Mid August 2011Issue 198

The online magazine for inbound tour industry reaching 8 million escorted visitors into and around Europe

kangaroo lost its bounce

ETOA on riots

spelt out Qantas’s options in blunt terms as he sought to head off an outcry from trade unions and the Australian public who have come to see the airline as an extension of their nationality.

Mr Joyce said: “Qantas International faces serious structural challenges to do with the progressive deregulation of our market at home, the influx of competition here and abroad, and our high cost base.”

He described the long-haul operations as “a steadily fading business, suffering big financial losses and a substantial decline in market share”.

Qantas once dominated the air routes to and from Australia but its costs are 20%

higher than rivals and its market share has shrunk 18% to 14% on Asian routes. It has struggled as carriers such as Emirates and Etihad have expanded to get a slice of the ‘Kan-garoo route’ from Europe to Australia.

Qantas and British Airways operate their Kangaroo routes via Asia and this partnership is being restructured.

BA will continue to operate directly to Australia via Hong Kong and Singapore and Qantas will still fly from Australia to London via Singapore. But passengers flying to London via Hong Kong and Bangkok will change to BA planes there. BA has leased Qantas’s unwanted landing slots at Heathrow.

Qantas’ other aim is to capitalise on the surging numbers of business passengers traveling out of China and around Asia by virtue of a new low-cost venture with Japan Airlines - Jetstar Japan.

The Queensland And Northern Territory Arial Services company started life in 1920 delivering

mail across the immense Australian bush and operated the first Royal Autralian Flying Doctor.

It is the second oldest airline after KLM and is the oldest continuing operator in the world and has a coveted safety record of having never lost a plane. But there is an industry rumour that a Qantas 747 so badly damaged its tail fin that the company insurers wrote off the plane. Rather than lose their treasured 100% safety record, Qantas paid for the aircraft to be completely rebuilt at their own expense.

The European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) has put out the following statement about the riots in London.

“Events like these have occurred in Western cities such as LA, Madrid and Paris. Those in the UK are abnormal, and so newsworthy, even this August. But they have been largely confined to secondary shopping centres in the suburbs. No iconic landmarks have been affected. So long as the damage is contained outside of central London, then there will be little long-term impact on demand for London as a tourist destination.

ETOA members handle tens of thousands of visitors to London. So far none have been caught up in the current problems. London is still one of the safest and most vibrant tourism destinations in the world.

What is most striking about these events is the restraint displayed by the British police.

The care shown for human life over that of property is deeply impressive: a positive image of a nation’s institutional ability to cope with adversity.”

In response to the question, “Will this impact the Olympics?” Tom Jenkins, ETOA’s Executive Director said: “No. The Olympics is, overwhel-mingly, a domestic event. British people won’t be put off from visiting the Olympics in Stratford because a year earlier shop windows were broken in Hackney.”

Highlights details of 100’s of Advent and Christmas marketsand Festive events from Aarhus to Zurich and beyond

Photo: Christmas Market - Tallinn Town Square by Toomas Volmer

You can also identify many benefits on offer during the festiveseason to make your itinerary even more appealing

www.christmas-markets.org

• Brienz steam train - closeto Interlaken, see the excursion options, together with great ideas for groups - see page 15

• Reader offer - you may want to buy abroad or just browse to see what is on offer throughout the world - just in case you have a windfall - free tickets for our readers at A Place in the Sun exhibition - see page 22

• Advent and Christmas Markets 2011 - it is that time of the year again, when we give you a roundup of the best Markets throughout Europe - see pages 17 - 22

• The St. Beatus Caves - Here we present to history of the caves and how they have become one of the major visitor attractions in the Bernese Oberland – see page 16

The world’s oldest continuously operating airline has announced that it will drop flights to London via Hong Kong and Bangkok as part of a ‘retrenchment’.

Qantas (Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services) is to retire four of its Boeing 747s and six new A380 orders will be deferred, while 1,000 staff will lose their jobs as Qantas withdraws from the long-haul travel market.

The ‘Flying Kangaroo’ is to be reborn as a re-gional carrier and plans to invest $9.6 billion in a fleet of new aircraft to service the fast-growing Asian market.

Qantas will start a new low- cost Japanese airline and it will expand its own low-cost-division, Jetstar. Chief executive Alan Joyce

...Continued on page 2

European Tour Operators Association logo

1944-1947 Quantas brown logo

3 People news / Just because it’s interesting4-5 Places news

6--7 Transport news8 Cruise news

9-10 Hospitality news / MICE news11-12 Options and attractions

13 Travel Industry news14 European Eccentrics15 Brienz steam train Born in 189216 The St.Beatus Caves

17-22 2011 Advent and Christmas Markets23 ‘We Welcome Groups’

On the Road issue 198 Page 2

Mid August 2011 Issue 198

© Copyright 2011. Articles published in this magazine are copyright and should not be reproduced without permission from the publishers.The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers and all information is given in good faith. No responsibility can be taken by the publishers for any errors or omissions, howsoever caused. Readers are advised to check upon any information given, and where relevant take professional advice before acting upon it.

Click the above titles to view and grey panel at base of pages to return to contents

Chalk Farm Publishing Ltd, Riverside Lodge, Collier Close, Camerton, Bath BA2 0QB Publisher/Editor-Alan Bennett Tel: +44 (0) 1761 479 645 Fax: +44 (0) 1761 479 663 E-m: info@ontheroad.co.uk, info@chalkfarmpublishing.co.uk Design/artwork: Imageloading

IN THE NEWS

Qantas’s links with Britain go back to 1934 and a joint venture with Imperial Airways - the forerunner of British Airways.

In 1993 BA the senior partner bought a 25% stake in Qantas and sold it in 2004. A planned merger in 2008 was aborted, by which time Qantas had become the big-ger player with a market capitalisation of £1.9 billion compared to BA’s £1.8 billion.

Qantas’s most famous ambassador is John Travolta – a part time pilot with airline

Left- A380 touches down at Los Angeles with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John

Above -1950 The new Constellation

Below - Film actor Charlie Chaplin flew Qantas DH86 in Asia in 1936

The Kangaroo that lost its bounce ...Continued from page 1

On the Road issue 198 Page 3

Thomas CookThomas Cook announced in early August that Group Chief Executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa has stepped down. Sam Weihagen, who was Deputy Chief Executive has taken on an interim basis while a search process gets underway to identify a permanent successor.

Thomas Cook released its quarterly results showing profits fell to £20 million for the three months to June 30th 2011 from £26 million last year. A weak performance in the UK was to blame for the fall, Thomas Cook said in a statement.

The Competition Commission provision-ally cleared the merger of Thomas Cook’s high street retail travel and foreign exchange network with The Co-operative Group and the Midlands Co-operative. The deal will create the UK’s largest multi-channel travel retailer.

IHGInterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) has announces the appointment of a head for its new European division and a regional realignment which combines the Middle East and Africa with Asia Australasia, allowing two similar busi-nesses to leverage scale in key developing markets. The changes were effective from 1 August.

Angela Brav, currently Chief Operating Officer, North America takes up the new position of Chief Executive, Europe assuming a seat on the Executive Committee.

Jan Smits, currently Head of the Asia Australasia region now takes additional responsibility for the Middle East and Africa, becoming Chief Executive, Asia, Middle East and Africa.

These appointments follow the move last month of Kirk Kinsell, former President Europe, Middle East and Africa to Presi-dent, The Americas.

Tom Seddon, Chief Marketing Officer, is leaving IHG. His role will be split on an interim basis between two senior mem-bers of the IHG sales and marketing organisation. Eric Pearson, currently

Pot plantsItaly’s top court ruled recently that citizens may grow marijuana on their

citizens may grow marijuana on their home balconies and terraces home balconies and terraces. Such an amount “could cause no harm,” said the Cassation Court. Previously narcotics cultivation where illegal.

Citing this rationale, the supreme justices rejected an appeal filed by prosecutors from the Catanzaro Court of Appeals contesting the not-guilty verdict of a 23-year-old charged for keeping a cannabis plant in a small vase on his home balcony in Scalea in Calabria. The plant had the potential to produce 16mg of the marijuana drug.

The court caused a flap in 2009 when it said it was okay to grow marijuana as long as people didn’t let it get big enough to harvest the drug, ordering police to step in only if there was a concrete threat.

Mobile walletA Financial Times report says that Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt believe that mobile wallet will go mainstream within twelve months. The technological advance-ments required to make mobile wallet systems a reality are almost in place, according to Schmidt.

Mobile phone producers are adding Near Field Communication (NFC) chips to their handsets. NFC technol-ogy enables two-way interactions between a mobile device and a bank, retailer, government agency or some

other institution. NFC-ready smart-phones can exchange information with other NFC devices, as well as read data from smart tags in posters, stickers, and other items.

In May 2011, Google launched Google Wallet, an NFC-based mobile payment system built into the Android 2.3 operating system. The service is lim-ited currently to Google’s Nexus S 4G phone on Sprint, but that will change soon. Google is urging payment processors to upgrade a third of their terminals to accept NFC transactions, a move that would spur widespread adoption of the technology.

Space grannyGloria Coco, a 72-year-old Rome actress, will soon become the oldest woman in Europe to take part in a space flight. Coco has completed three training courses and now the ‘’space granny’’ is preparing for her final countdown which is expected in a few months. The take-off is now due to take place later in the year at the NASA Space Centre in Houston.

‘’I have always been attracted by unusual things,’’ Coco said. ‘’I love adventure very much and I love to be in constant motion, I never stop’’.

‘’We will test the reactions of her brain in various states of gravity, ’’said Carlo Viberti, President of Spaceland.’’The results will help doctors and scholars in research against Alzheimer’s’. Coco’s training included diving, medical tests and orientation exercises.

Chief Marketing Officer, The Americas, becomes Interim Global Head of Brands. Steve Sickel, currently Senior Vice President Distribution and Relationship Marketing, becomes Interim Global Head of Sales and Distribution. A full search process is underway for a new Chief Marketing Officer.

Orient-Express Hotels LtdPaul White, President and Chief Executive Officer, has resigned from the Company and from the Board of Directors after 20 years with the Company.

Bob Lovejoy, Chairman of the Board, has been named Interim Chief Executive Officer while the Board conducts a search for a permanent replacement.

Rocco Forte HotelsIvan Artolli has been appointed as Opera-tions Director for its properties in the UK, Belgium and Eastern Europe. Ivan will oversee operations for Brown’s Hotel in London, The Lowry Hotel in Manchester, The Balmoral in Edinburgh, Hotel Amigo in Brussels, the Augustine Hotel in Prague and Hotel Astoria in St Petersburg. Artolli, originally from Padua in Italy, has an impressive 35 years of experience in the hotel industry and is currently Rocco Forte Hotels’ longest serving general manager.

His successor as General Manager of The Balmoral in Edinburgh will be Franck Arnold. He joins The Balmoral from The Jefferson Hotel in Washington DC, where as Managing Director, he oversaw an extensive renovation of the property.

Viking River Cruises...is the world’s leading river Cruise Line and we are currently operating 19 vessels in Europe, China, Russia, Vietnam and Ukraine.

For 2012 we are building 6 additional new

river vessels and we are looking for new Program Manager and Program Director. You will find the job descriptions for both posts at www.ontheroad.co.uk On the home page click on the ‘jobs‘ button for full details.

Hilton Worldwide Jon Muñoz has been appointed as Senior Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion. In this role, he will be focused on culture, talent, workplace and marketplace strategies. Muñoz joins Hilton Worldwide from Sprint where he served as Senior Manager for Inclusion and Diversity.

People news

Ivan Artolli

New ship Passau

Just Because It’s Interesting

Manny_Fontenla-Novoa

On the Road issue 198 Page 4

Places news

Venice Lido

The mayor of Venice has signed an ordinance opening some of the city’s most chic Adriatic shores to all visitors, infuriat-ing high-paying pass-holders.

Zoned since the early 1900s as the elite sand of private beaches and luxury hotels such as l’Excelsior, much of the area, known as the Lido, has been “liberated” for the public, according to the ordinance, allowing swimmers and sunbathers a day at the beach without lifeguards shooing them away.

But the lifeguards might not save them from drowning either.

Instead, beach-goers will now be met by six-foot-high blue signs - written in Ital-ian, German and English - indicating the boundaries where lifeguards from nearby private establishments are not guaranteed to intervene in the event of an emergency.

Pass-holders have requested a meeting with Mayor Giorgio Orsoni, arguing that the measure violates the exclusivity that they purchased along with their private bungalows, lawn chairs, and umbrellas. Private beach cabanas rent for as much as € 9,000 per year.

The law is being heralded by supporters as a “mini revolution”.

Located approximately four miles off the coast of the Italian peninsula, Venice is a constellation of lagoon islands flanking the Adriatic sea. The Lido is an 11km-long sandbar and one of the eastern-most Venetian islands that effectively marks the boundary between lagoon and sea.

Home to the annual Venice Film Festival in September, the modern beach on the Lido was developed in 1857, the first of its kind in Europe.

Switzerland

Pisa

VeniceThe Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Presence Switzerland has announced details of its plans for the House of Switzerland, during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Breaking with tradition, the House will be a mini-village created in and around the famous Glaziers Hall, on the south bank of the Thames, and is expected to attract approximately 250,000 visitors over 24 days.

Visitors will be able to experience the best of Swiss culture, cuisine and busi-ness creativity. Features of Switzerland will be on show, such as the country’s expertise in the development of new and innovative technologies.

All of these aspects will be connected through a games theme. The House of Switzerland 2012 will literally become a

creative and innovative playground where visitors actively engage with and become a part of the Swiss guest centre.

The key ideas include a politics-based game where visitors can try their hands at direct democracy Swiss-style, using touch screens. The destination partner Bernese Oberland-Jungfrau will enable people to have a go at traditional or less well-known Swiss sports in an outside game arena.

