travel bulletin 13th december 2013

We’d like to wish all

our readers a very

December 13 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,854 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

showcase bulletinthe night in pictures from ourIndian Ocean Showcase eventin Manchester

trainingoperators & tourist boardsunveil their latest trainingevents & online modules

short breaks

capitalise on the Xmas breakby selling a quick getaway toyour clients

icelandPromote Iceland records 40%increase in British visitors

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this week

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year!and a

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Look out for your JADVENT calendar arriving after the 18th December . . .

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GET YOUR SKATES ON...Group travel organisers and coach tour operators, along with travel trade winter sports fans,recently had a preview of one of London's ice rinks, Skate at Somerset House. The rink is now open until January 5,2014 from 10:00 or 08:45 on certain days. After dark, skaters can enjoy a live soundtrack with Club Nights and, newfor this year, is Skate Extras offering Champagne and chocolates, dinner at Tom’s Kitchen or a luxury stay at The Savoy.Tickets start from £7.50 per session. To book groups of 20 or more, contact Ticketmaster’s dedicated group line on 0844-844 2121.

This Week

3 newsa round-up of this week'sindustry news & developments

8 notes from normantonSandy pays a visit to thenew Jet2 offices

9 agent bulletinwhat's in store for Capricornthis month?

11 puzzle bulletintry your luck at Su Doku fora chance to win a £50 M&Svoucher

12 bulletin briefingAdvantage unveils its newbrand identity

13 showcase bulletinthe night in pictures fromour Indian Ocean showcaseevent in Manchester

16 cruise bulletinup to 30% savings onselected 2014/15 sailingswith Fred. Olsen

17 trainingoperators & tourist boardsunveil their latest trainingevents & online modules

21 short breakscapitalise on the Xmasbreak by selling a quickgetaway to your clients

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3www.travelbulletin.co.uk December 13 2013

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DEMAND FOR information when searching for holidays has never been higher, yet the travelindustry is not making the most of this opportunity and is failing to provide engaging onlinecontent – according to new research from Axonn Research.

The research, entitled ‘Sun, Sea and Content Marketing: Producing the Right Content forTravellers’, quizzed more than 470 professionals in the sector about their online marketinghabits.

The report, which took four months to compile, found firms across the industry wereunderusing online content to drive sales and increase the average conversion rate – currentlyjust 3%. Many of those quizzed showed an understanding of the tools available to them, yet anunwillingness to use them. For example, more than half (53%) of those polled stated they sawthe value in producing video content, yet none of them had chosen to use it to increase theironline visibility.

Similarly, just over a third of firms (34%) said they produced non-English content, yet morethan half (53%) are not pursuing a multilingual strategy. And a quarter of those polled said theywould be interested in using video content even though the medium is among the mostsuccessful in driving web traffic.

Social media was found to be the most common form of online customer engagement with85% of those polled using it to attract new customers. Some 60% of those quizzed said theircompanies produced online blog and news content, with more than eight in ten featuringcontent on their homepage.

Families were still the biggest target demographic, being prioritised by just under two-thirdsof firms (65%), and 42% said they focused on attracting those interested in adventure holidays,with just over a quarter (28%) stating their focus was on green or budget getaways.

Joel Brandon-Bravo, UK managing director for Travelzoo, believes it is harder than ever toachieve customer retention in a market where brand loyalty is at an all-time low.

He said: “Consumers are doing more personal research than ever before they book a holidayyet this report shows firms are simply not doing enough to engage with and ultimately convertthem into customers.

“With loyalty at an all-time low businesses need a differentiator and it seems many areturning a blind eye to the tools available to them to do so, which over time needs to change.”

Marc Turley, head of Axonn Research, said: “Gaining a better understanding of contentmarketing strategy is vital within the travel industry, especially when there is such a need toincrease conversions from website visits.

“If those surveyed are willing to spend more time and resources implementing a strategy andbeing more adventurous when creating content, they will see the results they want.”For more information or to access the full report visit www.axonn.co.uk/axonn-research

Industry shows lack of knowledge of online marketing according to new research from Axonn

25 icelandPromote Iceland records40% increase in Britishvisitors

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JA RESORTS & Hotels has announcedits Easter and summer promotions forearly bird bookings.

The company, which owns OceanView Hotel and Oasis Beach Tower,located on the popular Walk area ofDubai, as well as the JA Palm TreeCourt and JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, is

offering agents taking bookings for2014 the option of a 25% off discountor five nights for the price of four.

As examples, a stay at the JA OceanView Hotel between April 22 andOctober 24, 2014 offers a 25%discount when booked by March 31.

A booking made by January 31 for a

stay at JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel (at JAJebel Ali Golf Resort) will entitleclients to a five-night stay for theprice of four nights in all room typesfor travel between March 31 and April21. For more information visitwww.jaresortshotels.com

COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched its second edition 2014Florida programme with new superior quality private villas toadd to its existing choice of holiday options, as well as a rangeof early booking offers.

Customers can take advantage of a deposit offer of £49 perperson as well as free kids insurance when adult premiertravel insurance is taken out on bookings made before March31 (for January 1 to October 31 departures).

Also available is a free ‘Wet ‘n Wild’ 14-day ticket on packagebookings with accommodation at the Ramada Plaza Resortand Monarch charter flights for departures taken between May1 and October 31. Package bookings made before February 28including Monarch Premium Class flights are also eligible forfree lounge passes at Sanford Orlando Airport.

Meanwhile, a choice of newly-featured superior private villaswith pools now includes Trafalgar Village and West Haven (bothfrom £685 per person), located in the Kissimmee area.

The company is also offering a range of pre-bookable themepark tickets, including Disney’s Ultimate with access to sixparks in one ticket. Pre-bookable 14-day ticket prices are from£89 per person based on the three-park SeaWorld/BuschGardens/Aquatica option.

The Monarch charter flight programme from Gatwick andManchester will run throughout the summer season withdepartures from Glasgow available on peak season dates for14-night durations. Scheduled flights with British Airways andVirgin Atlantic from Gatwick and Manchester are also availablethroughout the winter whilst flights from Gatwick to Tampa areavailable on a year-round basis.

Seven-night package prices lead in from £649 per adult and£299 per child, fly/drive from £599 and Walt Disney WorldResort holidays from £889. For more information call 0871-423 8518 or see www.trade-gate.co.uk

JA Resorts & Hotels promotes range of Easter & summer savings for 2014

www.travelbulletin.co.ukDecember 13 20134

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YOUTH TRAVEL brand, Geckos is launching trips in Europe for thefirst time in 2014, with Berlin serving as the start or finish point forseveral of its trips. As an example, a 15-day Gothic Wiener Odysseycosts from £1,680 and visits six countries as it journeys fromBarcelona to Berlin, taking in Avignon, Paris, Luxembourg, Brusselsand Amsterdam along the way. For those who want to exploreEastern Europe, the Bohemian Rhapsody itinerary (15 days from£1,260) will journey from Berlin to Venice, covering the highlights ofPoland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Slovenia.

BRITAIN IS a nation of happiness and inspiration seekers whenit comes to music with nine out of ten people (95%) claimingthat tunes have the power to evoke happy memories. Music’sability to rouse and move also scored similarly highly with 93%of people regarding their favourite song as inspiring. Theresearch, conducted on behalf of Royal CaribbeanInternational, also found that we are a nation of passionatemusic lovers with three-quarters of people (74%) stating thatmusic is important to them. People also agreed that musicenhanced memories with more than a third (31%) re-livingtheir favourite holiday memories on cue to a particular track.

The research coincides with the announcement that newship, Anthem of the Seas, will become one of the mostentertainment-dedicated and technologically advanced cruiseships to be based in the UK when it launches in spring 2015.

The new vessel will include a Music Hall, built to showcasethe best in live music, and venue Two70°, named for its 270-degree panoramic sea views provided by vast, floor-to-ceilingglass walls.

The line's president and CEO, Adam Goldstein, said: “Britshave shaped the music world and really know their music, andour new ship, Anthem of the Seas, has music at its heart.Basing a new ship in Southampton shows our commitment tothe UK and is also a bold statement of our confidence tocontinue to be leaders of innovation in music andentertainment. We look forward to bringing Anthem of theSeas to the UK to deliver amazing memories and experiences.”

The new ship will sail from Southampton during thesummer and autumn, before heading to Fort Lauderdale inFlorida for the winter months. A sister-ship, Quantum of theSeas, will launch in November 2014. For more information see www.royalcaribbean.co.uk

Cosmos expands range of villas in second edition Florida programme

RCI survey reveals music is the key to happiness

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PING PALS.... Paul Staddon and Erika Vann from Flight Centre, Clapham attended a Contiki event at Pingin Earls Court recently to mark the launch of the operator's 2014 Europe brochure. It features new tours,a greater emphasis on its Backstage Pass to Europe and a doubling of the number of ‘Me Time’ options,rising from 50 to 100. Early booking savings of 10% are available on holidays booked by January 15. Thecompany is also sponsoring Tournament Tuesdays at Ping on the second Tuesday of each month fromJanuary for six months, with a different trip up for grabs on the evening for the tournament winner. For details see www.contiki.com


Free skiing for children at half-term &Easter with Abercrombie & KentABERCROMBIE & Kent is inviting families to enjoy a seriesof ‘children ski free’ offers in the peak school holidayseasons of half-term and Easter next year.

In the Dolomites, all children under eight years ski forfree whilst nine-12 year olds receive a 50% discount on theirlift passes. In Villars, all children aged under nine ski free,whilst in Lech every child under eight skis for free.

