travel bulletin april 24 2015

It’s time to votefor your travelstars of 2015!

Star Awards Preview

April 24 2015 | ISSUE NO 1,916 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

at home witheileeneileen works on a£12K holiday toMexico

digital dialogueexamining the roleof big data in thetravel industry

8 12

this weekbulletin briefingnews & views fromAdvantage

16 personalitybulletinthe sales manager ofVoyages-sncf UKtakes the hot seat

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Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) invited key travel trade partners to Newcastle –Port of Tyne and Dundee recently to have lunch and a tour around its latest fleetaddition Magellan. Pictured is the line's Wayne Beard (centre right), and LyndseyBarron (centre left) with Magellan's hotel director, Daniel Reiter and local agents inNewcastle. The company has vacancies available for visiting its premium ship Astoron May 15 in Portsmouth, June 2 in Harwich and August 4 in Rosyth. For details call 0844-414 6140 or email [email protected]

This Week

3 newsbest cities for a pound-stretching break revealed

8 at home with eileen eileen works on a £12kholiday to Mexico

9 agent bulletinthe latest agent offers &booking incentives

11 puzzle bulletinplay Su Doku for yourchance to win a £50 M&Svoucher

12 digital dialogueexamining the role of bigdata in the travel industry

14 agent reviewone agent checks in at thefour-star Spring HotelVulcano in Tenerife

16 bulletin briefingnews & views fromAdvantage

17 personality bulletinin the hot seat this week isthe sales manager ofVoyages-sncf UK

19 star awards previewa special look at this year’sTravel Bulletin Star Awards– plus your chance to vote!

Cover Pictures

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3www.travelbulletin.co.uk April 24 2015

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CITY BREAKS have already overtakenbeach holidays to become the mostpopular choice for UK tourists accordingto the annual Post Office Travel MoneyCity Costs Barometer. And this year thereis an even better reason to head off to aEuropean capital, with prices plunging inthree-quarters of the cities surveyed andthe increasingly powerful pound meanscity breakers will have up to 22% more tospend than a year ago, equating to £90extra on a £500 transaction. For the seventh year running Eastern

European cities will offer bargain huntersthe best value – taking seven of theleading ten places in the survey of 28cities. Lithuanian capital Vilnius, thenewest eurozone member, tops the chartafter registering a fall of more than 15%year-on-year in the overall cost of thebarometer basket. At £100.04 for a three-course evening meal for two with wine,drinks, two nights’ accommodation,airport transfers, sightseeing attractionsand city transport, prices in Vilnius arewell under half those of traditionalfavourites including Paris (£261.39),Rome (£276.83) and Amsterdam(£288.66). It would be a clean sweep for the

Baltic States, were it not for Budapest,which comes in second in the City CostsBarometer chart (£119.77). An 18.8% fallin prices, the biggest drop in thebarometer top ten, has enabled Riga(£120.39) to power past Lisbon and

Prague and move up to third place fromsixth last year. Completing the Baltic trio,Estonian capital Tallinn (£131.28, down11.5%) is in fourth place.But Eastern European cities do not

have a complete stranglehold on value.Athens (£131.35), new to the City CostsBarometer, enters the fray in fifthposition. Boosted by the low cost ofeating out at £29.15 for two, the Greekcapital emerges as the cheapest inWestern Europe, taking that positionfrom Lisbon (£141.37), which drops toeighth place. Prices in Athens are almost55% lower than in Amsterdam, the mostexpensive eurozone city.Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel

Money said: “It’s a win/win situation forUK holidaymakers this year in Europeancities because prices are down in themajority of cities we surveyed, thanks tothe soaring value of sterling. However,prices continue to vary significantly indifferent cities so it makes sense to dosome holiday homework before takingthe plunge and booking a capital break. “Remember that the cost of meals and

drinks will need to be added into thespending budget as city breaks are neverall-inclusive holidays. Over the course ofa two or three-night break, these canmake a big difference to the cost of a citybreak and the low prices in Prague,Athens and Budapest will make thesecities strong contenders for a bargainbreak to rival the Baltic States.”

MAGELLAN MATES...

Survey reveals Europe’s best cities for a pound-stretching break

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BRAND USA has launched a new site – the United States ofGreat Outdoors – that highlights outdoor travel destinationsand experiences across the country. Content on the new site includes travel stories,

photography and videos that focus on adventure, nature,family travel and other themes, along with stories organisedby both interest and destination. Features include ‘10 Incredible Selfie Spots across the

USA’, photos of the week and must-see lists with travelinformation and trip ideas in easy-to-read snippets. Visitors to the site can also get a behind-the-scenes look

at the making of Brand USA’s America Wild: U.S. NationalParks (working title) film. Created in partnership with

independent filmmaker MacGillivray Freeman Films,creator of 38 giant-screen productions, the film is a tributeto the National Park Service’s upcoming centennialanniversary in 2016.Due for release globally in IMAX theaters and other giant-

screen cinemas during the first quarter of 2016, the behind-the-scenes website footage includes grizzly bears fishing inAlaska, the President Theodore Roosevelt on a camping tripwith conservationist John Muir at Yosemite National Park inCalifornia and professional climber Conrad Anker scalingthe red rocks at Arches National Park in Utah. The microsite can be found atoutdoors.discoveramerica.com

SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS has added 15new Mercedes Tourismo Euro V1coaches to its luxury coach fleet,Grand Tourer.The new livery has been designed by

transport artist, Ray Stenning, whichsees the iconic blue colours ofShearings, rolled across the GrandTourer fleet in place of gold. The announcement comes on the

back of further growth in customervolumes, which earlier saw thecompany expand its range of GrandTourer holidays and update its tourand excursion programme in 2015. Caroline Brown, the company’s

commercial director, said: “We’re veryexcited with our new livery and theGrand Tourer fleet enhancement

initiatives. Consumer confidence is onthe increase and in response to thiswe’re continuously looking at ways todevelop the Grand Tourer product.” In addition to the new vehicles,

Grand Tourer customers travelling thisyear will be able to benefit from arange of ‘Exclusive to Shearings’excursions. Among them are a behindthe scenes visit to Warwick Castle inWarwickshire and Floors Castle inScotland. This year’s programme also

includes a special collection ofEuropean Grand Tourer holidays,taking in new experiences anddestinations. As an example, a 16-day‘Delights of Croatia & DalmatianCoast’ itinerary leads in at £1,759,

which includes stays in Dubrovnik andZagreb and a coastal journey along theDalmatian coast. For further information seewww.shearingsholidays.com or call0844-209 7143.

Airlines offered incentive for Eilat flights THE ISRAEL Ministry of Tourism has announced a newtourism directive to encourage airline operators to fly toIsrael’s Red Sea resort, Eilat for a minimum of 16 rotationsover the winter period.From October 6 to April 22, 2016 the ministry will

reimburse airline operators for every passenger flying toEilat’s Ovda airport by 45 euros up to the total amount ofone million euros per annum, per airline. The Israel Government Tourist Office, the UK office for

the Ministry of Tourism, has begun discussions with severalBritish and European airlines with regards to the newdirective.Naama Oryan-Kaplan, director of the UK and Ireland at

the Israel Government Tourist Office, said “Eilat is theperfect winter sun destination for British and Irishholidaymakers. We know that direct flights will encourageBrits to visit Eilat and the Red Sea resort and experiencethe wealth of activities that Eilat has to offer. We arecurrently in discussion with several airlines regarding thisnew directive and hope to offer new services to SouthernIsrael later this year.”Submissions for airline proposals to the Ministry of

Tourism closes on June 15 and airline operators in the UKand Ireland are encouraged to contact Naama Oryan-Kaplan via email at [email protected]

Shearings Holidays unveils new luxury Grand Tourer livery

Shearings’ new Grand Tourer livery

New website on America’s Great Outdoors from Brand USA

www.travelbulletin.co.ukApril 24 20154

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G Adventures has announced the winning agents in its ÜberMassive Incentive (UMI) campaign, which offered more than £50Kof prizes up for grabs. The two UK top sellers were Andrew Kerrfrom STA Birmingham University and Jon Hodson from Gap 360 inTunbridge Wells. Both agents were able to choose from a menu oftrips for themselves and their friends. Pictured is the operator'sJules Morgan with Jon Hodson, who opted for a Greece break withseven friends sailing with him from Mykonos to Santorini.

PLAIN SAILING...

