Travel Matters Issue 18 September 2018

canadian highLightS
take a bite oUt of the big aPPLe
TRAVELMATTERS EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
IssUe 18 september 2018
PLUS
Emirates is coming to Edinburgh! AMResorts Amazing Sale
Breaking new ground for the travel trade in Scotland, northern ireland, north of england & ioM
focUS on eScorted hoLidayS
roLL the dice in LaS vegaS
TM


Travel agents - always the best bet!
as 2019/2020 brochures hit the desk, there’s an abundance of choice for clients pondering over where to go for next year’s holiday.
You could suggest that they take a bite out of the Big Apple, or take a gamble on the dazzling lights of the Las Vegas Strip.
In Canada, they can take a city break
along with a trip through some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. Or for more unfamiliar destinations, you could book your clients onto an escorted tour, so that they can simply sit back and relax, while someone else takes care of all the details.
Wherever they choose to go, one thing’s for certain - for clients booking through a travel agent - it’s always the best bet!
Hilary Douglas
Director
07989 414454 [email protected]
 [email protected] www.travelmatters.biz
Travel MattersTM is published by GAH Publishing Ltd, 96 Craigleith Hill Crescent, Edinburgh, EH4 2JP
Printed by Claro Print
For magazine delivery and subscription enquiries,
email [email protected]
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the prior permission of the copyright holder. All prices and data are correct at time of publication. Opinions expressed in Travel Matters are not necessarily those of the publisher and GAH Publishing does not accept responsibility for any mistakes that may occur.
Gary Reavely
Director
07762 630057 [email protected]
Read last month’s issue online at... www.travelmatters.biz
Follow us on
@travelmatters.biz @ TravelMatBiz
Andrea Pellicci
Director
07766 010272 [email protected]
Get in touch...




Inside Guide...
79
FREE All-Inclusive Drinks Upgrade with Fred. Olsen
WIN! With the amazing agents’ incentive from Emirates
22-23
Canada starts with Air Transat
28-43
Focus on Escorted Holidays
38-39
Tour Italy with Newmarket Holidays
59
Fly Norwegian nonstop to NY Stewart International Airport
13
Enjoy a Rio Rendezvous with Crystal Cruises
14-23
Canadian Highlights
15
Big Trips. Wee Fares with WestJet
26
Q&A with Benedicte Duval of Air France-KLM
33
Indian Odyssey with If Only...
35
Solo adventures with Just You
49
Take the scenic route with Icelandair
12
Autumn Hot Tub breaks with Hoseasons
28-29
Making escorted touring extraordinary with Abercrombie & Kent
48-59
New York/Las Vegas Feature
50-51
WIN a place on an Orlando FAM with Mainstreet Travel Group
53
For expert advice, contact Team DSD!
september 2018
4


C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
Newcastle - Amsterdam
2 FOR 1 AMSTERDAM MINI CRUISE
Book your customers onto an Amsterdam mini cruise for £45pp, return!
• 2 nights onboard
• Up to 5 hours exploring the
Dutch capital
• Extend your stay from
£47pp, return.
dfds.co.uk/agent
Price is subject to availability.
Offer may be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs apply.
news
5
Kuoni increases brand
awareness in Northern Ireland
WOW Air announces
Orlando route
icelandic low-cost carrier, WoW air has announced that they will be launching new seasonal routes between the Uk and orlando from december 2018.
Commencing 18th December, the flights to Orlando will launch from both Edinburgh and London Gatwick and operate on a thrice weekly basis.
Skúli Mogensen, the Founder of WOW Air commented:
“We’re thrilled to be adding Orlando to our ever-expanding route network and hope this will mean more budget-conscious travellers will soon be able to experience not only what the city of Orlando has to offer, but also the wider state of Florida. As our 16th destination in North America, this is an important marker of our continuing mission to push the price point to fly across the Atlantic as low as possible.”
feherty travel in bangor have become northern ireland’s first kuoni partner store.
The agency will be given training on all of Kuoni’s products, along with a marketing budget and educational places. Feherty Travel will be also be featured on the back of Kuoni brochures as well as on the website, where customers can book appointments direct.
Brad Bennetts, National Sales Manager for Kuoni said:
“The strategy that we have with our partner stores is strong and continues to work. The investment we are making with Feherty Travel is all about working hand-in-hand with a key trade partner and sharing best-practice to build more business together.”
Feherty Travel, who have been in business for 45 years,
PRINT_2201 - Travel Matters Ad.pdf 1 17/08/2018
13:49
will remain fully independent and will now also recruit an additional staff member to join their team.
expanding the boundaries
march 2018


Fred. Olsen launches ‘Balmoral from the North’ brochure
fred. olsen cruise Lines prides itself on bringing the world ‘closer’ to its guests and every year this ethos goes from strength to strength – whether it be by reaching more destinations, offering exceptional shore excursions or operating sailings from five convenient departure ports around the Uk.
Fred. Olsen’s new ‘Balmoral from the North’ brochure details the full programme of cruise itineraries for 2019/20 departing specifically from the North of the UK and builds upon the success of the cruise line’s inaugural year serving Edinburgh (Rosyth) with its flagship.
No fewer than 22 Fred. Olsen cruises will be on offer on board Balmoral from the Northern ports of Edinburgh (Rosyth) and Newcastle between April and October 2019, with destinations including the Baltic, Iceland, Norway, Spain, Portugal and France, among others. There is even a ‘Mystery Cruise’ from the Port of Tyne, Newcastle in September 2019!
Each sailing will take place aboard the newly-refurbished,1,350-guest Balmoral, which underwent an extensive multi- million-pound refit at the end of 2017,
as part of Fred. Olsen's fleet-wide refurbishment programme. In addition to upgraded rooms and facilities, the refit also introduced ‘The Grill’ restaurant, which, for an extra cost of £20 per person, offers the finest steaks, seafood and more. ‘The Poolside’ is another new venue, offering both indoor and al fresco dining.
Guests will also be able to enjoy exclusive excursions on Fred. Olsen’s newly- installed Rigid Inflatable Boats (‘RIBs’)
(at an extra charge). The RIBs are being installed across the entire ocean fleet – which also includes Black Watch, Boudicca and Braemar – and each have a capacity
of up to 12 guests. They offer an ‘off the beaten tourist track’ experience and enable guests to gain a real immersion into the destination.
For a limited time, guests booking a ‘Balmoral from the North’ cruise will
also benefit from a free ‘all-inclusive’ upgrade, worth up to £15 per person per night, which includes selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, with 50% off premium and branded drinks.
This year, as part of the ‘Big Fred. Olsen Giveaway’, UK travel agents have the chance to win a brand new Fiat 500 car for Christmas, with a cruise also being given
away every month. All agents need to do is register every booking that they make for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines until 15th December 2018.
Fred. Olsen has also invested in its online Travel Agent Centre, including the provision of its ‘Online Training Centre’, in conjunction with the Online Travel Training Company, to make selling a Fred. Olsen cruise even easier.
Justin Stanton, Director of Sales and Marketing at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Our customers in the North of England and Scotland are very important to
us, which is why we have released our ‘Balmoral from the North’ brochure – to highlight the fantastic offerings available from Newcastle and Edinburgh.
“We hope that our ‘Big Fred. Olsen Giveaway’ and our dedicated Travel Agent Centre act as an added incentive to our loyal travel trade partners, who continue to recommend our cruise holidays to their customers time and time again.”
For further information on
Fred. Olsen Cruises Lines, visit www.fredolsencruises.com/agent or call the Trade Support Team on 01473 746164.
6
expanding the boundaries
march 2018


FREE All Inclusive Drinks Upgrade*
on a wide choice of 2019 sailings from Newcastle and Rosyth
Your guests can enjoy free drinks on a variety of April 2019 - October 2019 cruises – all conveniently departing from Newcastle or Rosyth (Edinburgh). From the natural wonders of Iceland and Norway to scenic European waterways and beautiful Baltic cities, there’s a host of itineraries to tempt.
Don’t forget to register your bookings at fredolsencruises.com/agent/giveaway to be in with a chance of winning The Big Fred. Olsen Giveaway
All bookings are subject to FOCL standard terms and conditions available on our website and on request. Information shown is correct at time of going to print (August 2018). *Free All Inclusive Upgrade is valid for new bookings made from 31/08/2018 to 31/10/2018, inclusive, on selected Norwegian Fjord cruises. Upgrade is valid for new bookings made from 05/09/2018 to 31/10/2018, inclusive, on other selected 2019 and 2020 cruises. Visit fredolsencruises.com/agent for full offer terms & conditions. The Big Fred. Olsen Giveaway: Entry to both Prize Draw competitions is by registering each FOCL cruise booking on the FOCL Travel Agent Centre on the FOCL website during the
respective Qualifying Period. The Qualifying Period for Monthly Prize Draws is between 1 June 2018 and 31 December 2018 and for the Free Car Prize Draw is from 1 June 2018 to 14 December 2018. For full terms and conditions of The Big Fred. Olsen Giveaway Prize Draw visit fredolsencruises.com/agent/giveaway. E&OE


news
8
04 trAvel GoSSiP roAdShow,
Hilton, leeDs
8-10 AbtA Convention seville, sPain
New role for Azamara’s Richard Twynam
richard twynam, Managing director of azamara club cruises Uk & ireland, has been promoted.
Richard will now also cover the EMEA region and in his expanded role, will
work more closely with Stuart Leven, Royal Caribbean MD & Vice President of EMEA.
The news comes at a time when Azamara Club Cruises recently celebrated the christening of its third ship, Azamara Pursuit, in Southampton.
2019
28 SPAA 89th AnnuAl dinner, Crowne Plaza, GlasGow
07 Geordie bAll GosfortH Park Hotel, newCastle
09 10
luxury hotelS event, eDinburGH
04 GrAFtAS,newCastle Hilton Hotel
06 SPAA AGM & ChriStMAS
networkinG lunCh,
tHe CorintHian Club, GlasGow
luxury hotelS event, newCastle
New appointment for Funway Holidays
Stephen craven has joined trade only supplier, funway holidays
as business development Manager. Previously, Stephen worked with continental airlines, british Midland and more recently bedsonline.
He will be working with the trade to expand business and further develop relationships for Funway Holidays in Scotland, Northern Ireland and North of England.
Nick Talbot, Funway Sales and Marketing Director said: “We’re delighted that Stephen has joined the team and he has already made a strong impact in his first weeks at Funway. We are confident Stephen’s experience will be hugely beneficial for growing our sales and engagement with agents.”
Stephen can be contacted on 07398 144178 or email [email protected]
Annual Travel Awards
01 26th SPAA AnnuAl trAvel AwArdS Doubletree by Hilton, GlasGow
5-7 world trAvel MArket, exCel,
lonDon
20 StAr exhibition Doubletree by
Hilton, GlasGow
2018
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
Travel is The healThiesT addicTion...