As examples, a week at Chalet Iergl in the Dolomitescosts from £2,990 per person based on eight guests sharingon a bed-and-breakfast basis, while a week's stay at ChaletL'Arole in Villars costs from £2,500 per person, based on 16guests sharing on a fully catered basis. For more information visit www.akvillas.com

SpringtimeBulbfield Breakfrom LegerHolidaysLEGER HOLIDAYS ishighlighting its 'Bulbfieldsof Europe' tours, withfour- or five-day toursstarting from £189 perperson, including an earlybooking discount.

The short breaksinclude the opportunity tosee some of the world’smost spectacular floraldisplays, as well asoffering the chance toexplore the towns ofBelgium or thecosmopolitan city ofAmsterdam.

Early booking discountsof up to £40 per personare available for bookingsmade before January 31.For full details visitwww.legerbreaks.info or call 0844-324 9256.

Booking system enhancements from BookaBedINDEPENDENT BED-BANK supplier, BookaBed, haslaunched new booking system enhancements following aforum day with its top 20 UK agent partners.

Agents can now make several hotel bookings within theone reference number. When entering the guest's details,agents can click ‘Add Another Hotel’ and a new search boxwill appear enabling a search to be carried out. When allhotel reservations are made, agents will be shown the'Shopping Basket' and can continue to confirm the bookingas normal.

Another new addition has been a new icon added topopular hotels that are being booked on the website;previously this had only been available in the 'MostPopular' tab on the site, but is now visible in the generalsearch.

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BIG BUS Tours Ltd. hascreated one unifying globalbrand, Big Bus Tours,following the merger of TheBig Bus Company and LesCars Rouges in 2011. Thenew brand roll out is expectedto be fully complete by thefirst quarter of next year.

Big Bus Tours becomesthe single brand representingthe merged operations of LesCars Rouges, Open TopSightseeing Tours and BigBus Tours, and the companyreports rapid growth in thelast two months with newoperations recently launchedin Vienna and Istanbul.

Gerry Price, thecompany's commercialdirector, said: “Our newcompany branding and liveryeffectively communicates ournew identity. We wanted toshowcase our contemporarynew look whilst retaining anelement of the history andheritage sitting within thenewly formed business. Wewere keen to create oneconsistent brand which canbe easily recognised aroundthe world and which reflectswhere the business hasgrown from."

The company currentlyoperates in 15 cities acrossthree continents – Europe,Asia and North America andhas a combined fleet of morethan 300 buses carrying inexcess of four millionpassengers per year.For details visitwww.bigbustours.com or call 020-7976 4364.

Big Bus Toursreveals newglobal brand


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Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@visitlondon Need gift ideas? Browsethe twinkling cabins at theSouthbank#ChristmasMarket for funpresents for your lovedones! http://ow.ly/pqCgC

@HKTourismUK Take a virtual tour of@cathaypacific's newlounge, The Bridge, nowopen in Hong KongInternational;http://dld.bz/dd4KB

@CosmosHolidays Have you checked out ourvery cheap Winter escapesto #Goa yet?http://bit.ly/1dNHzZ3

imtrav 25% off selected Asia trips!http://bit.ly/1bLWiAg

@On_The_Go_Tours And D is for the DeadSea...Book our Passage toPetra tour before 31December and we’ll giveyou $100 off!

@HolidayExtras Don't dread your flight withlittle ones this Christmas!Check out @IrvAtLarge of@MotherAndBaby on ourblog http://hxtrs.co/IDJ4dF

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

TravelBulletin

Newsbites● SILVERSEA CRUISES has added newspapers and lifestyle

magazines to its complimentary onboard digital servicewhich can be accessed on any Wi-Fi-enabled laptop,smartphone, tablet or e-book reader.

● A NEW travel-themed social media website, talkholiday, hasbeen launched to offer anyone going on holiday, attending anevent or looking to create global or local interest groups theopportunity to see who else is going and build friendshipsbefore they travel.

● THE LONDON Pass, which helps visitors save money andtime on their city sightseeing, is offering better value withthe addition of two new attractions - the Imperial WarMuseum and the Museum of London. Both museums arefree to visit, but London Pass holders will also gain freeentry into paying exhibitions running until early 2015. For details see www.londonpass.com

● GATWICK HAS announced that Nando’s will open its firstairport restaurant in the South Terminal next summer.

● EUROPCAR AND Aeroflot, Russia’s flagship airline, haveannounced an exclusive strategic partnership for the nextfive years to provide car rental services to all Aeroflotbusiness and leisure customers.

● HESTON BLUMENTHAL and Heathrow have announced thatthe chef will launch a new restaurant at Terminal 2: TheQueen’s Terminal in June 2014. The concept and menu,currently being developed, will showcase Heston's love fornostalgia and celebrate his pride of all things British,including our much loved and familiar dishes.

● THE MACAU Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has unveiledfour new walking tours designed to take visitors off thebeaten tourist trail and help them discover lesser knowncommunities, savour local cuisines and discover the city’sculture. Information on the new trails is available todownload from www.macautourism.gov.mo

● WILDERNESS SAFARIS has introduced a new Child TravelPolicy to make its family safari offering more affordable andflexible. Children will now receive a 65% discount during off-peak season and a 35% discount during peak season. Thereduced rate has also been extended up to, and including,16-year-olds when sharing with an adult.

● BEST OF Britain & Ireland, the UK’s annual trade show fordomestic tourism, has opened registration for its 2014 eventwhich takes place at the NEC from March 12-13. For details see www.bobievent.com

● PURPLE PARKING has taken over the operation of the 4,500space car park at Gatwick Airport, previously operated byAirparks.

KIRKER HOLIDAYS has launched the latest selection of shortbreaks and tailor-made itineraries to two of its most populardestinations, France and Spain.

The brochures offer inspiration for discerning travellersseeking experiences in one or more of the city, coastal andcountryside options featured, including – and new for nextyear – France’s Dordogne region. Single or multi-centreoptions are available and the concierge team can arrangeopera tickets, local guides or a table for dinner.

Many of the city breaks featured in the new brochuresinclude complimentary added extras. As examples, visitors toParis receive free entrance to more than 60 museums,monuments and galleries, a Seine river cruise and carnet of

Metro tickets, whilst a ‘Passport to Monaco’, featuringattractions such as the State Apartments of the Prince’sPalace and Villa Sauber, plus complimentary helicoptertransfers (one-way from April 1, 2014) are included in all tripsto the principality. In Spain, clients receive tickets to thePrado, Thyssen or Reina Sofia museums in Madrid, the Cityof Arts and Sciences in Valencia, or a ‘Granada Card’ –offering entrance to city attractions that include the AlhambraPalace.

As an example of prices, a three-night stay at the three-star superior Château de la Fleunie in the Dordogne region,leads in at £498 per person. For details call 020-7593 2283 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

Kirker issues latest brochures for France & Spain & introduces Dordogne region

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COCOA BEACH

The Space Coast boasts 72 miles of beaches, the longest stretch in the state of Florida and is home to the famous beach resorts of Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, Palm Bay and Titusville. Home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the region obtained its name from its historic relationship with the nation’s space program.

NEW FLORIDA BEACHES 2014 & 2015 BROCHURE OUT NOW

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EXCITING DAY last Wednesday - a group of us wereshown around the new Jet2 offices in Leeds. Theyare nicely spread out on three floors and a lovely

atmosphere to work in. I then attended a brilliant eveningorganised by Jet2 for their ‘Dragons Den’ competition,hosted by Alan Cross. It was so entertaining watching thecompetitors doing their pitch to the Jet2 Dragons! Lovelymeal and company – the room was filled with laughterthe whole evening. Recession, what recession? Not whenwe have excellent nights of ‘appreciation to their travelagents’ and encouragement by Jet2 and as Brucie wouldsay, ‘my favourites’ were Tony Mann & Julie - Idle Travel,Pat Thornes & Helen - High Ridings and Paul Williams &Caide – Wallace Arnold. Well done everyone who got tothe finals.

Attended another coffee morning at High Ridings inBirstall with a presentation by Gemma Walker atNewmarket Holidays. I didn’t realise that NewmarketHolidays did such a variety of brochures, with air & coachtrips plus some rail as well. They have a new brochurefeaturing the Orient Express and also have an America &Canada brochure, Faraway brochure plus European RiverCruises & Escorted Holidays by Ai. They also do trips tothe Xmas Markets in this country and Europe, as well astheatre breaks.Read a really interesting bit in the Daily Mail ‘Want tobeat the winter chill? Don’t wear a woolly hat’ whichsurprised me as I was always told when ski-ing alwayswear a hat so the heat doesn’t escape! But apparentlyyou need to wear one that covers the ears and a fleecehat rather than a wool one is better. Other tips are warmyour shoes for a few minutes on a radiator and drink de-caf tea and coffee as caffeine blocks receptors in theblood vessels and prevents them from constricting in thecold. Ginger tea also has naturally warming properties.

‘One of the best ways of finding out if you like people orhate them is to travel with them’ and ‘When preparing totravel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Thentake half the clothes and twice the money’.

Lastly, I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas& New Year and a prosperous 2014!

by SANDRA MURRAYin Normanton, Yorkshire

Notes from

Normanton...

