverpackage and €3,000 for a Platinum package. Details at www.aldemarhotels.com

THE Greek National Tourism Organisation reports that the countrywelcomed 2,620,000 visitors from the UK last year and figures for thisyear are expected to be equally as good despite the current globaleconomic situation.

It says that this year the marketing strategy has been to promotethe country as a multi-faceted destination of international appeal andrange, promoting tourism sectors including nautical, cultural,countryside, touring, MICE, luxury, coast and city breaks, especially toAthens and Thessaloniki.

The 2009 strategy is to be announced during World Travel Market,and the GNTO is to launch online training courses for agents earlynext year.

ATTRACTION World has added a selection of experiences on theGreek islands to its portfolio.

It previously feature only Athens. Now there are five new tours inRhodes, Corfu, Crete and Santorini.

As an example, a Crete BBQ Cruise costs £49 per adult and £25 perchild and starts from Elounda.

An Island Tour of Santorini costs £34 per adult and £17 per childand includes a boat trip to the lava islet of Nea Kameni, walking up tothe crater of the still active volcano and seeing hot springs whereclients can swim in the green sulphur waters or bathe in warmtherapeutic mud.

Details at www.attractionworld.com or on 0871-700 8888.

Ionian Island Holidays is about to release a combined Ionian and Aegean brochure featuring new properties in Kefalonia, Ithaka, Meganisi, Lefkada, Corfu, Paxos, Skiathos,Skopelos and Pelion. A late offer from Manchester a week tomorrow costs £249 for seven nights at the Kalokeri Apartments just outside Fiskado, Kefalonia (pictured). The priceincludes flights, resort transfers and a welcome hamper. Details at www.ionianislandholidays.com or on 020-8459 0777.

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October 17 200817

LAPLANDFeature Focus

Keeping track of the massive changes in the market for Lapland experiencesby SARA GELDER, head of product, Cosmos ❛As these are

generally highrevenueholidays,agents need tobe aware ofwhat eachexperienceinvolves, whatis included andwhat agegroup it willappeal to❜

CELEBRATING 20 years of operation in Lapland this yearputs Cosmos Holidays in a stronger position than mostother companies in the most difficult trading conditions

we have seen since the start of the programme many yearsago.

Despite the current economic difficulties, many families are still keento experience a Lapland holiday but this more than ever means that itshould be their “trip of a lifetime”.

Since we first started operating to Lapland 20 years ago, there havebeen massive changes in the market with a wide range of operatorsnow offering a broad range of Santa experiences. In some cases,operators have stripped out elements of the Lapland package to keepthe price artificially low and therefore meals, drinks and ski boot/suithire are then payable in resort, which is expensive.

Being a specialist product, it is essential that agents fullycomprehend the market to be able to sell with confidence. As theseare generally high revenue holidays, agents need to be aware of whateach experience involves, what is included and what age group it willappeal to. Lapland holidays carry high expectations for the whole

● Continued on next page

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Lapland

October 17 200818

● From previous page

family so it’s essential agents have a thorough knowledge of what isinvolved.

Based on an in-depth knowledge and experience of the market, ouraim remains to provide an authentic Santa experience with a trustedsupplier offering high quality holidays to two of the most popularresorts in Finnish Lapland.

The most important element for our guests is the private face-to-face meeting each family enjoys with Santa – they are not just part ofa crowd trying to catch his attention. Our experienced Lapland resortteam plays a big part in providing highly organised holidays ensuringthat both children and adults have the very best experience. Ourdurational trips include full-board in four- or five-star accommodation,a range of exciting winter activities, an authentic Santa experience andArctic Circle ceremony, ski boot/suit hire as well as flights and airporttransfers.

To meet demand for a longer length of stay in Lapland, ourChristmas trips are now five nights, departing the UK on December23. There’s a wide choice of accommodation available, from hotelsand apartments to log cabins located in the snowy forest – all four- orfive-star and offered on a full-board basis to cut down on livingexpenses in resort.

In Levi Fell, Hotel Levitunturi features a kids’ activity centre as well asa heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi and health spa – perfect after a morningenjoying winter activities.

It is vital that agents are fully confident with selling Lapland holidaysto gain valuable sales. To support the trade our sales team offerstraining and support whenever needed with personal visits toindividual agencies. The sales team recently ran an agents’ Laplandevent to increase awareness of Finnish Lapland and to familiarise themwith our programme.

To help families to budget during the current economic situation,we are offering family saving discounts of more than £700 and lowdeposits of £50 per person available for bookings made until October31. What we thought was going to be a very difficult trading periodfor specialist products such as Lapland holidays has actually turned upsome pleasant surprises with our longer and more expensive holidaysselling better than the lower cost ones.