The official caterer Mosimann’s brings a playful element to his creative fusions of Bernese, Swiss and British specialities. And inside Glaziers Hall there are going to be a few surprises with the emphasis on urban creativity, trendy gastronomy and a highly modern videogame lounge.

The House of Switzerland United King-dom 2012 at Glaziers Hall is the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games Swiss hospitality headquarters. The Swiss inspired venue will act as a meeting

Olympic point and social hub for the Swiss team, institutional and private partners and the public, from 20th July - 12th August 2012

Switzerland-London 2012

Prague

Golden Lane - Prague Castle is accesible again after a year’s renovation. The pictur-esque lane of tiny colourful houses takes visitors back in history showing a baroque goldsmith’s workshop, a Renaissance tavern, a herbalist’s and a famous fortune-teller’s house.

Each of the houses was fitted with glass entrance halls through which visitors can see the individual exhibitions of life in this part of Prague Castle from the 17th century until 1953. The lane ends with Daliborka Tower - an infamous jail used for commoners and the aristocracy since the 15th century.

Golden Lane was considered inspiring and many artists live here, the writer Franz Kafka lived in house no. 22 from 1916 to 1917. The lane houses, grey then, were painted in its current colourful style only in 1950’s, partly influenced by one of the most important Czech artists Jiri Trnka-animator and film director.

One of the best places to get to know the way of life of the locals are the markets. Here is a brief overview of the most well known markets in town:

Estonian food - and handicraft market on Rotermann QuarterJune until end of August Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm The Rotermann market is an elegant open market where visitors can buy goods from wheeled trolleys the old fashioned way. The market sells mod est selection of Estonian goods from different farms and producers from all over the country. From Thurs. to Sun. between 12 am and 5 pm the quarter will also host different street arts shows in a spontaneous and open atmosphere.Fish market at KalarannaSaturdays 10 am - 4 pmThe market specialises in Estonian fish produce. The fish are caught in local waters or farmed by local fishermen. Different sea foods are also on offer.

Sadama marketMonday to Friday 10 am to 7 pm,Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pmwww.sadamaturg.eeAn indoor market dedicated to offering the best of Estonian produce and some produce from abroad. The market is at the Tallinn Port area next to the sea front and special-ises in fresh produce. Also on offer are Estonian handicrafts and herbal cosmetics. BaltiJaam marketMonday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pmSundays 8 am to 5 pmThis market takes visitors back in time. It offers a wide selection of foods, clothes bric a brac and antiques all of which have a Soviet feel to them.Central market - Keldrimäe 9Monday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pmSundays 8 am to 5 pm www.keskturg.eeCentral market (Keskturg) offers a variety of seasonal foods, clothes and other goods. The market sells glorious flowers in the summer.

tallinn’s Markets

Golden Lane

Tallin Market beneath the city walls

Jungfrau – one of the partners 2010

On the Road issue 198 Page 5

Places news ...continued

Rudolf Hess

Italy to introduce Burqa ban law.

Italy is likely to become the next European country to ban the Muslim burqa. France and Belgium already have laws forbidding the wearing of the enveloping outer garment in public, and Italian MPs are due to vote on a similar measure after the summer recess. The draft law does not mention religion, but it would also outlaw the wearing of the niqab, which covers only the lower part of the face, and other face-covering garments “of ethnic origin”.

The bill is being sponsored by Souad Sbai, a Moroccan-born member of Silvio Ber

The body of Adolf Hitler’s deputy, Rudolf Hess, has been exhumed to stop his grave being used as a neo-Nazi pilgrimage site.

Locals in the Bavarian town of Wunsiedel had become concerned about annual marches to the grave by far-right groups, prompting the council to withdraw the Hess family’s lease on the grave.

Recently, his headstone - which read Ich bab’s gewagt (I Have Dared), was destroyed; his remains were cremated and his ashes scattered at sea. Hess was taken prisoner in 1941 after flying to Britain on an unauthorised peace mission.

Sentenced at Nuremberg to life in jail, he killed himself in 1987 at Spandau Prison, where he was the sole inmate.

Algae alarm

Fears about the health risk posed by toxic seaweed have been reignited in Brittany when 18 wild boars were found dead on a beach. The find brings the total number of dead boar found in the bay near Saint-Brieuc to 36.

The green algae, which local people blame on pollution from intensive farm-ing, has been a problem for a decade; it now contaminates more than 200 beaches, including some in Normandy.

The government has decreed that it must be collected within 48 hours of being

The Spanish government has re-desig-nated bullfighting as “an artistic discipline and a cultural product”, transferring responsibility for the sport to the Ministry of Culture. The move has been seen by supporters as a step towards protect-ing the tradition, after Catalonia voted through a regional ban last year. That ban, which will come into effect in January, will not be affected by the move.

Speaking for the Bullfighters Union, mata-dor Juan Diego welcomed the announce-ment as necessary “for the protection and guardianship of bullfighting”.

The opposition Popular Party has indicated that it may go further if it wins power in November’s general elections, and intro-duce laws to prevent further local bans. Around 13,500 bulls are killed in Spain each year, in bullfights estimated to cost local authorities up to £450m in subsidies.

Palace in central London. The concept appeals to the trust, which has nearly 4 million members, and the government, which wants to unburden itself of some of its largely unoccupied buildings.

Built of Bath Stone, Lancaster House was previously known as York House and later as Stafford House. Now it is owned by the Crown Estate, and for several decades has been managed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. It was used during the talks in 1979 that led to Zimbabwe’s independence and for a reception for President Barack Obama.

Apart from hosting Government func-tions, Lancaster House is also rented out for use in films. It appears as Lady Brack-nell’s home in the film, The Importance of Being Ernest (2002), and featured in the mystery adventure film, National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007), and as the interior of Buckingham Palace in both Young Victoria (2009), which starred Emily Blunt and The King’s Speech (2010), with Colin Firth. Lancaster House was also used as a ‘back-drop’ on the ‘Girls Aloud’ video for their single, ‘Can’t Speak French’.

The grade I listed building was constructed of Bath Stone for George III’s second son, Prince Frederick (1784-1827), the Duke of York and Albany, but he died two years before its completion. It later became a private home for the Duke of Sutherland when it attracted envious glances from Queen Victoria, who reportedly said to its owner on one visit, “I have come from my house to your palace”. It was given to the nation in 1913 by the then owner Lord Leverhulme, the Lancashire soap-maker.

From 1924 until the late 1940s, the Georgian building was partly used for the London Museum, the precursor of the Museum of London.

The Trust would like Lancaster House to become its premier London property, although it would need the building to be donated since it is too expensive to buy.

For the Foreign Office this would remove the burden of paying for the building’s upkeep. It could also provide a showcase for the government’s art collection. At any time about a third of the government’s 13,500 works, which include paintings by John Constable, William Hogarth and David Hockney, is in storage.

The trust is keen to add to its limited portfolio in London as most of its 300 properties are in the countryside such as Waddesdon in Buckinghamshire. Lancaster house would be expected to earn an income as a public attraction and from allowing film companies to shoot there. It would also be available for Government functions.

washed up, because if it is allowed to rot, the algae can produce the deadly gas, hydrogen sulphide.

The hotels and gites of Brittany should be full this time of year. Instead, barely half of the hotel rooms and rental properties are occupied.

Tourists are staying away after French media splashed photos of the nearby beach covered in dead, rotting wild boars.

But President Nicolas Sarkozy, who visited Brittany on July 7, said “it would be absurd to solely blame farmers, who have made enormous efforts.” He called the accusations “environmental fundamentalism.”

La Ciotat

This small town in Provence has found an unusual way to attract

families to its sunny white-sand beach by banning smoking from one stretch of its Mediterranean seafront.

The smoking ban came into effect this summer, and compliance at the packed beach has surprised even the city official who came up with the idea, the deputy mayor, Noel Collura.

People who arrive at the Plage Lumiere pass under a large sign reminding them that smoking is off limits, and two cigarette-shaped ashtrays attached to the sign invite them to stub out their butts.

On the prowl

A rare wolf-hunting licence was issued in July after a spate of attacks on mountain herds. For the first time in 80 years, wolves have reached the Vosges Mountains on the western border of Alsace-Lorraine. 72 sheep in a flock of 1,500 have died, mostly by being driven off a cliff in a stampede.

‘No volcano threat’ News reports that the Hekla volcano, in Iceland, is about to erupt and close down British airspace are “sensationalist stories”, says the Icelandic geophysicist Pall Einarsson.

He said, “They are quoting me as saying that it will erupt soon, but ‘soon’ means different things to journalists and geologists.”

There have been stories in the media that Hekla was on the point of eruption, but even if that were true, it would cause little disruption. Professor Einarsson went on to explain that Hekla is not under a glacier, and is thus not subject to the same explosive, ash-producing condi-tions as Eyjafjallajokull.

Italy

Germany

France

Spain

England

Iceland

lusconi’s People of Freedom Party, who says she wanted to save Muslim women from “segregation” and “submission”.

National Trust to acquire Lancaster HouseThe National Trust has announced it is in talks with the British Government regarding the acquisition one of London’s most prestigious and valuable properties, Lancaster House.

In discussion is a proposal to house part of the nation’s art collection - a third of which remain in storage at any given time in the three floored, neo-classical man-sion, which is located opposite St James’s

On the Road issue 198 Page 6

(Left) Mr. Edward Plaisted CEO Skytrax, (Right)

Mr. Jesada Chandrema, THAI General Manager

Hertz - on your bike

WTM 2011 – transport improvementsWorld Travel Market 2011 is poised to benefit from a number of transport improvements. DLR trains will increase capacity from two to three carriages increasing DLR capacity by 50% with trains continuing to run every two minutes and 30 seconds during peak periods.

Also, West Ham is open as a DLR station for the first time providing an interchange with the District, Hammersmith & City and Jubilee lines.

While the opening of the Stratford International link for the 2012 Olympics will further increase frequency through Canning Town to Custom House.

Improving the interchange further be-tween London Underground and the DLR the Jubilee Line will benefit from a 33% increase in capacity for WTM 2011.

Other improvements include a new plat-form at Canning Town Station to help ease congestion and new escalators at Custom

The Rail&Fly ticket can be used on nearly all Deutsche Bahn (DB) trains, including the ICE. More than 5,600 DB railway stations through-out Germany qualify as departure stations.

Once flight booking has been confirmed, passengers can simply print out their rail ticket at their own convenience. They will also receive a separate confirmation by email, containing all their travel informa-tion and the link to the train ticket. In addition to their plane ticket, passengers will be required to show their credit card, EC card or DB BahnCard as identification on the train. www.lufthansa.com/de/en/the-train-to-the-plane Gatwick bonusGatwick is soon to introduce premium parking in its newly opened short stay car park at the North Terminal which will allow time-strapped business people the quickest route – under two minutes – from their vehicle to check-in. A new concierge service will also be introduced.

UK airport updateThe Government’s South East Airports Taskforce published its final report in mid July, proposing that when Heathrow has problems both runways should be used to try and reduce delays. - i.e. take-offs and landings could be accommodated simultaneously. Trials of the new measures will be run over the autumn and next summer.

Plans were also announced for consultation with a view to switching to smarter, more effective and passenger-friendly airport security regimes for all UK airports.

This involves how each airport deals with its passengers in respect of the physical side of the security system, for instance whether belts and shoes need be removed, also the technical/equipment aspect. The consultation is due to close on 7 November 2011.

Hertz adds electric bike rentalHertz is now offering electric bicycles for hire. The scheme is initially only available in London, with a total of 12 bikes, but if suc-cessful it could be rolled out to other cycling friendly cities such as Amsterdam.

Ultra Motor electric bikes, which reach speeds of up to 15.5mph, can now be hired from Hertz’ Marble Arch branch for £20 per day. The models chosen by Hertz are the Fast4ward Edge, a folding bike which offers the choice of using throttle and cruise power or to pedal, and the A2B Hybrid 24, which has a sensor that detects the amount of pedalling and applies power in tune with that pace.

Bikes come with a charger (that can be plugged into any mains socket), lock, helmet, and guide to popular cycle routes in London. www.hertz.co.uk

Thai – a winnerThai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) was honoured at the 2011 Skytrax World Airline Awards in two catego-ries, winning the title of Best Airline Economy Class On-board Catering and also picking up the title for Best Airline Economy Class seat. THAI was also placed 5th worldwide in the 2011 World’s Best Airlines category, moving up from 9th place in last year.

Over 18.8 million airline passengers from 100 different nationalities voted in the World Airline Awards.

Blow for PlymouthPlymouth-based Air Southwest is to cease flying by the end of September and with it air links to Plymouth .Plymouth Airport itself will close at the end of December.

In its heyday in the 1980s, under Brymon Airways, the airport boomed. When British Airways took over Brymon in 1994 it also ac-quired its valuable Heathrow slots and set the airline on the route to oblivion. The final nail in the coffin was the airline/airport’s sale to

South Coast tourism more accessibleOpened on 27 July, the Hindhead Tunnel on England’s A3 will complete the dual carriageway link between London and Portsmouth, enabling drivers to finally by-pass a notorious congestion spot outside the village of Hindhead in Surrey.

Currently delays at the junction of the A3 and A287 can add as much as 40 minutes to a journey, while there is also considerable envi-ronmental impact on a nationally-recognised Site of Special Scientific Interest, the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

The 1.2-mile Hindhead Tunnel runs under the Devil’s Punch Bowl and forms part of a new four-mile dual carriageway road linking exist-ing dual carriageway to the north and south of the village.