To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email

jill. [email protected]

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WEBSCLUSIVES

● Brochure of The Week: Carnival Cruise Holidays2014-15. To view in digital format, go towww.travelbulletin.co.uk/brochures

● Win a 7 night stay in Mexico, courtesy of Sandos Hotels & Resorts. Just answer 4 simple questions.Go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

● Win a Kindle Fire courtesy of Prestige Holidays.Go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitons

● Keep up with your training over the Christmasperiod. Hit the TravelGym now atwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/travelgym

All this and more at:


The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go

MOVERS● CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages has appointed Bob

McGowan as head of customer services.● TUI UK & Ireland has announced that Helen Caron has been

appointed as the new managing director of cruise.● PAUL MELLON has joined Funway Holidays as business

development manager.● CHOOSE CHICAGO has appointed Shana Lee as the

organisation’s chief marketing officer.● ANDY NORTH has joined StressFreeAirportParking.com as

operations director.● POWDER WHITE has appointed Andrew Russell as business

development director. ● VISIT GUERNSEY has appointed Mike Hopkins as director of

marketing and tourism.● ABTA - THE Travel Association has announced that Fraser

Ellacott, customer operations director of TUI UK & Ireland,has joined its Board of Directors.

● SEABOURN HAS appointed Andrew Fairlie, Scotland’s onlyTwo Michelin-starred chef, to host its ‘CulinaryConversations’ on Sojourn's 15-day World Voyage Sector,sailing from Hong Kong to Singapore, departing on March14, 2014.

● AIR MALTA has appointed Louis Giordimaina as designatechief executive officer.

● RACHEL HEALEY has joined Abercrombie & Kent as UKsales manager.

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THE FIRST 30 agents to complete all four of thePATA Academy courses (Pacific Expert, AsiaExpert, Airlines and Hotels) before the end ofJanuary will win a £20 Love2Shop voucher, withthe added incentive of a further £10 from thePapua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority.Agents who complete all four courses before theend of next month will also be entered into adraw to win one of four prizes of either a case ofwine from Tourism Australia, a bathrobe fromDusit Thani Hua Hin plus a Devarana Spa pack ofbath gel and body lotion or a polo shirt fromDusit Thani Laguna Pucket, plus a Devarana Spapack of bath gel and body lotion from Axis TravelMarketing. For details see www.pataacademy.co.uk

THE LITHUANIA Tourist Officehas launched its first online quizin a bid to increase traffic to thewebsite during its EuropeanPresidency. Prizes to be woninclude several two-night breaksor a chart topping CD, and agentsare able to enter to try their luckat winning. Each two-night stayincludes an excursion to thehistorical castle of Trakai and aVilnius City transport card. Thereare three stays to win at the five-star Ramada Hotel, four-starShakespeare Boutique Hotel or

three-star Comfort LT Hotel.Three runners-up will be given aMartynas Levickis's self-titleddebut album. To enter seewww.lithuania.travel/news/17326

HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES haslaunched an advent calendar onits B2B online portal, www.time-is-precious.com, giving agentsthe chance to win daily gifts.Agents need to register on thesite then visit the 'Fun' section toanswer a question and be in with

a chance of winning. Prizesrange from a model ship of theEUROPA 2, wine glasses and golfbags.

KR-LINE, which offers bargecruises in Belgium and commis-sion on all sales, is offeringagents special fam trip prices allseason at an early booking rate,plus an extra 5% discount. Priceslead in at €1,375 per person for aweek, based on two sharing.For details email [email protected]

LEARNING THE ROPES...Travel and Tourismstudents at Weston College , North Somerset, havelaunched a fully-operation travel agency under themanagement of Thomas William Travel. The agencygives students the chance to work in a realsituation , taking bookings and arranging itinerariesfor students, staff and members of the public.Pictured is Dr Paul Phillips (right), Weston CollegePrincipal and CEO, with students and SimonDinham from Thomas William Travel.

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

YOU ARE becoming increasingly independent thismonth, but be careful not to wear yourself out or yourun the risk of ill health. Try not to become embroiledin family disputes, particularly around Christmas.You'll do yourself a favour if you are neutral in anydiscussions. Now is also a good time for organisingyourself and your home and you may find yourselfdrawn to experiencing something new - so try a newdecorating scheme or visiting somewhere new - youmay be surprised at what opportunities it leads to.

Lucky number: 10

Lucky day: Saturday


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Booking incentive

Agent offers

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FOR A limited time, Superbreak is offeringJersey Boys weekend theatre breaks inLondon for £160 per person.

Available throughout this month and next,this is an ideal opportunity for agents to sellthe West End production whilst enjoying timein the capital, either pre- or post-Christmas.

The musical chronicles the journey of

Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito andNick Massi from the streets of New Jersey tobecoming one of the biggest bands of alltime.

As well as the theatre tickets, the packagealso includes a two-night stay at the four-starPark Plaza Riverbank Hotel, includingbreakfast.

IMAGINATIVE TRAVELLERis showcasing 150 trips tomore than 60 destinationsin its new brochure, ofwhich 62 are new, indestinations such as NorthAmerica and Australia.

Trips in the brochurehave been categorised intoseven trip styles, including:Voyage (cruises and sailingadventures); Taste (culinarytours); Active (classic treks

to cycling tours); Discovery(up-close and personalcultural and geographicexploration); Raw (budget-friendly travel); Family (forfamilies with children agedfive upwards) and Overland(travelling in purpose-builttrucks or 4x4’s).

Travellers also havethree comfort levels tochoose from: basic,standard and plus.

The new brochure alsoshowcases the operator’stailor-made service, tailor-madeadventures.com, withsample trips including aone-week trip to Oman, aneight-day trip to Georgiaand an active ten-day tripto Iceland. For more information call01728-885514 or visitwww.imaginative-traveller.com

Reopening ofAlmond BeachResort Barbados BARBADOS' ALMONDBeach Resort in Bridgetown(formerly the Almond BeachVillage) will reopen as afour-star family all-inclusiveproperty from January 16,with 135 rooms on thesouthern half of theproperty.

Special opening rates forocean view rooms at theresort start from US$185per person, per nightincluding taxes.

The property will bemanaged by Sun GroupHotels and represented inEurope by UK-based ResortMarketing International.

A $3million dollarrenovation to pools, publicareas, restaurants androoms is currently underwayand when reopened, willfeature extensive on-sitefacilities and services.

Unlimited meals anddrinks and a wide range ofactivities will be included inthe resort’s rates, whileguest rooms will offer apool or ocean view. Theresort will also feature threeswimming pools, tworestaurants, floodlit tenniscourts, squash courts, afitness centre and golfrange.

Activities include selectedwatersports, glass bottomboat rides, shoppingshuttles and a variety of on-site experiences for bothchildren and adults. For details seewww.almondbarbados.com

Imaginative Traveller adds 62 new trips to brochure

Jersey Boys weekend theatre trips from Superbreak from £160


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DUBAI HOSTS...Pictured marking the recent announcement that Dubai has won the bid to host Expo2020 are, from the left: Tim Blostone, Elson Kakaire, Ferdinando Cutolo, Catherine Lamri, Carla Mayand Michaela Piehl, all from Dubai Tourism. For details see www.expo2020dubai.ae

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puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Resort in Cyprus where you can find Fig Tree Bay.

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, Decemeber 19th. Solution and new

puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 29th November is Kim Fazackerley, Althams

Travel in Ramsbottom .

November 29 Solution: A=2 B=3 C=9 D=1

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 140

Travagrams

Across 1. P&O ship cruising the Caribbean this

Christmas (5)4. Viking offers tours on this river (5)7. Spend them in 10 Across (5)8. Sofia airport code (3)9. Strictly presenter, Tess (4)10. City on the French Riviera (6)13. New Jersey airport, ___ Liberty

International (6)15. Number of Calling Birds in The Twelve Days

of Christmas (4)18. Flag carrier of Japan (3)19. Former name of DR Congo (5)20. Ms Boyle with a festive album, Home for

Christmas (5)21. He grants three wishes to 1 Down (5)

Down 1. Pantomime character (7)2. Major hotel representation company (5)3. Low-cost flights operator, part of Monarch (4)4. Capital of Dominica (6)5. Cruise company, Fred. ___ (5)6. One of Santa's little helpers (3)11. Principal character in the Charles Dickens

novel, A Christmas Carol (7)12. Disney animated movie at a cinema near you,

sounds icy (6)14. Country with a red dragon on its flag (5)16. Cinema chain (5)17. Mr Crosby, whose version of White Christmas

is an all-time best-seller (4)18. This band will say Goodbye at the O2 later this

month (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:

140

This group specialises in hotels across the Far and Middle East

A city known for its brightly coloured district

Sad Hit Unit

Mad Master

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


ANY ORGANISATION wishing to be successful and atthe forefront of their industry needs to regularlyreview their business offering and the ability it has to

deliver it.At Advantage, we have spent a large part of the summer

reviewing every aspect of our business, stopping wasteful orpointless activity and replacing it with activities that add realvalue to our members and business partners.

As part of that process, we have taken a long hard look atthe Advantage brand and have concluded that currently weare not truly portraying what we mean to our members;stealing from that famous television advertisement – we aredoing so much more than it currently says on our tin.In order to better articulate what we mean to our currentand potentially future members we have decided to re-position the organisation as The Advantage TravelPartnership.

Engaging, Creating, Delivering.

What we realised over the summer was a crucial fewthings: That our industry leading membership packages areonly a small part of what we do for our members and thatour engagement with them on an individual level was acrucial element of our central services offering –understanding their personal business needs and deliveringindividually rewarding solutions.

