Travel Bulletin 12th April 2013

Operators report strongdemand for Morocco & Egypt

North Africa

April 12 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,821 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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All About the

April 2013

with this issue

DON’T MISS...

agent bulletin

win one of threeholiday prizes withMosaic Holidays

event bulletin

images from TheTobago Tourist Office's'Experience Tobago'event in London

9 10this week

hotel bulletin

Mercure Milton Keynes Abbey Hilllaunches after £1.5mrenovation

13holiday parks

operators unveil newentertainment &accommodation upgrades

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FAM FRIENDS...Cyplon Holidays, in conjunction with Aegean Airways and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), recently took a group of agents on an educationalto Cyprus. Pictured making the most of the fam are, from the left: Natalie Barclay, American Express, Brighton; Anne Washington, Camberley Travel, Camberley;Anna Davies, Preston Travel, London; Jayne Scott, Cyplon Holidays; Alison Lee, Travel Stop; Ipswich; Ingrid Philphott, Bath Travel, Romsey; and at the front, PaigePrior from Toucan Travel in Basingstoke and Helen Cook from Go Travel in Orpington.

This Week

3 newsthe latest product launches,special offers & industryannouncements

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

9 agent bulletinwin one of three holidayprizes with Mosaic Holidays

10 event bulletinimages from The TobagoTourist Office's 'ExperienceTobago' event in London

11 puzzle bulletinwin a £50 Hotel Chocolatvoucher by playing Su Doku

12 W-AITO-Go!the latest news & viewsfrom AITO Agents

13 hotel bulletinMercure Milton KeynesAbbey Hill launches after£1.5m renovation

14 personality bulletinwhich uk manager likesVirgin's in-flight entertain-ment where you can textother passengers?

15 north africaoperators report strongdemand for Morocco &Egypt

20 holiday parksoperators unveil newentertainment & accommo-dation upgrades

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3www.travelbulletin.co.uk April 12 2013

newsbulletin

THE LEAD up to a holidayshould be an exciting time,but for more than a quarter(27%) of Brits the planning,booking and preparation isa source of great stressaccording to a surveycommissioned by travelcomparison site,Kayak.co.uk

The study examinedwhich elements of theholiday booking processBrits find the most taxing. Italso revealed that young 18-25 year old females fromLondon are most at risk ofsuffering from the holidaystress factor, whilst oldermales (66+) from the East ofEngland are the mostchilled out.

Contrary to popular beliefthat the younger generationis more adventurous andcarefree, the studyidentifies they are amongstthe most worrisome when itcomes to organising aholiday, with nearly half(47%) confessing that theentire process stressesthem out. Nearly a third(29%) of this age groupstumbles at the first hurdlefinding it a challenge toagree where to go withfriends. They then spend

the lead up to the holidayworrying about a series offactors that range frommaking sure the resort livesup to expectations (51%), togetting to the airport ontime (22%).

While the study reveals anumber of key stressfactors in the holidayplanning stages, makingsure that all of theessentials are packed wasone of the top concerns for13% of Brits.Unsurprisingly, forgettingtravel documents toppedthe league table of items fortwo thirds of Brits, followedclosely by making sure theyhave packed the right sortof clothes (44%) andmedication (35%).

In the event of forgettingto pack an essentialbelonging, most Brits saidthey would respond calmlyby purchasing the item atthe airport (19%) or whenthey arrive at theirdestination (53%), but formore than one in ten (11%)of the stressed out 18-25year olds the defaultresponse would be to panic.

It would seem the worrydoesn’t end there with Britsthen contending with the

apprehension of what maybefall them whilst away.Falling ill is a main concernfor more than a quarter(26%) of holidaymakers,whilst 6% stress abouthaving to deal with badlybehaved children. Brits arealso advised to choose theirtravelling companionswisely as arguing withfriends or family on holidayis a big concern for 10%.

It’s not all doom andgloom however. The studysuggests an ebb and flow ofstress in the lead up to aholiday and pinpoints theproblem areas that Britsneed to look out for.Planning is a key stressfultime, but once the holiday isbooked Brits appear torelax, with 81% claimingthis period is calmer. Yetthis respite doesn’t seem tolast long. As the holidayapproaches the pressurebegins to mount again asholidaymakers start toworry about the logistics ofpreparing to go away, suchas getting to the airport ontime (18%), making surethings will be alright athome (18%) and ensuringthe holiday lives up toexpectations (13%).

Survey finds more than a quarter of Brits find holiday planning stressful


MARK WARNER haslaunched its 2013/14 skiresorts brochure six monthsearlier than usual to gearagents up for the start of thenext ski season whichbegins on December 1.There are a host of earlybooking offers availableincluding savings of up to£450 per family for holidaysbooked before May 22.

The 100-page brochurefeatures ten chalet hotels inthe seven resorts of Vald’Isere, Tignes, Les DeuxAlpes, La Plagne,Courchevel 1850 andMeribel in France and StAnton in Austria.

Free child places areavailable on the followingdeparture dates: December1, 8 and 15; January 5, 12, 19and 26; February 2 and 23;and all of March at thefollowing chalet hotels:Chalet hotel Hauts de

Toviere, Tignes; Chalet hotelBerangere, Les Deux Alpes;Chalet hotel Christina, LaPlagne and Chalet hotelSchweizerhof, St Anton.

Free childcare is alsoavailable on all Januarydepartures and also onFebruary 2 and 9, while halfprice childcare is availableon all departure dates apartfrom December 29, February16 and April 6 and 13.

The overall lead-in pricefor the brochure, includingthe early booking offer, is£398 per person includingflights from Gatwick, sevennights' half-boardaccommodation includingwine with dinner, plusafternoon tea at Hauts deToviere in Tignes, resorttransfers and eveningchildcare.For bookings or moreinformation call 0844-273 6826.

Early launch of Mark Warner’s2013/14 ski resorts brochure

www.travelbulletin.co.ukApril 12 20134

newsbulletin

GETTING WIGGY WITH IT...Colleagues at The Midcounties Co-operative Travel had some fun when they decided to ‘GetWiggy With It’ for Teenage Cancer Trust. The group raised£4,350 for their charity partner by wearing brightly colouredwigs and holding fundraising activities and asking customersfor donations. It was part of a Give at the Till initiative by allThe Midcounties Co-operative businesses which togetherraised £87,000. Pictured are Sharre Fox (left) and SharonTanser-Voets from the Stourport Travel branch.

Half of professionals check emails on holidayGADGETS AND devices may be getting in the way of qualityholiday time, according to research by www.sunshine.co.uk,which found in a recent poll that half of those in professionalmanagement roles check their emails every single day whilston a holiday abroad.

Some 2,113 UK employees in management roles took partin the study and all respondents had been abroad on holiday inthe last 12 months.

When asked, ‘On your last holiday abroad, did you checkyour emails on a daily basis?’ 49% of those said that they did,and 44% admitted that their checking of emails had causedfriction with the other people on holiday with them.

The survey also found that 26% of respondents admitted todoing work whilst on their last holiday, while 86% ofrespondents said that they had checked the Wi-Fi availabilityin their accommodation before booking.

MOVERS● LEISURE PASS Group has appointed Lesley Bailey as retail

sales manager. ● HERVÉ BELLAÏCHE has joined Compagnie du Ponant to take up

the post of executive vice president sales, member of the Boardof Directors.