Among the locations now more easily acces-sible from London are: Portsmouth, Gosport, Hayling Island, and The Isle of Wight www.visitsoutheastengland.com

ACI Europe reportThe overall passenger traffic at European airports increased by +8.7% in May 2011 compared with May 2010. Airports handling more than 25 million passengers per year (Group 1), airports handling between 10 and 25 million passengers (Group 2), between 5 and 10 million passengers (Group 3) and airports handling less than 5 million passengers per year (Group 4) reported an average increase of +7.5%, +9.8%, +6.2% and +12.2% respectively when compared with May 2010. The same comparison of May 2011 with May 2009 demonstrates an average increase of +11.4%, +16.6%, +12.7% and +20.0% respectively.

Examples of airports that experienced the highest increase in passenger traffic per group, when comparing May 2011 with May 2010, include:

Group 1 airports – Barcelona (+22.3%), Istanbul IST (+13.7%), London LHR (+11.4%) and Munich (+11.1%) Group 2 airports – Istanbul SAW (+26.5%), Moscow DME (+24.3%), Berlin TXL (+17.7%) and Helsinki (+17.7%)Group 3 airports – Porto (+25.2%), Tenerife TFS (+20.6%), Kiev (+16.7%) and Charleroi (+14.3%)Group 4 airports – Ohrid (+112.7%), Porto Santo (+54.6%), Cluj (+46.8%) and Tallinn (+44.9%

Sutton Harbour, an ambitious and aggressive local property company whose sights were clearly set on housing development within the site. Lip service was paid to the airline and the secondary runway was closed.

Lufthansa trialLufthansa has become the first airline worldwide to use biosynthetic kerosene in scheduled flight operations. It has launched a six-month trial on the Hamburg – Frankfurt route with an Airbus A321. With a one-hour flight time and 35mins minimum turnaround

the aircraft could make up to four return trips a day. Lufthansa says that during the test run period, the use of biofuel will reduce CO2 emis-sions by up to 1,500 tonnes.

The biosynthetic kerosene used by Lufthansa is derived from pure biomass (biomass to liquids - BtL) and consists of jatropha, camelina and animal fats.

Suppliers must provide proof of the sustainability of their proc-

esses and meet the criteria stipulated by the European Parliament and the Council in the Renewable Energy Directive.

And...Railway tickets are a new option available on the Lufthansa web site. When booking a flight online, passengers click on the new ‘Rail&Fly’ option, then select their route and their travel class. Previously rail tickets had to be booked separately.

A Rail&Fly ticket to the departure airport for an international Lufthansa flight can be added to the flight booking for only €25 in Second Class and €45 in First Class. The price for a round-trip ticket is €50 or €90 respectively.

House Station improving entry and exit from ExCeL - London.

Transport for London will continue with its problem solving Travel Hub at Canning Town Station, which it introduced for WTM 2009.

The ‘Hub’ assesses the wider issues on the transport network which may affect routes to and from WTM 2011 (Monday Novem-ber 7 to Thursday November 10).

Should there be any problems that may affect routes to World Travel Market, the Hub can act to minimise any potential disruption, while also improving commu-nication with TfL officials at Canning Town.

Transport

TfL Travel Hubs are only employed for major events

On the Road issue 198 Page 7

Olympics air controls easedFollowing comments by the general aviation community on the harsh flying restrictions suggested by the Department for Transport during the period of next year’s London Olympic Games, the Government has made some concessions.

The full airspace restrictions covering the London 2012 has been reduced and will now only involve the Olympic period from 14 July to 15 August 2012. Separate, geographically smaller, airspace restrictions will now cover the London 2012 Paralympic Games from 16 August 2012 to 12 September 2012.

In addition to the restrictions covering the south-east of England, other Games venues throughout the UK will now also be subject to temporary restrictions. www.airspacesafety.com/olympics.

Delft parkingDue to construction in the city centre of Delft, coach parking Bacinol has been closed, how-ever , three new parking-lots have been built.

The parking-lots are situated at:

For full map http://www.delft.nl/delften/Tourists/Practical/Access_and_parking/Parking_for_touring_cars

SIA expansionSingapore Airlines is to introduce a long to medium haul low-cost subsidiary with an operational scheduled for spring 2012. The new subsidiary will fly the Boeing 777-200 model when it launches flights next year. The planned carrier will be using its parent’s ‘hand-me-down’ fleet for which it already has aircraft maintenance operations for servicing. Stansted sale The Competition Commission (CC) confirmed that BAA must sell London’s Stansted Airport, and either Edinburgh or Glasgow in Scotland. This confirms the CC’s earlier provisional view, which was published in March.

The sales process will start in three months’ time – or sooner if undertakings are accepted from BAA in the meantime.

The CC has been considering whether there have been any material changes in circum-stances since it published its final report on BAA in March 2009. The decision was subject to a legal challenge by BAA, which eventually culminated in the reinstating of the CC’s findings in October 2010. In February, the Supreme Court refused BAA permission to appeal further.

The CC has concluded that the sale of the airports is fully justified and that passengers and airlines would still benefit from greater competition with the airports under separate ownership, despite the current Government’s decision to rule out new runways at any of the London airports. www.competition-commission.org.uk

Eilat go aheadAgreement has been reached for a new airport for the resort city of Eilat, The current Eilat airport, which dates from the War of In-dependence only has a 1,900m long runway, suitable for a Boeing 757 on the short flight to Tel Aviv, but not on sectors to European destinations.

Just 20 miles north of the city, the airport is to be called Timna, and will be capable of accepting long range aircraft from the United States and India, both potential large markets.

Announcing the decision Israeli Prime Minis-ter Binyamin Netanyahu said: “It is part of the steps we are taking to change Eilat and the Negev, including laying a railway to Eilat.” This has halted the progress of the option to joint Jordan/Israel cross border airport like Basle and now Gibraltar.When the new airport opens in three years’ time the current Eilat operation will close. www.iaa.gov.il/Rashat/en-US/Rashot

HeathrowSixty per cent of arrivals into Heathrow are caught up in holding patterns, wasting fuel and causing delays to passengers, according to new figures released by air traffic control service NATS.

Planes circulate above the airport for a cumulative 55 hours a day, which wastes 190 tonnes of fuel and costs £119,000 a day. This wastage discharges 600 tonnes of CO2 into London skies, according to the report.

Average passengers delays typically range from 4 to 10 minutes, rising to 20 minutes during the late morning peak, when up to 40 jets can stack over London.

Heathrow is the world’s busiest airport, operating at 98 percent capacity and handling more flights on just two runways than any other airport in the world.

British Airways had given up hope of a third runway

British Airways, Heathrow’s biggest custom-ers, announced just before the report was published, that it had given up hope of a third runway being built. The flag carrier said it was now seeking alternatives, including develop-ing hubs in cities abroad, such as Madrid.

ADP causes slumpSmall airports across the UK are blaming Air Passenger Duty for the huge slump in passen-ger numbers. Traffic in some regional airports has fallen by as much as 70 %t over the past four years, according to new figures

from the Civil Aviation Authority.

During this period APD has risen by 140% on short-haul flights, from £5 to £12, and by up to 300 % on long-haul journeys.

The figures support claims made by airport operators APD is having a “dam-aging and dis proportionate impact” on the country’s regional hubs. They have warned the government that further APD hikes would lead to airport closures and the loss of regional routes.

Bournemouth has been one of the worst affected. During the first quarter of 2011, it received about 60,000 passengers, compared with more than 200,000 during the same period in 2007.

Over the same period, Doncaster/Sheffield airport suffered a 58% slide in passenger numbers, followed by Prestwick at 57% lower and 38% at Exeter. Larger regional hubs have also been suffering: 28% at Newcastle and 23% at Glasgow. A Government decision on the future of ADP is expected in the autumn, with changes to come into effect next year.

Up at FinnairIn a statement Finland’s biggest airline has reported a traffic increase of 13.3% in June, measured by revenue passenger kilometres. The company said that it filled 75.6% of all seats last in May.

But down at Aer LingusEire’s national carrier has reported that booked passenger numbers fell 1.7% in June on a year-to-year basis, as uncertainty over the threat of job action by pilots hit its reservations, the carrier said. Passenger numbers on long-haul flights were down 4.3% while short-haul flights saw a 1.4% decrease.

Iceland Express The low cost airline is celebrat-ing its best passenger figures to date, June 2011 witnessed a 44% increase in passenger numbers, compared to June 2010 and a 51% increase compared to May 2011.Iceland Express’ London market share soared to more than 40% in June 2011, which is Iceland Express’ record since the company began in 2003.

“In Iceland we live with the volcanic activity every day

“The economic crisis and the subsequent weakening of the krona has made it more affordable and appealing to travellers,” said

Transport ...continued

Paardenmarkt (centre)

Koepoortplaats (near the city centre). Bus drivers can get a cup of coffee in the Hampshire Hotel or use the toilet

Zuidplantsoen (TU-wijk). Bus drivers can get a cup of coffee in the TU Bouwkunde building and can use the toilet

•

•

•

Athens Airport

Iceland’s unique landscape

Iceland Express’ marketing director Sigurður Valur Sigurðsson. He added: “In Iceland welive with the volcanic activity every day and this is a real attraction for visitors who want to travel in and experience a country with a unique and diverse landscape. The eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano has certainly showcased our country in a new light and attracted a new wave of traveller.

Visitors want to experience a country with a unique and diverse landscape.

Edinburgh and USA routes opening Iceland up to more multi-centre trips.”

The airline flies daily from Gatwick to Reykjavik and twice weekly from Edinburgh to Reykjavik. www.icelandexpress.com

Athens Airport’s woesAccording to a statement posted on its Web site, Athens International Airport’s passenger traffic in the first six months of 2011 dropped 7.2% as Greece’s economic crisis hurts travel.

The number of people passing through the country’s largest airport fell to 6.7 million, from 7.2 million in 2010. Domestic travel dropped 16%, to 2.3 million passengers, while international traffic declined to 4.4 million from 4.5 million, the statement said.

Tourism, Greece’s largest industry, will account for nearly 16% of gross domestic product and almost one in five jobs in 2011, said the World Travel and Tourism Council.

On the Road issue 198 Page 8

Cruise news BaBy cruisers

Hapag Lloyd has come up with a ‘Baby Welcome Package’. The Hamburg-based cruise operator is taking into account the constantly rising proportion of families on its voyages.

The package includes care products such as nappies, baby lotions, changing mats for the cruise and bibs. Every family can com-pile their personal Baby Welcome Package prior to the beginning of the cruise. By filling in a form, they can simply order items like nappies in the required size and quantity as well as the desired type of baby food, if preferred organically grown. The suite will also be furnished as requested, for instance with a babyphone, Maxi-Cosi, baby travel cot, high chair or bathtub for babies.

On the ‘Europa’ children, up to 3 years of age sharing a cabin with their (grand) par-ents, travel at no cost; children aged 4 to 15 are charged €65 per night. Family cruises and cruises with at least four children on board include a special programme with meals, drinks and customised children’s excursions. www.hl-cruises.com

GoodBye Gills

Gills Cruise Centre has gone into admin-istration, its assets purchased by travel experts P&P Associates. No client has losttheir money or a holiday, although a large proportion of the staff are thought to have been made redundant.

In its hay day it was the third largest player in the UK cruise market, generating annual sales of £110m and employing 200 staff across two call centres and a retail outlet in Cardiff and London. It was forced to cease trading after cruise lines stopped taking bookings because of concerns over escalat-ing debts in an increasingly competitive market. It was said to be selling cruises below cost in order to retain business. P&P Associates, a member of ABTA trades as WeFly.com and also Chelsea Travel Management. www.ppassociates.co.uk

celeBrity cruises launches silhouette

Celebrity Cruises has taken delivery of its latest Solstice Class ship Silhouette. Until November she operates 12-night Mediterranean/Holy Land cruises

Celebrity Silhouette incorporates a number of industry-first venues and experiences within The Lawn Club, including the inter-active ‘Lawn Club Grill’, where guests can select and grill their own meats side-by-side with Celebrity’s expert chefs, or have them cooked to order.

The relaxing, private, wi-fi-equipped caba-nas called ‘The Alcoves’; ‘The Porch’, casual dining spot offering sandwiches, coffees and captivating views of the sea and the ship’s lush lawn, and ‘The Art Studio’,

where holiday makers can bring out their inner artist. ‘Michael’s Club’ has a selection of more than 50 beers from around the world, including craft beers. www.celebritycruises.co.uk hl-cruises.com

city cruises festive fare

City Cruises is offering a host of exciting festive packages on the River Thames.The special Christmas Showboat, will be operating from Monday through to Saturday evening during the month of December. Guests will be welcomed on-board with a drink and as they cruise down to the Thames Barrier they will enjoy a four course meal with wine. On the way backto Westminster Pier there will be a live entertainment and plenty of time for danc-ing. The public price of £75 includes half a bottle of wine per person. City Cruises’ boats can also be hired for private parties.www.citycruises.com.

fred o continues offer

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines announced that its ‘No Fuel Surcharge Guarantee’, introduced earlier this year, is now extended to cover all bookings made up to and including December 31, 2011, for cruise departures from January 1, 2012.

titan travel - 2012

Titan Travel has unveiled its 2012 pro-gramme of river cruises for independent travellers with two brand new itineraries in Europe. The programme is operated in partnership with Uniworld. In addition to new itineraries other new developments include an expanded choice of shore excur-sions in significant ports of call, plus the opportunity for passengers to ‘Go Active’ and discover their various destinations on foot or by bike.

The three new itineraries lead in with an 8-day discovery of the ‘Gems of Germany, Belgium and the Netherland’s . Highlights include the opportunity to visit the much-anticipated Floriade, a World Horticultural Expo that’s famed as a once-a-decade floral extravaganza.