We needed to better describe the unique status all of ourmembers hold the organisation in that they are the soleshareholders of the Advantage Travel Partnership businessand so much more than passive members – they own thebusiness.

We wanted to unify our leisure and corporate membersunder one collective brand and we believe our partnershipapproach achieves that.

Overall, we are confident that the changes have allowedus to better describe the relationship we have with ourmembers and also how that connection can benefit thecustomers of each individual member – whether they are aholidaymaker or a business traveller.

In essence, the Advantage Travel Partnership can besummarised as: The UK’s largest independent travel agentpartnership, the leisure and business travel agents whoare part of the group are each independently owned, but asa collective they produce more than £3bn of travel saleseach year, making us experts in every aspect of the travelindustry.

We are extremely proud of our travel agency partnersand although their skills and travel knowledge are asdifferent as the individuals themselves, they all share apassion for travel and a desire to tailor their travel servicesto the individual needs of their customers.

As a partnership, we work closely with our agents toprovide them with the tools to offer their customers themost inspirational, yet affordable, range of travel product –and all with the full financial protection you would expect ofan organisation of our size.

The changes that Advantage has made this summerhave gone so much further than a simple re-brandingexercise and we feel that the identity we have createdspeaks so much more about what we are offering and theexciting business we can become in the future.

Businesses never really stand still – they either gobackwards or forwards - at the Advantage TravelPartnership we know the direction in which we areheading.

Industry Insight by...

'Re-labelling the tin' by Julia Lo Bue-Said, managing director of The Advantage Travel Partnership

bulletinbriefing

"As a partnership we work closely

with our agents to provide them with

the tools to offer their customers the

most inspirational, yet affordable,

range of travel product – and all with

the full financial protection you would

expect of an organisation of our size"


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showcasebulletinTRAVEL BULLETIN hosted its latest Indian Ocean Showcase event in Manchester last month,where travel agents enjoyed presentations from specialist suppliers, authentic Maldivian foodand the chance to win a range of prizes...

Left: LEARN WITH LISA... LisaDarchambaud from Per AquumResorts ensures agents arekept up to speed with thecompany's latest developments,news and offers.

"We had a great evening on Monday - thankyou! It was really informative and great fun,plus the food was fantastic. We're lookingforward to the next event!"Gemma Hewitt, Key Travel

Left: STAR LINE-UP... Enjoyingthe welcome drinks are, fromthe left: Sarah Lake, HeritageResorts; Anita Skibiel, DusitThani; Geraldine Perrier, ShantiMaurice Resort; and Marie-Christin Strecker, ReunionIsland Tourism.

Below: JANETTE'S JOY... AilsaTavares (left) of Desroches Island,Seychelles presents a prize of astay on Desroches Island toJanette Ashby of Global TravelBamber Bridge.

Above: HIGH FLIERS... StefanieBowes from BirminghamAirport gives agents a run-through on destinations servedby the airport.

Below: TABLE MANNERS...Pictured are, from the left:Ailsa Tavares, DesrochesIsland, Seychelles; MaureenJohnson and Cheryl Johnson,Access World Travel.

Above: LUX LEARNING... LisaBalsom from Lux Resorts keepsagents abreast of the company'slatest developments.

Below: FLIGHT FRIENDS...learning the ropes from StefanieBowes (right) of BirminghamAirport are Liz Lomer (left) andAlex Harden from Flight Centre.


WENDY WU Tours has issued three new 2014/15 brochures,'South East Asia', 'India & Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal' and'Asia Inspirations'.

The South East Asia brochure offers new tours anddestinations including a culinary tour in Vietnam, an Eastern &Oriental Express train trip from Bangkok to Singapore, rivercruises on the Mekong and Irrawaddy and beach extensionsacross Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

A new Burma section is also featured offering a range ofdeluxe tours and private tours, which allows discerningtravellers to explore the region with a personal guide.

Prices start from £2,690 for next summer's departuresincluding flights to Rangoon, taxes, transport, accommodation,touring with guides and entrance fees, plus visa fees for UK &EU passport holders. The operator's India & Sri Lanka, Bhutan

and Nepal brochure offers new tours to the rarely visitedHimalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, a cruise and houseboat stay inthe backwaters of Kerala in South India and new experiences inNepal.

As an example of prices, an 11-day Taste of Nepal tour –which takes travellers from the fertile Kathmandu Valley to theancient town of Bhaktapur, costs from £2,290 per person.

Meanwhile, the company's 'Asia Inspirations' brochure seesthe introduction of a new Northeast Asia section covering Japan,South Korea, Taiwan and Mongolia as well as providing optionsto visit the Chinese municipality of Chongqing with its UNESCOWorld Heritage sites of the Dazu Rock Carvings and WulongKarst landscape. For more information visit www.wendywutours.co.uk or call 0844-875 2436.

ADVANTAGE REVEALED a new brandidentity – The Advantage TravelPartnership – at its annual BusinessPartner Briefing in London last month,which brings together the leisure andcorporate members under one commonidentity.

Managing director Julia Lo Bue-Saidexplained the new identity betterreflects the organisation Advantage hasbecome, the relationship it has with itsmembers and the company’s futureaspirations.

Lo Bue-Said outlined how thedecision was driven by the desire to:clearly articulate the beneficialrelationship between Advantage and itsmembers; create a professional andbusiness-like central brand; unifyleisure and corporate members underone identity; recognise that membersare sole owners of Advantage; andreflect the heightened level ofengagement with members and theincreasingly consultative approachbeing adopted to business development.

She said: “We believe this is asignificant step forward as TheAdvantage Travel Partnership betterdescribes the special relationship wehave with our members and more

clearly articulates to the customer,whether leisure holidaymaker orcorporate traveller, the enhanced valuewe offer to the relationship they havewith their Advantage member. We aretruly excited about the emergence ofthis new and significantly moremeaningful brand identity.”

In other sessions at the BusinessPartner Briefing, David Moon, head ofbusiness development talked aboutfuture member engagement and howAdvantage can help members preparetheir business for the future; thedevelopment opportunities provided bythe Frontliners training days and thescope for delivering consultancyservices with new partners.

Paul Nunn, head of operationspresented on the Advantage ManagedServices (AMS) offering including thebenefits AMS provides to preferredsuppliers such as protection of clientmoney and sustained growth. He alsooutlined how expansion plans will focuson current members for retail AMS aswell as the launch of corporate AMS.

John Sullivan, head of commercial,announced the January launch ofCommended and Highly Commendedratings for business partners based on

their service levels, discount policies,member engagement and ease of doingbusiness; development of managementinformation to centrally collate salesdata to provide better intelligence andhelp secure relevant product; thesuccess of Advantage Travel Gatewaywhich has seen high double-digit salesgrowth in the last year; and theintroduction in early 2014 of an ATOLsolution, initially offering members theopportunity to package holidays withselected operators.

Mark Rowe, head of marketing,talked about the typical Advantagemembers' leisure customer, why theyuse a travel agent, how members addvalue, plus the marketing supportprovided by Advantage for both leisureand corporate members.

Meanwhile, Sonia Michaels,corporate relationship managerannounced Advantage’s full IATAaccreditation; the launch of a new faresand ticketing help desk for allAdvantage members; and theintroduction of a MICE initiative toprovide members with the tools toventure into this potentially lucrativearena.(Bulletin Briefing - page 12)

Advantage unveils new brand identity - The Advantage Travel Partnership

Wendy Wu launches 2014/15 brochures covering Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan & Nepal


newsbulletinSECRET INGREDIENTS...Agents andspecialist Cypriot operators recentlyjoined members of the Cyprus TourismOrganisation (CTO) and Association ofGreek Cypriot Travel Agents (AGTA) for anight of cookery and conversation atL'Atelier des Chefs on Wigmore Street,London. Topics included Cyprus'agrotourism scene, new wedding venues,unique spa treatments, divingopportunities and responsible tourism.Pictured ready to cook up a treat are,from the left: Gabi Birbeck, RendezvousTravel; George Papandreou, SteamondTravel; Anna Davies, Preston Travel;Alexis Josephides, Sunvil Travel; andLorna Tissier, Mayflower Travel.

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CRYSTAL CRUISES’ new 'Extreme Thrill Seekers'Experiences of Discovery themed cruise will see guestshunting crocodiles, encountering great whites and sailing ina round-the-world yacht race - figuratively - via stories fromexpert guest speakers.

During a March 10 Singapore to Cape Town World Cruisesegment, Crystal Serenity will feature British round-the-world yachtswoman and adventurer Rona Cant. Herinspiring story takes her from being a middle-agedsecretary and single mother to sailing the world’s mostdifficult yacht race, the BT Global Challenge, as a novicesailor, to trekking Vancouver’s West Coast Trail (one of theworld’s ten toughest trails) just two days after and dog-sledding across a 600km Arctic path that had never beforebeen traversed.

Shark diver Chris Fallows will also be onboard to discusshis encounters with Great White Sharks around SouthAfrica’s Seal Island and other breaching grounds throughoutthe world, in an effort to both capture their striking images

on camera and educate others about the realities of thecreatures and their conservation.

Meanwhile, 'Crocodile Mick' Pitman, considered a real-lifeCrocodile Dundee, will share his 30-plus years of dynamicAussie Outback experience hunting and capturing crocodiles.

The cruise segment offers travellers a peek into therugged terrain and exotic coastlines renowned foradventurous endeavours, first visiting Bangkok, Thailandand Siem Reap, Cambodia as part of a complimentary pre-cruise land programme, then sailing from Singapore toJakarta, Indonesia; Mauritius/Port Louis, Republic ofMauritius; and Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town inSouth Africa.