● ABTA HAS announced that Doreen McKenzie, proprietor ofKnock Travel, has been elected to the ABTA Board of Directorsrepresenting retailers with an annual turnover of less than£20m. Noel Josephides of Sunvil has also been reappointed tothe Board representing principal members with a turnover ofless than £50m.

● RABBIE’S SMALL Group Tours has appointed Hazel Rickett asmanaging director.

● DFDS SEAWAYS has introduced a new structure for its UK salesteam which will be headed up by Andrew Crowe as head ofsales for the UK. He will be supported by two sales managers– Stuart Duddy and Colin Fawcus. Janet Donaldson, based inNewcastle, will continue to look after private group sales andwill work with Stuart on coach/tour operator business. Theteam will be supported by sales support, also based in theNewcastle office.

● EXCLUSIVE HOTELS has appointed Antonio Lopez-Bustos asgeneral manager of its Hampshire property, the 17th centuryLainston House Hotel near Winchester.

● BMI REGIONAL has appointed Claire Macklin and JennaDonaldson as regional sales executives.



Titan issues first edition ‘ParadiseJourneys’ brochure

TITAN HAS released the first edition of its ‘ParadiseJourneys’ brochure, which offers nine new tours in Africa,Asia and the Near East, as well as a number of new cruiseitineraries.

As examples, new options include a 17-day 'Tracks ofAfrica’, which begins in Port Elizabeth, moving across thesouth coast of South Africa to Cape Town, where a two-daytrain journey on the Rovos Rail’s ‘Pride of Africa’ travelsacross South Africa to Pretoria. From here, guests catch aninternal flight to Livingstone followed by a boat trip acrossthe Zambezi River into Botswana to Chobe National Park,where two days are spent on safari. The trip concludes witha visit to Victoria Falls.

There are eight departures on selected dates fromOctober through to May 2014 costing from £3,995 perperson, and offering a saving of up to £300 per person ifbooked before July 31. The price includes flights, transfers,breakfast accommodation, excursions, the services of atour manager and VIP Home Departure Service.

Meanwhile, a 14-day 'Natural Wonders of Southern India'itinerary begins in Bangalore before embarking on ajourney to the Nagarhole National Park. Guests candiscover resident wildlife via houseboat along the KabiniRiver and by jeep safari, while other highlights include avisit to a coffee plantation in Coorg, a traditional Kathakalidance performance, a cruise through the backwaters byhouseboat and a three-night stay in one of the largestTibetan settlements in India.

There are ten departures on selected dates in October toNovember, January to April 2014 and October to November2014. Prices lead in at £2,245 per person, offering a savingof up to £200 when booked by July 31. The price includesscheduled flights, breakfast accommodation, excursions,coach transport, a tour manager and VIP Home DepartureService.For more information or to book call 0800-988 5858 or see www.titantravel.co.uk

Hebridean IslandCruises exhibits atCoronation FestivalHEBRIDEAN ISLAND Cruiseswill be exhibiting at theCoronation Festival atBuckingham Palace thissummer.

The cruise line will joinmore than 200 other RoyalWarrant holders for the one-off event held in the gardensof the Palace between FridayJuly 12 and Sunday July 14.

The company's chiefoperating officer KenCharleson said: “It’s a realhonour to join our fellowRoyal Warrant holders forthis very special event. Wewill be showcasing the verybest of Hebridean IslandCruises and highlighting ourunique offering on our stand,designed to capture thehome-from-home ambianceon board HebrideanPrincess. In addition we willbe offering visitors a tastingof our own labelled SingleMalt whisky to pay homage toour Scottish heritage.”

The Coronation Festival isopen to members of thepublic and each evening theGardens will play host toperformances of music anddance at The Coronation Gala.

Daytime tickets areavailable from £30 perperson and evening tickets,including the CoronationGala, cost from £90 perperson. For further information seewww.coronationfestival.comand www.hebridean.co.uk

SOFITEL LEGEND has reopened the Cartagena Santa Clarafollowing three years of renovation work.

Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ofCartagena and overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the hoteloffers 122 guest rooms, comprised of a Colonial wing and aRepublican wing.

The Colonial wing offers 17 suites, including a Junior SuiteLegend and a 1,539sq.ft Fernando Botero Suite, named afterthe Colombian artist and featuring several pieces of his work.

The Republican wing reflects architectural details of theRepublican era, along with elements of French andColombian culture.

Situated in the former Clarist nuns’ dining room, theproperty’s restaurant, 1621, offers Mediterranean cuisinewith a French twist, while the El Claustro brasserie offers amore casual eating experience.

The hotel features a spa with a variety of treatments, ahammam, solarium, fitness centre and dedicated tea area.

Also featured is a pool with sea views, a courtyard andaccess to the privately-owned beachfront properties nearby.For further details see www.sofitel.com

Sofitel Legend reopens Cartagena Santa Clara following renovation

newsbulletin

EASTER CELEBRATIONS... Fiona Boss (far right) from FunwayHolidays celebrates Easter with Worcestershire based, TranquillityTravel for being one of the biggest growing agencies in the regionwith sales up more than 300% compared to this time last year. Theagency has also recently booked a wedding group to Grand PineappleBeach Antigua for 17 passengers worth more than £24,000. Picturedwith Fiona is the agency's Julie Sadler, Ruth Brunger and Jo Grazier.

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@TOUCANTRAVEL Complimentary HalfBoard at Park Hyatt AbuDhabi Hotel & Villas from£899 per person -http://goo.gl/e63JW

@ContikiUK Save up to £225 on NewZealand & Australia tourswith @contikiuk duringApril!http://bit.ly/13TO7QU

@Monarch

Save £25 off all returnscheduled flights, alldates in our biggest eversale!http://bit.ly/Big25sale .What will you spend the£25 on?

@ClassicHols Luxury offer save £400per couple: 5* GraceMykonos, 7 nights B&Bfrom £1159pp dep from 18Sept http://ow.ly/jJToo

@CosmosHolidays Do you tweet about yourholidays to share withfriends and family? Here'sa cool idea - map & tweetyour holshttp://bit.ly/12j73rj

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

TravelBulletin

S02 TB1204 2013 News 1_Layout 1 10/04/2013 11:21 Page 5

SANDALS AND Beaches Resorts haslaunched a ‘Free Anniversary Nights onUs, On Any Island’ offer for honeymoontravellers.

From now until May 18, newlyweds whobook a Luxury Included honeymoon within60 days of their wedding date (in anyroom category) will receive up to five freenights during their next visit to anyresort.

For couples looking to renew theirvows, the resorts has also launched a new‘ReTie the Knot’ programme, available ondepartures from April 15. Couples whobook a minimum three-night stay at anyresort can purchase the package for anadditional $300 (approximately £198),

which includes a personal planner and amimosa breakfast-in-bed on the morningof their choice. For those looking to sharethe occasion with friends and family, thepackage is free for bookings of five roomsor more.

Features of the ceremony include abouquet and boutonniere, cake, a musicalaccompaniment and a reception for up tosix guests with sparkling wine and horsd’oeuvres. After the ceremony, coupleswill receive a commemorative certificateand gift, a complimentary photograph,dinner for two with a bottle of sparklingwine and romantic room decorations.For more information call 020-7590 0210or visit www.sellingsandals.co.uk

COSMOS TOURS & Cruises is promoting its range of US tours and cruises to agentswith a marketing campaign to highlight that ‘more’ is included in the holiday price.