The second new itinerary, the 17-day ;Grand Treasures of Europe’, which begins in Brussels and continues upriver through Holland, Germany and on to the Czech Republic. Stops along the way include Antwerp, Venlo (for the Floriade), Cologne and Nuremberg, with a two-night stay in Prague

New initiatives also include the introduc-tion of ‘The Choice is Yours’, which allows passengers on the European river cruise itineraries to select between two included shore excursions in key destinations. For example, passengers stopping in Nuremberg can opt between exploring the city’s medieval centre or discovering its connections with World War II. Also new is ‘Go Active’, an initiative that gives guests the opportunity to discover the various ports of call under their own steam, either on two wheels or their own two feet. Passengers will find bicycles and Nordic walking sticks and the Cruise Manager will provide maps, tips and directions to help the more actively-inclined to explore at their own pace. www.titantravel.co.uk/elegantrivercruises

Celebrate Christmas with City Cruises

Silhouette

Regular cruises in the Valley of the LoreleyRüdesheim – Bingen – St.Goarshausen

Dept.Rüd.: 9.15am,11.00am and 2.00pmDept.St. Goar: 11.00am,2.10pm and 4.10pmFull restaurant service and snacks available

Commentary in English – Multi-lingual staff – Group rates

Tel. Bingen +49 6721 14140E- info@bingen-ruedesheimer.de www.bingen-ruedesheimer.de

nine nights programmes from Copenhagen, and Norwegian Jade, with the popular seven-night Greek Isles.

Sailing from Venice, itineraries which can be combined with her seven-night Adriatic cruise to make a 14-night holiday. www.ncl.com

ProGramme chanGe

Voyages to Antiquity has revised its programme for November 2011 because of the difficulties in Libya and Syria. The 8 November departure - now called Ancient Wonders and the Holy Land - will feature a two-day excursion to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The final cruise of the 2011 season - now renamed The Red Sea, Petra and Suez Canal - will depart on 19 November, and feature a pre-cruise stay of two nights in Amman in Jordan, plus a night in the ancient city of Petra, staying in 5-star hotels.

Both cruises also include an overnight stay on board the Aegean Odyssey in Beirut with an included excursion to Baalbeck, the ancient site of Heliopolis, plus an overnight hotel stay in Luxor, where guided visits to the temples of Karnak and Luxor as well as the Valley of the Kings have been arranged. www.voyagestoantiquity.com

ms amadaGio relocation

AMAWATERWAYS will relocate its 150-passenger MS AMADAGIO to the Rhone River in Southern France at the start of the 2012 season. The ship will cruise a 7-night Lyon to Arles (and reverse) itinerary from late March through to the end of the year as part of the company’s popular ‘Provence’ river cruise programme.

Highlights of the ‘Pro-vence’ cruise itinerary include excursions to the Beaujolais wine region; visits to a winery, local market and olive farm; tours of Roman ruins; and overnights in the UNESCO Heritage sites of Avignon and Arles, where guests will experience the Pro-

vencal landscape that inspired poets, painters and writers for centuries. www.amawaterways.co.uk

ncl uPdate

Norwegian Cruise Line is for the first time to offer four ships in the Mediterraneannext year. The 4,200-passenger Epic returns with a regular seven-night cruise departing from Civitavecchia travelling to Livorno, Villefranche, Marseille, Barcelona, followed by 24 hours at sea and a final day in Naples. A round trip from Barcelona is available too.

Making her European debut will be Norwe-gian Spirit with 12-night Grand Mediter-ranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice. Also Norwegian Sun, will sail the Baltic on

New partnershipECM, the European network of city tourist offices and convention bureaux, has just signed a partnership contract with MKG Hospitality, a French research agency specialising in the hotel, tourism and restaurant sector .

Under the deal, MKG Hospitality will provide ECM member cities with accurate and timely data on key hotel performance indicators , ADR and RevPAR, based on a representative sample of 291,000 rooms spread across Europe. In welcoming the new partnership, the President of European Cities Marketing, Dieter Hardt-Stremayr, said: “In the past few years, the need for data has intensified and ECM has progres-sively extended the range and quality of its market intelligence tools as evidenced in the annual ECM Benchmark ing Report. Thanks to MKG Hospitality, we can now further improve our research

City based activities such as punting on the River Cam, a private College tours, or a themed walking tours on every imaginable subject.”

One of the rooms open to tours groups for private dining is the Wordsworth Room at St John’s College, this 450 year old room was originally William Wordsworth’s living quarters when he studied at Cambridge University in the 1760s. T01223 768740.

and benchmarking activities, with regular ‘barometer’ type readings – both for individual cities and for city tourism in Europe as a whole.”

TallinnMany of the Tallinn’s restaurants are now promoting their signature dishes in a Tallinn Menu project, called to life by the Founda-tion Tallinn 2011.

The idea is to offer the city’s visitors an opportunity to try some local flavours and masterpieces inspired from local produce. Tallinn Menu therefore offers the very best of Estonian cuisine. The landscape of Esto-nia’s Nordic kitchen culture is shaped by the four distinctive seasons, the lush forests, the green fields and the clear waters.

As the Capital of Culture in 2011 Tallinn also strives to be the capital of food culture this year. See special menus here: www.kulinaaria.ee/tallinn2011

On the Road issue 198 Page 9

Hospitality news

Visitors to London during 2012 for major sporting events will be able to take a break from the busy capital by visiting Cambridge and booking into one of the University Colleges offering bed and breakfast. Conference Cambridge, the official free venue finding service for the University of Cambridge, announced that 15 Colleges now offer B&B and a number are providing availability for 2012 for early bookers.

A range of room styles, competitive rates, with no single room supplements and great central locations are all on offer through an online booking system. With Cambridge just 75 minutes by rail from London venues staging major sporting events, visitors can add another dimension to their stay by incorporating an overnight visit to the city.www.stayinacambridgecollege.com

Now tour operators can take the opportunity to enhance group visits by booking an exclusive lunch, or dinner at a Cambridge College.

Conference Cambridge, can check availability at 36 different academic venues in Cambridge. Judith Sloane from Conference Cambridge said: “We have some wonderful historic rooms to choose from seating any number of guests between 10 and 400. We can also help tour operators with contacts for other

EgyptHilton Hotels & Resorts has opened its first resort in Egypt’s Marsa Alam region. Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort, a 370-room resort overlooking the Red Sea, is the sev-enteenth Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Egypt. The resort is part of an integrated mixed-use development, which includes an entertainment village, a congress centre and a residential town. Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort is specifically designed to reflect the ancient history and heritage of the Nubian culture, which dominated this area of Egypt for centuries.

Newcastle In autumn Hilton’s DoubleTree brand will open the DoubleTree by Hilton Newcastle International Airport, adjacent to the terminal.

It will offer 179 guestrooms, 11 conference rooms, a business centre, fitness centre plus extensive food and beverage options. With more than 5m passengers travelling through the airport each year, the site benefits from easy access to the A1(M) motorway and a direct metro service to the city centre. www.hiltonworldwide.com

PortoInterContinental Porto-Palácio das Cardosas is the first InterContinental hotel in Portugal. Located in the heart of the charming medieval city of Porto and within the boundaries of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel is situated in the town’s main square, an area with historic cathedrals, markets, museums, local bars and restaurants. The hotel, which features 105 guestrooms and 16 suites, is housed within a refurbished 200-year-old palace and is a short distance from the interna-tional airport, as well as the Ribeira, where travellers can enjoy a cruise up to the Span-ish border and explore the wine-producing caves for a scenic tasting.

Athens‘New Hotel’ opened in Athens in July, a member of the Yes! Hotel group. The 79 room hotel is located on Filellinon Street, next to Constitution Square (Syntagma Square). Within walking distance of the main sights – the Roman ruins of Plaka, the Acropolis and its new museum, the stylish cafe and boutique shopping district of Kolonaki, and the business zone. New Hotel houses ‘New Taste’ Mediterranean restaurant and a fitness area and massage rooms. www.yeshotels.gr

LondonDe Vere Venues has announced a new dining-themed event space in south-east London due to open in September.

Brigade, located in the old Fire Station building on Tooley Street near London Bridge, will have four private dining rooms and a cookery school for corporate events on the first floor.

The largest event space, also on the first floor, will be able to host up to 100 people standing, while Brigade Bar and Bistro, on the ground floor, will be able to host a maximum of 90 seated and 32 on the terrace. www.devere.co.uk

Frankfurt Due to open in September, the Jumeirah Frankfurt is a 5-star city centre hotel. It is the first German property of the Dubai-based luxury hospitality management group, Jumeirah, and is located within walking distance of the financial district and stock exchange, pedestrian shopping areas and the city’s opera house.

The hotel is part of the Palais Quartier complex, considered as one of the most significant city centre developments in Europe. The hotel tower, with its glass curtain wall, creates an exciting contrast to its baroque neighbour, the reconstruc-tion of the 18th century Thurn und Taxis Palais. The new shopping centre ‘MyZeil’ is adjacent. The 218 luxurious guest rooms are claimed to be the largest in Frankfurt.

The Jumeirah Frankfurt restaurant, Max On One, is divided into an open kitchen, a private dining area, two walk-in wine cubes and a steahouse front-grill. There is a 400m² spa and 250 capacity ballroom, and smaller conference facilities. www.jumeirah.com

Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort- one of the bars

The Jumeirah Frankfurt hotel

St John’s Wordsworth Room

continued...

Cambridge

Lunch at a Cambridge College

finlandia hall’s new veranda...

...is ideal for meetings, exhibitions and festive occasions. Composed of a single large space (2200 m2), the Veranda can be easily divided in to smaller spaces of varying size according to the needs of the event. Veranda and a new public cafe, Cafe Veranda, is opening this month.

meliá offers GrouP rates

Meliá Hotels International (was Sol Meliá) presents OPPORTUNITY DATES a new online tool for Meetings & Events available at www.melia.com providing access to the best rates and special promotions for

Source: www.europeancitiesmarketing.com Based on a sample of 89 cities Taking Europe as a whole-the country source flows are shown below. It is noteworthy that Russian and China-two of the so-called emergent ‘BRIC’markets-now occupy 8th and 9th place in the table. Even more striking is the year on-growth of 28.7% for Russia and 16.5% for China.

Source: www.europeancitiesmarketing.com Based on a sample of 89 cities The ECM Benchmarking Report, which includes more than 100 pages of tables and graphs, is available in PDF format and is distributed by ECM Head Office (regular price €990.00 / special rate for ECM members’ partners and ETC members € 590.00 / free for ECM members). www.europeancitiesmarketing.com

groups throughout the hotel chain portfolio of properties.

Designed for groups, conventions and incen-tives, the tool shows a calendar with the best available rates for company hotels in orange and special promotions in blue, in addition to added values such as discounts on meeting rooms, upgrades and a wide range of other benefits. Opportunity Dates allows potential customers to view all of the company’s special promotions for groups online in all of the company’s hotels worldwide.

To make a reservation, users just have to choose a destination and a hotel, select their dates and send an online booking request. See the Meetings & Events section onwww.melia.com

Marriott International plans to double its presence in Europe from 40,000 rooms to 80,000 rooms by 2015, and plans to open many rooms in Russian cities, which it sees as key source markets.

It currently has 12 properties in Russia including the recently opened Courtyard Kazan and it is developing more hotels in Irkutsk and Moscow to be opened later this year plus another in Krasnodar to open in 2012.

MeliaSpanish hotel chain Sol Melia has changed its corporate name to Melia Hotels International.

The name change reflects the company’s focus on growing worldwide. Luis del Olmo, Melia Hotels International’s Executive Vice President of Marketing, said that Melia is the company’s “most international and recognized brand”

The company’s brands are Gran Melia, Melia Hotels & Resorts, ME by Melia, Innside, Sol Hotels, Paradisus Resorts and Sol Melia Vacation Club.

Melia also continues to manage properties in Tryp Hotels’ portfolio under an agreement with Wyn-dham Worldwide. Melia sold the Tryp brand to Wyndham last year.

Hospitality Corporate News

Marriott growth

MICE news

Finlandia Hall Helsinki

Moscow Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel

Hospitality news ...continued

On the Road issue 198 Page 10

Bed night growth Europe 2010European Cities Marketing (ECM) has just published the seventh edition of its European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report. For 2010 the total number of bed nights in European cities experienced year-on growth of 6.5%. Interna-tional bed nights increased by an even more striking 8.9%, indicating full recov-ery from the downturn in volume recorded in 2009 as a consequence of the global economic recession.

Destination Bednights in mn. 2010

% change 2009-10

1 London 48.7 3.5%

2 Paris 35.8 5.7%

3 Berlin 20.8 10.2%

4 Rome 20.4 9.1%

5 Madrid 15.2 11.4%

6 Barcelona 14.0 9.6%

7 Prague 11.9 6.4%

8 Vienna 11.7 11.0%

9 Munich 11.1 12.4%

10 Amsterdam 9.7 13.6%

11 Hamburg 8.9 8.4%

12 Palma de Malorca 7.3 1.5%

13 Lisbon 6.2 7.8%

14 Frankfurt 6.1 13.5%

15 Budapest 5.9 8.6%

Source Market Bednights 2010

% change 2009-10

1 United States 13.5 7.9%

2 Germany 13.1 6.3%

3 United Kingdom 12.9 1.4%

4 Italy 10.6 5.7%

5 France 7.8 10.6%

6 Spain 7.1 5.9%

7 Japan 4.0 7.4%

8 Russia 3.9 28.7%

9 China 1.6 16.5%

Buyers from all over Europe are welcome to register. From 18th to 19th January 2012, Conventa will become the centre of the meeting industry of South East Europe and takes place in Ljubljana, Slovenia

A hosted buyer programme has been created that enables selected meeting planners to attend the Conventa trade show and experience the region of South-East Europe. Fam trips to destinations in Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia etc. offer hosted buyers a first-hand experience of this emerging region in the world of meetings.

The hosted buyer programme includes a complimentary economy return air ticket from selected destinations within Europe to Ljubljana on Adria Airways flights, overnight

accommodation, airport and other transfers, meals, networking opportunities, personal itinerary of appointments, fam trips and the Conventa support team before and during the show. Adria Airways is a member of Star

alliance and offers following direct flight connections: Munich, Frankfurt, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels,

Barcelona, Dublin, Vienna, Moscow, Oslo, Stockholm, Warsaw, Zurich.