All-inclusive fly/cruise fares start from £6,344 per personif booked by January 3, with shorter ‘Getaway’ cruise legsalso available from Singapore to Mauritius and Mauritius toCape Town.For more information call 020-7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

AS PART of its new ‘Turn of Year’ salescampaign, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lineshas launched a ‘Cruise Sale’, runninguntil February 28, 2014 and valid oncruises of six nights’ duration or more,aimed at encouraging guests to makemultiple purchases in the sametransaction and benefit fromsignificant savings.

The scheme offers a 10% discountto customers who make a singlecruise purchase, 20% off each cruisefor clients making two cruise bookings

and 30% off for those making threebookings.

Customers who have alreadybooked a cruise in 2014/15 will receive25% off if they book a second cruise,or 30% off if they book a third.

Meanwhile, members of the line'sOceans loyalty club can save an extra5% off the cost of cruises whenbooked in advance. For more information or to book seewww.fredolsencruises.com or call 0800-035 5242.

Up to 30% savings on selected 2014/15 departures with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Cruise savings from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Crystal Cruises highlights 'Extreme Thrill Seekers' experiences themed cruise


cruisebulletin

VIKING RIVER Cruises has increased its order for additional VikingLongships, bringing the total number of new ships launching in2014 from 12 to 14 vessels, which will sail the company's mostpopular itineraries in Europe. Accommodating 190 passengers in95 staterooms, the Longships feature a patented layout thatallows for two Explorer Suites and seven two-room VerandaSuites with a full-size veranda in the living room and a Frenchbalcony in the bedroom; 39 Veranda Staterooms with full-sizeverandas; and 22 French Balcony Staterooms. Additionally, allLongships have sustainability upgrades, such as onboard solarpanels and organic herb gardens, plus energy-efficient hybridengines that reduce vibrations. For details see www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk

InBrief● SEABOURN HAS released a selection of offers for clients seeking a

getaway this winter. As an example, a 16-day Australia And NewZealand sailing, on Odyssey, departs on January 10 with cruise-onlyprices from £3,499 per person. The itinerary visits Auckland,Tauranga, Wellington, Picton, Akaroa, Port Chalmers and Oban inNew Zealand and Australia's Melbourne, Geelong, Burnie andSydney. Prices are based on two sharing a suite and include all tipsand gratuities, fine dining, open bars and a mini bar. It also includesan upgrade to an Ocean View suite.

● MSC IS offering an 11-night cruise on Fantasia from £899 per person,based on a December 17 departure. It includes flights from Londonplus one gift from a choice of an Allegrismo drinks package and tips,£200 on board credit per person, free flights from London or a freeupgrade to a balcony cabin. The voyage calls in Genoa, Katakolon,Heraklon, Haifa, Piraeus, Civitavecchia and back to Genoa.

For details see www.msccruises.co.uk or call 0844-561 195.

● ROYAL CARIBBEAN International has announced that guests onQuantum of the Seas will enjoy MAMMA MIA! – the hit musicalbased on the songs of Swedish pop sensation ABBA – when she sailsfrom New York in November 2014.

For details see www.royalcaribbean.com/quantumoftheseas

S04 TB1312 News 3_Layout 1 10/12/2013 15:15


TRAVEL INDOCHINA has developed anew online training programme foragents.

Asia Guru (www.asia-guru.com)provides training which covers threestages and supports agents in sellingareas they may be less familiar with.

The first stage focuses on thecompany’s core destinations ofVietnam, Cambodia and Laos where itis also operates as a ground handler.On successful completion of this stage,each agent will become a ‘BronzeTiger’ and if successfully completed by

December 31, will be in with thechance of winning one of tenLove2Shop vouchers worth £50.

Paul Hole, co-founder and managingdirector of the operator, said: “Wedeveloped the online trainingprogramme as we recognise the needto provide comprehensive destinationand product information to agents tohelp them navigate the overwhelmingchoice in the market and provide thebest outcome for their clients.”

Agents can also view video footage ofthe region through the eyes of the

operator’s team of Asia experts and itstravellers – with footage revealing theoperator’s range of ‘InsiderExperiences’. Agents are also offered‘Did You Know’ pop-ups, an ‘AgentsToolbox’ with destination information,an image library and cheat sheets.

Further courses will be madeavailable to agents once they havecompleted the ‘Bronze Tiger’ stage,including ‘Silver Buffalo’ and ‘GoldenDragon’ stages. Successful completionof all three stages will reward agentswith ‘Asia Guru’ status.

Texas makes top tenin Lonely Planet's

‘Best in Travel 2014Regions’

TEXAS HAS been namedone of Lonely Planet's 'Bestin Travel 2014 Top 10Regions' and agents canenter to win a range ofprizes by taking Texascourses at Online TravelTraining (OTT) and earnthemselves a badge.

The course covers arange of informationincluding culture, fine diningand live music, along withsites worth a mention toyour clients such as theRiverwalk in San Antonio,the Space Center in Houstonand the cowboy experiencein Fort Worth. For more information go tohttp://ott.travel/texpert-academy/home.aspx to takeall of the courses.

BRAND USA has introduced a new Food & Drink module on theUSA Discovery Program.

The new Specialist badge allows users to learn aboutdiverse culinary specialities across the US, as well as localbeer and wine highlights all the way from Washington toMassachusetts.

Agents will be able to find out more about famed Americandelicacies, such as the Philly cheesesteak, Texan barbeque andNew England seafood, whilst also getting under the skin ofsome lesser known local flavours and the influence of globalcuisine.

To celebrate the launch of the new module and the festiveseason, the company is running two prize giveaways this monthwhere one agent will win a £100 restaurant voucher for twoupon completion of the new module and agents completing anyof the modules will have the chance to win an iPad mini.

For details see www.usadiscoveryprogram.co.uk andwww.discoveramerica.com

Food & Drink module addition from Brand USA

trainingbulletinA WHALE OF A TIME...The Tenerife Tourism Corporation, in association with British Airways, recentlyorganised a fam trip for a small group of tour operators, aimed at showcasing the island's luxurytourism offering and, in line with the Tenerife Tourism Corporation's new approach, the diverse rangeof authentic experiences available to visitors. The group had the opportunity to take part in differentactivities including whale-watching and hiking on Mount Teide. Pictured on a whale-watchng excursionare, from the left: Rachel McNally, Carrier; Niky Bicknell, Design Holidays; and Jacquie Jenke, ElegantResorts.

Travel Indochina’s Asia Guru programme gives agents chance to win £50 vouchers

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19December 13 2013

TRAVEL BULLETIN'S Showcase events have seenphenomenal success with agents since they werefirst launched two years ago.

In 2014, we have organised our largest everDestination Themed Showcase event calendar foragents to become equipped with the latest news anddevelopments in popular destinations, with marketsincluding the Far East, North America, Africa,Mediterranean Islands, the Indian Ocean and theCaribbean.

Southern & East Africa Showcase events will takeplace on February 17 in Exeter and February 18 inChester. The North America showcase events are onMarch 17 in Birmingham and March 24 inManchester. Caribbean events take place on April 14

in Birmingham and April 15 in Bristol. AMediterranean Islands event is scheduled for June 9in Birmingham and a Far East event takes place onJuly 7 in Manchester. The final event of the year, ourIndian Ocean Showcase, takes place on November24 in Bristol.

To promote the launch of our online trainingprogramme, the Travel Gym, which can be found athttp://travelbulletin.co.uk/training/travel-gym, wewill also run a range of Online Training Showcaseevenings - on January 20 in London, May 12 inManchester and October 20 in Birmingham.For more information or to register to attend any ofthe Showcase events (as an agent or exhibitor)email [email protected]

NEW TWICE-WEEKLY webinars concentrating on car hiresuppliers in three popular destinations have been rolled out byAffordable Car Hire.

Angela Day, the company’s CEO, said: “With agents earningan average of 15% commission when they book car hirethrough us, it is important that they understand how each ofour suppliers work so they can answer any questions fromtheir clients. The feedback from agents was that they wantedto learn more about what the leading suppliers in the mostpopular destinations can provide and how best to put togethera car hire package for their clients.” To register email [email protected]

Online training from LATAM Airlines LATAM AIRLINES Group’s first agent training programmehas been launched.

The new online programme is designed to give travelagents an overview of the company following the mergerof LAN and TAM, as well as training on all specificproducts, services and the new South American Airpass.

Agents completing the course by March 31, 2014 willbe entered into a draw to win one of 20 bags of goodieswhich include a case of 12 South American wines, aBrazilian football team t-shirt and a pair of originalHavaianas. For details see http://ott.travel/latamhome.aspx

TOURISM NORTHERNTerritory and The SouthAustralian TourismCommission are givingaway £10 worth ofLove2Shop vouchers to allagents who complete thenew Explorer’s Waymodule within the AussieSpecialist programmebefore December 27. The Explorer’s Way driveextends between Adelaideand Darwin, passingthough some of the mostpristine and untouchedcountry in Australia alongthe route of explorer JohnMacDouall Stuart. The3,016km outback journeypasses from ancientmountain ranges and aridcattle stations of theBarkly region to NitmilukNational Park and thewetlands of the northerntropics. Along the route,visitors can see Stuart’s

‘discoveries’ includingChambers Pillar, FinkeRiver and Karlu Karlu(Devils Marbles). Otherhighlights include visitingCoober Pedy, exploring thefossil laden FlindersRanges and samplingwines and cuisine madefrom local produce. Thesealed route can alsodeviate to include theicons of Uluru-Kata TjutaNational Park and KakaduNational Park. The module takes agentsthrough a suggested 14-day itinerary, including ashort introduction to eachregion, key experiences,accommodation optionsand top tips for agents torecommend to clients. To complete the module visithttp://tourismaustralia-news.com/E66-1GO4B-3NHNYO-KXTYE-1/c.aspx

Love2Shop incentive for agentscompleting Explorer's Way module

trainingbulletin

New twice-weekly webinars fromAffordable offer supplier information

Travel Bulletin unveils details of 2014 Showcase eventsshow

case

events


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SUPERBREAK IS now offering agents the chance to book packages for a Madonna andMichael Jackson themed mini cruise next year.