The operator's product manager Amy Shine said: “An escorted tour in the US is oftenthe best, cheapest and most relaxing way of seeing a vast area or several famous sightswith many elements included in the price. As well as flights, all travel and transfers andguided sightseeing, some of our holidays even include a private door-to-door home pickup service.

"These days an escorted touring holiday could include a stay in a fun themed room atthe Heartbreak Hotel in Memphis, soaking up the sights and sounds of Mardi Gras withthe locals in New Orleans or even watching the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.

“An escorted touring holiday has good commission earning potential for agents ascustomers upgrade flights, book airport hotel nights, or book two tours back-to-back oreven add a week’s cruise. Our premium brand of touring ‘Select by Globus’ offers greatvalue, with upgraded levels of coach travel and deluxe hotels in city centres, as wellmore meals on tour and included door-to-door transfer services to the departureairport - depending on a customer’s budget, it’s worth knowing about."

New holidays to North America include a tour to mark the 50th anniversary of thedeath of Martin Luther King, the 12-day ‘Footsteps of Martin Luther King’ (from £1,795per person) as well as a tour of Texas, the 14-day ‘Texas – the Lone Star State’, whichcosts from £1,965. For more information see www.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk

Belleair offers lastminute Malta dealsBELLEAIR HOLIDAYS isoffering a selection of lastminute Malta deals.Example packages include aseven-night stay at the four-star Pergola Club Hotel &Spa from £354 per person,saving £20 per person. Theprice includes ryanair flightsfrom Bristol or Stansted andbreakfast accommodation ina standard room, and isvalid for travel on April 19.

Alternatively, a seven-night all-inclusive stay atthe four-star Seabank costsfrom £574 per person,saving £144 per person. Theprice includes ryanair flightsfrom Luton and a pool viewroom and is valid for travelon April 23.

For clients with a slightlybigger budget, seven nights’breakfast accommodation atthe five-star Gran HotelExcelsior Malta costs from£764 per person, saving £68per person. It includeseasyJet flights from Gatwickand a deluxe inland room,valid for travel on April 24.

All prices are based ontwo people sharing andinclude transfers and entryto one of the island’sattractions.For further information call0845-365 3412 or visitwww.belleair.co.uk/agents

Cosmos Tours & Cruises highlights value of escorted tours

Sandals and Beaches Resorts offer free nights for newlyweds


GARY'S GIFT... Yorkshire ex-pat, Gary Plank (pictured), is offering Tyke visitors to his shop, British Allsorts, in Munich a warm welcome tocelebrate Monarch Airlines’ direct link from Leeds Bradford Airport to the German city. Gary's shop commends all things British and in particular,food and produce from Yorkshire. Leeds Bradford passengers will be welcomed with a complimentary cup of Yorkshire Tea plus a 10% discount instore to celebrate Monarch launching its sixth UK base at Leeds Bradford Airport. The promotion will run for the entire summer 2013 period.Flights are available from Leeds Bradford to Munich up to three times weekly, with prices starting from £45.50 one-way or £81.99 return. To book visit www.monarch.co.uk

newsbulletin


Marmaris

www.goturkey.comTurkish Culture and Tourism Office

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



newsbulletin

A TRIO OF TREATS...Travel 2 delivered Easter treats to agentsacross the UK. Pictured with the operator's Hollie Smith (centre)is Lesley Pile (left) and Sherie Stembridge from Travel Designers.


WEBSCLUSIVES● Two great prizes to be won with the Canadian

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

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

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

All this and more at:


The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go

with Eileen...At home

What has homeworker Eileen

been up to this month?

IHAVE just returned from a wonderful holiday in theCaribbean - a seven-night cruise on the Seabourn Spiritplus five nights in Antigua. We flew to Barbados, and

enjoyed an overnight stay at the Ocean2 Hotel, a veryattractive all-suite beachfront hotel situated on the SouthCoast, and one that I would have no hesitation inrecommending.

The Seabourn Spirit is a small ship with 104 ocean viewsuites and we were extremely impressed with our cabin. Itwas very spacious with a picture window, a sitting area andwalk-in closet. The bathroom was very spacious too with abath and shower and double washbasins.

The ship has two restaurants, one of which is bookable, theother open seating and both are waiter service. The quality ofthe food was excellent and the service was outstanding. Atmeals, you are encouraged to dine with other guests whichwe enjoyed as we met a very interesting mix of people. Life onboard was very relaxed and the entertainment, although low-key, was very good. Our cruise called at a different islandevery day including some smaller Caribbean islands. Withless than 200 passengers on board, getting on and off the shipwas a breeze.

One of our stops was at St John’s in Antigua and, as I hadclients staying at the Inn at English Harbour, I got a taxi to theother side of the island to surprise them with a celebratorybottle of champagne to mark a special birthday. They weredelighted and after a quick look around the hotel beforejoining them for lunch, we took the hotel’s private shuttle boatto Nelson’s Dockyard and spent the afternoon there together.

Our last stop on the cruise was at Prickly Pear Island in theB.V.I where a beach barbecue and watersports were laid onfor us, together with champagne and caviar. It was a greatfinale to a wonderful cruise, but our holiday wasn’t quite overyet.

After disembarking the cruise, we flew to Antigua andspent the next five nights relaxing at the Blue Waters Hotel,where the accommodation, food and service were allexcellent. The highlight was the chef specially preparing andserving vegetarian meals to me which were really delicious.I’ve never had such attentive service before, especially in theCaribbean.

It was tough leaving behind that wonderful Caribbeansunshine to return to the cold - 30°C in Antigua and 3°C atGatwick. It was enough to make you get straight back on theplane!

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

[email protected]


● INTOURIST IS giving agents the opportunity to earn a£10 Love2Shop voucher with every booking made forits new cruise and stay itinerary which featuresseven nights' accommodation on MS Peter the Firstand two nights' pre- and post-cruise accommodationin the four-star Budapest in Moscow and the four-star Ambassador in St Petersburg. The itinerarydeparts on May 16 and prices lead in at £1,835 perperson including flights from London. Regionaldepartures are available for a supplement. Bookingsmust be made by April 30. The company is currentlyrunning an incentive to celebrate its 75thanniversary, where the top selling agent for themonth of April will win a £75 Love2Shop voucher. For details call 0844-875 4026 or email [email protected]

● MOSAIC HOLIDAYS is offering three holiday prizes toagents to celebrate the launch of its new Turkey &

North Cyprus brochure and to entice agents to sell both the newly featured and existing product. The new brochure features five new intimate andstylish boutique properties in the Aegean resort ofAlacati; a new destination for the operator this year;14 further properties in Istanbul, Cappadocia,Bodrum, Antalya and the Turquoise Coast; and sixnew hotels in North Cyprus. The company is givingagents the chance to win one of three holidays fortwo people when they make a Turkey or NorthCyprus booking. Agents can enter multiple times aseach booking counts as a separate entry. Winnerswill be drawn at the end of May, July and Septemberand announced on the agent site and Facebook page.The prizes include breakfast accommodation, flightsand transfers and holidays must be taken by July 23,2014. For details see www.mosaicholidays.co.uk or call 020-8574 4000.