The hosted buyer programme is available to the leading meeting industry buyers from associations, corporations and agencies organizing events. If readers organise, influence or make budgetary decisions for international meetings, incentive travel, conventions, product launches, staff trainings or events you may be eligible to attend Con-venta as a hosted buyer. info@conventa.sl

new mice meetinG

the Queen’s diamond JuBilee in 2012The Royal Collection has announced a programme of exhibitions at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and a touring exhibition to five UK venues to mark Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee next year.

Some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection will go on display in a programme of special exhibitions at the official residences of The Queen. This will include a spectacular exhibition at Buckingham Palace,

Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration, that will show the many ways in which diamonds have been used by British monarchs over the last 200 years, and the largest ever exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci’s ana-tomical drawings at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace.

At Windsor Castle, 60 photographs of The Queen will present a portrait of The Queen’s reign as captured in fleeting moments on both official occasions and at relaxed family gatherings. In Edinburgh at The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyrood-house, in what will be the 10th anniversary of the Gallery opening, 100 works including

LaLique MuseuM aLsace

slava returns

Slava’s Snowshow will return to the UK for the first time in three years, touring to Theatre Royal Nottingham, Plymouth Thea-tre Royal; Southampton Mayflower Theatre; Glasgow Theatre Royal; Edinburgh Festival Theatre; The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays; Milton Keynes Theatre and BirminghamHippodrome. It will then play a Christmasseason at the Royal Festival Hall on Lodon’s

Southbank. Influenced by artists such as Chaplin, Marcel Marceau and Engibarov,

paintings, drawings, miniatures, water-colours, manuscripts, furniture, sculpture, ceramics and jewellery will come together from eight royal residences, reflecting over five centuries of collecting.

Ten drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, from the Print Room at Windsor Castle, will also go on tour to five venues across the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and have been selected to show the extraordinary scope of Leonardo’s interests, from painting and sculpture, to engineering and anatomy.

www.royalcollection.org.uk

restorationhms victoryVisitors to HMS Victory, the oldest commissioned warship in the world, are to have the opportunity to see how the great sailing warships of the 18th century were built and maintained at battle readiness.

As Nelson’s f lagship undergoes her most extensive restoration since she was repaired af ter the damage she sus-tained at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, visitors will be able to see craf tsmen deploying the ancient skills that made England the ruler of the seas.

The first major task is to dismantle the ship’s three masts, bowsprit and rigging has begun. The last time HMS Victory was seen without her top masts was back in 1944, so this really is a once in a life time opportunity to see HMS Victory under-going such extreme maintenance.

Most of the highly skilled operation will be carried out by master ship-wrights and other specialist staf f who, while operating on the cutting edge of technology on modern warships, maintain the age-old wooden ship-building skills.

Alongside the ship - still the f lagship of the Second Sea Lord – in dry dock in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the National Museum of the Royal Navy will soon open an interactive exhibi-tion exploring how HMS Victory was originally built in 1759, how she was preserved and cared for in war and peace and the restoration process that will cover the next ten years. Visitor Centre HM Naval Base, Portsmouth www.historicdockyard.co.uk

saw 2011Somerset Art Weeks 2011, which runs from Saturday 17th September to Sunday, 2nd October, is the largest art event in Som-erset with around 400 artists and makers showcasing their work to the public in over 100 venues county-wide. The initiative brings contemporary visual art to everyone with a variety of free group exhibitions and events for all ages including talks, art trails, workshops and mystery tours.

Somerset Art Weeks 2011 provides an opportunity for artists and makers to pro-mote their work beyond the ‘Open Studio’ format. Venues range from Hestercombe Gardens, near Taunton and historic heritage sites such as Muchelney Abbey and the Tithe Barn at Cotley to public locations throughout the county including village halls, hotels, cafés, and the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton.

A free colour brochure will be available, to order a copy call Somerset Art Works on 01458 253800 or email info@somersetart-works.org.uk; it will also be online at www.somersetartworks.org.uk.

delft oPtion

Visitors to the Royal Delftware factory can enjoy a High Tea in the restaurant, drink tea from original hand painted cups & saucers and eat from Delft Blue plates. The tea includes petit fours, cakes, sandwiches, a warm snack and English scones.

After the high tea, visit the museum and factory. The tour includes an audiovisual presentation in English, a painting demon-stration where visitors can see Delft artists at work, a tour of the museum and the Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles’ private collec-tion, plus a visit to the factory where the production process is underway. The tour ends in the shop and showroom. www.royaldelft.com

Slava Polunin and his company has taken clowning out of the world of circus, and brought it to theatre lovers, fellow practi-tioners and families worldwide. Provinces 20th Sept to 13th Nov and London 17th Dec to 8th Jan 2012.

The show’s popularity overseas has seen it performed in 120 cities in 30 countries to more than 3 million spectators in over 4000 performances. www.slavasnowshow.co.uk

On the Road issue 198 Page 11

Options and Attractions news

The

Will

iam

son

Broo

ch, 1

953,

Car

tier

Quee

n Vi

ctor

ia’s

Crow

n by

Gar

rard

Perfume bottles René Lalique 1919/1920

Slava’s Snowshow

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna comes to the UK

On the Road issue 198 Page 12

Options and Attractions ...continued

riJksmuseumRembrandt van Rijn and Edgar Degas do not make for the most obvious pairing in art; the 17thC Dutch painter is most associ-ated with dark, sombre portraits, while the French Impressionist is best known for his romantic pastel-hued scenes from ballet. But the Rijksmuseum is devoting one show each year to the influence of great Dutch painters on those of other periods and nationalities.

Last year, Jan Steen was paired with Joan Miro. This year, through to October 23, the museum presents “Two Young Artists:’ featuring more than 20 self-portraits of Rembrandt and Degas as they were begin-ning their careers. www.rijksmuseum.nl

sound and liGht show “les miseraBles” in montreuil-sur-mer 2011

In 1837, Victor Hugo toured Belgium and Northern France. On his way back to Paris, he travelled along the Opale Coast and on the 4thSeptember 1837 he stopped in Montreuil-sur-Mer. A few years later he set the main story of the first part of his novel “Les Miserables” in Montreuil-sur-Mer

Since 1996, on the last weekend of July and the first weekend of August - within the mysterious setting of the citadel - more than 400 volunteers have performed in a famous Sound and Light Show. Info: 0033 (0) 3 21 06 72 45 www.lesmiserables-montreuil.com

£45 da vinci masterPiece

A lost masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci that was owned by Charles I of England is to go on show. The painting, which depicts Jesus holding a crystal orb in his left hand, is known as Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World). It was recorded as being in the royal art collection in 1649 but disappeared after it was sold in 1763. It turned up again in 1900, but had been painted over and was therefore not identified.

showcase durham’s ‘world treasure’A new £1.25m development is now open to visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle. The Centre, based in the former Durham University Almshouse on Owengate, Durham City, provides visitors with an overview of what a World Heritage Site is, what makes Durham significant, and what there is to see and do on the peninsula.

The Visitor Centre provides a central point of information about places to visit on the World Heritage Site including the Castle, the Cathedral and its Claustral Buildings including the Treasures of St Cuthbert, and the Wolfson Gallery in the University’s historic Palace Green Library, the Botanic Garden, the Oriental Museum, Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology, Durham Heritage Centre and Museum and the DLI Museum and Art Gallery.

There will be the opportunity to buy tickets for attractions and to purchase souvenirs.

Computer terminals have been installed so that visitors can access information about other local places of interest. Tourists will also be able to access general information about attractions, with the Visitor Centre

Spanish Riding School of Vienna and their famous white Lipizzaner stallions are coming to London for the first time in five years.

They’re back with the show entitled “Imperial Dream” at Wembley Arena on 25, 26, 27th November 2011 which sees an impressive display of classical equitation in the Renais-sance tradition of the haute école.

Visitors to the world famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna thrill in the absolute balance and harmony achieved by these beautiful White Lipizzaner stallions and their regal riders. Famed for their in-hand work and movements above the ground such as the Capriole, Levade and Courbette-

This 600-year old building houses both distinguished formal rooms, and, closed cellar spaces which has never been seen by the public before.

An exhibition entitled “Spirit of Survival: 11 000 Years of Estonian History” helps visitors to understand the nature of the Estonian people, through events that have shaped them for millennia.

The coin cabinet “Making a fast buck” displays sundry ways of payment seen on Estonian soil throughout the history.

The cellar rooms “Power of the Elite” show-case the history of the museum building itself. The weapons chamber presents wars and arms through the ages. Ticket costs €5 or discounted ticket €3 per person. www.ajaloomuuseum.ee.

the Imperial Dream Show, will feature all the classics but with a difference...

In keeping with their Austrian heritage the addition of live orchestral music and dance will add another dimension to this breath-taking extravaganza. Incredibly moving, highly sophisticated and full of the glamour of Imperial Vienna this is one ticket that lovers of horses and the arts won’t want to miss out on.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £65, £55, £35 & £25 (subject to booking fee) and are available from www.livenation.co.uk For VIP packages or Hospitality go to www.LiveNationExperience.co.uk or Tel: +44 (0)207 009 3484

forming part of a network of tourist information points across County Durham .T +44 (0)191 334 3804. It is open daily from 9.30am -7pm. www.durhamworld-heritagesite.com/

estonian history museum One of Tallinn’s oldest and most venerable public buildings, the Great Guild Hall on Pikk street, Old Town, is welcoming visitors with a new exposition of Estonia’s history.

The picture was then sold in 1958 for £45. It was revealed to be a Leonardo more than 50 years later only after painstaking work by a number of art experts last year. It is one of only fifteen surviving oil paintings by the artist and will be shown at the National Gallery in London from November 9 as part of the exhibition Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan.

rome’s festivals

Summer is here - and so are Rome’s Festivals and their accompanying pop-up restaurants - irresistible ‘al fresco’ dining under the stars!

It’s too late for the Festa dell’Unita with its 800,000 visitors, but until the 3rd of September, L’Isola del Cinema takes over the banks of Tiber Island. Although the event’s main attraction is the outdoor cinema festival, the restaurants and bars that spread out along the river offer some of the most dramatic settings to dine and drink in Rome. This year the star attraction is the addition of Bacco in Tevere Tel: (39-339-210-6957). The well-known and much-loved Umbrian chef, Salvatore Denaro (of the recently closed Bacco Felice in Foligno), brings his Sicilian roots and Umbrian ingredients to the Festival.

Durham sky line - WHS

Salvator Mundi

Pre show nerves - Spanish Riding School

On the Road issue 198 Page 13

Travel Industry

City Fair - LondonFollowing the success of the inaugural City Fair, ETOA and ECM has announce that City Fair 2012, is to be held in London on the 25th June 2012 at Wembley Stadium.

This year’s full-day workshop saw over 80 city tourist boards from 23 European countries, along with their partners, meetingwith operators following ETOA’s long-established system of pre-arranged appointments. A broad mix of destinations attended and the event offered an oppor-tunity for buyers to source product and also gain new ideas.

City tourist boards showcased many new accommodation options, attractions and initiatives. Larger cities took several tables for all their partners; 14 in the case of Paris.

Meanwhile, smaller niche and emerging destinations were able to promote new ideas to a broad range of long and short-haul operators. “It was a great appointment system and very efficient format”, said Susanne Hoeller of Graz Tourismus.

For more information contact Laura Baggio lbaggio@etoa.org Insight absorbs new Italian taxInsight Vacations has made the decision to absorb the cost of any additional hotel taxes the Florence and Venice City Councils have imposed this summer. With the new tax increase, travellers staying at four and five star hotels located in these cities will be charged €3 per night. When guests travel with Insight, they will not pay these fees as all costs will be incurred by Insight for 2011.

Insight made the same commitment to their clients in January when the Rome City Council imposed a similar hotel tax.

South East Fair datesTourism South East has announced the 2012 dates for its regional Group Travel Fairs. The first event will take place at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire on Saturday, 11th February followed by 18th February at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Kent and

Killer Whales and the Northern LightsDiscover The World has released a short break to Iceland which takes in Killer Whales and the Northern Lights on the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Guests will spend four days on the peninsula in western Iceland and stay in the idyllic fishing village of Grundarfjordur. The tour is available in February and March 2012. Large groups of Killer Whales are commonly sighted in this area between February and March and can often be seen from the shore or even from hotel room windows. The trip will include two whale watching boat trips out into the fjord with a knowl-edgeable tour guide. The remote area is also an ideal place for spotting the mystical Northern Lights, thanks to little light pollu-tion and guests can watch the lights from the hotels outdoor hot tubs. The package includes a full day tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a local guide taking in lava fields and a glacier on top of a volcano. Guests can also visit a Shark Museum where the daring can taste Ice-land’s iconic putrefied shark and signature liquor, Brennivin.www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Political Tours launchedKate Adie returns to Bosnia this summer to introduce the first in a series of tours from newly established independent tour opera-tor, Political Tours.

The BBC’s former Chief News Correspond-ent joins a range of diplomats, analysts and journalists leading tours that bring travellers face to face with the world of current affairs. Destinations include North Korea, Egypt, Ethiopia and closer to home, Northern Ireland.