The two-night P&O cruise sails from Hull to Amsterdam accompanied by Madonnaand Michael Jackson tribute acts.

The ship departs at 17:00 on March 8 and will travel overnight to arrive in Rotterdamthe following morning, where a transfer to Amsterdam is arranged. A full day is thenspent in the city before the ship departs for Hull, returning on March 10 at 08:00.

Prices lead in at £79 per person for two nights.For more information call 0871-221 4444 or visit www.superbreak.com/agents

BOURNE LEISURE has launched a rangeof early booking offers across its three UKbrands - Butlins, Haven and WarnerLeisure Hotels - for guests holidaying in2014.

Clients booking a holiday at Butlinsresorts for February half-term can opt fora three-night break from £43 per person,based on four sharing a standard self-catering apartment arriving on February21. Guests can also save up to £150 onschool holiday breaks and up to £75 onterm-time breaks plus kids eat free onschool holiday breaks when a dining planhas been added. The offers are applicableon breaks booked before January 31.

Haven is also offering deals for familieswith four-night breaks in March startingfrom £81 per family. The price is based onup to six people sharing a standard two-bedroom caravan on a self-catering basisat selected parks, based on a March 24arrival. Guests can save up to 30% on allother dates and short breaks and up to50% on breaks of seven nights or more inspring, early summer and autumn. The

offers are applicable on breaks bookedbefore February 9 and the company is alsooffering exclusive travel agent discountswhere customers can receive an extra 10%off the early booking offers when bookingthrough a travel agent before December24.

Meanwhile, guests at Warner LeisureHotels can save a guaranteed 50% onthousands of rooms across the brand’s 13historic and coastal properties.

Prices for a two-night break start from£66 per person including a Simply Dinepackage of breakfast and a three-coursemeal. The price is based on two sharing astandard chalet at Corton Coastal Villagein Suffolk, based on a January 13 arrival.Customers can also save an extra £10 perperson on seven-night holidays, an extra£5 per person on any three- or four-nightbreak during January, February or Marchand secure their holiday for a deposit of£35 per person when booking by January31.For details or to book seewww.bourneleisuresales.co.uk

Belleair Holidayshighlights winterbreaks to Malta

BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS isoffering a range of wintergetaways on selecteddepartures next month,which include mini-breaksfor clients seeking wintersun destinations.

As examples, a four-nightbreakfast stay at the three-star Imperial Hotel costsfrom £265 per personincluding flights fromGatwick, transfers andcomplimentary entrance toa selected Malta attraction.

A four-night breakfaststay at the four-star QawraPalace Hotel costs from£305 including flights fromGatwick, transfers andentrance to a selected Maltaattraction, while a four-night breakfast stay at thefive-star Corinthia HotelSt.Georges Bay leads in at£387. It includes flightsfrom Gatwick, transfers andentrance to a selected Maltaattraction. All offers aresubject to availability andare based on two adultssharing. For more information seewww.belleair.co.uk/agentsor call 0845-365 3412.

shortbreaks

FRED.\ IS encouraging short breaks to the Canary Island of La Gomera, where the new Ron Howard film, ‘The Heart of The Sea’ – whichopens next year – is now being filmed. To coincide with actors Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Ben Whishaw and director Ron Howardstaying on La Gomera, the operator is promoting stays at the four-star Jardin Tecina Hotel. The property, which offers 434 rooms andsuites, is situated on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with views of the neighbouring island of Tenerife. Prices start from £589 perperson based on January 3-February 4 departures next year, including flights, three nights’ accommodation and transfers. For more information visit www.fredhoteljardintecina.co.uk

Early booking offers from Bourne Leisure’s three brands

Madonna & Michael Jackson mini cruise from Superbreak

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BEST WESTERN hasreduced the price ofhundreds of rooms forbookings made by January31, with discounts of up to50% off overnight staysavailable from January 1 toMarch 31, 2014.

With a choice of 280

properties across GreatBritain, prices lead in at£37.50 per night at selectedproperties.

The company's CEO GreatBritain, Richard Lewis, said:"We are encouragingfamilies, dog-owners, spa-lovers, wildlife fans and

those who would just like toindulge in a mini-break, toconsider a night away in thefirst few months of 2014,and allow us to counteractthe typically grey, cold andwet weather with a hotelstay packed with personality.

"With Christmas being an

expensive time for mostpeople, we want to giveeveryone a chance to enjoysome quality time away andsave up to 50% on ouralready, excellent value formoney rates."For details seewww.bestwestern.co.uk

REGENT HOLIDAYS’ new five-day ‘History of Stalingrad’ grouptour in Russia offers an insight into Stalingrad, a city which wasdestroyed during the war and rebuilt before being renamedVolgograd.

Included in the tour is a full day tour of the city; visits to TheBattle of Stalingrad museum, Soviet and German militarycemeteries; visits to sites including Mamayev Hill, the RedOctober Factory, Lyudnikov’s Island and Kalach-on-Don; and aboat trip on the Volga, the longest and widest river in Europe.

It costs from £1,350 per person, based on a September 27departure next year, and includes flights, breakfastaccommodation in three-star hotels, lunches during sightseeingtours, entrance fees and a guide. Visa fees are excluded. For details call 020-7666 1244 or visit www.regent-holidays.co.uk

DOUBLETREE BY Hilton has a range of short breaks onoffer over the festive period.

Examples include a two-night Christmas package atthe chain’s London West End property. Valid fromDecember 15 to January 12, prices lead in at £148 perperson for two nights and include breakfast and aChristmas-themed afternoon tea for two.

Alternatively, the company's Dundee property isoffering a two-night Christmas package from £195.Guests will receive tea and cake on arrival onChristmas Eve, a three-course dinner and an after-dinner quiz. On Christmas Day, a four-courseChristmas lunch is included, complete with a visit from

Santa, followed by mince pies while watching theQueen’s speech in The Lounge and a buffet dinner thatevening. A full Scottish breakfast is also provided onBoxing Day.

Meanwhile, at The Morrison Dublin in Ireland, a two-night package from Christmas Eve until Boxing Daycosts from €249 (approximately £207) per person,including a three-course lunch, a buffet dinner onChristmas Day and breakfast daily. Clients travellingwith children can take advantage of the kids’ zoneavailable on Christmas Day afternoon. For more information or to book call 0870-590 9090 orvisit www.doubletree.com

Five-day 'History of Stalingrad' Russian group tour from Regent Holidays

Savings of up to 50% from Best Western for bookings made by January 31


shortbreaks

THE RIVER Cruise Line's 2014 programmeincludes a choice of four- and five-nightbreaks on the Dutch waterways, including afour-day ‘Bruges, Ghent, Ypres and theBattlefields’ cruise in April. The itinerary,which commemorates the centenary ofWorld War One, begins in Bruges, wherepassengers have a chance to join an optionaltour to the Half Moon Brewery, beforesetting off to Ghent and Antwerp. Here,passengers can join a full day excursion tothe Battlefields, including Tyne CotCemetery, Sanctuary Wood and Ypres, tovisit the Menin Gate and In Flanders FieldsMuseum. Prices lead in at £329 per personbased on two sharing an en-suite cabin andinclude full-board accommodation; ferrycrossings from Dover to Calais; transport tojoin the cruise; evening entertainment; theservices of a cruise manager; and coachtransfers from a selection of regionaldeparture poin ts. For details call 0844-544 7580 or seewww.sellingrivercruises.com

DoubleTree by Hilton promotes Christmas packages from £148 for two nights

Menin Gate

Volgograd, formerlyknown as Stalingrad

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WARNER LEISURE Hotels is offering arange of festive breaks across itsportfolio of 13 UK wide propertiesdesigned exclusively for adults wantingto relax over the Christmas and NewYear period.

The company's Turkey and Tinsel andDickensian Christmas four-night breakstake place throughout this month. Onboth breaks, guests are welcomed with

mulled wine and mince pies and atraditional Christmas dinner, plus aChristmas Music Quiz.

New for this year, and also availableon both breaks, is a festive show called‘Jingle Bell Rock’ – a sing-along to charttopping Christmas favourites.Alternatively, guests can book either afour- or five-night Christmas Breakstarting on December 22 or 23 or opt for

a three- or four-night New Year Partybreak starting on December 29 or 30.

Four-night Christmas breaks cost£449 on full board, based on twosharing standard accommodation atNorton Grange, Isle of Wight for aDecember 23 arrival.For details seewww.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0808-141111.