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INGHAMS' 2015 Lakes & Mountainsprogramme offers a host of new holidays withhighlights including the introduction of stand-alone city breaks including Vienna, Innsbruckand Munich, new gentle cycling and scenicwalking tours in Germany and Austria, as wellas a fresh focus on the gardens of Italy,Germany and Switzerland.The operator has added nine new

destinations, two new Chalet Hotels and morethan 50 new partner hotels to its summer2015 programme, many of which have beenincluded in the programme at the specialrequest of customers.Lovers of Austria will welcome the

introduction of Brand and Bürserberg,Scheffau and Bad Kleinkirchheim inCarinthia, while in Switzerland Hilterfingen onLake Thun joins the programme. The operator's Chalet Hotel concept

continues to grow in popularity with ChaletElisabeth in Lech joining the company’sexisting portfolio of chalet properties inAustria. In Italy, the company will feature twonew lakes – Lake Orta, to the west of LakeMaggiore, and Lake Ledro, set high aboveLake Garda, is now offered as a resort in its

own right. Also new in Italy are Maderno,between Gardone and Limone, and thewalking centre of Champoluc located high inthe Monte Rosa region where guests will stayat Chalet Hotel Breithorn. The spa town of Crikvenica in Croatia is

also new for this summer. With its bustlingtree-lined promenade, Crikvenica is locatedon the Kvarner Riviera, 33km away fromRijeka. A seven-night stay in Crikvenica at the

four-star Grand Kvamer Palace costs from£679 per person on a half-board basisincluding flights and transfers.Meanwhile, the company has added several

twin-centre options to link mountain and lakeresorts. As an example, a Lake GardaHighlights option, is based at Desenzano forthe first four nights before guests transfer byleisurely lake steamer to Riva at the northerntip of the lake to spend a week in a three- orfour-star hotel. Saturday flights are availablevia Verona from £999 per person includingtransfers, a full day tour of the Dolomites andVenice plus a half-day wine-tasting excursion.For more information visitwww.inghams.co.uk or call 01483-791114.

UNTIL MAY 29, qualifying new bookings with RockyMountaineer receive a free night in Seattle, Vancouver orCalgary on packages of four nights or more, plus a choice ofan airport transfer or a city tour if booking a package ofseven nights or more.As an example of eligible holiday packages, an eight-day

Canadian Rockies Highlights and Coastal Passage triptravels between Seattle and the Canadian Rockies with astopover in Vancouver, and features a range of activities,highlighting iconic landmarks in Lake Louise and Banff, AB. For more information on the Spring Bonus visitagent.rockymountaineer.com

Spring bonus offer from Rocky Mountaineer offers free nights on new bookings

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Carrier will be taking part in the annual Great Manchester Run – Europe’s biggest 10K runningevent – on Sunday May 10. A total of 18 team members will be running the circular route aroundthe city that takes in landmarks such as the Imperial War Museum, The Lowry and Old Trafford.Aiming to raise £2,000, the donations will go to Reuben’s Retreat, a Greater Manchester basedcharity. Set up by Nicola and Michael Graham, who lost their son Reuben aged only 23 months,work has begun on a retreat located within parkland in the Peak District which aims to offer respitebreaks for children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses, as well as a bereavementsupport and counselling centre for parents and siblings. Pictured ready to get their trainers on are,from the left, the operator’s Amanda Bailey, Siobhan Osborne, Rick Milne, Emma Cross, LucyBarton, Jenny Basham, Sarah-Jane Sherwin, Katie Robinson, Marie Mikkelson, Melanie Marsh,Gina Riley and Jessica Read.

New live musicweekend breakfrom Butlins

BUTLINS HAS unveiled itsnew Live Music Weekendbreak for 2015 – RockawayBeach – an intimate indoorfestival showcasing thebest of emerging,breakthrough andestablished alternativeartists.Taking place from

October 9-12 at ButlinsBognor Regis resort,guests can expect to seesets from Johnny Marr,Spiritualized, The Fall,Young Fathers, TheMonochrome Set andWhyte Horses, as well asdiscover new and talentedacts.Early bird tickets for the

three-day festival are onsale from £129 per personbased on four adultssharing a silverapartment. Other Live Music

Weekends include theShiiine Weekender, 90sReloaded, Giants of Rock,Disco Inferno, Butlinsfamous Hot Summer Partyand Back Together. For more information visitwww.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742.

RUNNING FOR REUBEN...

Inghams introduces stand-alone city breaks for 2015

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Newsbites� THE FOUR-STAR Palm Beach Hotel in Larnaka,Cyprus is offering seven nights' breakfast stay for£538 next month including flights. The offer comeson the back of the hotel's recent refurbishment andis based on two sharing a garden room. For details see www.palmbeachhotel.com

� JET AIRWAYS has introduced a new Zero PenaltyFee policy for changes or cancellations within 24-hours of bookings made at www.jetairways.com

� NEW YORK’S One World Observatory has announcedthat it will officially open on May 24. Theobservatory, located at the top of One World TradeCenter, will provide panoramic views ofNew York City. Tickets are available to purchase atwww.oneworldobservatory.com

� PHILIPPINE AIRLINES is offering Economy andBusiness Class flights from Heathrow to a range ofdestinations for the travel trade. Agent fares lead inat £120 to Manila in Economy including taxes andcharges. The offers are for travel up to November 30for bookings made by June 30.

� ICELANDAIR has relocated to Heathrow AirportTerminal 2. The carrier operates twice-dailyservices to Reykjavik, Iceland and then onwards to14 gateways in North America and Canada.

JET2HOLIDAYS HAS launched an exclusive new service forits customers in Benidorm – free baggage check-in at theirhotel for their return flight home.The company claims to be the first operator in Europe to

offer the new facility where guests can drop off their bagswith the company's representatives in the hotel reception onthe day of their flight, collect their boarding passes and then

head off to the airport to relax, safe in the knowledge theirbags are securely waiting on the aircraft for the journeyhome.The service is currently being trialed at the operator's top

ten hotels in Benidorm, with more properties due to beadded in the near future.For further information visit www.jet2holidays.com

Benidorm customers bag a new service from Jet2holidays


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SuperBreak’s sales team have been out visiting travel agentswearing their branded red jackets to promote the new VisitEngland 'Holidays at Home are GREAT’ campaign with Shaun theSheep. The team are giving away a variety of Shaun the Sheepmerchandise and are promoting a range of offers linked to thecampaign. Pictured are, from the left: the operator's Kelly Giblin,Freya McCann and Wendy Cameron.

pick upd

F

ADD A PRE NIGHT IN B

EXODUS is featuring aselection of wildlifeencounters in 2015/16including a trip in search ofPapua New Guinea’s birds ofparadise, a chance toaccompany scientistsresearching whale sharks inthe Sea of Cortez and aspecialist photography trip tothe Svalbard Archipelago.The wildlife trips are

designed to supportconservation whilst exploringnew frontiers in the companyof experts and commence nextmonth with a trip to PapuaNew Guinea to visit a

destination where new speciesare still being discovered andwhere tribal life has notchanged for hundreds ofyears. Prices lead in at £5,949 per

person including flights,accommodation, most meals,all transport and listedactivities, with the firstguaranteed departure on May24. Meanwhile, the new Sea of

Cortez trips takes an in-depthlook at one of the mostbiodiverse marine areas in theworld, with the chance to joinworld-renowned research

scientists.The operator is also

launching two exclusive tripsto Spitsbergen in summer2016, led by expert guide PaulGoldstein and award-winningconservationist andphotographer MarkCarwardine. The two limiteddepartures will journeythrough the SvalbardArchipelago in 24-hourdaylight, getting travellers andtheir lenses up close to allmanner of Polar wildlife,including the polar bear. In response to Botswana

being one of the company's

bestselling wildlifedestinations in 2014, a newBotswana & Zimbabwe LodgeSafari has been created,where guests have the chanceto observe some of the world’slargest elephant herds inChobe National Park. Pricesfor the 16-day trip start from£3,499 per person includingflights, accommodation, mostmeals, all transport and listedactivities and tour leaders,with the first departure on July25.For more information or tobook visit www.exodus.co.ukor call 0845-863 9601.