AgenTs InCenTIve
Emirates is coming to Edinburgh!
Emirates commence their daily service from Edinburgh on 1st October 2018. The new service is Emirates’
19th direct flight from eight UK airports to Dubai and onwards to over 150 destinations worldwide. On board, passengers can enjoy world-class service, regionally inspired gourmet cuisine, up to 3,500 channels of the latest award-winning entertainment and free Wi-Fi connectivity on most aircraft.
To celebrate the launch of emirates’ new daily service from edinburgh, we have an amazing incentive to start it off in style with incredible prizes to be won!
To qualify, simply make a booking to any Emirates destination from Edinburgh for any travel period and email the booking details to us to go into the draw to win one of the prizes below!
Prizes:
Top prIze
2 return Business Class flights (taxes paid) from Edinburgh to Dubai including 3 nights’ 5* hotel accommodation!*
Terms & Conditions:
2 return eConomy Class flights (taxes paid) from Edinburgh to Dubai including 3 nights’ 5* hotel accomodation!*
2 return eConomy Class tiCkets
from Edinburgh to anywhere on the Emirates Network*
ChamPagne Dinner for 2 at Cannonball Restaurant & Bar, Edinburgh
DeliCious sunDay lunCh for 2
at The Pompadour by Galvin, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Calendonian, including a bottle of wine!
*Prizes 1 & 2, 3 - usual staff travel embargo dates apply, winner may take any companion with them. No cash value/non-transferable.
*Chauffeur Car not included nor can Skywards miles be accrued • Flights must be fully used by 30th September, 2019. Bookable max 3 months prior to departure, min 2 weeks. *Bookings made from Edinburgh to anywhere on Emirates network from 27th August – 6th October, any travel period. Groups/Infant bookings are not eligible.
Prize 4 - Enjoy a Taste of Scotland Menu for two with a bottle of Champagne at Cannonball Restaurant & Bar, offering the finest Scottish dining in the heart of the Old Town with fabulous castle views. T&C's apply. Available Tues to Thurs, outwith August and December.
Prize 5 - Sunday Lunch for two at The Pompadour by Galvin, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian. Enjoy a sumptuous three course lunch and a bottle of house wine.
Voucher valid for one year from issue and is subject to availability at time of booking.
• One entry per booking • Entries should be sent to [email protected], latest entry date 6th Oct, subject must read “Travel Matters Competition”
• Prize winners will be contacted via email and announced in the November edition of Travel Matters.
9
expanding the boundaries
march 2018


A TIME FOR REFLECTION AT THE SPAA
it’s always necessary, every so often, to take a little time out to pause, stand back and reflect on progress that we make within our own
individual organisations. it’s necessary because sometimes we get too close to the action and we fail to see areas that need attention.
In the case of the SPAA, we need to ensure members and affiliate members are
kept informed and updated about the organisation and getting the best return on their commitment. The good news is that the SPAA is in excellent health, but we need to continue to take a critical look at our efforts.
A number of years ago, our Associate Membership for suppliers was somewhat restricted in numbers because of the entry requirements at the time, however we have grown substantially since then and now have over 70 Associates who provide considerable support for our members and the SPAA in turn, offers networking events, great communication platforms and key connections in the Scottish travel trade.
In early October we will be holding
our second annual conference in Fife exclusively for Associate Members, where a full programme will offer attendees the opportunity to engage, discuss and work with the SPAA in ever more effective ways. Our Members benefit from a large array of networking opportunities including the November Awards Dinner, the Annual Dinner in February and the Summer
Ball in June, supplemented by Network Lunches, STAR exhibitions and Face to Face Lunches throughout the year around the country. With another 11 SPAA Council meetings over 12 months, the social and business calendar is somewhat full!
The SPAA continues to impact in the political arena where we use our influence with Government in relation to transport legislation and its infrastructure both here in Scotland and further afield. In June
we hosted a dinner for Holyrood MSP’s and because of the interest generated, we have a follow up event in Edinburgh in September.
Industry Affairs continue to dominate
the travel landscape with the credit card issue affecting the industry earlier this year, followed by GDPR and of course, the Package Travel Directive and changing ATOL regulations. These areas and others have taken up a considerable amount of SPAA Council time and we continue to work with and be members of, a number of influencing organisations, such as ABTA,
the CAA, GTMC, the Association of ATOL Companies and the APJC, a little known group influencing the IATA landscape in the UK.
Last year we commissioned a Research programme to provide an overall view of what travellers, both corporate and leisure, felt about their own travel experiences. This year we are about to reveal the results of a further deep dive into those original answers to determine what else our members can do to help their own businesses.
To further those ambitions, we have also appointed a Public Relations organisation to improve our communication in a
more structured manner, not only to our members and associates, but also to the world at large. Our Social Media activity has been one of our biggest challenges,
in that we have not maximised the opportunities it represents, so our next step is to coordinate an effective and informative social media presence in conjunction with our PR company.
Once we are successful with that, maybe I won’t need to write a column like this every month!
ken McLeod SPaa President
10
Annual Travel Awards
Thursday
1st NOVEMBER 2018
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON,
GLASGOW
Be sure to cast your vote at:
www.surveymonkey.co.uk/ r/spaaawards2018
• ChAMPAGne reCePtion • dinner
• AwArdS!
• entertAinMent
• Followed by the AFter AFter PArty!
For further details,
email [email protected]
Kindly sponsored by:
2018
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
Get reAdy For ......
The 26th Annual SpAA Travel Awards!!


associate Member news bytes
discover the portfolio of beachcomber tours
Beachcomber Tours is a dedicated specialist tour operator for Mauritius predominantly, offering eight Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels on the island.
We also offer a select portfolio of luxury properties in the Seychelles, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Morocco, as well as Beachcomber French Riviera, specialising in tennis holidays.
Being the first hotel company and pioneers of tourism to Mauritius, Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels had the pick of the best locations on the island. Our experience, knowledge and dedication to service across our group, places Beachcomber as the industry leader to Mauritius and Seychelles.
Summer seasonal services with air canada rouge
Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada’s vacation airline, offers summer seasonal services from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester to Toronto. Convenient connections are available to destinations throughout Air Canada’s extensive global network departing daily from Toronto Pearson.
Operating a fleet of Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, featuring both premium and economy cabins. Premium Rouge passengers can enjoy a separate cabin with a generous 37” seat pitch, premium meals, complimentary wine and spirits, priority airport services plus two free checked bags weighing up to 23 kgs each.
In Economy Class, passengers receive complimentary hot meals and non-alcoholic beverages plus one free checked bag weighing up to 23kgs.
P&o cruises have the world covered
Hi, I’m Karen Cameron and I love working alongside our travel agent partners in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
P&O Cruises currently have seven ships in their fleet and our newest ship, Iona, is named after the Scottish island Iona. She will commence her first sailing in May 2020 and is available to book from this September.
At P&O Cruises, we have the world covered. From Scotland, we have direct flights during the summer months from Glasgow to Malta every Thursday. We also have direct flights from Glasgow to Dubai throughout the winter as well as direct Glasgow to Barbados flights throughout the winter, with amazing port rich itineraries and superb lead-in prices. With 66% of our guests returning time after time, P&O Cruises is Britain’s Favourite Cruise Line!
For our travel agent partners, we have launched the Travel Agents Loyalty Scheme, Shine Rewards Club - so if you haven’t signed up yet, then please do so, at
Shinerewardsclub.com
hoppago - for all your ground transportation needs
hoppaGO are the specialists in ground transportation. In response to the digital challenges that travel organisations are facing, we are offering a solution - one platform comparing a network of thousands of ground transport suppliers across hundreds of countries - allowing you to select the right transport supplier for the leisure or business traveller based on price, service or vehicle type.
Search, compare, book and manage all your ground transport requirements on one platform with hoppaGO. With this platform, we are offering choice through technology, network and service, as well as a solution to the demand for greater personalisation for all travellers.
To discover more, contact:
Regional Sales Manager – Martin Maclaren Mobile – 07825 289049
Email – [email protected] Beachcomber Tours Reservations –
01483 445610
If you need any help or support, then please do no hesitate to get in touch with me via email: [email protected]
or tel: 07973 872358
For more information, contact: Kevin Rogers, Area Sales Manager, Northern England & Scotland
Tel: 0788 000 7451
Email: [email protected] Sales Support email: [email protected] Sales Support tel: 0871 220 3220
For further information contact: Matthew Dakin
Account Manager - hoppaGO
Email: [email protected] Tel: 07540 048008
Sales Support: [email protected]
september 2018
11


news
CMV ship visits prove popular
after a full programme of agent ship visits, cruise and Maritime voyages enjoyed a successful summer, thanks to bookings from the trade.
CMV has given agents the chance to visit four ships in their fleet this year - Columbus, Magellan, Marco Polo & Astoria - for a guided tour round the ship, a presentation and a five-course meal.
Lisa Jacobs, CMV’s Head of Trade Sales said: “Travel trade support for our 2018 programme means we have only a few cabins available and bookings for 2019 and 2020 are well ahead of expectations.”
Jet2.com announce major expansion plans
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have announced that they are to take on an additional 3,000 staff across the Uk and europe as part of their expansion plans.
The company will be recruiting 50 additional staff at Belfast International Airport and will increase its capacity there by another 7% in Summer 2019. Jet2 will also be launching a brand new destination, Bourgas in Bulgaria.
Jet2 will also be investing in Scotland, with plans to increase capacity at Glasgow and Edinburgh and 300 jobs created. Two new destinations will be launched including Glasgow and Edinburgh to Bourgas in Bulgaria and from Glasgow to Izmir in Turkey.
In the North East, Jet2 is looking for cabin crew and ground operations workers that live near Newcastle Airport.
12
Pictured are travel agents from the North West who joined Karen Delorme, CMV’s Business Development Manager (pictured far left) for North East England & Scotland on board Magellan in Liverpool.
AUTUMN HOT TUB BREAKS
from£275*
Be social
To book visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call 0345 498 6153
*Price based on a 4 night stay starting 12th November 2018, sleeps 6. Applies to selected UK lodge locations and accommodation types, accommodation only. Based on maximum occupancy. Prices may differ depending on departure date. Subject to availability. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend or amend offers at any time. Image is representative of Hoseasons hot tub breaks and not specific offer.
Booking conditions apply, see e-brochure or website.
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
facebook.com/HollieHoseasons
@HollieHoseasons
See booking
conditions ABTANo.Y0662 forfulldetails.


