Travel Bulletin (July 20 2012)

What your clients need toknow to get the most out oftheir Moroccan adventure

Morocco

July 20 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,788 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent bulletinfind out what's in store for Leothis month

traininga round-up of the latest trainingnews, courses & incentives

indiaoperators launch newbrochures & expand tonew destinations

cyprustourist office promotes sportingand active breaks

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this week

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Malta & GozoYour one-stop guideto all the latest news and developments in Malta & Gozo

All About

July 2012

with this issue

DON’T MISS...

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LIFT OFF...Malaysia Airlines celebrated the launch of its first A380 superjumbo from Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur recentlyby holding an event for trade partners and passengers at its Golden Lounge at Heathrow T4. Pictured are, from the left:Geraldine Mulhall, Holiday Inn; Mark Kennedy, Malaysia Airlines; Zelie Lewis, The Ultimate Travel Company; andKayleigh Britland, Expedia.

This Week

4 newsairline survey highlightsopportunities to improvepassenger experience

8 notes from normantonwhat has agency ownerSandy Murray been up tolately?

9 agent bulletinfind out what's in store forLeo this month

10 event bulletinthe event in pictures fromthe annual Midlands Ball

11 puzzle bulletin win a £50 Hotel Chocolatvoucher in the prize Su Dokupuzzle

12 pix mixJetset marks its seventhannual event in Manchester

13 traininga round-up of the latesttraining news, courses &incentives

17 moroccowhat your clients need toknow to get the most out oftheir Moroccan adventure

23 indiaoperators launch newbrochures & expand to new destinations

26 cyprustourist office promotessporting and active breaks

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newsbulletin

FAMILIES PLANNING self-catering holidays in Europeto keep costs down shouldhead to Spain or Portugalto avoid getting caught outby higher supermarket andfood shop prices in othereurozone destinations,according to Post OfficeTravel Money’s (POTM)self-catering on aShoestring report. Thereport reveals that almostone in ten parentsoverspend on shopping bymore than £100 andsuggests that they aremore likely to spend morein the eastern Medbecause supermarketprices can be 80% higherthan in Mallorca orPortugal.

After finding that 15% ofholidaymakers surveyedfor its annual HolidayMoney Report wereplanning to save cash byopting for self-catering,POTM surveyed the cost ofa weekly family shop in 12European destinations. Theresearch, conducted for

the Post Office by villaholiday specialist MeonVillas, found significantvariations across theeurozone for 20 typicalfood and drink staples.

The cheapestdestinations by somedistance were Mallorca andPortugal but Meon Villas'resort staff discovered thatthe same shopping basketcould cost as much as 70-80% extra in Italy, Crete,Corfu and Cyprus.

At £57.67 for enoughbasic provisions to cover aone-week holiday, Mallorcawas lowest priced for thesecond consecutive year,followed closely byPortugal’s Algarve (£57.78).Spain’s Costa Blanca tookthird place (£65.31) and asecond Balearic island,Menorca, completed thequartet of cheap places toself-cater (£66.71).

However, family self-catering in Italy cost muchmore at £98.09. Theshopping staples, rangingfrom bread to beer and

pizza, were pricier still inCrete (£99.18) and inCorfu, where the total of£100.31 was 44.7% higherthan a year ago. Cypruswas highest-priced, likeCorfu with a bill topping£100 (£104.29).

POTM also comparedthe cost of self-catering inthe UK with the 11eurozone destinations. At£89.08, Brighton tookeighth of 12 places in theself-catering table,although its total droppedby 2.7% compared with ayear ago.

POTM's head, AndrewBrown, said: “Thevariations we found insupermarket prices meanthat families will be well-advised to check pricesbefore booking and ourwebsite provides them withuseful comparisons.Although self-catering canbe a great way for familiesto save money, they shouldchoose their destination

The gain in Spain for families self-catering on a shoestring

● continues on next page


PREMIER HOLIDAYS isoffering 14 nights inAustralia from £2,149per person, a saving ofup to £445.

The package includesflights with BritishAirways or QantasAirways via Singaporeand Sydney to Cairns andaccommodation with twonights at All SeasonsCairns Colonial Club, astay in a Maui UltimaMotorhome (withunlimited mileage) andtwo nights at MedinaExecutive Brisbane.

The offer is valid fortravel from August 11 toSeptember 30. For more information visitwww.trade.premierholidays.co.uk or call 0844-493 7900.

Premier increasesAustralia productoffering

www.travelbulletin.co.ukJuly 20 20124

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LIFE IN THE FAST LANE...the results came in for Holiday Extras'Grand Slam incentive and eight top-performing agents,including Jessica Robson from Ilkeston Co-op Travel, (pictured),witnessed the world's best racing car drivers hurtling aroundthe Silverstone track last week. The next Grand Slam incentive,which runs from this month to the end of September, will seebest-performing agents win VIP access to the 'Michael JacksonImmortal World - Cirque du Soleil' tour.

Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include:

● Cox & Kings new India & Beyond 2013 brochureuncovers the best that India has to offer. From theHimalayan lands of Nepal, Bhutan and northernIndia, across the Ganges plain and Deccan plateau tothe lush tropical scenery of Kerala and the beautifulisland of Sri Lanka. Tour prices start from £1,295 fora 9-day tour of India. Reservations: 020 7873 5000.

● Mainstreet Travel Group is offering great value 10 dayCruise and Stay options departing Sept 7th - 2 nightsPalma de Mallorca, 5 night Med Cruise and 2 nights inVenice flying direct from Leeds and Newcastle (otherairports available).For further details call 0191 384 5500.

Mailbox

For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

AIRBUS HAS revealed the latest findings in a two-yearglobal consultation with more than 1.75million people,which spells out what passengers want from flying in thefuture: more sustainable; less stressful; and more of it,despite social media revolutionising how we keep in touch.

The survey found that 63% of people worldwide say theywill fly more by 2050; 60% do not think social media willreplace the need to see people face-to-face; 96% believeaircraft will need to be more sustainable or ‘eco-efficient’; and almost 40% feel air travel (door-to-door) isincreasingly stressful.

The company's executive vice president - engineering,Charles Champion, said: “Aviation is the real World WideWeb. The results of the survey show that there is nothingbetter than face to face contact. The world is woventogether by a web of flights that creates ever-expandingsocial and economic networks: 57 million jobs, 35% ofworld trade and US$2.2trillion in global GDP.

“Since we launched the Future by Airbus, we haveengaged with people in 192 countries in a dialogue aboutthe future of air travel. This resulted in our revolutionaryAirbus Concept Plane and Cabin which offers a glimpseinto some of the innovations that could meet evolvingpassenger trends and environmental considerations. It’sclear that people are really excited about the future ofsustainable flight and we want them to be part of shapingthat future.”

But Champion says that as more people fly more often,the greater their expectations will be for the ‘end-to-endpassenger experience.’ The Airbus consultation highlightsa predictable list of gripes: queues at passport control;slow check-in and baggage collection; sitting on the

tarmac; and circling in holding patterns around airports. He said: “In London for example we’ve seen concern

about queues at airports and people are understandablynot happy about it. But the reality is those capacityconstraints are a sign of things to come unless theindustry can work together to cut delays, and withaviation set to double in the next 15 years, that’s whatwe’re looking at.”

carefully. Mallorca andPortugal are great valueoptions but Greece islooking more expensive.

“Another thing toconsider when budgetingfor a self-catering holidayis how much drinks willcost. Our research showsthat families could pay justover £5 for a coffee, a softdrink, a glass of wine anda beer in Gozo or Mallorcabut £10 or more inBrighton, Crete andLanzarote.

“Another way thatfamilies can ensure theydon’t lose out on holidaycash is to avoid changingcash at the airport or atoverseas ATMs where poorrates and charges will costthem dear. Planning aheadand loading the holidaybudget onto a pre-paidcard like the Post OfficeTravel Money Card is agreat way to keep costs incheck.”

● continued from previous page

New Airbus survey highlights opportunities to improve passenger experience



BALKAN HOLIDAYS has launched a newTwitter page for travel agents. The feed,@balkanagents, offers daily updates foragents about winter and summer holidaysto Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Sloveniaand Romania.

The new addition also interacts with adedicated Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/bhagents and thecompany's agents' website atwww.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents

The operator will be using Twitter forits latest news, views and to stimulateconversations. More detailed informationabout the summer 2013 programme toBulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia and Romania,flying from a choice of 20 regional UKairports, and the winter 2012/13 ski andsnowboard programme, will be posted onthe website and on Facebook. For more information call 0845-130 1114.

Early booking deal from Fresh Tracks CUSTOMERS WHO book an experience of six nights or morefor the winter 2012/2013 season by July 30 with Fresh TracksCanada, can take advantage of an early booking offer andreceive a free hotel night in Vancouver, BC, Jasper or Banff,plus a complimentary experience such as snowshoeing inBanff, skiing in Jasper or a personal guided day-trip toWhistler, BC.

The offer is based on double occupancy and examples of thefree winter experiences include a guided day-trip to Whistlerfrom Vancouver, snowshoeing through the Banff’s VermilionRiver Valley or a day of skiing at Marmot Basin in JasperNational Park.

Commission to agents starts from 10%.For more information call 0800-917 5924 or visitwww.freshtrackscanada.com

CITY CRUISES and The View from The Shard, the visitor experience at the pinnacle of theShard, have joined forces to offer a joint ticket ensuring the best “on high” and “down low”views of the capital for visitors to London.