Political Tours, created by former New York Times and Guardian correspondent Nicholas Wood, is the first travel company dedicated exclusively to news and politics. During the Bosnia tour from 12 to 18 Sept. Miss Adie will be revisiting the scenes of some of her reports made during the war in Bosnia in the early 1990s. With insight from her and other experts on the region, this tour will look at how the lives of Bos-nians and Serbs have changed since then. The timing is poignant as it coincides with the recent arrest of the leading Bosnian Serb war crimes suspect, Ratko Mladic. Bosnia is also facing an on-going constitutional crisis as Serbian politicians have threatened to create their own breakaway state. In addition to Miss Adie, leading local ana-lysts will provide updates on the political

situation in Bosnia and Serbia today, while ordinary people speak about how their own lives have changed. The 7 day trip for up to 18 people also includes a visit to the Serbian capital Belgrade, as well as visits to the war crimes courts in both countries. Political Tours trips will typically comprise 12-18 guests over 7 days. www.politicaltours.com

Holland groups guideThe Guide to Holland is a dedicated 40-page brochure giving all the information you need to help source, plan and book group trips to Holland. The guide carries information about all Holland’s major cities, group friendly attractions and accommodation, useful contact numbers, how to get to Holland, a map, suggested itineraries and much more. Email for a copy uktrade@holland.com

Take me to the ‘lightsnot the sightsHoliday companies like to take travellers away to see the sights but one activity holiday firm says it wants its customers to see the lights. Activity holiday specialist Activities Abroad are set for expansion after launching The Aurora Zone (http://www.theaurorazone.com) – 10 holidays based around experi-encing the wonder of the Aurora Borealis, at a time when NASA are forecasting the best auroras for 50 years. Director Alistair McLean, marketing manager Steph Eddy and the company’s product development managers spent time in Norway, Finland and Sweden earlier this year researching accommodation, trans-portation and other optional activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, tours of the IceHotel, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more. They say that the resulting Northern Lights holiday packages provide unique opportu-nities to “Chase the Northern Lights” in the company of an expert local guide. McLean said: “We have been taking parties on activity holidays to Norway, Finland and Sweden for eight years and many of our clients told us that they are among their most treasured memories of their visit, so it made sense to organise dedicated Northern Lights holidays. “One of the most impressive aspects of the experience is that the lights are never the same twice, they change depending on the ferocity of the sun’s activity, solar winds and the altitude at which they collide with gases in the earth’s atmosphere.”www.theaurorazone.com

finally Arundel Castle in West Sussex on Saturday, 3rd March.

The free to enter fairs will have over 40 exhibitors from around South East England including Waddesdon Manor, Blenheim Palace and many more destinations and attractions showcasing their group offer and providing visitors with new and inspir-ing ideas for day trips and short breaks. Group travel organisers, education and youth group organisers and coach and tour operators are invited to come. After the exhibitions visitors to the fairs are welcome to look around the host attrac-tions free of charge; guided tours will also be available. Coach Operators are encouraged to bring along a coach of key clients to visit each fair where they will receive fast track entry and enjoy a VIP welcome. Visitor registration will be open later in the year.www.visitsoutheastengland.com/groups.

Austria Wins TravelMole AwardAustria has won the 2011 TravelMole Web Award in the ‘Tourist Board’ category, a key industry distinction of excellence in online travel., they were shortlisted among over 60 applications.

Launch of theALPSJune saw the launch of a new trade fair and networking event, ‘theALPS’.500 par-ticipants attended the first event held over three days in Innsbruck, 90 international marketing partners met leading Alpine tourism experts from France, Switzerland, Bavaria, the South Tirol, Trentino and Austria. From the UK, Tour Operators Inghams, TUI and Erna Low as well as online ski special-ist, Ultimate ski, were represented. The event was held at Swarovski Crystal Worlds under the title “Future Communi-cation in Tourism”. World market leader GOOGLE’s participation at the launch event was a strong sign of the international innovative power of this new kind of trade fair format. www.the-alps.eu

Arundel Castle

auro

ra-b

orea

lis

European Eccentrics

Gordon the SupertrampWhen Bournemouth residents were asked to choose an “inspirational” figure to carry the 2012 Olympic Torch through the town, a clear favourite emerged - ‘Gordon the Supertramp’. Known for his eccentric dress sense and an uncanny ability to tell the cor-rect time despite never wearing a watch, 82-year-old Gordon Roberts has been backed by more than 16,000 Facebook users to be a torch-bearer, and will now be officially nominated. Looby Ratcliffe, 20, who started the campaign, said she wanted someone “nice and genuine” representing Bournemouth.

ELSEWHERE

Hot copsThe authorities in Acapulco have announced plans for a female-only law-enforcement agency. “We are designing a gorgeous uniform so that Acapulco can have an additional visual attraction,” said the state’s public security supremo, Ramon Almonte Borja. The once glamorous Pacific resort is trying to shed its reputation as a front line in the Mexican drug wars, but feminists aren’t happy. “Once again, women are put in the stereotype of being decorations,” said the women’s rights organisation ‘Semillas’.

Bang to rights! A tourist who was robbed in Malaysia bumped into the thief in the police sta-tion. Albert Kooiker met a rather friendly woman in the bar of his hotel in Kuching. Sometime later, he realised his wallet and key card had been stolen, and his laptop, two mobile phones, an iPad, credit cards, passport and cash had been removed from his room. As he was reporting the theft, the woman walked into the station to report a minor traffic accident - with Kooiker’s laptop, phones and iPad in her shoulder bag. “I thought I was caught on candid Camera,” he said.

On the Road issue 198 Page 14

Roger Hayhurst as Knight Warrior

‘Gordon the Supertramp’

Knight in shining Lycra By day, Roger Hayhurst is a gardener who lives with his mum. But by night he puts on a blue-and-black Lycra costume and keeps the peace on the mean streets of Salfordas ... Knight Warrior.

“When people see me coming it does tend to stun them into silence,” says 19-year-old Roger, above. “I just try to get them to calm down, which most of them do. If things are getting a bit hairy, I back off and phone the police”.

Roger also does charitable work such as helping the homeless. “Some of my friends think I am a bit odd,” Roger added.

I like gin!A great grandma from the north of England has become an internet sensation after securing her first acting job at the age of 82! Jean Jones has been watched more than 500,000 times on YouTube after star-ring in an advert for Aldi, the supermarket group. “I buy this tea for my husband”, she tells viewers. “He likes tea. I don’t like tea. I like gin.”

Mrs. Jones said, “When I was in the post office, the girl behind the counter asked me for my autograph!

And a good time was had by all…Zara Phillips, the daughter of Princess Anne married her boyfriend, England rugby player Mike Tindall, in Edinburgh. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were among the guests at Canongate Kirk (church), but they did not attend the reception party, which - com-plete with vodka fountain - went on into the small hours. It was reported that by the following afternoon the groom had yet to change out of his morning suit.

A lot of crocA photographer who tooka crocodile to a lake so that tourists could pose with it has been ques-tioned by police after the reptile escaped.

A specialist unit later recaptured the 6ft beast at Lake Shira in Siberia. Police said: “We didn’t want it to grow any bigger. There is plenty of food in this lake-swimmers!”

It is from Brienz that the 119 year old Brienz Rothorn train leaves daily in the summer season, with steam locomotives of three generations, towards the mountain peak at 2,244 m above sea level. It is one of the oldest steam rack and pinion railways in Switzerland and crosses the 1,678 difference in altitude without missing a beat. The Brienz Rothorn Railway is open daily from mid-May to the end of October.

The steam train Experience for Young and Old!

During the one hour trip, the locomotive powerfully covers the 7.6 kilometer route. Visitors can feel the rhythm of the steam locomotive, see and smell the rising steam and can hear the graceful sound of the locomotive: a true firework of the senses. The unique power of the steam engines, the attractive, varied scenery travelling through local deciduous forests and over rock faces, and of course sensational views, guarantee a memorable experience.

The vantage point at Brienzer Rothorn, 2,350 m above sea level, provides a fantastic view across the splendorous 360° panorama. Visitors relax and enjoy

valid for groups of 10 or more people

Brienzer rothorn coach hit

valid until 23rd october 2011

Journey by steam train from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm (roundtrip)3-course lunch at Hotel Rothorn KulmPrices until 7th October 2011: CHF 72 per person netPrices from 8th to 23rd October 2011: CHF 56 per person netEvery 10th person travels free of charge

Good afternoon ticketvalid until 7th october 2011

Journey by steam train from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm (roundtrip). Valid on trains at 1.58 pm and 2.58 pm only.Price only CHF 43 per person net, every 10th person travels free of charge

workshop toursFor all those wanting to get to know more about the history of the Brienz Rothorn Railway and cast an eye behind the scenes into the workshop.

valid until 23rd october 2011

Tour for max. 25 people: flat rate CHF 120 netTour for 26 to 50 people: flat rate CHF 240 netTour for over 50 people: only upon request

Promotion ‘Golden autumn’

valid from 8th to 23rd october 2011

BONUS! During this period visitors get a very special deal. The return trip is free of charge.

the scenery. But it’s not only epicures who relish this experience. It is also a paradise for ramblers and those seeking adventure. Rothorn Kulm is the starting point for numerous interesting mountain hikes.

And the Hotel Rothorn Kulm provides excellent food and refreshment. Culinary delights, a sun terrace

overlooking the Lake of Brienz and warm hospitality round off a wonderful,

relaxing excursion.

Brienz Rothorn Railway half-day excursion

Tour and Travel Operators benefit from the attractive offers with the Brienz Rothorn Bahn AG. An excursion to the Brienzer Rothorn has never been so appealing. The steam train can be enjoyed as a half-day or a whole-day excursion. The trip with the steam train can be ideally combined with the Aare Gorge, a boat trip on the Lake of Brienz, a shopping tour in Interlaken or a visit to the Swiss Wood Carvers’ Museum.

On the Road issue 198 Page 15

Mountain steam train Brienz Rothorn

not far from interlaken, surrounded by an enchanting mountain landscape and the turquoise Lake of Brienz is the picturesque town of Brienz. This famous carving villagehas a long tradition in wood processing and is often called the steam mecca...

Brienz steam trainBorn in 1892

Information/Reservation:

Brienz Rothorn Railway Ltd.P.O. Box | CH-3855 Brienz

Phone +41 (0)33 952 22 17 Fax +41 (0)33 952 22 13

Email tanja.burgener@brb.ch www.brienz-rothorn-bahn.ch

On the Road issue 198 Page 16

information

Beatushöhlen-Genossenschaftch - 3800 sundlauenen

tel. +41 33 841 16 43fax +41 33 841 10 64

www.beatushoehlen.chinfo@beatushoehlen.ch

OUR UNIQUEOFFER

The history of the St. Beatus Caves is as convoluted as the cave complex itself. The legends attached to the caves, their documented history, and modern research have all helped to make this unique glimpse of the earth’s interior into one of the most popular visitor destinations inSwitzerland’s Bernese Oberland.

Where once a dragon dweltThe St. Beatus Caves are often described as one of the most interesting places in the Ber-nese Oberland. People were already living at the entrance to the caves in the more recent Stone Age. According to ancient legend, St. Beatus lived there in the 6th century. He is said to have driven a dangerous dragon from the caves before making his home in it.

Place of pilgrimageThe powerful Augustinian Monastery in Interlaken later made use of the Beatuslegend by turning the caves into a place of pilgrimage and building a small church with a vicarage and an inn for pilgrims. This also provided a source of income for the monastery in Interlaken, with religious items including pilgrim’s badges and letters of indulgence being sold there. However, in the Reforma-tion of 1528, the rulers in Berne abolished both the mass and the cult of St. Beatus For 300 years, the shrine was more or less forgotten.

Not until the mid-18th century did the St. Beatus Caves experience a renaissance when the location was listed on the travel itineraries of famous people, including painters and writers.

Opening the caves up to tourismIn 1904, the St. Beatus Caves were opened up to the general public. Electric lighting first had to be installed and pathways secured before the caves could be counted among the major tourist attractions in the Bernese Oberland. Every year, tens of thousands of visitors are spirited away into the magical world of stalactites and stalagmites,

some of the distance. Shortly afterwards, a commission was formed, and it was decided to open up this natural wonder to the general public. However, enthusiasm was not enough. The improvements, installation of electrical lighting, and other work all cost money - too much for the powers and abilities of a simple committee. For this reason, the St. Beatus Caves Cooperative was established on 24 April 1904 in Merligen. The caves were opened to visitors on 20 July that year, and visitor numbers reached 10,643 in the first year alone. Right from the beginning, operating surpluses were used to carry out improvements and exten-sions to the buildings, and installations that would enhance the caves for visitors.

Scientific explorationReal research into the St. Beatus Caves began after World War II, under the leadership of

subterranean lakes, and bizarre stone formations. They enjoy the beauty of light and form, allow themselves to be enchanted by a world of fantasy and return home with unforgettable impressions.

Exploration and exhibitionThe first documented venture into the unknown depths of the caves was undertaken by the artist Hans Stähli in 1814. He penetrated the mountain to a distance of about 200 meters. Thirty-four years later, the first Lake Thun captain, Johann Knechtenhofer from Thun, made a further attempt, reaching 20 meters further into the mountain to the Captain’s Grotto, which was named after him. On Maundy Thursday of 1903, the director of the Bernese Oberland Tourist Association Hermann Hartmann advanced to the first cavern, crawling forward on his stomach for

Franz Knuchel, the speleological pioneer and trailbreaker in the Bernese Oberland. In the early post-war years, the well-known galler-ies (Eastern Gallery. Western Gallery, Bivouac Galleries) were resurveyed and a number of new galleries discovered. At the end of the 60’s, the caves were surveyed again and an overall plan drawn up. Franz Knuchel devoted increasing attention to investigating the creation of the St. Beatus Caves, leading the way in the region’s modern scientific research. His death in 1974 came before he had completed all his projects, but his work has been continued by the Interlaken section of the Swiss Speleological Society (SGH), which was founded by him, as well as the Berne section, which was established at the same time.

Cave MuseumThe St. Beatus Caves Cooperative, the Berne and Interlaken sections of the Swiss Speleo-logical Society, and a number of individual speleologist from all parts of Switzerland worked together to prepare an exhibition on speleology, and in July 1984 the first cave museum in Switzerland was opened next to the St. Beatus Caves.