OUR MAN IN THE NORTH REPORTS ON...
South America is my highlight this month for your guests and what amazing itineraries we have to offer. Plus they’re right at the start of 2019, allowing them to escape the winter weather. Here are my two favourites but we have other dates and itineraries on offer, so head over to the website to see our full selection – www.crystalcruises.co.uk – See you soon!
If you would like to learn more about Crystal, just give me a call or send me an email: 07841 921533 | [email protected]
RIO RENDEZVOUS
TIERRA DEL FUEGO PASSAGE
NEW ORLEANS TO RIO DE JANEIRO
Voyage #OCS190105-19
Crystal Symphony | 5 January 2019 | 19 nights Highlights: New Orleans ( ), cruising the Mississippi River, Grand Cayman/George Town,Curaçao/ Willemstad, Grenada, Devil’s Island, Recife, Salvador and Rio de Janeiro ( ).
Fares from £4,077 per person cruise only
BUENOS AIRES TO VALPARAÍSO
Voyage #OCS190203-16
Crystal Symphony | 3 February 2019 | 16 nights Highlights: Buenos Aires ( ), Montevideo, Puerto Madryn, Falkland Islands/Port Stanley, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Puerto Chacabuco, Puerto Montt and Valparaíso.
Fares from £5,638 per person cruise only
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO BOOK PLEASE CALL:
O20 7399 7601
www.crystalcruises.co.uk
ABTA No.V8548
( ) = overnight stay
Fares are per person, cruise only in UK sterling based on double occupancy in a lead-in stateroom for the first two full-fare guests and include port, security and handling charges, which vary by departure. All fares, offers and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Fares may fluctuate and should be used as a guide only. Prices may go up or down. You should contact us on 0207 399 7601 before booking, or visit our website www.crystalcruises.co.uk. The fares are available to new bookings only and are only available to UK & Eire residents. Restrictions apply. See crystalcruises.co.uk for complete terms and conditions of all offers. (c) 2018 Crystal Cruises, Inc., Ships' registry: The Bahamas.
Jon Schofield


canada ffeeaattuurree
Why Canada?
Canada, on WestJet. Why, it’s
Well, let’s start with the scenery:
spectacular scenery, the variety and scope
of which can only be found there. Think
snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Think icebergs,
viewed from rugged but beautiful coastlines. Think
Northern Lights, vast golden plains and lakes that
seem big as oceans. Think cities large and small that welcome visitors to embrace a culture that’s as varied as the landscapes from coast to coast.
Then, of course, there are Canadians: you’ll find them pretty much everywhere you go in Canada and you’re likely to find that they are every bit as polite as you’ve heard. And yes, Canada is huge - with all that scenery, all those Canadians and enormous possibilities for adventure, recreation, inspiration and whatever else goes into helping to define the vacation of a lifetime.
of the WestJet brand and the most vital part of the airline’s DNA.
Now well into their third successful decade, WestJet is growing, establishing an
international presence and reputation while maintaining their Canadian roots and identity. Guests fly in comfort, enjoying state-of-the-art
Why fly WestJet to Canada?
Well, for starters, WestJet has been named TripAdvisor’s Best Canadian Airline for two years in a row. Not only that, WestJet’s also been called the “Most Canadian” Canadian airline. And their esteemed reputation goes beyond the airline industry: for more than a decade, WestJet has consistently been named one of Canada’s top employers, as well as one of Canada’s most admired companies.
When it comes to the in-flight experience, WestJet has always recognized that the journey is as important as the destination. Your clients are not a passenger on a WestJet flight - they’re welcomed aboard as a guest and as a WestJet guest, they’ll be treated with a level of care that strives to make every flight a remarkable experience. Exceptional guest care is a cornerstone
wifi, aboard WestJet’s fleet of Boeing 737-MAX and 737 Next Generation aircraft.
With delivery of the first of ten 787 Dreamliners due in early 2019, WestJet will be broadening their international reach, bringing their outstanding guest service and the Spirit of Canada to more of the world - and more of the world to Canada.
The timing certainly looks spot on for you to consider WestJet if your clients are thinking about or planning a Canadian holiday. WestJet currently flies a non-stop service between Glasgow
and Halifax daily, reducing slightly to six times a week from 15th October and then four times a week from 15th - 28th October. Connections to 35 more Canadian destinations - and many more North American destinations - are easy to book and generally quick and convenient for guests to travel.
With low fares and a leading-edge fleet of aircraft, combined with unparalleled guest service and Canadian hospitality, it looks like WestJet is ready to become your carrier of choice to Canada
and beyond.
Once your clients have taken their Canadian adventure, they’re certain to want to see more and you may well find WestJet to be your new favourite recommendation.
Learn more at westjet.com
14
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
about time.


Route Frequency
Daily Glasgow - Halifax 6x weekly 4x weekly
Effective dates
July 2 - September 2, 2018 September 3 - October 14, 2018 October 15-28, 2018


canada ffeeaattuurree
Return of the wild plains bison
Parks canada is committed to the recovery of species like the plains bison and this summer, the enclosed pasture in banff national Park’s backcountry that housed the wild plains bison was opened and the herd successfully released.
For the next three years, Parks Canada will closely monitor the 31 bison as they explore their new home within a 1,200 km2 reintroduction zone in the remote eastern slopes of
Banff National Park. After being absent from the Park for well over a century, the return of wild plains bison as free-roaming animals will allow them to fulfill their missing role in the ecosystem.
At the conclusion of the reintroduction pilot project in 2022, Parks Canada will evaluate the success of the project to determine if long-term bison restoration is feasible in Canada’s first national park.
Pier 21 celebrates 90 years
16
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
Bison are an icon of Canada’s history and an integral part of the lives of Indigenous peoples and Canada’s pioneers.
In addition, plains bison were historically dominant grazers that helped shape the ecosystems of what is now Banff National Park.
this year marks 90 years since the opening of the historic Pier 21 immigration centre in halifax, nova Scotia.
Nearly one million immigrants entered Canada through the site from 1928 to 1971, with huge numbers of Britons, Italians, Germans and other Europeans processed there after they had crossed the Atlantic. Today the site is a popular visitor attraction and one of only two National Museums in Canada outside of Ottawa.
Located at the Halifax Seaport and set across 90,000 square feet of exhibition space, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 tells the story of Canadian immigration, from hundreds of years ago to the present day. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays, genealogical research exhibits and even step into the past to experience what it was like to immigrate through the facility.
the museum is open from 1st May - 31st october.


Float through the heart of Ottawa on a canal
a new series of the channel 4 programme, great canal Journeys, has been filmed over the summer along ontario’s rideau canal, which stretches 126 miles from the Saint Lawrence river at kingston to the ottawa river.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the man-made canal is operated by Parks Canada and flows through the heart of the capital city, connecting to the main body of water close to Ottawa’s Parliament Buildings.
Staring Prunella Scales of Fawlty Towers fame and actor- husband Timothy West, it is the first time that the travel documentary has been shot in North America.
Each episode chronicles the stars as they take barge and narrowboat trips in different regions, which to date have mostly been in the UK and Europe. The production team has been working with Le Boat, who are one of the oldest and largest pleasure boat operators in the UK and Europe. This year the company began a service in Canada, which allows holidaymakers to rent vessels along the Rideau Canal from their North American base at Smith Falls. Customers can opt for self-drive boating holidays ranging from three to 14 nights, allowing them to visit Ottawa as well as quaint towns, lakes and picturesque marinas along the way.
The show is due to be aired in the coming months, with dates yet to be confirmed.
september 2018
17


canada ffeeaattuurree
18
Enjoy the Entertainment District in Toronto
first time visitors to toronto, should head to
the entertainment district to enjoy its major attractions, festivals, sports and performing arts.
You may bump into film stars, celebrities and their fans, who all gather here for the Toronto International Film Festival, which takes place every year in September.
Visitors to this neighbourhood can explore the city’s biggest attractions, including the CN Tower as well as Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. At night, the district comes alive with some great nightlife, entertainment and numerous bars and clubs.
For visitors who want to get a feel for the historical side
of the city, the collection of six neighbourhoods in Old Town reveals the city’s past while at the same time offering trendy shops and restaurants.
Old Town also features one of the city’s best foodie destinations: the St. Lawrence Market. The market has existed in some form since 1803 and was named by National Geographic as the best in the world, with fresh produce, clothing and jewellery.
Not far away, the Distillery Historic District, is also worth a visit - a pedestrian-only village featuring heritage buildings, art galleries, fashion houses and performance venues.
Premium Rouge - sit comfortably with more space, more recline and 7 inches of extra legroom!
air canada rouge, air canada’s leisure airline, operates seasonal non-stop direct services from edinburgh, glasgow and Manchester to toronto.
Services are operated with a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft and conveniently timed to connect with Air Canada’s extensive global network departing daily from Toronto Pearson International Airport; 64 Canadian destinations, 60 in the United States as well as services to the Caribbean, Mexico and South America.
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If you’d like to benefit from priority airport services and
a little extra legroom, then Premium Rouge is the choice
for you! With this service, breeze through the airport
with priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling including two free checked bags weighing up to 23kg each. Passengers can enjoy a separate cabin with a larger seat and a generous 37” seat pitch in a 2x2x2 seat configuration.
Indulge in premium meals served on chinaware along with complimentary wines and spirits, hot towel service, amenity kit and a larger pillow. Passengers will also have access to ‘Player’, a new generation of in-flight entertainment and for our Premium Rouge passengers, wireless streaming of on-demand entertainment is available on complimentary iPads.
For more information, please visit aircanada.com