The ticket leads in at £37 per adult and includes a river cruise from Westminster toTower Pier, followed with a trip to The Shard’s viewing galleries where guests can take inpanoramic 64km views of London and the South East from the 800ft sky high vantage point.For more information visit www.citycruises.com or call 020-7740 0400.

City Cruises & The View from The Shard team up to offer new ticket

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MAKING THEIR MARK...Mark Warner recently took nine agents out to the launch party of its new five-star Levante Beach Resort in Rhodes. Pictured enjoying the sights are, from the left: Claire Conroy-Oldham, Broadway Travel, Welwyn; Jackie Steadman from Travel Time World in Berkhamsted; DavidHopkins, Mark Warner; and Susannah Thomas, hotel manager at Levante Beach.

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@holidayextrasUK Green travel tip- Removepackaging from itemsyou are taking to reducewaste.http://bit.ly/NejKHP

@SouthwestAir We've lowered fares forfall travel with pricesstarting at $69 one-wayto select destinations!(restrictions apply)http://cot.ag/MXOcd1

@Door2Tour Fancy doing somethingout of the ordinary onholiday? Check out ouralternative things to do inthese four cities!http://ow.ly/c8rHX

@TheTravelConv Who's attending?http://tinyurl.com/8ymkthw to view the companiesthat have registered.Register Nowhttp://tinyurl.com/877766o #abta2012

@LondonCityAirMake the most out ofyour stay in the Isle ofMan and read our 24hours in guide, designedto help plan your timehttp://bit.ly/Oz3HHQ

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

TravelBulletin

Online campaignfrom TravelCounsellors

TRAVEL COUNSELLORShas launched an onlinecampaign for bothconsumers and the trade.Hosted via Facebook, thecampaign enables peopleto share their travel‘dreams’ with the chanceto win £10,000 towardstheir ideal holiday.

The company hasdeveloped a specialDream-maker app whereusers can submit theirown dream along withpictures, after whichpeople can vote for thedreams with the mostpopular submissionwinning the ultimate prizeof having their perfectholiday put together by thecompany. For more information seehttp://apps.facebook.com/tcdreammaker

Balkan Holidays launches a Twitter page for travel agents

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AGENTS CAN now book a special priced family trip toDisneyland Paris with Superbreak if they book before August13. The special deal of £699 for a family of four includes travelwith Eurostar from St Pancras, one night at the three-starKyriad Hotel Disneyland Paris and two days' entry to thetheme park for the family. Regional rail travel to London isalso included, although some stations cost a supplement.

The offer is valid on bookings travelling between September1 and December 23 and is based on two adults and twochildren under 12 sharing a family room. For details see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

KUONI HAS launched its new Worldwide 2013 brochrefeaturing exclusive properties, mostly in the Maldives, SriLanka and Thailand, brand new places to stay, a widerange of multi-centre holidays, tailor-made options plus anew navigational aid.

The operator has expanded its offering to Vietnam on theback of new direct flights, with 19 mostly new, beachhotels. The key resorts of Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Hoi An andDanang are all included and are offered as both beach-onlyholidays or combined with a city or a tour.

Each hotel and tour in the brochure is labelled with anicon to guide customers during the decision makingprocess to help find the ideal holiday to suit their needs.The nine icons are: Mind, body & soul; Away from it all;Time together; For families; Holiday with friends; Sun &Socialising; I want it all; Explore & Discover; and Gobeyond.

TITAN HAS announced the launch its2013 brochure for ‘The World’s BestRiver Cruises’, featuring five-star rivercruising product in partnership withriver cruise operator Uniworld.

The brochure showcases more than30 itineraries, including favourites suchas the eight-day Castles along theRhine, sailing on the SS Antoinette,which leads in at £2,099 per personplus seven newly-featured itineraries

including the eight-day Italian Veniceand the Po Rover, which costs from£2,199 per person, and Splendours ofItaly, with 13 days from £4,199 perperson.

For bookings made beforeSeptember 30, clients will receive earlybooking discounts of up to £500 perperson, while members of Titan’sPrivileged Client Club receive anadditional £100 per person saving.

For clients seeking a getaway thisyear, there is still some late availabilitydates with savings of up to £1,500 perperson on selected itineraries, plus arange of no single supplement offers.

Agents can also claim £50 worth ofLove2Shop vouchers for every bookingdeparting in 2012, made between nowand July 31. For more information seewww.titanagents.co.uk

Kuoni issues 2013 Worldwide brochure

Disneyland Paris offer from Superbreak


newsbulletin

JUTHAPORN RERNGRONSA (pictured), the deputy governor forinternational marketing of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and theAmericas for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), announcedthe launch of a new social media campaign called 'Discover theOther You' at the recent 2012 Thailand Travel Mart. The campaignhas been designed to boost TAT's internet and social mediaprofile, particularly among young people, and attract more repeatvisitors in the off-peak season months. It also promotes creativetourism, an increasingly popular trend that gives visitors a chanceto discover special experiences and the ability to 'learn-by-doing',including art, culture and traditional practises. For more information or to view the videos visitwww.discovertheotheryou.com

Newsbites● LEISURE PASS Group is urging agents to make the

most of the summer months in the German capital bycashing in on its lucrative attractions market. Thepre-paid Berlin Pass has opened up a new source ofancillary income on city-breaks to the German capitaland benefits include a hop-on, hop-off bus tour plusoff-the-beaten track hidden gems allowing agents topresent themselves as real destination experts. Thepass is available in two-and three-day durations, andcosts €69 for adults and €34 for children (two days) or€82 for adults and €39 for children (three days). Usersalso receive a 96-page city sightseeing guide. Agentsinterested in finding out more should [email protected]

● RYANAIR HAS announced the cancellation of 34weekly flights (250,000 annual passengers) to/fromMorocco following ONDA’s (the Moroccan Governmentairports authority) reneging on its agreement with theairline by imposing a new monopoly handlingcompany on the carrier, which would have resulted ina significant increase in charges for the airline. Theflight cancellations are effective from October.

● GENEVA TOURISM & Conventions has issued tailoreddestination guides with the launch of bespoke pocketmaps. Each of the nine editions include tailored tipshighlighting the city’s top attractions for specificgeographic audiences. Digital editions can bedownloaded from www.geneva-tourism.ch

● AIR EUROPA has launched daily flights to Lima fromGatwick via Madrid. Return fares start from £563.36including taxes. See www.aireuropa.com or call 0871-423 0717.

Titan launches ‘World’s Best River Cruises’ 2013 brochure to trade


Shearings reintroduces Party Weekends following demandSHEARINGS IS reintroducing PartyWeekends for next year following increasedcustomer demand.

Included in the price of the break, whichleads in at £89 per person, are three nights’half-board accommodation, a sightseeingexcursion, nightly entertainment includingmusic and dancing and luxury coach travel.On the Saturday guests will receive fourfree drinks and a gala dinner.

Departures are available in January andFebruary, with accommodation in Bay Hotels available in Oban, Blackpool, Bournemouth,Eastbourne, Great Yarmouth, Scarborough and Llandudno. For details call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

Wizz Air announcesPolish flight from Luton

WIZZ AIR has announcedit will commence flightsfrom Luton to Lublin onDecember 18.

The route will operateon Mondays and Fridaysand is on sale now. Earlybooking fares lead in at£15 including taxes. For details or to book visitwww.wizzair.com

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VIRGIN HOLIDAYS has launched thenew Sandals 2013 brochure featuringRockstar service benefits and earlybooking discounts.

Key saving messages for agents tohighlight to clients include savings ofup to £100 on kids prices up to the ageof 16, free access to the company's v-room for select departure periods,Premium Economy from £199 perperson each way, an Antigua earlybooking bonus and free weddings when

guests stay for a minimum of sixnights.

Additional added value deals areavailable at selected hotels and include anumber of exclusive benefits such as a'buy one get one free' catamaran cruise,15% spa discount and a complimentarySunset portrait.

Hotels include the Sandals GrandeAntigua Resort & Spa, Sandals HalcyonBeach St Lucia, Sandals Grande RivieraBeach & Villa Golf Resort, Sandals

Grande Riviera Beach & Villa GolfResort, Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort& Private Island, Beaches Negril Resort& Spa and Beaches Turks & CaicosResort Villages & Spa.

Overall prices start from £1,199 forseven nights at the Grand PineappleBeach Negril on a luxury included basisand bookings made by July 31 willreceive the early booking offers. For more information visitwww.virginholidays.co.uk

Virgin Holidays offers new benefits & savings in Sandals 2013 brochure


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WEBSCLUSIVES

● Win a 4 night holiday for 2 in New Orleans,courtesy of Funway, BA, New Orleans Tourismand American Airlines. Enter the competition onwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions.

● The finalists for the Travel Bulletin Star Awards2012 have been announced. To check out theshortlisted companies in each of the 32categories, visitwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards. Tickets for theevent are also available for £250 each or £2,700for a table of 12 from the same location.

● Agents can win a 7 nights cruise for two, full-board, courtesy of MSC Cruises’ competition.To enter, all you have to do is answer one simplequestion.Go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

All this and more at:


The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go

MOVERS● HOLLAND AMERICA Line and Seabourn have appointed

two new sales team members, Vikki Courtman andRebecca Skipp as business development managerMidlands and business development manager North &Scotland respectively, representing both cruise brands.

● &BEYOND has appointed Gael Timms as regionaldirector of touring (Southern Africa).

● CRUISINGEXCURSIONS.COM HAS created a a dedicatedtrade sales team, led by Chris Miller who joins thecompany as head of key account trade sales. GrahamChuter has been appointed sales manager, GemmaPurchase has been appointed sales executive and LeeMillard has joined as travel trade support executive.