Agent trainingOFFERING GREAT days out beyond Disney andthe major Orlando theme parks, the FloridaAttractions Collection includes some of Florida'soldest and most iconic attractions, includingdinner shows at Pirates Dinner Adventure andOutta Control Dinner Show, hot air balloon rides,airboats rides, WonderWorks the upside downhouse, as well as sightseeing excursions tovarious locations with Florida Dolphin Tours.Agents completing the eLearning course by May1 have the chance to win a Kindle Fire HD. For details see ott.travel

BARCELÓ HOTELS & Resorts has launched anew training course that provides information onproperties in Cuba, the Dominican Republic andMexico, along with details of resort credit offersat its Bavaro Beach Resort, Maya Beach Resort,Costa Cancun and Tucancun. Agents also havethe chance to enrol in Barcelo's loyaltyprogramme, BPartner, where they can earnpoints for bookings and redeem them for roomnights in any of the company's 142 properties in16 countries. The company is also offering threeseven-night stays in one of its luxury resorts inCuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. To bein with a chance to win one of the prizes agentsshould complete and pass the course by April 30.For details see www.ott.travel

BOLTON BUDDIES...Thomson Superstore in Bolton

recently won a Barrel of Booze, courtesy of

Superbreak to enjoy on their team night out. To

win it the shop had to increase their sales with

the operator by more than 50%. Pictured are the

agency's travel consultants - from the left:

Meredith Swift, Natalie Bancks, Sue Churchouse,

Sharron Turner and Caroline Merriman, with

Superbreak's sales executive, Laura Dawson.


agentbulletin

Booking incentives



eventbulletinTHE TOBAGO Tourist Office held an 'Experience Tobago' event for travel agents at the AuraMayfair in London recently. The event was held in conjunction with Cosmos Holidays and wassupported by Travel Bulletin. Here's a round-up of the event in pictures...

“I had a wonderfultime. The eveningwas very informative!It’s all about Tobagonow - watch thisspace!”Esther Jordan, Virgin Holidays

“Thank you ever somuch for thiswonderful night. Mycolleague even wona place on the famtrip! The eveningwas very informativeand the ambiancewas very nice.”Riad Laulloo, TravelpackMarketing & Leisure Services

Below: DIPTI'S DELIGHT...DiptiNana (centre) from Travel Packwon a place on a fam trip toTobago, donated by CosmosHolidays. Pictured presentingDipti with her prize is Darrin DesVignes and Vikki Moody from theTobago Tourist Board.

Below: GETTING THE THUMBS UP...Jeanette Ratcliffe from TravelBulletin presents Tosin Shobowale with a bottle of wine and boxof chocolates courtesy of Cosmos Holidays.

Above: KITTED OUT....Ready toupdate agents on their latestproducts and developments are,from the left: Andrew Hillier,Coco Reef Resort; Gemma Lewis,The Villas at Stonehaven; andMac Campbell, RexResorts/Turtle Beach.

Below: SHAKE ON IT...MorrisKusotera (left) from PolarbusTours & Travel celebrateswinning a place on the Tobagofam trip, courtesy of MarekSerzeniewski, national accountmanager of Cosmos Holidays.

Above: VOUCHER WOWCHER...Jenny Jackson (left) from TravelPA picked up a £25 Love2Shopvoucher from Sharon Earls ofCosmos Holidays.

Right: FLIGHT FRIENDS...Pictured ready to make the mostof the networking opportunitiesare, from the left: Hayley Newark,Holly Hyde and Zoe Winton, allfrom Flight Centre in Kensington.


puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

The volcanoes Katla and Hekla are found here.

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the

3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate

to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name,

company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if

applicable to:

[email protected]

Closing date for entries is Thursday, April 18th. Solution and new puzzle will

appear next week.

The winner for 29th March is Rosie Leary, Virgin Holidays

in Nottingham.

March 29 Solution: A=5 B=8 C=1 D=4

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 107

Travagrams

Where Am I?

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

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

With assistance to the retired a priority, this tour company is the opposite of its name!

This New Zealand skiing resort is fit for the Queen.

A Gas

New Quest No

Fill in the crossword to spell the mystery location highlighted bythe blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword tosubmit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prizedraw and one lucky winner will win £50 Love2Shop vouchers.Closing date for entries is Thursday April 18th.

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 22

Crossword

Num

ber:

107

Sponsored By

Jet2holidays offers flexible and great value package holidays for just £60pp deposit

Across 1. In which Jet2holidays destination might you

find more bikes than residents? (9)6. Active holidays operator, part of the Thomas

Cook group (7)7. Currency of Bulgaria (3)8. English stand-up comedian, Michael (8)12. Costa del Sol town, renowned for its

beaches (8)16. One of the Dodecanese islands (3)17. First name of the famous admiral in

Trafalgar Square (7)18. Northern Territory tourist attraction, also

known as Uluru (5,4)

Down 1. The Ponte Vecchio spans this river (4)2. German city (5)3. The Script frontman and judge on

The Voice (5)4. Worcestershire hills and spring water (7)5. Carson City is the state capital (6)9. Stamford Bridge is home to this football club (7)10. Calabria is known as this part of Italy's boot (3)11. Thailand's largest island and popular tourist

destination (6)13. Scenic lake on the border of 5 Down (5)14. European capital city (5)15. English city the Vikings called Jorvik (4)

Congratulations to Janette Ashby, Global Travel who won the 29th March crosswordprize of £50 Love2Shop vouchers



WORKING FOR a tour operator for the past decade hasopened my eyes to the complex – and, at times,narrow-sighted - world of the tourism industry. I

have learnt that life is not black and white, that thedevelopment of a tourism product can have profound positiveand negative impacts and that tourism must be tailored tosuit the requirements of individual destinations.

I have seen how some countries perceive tourism as theanswer to all of their problems, envisaging thousands ofvisitors, jobs for construction workers and tourism providers,economic diversification and international awareness. I haveobserved how poorly-planned and accelerated tourismdevelopment can result in bankrupt half-built hotels, tourismdemand without the necessary accompanying infrastructure,problems of seasonality and unengaged and frustrated localsuppliers and residents.

I have also witnessed the passion and enthusiasm that alocal hotelier or guide has for their destination and how theirstories can enrich a visitor’s holiday experience andmemories. How a farmer has managed to diversify his sourceof income and safeguard his future by inviting guests into hishome. How tourism jobs have stopped young people leavingvillages and towns in search of employment. How tourismhas led to the preservation and restoration of historicalattractions, increased local pride and how, for example in theAzores, conservation of cetacean species has led to thecreation of a new, thriving and highly-regarded whale-watching industry.

The more I speak to people in the places that Sunvilfeatures, the more I realise how fragile are the attractions ofa destination – natural, physical and man-made.Destinations, and the people who live and work there, are notmere toys which we, as tour operators, can play with, mouldas we desire and then dump on the arrival of a new present.We need to take care of our destinations, to help developthem sensibly and sustainably and to protect them forgenerations to come.

It is not easy. Tour operators are businesses - we need tosell holidays to survive and we need to sell the holidays thatour clients demand. Do clients demand sustainable tourismproducts? Some do, but they are in a minority. But does thatmean that we should not make small changes to ensure thatour holiday programmes become more sustainable? Ifanything, I believe that it means that we should do muchmore. We should allow our customers to have the holiday oftheir dreams in the knowledge that we, as operators, havechosen sustainable products and that we ensure that localpeople are earning a fair wage and not being exploited.

We cannot change the world as individuals, but we can

make a difference - and this, to me, is what sustainabletourism is about. It is about small changes which, whenadded together, can make a significant difference to a hostcommunity and to the protection of natural resources.

All too often I think that we, as an industry, get caught upin the terminology of ‘sustainable tourism’ and are scared bya subject about which we feel unsure. We often put it into apigeonhole believing it to be a niche product when, in fact, itis relevant to every tourism business and should beintegrated into our day-to-day operations.