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* The price is based on a three night break to the Algarve on 4 May ’14 from Luton and includes return flights, three nights three diamond rated, self catering accommodation and airport transfers.

shortbreaks

TOURISM SOUTH East’s guide to independent country pubs now covers short breaks in 17 counties. The website, www.greatcountrypubs.com,has been expanded to cover county-by-county guides, days out and short break ideas across Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, Norfolk,Suffolk and the rest of the South East. Individual guides to pubs and inns highlight food and accommodation details plus local attractions andgroup options, while further search categories focus on families, dog-owners and activity seekers. The site’s ‘Group Friendly’ tools include anitinerary planner, pre-booking and discount information, plus locations particularly suited to coach parties or larger groups.

Festive promotions from Warner Leisure Hotels with four nights from £449

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New Year offers in the US from FunwayFUNWAY IS highlighting special offers for breaks to theUS in January.

As examples, a three-night stay at the three-starEssex Inn in Chicago leads in at £625 per person, basedon two sharing. The deal includes flights with UnitedAirlines and is based on a January 9 departure.

A three-night break to San Francisco, staying at thethree-star Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, costs from £799for a January 9 departure, including United Airlinesflights.

For clients seeking a New York break, a three-nightstay at the three-star Wellington Hotel costs from £565,with travel on January 9 and flights with United Airlines.

The Spanish Thyme Traveller adds ‘Lovers and Ham in Teruel’ optionTHE SPANISH Thyme Traveller has added a three-night break,‘Lovers and Ham in Teruel’ in Spain.

The tour focuses on getting to know the region and itscuisine, including its famous ham (Jamon Serrano), as well astaking in the natural environment and learning about theregion’s history.

Prices per person, based on two sharing, lead in at €850. For details see www.thespanishthymetraveller.com

Winter sun deals from ExpediaEXPEDIA.CO.UK HAS compiled a round-up of its popularwinter sun destinations and latest deals.

As examples, a three-night stay in Egypt's Luxor costsfrom £569 per person, based on two sharing a classicroom with a garden view at the five-star Sofitel WinterPalace Luxor.

The price includes flights with Egyptair fromHeathrow departing on February 11.

Alternatively, five nights' all-inclusive stay inBarbados costs from £1,600 at the four-star TurtleBeach by Elegant Hotel, based on two sharing a juniorsuite. It includes flights with Virgin Atlantic fromGatwick on January 13. To book or for more information see www.expedia.co.ukor call 0800-783 2384.

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shortbreaks


Transun offers three-night NorthernLights breaks from £849TRANSUN IS offering clients the chance to see theNorthern Lights from £849 per person this winter.In early 2014, travellers can witness the Aurora Borealison a forest trek before trying their hand at Arcticactivities including husky sledding, snowmobiling and avisit to a Sami reindeer camp.

The three-night package costs from £849 per personbased on two sharing accommodation and includingflights from Gatwick, departing on January 2.

Specially chartered flights depart from regionalairports such as Newcastle, East Midlands and Bristolthroughout January, February and March.

The operator is also offering special trade rates onselected short family breaks to see Santa in Lapland,with discounts of up to £700 per person.

The new offers include a three-night Sleigh BellsRinging package, departing from Gatwick, Luton, Bristoland Manchester; a four-night Heavenly Peace package,departing from Leeds Bradford; and a three-night Hollyand the Ivy package, departing from Gatwick andManchester.

All prices include flights, full-board accommodation,transfers, a private family meeting with Santa and anitinerary of Arctic activities including reindeer sleighrides and husky sledding.For further information or to book call 01865-265200 orvisit www.transun.co.uk/agents

The Northern Lights

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Cruise & Maritime Voyages highlights new itineraries for 2014CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages (CMV) is offering three cruises to Iceland next year in June,July and August sailing from different UK departure ports and providing the opportunity tovisit different places around Iceland including the capital Reykjavik.

The line's head of marketing, Mike Hall, said: “Selecting a CMV cruise means agentscan offer their clients three or four destinations on a circumnavigation of Iceland. We offera full programme of shore excursions visiting geysers, glaciers, lava flows, volcaniccraters, bubbling mud pools, waterfalls and hot springs. The more adventurous can jumpinto kayaks, go off road in 4x4 jeeps or take a whale-watching trip. Also, the fact you are atsea means there are often sightings of whales and other wildlife such as puffins.”

As an example, an 11-night Iceland & Northern Islands itinerary departs from Bristol onJune 7 and sails to the Outer Hebrides then on to the Faroe Islands beforecircumnavigating Iceland. Guests will visit Eskifjördur Akureyri, Isafjördur and Reykjavik. For more information see www.cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844-414 6185.

Icelandair HotelReykjavik offers

breaks from £149THE ICELANDAIR HotelReykjavik Marina isoffering three nights’breakfast accommodationfor £149 per person, basedon two sharing a doubleroom and departing onJanuary 5.

The hotel is locatedclose to Elding ReykjavikWhale Watching andReykjavik Harbour, popularfor its whale-watching. For more information or to book visitwww.icelandairhotels.com

Return flights fromLuton to Reykjavik costfrom £229 per person withIcelandair, based on aJanuary 5 departure. For more information or to book visitwww.icelandair.com

THE ICELANDAIR Hotel Reykjavik Natura isoffering a range of seasonal activitiesduring the festive period.

From now until December 24, the 13Santa brothers (Yule Lads) will bringgoodies to hotel guests and tell stories ofthe Christmas folklore that has shapedIcelandic custom for centuries. Bedtimestories are also told every Thursday andIcelandic Christmas food is offered at thehotel’s Satt Restaurant.

A five-night stay at the hotel costs from£195 per person based on two sharing adouble room, including breakfast anddeparting on December 22.

For more information or to book visitwww.icelandairhotels.com

Flights from Gatwick to Reykjavik withIcelandair cost from £275 per personbased on a December 22 departure.For further details and to book seewww.icelandair.com

Festive celebrations at Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura

iceland

ACCORDING TO the latest figures from Promote Iceland, British tourists made up a quarter of the 53,000 visitors to the destination inOctober, an increase of 40% when compared to the same period last year. The country has welcomed 700,000 tourists so far this year – anincrease of 111,000 (19%), according to the tourist board. The destination hopes to encourage more visitors from the UK this month with itsfestive traditions and celebrations.

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WOW AIR will add transatlantic flights to its schedule withthe launch of new routes to Boston in spring next year.

The airline will fly to Boston from Gatwick via Reykjaviksix times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Flights depart Gatwick at12:20 to arrive in Boston at 18:25, while return flightsdepart at 20:10, arriving in Gatwick the next day at 10:50.Direct flights to Boston from Reykjavik will depart at16:30.

The new route will mark the airline’s first venture to theUS and five new Airbus A320 aircraft will be introducednext year to accommodate the additional flights.

Skúli Mogensen, founder and CEO of the airline, said:“Our new flights to Boston mark a significant milestone forus. The continued growth of the company since itsinception in 2011 has been really exciting to watch andwe’re really looking forward to connecting the land of fireand ice with the land of opportunity.”

TAILOR-MADEADVENTURES HAS added a four-day Iceland Northern Lightsitinerary to its portfolio. Arriving in Reykjavik, guests will have the option of aday tour, time permitting, followed by a visit to the UNESCO site of ÞingvellirNational Park, the waterhole of Geysir and the Gullfoss waterfall tocomplete the ‘Golden Circle’. In the evening, the operator recommendstravelling to the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula to search for the NorthernLights, plus a visit to the Blue Lagoon is also included. Accommodationis at Hotel Hilda (or similar) for three nights and the price leads in at£475 per person based on two people travelling, excluding flights.

New excursionoptions fromSuperbreakSUPERBREAK HAS addedtwo new excursions inIceland that can be addedwhen agents make a hotelbooking to Reykjavik.

A Northern Lights boat tripand a whale-watchingexcursion are now available.

Prices for the boat triplead in at £41 per adult and£21 per child and it isavailable until April 15, whilethe whale-watchingexcursion costs from £44 peradult and £21 per child and isavailable year-round. For more information visitwww.superbreak.com/agentsor call 0871-221 4444.

Four-day Northern Lights option from £475 from Tailor-madeadventures

WOW air to launch six times weekly Gatwick-Boston route next spring


iceland

HOTEL RANGA in the South of Iceland is offering a 30% discount on four-night stays. It includes a three-course dinner, set menu, Northern Lights wake-up call, breakfast buffet and free Wi-Fi. Rates start from£160 including the discount. For details visit www.ghotw.com/hotel-ranga. Alternatively, The GrandHotel Reykjavik is offering a Christmas deal which includes a three-night stay in a double room; freeupgrade to a superior room; breakfast buffet; a Christmas brunch for two people (can be exchanged forlunch buffet on weekdays); spa entry for two; and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Room ratesstart from £110 including a discount. For details visit www.ghotw.com/the-grand-hotel-reykjavik

The Northern Lights

Hotel Ranga


INTREPID TRAVEL and GeckosAdventures have teamed up to offer anew weekend break in Iceland, suitablefor travellers on a range of budgets. Aswell as time to explore Reykjavik,passengers will spend a day touringIceland’s ‘Golden Circle’ – the Gullfosswaterfall, Geysir hot springs, andThingvellir National Park. The rest of thetrip is free to take optional activitiessuch as whale-watching, horse-riding,swimming in the Blue Lagoon andNorthern Lights viewings. The four-day‘Iceland Weekend Break’ with hotelaccommodation costs from £355 perperson, while the Comfort version comeswith a higher standard of accommodationfrom £390 per person. Travellers on atighter budget can opt for Geckos’version of the tour, ‘Ice Ice Baby’ from£290 per person, which stays in aguesthouse. The trip departs weekly,year-round.