● IHG HAS appointed Jo Dean as meeting & eventsdevelopment manager.

● TAILOR MADE Travel has appointed RhiannonBressington as marketing manager with responsibilityfor marketing all specialist destinations includingAustralia, New Zealand, Canada, Africa and SouthAmerica.

● KAREN MILWARD and Dominika Dudek have joined ClubMed's sales team. Karen will provide additional expertadvice and assistance to travel agents based from NorthLondon to the Midlands, while Dominika will supportand coordinate activities from the London office.

AHUGE THANK YOU to everyone that supported the17th Yorks Abta Ball on Thurs 12th July, at CedarCourt Hotel, Huddersfield. It was our second year

doing the ‘Night at the Oscars’ theme and there weresome worthy winners. Thank you to LBIA for sponsoringthe pre-dinner drinks and to Jet2Holidays for sponsoringthe Oscar theme AND taking two tables. It was a luckynight for me as I won Classic Collection’s fantastic prizeof £200 holiday vouchers and a chocolate hamper -funny really as I have been looking after that hamper forthe last few weeks and then I end up winning it – yummy!Joanne won the lovely cuddly Zebra from Born Free andStephen Howard from Stephen Howard Travel won thefam trip to Florida from Sue Cragg – US Airtours – thankyou to everyone who donated prizes.

Just to let you know the winners of the Oscars: BestAirport Team – LBIA; Best supporting UK Tour Operator –Bourne Leisure; Best supporting Tour Operator –Jet2Holidays; Best Dressed Female – Anna KershawJet2Holidays; and Best Dressed Male – Nigel Ham – PureLuxury. The Lifetime Achievement Award went tosomeone who is as well known for his nicknames as hisproper name – (Tony Titan – Tony Tourama – Tony theTrain) yes the lovely Tony Byrne from Great Rail Journeys.

I did ask everyone to mark on their donation envelopeswhether they preferred the Yorks Ball to be on a Thurs orFri night and in July or August - have to say it is very closebetween Thurs or Fri but July is the favourite month. Ifyou didn’t get a say or didn’t get to the Ball but have apreference, then do email me [email protected] which day and month you would prefer. Thank youto Steven Barnes who attended from ABTA – I think heenjoyed the evening and meeting many of you. Once againTHANK YOU to everyone for their support I couldn’t havedone it without you!

‘To except what you are is to be content and there isno wealth to compare with contentment’ and ‘Eightwords that can help make life fun much more smoothly– ‘You know .. you may very well be right’.Don’t miss next week’s issue for pictures of theYorkshire Ball!

by SANDRA MURRAY of Sandy Travel in Normanton, Yorkshire

Notes from

Normanton...

To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email

jill. [email protected]


● BOURNE LEISURE has launched its summer incentivefor Butlins, Haven and Warner Leisure Hotels thatsees agents earn a £5 voucher for every 2012 bookingmade between now and August 31. For details see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk

● VIKING RIVER Cruises has launched a Facebookcompetition with a selection of weekly prizes up forgrabs. The competition runs until July 29 and prizesinclude £50 vouchers and mugs awarded to runnersup. To enter, agents can ‘like’ the company’sFacebook page, while existing fans of the page needto click on the red ‘Win Fabulous Weekly Prizes’ tab.As a different prize is up for grabs each week fansshould check the page regularly to enter the nextcompetition. For details seewww.facebook.com/vikingrivercruisesuk

● FOR EVERY Butlins’ hotel booking that agents makebefore July 31, they can enter a prize draw to win asurfing break by emailing their name, ABTA andbooking reference to [email protected] ‘Wave’ as the subject line. The free surfingbreak is for two people and includes one half-daysurfing lesson per person and two nights’ bed-and-breakfast accommodation. To educate agents on itsthree hotels and help them be in with a chance ofwinning a surfing break, the company is distributinghandy hotel packs which contain an agent guidehighlighting the hotels’ USPs, a pricing guide, awindow poster, customer leaflets for racking in storeand details of two competitions.

● TO RAISE awareness of this year's Make HolidaysGreener campaign, Holiday Extras is offering travelagents the chance to win an Off Grid Voltaic SolarBackpack, worth more than £150. Agents are invitedto share their ideas on how they can contribute tomaking holidays more sustainable via the monthlynewsletter, the company’s Facebook page, Twitteraccount and agent Website this month. The best ideawill be chosen at the end of July and one agent willwin the backpack, which charges devices such asmobile phones, iPods, cameras and PDAs using thepower of the sun.

ANYONE FOR TEA...? Superbreak recently hosted a group ofagents to afternoon tea and a show round at Redworth Hallnear Darlington, one of the Barcelo Hotels portfolio. Picturedare, from the left: Claire Hunter, reservations coordinator,Redworth Hall; Ray Pattison, Hays Travel Billingham; ClareMcGarr, Hays Travel Spennymoor; and Chris Cundall, tradesales development manager at Superbreak.

Booking incentives

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

THIS IS a great month for networking - both forbusiness and for pleasure, so make sure you acceptthose invites, even if you don't feel up to going out.People will naturally warm to you this month as yougive out friendly vibes, so expect to meet new peopleand make new friendships. Watch the purse stringsthis month though you don't want to get carried awayand end up out of pocket.

Lucky number: 19

Lucky day: Sunday


agentbulletin

Fancy a fam?FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has teamed up with VirginAtlantic to launch a month long Las Vegas themedcampaign, aimed at highlighting its latest deals tothe destination. As part of the campaign, agents have the opportu-nity to win a place on a fam to Las Vegas takingplace in October and agents can get involved bybooking a Virgin Atlantic package holiday throughthe operator by the end of this month, which will betracked with the use of virtual casino chips anddistributed to travel agents’ email accounts daily.The number of chips distributed per booking willdepend on the cabin class booked with the airlineand the more chips agents have – the higher chancethey have of winning. At the end of the month, everyqualifying agent will be emailed, offering them toplace their virtual casino chips on the roulettewheel. The operator will then operate this to obtainthe 18 winning agents.



eventbulletin

TORCH TEAM...carrying the torch for

Travelcube is the opeartor's Anna Barnes

(left) and Laura Smith.

SPIN THE WHEEL...Lucy Evans (left)

and Alison Repoulios from Villaselect

try their luck at roulette.

JUST THE TICKET...pictured are JulianaWright (left) from Air France/KLM andRachel Braznell from JTA.

THE ANNUAL Midlands Travel Trade Summer Ball recently took place at the MarriottForest of Arden in Birmingham. The event's theme was the 2012 Olympics and guestswere treated to dinner and entertainment followed by a late disco, vodka fountain,casino and private bar...

QUIDS IN...enjoying their winnings are Paul

Willoughby from Flybe with Anna Mavroulakis

(middle), Greece & Cyprus Travel; and Wendy

Albutt, ELITE Travel Group.

TABLE TALK...enjoying the evening's entertaimentare, from the left: Eloise Hudson and EdwinWilkinson from Bedsonline; Richard Swain fromTravel Indochina; and Nisha Tailor from Jetset.

GROUPING TOGETHER...are, from the left: Claire Moxley, Traveltime;

Pat Waterton, Langley Travel; Sally Carrick and Wendy Albutt, ELITE

Travel Group; Peter Buckell and Paul Dayson, Spa Travel; Barry

Moxley, Traveltime; Wayne Darrock, ELITE/JTA; and Chris Turner,

Kitts Travel.


puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Dr Who is filmed 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, July 26th. Solution and new puzzle will

appear next week.

The winner for 6th July is Geoff Cooper, Dovehouse Travel

in Solihull.

July 6 Solution: A=7 B=2 C=5 D=4

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 074

Travagrams

Across 1. Hotel chain (5,3)6. Lancashire holiday resort (9)8. Tour de France jersey colour (6)10. Flows through Florence (4)12. Scottish isle (4)13. Georgetown is the capital of this country (6)15. British actor, Daniel (9)17. Mount which destroyed Pompeii (8)

Down 1. Wimbledon 2012 British doubles champion (5,6)2. Animal, sounds like computer memory (3)3. French city and resort on the Med (4)4. South American capital city (6,5)5. Italian region (6)7. Chess piece, sounds like a bird (4)9. Capital of Angola (6)11. Bahrain carrier, ___ Air (4)14. River, flows into the North Sea (4)16. Edinburgh airport code (3)

Where Am I?

Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30

Crossword

Su Doku

Num

ber:

074

A cruise line named after the spectacular Northern lights

The name of this city is written on biscuits

A A Ruined Expositor

Cien

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle


Jetset would like to offer a huge

thank you to all of our

Associate Sponsors for 2012

MAIN SPONSOR

OH JOY...last year’s winner, Warren Joyfrom Our Holiday Centre, gets ready todefend his crown.

OLIVIA'S ARMY...Olivia Giauna sets up

the Jetset Beach Bar - a must for golfers'

thirst!

BOTTOM'S UP.... John Atkins (left)

from Incentivise gets up close and

personal with Garry Winterburn from

Travel Solutions Group at the Package

Pal Beach Bar.

ROO WITH A VIEW...taking charge of the drinks

cart is Cindy Buckland (left) and Siobhan Pickering

from Qantas, the event's main sponsor.