We must challenge ourselves to make the change! Forexample, during my time as product manager, I haveincreased my selection of owner-managed properties andhotels that offer the chance to sample local cuisine, and haveplaced greater emphasis on educating my clients about thelocal culture, visitor attractions and traditionally-producedsouvenirs. This in turn has helped to increase the economicbenefits that my clients generate for our destinations. Sunvilworks very closely with destination tourist boards to developsensitive tourism products which promote local produce andtraditions, and we encourage our suppliers to utilise the toolsdeveloped by The Travel Foundation and the TravelifeSustainability System to improve their environmental andsocial performance - and to save money. Small changes - butevery bit counts.

We can challenge ourselves to run a marathon and climb amountain, so why not challenge ourselves to make onechange or addition to our holiday programmes this year thatwill benefit the destinations in which we operate?Guest experiences can be enhanced through the adoption ofsustainable business practices and from the passion and careexuded by local suppliers, agents and representatives. This,in turn, generates repeat business and improved reputationthrough word of mouth. As a product manager, there is nogreater reward than that of guest satisfaction and theknowledge that your suppliers are happy to work with youand to welcome your guests.

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

Rachel

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W-AITO-Go!by RACHEL JELLEY

Product manager and responsible tourismmanager at Sunvil Discovery

Sustainable tourism – the good, the bad and the life-changing...



SICILY’S DONNAFUGATA Golf Resort &Spa is offering savings of up to 30% onspa and gourmet packages, with four-and seven-night breaks leading in at €101(approximately £90) per person per night.

Visitors can experience a selection ofspa treatments and various local culinarydelights during the luxury breaks, with afour-night stay available from €460

(approximately £420 per person). Pricesare based on two sharing a room and a‘Gold’ package includes five-star bed-and-breakfast accommodation with a freeSicilian gift, four massage treatmentsand four two-hour sessions in the spa,which features an indoor pool,hydromassage, sauna, steam bath andgym. In addition to a full body massage

and a seasonal treatment, guests canchoose two extra treatments from a listincluding facial cleansing; aromatherapymanicure or pedicure; Viso Alchemymassage or hot stone therapy, while a20% discount on spa products is alsoavailable.For more information seewww.donnafugatagolfresort.com

Savings of up to 30% on spa & gourmet packages at Sicily’s Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa

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THE FIVE-STAR Mercy Hotel Lisboa has opened in Lisbon, offeringan ideal base for leisure and business guests with easy access tothe city, plus dining, shopping and nightlife within easy walkingdistance of the hotel. The property features 47 rooms includingluxury rooms (with rates from €118). For details see www.mercyhotel.com

Mercure Abbey Hill

Mercure Milton Keynes Abbey Hill launchesafter £1.5m renovation

THE NEW Mercure Milton Keynes Abbey Hill - previouslyAbbey Hill Hotel - has announced its launch following a£1.5m transformation, and rebranding as a Mercureproperty. Located close to the city centre adjacent to AbbeyHill Golf Course, the hotel features newly designed andfurnished public spaces. The design theme continuesthrough its 60-seater restaurant, 50-person capacity barand lobby area, and throughout its 88 refurbishedbedrooms. Other facilities include five state-of-the-artmeeting rooms ideal for conferences, private events andweddings and a newly-built outdoor decking area withcontemporary furniture.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s new restaurant, Moltens, haslaunched interactive dining enabling guests to cook theirpreferred meats or fish on lava rock - a rare concept thatuses volcanic slates heated to 440oC. The dishes arebrought to the table part-cooked and sizzling on a volcanicrock and the meat continues to cook at the table withdiners able to choose themselves, according to their ownpersonal preference, how long to cook it for.

The high temperature of the rock seals in the naturaljuices and nutrients giving the food a special taste andflavour. It’s also one of the healthiest methods of cookingwith little or no fat used. Diners can choose from aselection of beef steaks of varying cuts, pork loin, chicken,king prawns and fresh tuna which are served with sides ofsalads, dips, chips and vegetables. Vegetarian options arealso available.

The property is currently offering a special spring deal of30% off room rates, plus standard rooms for two peopleincluding buffet breakfast from £64.50 per night, or from£85.50 for a Privilege Room with a king bed and golf courseviews. For more information visit www.mercure.com or to make a booking email [email protected] or call 01908-561666.

InBrief● LUX* RESORTS has launched its new B2B platform for the travel

trade, Exchange. The tool provides agents with unlimited accessto information and the latest news from the company's resorts inMauritius, the Maldives and Ile de La Réunion. The siteincorporates the new Expert programme which educates thetrade on unique selling points of the properties. Users can take atest to qualify as a LUX* EXPERT and on successful completion,agents have the chance to win a two-night stay in a resort oftheir choice.

● FOCUS HOTELS has announced that it has taken over themanagement of the ibis Styles Blackpool Hotel on a long termmanagement contract.

● CENTARA HOTELS & Resorts is opening its sixth hotel in Pattayawith the signing of a management contract to operate theCentara Grand Modus Resort & Spa Pattaya.

The hotel is due to open in the third quarter of this year. ● MANDARIN ORIENTAL Hyde Park, London has introduced a new

family experience that offers a Suite sleep-over for children. TheLittle BU and Master Beau Sleep-Over package offers girls aselection of Little BU colourful, water-based, wash-off, nailvarnishes on arrival and a free professional manicure. MasterBeau’s will be presented with a Harrods Cirque de Sweet pail ofcandy, while bath time is made extra fun with Childs Farmgoodies, to create big bubbles and sparkly clean skin, beforehaving a blockbuster fun-filled evening, with popcorn andmilkshakes. Prices start from £745, excluding VAT and 5%discretionary service charge, based on a family of four.

For details call 020-7201 3773 or email [email protected]


Who is your ideal travelling companion? My 14-year old son Archie.

What's your earliest childhood memory? Walking through Knightsbridge withmy grandmother – very happymemories. She used to listen to myramblings of what I wanted to bewhen I grew up. In those days I wantedto be a fireman or work on the Chanelcounter at Harrods!

Where was your last work-related trip? I took a luxury educational with fivefabulous travel agents to BVI in January.I love sharing our islands, everyone whogoes falls in love with them too.

If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why? Angelina Jolie because I think she’s thesexiest woman in the world.

What three words would yourfriends use to describe you? Busy, happy & sociable.

What have your travels taught you? Patience.

What is the best advice you recall?I lived in BVI for 13 years and when Imoved there, my mother-in-law told me“It’s a small island, gossip can be rife,when somebody tells you somethingabout somebody else, ask them ‘did yousee it or did you hear it?’”. It was greatadvice.

If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be?My family.

If you could change three things inthe industry, what would they be?APD, direct flights to BVI & shorterimmigration lines.

Who has been the biggestinspiration/influence in your career? After messing about at school, my firstemployer in New York told me I’d besuccessful working in sales and withpeople. He made me feel like I couldachieve anything I put my mind to.

What's your favourite city and why? London – it’s fun, beautiful,cosmopolitan, has fascinating history,great art, entertainment & shopping. It’salways good to come home to.

Ginny HawksleyThe UK manager of The British Virgin Islands

Tourist Board takes her special pillow with herwhen travelling and likes texting other

passengers when flying with Virgin...

What is your motto in life? You’re a long time dead.

What is your favourite mode of travel? Helicopter.

If you had a super power what would it be and why? Healing terminally ill children.