Exodus expands conservation support with launch of new wildlife trips for 2015/16

STEP ON THE(SUPER)BREAK…

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COSMOS TOURS & CRUISEShas launched its 2016 previewrange of North America andWorldwide holidays with aprivate home pick up serviceincluded, £100 off per bookingas well as some holidays heldat 2015 prices.The operator’s product and

commercial manager, LeilaGrochowski, said:“Customers booking earlycan take advantage of ourgreat value offers and securethe holiday departure theywant, particularly those whichcoincide with special eventssuch as Mardi Gras or theJazz Festival in New Orleans.”The company’s ‘Start in

Style’ private door-to-doorhome pick up service isincluded on all bookingsmade before May 13, wherecustomers will be picked upfrom home in a privatechauffeur-driven car and

given assistance with luggageon arrival into the terminalbuilding with the sameservice offered on the returnjourney home. To meet demand for

worldwide touring, thepreview range includesJapan, China, India, Southand Central America, Asia,Australia, New Zealand andSouth Africa. The choice of tours in the

US and Canada showcasesNorth American iconic sightsand sounds including vibrantcities, national parks andnatural wonders. Prices lead in at £1,435 per

person for a nine-day ‘NewYork, Niagara Falls &Washington DC’ classic tourincluding flights, sevennights’ accommodation,guided excursions, transfersand the services of a tourdirector.

Customers travelling ontheir own can take advantageof the operator’s ‘single shareoption’ on selected tours; ifno other single sharetraveller of the same genderis travelling on the bookeddeparture, they can enjoy asingle room at no extra cost.In addition to the home

pick-up service, a number ofdirect flights are available to

North America fromHeathrow, Birmingham,Manchester, Newcastle,Edinburgh, Glasgow andAberdeen.To book or for moreinformation [email protected], call 0800-997 8826 orvisitwww.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk

Cosmos Tours & Cruises launches 2016 preview programme

THE UK’s 100% Trade Only Tour OperatorCall Reservations FREE on 0800 0224 182Incentive Terms & Conditions: www.travel2.com/sitecontent/terms/australiasnaturecoast.html

3228

@T2news *

Win a holiday for 2 to Australia’s Nature Coast in Queensland*

8 Day Fraser Coast & Sunshine Coast Self-Drive Travel north to cosmopolitan Noosa before an expertly crafted small group tour of Fraser Island. Let the experts show your clients this fantastic sand island to make the most of their time in Australia’s Nature Coast.

Includes:• Return flights• 2 nights at 4*+ The Narrow Escape Rainforest Retreat, Sunshine Coast

Hinterland, B&B• 1 night at 5* Outrigger Little Hastings Street, Noosa, B&B• 1 night at 4* Mantra Hervey Bay• 2 day Fraser Island Adventure Tour

including 1 night at 3*+ Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Beauty Spots Tour, various meals & boat transfers

• 2 nights at 4* Mantra Mooloolaba Beach, Sunshine Coast

• Car hire for duration, pick updrop off Brisbane

Australia’s Nature CoastStretching from the Glass House Mountains north of Brisbane to iconic Fraser Island and containing some of the most serene and unspoilt landscape anywhere on the continent. With miles of breathtaking Queensland coastline, sweeping countryside, lush rainforest and abundant wildlife, it’s easy to see why this region is becoming increasingly popular. Although it seems like a world away from the hustle and bustle of Australia’s East Coast cities, it’s accessibility is one of its major assets.

Fraser Island Valid for travel: 01 May - 21 Jun 15

From £1,339pp

ADD A PRE NIGHT IN BRISBANE FROM £49pp

Why not…

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Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

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The Blue Train heads to Kruger in 2016 THE BLUE TRAIN has announced that it will be heading upto “Big 5” country with the launch of its new Hoedspruitdepartures in 2016. The company will make two round trips up to the

Limpopo Province, one in July and the other in August,offering guests the choice of four 19-hour one-wayjourneys. The new departures will enable guests to takenew 'rail safari' combination packages with the manywildlife reserves and private safari lodges in the GreaterKruger and Sabi Sands area.For those wanting to take the Blue Train northbound, the

train will travel from Pretoria to Hoedspruit on Friday July8 and again on Friday August 12, 2016, departing at 15:00in the afternoon and arriving at 10:00 the followingmorning.Guests wanting to enjoy the rail journey after their safari

can opt to travel southbound from Hoedspruit to Pretoriaon either Saturday July 9or Saturday August 13, 2016. These one-way journeys between Pretoria and

Hoedspruit in either direction take 19 hours as opposed tothe usual 27 hours between Cape Town and Pretoria.For more information visit www.bluetrain.co.za or [email protected]

with Eileen...At homeWhat has h

omeworker Eileen

been up to this month?

IHOPE YOU all had a good Easter weekend and areenjoying the lovely spring weather we are now having.I have a mixed bag of enquiries on the go at the

moment and I’m about to confirm a £12k holiday toMexico which I’ve been working on for quite a while. Asthe holiday is for the May half-term holiday, theaccommodation is ‘on request’ so I’m just keeping myfingers crossed that it comes back ok.I had a surprise when I answered the phone a couple

of weeks ago. It was a woman from Café Nero asking tospeak to my husband which seemed odd. He was out atthe time and my guess was that he’d just popped in for acoffee, left something behind and that she was calling tolet him know. However, I was wrong. He’d bought ticketsfor a charity raffle some weeks ago and she was callingto tell him he’d won a prize. The first prize in fact- anapartment for a week at a golf resort in Turkey plussome money towards the flights.My husband was delighted when I passed on the good

news. At first, assuming I wouldn’t be interested in goingto a golf hotel he started talking about calling a coupleof his golfing friends to check out if they’d be interested.I’m afraid I stopped him in his tracks when I made itobvious I was looking forward to going! If he wasdisappointed not to be going off on a golfing holiday withhis friends, then he hid it very well.I read recently that research shows that as many as

one in five people are still travelling without insurance.Cost is often given as a reason for not taking out cover,yet research has found that Brits are often spendingmore at the airport on drinks, magazines and sweetsthan the cost of a standard single trip insurance policy.Others travelling within the EEC often think that theEHIC card is sufficient. One of the many benefits totravellers of booking with a travel agent is that we willalways reinforce the importance of taking out travelinsurance, warn them of the possible problems oftravelling without suitable cover and recommend themost suitable policy for them. That’s something they’llnever get when booking online!

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

[email protected]

newsbulletin


MOVERS� NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS has appointed Sas Rowbothamas account manager for the southern region.

� ABTA has appointed Victoria Bacon as head of brand andbusiness development.

� THOMAS PANICKAMURIYIL has joined Hampton byHilton London Gatwick Airport as general manager.

� COSMOS TOURS has appointed a new field based salesteam. Simon McDermott joins as national sales managerand will head up the team as Sarah Ashmore becomessales manager. Their remit will be to develop keypartnerships with northern and southern agentsrespectively and to grow awareness of the wide range ofworldwide packaged touring and cruise productsavailable through the company’s brand Cosmos Tours &Cruises as well as luxury river cruise brand, AvalonWaterways.

� THE FIVE-STAR Landmark London has appointed AdolfSchauer as hotel manager.

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� IF ONLY…has partnered with EtihadAirways to provide agents with additionalMoneyCard rewards this month. Agentswho book holidays that include Etihadflights can claim a £20 Bonus MoneyCardreward on top of the operator’s existinglevel of rewards for bookings, whichcurrently range between £10 and £300.In addition, if agents visit the company’stravel trade website (agents.ifonly.net),they can win £150 of vouchers byentering a simple quiz.

� A-ROSA Flussschiff, a cruise line whichoperates river cruises in Germany, isrewarding agents for selling FIT cabins.Agents can earn a free cabin for sellingfive FIT cabins on the company's SELECTPremium conditions for all departurestaken by October 31 that are five nightsor longer. A maximum of five free cabinscan be earned per agency and holidaysmust be taken by the end of 2016. For details email [email protected]

� TO COINCIDE with its Tourism Australiacampaign, 1st Class Holidays is offeringagents the chance to win a BBQ anddeluxe hamper. Every Australia bookingmade before May 15 will be entered intoa draw to win. Entries can be increasedby booking preferred partners and airlineclasses, and if a booking contains morethan one upgraded element theadditional entries are increased. See www.1stclassholidays.com

Booking incentives

Agent offers� UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE River Cruise Collection isoffering agents the opportunity to experience one ofits luxurious cruises for up to 70% off the brochureprice. The offer, applicable on selected Europeandepartures from May to August subject toavailability, is based on double occupancy and givesagents the opportunity to experience the company’sitineraries, fine dining, personalised service andshore excursions. Selected itineraries are availableon the Castles Along the Rhine, Legendary Rhineand Moselle, Enchanting Danube, Eastern EuropeExplorer, European Serenade, European Jewels,Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy, Bordeaux,Vineyards and Chateaux. For details visitwww.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk or call 0808-1689110.