The Exhibition provides a wide range of information about the history and develop-ment of speleology in Switzerland. It covers interesting topics such as geology, the creation of caves, diving techniques, climbing techniques, cave surveying, speleological materials, biology, and the latest research results, which are constantly updated and augmented with new material.

the st. Beatuscaves

Staligtitefrom Beatus

Caves andrestaurantsoverlookingthe Bernise

Oberland

A Beatus Caves restaurant terrace

• Prehistoric settlement • Cell of St. Beatus• 1km of Stalactite caves with electric lighting • Fable House with special exhibits• Cave Museum with special exhibits

• Park with a waterfall• Playground with a dragon slide• Pilgrim route• Free parking• Restaurant including a pilgrim’s room• Romantic terrace

Christmas in Graz

Discover Graz and its numerous Christmas markets! The oldest Christmas market takes

place around the Franciscan church

Christmas Market on Main Square

Styrian arts and crafts - Regional farm productsHot punch and Mulled wine warm the heart

Close by is the Christmas market in front of the City Hall with the giant Christmas tree and the old fashioned merry-go-round for children. Watch out for the huge advent calendar on the façade of the City Hall.

If visitors want to combine your Christmas shopping with a good cause and some good entertainment, they are in the right place at Eiserne Tor. This market is run exclusively by local charity organisations and the proceeds go to selected charity projects.

And not to miss the monumental ice sculpture in the Landhaushof depicting the nativity scene. This magical Christmas manger, made with about 50 tons of crystal-clear ice, is sure to be an amazing – if transitory – work of art again in 2011

Quite unique: The Office for Christmas Carols. Since 1991, the Office for Christmas Carols has been the number 1 address for all questions and issues regarding to both Alpine and international carols, lyrics, stories and poems of the festive season. Besides an extensive library of sheet music, the knowledgeable and friendly staff also offers Christmas carol search service. From here, lyrics and sheet music are sent all over the world.

Most of the Christmas Markets are held from the 18th November until the 24th December

www.adventingraz.at/enGraz Tourismus • Herrengasse 16 • A-8010 Graz

• Tel.: +43/316/8075-0 • Fax: +43/316/8075-15 • info@graztourismus.at

18th Nov - 24th Dec 2011

2010 saw some extreme weather conditions throughout the UK and mainland Europe in

November and December. Flights were delayed or cancelled and road conditions

were at times hazardous.

Anyone have a crystal ball for winter 2011?

Below is a thumbnail sketch of some of this years. However as always you will find more in depth details are given on our Pan European web site

www.christmas-markets.org

On the Road issue 198 Page 17

2011 advent and christmas markets

austria

Graz 18 Nov - 24 Dec See complete details on sidebar

Innsbruck 15 Nov - 06 Jan 2012In the Old City (Altstadt), this picturesque and medieval old town with its pretty arcades, century-old houses and the famous Golden Roof is the perfect setting for this beautiful and traditional Christmas Market. Maria Theresien Strasse (25 Nov - 6 Jan)This Christmas market will be held in Innsbruck’s main shopping street and (15 Nov - 23 Dec) Marktplatz is a Christmas market for the entire family with a fabulous maze of booths and activities.

Salzburg 17 Nov - 26 DecCathedral Square traditional booths, the strings of light and the quality of the diversified items on sale in the square. The courtyard of Hohensalzburg Fortress (Nov 26 - Dec 18) Each Advent weekend and December 8. Arrive on foot or by funicular – it affords a stunning view of Salzburg and its Christmas decorations. Sterngarten (Nov 20 - Dec 23) small and tucked away and Mirabell Square (23 Nov- 24 Dec)With musical entertainment programme in front of Mirabell Palace Wed,Sat and Sun at 5.15pm.

Vienna 12 Nov - 24th Dec‘ Magic of Advent in Vienna’ will once again enchant its visitors in front and inside the Vienna City Hall. In the very heart of Vienna between City Hall and Burgtheater you may experience the most wonderful winter fairytale the former Imperial City has to offer. Markets also at Schönbrunn, Spittelberg, Belvedere Palace, and Maria Theresien Place

BelGium

Antwerp 9 - 27 Dec The Groenplaats and Market Square are transformed by the magical Christmas Markets held here each year. Stalls selling local products and unusual gifts.

Brugge 25 Nov – 03 Jan 2012The Christmas markets are held on Market Square, and Simon Stevinplein, with 30 traditional stalls selling gifts and speciality foods, a Christmas Hobby and Toy Fair, complete with crib, carols and decorations, an ice skating rink for the adventurous.

Brussels 26 Nov - 1 Jan 2012Grand Place Yuletide festivities and displays complete with giant Christmas tree, ice rink, illuminations, festive events and carousels. 240 wooden chalets sell all manner of gastronomic and handicraft specialities

czech rePuBlic

Prague 3 Dec – 01 Jan 2012 Opening times 09.00 - 19.00 daily for main marketsThe main markets are at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, with smaller ones at Namesti Republiky & Havelske Trziste. Czech glass, wooden toys, scented candles, Christmas tree ornaments, hand-made jewellery and, of course, puppets, always puppets!

CanterburyTraditional Christmas Market

Whitefriars SquareCity Centre

18 Nov - 24 Dec 2011 Christmas Market at Whitefriars Square

For the 6th time, Whitefriars Square, which is situated right in the centre of the picturesque, medieval City of Canterbury, will be transformed into a small, intimate and traditional Christmas Market with approximately 12 chalets.

Opening hoursMonday - Saturday 10am – 6pmThursday until 8pmSundays and Bank holidays 10am – 10pm

Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere, whilst relaxing with a glass of “Glühwein” (German Mulled Wine) and listening to traditional Christmas music.

The typical German Sausage “Bratwurst” does not need an introduction or the delicious sweets. While wandering about, look for and find unusual Christmas presents such as jewellery, gifts, crystal, potpourri or funky hats.

“Bought by you for special people at a special place”!

Xmas-Markets Ltd. will be happy to welcome you. In case you have any further questions about the Christmas Market, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Xmas Markets Ltd.37 Ravenor Park Rd, Greenford,

London.UB6 9QX, UKTel: +44-208-5752184Fax: +44-208-5755836

info@xmas-markets.comwww.xmas-markets.com

LondonSouthbank presents:

Traditional Christmas Market next to London Eye

18 Nov - 24 Dec 2011 Christmas Market at London’s Southbank

It will be a large German style Christmas Market with wooden chalets situated between Southbank Centre and London Eye.

Opening hoursMonday - Thursday 11am - 8pmFridays - Saturday 10am - 10pm Sunday 10am - 8pm

Meet with family, friends or colleagues at Southbank Centre this Christmas and enjoy a beautiful Christmas Market at this unique location.

Whilst wandering about, look for and find unusual Christmas presents such as amber & silver jewellery, hand crafted toys, fragile glass ornaments for your Christmas tree, hand tatted laces, wooden toys, hand-made soap, unique Christmas decoration as well as hand-made ceramics.

The carousel in the centre of the Christmas Market offers younger visitors an enjoyable attraction especially for them. Parents can relax with a glass of “Glühwein” (German Mulled Wine) while listening to traditional Christmas music and watching their little ones enjoying a ride on the merry-go-round.

Other seasonal culinary specialties such as the typical German Sausage “Bratwurst” do not need an introduction, gingerbread hearts for your loved ones, roasted almonds and candies to taste the “sweet side of life or a delicious crepe.

Xmas-Markets Ltd. will be happy to welcome you. In case you have any further questions about the Christmas Market, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Xmas Markets Ltd.37 Ravenor Park Rd, Greenford,

London.UB6 9QX, UKTel: +44-208-5752184Fax: +44-208-5755836

info@xmas-markets.comwww.xmas-markets.com

On the Road issue 198 Page 18

enGland

Bath 24 Nov-11 DecOpening times Mon - Wed 10.00 - 19.00Thu - Sat 10.00 - 21.00 Sun 11.00 - 18.00Extended opening dates for 2011. 129 local and regional retailers offer their wares in quaint wooden chalet style stalls. – Bath Abbey, next to the Christmas Market offer carol services. The Jane Austen Centre presents Jane Austen’s Regency Christmas, and the American Museum in Britain starts its popular ‘Christmas at Claverton’celebrations. www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk and for coach parking arrangements wwwbathnes.gov.uk/parking

Birmingham 17 Nov-22 Dec (prov)Opening times 10am – 9pmIt is now the largest outdoor Christmas Market in the country. Now in its eleventh year, with approx. 180 stalls, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is the centerpiece of the city’s annual Christmas events calendar. Victoria Square and New Street are the venues. Traditional stalls offer the usual array of beautiful handmade toys, Christmas decorations, original jewellery and craft goods as well as a carousel to keep younger visitors entertained.Visitors can enjoy the delights of German mulled wine - Gluhwein, grilled sausages, vegetarian options, pretzels, German beer, and for those with a sweet tooth, gingerbread, crepes and marzipan sweets

Bakewell, Derbyshire Chatsworth 5 Nov-23 DecDeck the Halls: A visual celebration of carols at Chatsworth Join us for our famous Christmas displays on the lower floors of the house, which this year will take their inspiration from Christmas carols. As ever, there will be inspirational gift ideas, intimate twilight openings, Christmas markets and plenty more to enjoy. www.chatsworth.org

Bristol 1 Nov-17 Jan 2012The city plans to see several Christmas Markets, light displays, a Christmas Tree lighting, and much more. Also in the city centre is one of Bristol’s best kept secrets, St Nicholas Market, on nearby Corn Street. Home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol, this is a treasure trove for shoppers and a great place in whichto find something different for that special Christmas gift.

Canterbury 18 Nov-24 Dec Whitefriars Square, City Centre See full details at Canterbury’s sidebar

London 18 Nov-24 Dec Southbank Centre - next to the London Eye See full details at Southbank’s sidebar

Rochester Castle-Kent 30 Nov-18 Dec Opening times:Wed, Thur, Fri 11.00 – 17.00 Sat 10.00-18.00 Sun 10.00-16.00 (Closed Monday & Tuesday)Christmas colours, trees filled with twinkling fairy lights, the smell of roasted chestnuts and glühwein fills the air and an array of wonderful German style Christmas market huts selling a range of festive gifts and hand-crafted goods. In addition to all of this, street entertainers and Dickensian characters mingle amongst the revellers, whilst carol singers welcome visitors as they enter the market with festive Christmas carols. www.dickenschristmasmarket.com Group Packages - call Success Tours on 01225 764205

Christmas Magic in Cologne 2011

The seven Cologne Christmas markets invite you and your clients to Christmas shopping

Christmas market at the Cologne Cathedral

The Christmas market at the Cologne Cathedral21 Nov to 23 Dec 2011In front of the impressive backdrop of Cologne’s landmark, awaits visitors with many gift ideas, delicious food and drinks as well as more than one hundred stage events under the resplendent star-light tent.TimesSun - Thu 11am - 9pm Fri - 11am - 10pm Sat - 10am - 10pm Free entry

New Christmas Highlight - Cologne Harbour Christmas Market at the Chocolate Museum25 Nov to 23 Dec 2011Very comfortable and elegant maritime Christmas Market located in picturesque scenery directly at the Rhine offers you high-quality products and exciting programme.TimesSun - Thu 12am - 9pm Fri - Sat 11am - 10pm Free entry

The Fairytale Christmas market at Rudolfplatz21 Nov to 23 Dec 2011Takes you to the world of fairytales. TimesSun - Fri 11am - 10pm Sat 10am - 10pm Free entry

From Europe´s largest floating Christmas market24 Nov to 21 Dec 2011With over forty stalls, you get a truly dreamlike view of the Cologne Old Town and the Cathedral. TimesSun - Thu 11am – 9pm Fri - Sat 11am – 10pmAdmission: 2,00 €Children under 12 years freeGroups of 10 or more: 1,50 € per person

The Angel’s market 21 Nov to 23 Dec 2011Located between the most popular shopping streets in Cologne, carries you into the kingdom of angels. TimesSun - Thu 11am - 9pm Fri - Sat 11am - 10pm Free entry

At the ‘Home of the Heinzel’ Christmas market 21 Nov to 23 Dec 2011Located in the middle of the historic and idyllic Cologne Old Town, you can find a particularly large number of handcraft stalls, where goods are still produced in the traditional way. Times - 11am - 10pm Free entry

And finally the Christmas market at Stadtgarten21 Nov to 23 Dec 2011This market offers you the idyllic village atmosphere with traditional handicraft, modern creations and culinary specialties. TimesMon - Fri 4pm - 9:30pm Sat - Sun 12pm - 9:30pm Free entry

To round off your Christmas spirit, you can enjoy a festive cultural programme with exhibitions, musicals, operas or concerts. Let yourself be enticed by the Christmas magic and visit the festive holy activities in the Rhine metropolis.

For more information visit www.koelntourismus.de

Christmassy Cologne Package - go to www.christmas-markets.org and scroll to the Cologne page to see package options

For more in depth information about over 100 Advent and Christmas

Markets throughout the UK and mainland Europe

www.christmas-markets.org

On the Road issue 198 Page 19

UK continued...