What was your nickname at school and why? I didn’t have one at school but at homemy father called me pixie or stirrer as Ilook like a pixie and was always stirringup trouble.

What item do you always take with you when travelling? My pillow - it’s travelled all over the worldwith me.

What's your favourite airline and why? BA or Virgin. I love BA Club Class andVirgin’s inflight entertainment especiallythe texting people in other seats!

How do you deal with stress? Hanging out with my son Archie, healways makes me laugh.

What special skills do you have? Strength, tenacity and the ability to findthe positive side.

What’s your favourite movie of all time? Love Actually, especially when Jamieproposes to Aurelia, I’ve watched ithundreds of times and it still makes mecry.

What do you love about your job? There are three of us working in ouroffice and we’re a great team. We are allpassionate about BVI, we get paid to talkabout it and take people there – what’snot to love?

Career path● June 2012 – present: Manager UK &

Europe – BVI Tourist Board● 2009: Launched www.onebvi.com ● 2006 – 2012: Moved to the UK as

representative for BVI propertiesincluding Guana Island and BitterEnd Yacht Club

● 2000 – 2006: Set up Smiths GoreReal Estate office on Virgin GordaBVI selling luxury villas

● 1994 – 2000: Director of sales andmarketing for Biras Creek Resort, BVI

● 1993: Moved to start assistantmanager role at Necker Island, BVI.

● Earlier roles with Laura Ashley inLondon and other various positionsincluding Au Pair in New York.

"My firstemployer in New

York told me I’d besuccessful working in

sales and with people. Hemade me feel like I could

achieve anything I putmy mind to"

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RED SEA Holidays is launching new charter flights from LeedsBradford to Sharm el Sheikh on May 2 and new charter flights fromExeter to Sharm el Sheikh on May 8. All-inclusive holidays startfrom £349 per person and bed-and-breakfast prices lead in at £309per person. For details call 0845-072 2477 or visit www.redseaholidays.co.uk

TO SATISFY unexpected demand from the south, JustSunshine has introduced a second flight from Gatwick toTunisia from May 25 through to October.

The operator's marketing manager Chris Mansell said:“Trade support just keeps growing. Additionally, the newNewcastle and Glasgow departures are selling well andoverall we are considerably ahead compared with thesame time last year.

"We remain committed to educationals and once againplan to take more than 150 agents to Tunisia this year. Ourfirst trip for 25 agents is already full and departs fromManchester on April 20. As always all our educationals arefree and any agent making just five bookings

(transactions) will be guaranteed an invitation to join us ona future trip.

"Tunisian prices are extremely competitive and we areconfident that our total commitment to agents will see usrecord our best year ever. A recent survey showed that anindependent agent who provided a family package holidayquote from Just Sunshine was £890 cheaper than the bestprice offered by a multiple."

Prices lead in at £309 at the all-inclusive five-star ElMouradi Hammamet Hotel for seven nights in May, departingfrom Gatwick, with commission at 13% on packages. For more information or to book call 0844-756 0056 or visit www.justsunshine.com

Just Sunshine adds new flight from Gatwick to Tunisia in response to demand

THE RESIDENCE Tunishas launched a new Golf Performance Academy which has been designed

to enhance and complement the hotel’s Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole course. The Academy offers mental,technical and physical training for beginners through to advanced golfers wishing to improve all aspects of their game.

Using state-of–the-art software to monitor brain activity, golfers are taught to relax, focus and visualise allowing them toreach their golfing potential. Elegant Resorts is currently offering seven nights for the price of six at the resort, with prices from

£1,125 per person, offering a saving of £500 per couple. It is based on two sharing a Garden View Room on a bed-and-breakfastbasis and includes flights from Gatwick with BA and transfers, for a departure between April 21 and June 30.For details call 01244-897538 or see www.elegantresorts.co.uk and www.theresidence.com/tunis

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ANATOLIAN SKY Holidayshas reported a steadyincrease in demand forholidays to Morocco, withbookings up around 40%since the middle of 2012,particularly tailor-madetrips that includeMarrakech, the AtlasMountains and the coastalresorts of Essaouira andAgadir.

Of particular interesthas been the two-dayDesert Adventure packagewhich can be added totailor-made trips such asan itinerary includingMarrakech and the HighAtlas Mountains.

The operator also plansto further expand itsMorocco programme for

2014 to include additionalproperties in the coastalresort of Agadir, wherebookings for beachholidays have alsoincreased.

The company'smanaging director AkinKoç said: “RegardingEgypt, we have seen asteady increase since latelast year despite thepolitical uncertainty andnegative press. Manypeople delayed their tripsto Egypt in the last fewyears, but now theirconfidence is returning.For us the best sellingproducts are the classicEgypt itineraries – Nilecruises and cruise-and-stay holidays.”

Anatolian Sky reports steady increase indemand for Morocco & Egypt

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BOGOF deal from Encounters Travel CLIENTS BOOKING a Moroccan Mosaics escorted tour withEncounters Travel by July 31, for travel between June andDecember, will receive an Egypt Encounters tour worth £415per person, for free.

Visitors can travel to Egypt on a departure between Juneand August to discover the ancient secrets of the GreatPyramids, Sphinx and the Egyptian museum in Cairo.

The operator is featuring a nine-day Moroccan Mosaics tourfrom £599 per person, for regular departures in June, July andAugust. The tour comprises two days exploring Marrakech’smosques, minarets, souks and bazaars; visits to local Berbervillages, gorges and canyons and the highest mountain pass inAfrica; and a desert safari near Merzouga. The price includestransfers; eight nights’ varied accommodation in four-starhotels and a traditional Berber camp on a mixed-board basis;all entrance fees to monuments; and a local guide throughout.

The Egypt tour includes transfers from/to Cairo, eightnights’ accommodation on a mixed-board basis staying infour- or five-star hotels, on a luxury coach and a traditionalfelucca boat, as well as the services of an Egyptologistthroughout.

The tour starts in Cairo with a visit to the Great Pyramidsand the Sphinx. Guests then head to Aswan and Luxor in theNile Valley and take a traditional felucca cruise down the Nilebefore heading back to Cairo, with time to explore the city.International flights are excluded on both itineraries and thetours do not have to be taken consecutively. For more information see www.encounterstravel.com or call 0800-088 6002.

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SPECIALIST MOROCCO has launched a new trip called ‘WhiteRiver Canyon Trek’ to the Imilchil region in the Eastern High Atlas,one of the remotest spots in Morocco. Guests will experience avariety of landscapes from high peaks and arid, almost Mars-likeplateaux to flourishing green valleys. The focal point of the trek isto hike and camp in the dramatic Assif Melloul (White River)Canyon between Imilchil and Anergui. The itinerary can depart onany day from May through to September and costs from £999 perperson, based on two sharing, or from £649 per person for groupsof five-12 people. The price includes flights, transfers, eightnights’ accommodation (two nights in a riad in Marrakech, twonights in simple hotel/gîtes and four nights camping), most meals,private transport, mule support for bags during the trek, campingequipment, mountain guides, a cook and driver. For details call 01428-605833 or visit www.specialistmorocco.com


Prestige Holidays reports Moroccobusiness remains strongPRESTIGE HOLIDAYS reports that it has seen a surge inwinter and summer business to Morocco with bookings up11% and 10% respectively.

The operator's marketing manager Nicky Shafe said: "Acombination of some great offers and poor British weatherhas resulted in a marked increase in our business toMarrakech and other parts of Morocco.