MEN IN BLACK...pictured are, from the left: BillPickering, Worldchoice; Neil Smith, Personal TravelAdvisor; David Plume, Jetset; and Renford Sargent,Premier Travel.


pixmix

FIRST CLASS VIEW...enjoying some air lift is Julie Sykesfrom Virgin Atlantic, which sponsored the Video Analysisshowcase, with, from the left: Warren Joy from Our HolidayCentre; Simon Eddolls, Travel Bulletin; Rob Dacey, KanooTravel; and Steve Briggs, Kwick Travel Group.

JETSET HELD its 7th annualIndependence Day event at WorsleyPark in Manchester on July 4. Theevent consisted of 18 holes of golf,dinner and entertainment in the formof a comedian. The event continues togrow and now has more than 54agents and 14 suppliers inattendance. Here's a snapshot of theday in pictures...


SEABOURN HAS launched a new onlineAcademy Agent Training programme,specifically designed for use by UK travelprofessionals.

The line's managing director UKbusiness, Lynn Narraway, said: “Thetraining programme is an ideal way foragents to learn to sell or grow theirbusinesses in the lucrative luxurysegment. The course includes anintroduction to luxury cruising to helptravel professionals understand moreabout affluent travellers’ motivations andexpectations, and a module about howagents can locate and attract luxuryclientele.

"It’s also the ideal platform to attainmore in depth knowledge aboutSeabourn’s award-winning product andships. In these times it’s important foragents to take advantage of every training

opportunity available. Seabourn Academyis easy, it’s full of proven selling tips andstrategies, and best of all, it’s free.”

The programme is divided into six corecourses covering an introduction toluxury cruising, the Seabourn Difference,The Seabourn Fleet, The World ofSeabourn, Selling to Luxury Clients andSupport to help you make sales.

Once the second phase ofwww.cruiseexperts.org is launched,agents who are members of ACE will beable to log on to the site to work throughthe course in their own time. And afteragents have completed all the modulesand received their graduation certificatefrom Seabourn, they can add an extra 30points to their profile, which countstowards ACE accreditation andAmbassador status. In the meantime ACEmembers and non-members will be able

to access the training programme directlyat www.seabourn.co.uk

As an added incentive, the first 50agents to complete the courses andbecome graduates of the academy willreceive Molton Brown goodies, and thefirst four agents to make a Seabournbooking after graduating from theacademy will receive a luxury spavoucher.

Narraway said: “For summer 2012, allsix Seabourn ships are sailing withinEurope, offering diverse destinations,itineraries and cruise durations. Webelieve that travel professionalscompleting the academy will gain moreexpertise and greater confidence, whichwill in turn make it easier for them toincrease their luxury cruise business”.For a brochure or for more informationcall 0844-338 8686.


Seabourn offers incentive to agents completing new online academy to help sell luxury

Seabourn Sojourn

training

S04 TB2007 Training_Layout 1 18/07/2012 15:28 Page 13

NEW ORLEANS IS ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST UNIQUE AND EXCITING CITIES, LOCATED WITHIN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA.

WIN A 4 NIGHT HOLIDAY FOR 2 IN NEW ORLEANS!

Being the birthplace of jazz, you can guarantee that your clients will have the experience of a lifetime when visiting this music lover’s paradise.

So with 20 years of experience, why not use our top selling tips to help your clients book their Deep South holiday to New Orleans?

1. New Orleans has so much to offer in terms of attractions, from historic sites to haunted walking tours and museums to live theatres. Here at Funway we have the perfect trip just for your clients – the New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour, from only £14pp!

2. Check the festival calendar – Celebration is at the core of the New Orleans experience, and to get a true taste of the city, every visitor should join in.

3. Enjoy the music – As you know, New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and is simply one big stage. To help your clients play their part we have a Creole / Cajun Queen Dinner Jazz Cruise where the

the air from just £45pp!

4. Eat! New Orleans is considered the most delicious city in America, with world-famous chefs and more restaurants than ever. To sample what is on offer advise your clients to try our Tasty Sample of New Orleans Tour from £59pp?

5. Go shopping – New Orleans has tax free shopping!

MAISON DUPUY

4 NIGHTS FROM £775PP

INCLUDES 1 COMPLIMENTARY

BREAKFAST FOR 2 PLUS 2 WELCOME

DRINKS UPON ARRIVAL!

SHERATON NEW ORLEANS


INCLUDES 1 NIGHT FREE!

ROYAL SONESTA HOTEL


INCLUDES $50 RESORT CREDIT!

HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE


INCLUDES A SAVING OF 25%!

FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO BOOK CALL NOW ON 0844 557 0626 OR VISIT WWW.FUNWAY4AGENTS.CO.UK

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Simply email [email protected] with the correct answers to the following questions to be in with a chance!

1. How old is Funway Holidays?

5 20 40

2. In which State is New Orleans situated?

Alabama Georgia Louisiana

3. New Orleans is the birthplace of what?

Jazz Sport Wine

WHAT WILL THE 4 NIGHT HOLIDAY

PRIZE INCLUDE?

Return flights with British Airways / American Airlines

A one way transfer from New Orleans airport to the Royal Sonesta Hotel

3 nights’ accommodation at the Royal Sonesta Hotel

2 day car rental

1 night at the Oak Alley Plantation Cottages

National World War II Museum

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Riverboat cruise on Creole Queen

W NEW ORLEANS


INCLUDES A SAVING OF 25%!

WISH YOU WERE HERE? YOU COULD BE!

Sample packages:

accommodation as stated and all taxes and fuel surcharges. All prices are subject to availability and change and can be withdrawn at any time. Supplements may apply at certain times. Holiday prize: 4 night New Orleans holiday prize includes all that is stated above and is subject to availability and change. Further terms and conditions may apply.

DOUBLE YOUR CHANCES!

Book any holiday that includes at least 3 nights in New Orleans and you will be entered into this fantastic prize draw TWICE! Email your answers to the above questions along with your Funway Holidays reservation number.

ENTRY CLOSES: 8TH AUGUST 2012

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THOMAS COOK has launcheda new online trainingprogramme for independenttravel agents focussed on itsrange of differentiatedproducts which now make upnearly half of all its UK sales.

The online training, run byOnline Travel Training (OTT),comprises of five ten-minutemodules, and agents whocomplete the full coursebefore August 17 have the

chance to win a holiday fortwo to Fuerteventura, whilethe first 100 agents will alsoreceive a £5 gift voucher.

The company's commercialrelations manager,Bhavneeta Patel, said:“Online training meansagents can complete themodules at their own paceand manage their time mosteffectively while still feelingsupported by Thomas Cook.

“Sales of our differentiatedholidays have risen 10% overthe past year and for thissummer alone we have anew, market-leading Kids'Club concept as well as adelicious new range of in-flight meals created bycelebrity chef James MartinThere is plenty that agentscan learn which will be of keyinterest to their customers.”

The five online modules

focus on providing anoverview to the brand, thedifferentiated product, thefamily offering in detail, Stylecollection and extras such asthe new in-flight meals.

Once a module iscompleted, participants aregiven immediate feedback ontheir performance.Agents can access the training atwww.thomascookexperts.com

THIS SUMMER, Butlins is encouraging agents to become experts on its products by offeringthe chance to win a free break at the new Wave Hotel and Apartments in Bognor Regis.

Agents who complete and pass the Butlins' online training course atwww.butlinsspecialist.co.uk before July 31 will automatically be entered into a draw to win afree break for up to four people.

The hotel features a futuristic Games Port, DVD & Kindle library, walls that transforminto 3D features with a special app, Wii consoles, iMacs, PS3s, iPod docks, inter-connectingrooms and cabin-style beds with built-in TVs.

AFFORDABLE CAR Hire reports thattravel agents are benefiting from thecompany’s e-learning programme.

CEO, Angela Day, said: “Thedevelopment of our Affordable TrainingAcademy has become a vital tool inhelping agents achieve car hire salesmore easily.

“Our weekly training webinarroadshow enables up to 100 agents tolog in and receive training on theComplete Affordable Car RentalSystem (CARS) at a time, making itboth accessible and cost-effective.Once agents are trained in thecomplete Affordable Car Rentalsolution, they receive a certificate andan ‘I’m a Car Hire Expert’ badge."

Day says that although introducinge-learning was a key consideration, sowas accreditation from the AccreditedTravel Professional (ATP) scheme andABTA.

She said: “The course has beendesigned to be fun, but it issufficiently rigorous to enable agentsto be awarded eight ATP points,making the programme one of thehighest marked courses in theindustry.

“Education is crucial when it comesto selling car hire easily and withconfidence. Our fun modules, whichhave been re-worked and includemodules such as ‘up-selling optionalextras’ and ‘overcoming objections to

purchasing car hire’, mean thatagents are receiving high qualitytraining in an engaging way.

“Car hire can be quite daunting fortravel customers, especially if they aretravelling to a new country, but ourtraining can assist agents in helpingtheir clients to make the right choice.”

Agents are offered a number ofincentives to complete the course,including a year’s free ATPmembership, which is worth £25.Members are able to attain furtherindustry skills and gain more ATPpoints by completing a range ofprofessional development courses.They also receive discounts to anumber of retail stores.

Win a free break at the Wave Hotel with Butlins

The Wave Hotel & Apartments

Thomas Cook launches new online training programme for independent agents


training

Agents invited tojoin Sandalswebinar on July 24SANDALS RESORTS isinviting agents to join itsfirst training webinar forthe UK trade. Agents will beable to learn about thecompany's newdevelopments, including itsWeddingMoons concept, aswell as a tutorial about thecompany's new DestinationWedding Designer, a newonline design tool availableto help agents and theircustomers to create theperfect wedding.