Lapland UK 26 Nov-24 DecBewl Water Estate Near Tunbridge Wells Kent,Opening times: Daily 09.00-17.00 (approx) Tickets are priced this year from £44.50 (average 30% cheaper than last year)Included is the opportunity for every child to decorate gingerbread in Mother Christmas’ kitchen, go ‘ice-skating’ meet husky dogs, see reindeer, send a postcard from Father Christmas’ working North Pole Post Office, work with the elves on a new activityin Father Christmas’ toy factory and meet the mystical Sami people. A personalised visit to Father Christmas himself in his snowy forest home completes this unique day enquiries@laplanduk.co.uk tel: 0871 620 7063 (Booking fee applies)

Leicestershire - Rockingham Castle 21-25 NovOpening times: 11.00 – 20.00 dailySet on Christmas Eve 1849, Castle is decorated for a nostalgic Victorian Christmas. The fires are lit, the food prepared and the Great Hall table is laid for a sumptuous Christmas lunch. Guided tours in period costume throughout the day. The Castle restaurant is open for lunch, tea & supper or just a cup of something hot and a mince pie. Tel: +44 (0)1536 770240

Lincoln 01- 04 DecTake a trip back through time and stroll along the cobbles the cultural quarter of the city. The medieval square between the impressive Norman castle and magnificent gothic cathedral is the perfect backdrop.With over 250 stalls, visitors can expect to find an array of quality hand-crafted goods, gifts, locally produced specialist foods and entertainment. Carollers in Victorian costume, brass bands and millions of twinkling lights, not to mention the scent of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts all adds to the magical atmosphere T01522 545 458

Oxford 2-18 DecIn its second year, the Oxford Christmas Market is a German-style Christmas Market which will take place in the heart of the city at Oxford Castle and will include stalls selling handmade and fair-trade products, hot mulled wine, gingerbread and seasonal local food. School choirs and brass bands will perform Christmas carols throughout t, adding to the festive atmosphere, and a small Victorian carousel will delight the children. www.oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk

estonia

Tallinn 26 Nov-08 Jan 2012The 64 wooden stalls that throng the picturesque wide open space of Tallinn’s Town Hall Square around a massive central Christmas tree comes alive with colourful lights, music, With Santa Claus wandering between the stalls meeting visitors and his elves, Scribble and Scrabble (Tallinn Christmas Markets’ mascots) helping guests find the Santa Claus House and Santa’s own Post Office, from where kids can send their Christmas letters.

Germany Cologne 21 Nov-23 DecSee complete details on Cologne’s sidebar

Christmas Shopping in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf Christmas Market 201117 November – 23 December 2011

Christmas market at Düsseldorf’s Marktplatz

Opening TimesSunday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.Friday + Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.Closed on November 20th As one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, Düsseldorf’s Christmas market casts a spell on the city centre and turns it into a unique experience for visitors. The Christmas magic will be individually staged at six locations simultaneously:

Gustaf-Gründgens-Platz: Christmas fun is guaranteed in front of the Schauspielhaus, where a 450 square meters ice rink has its premiere and is free of charge for everybody! Marktplatz: Just a magical setting! Metal smiths, glassblowers and candle makers offer their hand-made wares.

Engelchenmarkt (Little Angels Market) on Heinrich-Heine-Platz: The Engelchenmarkt is distinguished by its Art-Nouveau setting. Flinger Straße (linking Marktplatz & Heinrich-Heine-Platz): Huts modeled after historic Düsseldorf town houses. The traditional Glühwein pyramid serving spiced hot wine has become a distinctive, popular meeting point over the years.

Sternchenmarkt on Stadtbrückchen Square: Giant crystals and sparkling stars on sky-blue stalls create a dreamy winter landscape.

Schadowplatz: Exceptionally family-friendly and lively, with a merry-go-round and a puppet theatre in a heated tent to make the little ones happy.

Guided Christmas ToursApprox. 120 min9.00 € p.p. for groups from 10 people +(incl. biscuit & mulledwine/hot chocolate)

Christmas Shopping The fashion city of Düsseldorf is one of the most elegant shopping destinations worldwide. Particularly during the christmas season, Düsseldorf is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the globe.

Combine a visit to the Düsseldorf Christmas Market with the great shopping opportunities Düsseldorf has to offer!

Luxury shopping on famous “Königsallee”, young and trendy fashion in the Altstadt (Old Town) and numerous shopping centres guarantee seasonable christmas gifts for everybody!

Store Opening TimesMost stores are open from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

HotelsFree hotel information and booking service is available from Monday to Friday, 8.00 a.m.to 6 p.m. (see contact below).

Coach ParkingWe offer an online registration service for coach operators. Secure your parking spaces for tours directly online!

friendly

More Information & Bookings:Düsseldorf Marketing & Tourismus GmbHOur advisory and booking service is FREE Tel: + 49 (0) 211 / 17 202 854E-Mail: welcome@duesseldorf-tourismus.deWeb: www.visitduesseldorf.de

On the Road issue 198 Page 20

For more in depth information

about over 100 Advent and Christmas Markets throughout the UK

and mainland Europe

www.christmas-markets.org

Dresden 24 Nov - 24 Dec

Opening times: Sun - Thu 10.00 - 20.00 Fri - Sat 10.00 - 21.00The oldest Christmas market in Germany, founded in1434, the Dresden Striezelmarkt is dominated by the traditional crafts of Dresden and the surrounding regions. (original wood carving, pottery, gingerbread etc.), situated on the Old Market Square with the biggest Christmas pyramid with a record-breaking height of 14m.

Bremen 24 Nov-23 Dec

(UNESCO World Heritage Site) taking on a new splendour with over 170 colourful stalls. The Christmas Market continues to be acclaimed as one of the most enchanting in the country. In addition, the maritime spectacular Schlachte Zauber brings a golden glow to the riverside in December.

Frankfurt 23 Nov-22 DecOpening times: Mon.-Sat.: 10.00-21.00 Sun. 11.00-21.00 Frankfurt’s picturesque Römerberg is home to over 200 lovingly decorated stalls, offering many fine Frankfurt specialities, an imaginative arts and crafts market with unique gift ideas and a festive fringe programme awaiting them.

Düsseldorf 17 Nov-23 DecSee complete details on Dusseldorf sidebar

Leipzig 22 Nov-22 Dec Established in 1767, the Leipzig Christmas Market is one of oldest in Germany, located in the beautiful old Market Square in front of the Old Town Hall. Over 200 stalls, other highlights include the biggest Advent calendar in the world (857sq m), a fairytale forest with recreations of well-known stories, City on Ice, a 500sq m ice rink on Augustusplatz, and the Old Town Hall trumpeters.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber Nov 25-23 Dec Known for its medieval setting, Rothenburg is a walled city that has been left largely untouched for hundreds of years. A local specialty that shouldn’t be missed is the “Schneeball” or snow ball, made from strips of sweet dough fried and covered with powdered sugar or chocolate. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also home to the German Christmas Museum.

Wiesbaden 22 Nov – 23 Dec See complete details on Wiesbaden’s market in sidebar on the following page.

Twinkling Star Christmas Market

22 Nov - 23 Dec 2011

Combine the excellent shopping experiencein Wiesbaden with our group offer for the Twinkling Star Christmas Market:

Service:

Wiesbaden Marketing GmbH, Germany.Phone: +49 611 1729 702 Fax: +49 611 1729 799

Email: tourist-service@wiesbaden-marketing.dewww.wiesbaden.eu

• one night in a double room in a middle-class hotel• substantial breakfast buffet• guided walking tour through the Christmassy

city centre • one cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) at the Twinkling Star Christmas Market

• coach driver free of charge• Wiesbaden surprise gift

€ 42.50 per person, based on double occupancy

Additional services Please ask for our Group Offers 2011 for

additional itinerary options and planning.All rates stated are net rates.The general tour and booking conditions of Wiesbaden Marketing apply.

Single room surcharge: € 17Number of participants: from 25 peopleArrival: Nov 22nd – Dec 23rd, 2011Bookings: minimum 14 days prior to arrival

The Hessian state capital of Wiesbaden again offers visitors a magical experi-ence. At the Schlossplatz (Palace Square) more than 130 stall-keepers offer their goods, a world full of artistic crafts, ceramics and glass art, as well as culinary treats and tempting rides.Another highlight in the pre-Christmas period is the “Eiszeit” with its around 800 sq. metres ice rink and two curling rinks and of course the popular the Ferris wheel on the Mauritiusplatz.

Christmas market at the Schlossplatz

hunGary

Budapest 19 Nov-29 Dec

Opening times: 10.00-20.00 Vörösmarty Square The city’s other Christmas market is on Vaci Utca Almost 100 craft stands offer goods, special gifts and folk art and craft decorations certified by the panel of experts of the Association Of Hungarian Folk Artists. On the windows of the Gerbaud House facade, one of the most beautiful buildings of the square, is the Advent Calendar is where the calendar is represented, in which 24 contemporary artists exhibit their paintings, and every day a new window opens, accompanied by a fanfare.

ireland

Belfast 19 Nov-18 Dec

Opening Times: Mon-Wed 10.00-20.00Thur, Frid & Sat 10.00-22.00 Sun 13.00-18.00Belfast’s Continental Christmas Market with over 28 different countries represented, including special traders from Russia and the Lapp area of Finland to the Mad Yanks from the USA and the foothills of Matchu Pitchu in Peru. City Hall gardens are transformed into a bustling alpine village.

latvia

Riga 28 Nov-28 Dec 2011

Opening times: 10.00 - 20.00 dailyIn 1510 when the bachelors in Riga are said to have started the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree after a Christmas party at the beautiful Blackheads House on the Town Hall Square in Riga. Stalls dot the City with Latvian handicrafts. Father Christmas invites kids into his house. If hungry, Latvian grainy sausages, grey peas with ham, sauerkraut and gingerbreads and roasted almonds. - just a few of the specialities.

luxemBourG 25 Nov - 24 Dec In Luxembourg City the main Christmas Market will be in the Place d’Armes in the pedestrian centre of the city. There is also an Advent Market outside the Gare Centrale. As well as the gifts and refreshments on offer The bandstand is the stage hosts local bands, fanfares, choirs, etc.

netherlands

Valkenburg South Limberg 18 Nov-23 Dec

Opening timesMon - Fri 12.00 – 21.00Sat - Sun 10.00 – 21.00Sunday 21st December until 18.00The oldest and largest subterranean Christmas market in Europe! Walk through its labyrinth of passages to take advantage of the seasonal market’s special atmosphere.

norway

Oslo

Dec 3+4 and 10 +11 2011Norsk Folkemuseum With 100 stalls, the market, where craftsman in more than 120 traditional stalls sell handmade arts and crafts, Christmas decorations and treats. Then there are the decorated houses in the Open-Air Museum and children’s choir concerts. Tel: (+47) 22 12 37 00www.norskfolkemuseum.no

Poland

Krakow 18 Nov-31 Dec

Amongst the wooden stalls you’ll find all kinds of trinkets, from woollen slippers from the Highlands to amber jewellery from the Baltic, located on Rynek Glowny - one of the largest medieval squares in Europe.

scotland

Edinburgh 26 Nov-23 Jan 2012 A Traditional German Christmas Market in Mound Precinct, the much loved ice rink, giant wheel and fairground, a massive snow globe, balletic acrobatic displays, and in Scottish spirit a massive programme of special events planned

slovakia

Bratislava 26 Nov-26 Dec Christmas tree lights are switched on and hundreds of stall holders set up in the main square Hlavne Namestie and Hviezdoslavovo Square in the Old Town, right up until Christmas Eve. The accent is on traditional Slovak food, drinks, crafts and gifts. During the weekends of advent, children from Bratislava, Brno, Vienna and Krakow will sing Christmas carols and present Christmas customs.

slovenia

Ljubljana 3 Dec-2 Jan opening times 10.00-20.00 dailyLocated along the Ljubjanica river in the centre of the town. The wooden stalls decorated with Xmas ornaments and lights sell craftwork, Slovenian specialities, mulled wine (kuhano vino), warm honey schnapps (medica) fried sausages and other delicious snacks

For more in depth information

about over 100 Advent and Christmas Markets throughout the UK

and mainland Europe

www.christmas-markets.org

On the Road issue 198 Page 21

sweden

Stockholm 19 Nov-23 Dec

Christmas markets can be found around the city and in the archipelago, with Swedish Christmas sweets, smoked sausages, reindeer meat, glögg(mulled wine) handicrafts and decorative arts

switzerland

Basel 24 Nov-23 Dec

A special tram tours the city centre driven by Santa Claus in person! The Advent market on Barfsserplatz offers ultra-modern as well as vintage and traditional gifts, colourful toys, glittering glass baubles, typical Swiss crafts, old books and a lot of rarities

Bern 3-29 Dec

The Old Town houses, dating from the 15th to 17th centuries, provide a fantastic and unique backdrop for the distinctive Bern Christmas Market. Münsterplatz is devoted mainly to arts and crafts. Traditional market fare can be found 10 minutes away on Waisenhausplatz

Lucerne 26 Nov-22 Dec

On the Franziskanerplatz. About 60 market stands feature artists presenting their skills live complete with gifts, traditions, customs, art and culinary highlights galore.

Montreux 24 Nov-24 Dec See side bar for full details

Zurich 17 Nov-31 Dec

Europe’s largest indoor Christmas market takes place in Zürich’s main railway station and its underground mall. There is also a market at the mile-long Bahnhofstrasse and in the medieval City Centre

On the Road issue 198 Page 22

Reader OfferChristmas? That’s ages away. Here is something to warm you up as Autumn creeps upon us.

This Autumn A Place in the Sun - the UK’s overseas property exhibition is coming to Birmingham NEC fromthe 30th Sept.

to the 2nd of Oct. Once again the organisers are offering OTR readers a chance to win 50 pairs of free tickets to this

popular exhibition.

There will be 100 exhibitors including the Portuguese and Florida Pavilions, the French Village and new this year, the

Italian Pavilion. Also new in 2011 is the Fractional Pavilion, here visitors can discuss the benefits of shared ownership options.

To claim one of the 50 pairs of free tickets go to www.aplaceinthesun.com/ontheroad

“W

e W

elc

om

e G

rou

ps

”

Watches/Jewellery/Gifts

Shopping

Restaurants Gifts/Souvenirs/HotelsConcerts

Motorway Restaurants

Gifts/Museums

Museums

Restaurants

Shopping

Museums

Gifts/Souvenirs

Crystal & GlassPerfumerie/Museum/Boutique

Museums

Souvenirs/Restaurant

Gifts/Souvenirs/Leather

Travel

Associations

Clothing

Page 23