Let’s explore North America
Let your client’s 2019 adventure in North America begin with our non-stop, summer-long services from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester to Toronto and beyond with fast and easy connections to over 120 destinations across Canada and the United States.
Get going at aircanada.com


canada ffeeaattuurree
What did I like...
I thought Halifax and the surrounding area of Peggy’s Cove were great and the scenery stunning. If you like seafood, this is the place to be!
The Ms Fram Explorer cruise on Hurtigruten is a fantastic way to explore the East coast of Canada and the U.S and see some very unique places.
Airline / Transport...
The excursions vary on the cruise but we had a guided walk in St John’s, Newfoundland and an option of a dip in the ocean.....note the option and one I declined!
We flew with Air Canada from Heathrow on the new 737 max. Very comfortable flight, leather seats, large seat back TV, plenty of choice of up to date films, music and games for kids..
I loved Halifax for its history, restaurants, bars and shops and the people were very friendly. The Hurtigruten expedition was brillant - the ship is small and staff really helpful.
The check- in process at London was easy... self-check in machines and then a bag drop before going through security.
We joined Ms Fram in Halifax and ended in Portland. We had an outside cabin, standard size, small desk, bathroom with a great power shower and heated floor!
Sightseeing / Experiences...
A city tour is the best way to see Halifax and the Citadel which has great views over the city. The Immigration Museum at Pier 21 is worth a visit as well as Peggy’s Cove for the scenery.
Food and Drink...
Amazing lobster in Nova Scotia. If in Halifax, try the Waterfront Warehouse.
On the Ms Fram, there was a great buffet choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner with dinner some nights on a fixed menu.
Hotel /Accommodation...
One night in Halifax at the Delta Halifax. Good size room, nice bar and restaurant in the hotel and walking distance to all the central attractions and local nightlife.
6 nights on the Ms Fram with Hurtigruten. 7 decks, 127 cabins, max 318 passengers. The beds are really comfy and I would recommend the outside cabin.
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Travel 2/Gold Medal & Hurtigruten fam trip
21st – 29th april, 2018
By PhiLiP groSSart, Bryton Travel Consultancy
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canada ffeeaattuurree
The Quebec Winter Carnival
for a winter carnival like no other, why not visit Quebec.
The Quebec Winter Carnival features 17 days of festivities with ice carving, dog sled races and canoes that race through the snow and ice across the St. Lawrence River and back.
Artists from 30 international teams compete in creating giant ice sculptures from a remarkable 360 tonnes of ice and dog sleds race through the streets of the Old City.
With carriage rides, fiddle music, ice palaces and ice skating, the Carnival offers something for everyone. The Quebec Winter Carnival will take place from 8th - 17th February, 2019.
Going underground in Montreal
visitors to Montreal don’t need to worry about what to pack for the weather - as they can go underground, into one of the world’s biggest underground networks.
With 2,000 shops, four transit stations, 10 metro stations, 10 hotels, 265 restaurants, five universities, one college, six concert venues, libraries, two ice-skating rinks, three museums and more, there is a whole new world to discover underneath the city!
Signposted by the “RÉSO” logo, visitors can escape to Montreal’s Underground City and discover Canada’s tallest indoor fountain; wander around church cathedrals; go indoor ice-skating; watch a movie; visit a museum, or take the train, bus or metro, to reach their hotel and go from one borough to another, all without even setting foot outside!
Anyone fancy a pint?
the banff craft beer festival takes place at the home of canada’s first national park and is held each year in late november.
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site, set at the base of the Canadian Rockies, is now home to the beer festival which takes place from 22nd - 24th November. Visitors can sample amazing food from some of Banff’s best pubs and restaurants, try a sample of beers from Alberta’s own breweries and engage with local brew Masters.
Alternatively, visitors to Jasper can take part in the Jasper Summit Beer Festival, from 1st - 2nd February, 2019, hosted at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Each night the festival will showcase 20 breweries and distilleries from across North America.
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canada ffeeaattuurree
Air Transat – World’s Best Leisure Airline
air transat was recently named World’s best Leisure airline at the Skytrax World airline awards. voted for by the passengers, it’s clear this comfortable and friendly service to canada exceeds expectations. canada starts the moment passen- gers board with direct flights from glasgow, Manchester, London gatwick or dublin.
from all over the globe, with its many beaches, woodland trails, the massive Stanley Park and nearby mountain adventures. Air Transat offers direct flights throughout the summer season and this autumn the schedule is every Tuesday from Glasgow, every Monday and Friday from Manchester, and Tuesday through Sunday from London Gatwick.
There’s something for everyone in Vancity, shoppers can explore for days as the
dazzling skyscrapers of downtown
play host to grand designer stores and high-street outlets that can’t be found on this side of the pond. The Victorian architecture of Gastown makes
for a historic stroll through the first non- aboriginal settlement while taking advantage of its many independent fashion and gift boutiques.
Option Plus is an excellent addition for passengers who want extra luggage to bring back all that Canadian swag! For £54 each way, passengers get complimentary seat selection (normally from £19), a checked bag at 23kg, priority services
at the airport, an on-board comfort kit and further alcoholic drinks & snacks throughout the flight.
Students of life will enjoy the many museums, exploring First Nations’ history, science, or art galleries. Sports fans should absolutely watch an exhilarating Hockey match and the season starts in September for the Vancouver Canucks. Movie buffs can easily stalk their favourite celebrities,
as Hollywood North is the set for many famous blockbusters and TV shows.
Passengers can travel like a V.I.P. too, in the exclusive, 12-seat, Club Class cabin. Providing extra comfort with wider, reclining seats, pillows and more legroom, plus an amenity kit so clients can relax or sleep in peace.
Attentive, personalised service delivers a welcome cocktail, the gourmet menu from top Québec chef Daniel Vézina, a choice of fine wines and complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the journey.
There’s a generous baggage allowance of two checked bags at 32kg each, plus a 15kg carry on, along with priority airport services every step of the way. Available to book under Premium Economy via the GDS.
Your clients will fall in love with The
Great White North, heading west with
Air Transat flights to Vancouver, known
as “Hollywood North”, or Calgary - the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Alternatively taking a shorter trip East to Toronto, Canada’s largest city, or Montreal, for the French province, with connections to the romantic Québec City. Air Transat recently introduced a winter connection to Edmonton, famous for its epic ice castles.
This autumn, Canada’s dramatic mountain views are painted with fiery foliage, for that perfect Instagram-worthy photo. A visit to the jewel of British Columbia, Vancouver, will warm the hearts of any explorer. This vibrant city pulls lovers of the outdoors
Air Transat also now offers passengers the option to bring their pet cat or dog into the aircraft cabin, from the UK and Ireland to Canada. The total weight of the carrier and animal must not exceed 10kg and must fit under the seat in front of the traveller. Passengers can book the pet in cabin service online or by calling the booking centre on .
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Canada starts here
Glasgow - Toronto
Direct flight
Starting at £358 pp
rtn
Glasgow - Vancouver
Direct flight
Starting at £400 pp
rtn
Manchester - Toronto
Direct flight
Starting at £359 pp
rtn
Manchester - Vancouver
Direct flight
Starting at £396 pp
rtn
Dublin - Toronto
Direct flight
Starting at €305 pp
rtn
London Gatwick - Montreal
Direct flight
Starting at £372 pp
rtn
London Gatwick - Vancouver
Direct flight
Starting at £400 pp
rtn
London Gatwick - Calgary
Direct flight
Starting at £406 pp
rtn
Club Class >
Why not upgrade to Club Class and experience an exclusive 12 seat cabin with wide leather seats and generous legroom, two pieces of checked baggage, priority services at the airport and our gourmet Chef’s Menu by Daniel Vézina.
airtransat.co.uk
Available to book via your GDS
Price is per person based on flying on selected dates in October 2018 to May 2019. Prices for other routes may vary. Correct at the time of going to print and can change at any time. See online for details and prices.


airline news
Celebrating the launch of the new Emirates’ agent incentive are Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport, with Denise Holmes and Jill Niven, both Emirates.
New agreement for Loganair
Loganair has signed a partnership agreement with turkish airlines.
The interline agreement allows customers in the Loganair Highlands and Islands network to book one ticket, to multi-long haul destinations when connecting through Edinburgh Airport, saving on the £78 APD charge, with the advantage of being protected should their connecting flights be disrupted.
Kay Ryan, Loganair’s commercial director said: ‘We are excited that Turkish Airlines has chosen to work with Loganair. This is a deal with one of the biggest names in international air travel and we see it as the start of a partnership that will develop into a full codeshare agreement later in the year.”
The move is the latest in Loganair’s Better Connected programme, which aims to provide the Scottish airline’s key destinations with a wide range of links and benefits.
Deals have already been signed with Air France-KLM, Emirates and Thomas Cook Airlines. This new partnership also comple- ments codeshare arrangements Loganair already has in place with British Airways and its partner airlines at Manchester, offering connectivity to transatlantic routes, including Chicago and Philadelphia, with onward connections throughout the US.
CheCk-In wIth...
generaL inforMation
Eurowings flies from 10 UK airports to 9 airports in Germany and Austria. Its biggest airport in the UK, London Heathrow, is well connected with important German business centres such as Dusseldorf.
One of Eurowings’ great USPs is the legroom. At a time when other airlines are reducing their legroom, Eurowings is offering 32’’ in the first 12 rows on its A320 fleet or first 10 rows on its A319 fleet, which means that Eurowings offers the best economy short-haul legroom in Europe, while still offering low fares.
Since April this year, Lufthansa’s low-cost subsidiary is the first low-cost airline to offer a full flat business-class-service on four of its intercontinental routes from Dusseldorf: New York, Fort Myers, Miami and Punta Cana. From the UK, the new BIZclass can be experienced on connecting flights via Dusseldorf from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.
ProdUct
In terms of product, Eurowings offers something for every type of passenger. For real low-cost passengers, the BASIC fare, offers a flight only option with a real difference, compared to other low-cost carriers, guests on Eurowings can still collect miles.
If you are looking for a little more comfort, the SMART fare offers just that: choose your preferred seat, enjoy an inclusive snack and drink, travel with one 23 kg bag and of course, also collect your miles.
For maximum comfort, we also have a BIZclass on our short-haul routes. This includes a seat in the first 3 rows with a free adjacent seat, 2 x 23 kg bags, à la carte catering, lounge access, security
fast lane and priority boarding. Furthermore, next to the already mentioned best economy legroom, Eurowings also offers on-board Wi-Fi and on-board entertainment.
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WE’VE GOT THE BEST LEGS IN EUROPE.
We have Europe’s best short-haul
economy legroom* and a great route network to Germany and Austria.
* On our A319 (first 10 rows) and A320 (first 12 rows) fleet.