There are two webinarstaking place on July 24 at14:00 and 16:00. Places arelimited so agents areadvised to register quickly. For more information call020-7590 0210, [email protected] visitwww.sellingsandals.co.uk

E-learning helps drive car hire sales according to Affordable Car Hire


UNIQUE IN its cultural diversity, balancing tradition withmodernity, Morocco is a destination offeringholidaymakers an unforgettable experience. From its

beautiful beaches, fabulous flora and fauna to its colourfulKasbahs, tantalising tagines, magical music and sumptuoussouks, bursting full of exquisite handicrafts, Morocco is acountry which has inspired British travellers for centuries.

Today, UK tourists continue to make Morocco one of theirtop holiday destinations. We welcomed 510,000 UK visitors in2011, with an expected rise of 6% this year. With exciting newhotels, restaurants and bars opening on a monthly basis, alongwith a wealth of fascinating cultural gems and experiences onoffer, it’s no wonder that Morocco continues to be a favouritewith British tourists.

Yet Morocco is full of hidden gems waiting to be discoveredby holidaymakers. Here are my top picks for travel agents togive to their clients to encourage them to get the most out oftheir Moroccan adventure.

Shop ‘Til You Drop’Pick up a unique memento or gift from your travels - no trip toMorocco would be complete without a visit to a souk wherespecialist crafts and products are sold. The custom ofproducing ordinary objects that are visually pleasing andenlivened with decoration is a deeply rooted tradition amongMoroccan craftsmen, who inject beauty into the humblest ofmaterials from leather, wood and clay to copper and wool.

Golf in MoroccoWith three international tournaments each year, 26 golfcourses and 15 new sites under construction scheduled toopen in 2015, Morocco is swiftly becoming the key place forgolf enthusiasts. Benefiting from 300 days of sunshine peryear, a temperature that is always mild and gorgeous beachesalong a 10km long bay, Agadir in particular is a coveted golfdestination enjoyed by the greatest international players.

Skiing and winter sportsPerhaps not the first place one would consider for a skiing trip,Morocco has some breathtaking resorts for winter sports.Ifrane, 60km from Fez, for example, has been named ‘The

Little Moroccan Switzerland’ as here in the Middle AtlasMountains at 1,650m, one can fish in the lakes, hike in thecedar forests and ski in the winter.

Well-beingWith sea and ocean-related tourism representing 70% of allhotel offerings in Morocco it is no wonder that Thalassotherapy(from Greek thalassa “sea” + therapeia “healing”) is becomingbig news. More than 190,000 tourists visit Agadir each yearwhere numerous treatments are available in the city’s spas,including hot oil massages, ghassoul wraps and black soapexfoliating. To experience the traditional hammam(‘bathhouse’), head to Marrakech, or if you are looking fortraditional Moroccan argan oil, visit Essaouira. The 830,000hectares covered with argan trees between Essaouira andAgadir have been granted the “Biospere Reserve” label byUNESCO. Extracted from the kernel of the fruit of the argantree which exists in south-western Morocco only, argan oil hasa high-grade content in vitamin E and is used in anti-ageingtreatments as well as hair care.

Sales challengeTo help broaden UK travel agents’ knowledge about Moroccoand its key tourism assets, the Moroccan National TouristOffice has introduced an e-learning programme atwww.moroccochampions-trade.com

Those who register on the site now have the chance tocompete in a sales challenge, rewarding those who havesuccessfully completed at least five modules and sold thehighest number of package holidays to Morocco. To be eligible,travel agents are requested to enter their sales performance ofpackage holidays to Morocco in the ‘My Account’ section. Thefirst five travel agents who achieve the best performance willthen have the chance to win the following prizes: a four-nightstay for two combining Marrakech and Essaouira on a half-board basis including flights; a three-night stay for two inAgadir on a half-board basis including flights; an iPad; a BlueRay DVD player; and an iPod.

With so much to offer, and at only three hours’ flight awaywith no time difference, it is not hard to see why more andmore Brits are choosing to visit Morocco. ✦

by JAMAL BOUJRAD, communications manager,

Moroccan National Tourist Office

What your clients

need to know to get

the most out of their

Moroccan adventure


morocco

S05 TB2007 Morocco_Layout 1 18/07/2012 11:47 Page 17

INNTRAVEL IS introducing anew break to Morocco fromSeptember.

The Cascades, Souks &Spices tour has beendesigned to absorb the magicof Morocco by exploring thelower foothills to the east ofMarrakech and a side of theAtlas that few experience.Five nights are spent at theKasbah Timdaf, where guestscan immerse themselves inthe Berber culture and jointhe hosts on a shopping tripto the souks before learningto prepare a tagine, briouateor messemen.

Other highlights includevisiting the cattle souk ofAttaouïa, discovering localpottery workshops;experiencing a traditionalhammam; and a cycling tour.

Two guided walks are alsoincluded, taking in an Islamicschool and mosque in thesmall village of Art Malad,exploring one of the lastremaining ksars (fortifiedgranaries) and visiting thecolourful medina of Demnate.Also included is a guided visitto the Ouzoud Waterfalls.

Prices lead in at £978 perperson, based on two sharingand include seven nights’breakfast accommodation,five dinners, five lunches,transfers, guided walks and ahammam. For more information or tobook see www.inntravel.co.ukor call 01653-617000.

THIS SUMMER, La Mamounia in Marrakech is opening its doors for ‘Day Pass’ visitors, whichgives guests the opportunity to enjoy its facilities for the day. Access to the tennis court, fitnesscentre, swimming pool and restaurants is included and the pass, which costs approximately £68per person, is available until September 21. Room rates start from approximately £456 in aHivernage Classic Room, per room per night, excluding a daily tax of £4. For details email [email protected]


Pullman opens firsthotel in Marrakech THE PULLMAN MarrakechPalmeraie Resort & Spa hasopened in La Palmeraie in a17 hectare olive grove, 30minutes from the airport.

The 252-room hotel offersa range of facilities includingfree Wi-fi, a ‘Chill out Space’and a deli-bar. For more information visitwww.pullmanresorts.com

Inntravel addsseven-nightCascades, Souks &Spices tour from£978 per person

5030

0800 008 7288www.classic-collection.co.uk

MOROCCOinspiring exotic breathtaking

Affordable luxury holidays,

private tours & twin centres

morocco


Tours – Hotels – RIADS & Leisure Breaks - Golf Holidays – SPA Holidays – Excursions & Transfers – Tailor Made Holidays....

For Further details please contact: MENARA TRAVEL LTD70 Shepherds Bush Road, London W6 7PH – England

Tel: 020 7371 2030 Email: [email protected]

10%commission

IMPERIAL CITIES TOUR - from £445: Departing every Saturday on full board basis– 7 Nights Accommodation + Tour Guide + Visits of MARRAKECH + CASABLANCA + FES + MEKNES + RABAT...

DISCOVERY OF MOROCCO TOUR - from £885: on full board basis – 10Nights Accommodation + Tour Guide + Visits of Casablanca + Rabat + Meknes + Fez + Erfoud + Merzouga +Ouarzazate + Marrakech.....

MOROCCO GOLF FESTIVAL 7 to 14 October 2012 MARRAKECH: £885 perGolfer including: Flight + 7 Nights on B&B in 5 Star hotel + 5 days of Golf + Cocktail Parties + Gala Dinner.....

MOROCCO – the Land of Wonders

morocco

PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS reports that ithas seen a surge in Moroccobookings for summer 2012.

The operator’s chairman andmanaging director, John Dixon, said:"Summer business to Morocco is up13% on last year. We have managedto secure an excellent range of offersfrom the hotel and riads we workwith, particularly those we feature inMarrakech, making it a veryaffordable destination for a shortbreak. Many of our clients are now

on their third or fourth visits as thereis always more to discover. There isalso an excellent range of flights tothe city and this, combined with itshistory, shopping and year-roundsunshine makes it an easy sell."

Special offers include free nightsat La Sultana, La Maison Arabe, EsSaadi, Dar Anika, le Meridien N'Fisand Jardins de la Medina; free childstays at Kasbah Tamadot; and aspecial Argan Oil Experience at LaMaison Arabe featuring a day trip to

Essaouira. The operator is alsooffering a summer perfume break atLa Mamounia.

As an example of prices, a five-night stay departing on July 27 costsfrom £809 per person.

The price includes flights fromGatwick with easyJet, privatetransfers and breakfastaccommodation in a double room. For more information or to book call01425-480400 or seewww.prestigeholidays.co.uk

ANATOLIAN SKY’S latestprogramme in Moroccofeatures five new hotelsincluding traditional riads,luxury beach hotels and acastle, alongside a variedprogramme of shortbreaks and multi-centretailor-made trips.

In the High AtlasMountains, the KasbahAngor is a Berber castle in

a dramatic hill-toplocation, offering boutiqueaccommodation, withprices from £499 perperson including breakfastfor three nights.

In Marrakech theoperator has added KsarAnika, a stylish andtranquil riad locatedagainst the walls of theold city, where a three-

night stay costs from £389per person includingbreakfast.

In Essaouira the newprogramme features twonew properties - HeureBleue, a centrally locatedhotel with prices from£735 per person for threenights and the Riad Darl’Oussia, a restoredauthentic riad where

prices start from £455 perperson for three nights.