� SOMAK HOLIDAYS has launched a new Facebookcompetition where one lucky person will winafternoon tea for two at the Savoy. The competitionis hosted on the operator’s Facebook page(www.somak.com/win) and entrants have to liketheir page to enter. Bonus entries are rewarded tothose who share the competition on their Facebookpage. The winner will be announced online on May22.

� THE GRENADA TOURISM Authority is offeringagents the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to theRHS Chelsea Flower Show on May 22. For a chanceto win, agents should send an email [email protected] by May 1 with the correctanswer to this question: By what other name isGrenada popularly known? The winner will benotified by email on May 5.


agentbulletin

Agent trainingTIPTO has announced five new roadshows this

summer where agents will be able to meet

members, make new contacts, learn about new

products and offers while enjoying games and the

chance to win prizes. Events are run exclusively

for independent agents and homeworkers from

18:00-22:00 and are free to attend. Drinks and

snacks are provided throughout the evening and

agents are treated to a sit down dinner at the

start of the event when they can socialise and

mingle with operators and other agents. The

events take place this Monday (April 27) at St.

Johns Hotel in Solihull; June 17 in Ashford; June

18 in Croydon; June 24 in Bristol; and June 25 in

Exeter.

THE GOLDEN TICKET…Last year Gold Medal launched itsbiggest incentive yet – Golden Ticket: Reloaded – offeringagents the chance to win a holiday prize for eight people,flying to Dubai with Emirates and staying in a Royal BridgeSuite at Atlantis, The Palm, worth around £80,000. Picturedis the lucky winner, Jane Wright from Apple Travel, whowas rewarded for her outstanding sales performance.

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SCENIC TOURS is changingand will now be known asScenic. The rebrand comesafter an extensive 12-monthproject when the nameScenic Tours was no longerperceived as an accuratedescription of thecompany’s extensiveproduct offering. The business, founded by

Glen Moroney in 1986, hasevolved from an Australiancoach touring operator to aluxury global travelcompany and needed aname and positioning whichbetter reflected thecompany’s existing focusand resonated morestrongly with guests andagents.Commenting on the

rebrand, the company'schairman, Glen Moroney,said: “We started out as avery different company 29years ago. Today, we’reglobally recognised with aunique perspective on all-inclusive luxury travel. Inaddition, we’re alsospecialists in river cruising– and we’re able to use ourtravel know-how in waysthat weren’t even possiblejust a few years ago. “In that time we’ve come

to define who we really are.

We’ve also learnt so muchabout our business, andabout how to improve ourguests’ travel experience.Our offering is now muchmore tailored. And, aboveall, we now have a muchclearer idea of our mission– to help our guestsdiscover the incrediblewonder in the manylocations we visit.”With the name change

comes a new logo and arefreshed colour palette ofblack and gold. This hasalready started rolling outacross parts of thebusiness, fromdocumentation to on boardthe European fleet of ScenicSpace-Ships, which havebeen rebranded. Thesechanges will continue overthe next few months acrosswebsite, brochures, pressand TV advertising andevents. As well as a new-look

brand, this year will alsosee the launch of two newScenic Space-Ships, ScenicJasper and Scenic Opal,which both feature new andenhanced on board facilitiesincluding a heated vitalitypool on Scenic Jasper. A13th ship, Scenic Amber, iscurrently underconstruction and isexpected to make itsinaugural sailing onEurope’s waters in 2016.

Up to £1,200 in spring & summersavings from European Waterways EUROPEAN WATERWAYS has announced its latest specialoffers for the spring and summer 2015 season, withsavings of up to £1,200 off per cabin on its six-night, all-inclusive cruises. Special offers include cruises in Burgundy such as a six-

night sailing on the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque, whichcruises the upper Burgundy Canal from Venarey-Les-Laumes to Tanlay (or reverse).Cruise dates are on May 24 and 31 and June 21 and

prices lead in at £5,980 based on two sharing and includinga saving of £1,200. Highlights include a visit to the village of Flavigny sur

Ozerain, location of the film ‘Chocolat’; a private Chabliswine tasting in the cellars of a renowned winery; and a visitto UNESCO site Abbaye de Fontenay.Special offers with similar savings are also available on

other hotel barge cruises in Champagne, Alsace, Gasconyand on the Canal du Midi.For details see www.gobarging.com or call 01753-598555.

Scenic Tours announces rebrand


newsbulletin

The UK’s first direct service between Gatwick and Reno in Nevadalaunches in December from Thomas Cook Airlines, in time for theski season. The twice-weekly service departs on Wednesdays andSaturdays from December 19 until April 9 and will open up skiholiday options for UK travellers. Prices start from £399 return or£729 with the airline's new Premium service. For details see www.thomascookairlines.com

Deluxe ‘Sonesta Star Goddess’ added to classicNile cruises by Discover Egypt

DISCOVER EGYPT has introduced the deluxe Sonesta StarGoddess to its classic Nile cruise programme from Mayuntil September, with one week cruises starting from £949per person.The all-suite vessel features 33 suites, each with a

private balcony and mod cons incuding plasma TVs withsatellite channels and Wi-Fi. The vessel also offers a spa,fitness centre, swimming pool and lounge bar. Passengers benefit from a qualified Egyptologist guide

for the ten land excursions to see iconic sites such as theValley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and theTemples of Luxor, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The price includes flights, a seven-night full board cruise

with ten guided excursions and transfers. The Sonesta StarGoddess will operate weekly departures from May 4 toSeptember 21. An extra week in Luxor can also be added tothe Nile cruise from £99 per person at the five-starSonesta St George Hotel.For details call 020-7407 2111 or visitwww.discoveregypt.co.uk

Pictured are recent graduates of Encore Tickets' Academy receivingtheir diplomas. The course educates trainees about the opportunitieson offer from London’s theatres, restaurants and attractionsbookable through B2B booking platform www.myencore.co.uk

GRADUATE GROUP...

S03 TB2404 2015 News 2_Layout 1 22/04/2015 12:12

puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

The Advantage Conference is being heldhere in May.

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

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

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

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

applicable to:

[email protected]

Closing date for entries is Thursday, April 30th. Solution and new puzzle will

appear next week.

The winner for 10th April is Suzie Clare, Cost vacation

Travel Services in Norwich.

April 10 Solution: A=7 B=3 C=2 D=5

�A

�B

�C

�D

Number: 016

Travagrams

Across 1. Cruise company or coffee venue (5)3. Nusa Dua and Sanur are popular beach

resorts on this island (4)6. Hotel brand, part of Accor (7)7. Scottish resort (3)8. Baton Rouge is the state capital (9)11. National flower emblem of 10 Down (9)13. Flag carrier of Poland (3)15. The remains of a woolly mammoth were

recently found in this part of Russia (7)16. Major car hire company (4)17. Survival expert Ray (5)

Down 1. Kenneth Branagh directs this fairy tale at a

cinema near you (10)2. Popular Spanish city break destination (7)3. Worldwide escorted tours and tailor made

holidays specialist (5)4. LaGuardia airport code (3)5. Musical currently touring the UK, ___ and

Miniskirts (10)9. Temporary accommodation found in cold

regions, ___ hotel. (3)10. Landlocked European country (7)12. English rugby union team (5)14. French high-speed train (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:

016

Royal Caribbean International’s new cruise ship

This Spanish airline recently celebrated its 6th anniversary in the UK

Manatees Hefts Oh

A Ear I Pour

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

image credit: Yilmaz Oevuenc

S03 TB2404 2015 News 2_Layout 1 22/04/2015 12:12

APH compares inflight streaming &Wi-Fi availability on major airlines ACCORDING TO the latest research published by SITA, 63% ofglobal passengers expressed they would prefer to use theirown smartphone, tablet or laptop for inflight entertainment. With an increasing number of airlines now offering inflight

streaming facilities as well as Wi-Fi connection, AirportParking and Hotels (APH) has created a guide highlighting thedifferent options available across major airlines. The researchcan be found in the Know Before You Go section of the APHwebsite at www.aph.com/byodThe information compares the entertainment system and

compatible devices on 20 major airlines including Air France,British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, as well as the cost of Wi-Ficonnection during the flight. It also highlights the availability ofstreaming from a passenger’s personal device onto theairlines’ in-seat widescreen and streaming content from theairlines’ entertainment system onto a passenger’s personaldevice.Of the 20 airlines researched, ten (including Air Canada,

Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa) were found to offer passengersthe option of streaming films, TV programmes and music fromtheir personal electronic device directly to their in-seatwidescreen. Streaming facilities were also found to varyaccording to the airline and booking class, with Virgin Atlanticoffering streaming facilities on its new Upper Class Suitewhich is available only on selected aircraft.The research also revealed that the cost of inflight

streaming varied significantly between airlines, with CathayPacific, Delta Airlines and Swiss Air all offering passengersinflight up-streaming at no additional cost. With regards to inflight wireless internet access, 12 airlines

allow passengers to purchase an hourly, quarterly or 24-hourservice. The cost of an internet pass also varied across theairlines, with a one-hour pass costing £6 with Aer Lingus, £7with Lufthansa and £8 with Japan Airways; however, someairlines such as Emirates and Iberia charge according to theamount of MB used.


digitaldialogue

has announced that 100 airlines have now signed up to its RichContent and Branding merchandising solution. The new technologyenables airlines to retail their products more effectively to the globaltravel trade. Benefits to travel agencies include a potential increasein ticket sales; the ability to book through their usual, preferredbooking processes and upselling opportunities. Pictured marking thenew milestone is the company’s vice president for Global SupplierStrategy, Ian Heywood. For details see www.travelport.com

AT THE end of last year I was asked what Ithought the key trends for the travel industrywould be for the year ahead. One of the main

areas I highlighted was the popularity and success ofcompanies using big data. Anyone with even a partial knowledge on the role of

digital technology in the travel sector will be familiarwith the topic of big data. However, a large number ofbusinesses across various sectors misunderstand theterm and see it as a complex challenge, rather than arealm of never-ending possibilities. Big data has been driving the growth and evolution

of the industry for some time, and any business withinthe sector has the ability to use big data in a way thatis beneficial to their business and to their customers.Personalisation is arguably the most important

feature big data can offer, with the ability to enhancethe customer experience with a tailored servicespecific to them. When booking a holiday, travellersdon’t just consider price, they have their own uniqueset of requirements and preferences. Using big datato tap into these customer decisions allowscompanies to make informed predictions about theelements customers want from a holiday.If those in the travel industry can use the data they

have gathered to understand patterns in theircustomers’ current purchasing and booking habits,they are then equipped with the knowledge andinsight to determine what their customers are likelyto want in the future. Big data can also be used as away of setting a business apart from its competition.With the travel market constantly expanding and newdevelopments surfacing, every company is part of thefight to make their brand memorable - for the rightreasons. Using the insights big data can provide, loyalcustomers can be rewarded with exclusive offers anda truly exceptional brand experience. Another door big data can open is the ability to

gather the coordinates of a customer in real time, viaGPS using geo-fencing. Using big data in this wayallows businesses to determine when travellers areclose to a particular attraction or retailer, so they canfeed messages and alerts direct to customers’mobiles. When it comes to big data there is no instant win, it

takes time and effort to gain these customer insightsand to then understand how you can use them tobenefit your customers and your business. However,the use of big data should be essential to all those inthe travel industry with a vision of staying ahead andonce the collected data is available, you’ll be able tomake smarter decisions for both parties.

DIGITAL DIALOGUEIn this month’s column, Andy Speight, managing director atDigital Trip, the travel technology experts, looks at the rolebig data plays in the travel industry and the benefits foryour business and your customers…

TRAVELPORT...

1 2 11:44

S03 TB2404 2015 News 2_Layout 1 22/04/2015 12:12

THE TRADE-FRIENDLY RIVER CRUISE COMPANY

Vote Scenic & Emerald Waterways as your ‘Star River Cruise Company’.

Fill in the voting form on page 29 or online at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards/how-to-vote

Luxury ultra-all-inclusive 5-star river cruises

Deluxe fully-inclusive river cruises

11:44

newsbulletin

ATTRACTION WORLD hasadded The Orlando Eye andI-Drive 360 to its portfolio. I-Drive 360 is Orlando’s

newest dining andentertainment complexwhich features the OrlandoEye, Madame Tussauds andSEA LIFE OrlandoAquarium, as well asexclusive bars andrestaurants. The Orlando Eye offers a

new and unique opportunityfor visitors to take in 360-degree views of CentralFlorida, 400ft high, whileSEA LIFE Orlando Aquariumoffers more than 5,000creatures - from sharks tosea turtles and seahorses. Prices to visit one

attraction start from £16per adult and £12 per child;two attractions cost £24 peradult/£20 per child and

three attractions lead in at£30 per adult/£35 per child.Alternatively, visitors can

opt for three attractions anda length of stay ticket to

LEGOLAND Florida Resortfor £52 per adult and £48per child. For details seewww.attractionworld.com

Attraction World adds new products in Central Florida

The Orlando Eye

FROM MAY 4-8, guests at Haven's 35holiday parks can celebrate Rory theTiger's birthday party.The company's character gang,

Anxious the Elephant, Bradley theBear, Greedy the Gorilla, DJ Ned andPolly will all be there to help Rorycelebrate by guaranteeing a fun filledweek packed full of games, partydances and cupcake decorating. Following the party games, families

can choose from a variety of freeactivities including the extensiveSportsZone programmes, SplashZones,heated indoor pool complexes andParent Free Zones designed especiallyfor teenagers. Family activities includefootball coaching, archery, fencing, go-karts, mini-golf, ten pin bowling andkids clubs for tots to teens.Each of Haven’s characters will be

hosting their own special four-night

midweek break for their birthdaysacross various dates throughout theyear.A four-night break at selected parks

during Rory’s birthday celebrations inMay starts from £99 per family, basedon up to six sharing a standard two-bedroom caravan.For details visitwww.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call0871-230 1919.

Haven invites families to celebrate Rory the Tiger’s birthday party

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MARITIM HOTELS hasannounced plans for a newhotel in Amsterdam,scheduled to open in 2018.The 579-bedroom and

suite hotel will be known atthe MARITIM HotelAmsterdam and is locatedin the trendy downtowndistrict of Overhoeks, on thebanks of River IJ. The 34-storey hotel will

be the tallest hotel in thecity and will offer views ofthe old city and port. Facilities include a spa,

swimming pool, gym, openroof terrace, threerestaurants, two bars, a SkyBar and a VIP Lounge,

dedicated to special events.The hotel will also offer aconference room for up to4,750 delegates, as well asother large conferencerooms with the option tohost 2,300 delegates and1,300 delegates. Anadditional 17 smallconference rooms areoffered, along with sixprivate business offices.The hotel will operate a

24-hour complimentaryboat-shuttle from the mainrailway station to the hotel,and for those driving, theproperty offers city centrecar parking with 450spaces.

Carnival introduces new-look brochure CARNIVAL CRUISE Lines UK has launched a new brochurefor cruise holidays for the 2015/16 season.The brochure includes everything needed to book a

holiday on one of the line's 25 FunShips across theCaribbean and for the new addition of Europe for 2016. Italso incorporates feedback from both travel agent partnersand past guests, and provides an insight into both the newand existing places and spaces, along with the varieddining options. An extensive list of itineraries are also featured for each

of the line's ships and the brochure also comes completewith a separate insert for the new Carnival Vista whichdebuts in spring 2016 with an inaugural Mediterraneanseason. The line's UK marketing director, Erin Johnson, said:

“We’re really pleased with the new look and feel of thebrochure going into 2015. It really showcases all thatCarnival has to offer on board our ships; be that forfamilies or couples. We wanted to use this brochure tohighlight how much fun families can have on a Carnivalcruise and are very proud with the outcome.”To order a copy of the brochure visit www.trade-gate.co.uk orcall 0870-727 0491.

Debut Amsterdam property fromMaritim Hotels set to open in 2018

An artist’s impression ofMARITIM Hotel Amsterdam


newsbulletin

agentreviewChristine Lloyd from Lloyds Consultancy took a seven

-night break at the four-star Spring Hotel VulcanoTenerife. Here are her thoughts...

Christine receives a £10 M&S voucher for her review. If you'd like to take part and receive a £10 M&S

voucher please email [email protected] or call 020-7834 6661 with your name and contact details.

First impressions ................................9/10The property is impressive from the outside and even moreimpressive when you walk into the reception area and see allthe wonderful plants in what can only be described as a minibotanical garden.The area is light and spacious and ourcheck-in was quick, friendly and informative.

Comfort ..............................................9/10The reception area has comfy sofas and armchairs. All roomshave a balcony. We had a superior twin with pool and seaview.Everywhere was really clean and fresh although some areasare a little dated. Towels were changed daily and sheets werechanged at least once during our stay. There are two outdoorpools with one being heated during winter..

Quality ................................................9/10The hotel was of a good quality throughout. The food wasexcellent with a good and varied selection everyday. Eveningentertainment was varied.

Affordability ........................................9/10We found the rate to be average for a four-star hotel inTenerife and good value for money.The hotel is sold bymost major UK operators and accommodation suppliers.