Questions & Answers
hiLary doUgLaS speaks to
benedicte dUvaL,
General Manager for Air France-KLM in the UK and Ireland
Tell us about yourself
I studied Business Management at Rouen Business School in France before getting a MBA in Canada. I have worked for this company for over 30 years in different positions and been lucky enough to have been based in Canada, Italy and France before my current post in London. I am at ease in the air – I think it’s in my DNA! So much so, I even have a private pilot’s light aircraft licence. So flying and being flown is a passion for me.
What new routes have you opened from Amsterdam and Paris?
We have had an amazing year. This summer we increased
our number of new services by 78. We also have many new destinations for both Air France and KLM, Brazil being a major one for both airlines. For Air France specifically we now go to the likes of Cork, Nairobi, Seattle, Taipei and San Jose and for KLM, we have destinations such as Nantes and Vaxjo in Sweden. As a Group, we now fly to 314 destinations in 116 countries.
How are the routes doing in Scotland, NI and Northern England?
This year we increased capacities and passenger numbers from Inverness, Belfast and Teesside. Our plan for next winter is to increase capacity again – Scotland by 8% and Northern England and NI by 15%. Demand has driven this. We are continually talking to our network of colleagues at the airports, discussing opportunities and ways to attract more passengers and both maintain and then grow our footprint. KLM has now more departure points in the UK than BA with 17 gateways.
Since you have taken over this role, what challenges have you faced?
Brexit is clearly an issue for us, mainly because we don’t know what will happen and that uncertainty is not good. There are two things – the consequence of Brexit means a weaker pound and the uncertainty can make people fly less. However whatever happens, there are agreements in place between France and
the UK and the Netherlands and the UK that will avoid any disruption to schedules.
Competition is always a challenge as we are in a highly competitive market. Low-cost carriers and even trains are all competitors. Our ambition as a Group is to be the leader in customer service and experience because that’s what can set you apart. There will always be disruptions and issues but it’s how you manage and overcome these that keeps your customer base loyal.
Any other new plans you can tell us about?
Two things – digitalization and partnerships. We are innovative when it comes to digitalization and our social media strategy is still looked to as best practice. Our goal is to “be where our customers are” and sending out the right message at the right time via the right channel.
KLM and Air France were the first airlines to introduce flight documents and information on Facebook Messenger and in 2017, KLM successfully introduced its flight information service on WhatsApp, Twitter and WeChat. We currently have over 34 million followers on social media.
We have also been experimenting with Artificial Intelligence
to support our agents to provide personal, timely and correct answers. In 2017, Air France introduced Louis, their first conversational chatbot dedicated to baggage issues and it will soon be connected to voice assistants. All this is complemented by humans of course and by mixing human, creativity, technology and data, the customer is put at the heart of the conversation.
Secondly – partnerships. You can’t be a global airline without partnerships. In the UK we announced last year a strategic partnership with Virgin. This and others will ensure we give our customers even more options and offerings. For me this is a huge thing.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Easy – connecting people. I have worked here for over 30 years and it’s no coincidence – you stay somewhere doing something that you have a passion for. We get to make people’s dreams!
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KLM offers you a convenient and seamless service from four Scottish airports: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Take advantage of over 100 flights per week from Scotland to Amsterdam and connect to destinations around the world.
There are many reasons to fly with KLM and here are just a few:
Daily services to Amsterdam from Scotland
A seamless hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with its one-terminal concept
Online check-in from 30 hours before departure
A generous hand baggage allowance*:
12kgs in Economy and 18kgs in Business Class
2 cabins to suit your needs: Business and Economy with extra legroom in Economy Comfort
*Amount of hand baggage per cabin and size limitations apply. See klm.com for full details. All information correct at time of print


escorted holidays feature
How to make escorted touring extraordinary
Diogo Castanheira, sales manager, Northern England, Scotland & Ireland at Abercrombie & Kent, explains how escorted holidays now need to be as specific as possible, but as special as desired, to capture clients’ imagination
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Just like our clients, the travel market never stands still. Since June 2017, we have seen, and acted on, a definitive change in the wishes of our customers. a dramatic rise of 15 per cent in consumer demand for escorted tours meant we were ideally placed to establish an escorted tour programme unparalleled in the industry. and that’s exactly what we have done.
Seeing the world with the eyes of an expert is not new. But it needed refinement. Escorted tours are no longer just for backpackers and big coach tours; all travellers are looking for authenticity and experiential travel. We know the best way to do this is in a small group – making every experience up close and personal. As a result, we have limited all our tours to a maximum of 18 guests.
Travel has also become about enjoying something new while indulging in the best available comfort and luxury. For travellers wanting to invest more in these areas, we guarantee top level accommodation on each escorted tour – our teams visit and handpick only the best quality locations in each tour destination.
Front of mind also for our clients are flexibility and choice. This year has seen a change in how we can accommodate this into our tours, with a unique Design your DaySM element in our Immersive Journeys. This concept gives travellers the freedom to choose experiences suited to them on selected days. On these tours we have extended the length of time in each destination so that clients can learn, explore and immerse themselves in a range of activities.
We’re also determined to not isolate the independent traveller – especially as solo travelling constitutes up to 11 per cent of the market. At A&K, we recognise and want to encourage solo travel, so those who book early on any of our Immersive Journeys can benefit from no single supplement – for up to four independent bookings per tour.
We want to be different and to excel. That’s the standard we are setting and delivering. A&K is committed to travellers who want the most authentic experience and the finest accommodation, with the most knowledgeable guide.
To find out how we can work more closely together or to book a training visit, please contact Diogo Castanheira on 07972 580919 or email [email protected]


ESCORTED TOURS 2019/20
• A new Design your DaySM concept that gives your clients the freedom to choose experiences suited to them, on selected days
• No single supplement for early bookings • Guaranteed departures
• Maximum group size of 18
• Five-star accommodation
• Resident tour directors and expert guides
New tours launching October 2018
Speak to your A&K Sales Manager to pre-order your brochure
abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours | 01242 858 498


escorted holidays feature
Treks and tours with Intrepid
All Intrepid guides are certified local tour guides and trained in- house on Intrepid Safety policies provided by mountain rescue experts in the field. They will keep your clients safe, informed and take care of the details, so clients can focus on enjoying the journey.
if your clients are looking for a trip of a lifetime on an escorted tour, then intrepid’s Machu Picchu trek should fit the bill. With its spectacular scenery, the inca trail attracts thousands of hikers each year.
To reach Machu Picchu, it’s a two hour journey from Cusco
to Ollantaytambo, followed by a 90 minute train ride to the gateway town of Aguas Calientes. Guests spend the night prior in either Ollantaytambo or Cusco – then rise early to arrive for the 30-minute bus ride taking them to the entrance.
Set high in the Andes, in a breathtaking location, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most incredible archaeological sites. Visitors can choose to hike through cloud forests along the classic Inca Trail, experience the Andes on the Quarry Trail or take up the challenge on the Choquequirao trek.
Once at Machu Picchu, the local guide will share the history of the site with plenty of time left to explore. Intrepid’s tours include all meals, with essential camping equipment and the option to hire additional hiking equipment if needed.
However, on every Intrepid trip that visits Machu Picchu, clients can also choose the rail journey instead of the hike.
Enjoy a Classic Tour to Vietnam
clients can discover vietnam on an escorted tour with Wendy Wu tours.
The Vietnam tour explores the country from Saigon to Hanoi including Dalat and Nha Trang, Hoi An and imperial Hue. Highlights include the Cu Chi Tunnels,
a Vietnamese cookery class and a cruise into Vietnam’s Halong Bay.
This 17-day tour is priced from £2,890 per person and includes all international airfares, all domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges, 3* plus – 4* accommodation, all meals, entrance fees, guides and daily tours as well as visa fees for UK passport holders.
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expanding the boundaries march 2018