Meanwhile, in Agadir theRoyal Decameron Tafoukt isnew to the programme onan all-inclusive basis, withprices from £379 for threenights. All prices includeflights, transfers and taxes. For more information call0844-273 3585 or visitwww.anatoliansky.co.uk

Anatolian Sky Holidays adds five new Moroccan properties for 2013

Prestige reports high repeat visitor trends as holidaymakers capitalise on special offers


MOROCCO

Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 or www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

A place of contrasts - modern, chic and luxurious. Stay in hand picked exquisite Riads or larger 5 star resort hotels. Perhaps a few nights on the coast or in the beautiful countryside? Prestige Holidays can tailor-make the holiday to suit your clients.

We have many offers to tempt including free nights, free meals, free spa treatments...let us know your preference.

Don’t forget you will receive Love to Shop vouchers for each booking made.

More affordable luxury holidays from your local airport.

morocco

FAMILY ADVENTURE specialist, TheAdventure Company, has launched anew range of Young Photographertours, which are aimed at enablingcreative children to have fun anddevelop their skills while on a familyholiday.

A professional photographer will joinspecial departures of some of the

company's most popular and colourfultrips in destinations including Moroccoto give young photographers practicaltips and daily challenges that will helpthem expand their skills.

An eight-day Kids in the KasbahsYoung Photography tour departs onOctober 21 and costs from £949 foradults and £939 for children, including

flights, transport, breakfastaccommodation and tuition.

Families will also experience thesouks and bazaars of Marrakech, exploreBerber villages hidden away in the AtlasMountains by donkey, and ride camelsalong the beach in coastal Essaouira. For more information visitwww.theadventurecompany.co.uk/family

Essaouira, Morocco

The Adventure Company launches new range of family photography tours


Attraction Worldintroduces 15new experiencesATTRACTION WORLD hasadded 15 new experiencesin Marrakech to itsportfolio.

As examples, a half-dayTajine Cooking Class costs£44 adult and £40 per child(ages six-11); a Medina,Palaces & Tombs optioncosts £24 per adult and £23per child and explores themedina, visiting souks andlearning about the differentindustries that make theold city unique; and a fullday Marrakech CityDiscovery tour costs £41 foradults and £37 per childand visits souks, palaces,museums and mosques.

All tours are fullycommissionable to agents.For more information or tobook visitwww.attractionworld.comor call 0871-700 8888.

morocco


ACACIA AFRICA reports that it is seeing more demand forexperiential travel.The company’s general manager, Vivian McCarthy, said: "Moreclients are in search of people and places as opposed to sun,sea and sand, and this change in interests places Moroccoright at the forefront of travel.

“The country lends itself to experential adventure andthere's the opportunity to delve deeper into a truly exoticculture.

“Included on our new 15-day Moroccan Expedition is thetown of Chefchaouen, which is situated in the heart ofMorocco's Rif Mountains and is definitely up and coming. Stillon the backpacker trail, it's a very relaxed place with a ruggedfeel, and in off-the-beaten track locations such as this you cantruly mingle with the locals.

“Essaouira, another highlight on our new short safari andtrek, is a charming coastal beach town. Situated on theAtlantic Coast it's not really one for sunbathers but it's a very'cool' place to relax for a few days and it's growing inpopularity with adventurers keen on watersports, especiallysurfers."

The operator’s new 15-day short safari trek, The MoroccanExpedition, takes in the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, thetallest religious building in the world; Fes, the oldest andlargest medieval city; and the Atlas Mountains. There’s alsothe opportunity to sleep under the stars in a Berber camp andtour the famous Kasbah.

It costs from £925 per person, based on two sharing, andincludes 13 nights’ accommodation, transport, most mealsand the services of a tour leader. Flights are excluded. For more information call 020-7706 4700, email info@acacia – africa.com or see www.acacia-africa.com

Acacia Africa adds new 15-day safaritrek, The Moroccan Expedition

CLASSIC COLLECTIONHolidays is hoping to seeincreased family bookings toMarrakech with the inclusionof the Four SeasonsMarrakech for this year.

The operator’s head ofpurchasing, Gary Boyer, said:“Marrakech has never beenthe first destination to springto mind at the mention of afamily holiday which is amissed opportunity given thatthis medieval city offersRaiders of the Lost Ark kudosduring the day and HarryPotter type magic andmystery at night. However theopening of Four SeasonsMarrakech means the city justgot its very own family-friendly five-star resort.

“As one might expect, thebedrooms and suites aresupremely comfortable,spacious and exceptionallywell-equipped. But where thehotel really comes into its

own is in catering for families.Baby-sitting services are alsoavailable and cots are free ofcharge. Inter-connectingrooms can also beguaranteed at the time ofbooking, while each childreceives a free booster seat tokeep at the time of booking.”

The resort hotel features akids’ club for youngerchildren and an adults’ centrefeaturing computers, a

cinema room, X-box, booksand magazines, pool tableand table-top football. Otherleisure facilities include threeoutdoor swimming pools,floodlit tennis courts and aspa and fitness centre.

Adult prices start from£1,668 and child prices from£366 for seven nights thisOctober, includingaccommodation, flights andprivate transfers.

Classic Collection adds Four Seasons Marrakech to entice family bookings




New tours from Travel The UnknownTRAVEL THE Unknown ispromoting two of itsnewest India tours.

A 14-day Festivals ofNorth India option leads inat £1,995 and gives gueststhe chance to learn aboutHindu culture and joinmillions of devotees asthey celebrate the HinduFestival of Navratri,dedicated to GoddessShakti in her variousforms.

The tour, which departson October 10, also takesin Delhi and India’s otherimportant religious towns -Amritsar, famed forSikhism’s glittering GoldenTemple, and the hill-stationof Dharamsala, home tothe exiled Dalai Lama andhis Buddhist followers.

Meanwhile, an 11-dayKerala Snake Boat Racecosts from £1,545 andtakes guests to watch theSnake Boat Race in Kerala.Other highlights includethe unseen reaches ofnorthern Kerala, thebeaches of Bekal, Theyyamdancing in Tellicherry andthe tropical mountainforests of Wayanad. Thenext departure is onAugust 3. For more information visitwww.traveltheunknown.com

ATTRACTION WORLD is encouraging agentsto pre-book city sightseeing tours for theirclients across a range of cities to maximisetheir commission potential.

Hotel pick-ups from hotels in a 10kmradius of the city are featured in the full daytours, which include a Chennai tour for £39per person, a Bangalore tour for £35,Calcutta for £36, Delhi for £31, Hyderabadfor £42, Mumbai for £39, Goa for £77 and anAgra and Taj Mahal tour from Delhi for£155.

The company’s head of product andmarketing, Gail Dunwoodie, said: “Pre-bookinga sightseeing tour is a great way for visitors toget to grips with these often daunting cities. Ifit’s pre-booked for the first day of a customer’sstay, they will very quickly become orientatedwith the city which is great for the rest of theirstay. By pre-booking everything is sorted andthere is no need to search for a guide or touron arrival.”For details see www.attractionworld.com orcall 0871-700 8888.

TAJ RESORTS Hotels & Palaces has announced the launch ofa new Monsoon Package, available until September 30, atselected hotels within the Taj portfolio.

With selected summer discounts and extended stay optionsat a number of hotels across India, including the luxury GrandPalaces, Vivanta by Taj properties and The Gateway Hotels &Resorts, the monsoon season is an ideal time for clientsseeking value for money deals to the company’s properties.

As examples, three nights for the price of two are availableat select Vivanta by Taj hotels, as well as the Taj Grand Palaces of Umaid Bhawan Palace,Jodhpur; Rambagh Palace, Jaipur; Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur; and the Deccan’s ‘crowning jewel’Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, when booking the Royal Retreat package.

Clients booking a three-night stay at selected properties in Goa, including Vivanta by Taj - FortAguada, Vivanta by Taj - Holiday Village and Taj Exotica, will receive a fourth night for free. Theoffer also includes a 20% discount for clients booking on a half-board basis and must be bookedfor a minimum of three nights. Rates start from 24,000 INR (approx £268) for three nights on asingle occupancy basis. For more information visit www.tajhotels.com

RIVIERA TRAVEL has launched a new itinerary called Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal & Amritsar’s GoldenTemple. The lead in price is £1,699 for 14 days (12 nights’ accommodation) and includes guided toursof Amritsar, Agra and the Taj Mahal; a Jaipur city tour; a visit to Amber fort; a city tour of Pushkar,Jodhpur and Mehrangarh forts; a visit to Nagaur Fort and Ranakpur Temple, plus a Udaipur city tour.Guests have the opportunity to upgrade to the white marble Udaipur Taj Lake Palace hotel (pictured).The company is also offering an 11-day option from £1,169 (Northern India’s Golden Triangle), whichincludes visits to see the tigers of Ranthambore National Park, a stay at a heritage hotel in Rajasthan,visiting the major sights of Old and New Delhi and travel on the Shimla Railway. For details visitwww.rivieratravel.co.uk

india

Attraction World highlights sightseeing options

Taj Resorts Hotels & Palaces launches Monsoon package deal

The Taj Mahal

S06 TB2007 India_Layout 1 18/07/2012 14:13 Page 23

JEWEL IN the Crown Holidays has launched its first edition 2012/13 ‘Jewel of Goa’ brochure, withprices leading in at £679 per person for a week and £705 per person for two weeks departing inearly December and staying at the two-star Resort Village Royale, Calangute in North Goa on abed-and-breakfast basis.

The operator’s managing director, Platon Loizou, said: “After nearly 30 years of arrangingholidays to Goa I am still excited that the value and exuberance of Goa remains and provides uswith great satisfaction levels. In today’s financial climate Goa offers attractive prices for an exoticholiday with a low level cost of living on essential items such as food and drinks.”

The dedicated brochure features more than 50 properties, ranging from one-star rated smallguesthouses to five-star deluxe hotels across 16 resorts.