We have expanded our Lapland programme in the last few years tomeet demand for longer duration New Year breaks of five nightsdeparting December 28. Both Levi Fell and Yllasjarvi offer a greatrange of winter activities including husky dog and reindeer sleigh rides,snowmobiling and toboganning. These winter activities are all includedas a taster and give a great experience. Guests can then book up for asnowmobile or husky dog safari, skiing or snowboarding.

Before selling day trips, agents need to be fully aware of theitinerary for the day as it is an incredibly early start with airport check-in usually at 05.00 which is not necessarily suitable for youngerchildren. Having said that it’s a fantastic experience as children can trya range of activities such as snowmobiling, husky and reindeer sleighrides, visit Santa’s post office and elves workshop and ultimately meetSanta face to face and receive a present from him – all in one day.

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Search for Santa and private family meeting

Departures from 12 UK airportsSuperior activities and safaris

Great value: All activities and meals included

Fabulous unspoiled locations

FOR BROCHURES/BOOKING VISITwww.transun.co.uk or call 01865 265 200


Visit us online at www.taberhols.co.uk for ourmost extensive collection of winter holidays ever!Featured Destinations:Norway (including Spitsbergen), Sweden, Iceland, Finland.

Featured Activities:Whale Watching, Snow scooter safaris, Husky dog safaris, King Crab safaris,Snow-shoeing, Arctic rally driving, Outdoor hot tubs, Steaming saunas,Arctic coastal cruising, Overnight stay in the Igloo Hotel and Snow Hotel.

Nordic Only Winter is a product by Taber Holidays.

Address: PO Box 176, Tofts House, Tofts Road,CLECKHEATON, West Yorkshire, BD19 3WX.

Tel: 01274 875199 Email: [email protected]

Taber Holidays

October 17 200819

Blue1 to operate winter flight to Kittila

Hurtigruten offers Lapland itinerary

Day trips and short breaks from Transun

BLUE1, a subsidiary of the SAS group, is to re-start flights on theHelsinki-Kittilä route on November 7. The flights will be operated twicea week until February 13 with increased frequencies during theChristmas and New Year holiday period. From February 13 until end ofApril it will operate ten weekly flights to Kittilä with connections toand from Heathrow.

Several of Finland’s most famous ski resorts such as Levi, Ylläs andPallastunturi are close to the airport. As an example, it takes only 20minutes by car to reach Levi.

Visit Finland says this is a welcome addition and one that servestravellers looking to make their own arrangements to go to Lapland toski or participate in winter activities such as snowmobiling, snow-shoewalking and toboganning, or celebrate Christmas and the New Year.Details at www.visitfinland.com

HURTIGRUTEN has introduced a new itinerary for this winter whichincludes a two-night visit to Lapland.

The Lapland Adventure is aimed at those looking for an introductionto Norwegian and Finnish Lapland and a range of winter activities.

The itinerary combines a voyage from Tromsø to Kirkenes with atwo-night trip to Inari in the north of Finland. It offers a visit to theSami Museum, Northern Lapland Nature Centre and a local reindeerfarm.

It is available on selected dates from January to April with half-boardprices from £995 per person including flights, two nights on the ship,two nights in Inari and transfers. Optional add-on activities include ahusky safari, searching for the Northern Lights by snowshoe,snowmobiling and ice-fishing. It is possible to extend the tour with astay at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel from £235.

Details at www.northernlights.co.uk or on 020-8846 2666.

TRANSUN has launched a new generation of Lapland day trips andshort breaks.

The operator’s Lapland brochure has been revamped followingmajor product development over recent months. It says that as someof the established resorts have become more commercialised in recentyears with the explosion of pre-Christmas tourism from the UK, it hasmoved into more authentic resorts that offer visitors an experience ofthe genuine Arctic wilderness.

All the operator’s day trips and short breaks are based in andaround Enontekio, a region designed by the local authorities as the“True Lapland”.

Short breaks are based around small family-friendly hotels, most ofwhich are family-run ensuring a warm welcome and a comfortablestay. Winter activities are among the most substantial available on themarket – not just the two-minute rides that some operators provide.And there is a whole range of snow games available.

The operator’s Daniel Tyler said: “We have been operating toLapland for more than 15 years and during that time we have seenseismic shifts in the nature of the resorts. While many operatorscontinue to pile into towns that are now over-commercialised, wehave moved into secluded resorts that still offer the magic and scenerythat most visitors to Lapland are hoping for.”

Short breaks are available from 12 UK airports with prices from£549. Day breaks are also available from £329 per adult and £299 perchild. The operator has extended the £25 per short break booking and£10 per day break booking cash give-away incentive to agents untilthe end of this month.