"Our top selling hotels continue to be the Maison Arabe,Jardin de la Medina and Es Saadi. The majority of our clientsare couples in the 30 to 60 age bracket staying four or fivenights. Many are repeat clients and so often choose tocombine a stay in the frenetic city of Marrakech with a breakin Essaouira or Oualidia."

The company also predicts a renewed interest in KasbahTamadot following the reopening of its five Berber Tents,which now offer luxury hot tubs. Guests can relax andrejuvenate on their private terrace while taking in the viewsof the Atlas Mountains. The hotel has also introduced open-air movie screenings where guests can watch a good oldclassic, romantic or Moroccan-inspired film underneath thestars, while a waiter serves popcorn, snacks and drinks.

The operator is currently highlighting free child stays atKasbah Tamadot; free nights at the Dar Anika, Villa desOrangers, Es Saadi and Four Seasons Hotels; free spatreatment or cookery lesson at Maison Arabe; andcomplimentary half-board at Jardins de la Medina.

A three-night break in June costs from £336 per personstaying at Es Saadi hotel in a twin room with a balcony on abed-and-breakfast basis, with easyJet flights from Gatwick,private transfers and the services of a representative. Theprice includes one free night saving £82 per couple. For more information or to book seewww.prestigeholidays.co.uk/morocco or call 01425-480400.



TO ENCOURAGE summer bookings to Morocco, ClassicCollection Holidays has negotiated more than 70 specialoffers in many of its properties in North Africa.

For early bookers, complimentary room and boardupgrades plus free night offers are currently available at 28of the operator’s 32 hotels in the region.

The company's head of purchasing Gary Boyer said:"We’re delighted to report that winter sales to Morocco arecurrently 20% up year-on-year. Summer sales are provingto be more of a challenge, being broadly on a par with last

year. We have therefore contacted our Moroccan hoteliersto secure the best possible offers to stimulate demand tothis fascinating, close to home, year-round sundestination."

Clients opting to book at least 60 days prior to departurefor travel between May 23 and October 31 can benefit fromsavings of between £144 and £192 per couple on a four-night break at the recently opened Taj Palace, Marrakech. For further details call 0800-008 7288 or visit www.classic-collection.co.uk

ATTRACTION WORLD has added 15 new experiences forclients to try in Marrakech this year.

As examples, a half-day Tajine Cooking Class leads in at£49 per adult and £44 per child (aged six-11), and startswith a short Arabic lesson before heading to the market totest language skills whilst buying the local produce.Guests will discover the various spices and ingredientsused in Moroccan cuisine before indulging their tastebuds.

A Medina, Palaces & Tombs option takes in the medina,souks, the city gates, palaces and tombs, before visitingDjemma El Fna for some snake charming, music andshopping. Prices lead in at £29 per adult and £25 perchild.

Meanwhile, an Historical Tour of Marrakech costs £40for adults and £21 for kids (aged two-11) and includes avisit to the Djemaa El Fna to experience fire eaters, snakecharmers, fortune tellers, teeth pullers and monkeytamers.

In Tunisia, the operator is highlighting a day trip to CapBon from Hammamet for £125 per adult and £100 perchild, where guests will experience a panoramic drivearound the ‘Garden of Tunisia’ including a visit to Nabeul,Kerkouane and the Phoenician-Byzantine fortress, thecaves of Ghar el Kebir and Bacchus Palace for some winetasting.

Meanwhile, a half-day option to Nabeul (the ceramicscentre of Tunisia) leads in at £53 per adult and £42 perchild (aged two-11), where the streets are filled with localcraftsmen selling ceramics, leatherware and brass, plusfresh fruit, vegetables, spices and household goods.

All tours are fully commissionable to agents.

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Classic Collection Holidays highlights selection of summer deals to boost sales

Attraction World adds 15 new experiences in Marrakech

Taj Palace, Morocco


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PIERRE & Vacances' Village Bonavista de Bonmont in Catalonia is a new village surrounded by natural habitats onthe edge of the Bonmont golf course. The village has the usual features that make it an ideal village holiday forfamilies with young children including a heated pool, playground, sports grounds, aquatic centre and kids' clubs.Beyond the village there are sandy beaches and 25km away is the Port Aventura theme park. Prices start at £355 foran air-conditioned one-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to six guests.Agents should visit to.pv-holidays.com/gb-en/login when booking.

HOSEASONS IS urging travel agents notto forget the important adult couplesmarket during the next couple ofmonths – and is pushing activityholidays and luxury self-cateringaccommodation as two of the keyfactors to attract this market.

As the Easter school holidays come toan end, the focus during May and June –with the exception of the Whitsun half-term week – needs to be on adultcouples holidaying on their own or withother couples, according to theoperator's head of marketing andcreative services, Rebecca Harris.

She said: “Of course families are akey part of the market, especially duringthe school holidays, but couplesholidaying without children constitute agreat opportunity for incrementalbusiness during term-time.

“Travel agents cannot afford to ignorethis important market, which includes

holidaymakers who are prepared tosplash out on something special, butwho might not want to travel too farfrom home. Holiday parks have a greatfamily image – but increasingly they arebecoming the first choice for adultcouples as well. The key isunderstanding what this market islooking for – and we find thatincreasingly exciting activities andluxury accommodation are two of thethings which will attract bookings inthis market.”

The company's holiday parksprogramme offers both Go Active activitybreaks along with its contemporaryboutique Autograph Lodge HolidaysCollection.

The Go Active programme featuresaction-packed activity breaks at 16flagship locations across the UK, with awide range of activities availableincluding quad-biking, white-water

rafting and abseiling, plus tuition in anumber of sports including fencing,archery and crossbows, along with morerelaxing activities such as yoga, beautytherapies and sports massage.

One Go Active park which theoperator says will appeal to adventurousadults is Great Glen Water Park inInverness-shire, which offers a range ofactivities including gorge walking, claypigeon shooting, quad-biking and white-water rafting. Four nights in a luxurytwo-bedroom Scandinavian-style LochOich Premier Lodge from May 18 costs£299, offering a saving of £59 on thebrochure price. Go Active activities arecharged as taken and include £15 for aone-and-a-half hour archery lessonand £50 for a three-hour white-waterrafting experience.For more details or to book visitwww.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call 0844-847 1144.

Hoseasons encourages agents to capitalise on adult couples market

Great Glen Water Park rafting


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holidayparks

HAVEN IS investing £40m for 2013 inimproved facilities, accommodation,landscaping and new places to eat anddrink.

New additions include a refurbishedand extended indoor swimming pool atGolden Sands in Lincolnshire; arefurbished indoor pool with toddler areaand new changing area at Seaview inDorset; and a new terrace overlookingthe sea at Craig Tara’s Mash and Barrelbar and restaurant in Scotland.

Other parks offering new food outletsfor this year include Greenacres in NorthWales, Rockley Park in Dorset, WildDuck in Norfolk and Perran Sands inCornwall, while Presthaven Sands inNorth Wales has a new Live Loungeentertainment venue.

The operator is spending £750,000 ofits total investment for 2013 on 25 newoutdoor playgrounds across its parks.

Pool kayaking and pool snorkelling iscoming to all parks (with the exceptionof Lydstep Beach) this year, andcustomers can learn the basics of poolkayaking for a small extra charge,before putting their new skills to use ina series of pool games.

Guests can also take their first steps

into an underwater world with qualifiedinstructors who will demonstrate thebasics of snorkelling in the safety of theparks’ pools where they will learn howto quickly clear their snorkel of water,how to prevent their face mask frommisting and more.