escorted holidays feature
Rediscover the art of elegant train travel
india’s very own blue train, the deccan odyssey, is equipped with state-of-
the art amenities to offer its guests an experience of a lifetime on a luxurious rail journey.
Inspired by the imperial carriages used by
the Maharajas, the 21 luxuriously appointed coaches offer passengers fine dining in a multi- cuisine restaurant, a bar, high tech conference facilities and a health spa.
All the cabins on Deccan Odyssey are
fully equipped with air-conditioning, ensuite facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi and
personalised guest amenities to make sure that the journey is a comfortable and memorable one. The Deccan Odyssey travels to some of the most popular destinations across India including Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat, with six itineraries to choose from.
If Only... are currently offering a 9-day Indian Odyssey Rail Voyage priced from £4,695 per person. Travelling from Delhi to Mumbai
with various stops along the way, including stops to see the Ranthambore tigers and the Taj Mahal, the price includes flights, hotel accommodation, 7-nights on board the Deccan Odyssey, meals on board and private transfers.
Indian Odyssey Rail Voyage From £4,695pp
Take an 9 day spectacular journey through fascinating India, from its capital Delhi to the metropolis of Mumbai.
Traverse ancient kingdoms on Deccan Odyssey, with stops to see Ranthambore’s tigers, Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal, Udaipur‘s lakes and palaces and other prominent destinations of west-central India.
Includes: Pre and post tour 5 Star hotels in Delhi and Mumbai, Turkish Airlines flights, 7 nights in a Twin Cabin on Deccan Odyssey, meals on board, private car transfers & airport taxes.
For more information
call 0141 955 4000 or visit ifonly.net
Valid for departures on selected dates in Mar 2019. Book by 15 Dec 2018. Subject to availability. ATOL protected.
september 2018
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escorted holidays feature
... a WU Crew member
John Booty, Sales Manager for Ireland & Scotland
32
It’s been almost four years since I became a member of the WU crew - how time flies when you’re having fun or is it just a case that I am getting old! The one thing I can honestly say is that it’s never boring and definitely no two days are ever the same.
In my role as Business Development Manager, I manage a large area of the UK including Ireland, Scotland and The Isle of Man. As you can imagine, it means a lot of travelling with plenty
of early morning starts,
usually at around 5am - unless I’m on a red-eye from London to Scotland, or vice versa - then it’s more like a 3am start!
I usually visit up to six
agents on an average day,
depending on campaign
volumes, with a primary
focus of helping our agents to fully understand and promote our award- winning tours in Asia and South America. I guide agents through everything, from new offers and incentives to new brochures, training sessions as well as in store consumer events and holiday shows.
We are now approaching one of our most exciting times of the year with the launch of the new 2019/2020 holiday collection which means we are even busier than ever, working closely with our trade partners and travel media to spread the word about all of our new and exciting tours.
Japan is the first new brochure out and features eight amazing tours including two new ones; the 11-day Highlights of Japan aimed at solo travellers and the new 17-day Japan Uncovered Tour, our most comprehensive Japan tour to date, incorporating the key popular seasons of cherry blossom and autumn colours. The rest of our new collection within China, Southeast Asia, India and South America will be on sale
this month.
I am always asked a lot of questions ranging from ‘is that your real name’ to ‘is Wendy Wu real’? Of course, the answer is ‘yes’ to both questions and might I add that Wendy is more than real and is such a charismatic figure within the travel industry!
One of the most difficult questions
I’m asked is what are my favourite tours and destinations?
It’s a tough one to answer as no matter which experience you choose, you are going to be fully immersed in all of the culture and history of your chosen destination and will experience the most breathtaking iconic sights.
One destination I never tire of is China! It always amazes me and every time I return, I learn something new and exciting. Our fantastic national guides make our tours the best in the industry - they can make a great tour an extraordinary one, and that’s what’s evident by our numerous industry awards!
Needless to say, I have never forgotten what it is like to be an agent and the uncertainty of selling a product that you may not fully understand. That’s why wherever I go, I always leave my business card and impress upon agents to feel free to contact me should they need any assistance.
Our impeccable service, from start to finish, is what distinguishes Wendy Wu Tours from the rest. We have an extremely knowledgeable and dedicated team throughout the
UK and overseas.
Everyone is passionate about working at
Wendy Wu and always goes the extra mile to give great service. Our motto is ‘be extraordinary’ and it’s so true - I am proud to be on Team Wu!
expanding the boundaries
march 2018


escorted holidays feature
Good Companions: Escorted Tours for Mature Solo Travellers from Glenton Holidays
if you have customers who travel on their own and would like a friendly face to turn to when they have questions or need a bit of advice, glenton good companions offer the perfect answer.
Our dedicated Good Companions hosts accompany holidaymakers on their break to mix and mingle with everyone in the group. Hosts are available daily to escort guests on excursions, nights out or even just a walk about to explore the resort and they will endeavour to assist with any queries that might crop up. Of course, we all want our holiday to be carefree and relaxing but sometimes a crisis can occur so hosts are also there to offer practical assistance in the event of an emergency by being a link to vital services.
Glenton Good Companions hosted breaks are exclusively for mature solo travellers and guarantee your customers won’t be alone for long.
Good Companions are designed to help solo travellers avoid the hassle of travelling alone, gain the confidence to explore and take up the chance to meet like minded people to share their holiday experience.
Good Companions tours operate all year round and these specialist trips cover all manner of getaways from a fun day trip, an overnight stay at a welcoming hotel to five days on a seaside or city coach tour. Jet off to sunnier climes or even board a world class liner and sail into the sunset with Good Companions. In addition, on a Good Companions escorted holiday, there are no annoying sole occupancy surcharges.
With Good Companions your clients can simply look forward to tempting resorts, friendly faces, exciting excursions, happy hosts and intriguing itineraries. They can expect a warm welcome from their host at an informal drinks reception where they will meet and mingle with their fellow Good Companions - just the ticket for breaking the ice.
Call to Book 0141 374 2691
eilean donan Castle, PloCkton & the Best of wester ross
Highlights include visits to picture postcard Eilean Donan Castle with its Jacobean artefacts, pretty Plockton, Inverewe Gardens, market day in Poolewe, an outing
to Ullapool and to the nature reserve of Corrieshalloch Gorge. Based at the popular Gairloch Hotel.
Select hidden gems of luxemBourg
Includes a guided walking tour of Luxembourg City,
a scenic drive along the banks of the Moselle to pretty Remich and a journey through the stunning Mullertahl to ancient Echternach. The ideally located Grand Hotel de Vianden is our base.
Thu 25 Oct 6 Days only £469
CamBridge hogmanay
Look forward to spending the last day of the year in the university city of Cambridge with its Neo Gothic Bridge of Sighs and King’s College Chapel. Based at the Holiday Inn, centrally located in the bustling town of Stevenage.
Sun 30 Dec 4 Days only £389
Mon 15 Oct
Snow white
Christmas
5 Days only £359
Based at the Britannia Hotel, situated on Manchester’s Portland Street. Look forward to nightly entertainment, Snow White panto at Bolton’s Albert Halls and heading to the Trafford Centre for the Boxing Day sales.
Sun 23 Dec 5 Days only £349
GOOD COMPANIONS
DEDICATED TO
ThE sOlO TrAvEllEr
vote for us
crUISE brochUrE
Coming soon
oCean Cruise ColleCtion 2019
freePhone 08000 24 24 24 | glentonholidays.Com
good ComPanions holidays feature: • Dinner, B&B • Coach travel throughout • Door to Door* service on selected holidays • Excursions and entrances as stated
• Welcome reception • Services of a good ComPanions host
• No single room supplements • Welcome pack
coach | cruise | air holidays diRECT fRom sCoTland
Call now for more details .... 0141 374 2691
or visit us online at www.glentonholidays.Com *Conditions Apply. E&OA
september 2018
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escorted holidays feature
braZiL Side of igUacU faLLS
Join in the Rio Carnival
with Travelsphere
For lovers of all things South American, Travelsphere are offering a Chile, Argentina & Brazil Rio Carnival Winners’ Parade tour, departing February 2019.
Priced from £3,849 per person, tour highlights include:
■ Chile’s capital, Santiago, which lies beneath the stunning Andes
■ Tour of Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital
■ A visit to the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires
■ Iguaçú Falls, which are taller than Niagara Falls
■ The famous statue of Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado
■ Experience the colourful Winner’s Parade at the Rio Carnival
MendoZa Winery
SUgarLoaf MoUntain
34
travelsphere also offer a number of optional excursions, including:
Crossing the border into Brazil, clients get the chance to see the falls from a completely different perspective.
From this side, it is possible to see the full panorama of the falls and also
to walk across the famous platform virtually into the Devil’s throat.
Clients can enjoy an afternoon excursion to the top of Sugarloaf. Starting from the hotel, the group will follow the coast route along the Copacabana to the foot of the Sugarloaf and it’s twin-station cable car.
From here, guests will ascend first to the middle station with time to pause on the larger of the two rocks before completing the journey to the very top of this impressive landmark.
The Mendoza wine region, located in the far western expanse of Argentina, is one of Argentina’s most important wine regions, accounting for nearly two thirds of the country’s entire wine production.
A visit to two contrasting wineries in Luján offers spectacular views of the Andes, vineyards and olive trees as well as tastings of the different wines.
This South American adventure is big on sights – vineyards cascading down Chile’s dramatic mountain slopes, drenching mists at Argentina’s Iguaçú Falls and twinkling coral sand beaches in Brazil. The finale of this unforgettable holiday comes in the form of the ‘greatest party on earth’ – the spectacular Rio Carnival Winner’s Parade.
expanding the boundaries march 2018


Solo adventures
amazing offers
BUT HURRY - THEY ARE ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL 15 DEC 2018
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Enjoy over 150 award-winning escorted holidays to over 60 countries with so much included. With guaranteed departures, price match and price promise
GO TO JUSTYOU.CO.UK OR CALL 01858 415 258
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Terms & Conditions apply, see website for details.
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Terms & Conditions apply, see website for details.


escorted holidays feature
New brochures from Titan Travel
titan travel has launched its Worldwide 2019 brochure, offering tours, cruises and stay and explore holidays through to March 2020.
Featuring more than 200 itineraries, Titan’s Worldwide brochure offers:
3 guaranteed departures – with no minimum numbers, so every tour is now guaranteed to go ahead
3 23 new itineraries – from Armenia and Georgia to the wilds of Borneo
3 fly from a regional airport – international flights from regional airports listed on each tour
3 viP door-to-door travel service – airport transfers with unlimited mileage
3 Prices starting from £799pp – with Titan’s Price Promise
Titan has also launched an expanded range of solo holidays in its first dedicated brochure for solo travellers.
Offering 25 guaranteed departure tours, with no minimum numbers required and no single supplement, solo travellers can tailor-make their trip and choose from a selection of added extras.
Agents can earn a £20 Lifestyle voucher for every Solo booking made throughout September.
Growth in trade sales for Saga
Saga has announced significant growth in its trade sales for the first half of 2018.
The operator first began selling via the travel trade four years ago and has seen a substantial growth in demand for its long-haul touring products.
Saga recently released its Escorted Tours brochure, featuring a new tour of South Africa to see the ‘The Big Five’ along with The Cape and Winelands and ‘Tale of 3 Cities’, exploring Eastern Canada by rail.
Small Group Tours from Great Rail Journeys
great rail Journeys has launched a series of Small group tours, with a maximum number of 20 passengers and offering unique experiences and accommodation.
Featuring eight escorted tours to lesser known places, with four in the UK and four in Europe, every tour includes the services of a professional tour manager, boutique hotels, private tours and bespoke excursions.
For example, the Mountains & Lakes of Switzerland features accommodation in mountain top properties and journeys aboard impressive mountain railways, including dinner served aboard the Glacier Express.
Ancient Sicily includes private tours of palaces and wine tasting and in the UK, Welsh Treasures explores Anglesey, with private tours of castles, stately homes and gardens, as well as a stay at the boutique Trearddur Bay Hotel.
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moments of
It was lovely because you can please yourself - and you are never really alone with a group. I would not hesitate going with Titan and alone. Go for it!
Cynthia, Titan customer
Solo holidays 2019
brochure is out now
Featuring 25 exclusive solo holidays, each one packed with moments to share and remember.
Guaranteed departures
Titan’s Price Promise
Fly from an airport near you† VIP door-to-door travel service* Prices starting from £1,399pp Save up to £350pp
For more information please visit
www.titanagents.co.uk
*Excludes Scottish islands and Sark, where vehicle access is restricted. †International flights from local airports are offered subject to daily schedules and availability.