Details at www.transun.co.uk or on 01865-265200.


Personality Profile

October 17 200820

JOSEPH GRIMLEY

Career Path1988-1994, Next Directory,communications and systems trainer;1994-1997, Overseas holiday rep – sevenseasons back-to-back including Mallorcaand Andorra; 1997-2001, Apollo Travel,Rotherham. Apollo World Promotions,sales consultant; 2001-2002, Page & Moy(retail division), sales consultant; 2002-2003, Page & Moy (retail division),assistant commercial manager; 2003-2005, Page & Moy (retail division),commercial manager; 2005-2006, Page &Moy (retail division), commercialoperations manager; 2006-2007, Page &Moy, cruise product manager; 2007-present, Page & Moy, agency salesmanager.

Job title: Agency sales manager.

Name of company: Page & Moy.

What’s your best physical feature?My eyes (all four of them!)

What annoying habits do you have?None.

What’s your most embarrassingmoment?When I left Next Directory my final traininggroup organised a roly-poly-a-gram. Theyambushed me in the staff canteen… cringe!

Tell us a joke: Did you hear about the dyslexic devilworshipper? He sold his soul to Santa!

What’s the naughtiest lie you ever told?Saying I have no annoying habits (above).

What vices do youhave?All of them!

Are you a collectorof anything? Yes, vices.

What’s the best present you’ve everreceived?Action Man with eagle eyes (Christmas1976).

What’s the worst present you’ve everreceived?Rubbish Spiderman costume (sameChristmas).

What single thing would improve yourlife?Enough cash to pay off the mortgage.

What’s your greatest regret?Not buying Nextshares whenthey were 2peach.

Whatmotivates you?Happiness and making a difference.

What’s the first thing you notice aboutpeople?Depends on the person. Could be theirsmile, could be clothes, breath . . . etc.

Who is your favourite TV personalityand why?Claire Nasir, the weathergirl off GMTV. Shebrings sunshine into my lounge everymorning, no matter what the weather.

Which TV show would you like to be inand why?

GMTV (see above).

If you went onMastermind what wouldbe your specialistsubject?

Monty Python’s Life of Brian, or ‘80s poptrivia.

Who would you liketo be for a day andwhy?Antonio Banderas,because my wifefantasises about him.

Tell us something about yourself thatnot many people know.I appeared on national billboards in theearly ‘80s alongside Sally James and thePhantom flan flinger (from Tiswas) in acarpet advert.

You are invited to a fancydress party. What wouldyou wear?Zorro costume.

Describe your favourite childhoodholiday memory.Beating German kids in a table tennistournament in Marbella.

Which nationality do you most admireand why?Any Mediterraneans. They’re happy with thesimple things in life; good food, good wineand good company.

You’ve won a round-the-world trip withfive stopovers. Where would they be?Peru, Perth, Boston, Bari, Madagasgar (notnecessarily in that order).

What three things do you always travelwith (apart from the obvious)?My Croc flip-flops, corkscrew and wife.

How would you survive on a desertisland?With three essentials – wife, BBQ and tent.

Describe the worst job you have everdone.Sunday morning paper round in 1979, justas they introduced Sunday magazinesupplements.

What is your dream job? Campsite ownerand BBQ chef,somewhere hot.

How do yourelax?

Bottle of red and a takeaway vindaloo orBBQ, depending on the weather.

What new law would you introduce?The three-day weekend.

What would be your epitaph?See, I told you I was ill.

What is the greatestlesson you ever learned?Avoid cliches like the plague.

What’s your motto in life?Don’t take life too seriously. You’llnever get out of it alive.

What’s your least favouritemode of transport and why?The Tube. Everyone looks miserable.

The man who believes inhappiness and making a difference

and collects vices – all of them

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October 17 200821

SOUTHERN AFRICARegional Round-up

H&J unveils tailor-made operating modelHAYES & Jarvis reports that it is revamping the way it sells holidays toSouth Africa and from this week will move to a new tailor-madeoperating model that will allow its call centre on 0871-664 0246 topackage the country more flexibly.

The change comes about after the operator’s Africa product andcontracting manager Beverley Pridmore took the decision to expandthe programme with the use of the new XML link to a major bedbank.

She said: “At a stroke this gives our call centre consultants atremendous range of product at all price points and in more areas ofSouth Africa than we have previously featured in our brochures.”

The new areas covered include KwaZulu Natal, where Drakensberg& Beach and Battlefields & Bush tours can now be built into a SouthAfrica itinerary.

There is also more depth available in the Garden Route which willenable the call centre to build more extensive tours.