Service ................................................9/10Reception staff were informative and were happy to givedirections, sell you a newspaper or just to say hello as youpassed by.

Good to know ............................................Best for adults as there are no facilities/ kids club etc forchildren. The hotel is situated in a fairly flat area so is good forpeople with mobility problems.If you need regular wifi accessthis is not available in the rooms but is free in public areasincluding by the pool.

Overall scoring: ..................

910/

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S04 TB2404 2015 News 3_Layout 1 22/04/2015 12:08

WITH THE 2015 Advantage conference a littleless than a month away, I hope that I can beforgiven for giving the event a massive plug in

my column this month.I wanted to draw particular attention to the logic andrelevance we have applied to the session when putting theprogramme together. Whilst the location of the conference will have a

bearing on whether or not our members and businesspartners attend the conference, the major influencingfactor relates to the quality and value of the conferenceprogramme; increasingly agents operate their businesseswith fewer staff than ever before and their actual ability toattend the conference can be tricky and time-consumingto organise - the event has to justify the effort that it tookfor them getting there. With final conference numbers expected to exceed 420,

we are once again flattered that so many members andbusiness partners have found the time to be with us thisyear.The feedback delegates gave us last year in Dubai has

been listened to and acted upon, with a much greateremphasis placed upon profiling members and externalpartners, although the benefits provided by the centralteam at Advantage will still be woven into the fabric of thebusiness sessions. In addition, both the leisure andcorporate breakout sessions will heavily feature theimportance of offering personalisation to customerswhich will foster loyalty and provide a real competitiveedge. Highlights of the leisure specific programme will

include a session entitled ‘Who Said the High Street WasDead?’, in which Helen Johnson and Philippa Wilcox ofAdvantage Managed Services (AMS) member Polka DotTravel will discuss their business success as they opentheir third shop in just over a year. They will explain whythey decided to open on the High Street when some aresaying it is ‘dead’, and how they have achieved such animpressive rate of growth.In ‘Time to Specialise’, Andy Harmer of CLIA will

outline the benefits of specialisation to a travel agencybusiness. Using cruise as an example but with keyprinciples for any kind of specialisation, he will explainhow the CLIA Cruise Challenge has focused somemembers’ businesses on developing their cruise sales.Tony Mann of Advantage member Idle Travel in

Yorkshire has rediscovered his mojo following a completerefurbishment of his shop, that “makes it feel like a brandnew business”. He said: “In moving into the new outlet, itwas like starting a new business but with an establishedturnover and profit. I looked at different retail businessesand stole the best elements of each; the contemporaryfeel appeals to a new audience as well as retainingexisting customers. Although the new outlet is smaller,better use of space has allowed me to create individualdesks with a bright and airy décor and colour scheme. Ihave utilised the support of Advantage from businessdevelopment and marketing to advice on technologysystems.”The corporate breakout sessions will be grouped

around the theme of 'Personalisation and Digitalisation'of the corporate travel world and will include top industrycommentators Paul Tilstone and Timothy O’Neil-Dunne.They will be joined by representatives from Ritz Carlton,WEX Europe, easyJet and three corporate travelmanagers offering their opinions on the changingrelationship between the TMC and their customers. As the conference also comes shortly after the results

of the UK general election have been announced, Icouldn’t think of a better time for Advantage to introducekeynote speaker Jeremy Paxman; Jeremy has alreadypublically grilled the leaders of the two main parties andwill be leading Channel 4’s coverage of the election. Withour industry being so much influenced by changes ingovernment legislation, getting an informed perspectiveon what the results of the election mean for the countrymay prove invaluable.As I mentioned earlier, I have avoided any mention of

the social programme with a drinks reception on thebeach, dinners in fruit markets and old town squares andour exclusive use of a Turkish holiday resort - becauseour conference is all about the programme. Our aim is tomake the content as personal as possible to eachindividual delegate so that they return from theconference energised by the experience and full of withon how they can apply the lessons learnt in theirorganisations. And as business is all about continual improvement,

we will ask for delegate feedback, carefully listen to whatthey say and refine our conference programme for 2016 –the venue of which we will be announcing at theconclusion of our programme in Bodrum next month.

Industry Insight by...

This time it’s personal says Colin O’Neill, business development director at Advantage

bulletinbriefing


S04 TB2404 2015 News 3_Layout 1 22/04/2015 12:08

personalitybulletin


What's your favourite householdgadget?That’s got to be my new Tefal Actifry, home-made chips cooked with just a teaspoon ofoil.

What are your favourite TVprogrammes?Ice road truckers. My favourite TV channelwould be National Geographic.

What's a typical weekend for you like?Housework, laundry, shopping, entertainingor spending time with my mum.

What's your guilty pleasure?Champagne or a glass of Havana Gran

Reserva Rum.

What do you do to relax?I don’t! Relaxing for me is going to thegym, going out running or a ride on mybike.

What music do you listen to?Kasabian, the Charlatans, Calvin Harris andAkouo.

What's your favourite movie?The Italian job.

What's been your latest DIYproject?Hanging a new shower curtain! That’sabout the extent of my DIY capabilities.

What other companies/organisationshave you previously worked for?Stena Line and Cosmos Tourama.

If you could change one thing in theindustry what would it be?Quite a basic one here, send less emails. Pick up the phone, it’s good to talk and savestime with endless emails being exchanged.

What's the best thing about your job?Interacting with such varied groups, it means Iam always learning new things.

What's a typical day like?There’s not really a typical day, I could beleading an educational, training agents,attending a commercial meeting or presentingat an evening roadshow.

What's your favourite travel app?The Trainline. I spend a lot of time travellingaround the UK by train. I couldn’t travelwithout it.

What was the last email you received?A request from a tour operator seekinginformation on ski trains to the French Alps.

What skill are you most proud of?The ability to approach each project withenthusiasm and remaining very positive whenfaced with challenges.

What do you love about the travel industry?Getting paid to work in a field that I love, it’s apriceless perk of being a sales manager.

What item do you always take withyou when travelling?My iPhone which is loaded with music to listento for long journeys.

Where would you most like to visit and why?That would have to be the Chugach andTalkeetna Mountains of Alaska, toexperience the ultimate powder skiing viahelicopter.

What are your hobbies?Mountain biking, surfing, watching Man Cityand my number one passion in life - skiing.

What's your favourite (non-workrelated) website?BBC News and Ski Club of Great Britain.

Do you use social media for work and play?Yes, I like keeping an eye on what’shappening both at work and socially.

What trait do you dislike in otherpeople?

Those which distort the truth hoping that itwill impress.

What is your best quality?My honesty and innocence.

What's your most embarrassing moment?Crushing my body board in the boot of aCoupe - it got completely jammed and I hadto drive the car with the roof half down.Before I got home it started raining hard.

Do you have any nicknames?Swampy! Don’t ask, I fell in a swamp whilsttexting someone and ended up beingcovered in green slime.

If you could invent a new law,what would it be?The wearing of cycling helmets should becompulsory.

At homeAt work

At play

Kelvin DunkSales manager, Voyages-sncf UK

S04 TB2404 2015 News 3_Layout 1 22/04/2015 12:08

S04 TB2404 2015 Star Awards Preview P19-20_Layout 1 22/04/2015 12:10


So, to give you a helpinghand in deciding whodeserves your vote,

have a read through ouradvice on the factors to takeinto consideration, along withagents' comments on howthey choose who to vote for.

FiNALLy, agents who vote will also be given the opportunity to win aselection of 'cinema' themed prizes courtesy of Jetset (details on page 28).So, as Judge Rinder might say, let the hearing commence!

Now iN its 19th year,we’re proud toannounce that the

countdown to Travel Bulletin’s2015 Star Awards has officiallycommenced! This year's glitzyevent will take place on MondaySeptember 7 and by populardemand we're back at London’sfive-star Landmark Hotel.

in keeping with tradition, theStar Awards will offer a theme –and this year it’s 'Cinema Stars'!Guests will have the chance todress to impress for theoccasion, with the best-dressedattendee winning a fabulousprize. Tickets for this spectacularAwards Evening are now on saleand can be booked online atwww.travebulletin.co.uk/awards

over the following pages in thisspecial Awards Preview issue,you'll find out how to selectyour 2015 winners from a totalof 35 supplier categories,divided into five industry sectors- Smooth operators, Land Lords,High Fliers, Sea Captains andBest Supporting Acts.