escorted holidays feature
Italian tours flying from Scotland are now available
for 2019!
8-day breaks starting from £599pp May, June, September & october 2019
Multi-award winning escorted tours specialist, newmarket holidays – four-time ‘best holiday company to the italian Peninsula’ at the british travel awards – are offering 19 tremendous value air-inclusive tours to enchanting italy for 2019-2020, flying direct from Scotland.
From the shores of Lake Garda to the ancient streets of Verona, from the beauty of glorious Venice to the rolling Tuscan hills, these wonderful holidays and escorted tours will introduce your customers to this beautiful part of the world. Over the years, tens of thousands of happy travellers have enjoyed exploring this colourful country of sparkling scenery and enthralling cities with Newmarket Holidays.
The expanded Newmarket Italian tours range incorporates more specialised ‘experiential’ Small Group Tours such as a ‘Food & Wines of Northern Italy’ experience that includes opportunities for guests to don an apron and cook alongside well-known chefs! For music lovers, another new tour includes a seat at a choice of operas at the world-renowned Arena di Verona.
If your customers are looking for the chance to rest and relax, Newmarket has chosen some very special places to enjoy a more traditional ‘getaway- from-it-all’. The Hand-Picked Resort range includes destinations such as idyllic Lake Maggiore, elegant Tuscany and beautiful Lake Como.
Richard Forde, Trade Sales Manager, is excited to announce that Newmarket Holidays have reintroduced a choice of regional airport departures on selected dates: “We have fantastic trade support in Scotland and wanted to ensure that our best-selling holiday range to Italy was covered on our regional charter programme with great-value holidays flying direct from Aberdeen and Inverness.”
All Newmarket Holidays’ tours offer great-value – with travel, accommodation, included excursions and experiences and the company of a friendly tour or resort-stay manager included.
For more information, contact
Gemma Walker on 07713 487115 or email her at [email protected]
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FROM JUST
£599
19 Award-Winning Holidays & Tours to Italy
Flying from Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Inverness
We offer many more holidays flying direct from Scotland – see our website for more details.
2017 ★ 2016 ★ 2015 ★ 2014 ★ 2013 BEST ESCORTED HOLIDAYS
FIVE YEARS IN A ROW!
Visit www.newmarketholidays.co.uk | Call 0330 160 7999
Online Agent Training: www.training.newmarketholidays.co.uk Benefit from working with us – email: [email protected]


escorted holidays feature
Embark on a Cheetah
Safari with Kuoni
an escorted tour is an ideal way to view wildlife and kuoni’s cheetah Safari is one of the operator’s most popular tours.
Showcasing the best of Kenya including Samburu, the Rift Valley and the world-famous Maasai Mara, this 8-night safari visits Kenya’s famous wildlife parks in search of the Big Five.
All of the accommodation is superbly located, including
a stay at The Ark, situated deep in the forests of Aberdare National Park, overlooking a salt lick and floodlit waterhole – perfect for viewing wildlife. In addition, at the Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, set in 150-acre lakefront grounds, giraffe and hippo are regularly spotted.
In the Samburu reserve, the group is taken on both morning and afternoon game drives, with the opportunity to see long- necked gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, beisa oryx and reticulated giraffe.
In the Aberdare Mountain Ranges, the Aberdare National Park’s wildlife includes elephant and lion, the black and white Colobus monkey and beautiful but lesser-sighted bongo – a horned antelope with distinctive white stripes.
The tour also includes Lake Nakuru National Park, a haven for bird lovers, with over 400 species of bird and the Maasai Mara – home to the Big Five, big cats, and a host of other wildlife.
With views across the Mara plains, the tour includes a stay at the Sarova Mara Game Camp which offers the classic safari experience, in a hotel-style residence. The camp has 73 premium canvas tents with canopied beds and facilities including a pool with poolside bar and a wellness tent for massages.
On the last day, the group are given the opportunity to take a hot-air balloon safari to gain a whole new perspective of the Maasai Mara, followed by a Champagne breakfast, set up for the group wherever they land.
Departing on 5th November, 2018, this small group safari tour is priced from £2,595 per person, offering savings of up to £1,250 per couple.
New tours from
Riviera Travel
riviera travel have recently launched a selection of new tours for 2019.
These include four new European escorted tour itineraries to Sardinia, Umbria, Belfast and Galway, Spain’s Basque Country and Montenegro and two new and improved tours to the Middle East; Jordan and Petra plus an extension to Jerusalem.
The new Ireland: Belfast, Galway & the Ring of Kerry tour visits Belfast and the Titanic Experience in Belfast's waterfront area; follows the scenic Antrim Coast Road to the Giant's Causeway; visits Ireland's oldest working whiskey distillery at Bushmills for a tour and tasting and includes a sightseeing tour of Dublin, as well as a drive along the Wild Atlantic Way.
This eight-day tour is priced from £949pp and includes four-star accommodation, flights and transfers and a daily programme of tours and visits.
Riviera Travel also offer a range of new ‘Personalise Your Holiday’ experiences for clients to choose from, to make their holiday even more memorable.
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Good company on a journey makes The way seem shorTer!


EXCITING & ENTICING
ESCORTED TOURS
JAPAN - LAND OF THE RISING SUN
13 days from £3,299pp | Departures from March to November 2019
NEW NEW
WHY CHOOSE US?
● More customers from the UK now choose Riviera Travel river cruises than any other company
● Our transparent prices are the best in sector
● Direct flights from up to 14 regional UK airports or Eurostar options on many itineraries
● We don’t discount – secure early bookings, as the price will never go down
● We hold options for 5 working days
● Agent online training at www.rivieraexpert.com
BOLOGNA, PARMA
& RAVENNA
5 days from £649pp
Departures up to November 2018 & April to October 2019
SPAIN’S BASQUE COUNTRY, LA RIOJA & BURGOS
8 days from £899pp Departures from April
to October 2019
MONTENEGRO: BUDVA, CETINJE & THE BAY OF KOTOR
8 days from £849pp Departures from April
to October 2019
SOUTH AFRICA
16 days from £2,199pp* Departures from January
to November 2019
*Optional Rovos Rail extension available: 18 days from £4,099pp
To book, call: 01283 744370 or visit: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents For agency sales support, email: [email protected]
ABTA No.V4744
Riviera Travel booking terms and conditions apply. Prices correct at time of print.
Joseph Darren Tamzin Mia Paul Emma Your friendly agency sales team


escorted holidays feature
Touring Africa with Travel 2
travel 2 are currently
offering a grand tour of
South africa escorted tour,
with savings of up to £445 per person.
This 16- day tour includes return flights as well as:
• 15 nights’ accommodation
• Services of a qualified English
speaking tour guide
• 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
• Selected sightseeing including Kruger National Park and the scenic Garden Route
• Internal flight Durban to Port Elizabeth and transfers.
Clients can head into the wilderness
on game tours, visits mountains
and coastline and explore Cape
Town. The Grand Tour is priced from £3,129 per person, for departures from Edinburgh, valid for travel from 13th - 28th January, 2019.
Wendy Wu celebrates most
successful year to date
Wendy Wu tours have recorded their biggest all-time revenue figure, making 2018 the operator’s most successful year ever.
With forward bookings up year-on-year for 2019, the operator is launching ‘The Complete Collection’, combining its collection of holidays across Asia and South America in one new brochure.
Discover Hidden Journeys
with Trafalgar
trafalgar’s hidden Journeys offers small group tours of 26 people or less, with an insider experience on every trip.
For example, on the Newfoundland & Labrador trip, guests
will visit Canada’s only kosher winery for a Cultural Insight and have a picnic lunch at a lighthouse before setting off on a boat tour across Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to look for whales and seabirds (in season). Hidden Journeys feature hand-picked 4-5 star accommodation, luxury coaches with Wi-Fi, VIP entry to attractions, along with a the services of an expert Travel Director.
Trafalgar also offers a six-night Hidden Journey to Cambodia where guests can catch a glimpse into traditional Khmer life and cuisine, enjoying lunch with a local family in
their traditional 80-year-old wooden house on their dragon fruit farm. Other activities include participating in a Khmer cooking class, visiting the market and learning how to prepare Khmer specialities.
The operator is also offering business class upgrades across selected departures from just £199 per person and free VIP door-to-door home transfers. In addition, Wendy Wu are expanding their range of tour styles which now include ‘Classic’; ‘Go Beyond’ – designed for the more adventurous; ‘Private Tours’ and brand new ‘Solo Tours’, with no single supplement to pay.
Highlights from ‘The Complete Collection’ include a new 13-day ‘Eclipse & Atacama’ tour (from £5,990pp), to view the solar eclipse in the Atacama Desert under the Chilean skies, known to be the clearest in South America. A shorter 8-day ‘Chile Eclipse’ (from £3,990pp), is also available.
• Returnflights
• 16 day Grand Tour of South Africa escorted tour including 15 nights’
TOURING AFRICA
accommodation, services of a qualified English speaking tour guide,
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners, selected sightseeing including Kruger National Park and the scenic Garden Route, internal flight Durban to Port Elizabeth and transfers
Edinburgh from
HIGHLIGHTS
3,129
Experience the delights of South Africa on a 16-day tour that shows South Africa in its true splendour, visiting mountains and coastline and providing the opportunity to head into the wilderness on game tours before heading to the vibrant city of Cape Town.
£
PP
SAVE up to £445 per person
16 day Grand Tour of South Africa Escorted Tour
INCLUDES
Valid for travel: 13 - 28 Jan 19
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march 2018