Back on dry land the new 'EveryoneOutdoors' concept brings non-competitive family fun, offering families achance to spend time, play together andmeet new people whilst taking part in anumber of outdoor team games such asrounders, frisbee or ‘kick about’.

At Hafan y Mor, Kiln Park, PerranSands, Devon Cliffs and Burnham-on-Sea, wannabee Bear Grylls can learn theessentials of wilderness survival on anew Bush Craft programme. Ideal foradventurers, guests can learn skills suchas purifying water, building shelters andlighting fires. The activity is suitable forchildren seven and over.

The company is also launching newfamily-friendly activity walks for 2013that can be enjoyed either as gentlestrolling options or more advancedjogging and cycling routes.

Seton Sands’ new track and trailoffers two scenic routes and includes

bits of purpose built activity equipmentfor guests who want to mix up theirjourney with some different exercises.The new track at Lakeland holiday parkoffers a 1.8-mile route that featuressome local history and winds past anold RAF training base built andoperated during the Second World War.All tracks and trails are accessible forpushchairs and dog walkers.

This year also sees a line-up of newentertainment across all 35 holidayparks including a Sounds of the 60sshow, Clockwork and TV Talent whereguests can enjoy the vocal talents of XFactor finalists Lucie Jones, JamieArcher & Danyl Johnson and comedyfrom Kevin Cruise from Britain’s GotTalent, as well as the parks’ all-singing,all-dancing Funstars.

During the summer, parks will host anew seaside musical where customerscan join Cinders on her journey to findher Prince Charming. Plus guests canlearn how to sing and dance like a starwith reality TV favourites SameDifference in their own Pop Academy. For more information or to book seewww.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0871-230 1919.

Haven invests £40million in family facilities, accommodation & landscaping

DURING THE peak summer season, Away Resorts' Whitecliff Bay, which has its own secluded beach, will be theonly park on the island to have a live resident band for every night of the peak summer holiday period. Thecompany is also introducing a number of new shows for families, including a new pre-school character, Lucy'sTeddy, which joins the show, Bear in the Woods. The entertainment teams at Whitecliff Bay and Tattershall Lakeswill also be debuting an hour-long ‘Play Live on Stage’ production, based on the format for Saturday morning TVprogrammes with ‘presenters’, game shows, dancing/singing competitions and a mini version of Bear in theWoods. This will take place at 19:00 every evening. Also new is a dedicated toddler-friendly show that will beperformed between 16:00 and 17:00, and at Whitecliff Bay is a revamped version of the Champions of Rock showperformed by the park’s entertainment team, which will include covers of popular rock classics.

NEW FROM Keycamp for this year, inclusive options are nowavailable on-parc to give holidaymakers more flexibility withthe option to pay for breakfast, evening meals, drinks andextras such as ice-creams prior to departure.

Available on 13 of the operator's parcs throughoutEurope, prices start at £30 per adult for the breakfast andevening meal option, which also includes Wi-Fi, linen, beachtowels and an Essentials Pack for the family.

As an example of prices, seven nights on the Côte d’Azurin May costs from £150 per party, accommodation-only.

Located on the edge of the Esterel forest, La Baume is oneof the company's most popular parcs on the French Riviera.The large, lively parc has Californian-style pool complexeswhich include a covered pool and tropical palm tree islands,while onsite facilities include tennis, archery and cycle hire.

The price applies to a May 11 departure and is based on astay in a two-bedroom Villanova mobile home which sleepsup to four adults and two children. It also includes adiscount of £102. Ferry crossings and fly/drive packages areavailable at a supplement.

Keycamp offers inclusive options on parc to offer holidaymakers more flexibility


Shorefield Holidays unveils new accommodationSHOREFIELD HOLIDAYS has announced its new luxury accommodation,Warren House, which will open on July 26 at Shorefield Country Park inthe New Forest.

Offering space for up to 12 guests, the property features a dedicatedgames room (table tennis, table-top football, Wii, Wi-fi) and a largeopen-plan living/dining/kitchen area of 2,240sq.ft on the ground floor.The upper floor offers six bedrooms (four with ensuite facilities) and sixshower/bathrooms. In addition to a private outdoor patio area with a hottub and barbecue, parking is available for guests and catering can alsobe pre-booked.

Prices start from £994 per week (less than £12 per person per nightbased on 12 people sharing from November 1 to December 19)increasing to £3,500 in high season - less than £42 per person per nighton the same basis between July 26 and August 22.

Shorefield Country Park is set in 100-acres of parkland near Milford-on-Sea on the edge of the New Forest, five minutes’ walk from the sea.Facilities include large indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, astate-of-the-art gym with new techno-gym equipment, floodlit tenniscourt, kids’ clubs, fishing lake, sauna, steam room and spa bath andthe Reflections Elemis Day Spa.

There is also a variety of dining options, live entertainment in theevenings, supermarket, internet kiosk and Wi-Fi. For more information or to book visit www.shorefield.co.uk or call 01590-648331.

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

The best part of wakingup is.....?

Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] that a day working with my wonderfulcolleagues at TB lies ahead!

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] that it's the weekend!

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected] Sun shining through the curtains on rare sunnymornings and breakfast

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] back to sleep again

Sales Director: Simon [email protected] it's Saturday and cricket beckons!

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected]'m still alive

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected] it's only 2am, yet you feel like you've slept forages. The next 5 hours feel like a bonus.

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] a snooze button

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected] first cup of tea

Sales Executive: Matt [email protected]

Senior Designer: Genaro [email protected] full English breakfast

Assistant Designer: Nicky [email protected] back asleep

Production: Jeremy Walters [email protected]!

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]

holidayparks

Travagrams: (top) Saga (bottom) Queenstown

Where Am I?: Iceland

puzzlesolutions


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BUTLINS SKEGNESS is set for a weekend celebration this September inhonour of the 40th anniversary of Northern Soul nights, which takesplace at Wigan Casino.

On September 27, guests can step back to the place where NorthernSoul peaked in the 1970s.

In September 1973, Russ Winstanley, a DJ and Soul lover managed toconvince the manager of the Wigan Casino to hold an all-night Soulparty at the venue. The party didn’t start until 02:00 and ran throughuntil the milkman started work.

During the eight years of all nighters, more than four million peopleflocked to the venue to dance and enjoy the sound of Northern Soulsurrounded by like-minded revellers. Celebrity visitors and performersincluded Pete Waterman, Paul Weller, Mick Hucknall, Soft Cell, Dexy’sMidnight Runners, Paul O’Grady and the Happy Mondays.

The upcoming event will involve guests dancing with Martha Reevesand grooving to the soul music of Geno Washington, before joining theBoogaloo Party with Tommy Hunt. Supporting acts across the weekendwill include Sidney Barnes, Brenda Holloway, Chris Clarke, Dean Parrishand a range of northern DJs.

Off stage, guests can learn the secrets of a Northern Soul shuffle atone of the Soul and Dance workshops or experience some classic silverscreen soul flicks from the Northern Soul era at the on-resort cinema,such as Soul Boy and Standing in the Shadows.

During the exclusive break, guests will also get the chance to be partof a Guinness World Record attempt, for the world’s longest all nightSoul party.

A three-night break costs from £89 per person, based on four peoplesharing a Silver self-catering apartment. For more information or to book visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742.

Butlins hosts Northern Soul Event in September




Documents

Travel Bulletin 12th April 2013