All the categories can be foundon page 29 on the voting form.Alternatively, you can voteonline atwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/awardsand a printed form will also bedistributed with each TravelBulletin issue in May. Thedeadline to submit your votes isJune 5, giving you just a matterof weeks to make your finaldecision.

THE CHOICE IS IN YOUR HANDS…

Here’s the diaryof events in therun-up to thisyear’s event

Friday 24th AprilAgent voting opens online today

Friday 5th Junestar awards voting closes

Monday 7th Septemberglittering awards presentation eveningat the stunning landmark hotel!

wardsSTAR

Friday 29th mayFinal day of ‘early Bird’ discounted tickets

Friday 26th juneAwards Finalists announced

The wait is almost over...

Star Awards 2014 Winners


www.travelbulletin.co.uk

STARS ON STAGE…Stars ofthe cabaret show, Once.

KUONI FUN…Pictured enjoying somefun casino action are Lisa Eggleton

(left) and Lucy Ellingham from Kuoni.

TOP TABLE…Attendees at the2014 Star Awards get into theswing of things.

A BOURNE RECEPTION…Enjoying the pre-dinner drinks at thereception are, from the left: Julie Dickin, Neil Davies, EmilyPurkiss and Louise Tansey, all from Bourne Leisure.

starawards

Titan’s 2016Early Booking Bonanza

ON SALE NOW!

The early bird catches

the worm!

To book or for more information call FREE on 0800 988 5800

or visit titanagents.co.uk

*Prices subject to availability and con� rmed at time of booking.†VIP Service not available on Scottish Isles or Sark.

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SAVING YOUfrom £50 to £600pp*

VIPhome transfers from every UKaddress†



starawards

You now have 6 weeks to makeyour decision - you can fill in the

voting form on page 29 or vote online at

www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards

Turn to page 24 to read‘Things to bear in mindwhen casting your vote’

Are you likely to vote?

Turn to page 30 to read‘Wrapping it all up...’

You’ve got the rightattitude! Do you need

some inspiration?

Do you know who to vote for inTravel Bulletin’s Star Awards 2015?

NO

NO

YES

NO

YES


ROOM201

Book from 72,000 + hotels plus tickets, transfers

& car rentalAll this and more on


starawards

Do you need extra help indeciding who to vote for?

Read our ‘Things to bear in mindwhen casting your vote’ on page 24

to help make your selection

Well done on making yourdecision! You can now turn topage 29 to complete the voting

process!

Have you decided on all your nomina-tions for all 35 supplier categories?

You only have 6 weeks left to vote -You can vote on page 29 or

complete the voting form online atwww.travelbulletin.co.uk

YES

NO

YES

YES NO


www.travelbulletin.co.uk

starawards

If you’re unsure as to who will get your vote this year, thenconsider some of the following factors when making yourdecision…

Boosting earningsDoes the supplier offercommission? If so, in what wayand how much? And what worksbest for you? Do they rewardyou for making bookings inother ways such as prizeincentives, shopping vouchers orexperiences? Perhaps they invite their top sellers on fam trips?In terms of being helpful, does the supplier make it easier foragents to sell? Maybe they have produced a selling guide foragents or have people on the other end of the phone to offerhelp? And how trade-friendly is the supplier? Are you offeredany exclusive trade deals - both for yourself and your clients?

Bookings made easyAsk yourself if thesupplier makes iteasy to book aholiday for yourclients - bothonline and overthe phone. Dothey respondrelatively quicklyto enquiries? Andare they quick in

answering the phone? factors such as being able to speakdirectly with someone quickly and efficiently are an importantfactor for busy agents – especially if you have clients sat withyou. Also think about the supplier’s website – is it straightforward and easy to use? Does it offer extra help and advicesuch as an instant chat facility or the option to add-on differentcomponents of a trip to boost earnings – and is all this self-explanatory once you are using the system?

Offering added value Surveys would show that increasing numbers of holidaymakersappear less concerned with getting the cheapest holiday theycan and are more focused on whether the holiday offers realvalue for money. Clients crave quality and they are prepared topay a fair price. So have a think about what exactly it is thesupplier offers. And more importantly, think about thefeedback you’ve received from clients who have been on aholiday with that supplier – what’s the general consensus?Were they happy that the holiday met or exceeded theirexpectations? or were they left feeling neglected when thesupplier couldn’t or wouldn’t help them with a problem? Is thesupplier reliable? And can they be depended on to solve clientissues? How about offering extra special touches or going onestep further for clients? After all, it’s the little things we do thatshow we care…

Who’s got your back? Training is an important factor in deciding who to vote for. Busyagents need to be kept up to speed with the latestdevelopments to be better prepared to sell it to clients. It is in

THINGS TO BEAR IN MINDWHEN CASTING YOUR VOTE

£


starawards

'Sta ote Birmingham Airport for the Vo

ARSTwardsSTTARARTAR

2015

ar UK Airport Award'

s

agents’ interest that they are aware ofthe limitations of a supplier and whatthey can and can’t do. So, does yourpreferred supplier have your back whenthey launch a new destination orproduct? Think about their on-the-roadrepresentatives – are you visitedfrequently and are you given theopportunity to learn about newsystems/offers/products etc.? Have youbuilt up any good working relationshipswith reps – and do they consistentlyfollow up with any queries you mighthave? What about training events androadshows – is this offered/available? Doyou regularly see suppliers attend eventsto help promote themselves to agents?How about online training – is thisavailable and if so, does it allow for ‘dipin’ and ‘dip out’ sessions? Is progression

in online training rewarded – either witha certificate or award? Suppliers may alsosend out regular newsletters to informagents on their latest new launches anddeals – is this true for your preferredsupplier? Think also about fam triptraining – which trips worked well for you- and did you learn enough to sell withconfidence?

A little devotionDo you feel that on the whole thesupplier makes it easy for agents to workwith them? Do they show you that theycare and value agents’ support by offeredprice-match guarantees if they also selldirectly to consumers so that you don’tfeel in competition? How about offering adedicated agent website, telephonenumber and email address? Arededicated people on hand to specificallyhelp deal with agent enquiries? Whenthey say they will come back to you – arethey reliable and quick?

Aftercare serviceIt shouldn’t just be about clinching thedeal for any decent supplier; converting a

potential customer into a loyal, repeatclient, takes time and investment. So,how good is the supplier in dealing withany unexpected hiccups on a booking? Dothey have a dedicated person or team fordealing with problems? Are they helpfulin giving your client exactly what theyneed or when they hit an obstacle dothey give up? Do they offer suggestionsor highlights for you to pass on to clients?feeling valued and appreciated isimportant for agents – and equally, yourclients want to feel valued to. By offeringsupport to both you and your client, yoursupplier is demonstrating that they haveyour best interests at heart.


starawards

Buck stops here. We don't outsource responsibility to call centres - never will.

Star Accommodation-Only Supplier3 points to lookout for

1More product innovations. We have introduced 10 so far.

2Better service. Our in-house support team responds within 45 seconds.

3

VOTE

15 0

29/q

uik

sel.com

PROGRAMME PALS…Hollie Smith(left) and Tracy Hirsz from Travel 2

check out the evening’s running order.

GUITAR HEROES…JustinColes from Somak Holidaysand Polly Lyons from AllLeisure Group practise forGuitar Heroes.

2014 winner of Star Americas Specialist Operator Award was Funway Holidays...“Winning the Travel Bulletin Star Award for the last three consec-

utive years means so much to the whole team at FunwayHolidays, especially as this is voted for by our industry's true

experts, High Street and home-based travel agents, making iteven more special.”

Nick Talbot, marketing manager, Funway Holidays

Last year's Star European Specialist Operator Award went to Classic Collection...

“Thank you very much to all the voters of Travel Bulletin. Thisaward is much appreciated and I feel proud and honoured to be

supported by travel agents.”Sarah Ayling, Classic Collection Holidays



starawards

Denise Hodgson from Travelthe World 2 has firm viewson who she’ll be voting forthis year: “My decision onwho to vote for is based oncompanies/operators thathave continually shown theirsupport of travel agents overthe last 12 months. Theyshould have no directsell/discount messages andhave a friendly and activesales team who keep inregular contact. A knowledge-able friendly reservationsteam delivering a reliableservice is a must too. Travelagents are the life blood ofthe retail industry and what agreat opportunity for us to beable to influence who wins aStar Award. Giving awards tooperators is a brilliant way toshow our appreciation of theirsupport and all wrapped up inan entertaining night out -brilliant!”