Loizou said “You do not need a maths degree to appreciate that the cost of the flight is thesame for a two-week holiday to Goa. We can see more people opting for two weeks as it is onlya small amount extra to pay.”

Among the key features of the 68-page brochure are two weekly departures (from Gatwick onTuesdays and Manchester on Thursdays) from November through to April 2013. For more information call 01293-533338 or visit www.jewelholidays.com


india

New walkingitinerary inKumaon Himalayasfrom TransIndusTRANSINDUS HASintroduced a new walkingholiday in the KumaonHimalayas, which is idealfor active travellerslooking to get ‘off thebeaten track’ and explorethe Himalayan region ofKumaon on foot, whilststaying in modest villagehomes along the way.

The relativelyunexplored region ofKumaon offers uniquescenery in the Himalayasand is inhabited byspiritual people, who havebeen able to preserve theirculture and traditions.

Guests can walkthrough unspoilt remotevillages to experiencerural Kumaon from closequarters and exchangestories with village eldersover a cup of ‘chai’ or evenhelp the men and womenworking in the fields.

A nine-night private tourcosts from £2,490 perperson, based on twosharing and includesflights, transfers, fullboard accommodation withdrinks (except in Delhi)and an English speakingguide. Travel is betweenSeptember and May 2013.For more information seewww.transindus.co.uk orcall 020-8566 3739.

‘Jewel of Goa’ first edition launch from Jewel in the Crown

THE ALILA Bangalore, which opened earlier this year, has unveiled its new spa, which featuresone double room, four single treatment rooms and steam rooms. Guests can choose fromtraditional Asian and European massage techniques and signature treatments, which including aBalinese Crème Bath and a 150-minute Beauty and Balance option.For details www.alilahotels.com/bangalore

COX & KINGS has launched its new India &Beyond brochure for 2013 featuring a rangeof escorted group tours and tailor-madeprivate holidays to India, Sri Lanka, Nepal,Bhutan and the Maldives.

New tailor-made ideas have been developedacross the region for clients wanting to explorelesser known areas and the operator has alsointroduced standard and superior departureson selected group tours.

As an example, the nine-day, seven-nightIndian Experience tour of the GoldenTriangle continues to be one of thecompany’s best-sellers and costs from£1,295 per person for the standard tour and£1,345 per person for the superioralternative. Both versions stay in four-staraccommodation and visit Mehatab Baghgarden for a view of the Taj Mahal at sunset.

The tailor-made section of the brochureoffers suggestions on enhancing an itinerarywith lesser-known experiences, such as aprivate Champagne tour of Jodhpur’sMehrangarh Fort with the museum curator, orafternoon tea at La Martinere College, theformer country home of the British East Indiaemployee Major General Claude Martin.

This year the operator reports that it hasseen a 60% increase in passengers travellingto Sri Lanka compared with 2010. The 14-day,12-night escorted tour, Sri Lanka: TheEnchanted Island has an improved hotel at theend of the tour and will cost from £2,295 perperson next year. It includes direct flights fromLondon with Sri Lankan Airlines, transfers,excursions and breakfast accommodation. For more information or to book visitwww.coxandkings.co.uk/india-subcontinent

India & Beyond brochure from C&K


india


KERALA TRAVEL Centre isgiving visitors to SouthWest India the opportunityto discover the highlightsof Kerala with the launchof escorted group tours.

The tours have beenintroduced to give visitorsthe chance to discover anew destination in thecompany of a group whilebenefiting from theexpertise and theknowledge of ahandpicked tour guide.

The first escorted tourto be launched includesthe port town of Cochin,backwaters ofKumarakom, teaplantations of Munnar,wildlife of Periyar, thehouseboat cruise and thebeaches of Mararikulam.

Highlights include visitsto hill stations and spiceplantations, a jeep safariand a night on a luxuryprivate houseboat.

Kerala specialistlaunches escortedgroup tours

TREYN HAS added an 11-day tour to India as partof its new worldwideprogramme. Prices start from £1,715per person and includescheduled flights, railtravel on the ShatabdiExpress in air-conditioned chairs, ninenights’ breakfastaccommodation, threelunches, nine dinners, asightseeing tour of Delhi,a guided tour of Agra, asunset visit to the TajMahal, an excursion toFatehpur Sikri, two gamedrives at RanthamboreNational Park, asightseeing tour ofJaipur, a visit to theAmber Fort, a guidedtour of Patan and BadalMahal, all transfers andthe services of a tourmanager.

The tour operator’smarketing and salesdirector, Alex Roberts,said: “We’ve seen hugegrowth year-on-year forour long-haul railholidays.

“Our core market isthe over 55s and they arebecoming moreadventurous. Theyidentify strongly with theconcept of ‘safe’adventure in placesfurther afield and therehas been a huge growthin the India rail holidaysmarket, where we’veseen 150% growth year-on-year to India. It’sarguably the best way tosee the country and wehave some amazingluxury holidays ataffordable prices.”

There is someavailability left for thenew tour on October 8,22 and November 12,2012. For more informationvisitwww.railholidays.com orcall 01904-734939

Treyn introducesnew ‘India’s Tigers& Palaces’ option

Goa

Cosmos Holidays issues ‘Distant Dreams’ & ‘Goa & Indian Ocean’ brochures

COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched its Distant Dreams and Goa & Indian Ocean brochures with arange of savings of up to £165 per person on selected holidays in Goa, the Caribbean and Egypt. Adeposit of £100 per person on all bookings made from either brochure before July 31 is available,with nothing to pay until ten weeks prior to departure.

Savings in the Distant Dreams brochure, which offers departures from August through toOctober 2013, include up to £165 per person on selected Goa holidays.

With the recent increase in flight capacity to Goa, the choice of hotels has also been expandedto include a choice of two- to five-star rated properties in popular resorts.

As an example, a seven-night stay at the two-diamond rated Lui Beach Hotel costs from £729per person on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Also new is the four-diamond rated Ramada Caravelain Varca suitable for families, couples and golfers, where prices lead in at £1,039 per person.

In the company’s Goa & Indian Ocean brochure, more flexibility is offered for different lengthdurations in Goa. As well as the traditional seven-, 14- and 21-night stays, customers can nowchoose nine- and 12-night stays.

Meanwhile, customers wanting to see more of the Indian Ocean destinations, can choose froma wider choice of twin centre and tour & stay holidays in Goa, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. For more information or to book visit www.cosmos.co.uk



cyprus

PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has reported thatCyprus bookings remain steady.

The company’s chairman andmanaging director, John Dixon, said:“We still attract a lot of repeat businessto Cyprus but bookings have remainedon a par this year compared with last.Our Cyprus programme features veryhigh quality hotels and breaks in thePaphos and Limassol region, and we are

working closely with agents to push ouradded value deals and discounts. Theseinclude free half-board at the AphroditeHills, Alymra, Le Meridien, ColumbiaBeach, Asimina Suites and Annabellehotels, as well as free nights at a rangeof properties.”

As examples of prices, seven nightsfor the price of five is offered at the five-star Anassa Hotel, offering a saving of

£420 per person throughout the summerfor those booking before July 31.

A week's stay departing on September5 costs from £1,679 per person includingflights from Gatwick, private transfersand bed-and-breakfast accommodationin a Studio Suite. For more information or to book visitwww.prestigeholidays.co.uk or call01425-480400.

SOVEREIGN LUXURY Travel is offering a free upgrade tohalf-board at the Almyra Hotel in Cyprus, as well asfree child flights and early booking discounts. Sevennights departing on July 24 leads in at £2,525 for afamily of three, including easyJet flights from Gatwickand private transfers. The deal offers a saving of up to£1,549 per family of three. For details call 0844-415 1936 or visitwww.sovereign.com

Cyprus sales remain steady for Prestige as it continues to push added value deals

The Almyra Hotel in Cyprus

S07 TB2007 Cyprus_Layout 1 18/07/2012 12:55 Page 26

WITH YEAR-ROUND sunshine, topsporting facilities and a famouslyBritish-friendly infrastructure, Cyprushas long been a popular trainingground for our Olympic, Paralympic andCommonwealth teams – a relationshipunderpinned during the 2004 Olympicswhen Team GB was based on the islandfor the Athens Games.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation ishighlighting the range of facilities theisland offers – not just forprofessionals, but also for thoseseeking an active break. Hotels with

sporting connections include the CoralBeach Hotel, home to both Team GBand the BBC Olympic news crews in2004 and still a popular destination forteams looking for winter training.Offering top-level facilities including anOlympic pool and gym, which can beused by guests when not in use byprofessionals, the hotel also has an in-house trainer who can put togethertailored fitness programmes.

With its varied geography, Cyprusalso offers a wealth of opportunities foroutdoor enthusiasts, from rock-

climbing on the Akamas peninsula anddiving in the island’s clear waters tohiking in the Troodos mountains andmaking the most of the watersports onoffer around Agia Napa.

The island’s road network has alsobeen popular with cyclists and thedestination is the location of a numberof international competitions, includingthe challenging Sunshine Cup and theVolkswagen Cycling Tour. Runners,particularly the more serious runners,can attempt the Cyprus Internationalfour-day challenge.