Pridmore said: “This will appeal to clients who have visited SouthAfrica before but who want want to try new areas or spend moretime in one region than was previously available.”

As part of the expansion the operator can now offer twin- or multi-centre tailor-made trips.

These combine South Africa with Mozambique, Namibia, Zambiaand Botswana, as well as single-centre stays.

Rare white lions have been successfully released into Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in theKlein Karoo region of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The pride includestwo adult males and two juvenile female white lions.

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Southern Africa

October 17 200822

Cape Town-Cairo tour from Collette

Superbreak adds range of excursions

Somak highlights whale-watching toursDedicated Africa brochure from Kuoni

Cox & Kings adds new self-drive tours

Business Class deal from Emirates ToursEMIRATES Tours is offering a nine-night tour of South Africa withBusiness Class flights on Emirates. Those who book the package thismonth for travel from November 1 to December 9 or January 16 toMarch 31 will get a complimentary case of six bottles of wine. ThjeSouth Africa Discovery nine-night tour costs from £5,875 per person,saving up to £1,235 per couple. Clients travel from Cape Town byluxury Rovos Rail to Pretoria then fly to Sabi Sand Game Reserve forthree nights on safari at the Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands.

Details at www.emiratestours.co.uk or on 0844-800 1400.

COX & Kings has just launched its 2009 Africa brochure whichfeatures two new self-drive holidays in South Africa. Wildlife & Wine isa new private journey that offers visitors a chance to learn about thewildlife, wine and rock art as well as meeting local South Africans. Theten-night tour features hand-picked luxury accommodation and costsfrom £2,895 per person.

Also new is the Boutique South Africa private journey, a nine-nighttour that combines two game reserves with the Garden Route andCape Town, and includes small luxurious boutique hotels and wildlifecamps. Prices are from £2,495 per person.

KUONI has launched its dedicated Africa brochure for 2009 andincludes more than 35 new tours, safaris and hotels in Kenya,Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Madagascar, Rwanda,Zambia and, for the first time, Malawi. The operator’s Africa productmanager Ed Light said: “As the leading provider of upmarket tailor-made holidays to Africa, we are delighted to launch one of the mostcomprehensive Africa brochures on the UK market today. It includes awide selection of safaris, beach hotels, tours, city breaks, self-drives,train journeys and game reserves, with many tours and safaris nowoffering private upgrade options and dedicated family and adults-onlydepartures on selected safaris.”

Details at www.kuoni.co.uk or on 01306-747008.

SOMAK Holidays reports that with summer arriving in the southernhemisphere now is the perfect time to head for South Africa wherethe whale-watching season is in full swing. The operator has launcheda new e-brochure highlighting experiences that range from whale-watching tours to luxury safari lodges. Until the end of Novembervisitors have the chance to see the Southern Right Whale.

A Wine, Waves and Wildlife itinerary features two nights in CapeTown for a visit to the Cape of Good Hope and Kirstenbosch BotanicalGardens. The first whale-watching encounter is on a cruise fromPlettenberg Bay. Departures are on October 30 and November 13 and27, with prices from £1,439 per person including flights.

SUPERBREAK has added a range of excursions in South Africa thatagents can add to an accommodation-only booking. In total nine toursare now available for those staying in Cape Town. A Table Mountainand City Tour costs £20.75 per adult and £15.50 per child. The half-day tour includes a visit up Table Mountain, a Malay Quarter tour, theCastle of Good Hope, Milnerton, and Cape Town Diamond Works. AWinelands Tour costs £38/£28.50. The full-day tour includes a scenicand historic drive and wine-tasting at local farms in Paarl, Stellenboschand Franschhoek. Other excursions include a Cape Highlights Tour andHermanus Tour with whale-watching.

Details at www.superbreak.com/agents or on 0871-221 2828.

COLLETTE Worldwide Holidays has added a Cape Town to Cairo 21-day escorted tour. It begins in Cape Town where during a four-nightstay clients visit Cape Point, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens,Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Table Mountain. In Johannesburgthere is a tour of Soweto and lunch with locals at a shebeen, ortavern. Prices are from £3,974 per person based on two sharing andinclude accommodation, 37 meals, flights and door-to-door transferswithin a 100-mile radius of the departure airport. Details on 0800-8048700.

Air Namibia is operating non-stop flights between Gatwick and Windhoek and since the service launched in 2005 tourist arrivals to Namibia have increased by 34% to 28,214last year. The airline is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and from Windhoek offers connections to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Luanda (Angola), Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)and Maun (Botswana). Details at www.airnamibia.com.na

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Test Grid 16/4/03 12:24 PM Page 1 Steve Bone Steves G4: Steve Scan Folder:

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