Here's what one of last year's ticketwinners, Pauline Dougherty (pictured farright) from Travel Counsellors, had to say:"It was both a pleasure and an honour toattend the awards. These awards give usthe opportunity to recognise thosesuppliers that still support us. The winnersand nominees are all deserved in today'stravel industry and good to know theyvalue our worth. It is important to vote andshow them our support in return. Theawards ceremony was a great evening tospend in great company clearly expressingmutual appreciation. I will of course bevoting again this year - don't miss out onyour chance to reward those suppliersthat continue to provide us with

exceptional service." Travel Counsellors’ Marie rayner

(pictured second from right) was anotherticket winner at last year's event. "Thereason I decided to vote in Travel Bulletin’sStar Awards was because without thesuppliers where would we be? So many ofthem have so much knowledge on their

products and most of them have travelledto the destination we are asking themabout; so if we want to get it right for ourcustomers and find out what more we canoffer them, then we need to let oursuppliers know how important they are tous and how we appreciate their help.When I found out that I had won a ticket tothe Star Awards I was so excited I could notwait! The event was brilliant and to see thelook on the suppliers' faces when they wonwas great. I would say to every travel agentout there show your suppliers how muchyou appreciate them and all their hardwork they do for you and VoTe for them -you never know you could be at the awardstoo!"

Marie Rayner from TravelCounsellors agrees thatsupport from suppliers iscrucial. “I like a supplier to bepassionate about theirproduct and tell me things Idon’t know that my customerwould be blown away by. It’simportant to give mycustomer the best advice andhelp on their holiday andsometimes I do need the helpof a supplier, so I needsomeone that I can trust withgiving me that information.”



starawards

JETsET is again this year’s star Awardsprize sponsor. The company’schairman, John Bond, said: “After the

frenzied winter months we’re finallyseeing some sunshine, the days aregetting longer, the flowers are bloomingand our mutual clients will be enjoyingtheir summer holidays. Hopefully we’ll allget a chance to relax as summerapproaches and perhaps take time toreflect on the help and speed of supportyou have enjoyed during those hecticbooking months as well as the smiles onyour clients’ faces as they return to regaleyou with their holiday experience.“it’s that time of year when surveys

abound and we get asked for our views.This year there’ll be even more surveysthan ever with analysts trying to secondguess the general election. Howeverthere is one survey that i believe to be agood test of the quality the travelindustry principals deliver to you thetravel agent and our mutual clients and itculminates in the Travel Bulletin starAwards.“Why are we at Jetset supporting theseawards? Because you the travel agentdecides who should be elected to receivean award. There aren’t any prescribedboxes to tick – you enter your favourite ineach category. There aren’t any questions

that skew options. No gerrymandering.The vote is from you on the counter. it isa true reflection of your experience. Andit keeps us striving to be the best in ourclass!”

PRIZES GALORE

FIRST PRIZE

RUNNER UP PRIZE

PARTICIPATION PRIZES

An annual unlimited cinema member pass for two. You can useyour card to watch films at Cineworld Cinemas as often as youlike. But that’s not all…the lucky winners will receive 10% off allin-cinema food and drink purchases and regular unlimited-onlyemail newsletters updating you on the latest releases, exclusiveoffers and competitions. You will also receive invitations toCineworld Exclusive advance screenings and, as an unlimitedmember, you won’t pay fees for advance booking tickets onlineat Cineworld.com

Two tickets for a London West End cinema of your choice.

Ten lucky winners will receive cinema gift vouchers which canbe used at your local cinema.

John Bond

The trade marks and logos ("Marks") displayed are the property of Cineworld

All voting forms will be entered into A free prize drAw sponsored by Jetset to win A selection of prizes.



starawards

VOTING FORM 2015

Please post or scan and email this form to us by friday June 5th 2015.Post to Travel Bulletin, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London sW1W 0EX or

email to [email protected]. You can also vote online at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards/how-to-voteName:........................................................................................Company: ..................................................................................Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Job Title:....................................................................................Email: ........................................................................................Tel: ............................................................................................ABTA No: ..................................................................................Number ....................................................................................

name the supplier you consider to be the best in the following star Awards categories:

SEA CAPTAINSstar Family Cruise Company

star River Cruise Company

star Luxury Cruise Company

star specialist Cruise Company

HIGH FLIERSstar Business Airline

star Charter seat-Only Operator

star scheduled Flight Consolidator

star UK Airport

DREAM DESTINATIONS star south America Tourist Office

star North America Tourist Office

star Caribbean Tourist Office

star Asia Tourist Office

star Europe Tourist Office

star Middle East Tourist Office

star Africa Tourist Office

star Australasia Tourist Office

LAND LORDSstar Worldwide Theme Park Or Attraction

star European Theme Park Or Attraction

star Car Rental Company

star Accommodation-Only Provider

star Worldwide Hotel Chain

star Technology supplier

SMOOTH OPERATORSstar Asia specialist Operator

star Africa specialist Operator

star Americas specialist Operator

star European specialist Operator

star Mediterranean specialist Operator

star UK specialist Operator

star Escorted Tours Operator

star Luxury Operator

star Adventure/Activity Holidays Operator

star Holiday Parks Operator

star Holiday Add-Ons Operator

star Operator For incentives & Fam Trips

star Operator For Agent Training

A minimum of 15 categories need tobe completed for your vote to beincluded in the Jetset prize draw


1 2

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

Your life would bemeaningless without….?

starawards

Crossword:Across: 1. COSTA, 3. BALI, 6. NOVOTEL, 7. AYR, 8. LOUISIANA, 11. EDELWEISS, 13. LOT, 15. SIBERIA, 16. AVIS, 17. MEARS. Down: 1. CINDERELLA, 2. SEVILLE, 3. BALES, 4. LGA, 5. DREAMBOATS, 9. ICE, 10. AUSTRIA, 12. WASPS, 14. TGV.

Highlighted Word: CRETE

Travagrams: (top) Anthem of the Seas (bottom) Air Europa

Where Am I?: Bodrum

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: Buxton PressSubscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseasISSN: 0956-2419

Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] and friends.

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] - work to do, family to love & friends to keep you sane!

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected] family.

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected], money, Guinness.

Sales Director: Simon [email protected]

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected], laughter, friends & family.

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected] 3 'F's: Family, fun and fitness.

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] wife and children.

Account Manager: Matt [email protected] & Ting!

Marketing Assistant: Tasneem [email protected]

Senior Designer: Lee [email protected] pound saver menu.

Assistant Designer: Tom [email protected] of Thrones.

Production: Rachel [email protected].

@TravelBulletin

TravelBulletin

the canadian tourism commission picked up the star north America tourist office Award for 2014...

"We really value our travel agents on the ground and their support in selling Canada.Being recognised as a ‘Star’ by Travel Bulletin is a really nice recognition of

the work we do year round to support the trade"Adam Hanmer, manager, travel trade (UK), canadian tourism commission

WiNNiNG A Travel Bulletinstar Award is the ultimateaccolade a travel company

can hope to receive as the voting isconducted exclusively by theindustry's true experts – you! – Highstreet multiple and independentagents, as well as home-based travelprofessionals.

Just as agents rely on suppliers toprovide them with the best serviceand products to sell to their clients,suppliers also depend on agents.Part of this dependency comes inthe form of regular feedback so thatsuppliers know what they are doingright for agents and areas forimprovement. Taking this into

account, which suppliers do youbelieve have worked the hardest atproviding what you need? Are thereany companies which stand out toyou as going out of their way to offeryou the right support? These are the companies that helpkeep agents’ business successful.They value the travel trade and knowwhen to reward agents withincentives, dedicated services andtraining. They give agents the toolsto enable them to be great at sellingalong with the confidence to sellwith ease, so now’s the time torepay the favour, show your supportin return and vote for them – turn topage XX now to make your votecount.

WRAPPING IT ALL UP…

BRUMMIE BABES…Gettingready to strum a chord areBeth Gawthorpe (left) andStefanie Bowes fromBirmingham Airport.

Shutterstock Im

ages; W

avebreak Media, Valeri

Potapova, YURALA

ITS ALB

ERT, BillionP

hotos,

Tyler Olsen, F

lat D

esign


Vote for happy, hassle-free customers and choose Holiday Extras as your favourite supplier:

www.holidayextras.com/starawards

How much do you love

Holiday Extras?

Please remember us when you vote for the 2015 Travel Bulletin Star Awards:

Star Holiday Add-Ons Operator

Star Operator For Agent Training

Airport Parking | Port Parking | Airport Hotels | Airport Lounges | Holiday Insurance | Latitude Insurance | Airports by Rail | Car Hire

09:49


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travel bulletin april 24 2015

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