Cyprus Tourism Organisation promotes island’s sporting facilities & active breaks

Widest selection of quality

accommodations from 5� Boutique

Hotels to Villas with Pools

matched by product knowledge

& 40 years experience

To request brochure or booking call us on

020 8340 7612£40

incentive for every package holiday booking

until further notice

Holidays Bookings over

£7,000will receive an amazing gift

of Bubbles & Truffles

Cyplon Supreme

Agents Club

email sales on how to join and what

the benefits are

Price Matching Will be Considered

Book on line www.cyplon.co.uk or Email: [email protected]

CYPRUSCYPRUS

cyprus


Olympic predicts strong family uptake OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS reports that it is expecting solid familybusiness to Cyprus this summer, with bookings so farstronger for the family-led resorts of Protaras and Agia Napathan for other resorts on the island.

The operator's commercial director, Photis Lambrianides,said: "We saw a good level of sales in January and arelooking for a bookings surge that will give our peak seasonnumbers a boost.

"Protaras and Agia Napa are currently outselling the otherresorts on the island and largely because of the familymarket, which traditionally is one of the earlier sectors tobook. Families watching their budget closely are increasinglygoing self-catering and these two resorts have the largestconcentrations of self-catering units in Cyprus.

"Overall, bookings for Cyprus are going as well. The fact UKtravellers are getting more euro to their pound now is helping,as the positive shift in the exchange rate has put eurozonedestinations back on holidaymakers' radar. Hoteliers havebeen proactive with offers and discounts and we are seeingsensible pricing that we can pass on to the consumer."

The operator also says that all-inclusives are again playinga major role this year and it is featuring 46 all-inclusiveproperties on the island. For winter 2012/13, the operator willbe focusing on its core Cyprus winter product of four- andfive-star hotels, targeting a market mix of couples and theolder grey market.

As an example of prices, seven nights' breakfastaccommodation at the three-star Kapetanios Bay Hotel inProtaras leads in at £489 per person, based on two sharing atwin room next month.

The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers. For details call 0844-499 4449 or seewww.olympicholidays.com


cyprus


PLANET HOLIDAYS is launching its 2013 programme, dueout by September, which will continue its focus on top endaccommodation and weddings.

The company’s director, Harry Kyrillou, said: “We arelooking to provide the trade with an affordable luxuryproduct for both leisure sales and weddings, which is ourstrength.The British market has not performed so well forCyprus but we are resilient and hoping that thedisappointing UK summer weather may encouragetravellers to book for the autumn and winter. We are alsolooking at niche markets for future growth."

The operator is keen for agents to encourage clients tomake use of the early booking offers available at a range ofpopular five-star hotels for holidays booked at the end ofOctober this year to March 2013. This includes the five-starAnnabel in Paphos, where a seven-night break in Novemberon a full board basis costs £667 per person including flightsand transfers.

Kyrollou said: "The dealincludes a free upgradefrom bed-and-breakfast tofull board and is worth asaving of €50 per person perday. This is great for coupleslooking to escape for a shortseven-night break but evenmore attractive for retiredcouples considering a longstay of three or moreweeks."

Facilities at the propertyinclude a selection ofrestaurants and bars, a spa,sports facilities and a kids’club for children aged sixmonths old to 16 years.

For weddings, thecompany’s director, MathildeRobert reports healthy salesfor both this year and next toall parts of the island.

She said: "Agents supportour wedding options onCyprus as a result ofdemand. The cost savingsand guaranteed weather,coupled by an unrivalledchoice of venues, makesCyprus a top choice for UKcouples looking to tie theknot abroad."

Agents looking to arrangeto meet the company andlearn more about itsproducts can do so at twoNational Weddingexhibitions this autumn -Earls Court Wedding Showfrom September 28-30 andthe Birmingham WeddingShow, from October 5-7. For more information call0871-871 2234 or visit www.planet-holidays.co.uk

the welcome in Cyprus is as warm as the year-round MedCyprus

CALL 0800 008 7288www.classic-collection.co.uk/cyprus

Stunning beaches secluded coves

the welcome in Cyprus is as warm as the year-round Mediterranean sun

rustic villages friendly people

LuxuryAFFORDABLE

Planet Holidays continues focus on high-end properties & weddings

Bridge Gardens ,Annabel Hotel, Paphos


CYPLON HOLIDAYS is offering exclusive packages to agentswhere they can opt to ‘Just add flights’ or request the operatorto do this for them.

The flights package cost remains the same and is valid fromany airport on any flight the customer chooses.

The packages, which are commissionable to agents at 10%,include spa holidays in Cyprus, weddings in Cyprus andGreece, golf and bowls in Cyprus and Classical Tours ofGreece.

The company is also giving agents the option to requestpersonalised window posters and leaflets. If agents send theirlogo and contact details to [email protected], the operator

will personalise them and return them. Agents can then emailor produce leaflets for their local clubs, associations and use intheir window display.

The operator’s winter 2012/13 brochure is also now available. As an example of prices, a seven-night breakfast stay at the

four-star Athena Beach in Paphos between October 1 andApril 30, 2013 leads in at £200 per person excluding flights. Theprice is based on two sharing a twin inland view room andincludes private transfers.

A free upgrade to a twin sea view during low season is alsooffered.For more information or to book call 0800-074 8888.

INNTRAVEL IS highlighting aseven-night tour of Cypruswhich takes in the Krasochoriawine region and Neo Chorio,the gateway to Akamas.Highlights include a naturetrail to the KaledoniaWaterfall, the opportunity tovisit the mosaics in Paphos andthe ruins of the ancient city ofKourion. Prices lead in at £485per person, based on twosharing and include breakfastaccommodation, three dinners,car hire and walking maps.Flights are extra.For details seewww.inntravel.co.uk or call01653-617000.

CYPRUSPrestige Holidays offer a superb range of the best hotels in Cyprus, smaller boutique hotels to larger resort hotels, family friendly, spa and golf hotels.

Many offers including children stay free, free nights, free half board and free Spa treatments. Prices start from £794 per person on B&B for a weeks stay in a 4 star hotel this summer.

Love to Shop vouchers for each booking made.

More affordable luxury holidays from your local airport.

Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

cyprus

‘Just add flights’ option from Cyplon offers exclusive packages for agents to sell


Attraction World highlights popular tours & attractionsATTRACTION WORLD has revealed its most sought after tours andattractions in Cyprus.

They include Waterworld in Agia Napa, which leads in at £32 per adultand £18 per child (aged three-12); a Simply Cyprus Tour which costs £56 foradults and £38 per child (aged three-11) and visits three of the destination'sattractions in one all-inclusive tour from Paphos; and a Troodos and Kykkosoption, which costs £63 per adult and is limit to 20 people.

Also popular is a four-hour Paphos Cruise which costs £38. All tours arefully commissionable to agents.

We asked our staff the followingquestion this week:

What are your top three pet hates?

Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd - University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London,SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661

Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited - Travel Bulletin ispublished weekly and distributed to every ABTA, TTA &GTG agent.

Subscriptions are £105 p.a. for touroperators and others, plus additionalABTA, IATA copies.

Overseas subscriptions by air mail: £155

ISSN: 0956-2419

Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] Vegas, motor racing and arrogant people

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] who do their make-up on the train. Parents whodon't comfort their screaming/crying babies & having tochase last-minute answers from staff for these questionsevery week! Come on guys - pick it up!

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected]

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] three?! Other people's "personal" music. Meaningless"Back in 10min" notes on shop doors - from when? Middlelane motorway hoggers

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Production: Jeremy Walters [email protected] not saying "thank you" when a door is held openfor them, drivers not indicating when changing lanes orcornering, cats using my garden as their toilet.

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Crossword:Across: 1. JURYS INN, 6. MORECAMBE, 8. YELLOW, 10. ARNO, 12. ARAN, 13. GUYANA, 15. RADCLIFFE, 17. VESUVIUS. Down: 1. JONNY MARRAY, 2. RAM, 3. NICE, 4. BUENOS AIRES, 5. UMBRIA, 7. ROOK, 9. LUANDA, 11. GULF, 14. ELBE, 16. EDI.

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Travagrams: (top) Aurora Expeditions (bottom) Nice

Where Am I?: Cardiff

puzzlesolutions


Audit Bureau ofCirculations -

Business magazines

THE PALM Beach Hotel & Bungalows, located on the outskirts of Larnaka,continues to be a popular choice for UK holidaymakers.

The property’s general manager, Antonis Papakyriakou, said: "This year hasbeen unpredictable, with highs and lows but we are seeing a rewarding highpercentage of loyal, repeat bookings from the UK. This is excellent for us as oneof the long established hotels on the island. There is plenty going on in Larnakaand in the nearby villages of the Larnaka District. Many of our clients are happyto combine their rest and relaxation part of their stay with us by also makingtime to visit all that Larnaka has to offer. From the completed public walkways,cycling lanes, plus the great shopping, cultural, music and art scene. There issomething for all age groups."

The property, which is located on the beach, offers large gardens, three pools,a chapel and 188 front sea view rooms, garden view rooms and eight suites. Itsbungalow complex, which comprises of 40 studios and suites, a lagoon shapepool and bar, is ideal for families.

Papakyriakou is highlighting a selection of events and attractions in Larnakaacross the summer and autumn – from a small museum dedicated to the oldway of life and traditional Cyprus to a new kitesurfing beach, summertime musicevents, the Volleyball SWATCH Youth World Championships and World TourismDay on September 27.

Seven nights at the property in September or October cost from £700 basedon two people sharing a garden view room, on a bed-and-breakfast basis.Flights with Monarch cost from £233 per person from Gatwick or Luton. For more information visit www.palmbeachhotel.com, www.larnacaatnight.comand www.monarch.co.uk

Palm Beach Hotel sees demand from repeat visitors

Larnaka

cyprus




Documents

Travel Bulletin (July 20 2012)