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Visit our website at: www.taberhols.co.ukOr call: 01274 875199 for your free brochure

Wrapped in a pristinewhite blanket, Laplandis the ultimate winterdestination and theperfect adventureplayground.Experience Tromsø, the

capital of the Arctic Circleand home to the etherealNorthern Lights.

Or how aboutan exhilarating huskyride across the spectacularArctic tundra?Unleash your sense of adventure.

Unleash Scandinavia.

From hush to mush!

iceland

FOLLOWING THE Christmas season,the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica isencouraging guests to experience arange of natural therapy andrejuvenation treatments.

In the spa, guests can opt for a headand shoulder massage in the hot tubs,

a steam bath or an Ice and Firetreatment.

Three nights’ breakfastaccommodation at the hotel costs from£225 per person, based on two sharinga double room departing on January 3.

For more information visit

www.reykjaviknordica.hilton.comReturn flights from Luton to

Reykjavik cost from £325 per personwith easyJet, based on a January 3departure. For details call 0843-479 9686 or see www.easyjet.com

Spa options at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica


FOR CLIENTS looking to exploreIceland in addition to hunting theNorthern Lights, Taber Holidays’ newfour-night ‘Winter Wonderland’ touroffers an overview of what Iceland hasto offer and makes the most of bothday and night.

The break starts and ends in thecapital Reykjavik and highlightsinclude visits to the Geysir hot springarea, the Jökulsárlon Glacial Lagoon,the Gulfoss Waterfall and theEyjafjallajökull volcano, whicherupted in 2010. For a spot ofrelaxation at the end of the tour,guests have the option to bathe in theBlue Lagoon.

To maximise opportunities to seethe Northern Lights, two nights arespent in the remote Hotel Katla nearVik in southern Iceland. While stayingat the hotel, guests can experience anevening lecture and Northern Lightshunt, weather permitting. The othernight can be spent in one of thehotel’s outdoor geothermal hot tubs.

Suzel Taber-Shaw, the operator'smanaging director, said: “This newtour is all about making the most ofyour stay. We have tried to includevisits to all of Iceland’s mainattractions by day, while leaving nightfree to search for the NorthernLights.”

Prices for the break start from £998per person and include flights fromHeathrow, Gatwick, Manchester orGlasgow; transfers; breakfastaccommodation; a visit to an Icelandicfarm; entrance to the EyjafjallajökullVisitor Centre; and a Northern Lightshunt. The price is based on twosharing and the tour departs onselected dates from now until March6, 2014.

Alternatively, a new fly/drive‘Southern Nights and Northern Lights’trip takes guests to the remote Hellain Southern Iceland. Visitors will havethe choice between accommodation atHotel Rangá or Hotel Lækur, bothoffering a wake-up call should the

lights appear in the middle of thenight.

In addition, the Geysir area is ashort drive away, as is theJökulsárlon Glacial Lagoon and Vik.

Taber-Shaw said: “We have alreadyhad some incredible Northern Lightsdisplays over Iceland this winter andwith this tour based in the heart ofthe countryside, it offers excellentopportunities for seeing them. What’smore, with the special wake-up callservice guests don’t even have toworry about missing them while theysleep.”

Prices for the four-night breakstart from £1,039 per person andinclude flights, transfers, half-boardaccommodation for three nights inHella, breakfast accommodation inReykjavik and car hire. The price isbased on two sharing and the tourdeparts daily until March 29, 2014(excluding the Christmas period).For further details call 01274-875199or see www.taberhols.co.uk

Northern Lights

ICELANDAIR WILL continue to grow its Canadian routenetwork next year with the launch of services to Vancouverand Edmonton, complementing the already establishedroutes to Toronto and Halifax. The airline will also add itsfifth weekly flight from Glasgow and increase capacity toGatwick.

Flights to Edmonton, capital of Alberta (home to theCanadian Rockies), will start from March 26 and continueuntil January 2015, four times weekly, while the Vancouvertwice weekly flights will operate from May 13 to October 12.

In addition to the new Canadian destinations, the airlinewill increase its frequency from Glasgow for the second year

in a row next year by adding a fifth weekly flight from April14, further strengthening Glasgow’s connections with bothReykjavik and North America.

Hjörvar Sæberg Högnason, the airline's general managerUK and Ireland, said: “It is a real pleasure to see Glasgowearn this extra frequency as the route has been going fromstrength to strength in recent years. This makes it easier forpeople to travel from Glasgow to Iceland, which was recentlyvoted the world’s friendliest country by the World EconomicForum. The extra capacity also allows us to offer even moreseamless connections to our growing number ofdestinations in North America.”

Icelandair offers more frequency from UK plus new destinations in Canada


New four-day Northern Lights ‘Winter Wonderland’ tour from Taber Holidays

iceland


WE DELIVER UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Watch Iceland Sparkle during Northern Lights Season Plan your Adventure with Iceland Travel, a premier Leisure Ground Operator & DMC since 1937

Visit Iceland Travel‘s website at touroperator.icelandtravel.is

EXPLORE HAS introduced a new ten-dayIcelandic Winter Splendours itinerarywhich gives travellers the chance to seethe Northern Lights as well as geysersand frozen waterfalls.

The tour also visits the Blue Lagoon,Lake Myvatn Nature Baths and Reykjavik,and includes a boat trip to Hrisey Island.

It departs on October 25, 2014 andcosts from £1,597 per person includingflights; seven nights’ hotel and two

nights’ guesthouse accommodation withbreakfast; two lunches; transport; andthe services of a tour leader, driver andlocal guides.

Alternatively, the operator also offersa Northern Lights tour accompanied byastronomer Andrew Green, which travelsto Iceland in search of the NorthernLights. It also explores the ‘GoldenCircle’, including Thingvellir NationalPark and Strokkur Geyser as well as

visiting lava fields and the geothermalwaters of the Blue Lagoon.

Departing in February and March nextyear, the four-day tour costs from £989(was £1,081), including flights; twonights’ hotel and one night’s guesthouseaccommodation with breakfast;transport; and the services of a tourleader and driver.For further information or to book call0844-499 0901 or visit www.explore.co.uk

Explore adds ten-day Icelandic Winter Splendours itinerary from £1,597

REGENT HOLIDAYS has added an eight-day‘Northern Lights Photography Tour’ for2014 which travels to the rural and remoteSouth West Iceland to maximise thechances of catching the Northern Lights atnightfall. It is suitable for amateur andhobby photographers and costs from£1,495 per person. Included are flightsfrom Heathrow; transfers; airport taxes;breakfast accommodation in hotels andguesthouses; a fully-escorted six-daycoach tour with a guide; visits to folk andnature museums; entry to the BlueLagoon; and a Northern Lights programmewith five evenings of lectures and films, aswell as searches for the Northern Lightsand midnight refreshments. For details call 020-7666 1290 or visitwww.regent-holidays.co.uk

iceland


New short break packages from Transun TRANSUN HAS launched a new Iceland package for 2014 from £1,179 perperson.

The three- and four-night packages offer tours of Akureyri and LakeMyvatn in North Iceland.

Travellers will visit Lake Myvatn on a guided coach tour with a focus onIceland’s most popular sights including the Goðafoss waterfall;Dimmuborgir, renowned for its lava mazes and sculptures; and the Naturebaths, where travellers will have the chance to bathe in the geothermalwater.

As part of the package guests visit the town Húsavík known as the whale-watching centre of Iceland, and as well as taking time to explore the city,guests will embark on a three-hour whale-watching tour.

A three-night package costs from £1,179 and includes flights fromHeathrow, three nights' breakfast accommodation, Lake Mývatn guidedcoach tour, a three-hour whale-watching tour and transfers.

Flights depart on Thursdays and Sundays from June 19 to September 7.For further information or to book visit www.transun.co.uk or call 01865-265200.

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

What present are youmost looking forward to

giving at Christmas?

Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] love watching my son's face when he opens his stocking!

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] Lego for my son - costs an arm and a leg butthe look on his face should be worth it

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected]

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] special for someone special. Revealing morewould spoil the surprise!

Sales Director: Simon [email protected] Secret Santa present - it's for one of the people onthis page!

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] pearl necklace to my wife

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected] edited and packaged DVD of my son's first 6months to both sets of grandparents

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] Santa and that would be telling!

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected] my two year old son his first laptop

Sales Executive: Matt [email protected] secret Santa present to....?

Senior Designer: Genaro [email protected]

Assistant Designer: Nicky [email protected]

Production: Nick Salt [email protected] sack of potatoes

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]

Crossword:Across: 1. AZURA, 4. RHONE, 7. EUROS, 8. SOF, 9. DALY, 10. CANNES, 13. NEWARK, 15. FOUR, 18. JAL, 19. ZAIRE,20. SUSAN, 21. GENIE. Down: 1. ALADDIN, 2. UTELL, 3. AVRO, 4. ROSEAU, 5. OLSEN, 6. ELF, 11. SCROOGE, 12. FROZEN, 14. WALES, 16. ODEON, 17. BING, 18. JLS.

Highlighted Word: ALASKA

Travagrams: (top) Dusit Thani (bottom) Amsterdam

Where Am I?: Protaras

puzzlesolutions


Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd - University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London,SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange LimitedSubscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseasISSN: 0956-2419

Follow us on Twitter!@TravelBulletin

iceland

S06 TB1312 Iceland_Layout 1 12/11/2013 12:10 PM

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travel bulletin 13th december 2013

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