ESCORTED TOURING
7 day Kenya Classic Tour
INCLUDES
• Return flights
• 7 day Kenya Classic escorted tour, including 6 nights’
accommodation, services of an experienced English speaking tour guide, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, selected sightseeing such as safari in the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli and all transfers.
HIGHLIGHTS
A wilderness and cultural experience like no other, this 7 day escorted tour showcases everything which makes Kenya so captivating. Visit the wide open plains of the Masai Mara, gaze at the shimmery pink waters of Lake Nakuru and hunt for the ‘Big Five’ of African wildlife on this seven day safari, taking in some of the most picturesque regions of Kenya.
london from £2,059PP Valid for travel: 02 May - 21 Jun 19
SAVE £220 PER PERSON
9 day Spectacular Canadian Rockies
INCLUDES
• Return flights
• 9 day Spectacular Canadian Rockies escorted tour, including
8 nights’ accommodation, services of an expert Travel Director, 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners, travel by luxury air- conditioned coach, selected sightseeing including a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway and visit to the beautiful Butchart Gardens, and all transfers including VIP UK door-to- door airport transfers.
HIGHLIGHTS
This exhilarating experience takes you from the cosmopolitan cities of Vancouver and Victoria through to Kamloops, Banff, Lake Louise and finally on to Calgary. Sit back and enjoy the sights of the ever-shifting landscapes that adorn and surround the Canadian Rockies.
belfast from £2,789PP Valid for travel: 04 May 19
THE UK’S 100% TRADE ONLY TOUR OPERATOR To book call Travel 2 Reservations FREE 0800 0224 182 or visit www.travel2.com
@T2news
3228


16th August – 30th September 2018
SAVE 50%
on adults, teenagers & kids at selected AMResorts* for stays between 1st May 2019 - October 31st 2019
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news
Princess Cruises launches new brochure for 2019 / 2020 programme
Princess cruises has launched a new and bigger brochure for cruises departing from January 2019 to May 2020.
The brochure acts as a one-stop-shop for agents and their customers and now covers 380 destinations, across all 7 continents and with a fleet of 18 ships.
With all 18 ships cruising around the world, including Princess Cruises’ latest ship Sky Princess, debuting in the Mediterranean in October 2019, guests can now enjoy even more adventures from ship to shore. The brochure also includes a range of cruises to Antarctica, the line’s first sailings to this continent in seven years.
A team of professional destination experts has created 135 award-winning itineraries which include a total of 762 worldwide departures, with cruises ranging in length from three to 111 days.
The dining experiences and entertainment onboard are inspired by the unique destinations and corners of the globe that Princess Cruises sails to, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the local culture while sipping on a globally-inspired cocktail or speciality cuisine onboard.
Cruise Sales
The brochure includes dedicated sections on:
u The routes Princess sails to, including examples of shore excursions available for all types of passengers i.e. families, couples, adventurers (including Discovery, Animal Planet and Bon Appétit shore excursions)
u Several of the 380 destinations Princess sails to
u The onboard cuisine, entertainment and amenities on offer, including a drinks inspired section
u Suite accommodation and exclusive benefits
u Insider’s guide with what’s new onboard and what to see
and do
u Onboard experiences
including brand ambassador, Phillip Schofield
u Sky Princess deck plans
Opportunity of the Month... New York, Caribbean and Florida Cruise
every time a new cruise brochure comes out, i like to read it in detail, looking for new opportunities or an unusual itinerary. When i find something new,
i then think about what can be done to enhance the client experience to offer a fantastic trip, at a great price.
Repositioning cruises fit this criteria well and I always tend to look at these first, as they are often very attractively priced.
I recently found such an itinerary on offer in the new Princess Cruises’ brochure. The stunning ship - The Regal Princess - will operate a series of Baltic sailings in Summer 2019 and she then re-positions to New York. From there, she sails on a 10-night voyage via the Caribbean to her base for Winter 2019/2020, Fort Lauderdale. The itinerary includes St Maarten, Antigua and Aruba, plus a total of six sea days. Regal Princess will offer your clients a top quality cruise, with the option of spending a few days in New York prior and/ or post cruise, a stay in the Sunshine State.
Flying options could include an open jaw ticket out to New York, back from Florida - Aer Lingus via Dublin for example, would be one option. Or alternatively, a return to New York (United for example), with a one way low cost flight from Florida back to New York, might fit the bill for your clients.
Regal Princess Cruise G936 - New York to Fort Lauderdale - 31st October to 10th November 2019, priced from £820pp on a cruise only basis.
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2019/2020 now on sale
Our seven day All-Inclusive “Idyllic Aegean” Cruise
Come and be serenaded by the romance of the Aegean on our brand new “Idyllic Aegean” seven day cruise. Visit five of the most enchanting Greek island destinations dotted around the Aegean Sea, where culture, history, pristine beaches and fishing villages suspended in time all wait.
There’s something to suit every taste on our extra-special cruise, and with overnight stops in Mykonos and Santorini, come and unravel the best-kept secrets of these sun-soaked shores by night.
Day Ports
Mon Athens (Piraeus), Greece Tue Mykonos*, Greece
Wed Mykonos*, Greece
Wed Milos*, Greece
Thu Santorini*, Greece
Fri Santorini*, Greece
Sat Crete (Heraklion), Greece Sun Kusadasi, Turkey
Mon Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Arr
- 07:00 - 13:00 08:00 - 07:00 11:30 09:00
Dep From Athens (Piraeus)
21:00 Apr - May 07:00 Jun 23:59 July - Aug
23:00 Sep 20:30 Oct
15, 22, 29
06, 13, 20, 27 03, 10, 17, 24 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 05, 12, 19, 26 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 07, 14
17:00 -
*Tendering weather permitting Embarkation/ disembarkation possibilities also from/to Kusadasi and Crete
For booking reservations & enquiries contact:
0800 411 8038
or email: [email protected]
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 2pm - 11pm, Saturdays: 3pm - 11pm
CRUISERS’ CHOICE
Seven Day
Cruises around
Greece
5 destinations
30 available excursions Incredible All-Inclusive value
Prices from
pp* £869
Discover Greece, one destination at a time
Celestyal Cruises
Best for Service


new yorkf&elaatsuVregas feature
Breakfast at The Plaza Hotel - New York
By gary reaveLy
opened in 1907, the Plaza is an iconic new york building and arguably one of the most famous hotels in the world. it has hosted world leaders, dignitaries and hollywood legends and countless movies have been filmed both inside and outside the hotel, with its famous entrance and stunning architecture.
When planning a trip to New York for my daughter’s 21st birthday, I asked her where she would like to go for breakfast on her special day and unsurprisingly, she told me - “The Plaza, of course!”. I contacted the hotel and booked continental breakfast in the stunning Palm Court Lounge, famous as a meeting place for the rich and famous, with an amazing stained glass ceiling.
Upon arrival, we were taken through to the Palm Court and escorted straight to our table. The continental breakfast was fabulous and included a very large bowl of fresh fruit, a generous selection of pastries plus a large pot of tea and coffee per person and freshly squeezed orange juice. The service was exemplary. They brought a cake, courtesy of The Plaza, for my daughter’s birthday and nothing was too much trouble, including giving us a very posh doggy bag to take away anything we didn’t eat.
Was it expensive? Yes, it was, (USD 40 per person plus tax and tip). Was it worth it - you bet it was - every single cent! What a setting, what an experience - the whole family loved it.
If you have clients travelling to New York for a special occasion or if you know of anyone who would enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, then be sure to recommend The Plaza.
48
FULLY-GUIDED NYC BUS TOURS
USA GUiDeD ToUrS NY is a premier provider of fully-guided NYC bus tours. our mission is to provide a more enjoyable sightseeing experience!
BIG APPLE IN LIGHTS - NIGHT BUS TOUR
Voted the # 1 traVel experience in the US
TripAdvisor has named USA Guided Tours’ New York City Daytime “Discover NY” Bus Tour as the #1 Travel experience in the USA!
New York City at night – it’s a magical experience with views of Times Square, 5th Avenue, Grand Central Station and more!
Door-To-Door AirporT TrANSporTATioN To/from NYC - AreA AirporTS wiTh USA GUiDeD ToUrS
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
for more iNformATioN, viSiT:
www.usaguidedtoursny.com


TAKE THE SCENIC
ROUTE TO NEW YORK
Stopover in Iceland at no extra airfare
Add a little twist to your travels. When you fly Icelandair to our two gateways
in New York (JFK and EWR), we offer you an unforgettable Stopover in Iceland at no extra airfare. How cool is that?
+ icelandairacademy.com


new yorkf&elaatsuVregas feature
Mainstreet Travel Group - offering the personal touch
hi, i’m Stuart Lee, the Manager of the Mainstreet travel group! i have been with the company now for over 13 years and love being on the phones selling whilst also managing the office.
Who are we and what do we do?
The Mainstreet Travel Group is an independent tour operator based in Durham and we have been trading for more than 25 years. We specialise in long haul holidays and cruises to North America, the Middle East, Far East and Australia.
We are a small friendly team with six sales staff in reservations; Geri, James, Gabby, Annie, Michela and Rob and two administration staff members - Christine and Sharon. The team have a wealth
of knowledge between them and have travelled far and wide across the globe, with over 100 years travel experience amongst them. To make sure we are offering you the best product in the destinations that we sell, we regularly send staff out to conduct hotel inspections.
Recently we have visited Bangkok, Krabi, New York, Orlando and Bali to personally inspect hotels and to get a feel for the destinations. This, along with FAM trips the staff have taken to Alaska, Vegas, Orlando and Hong Kong, only goes to help to improve the knowledge of our fantastic team.
All of our enquiries at Mainstreet are phone based and we prefer it this way for a number of reasons:
>> We love speaking to our agents!
>> We are able to source you a much better deal once we have you on the phone, as we can
gather a lot more information from yourselves and your clients.
>> It’s quicker and more efficient than going back and forth via email. We pride ourselves on the personal touch and customer service. Our sales team love to work with you, from start to finish, helping to find and book the perfect deal for your clients.
And talking of deals, we love a good deal at Mainstreet! On average we will source and dynamically package 3-4 long hauls deals per day. These could be USA multi centres, Far East deals or even a enquiry that an agent has specifically requested via our Facebook page.
For all our deals, please join our Facebook Page – “Mainstreet Travel Group - Agent Special Offers”
Over the years we have also built up an excellent relationship with most of the leading carriers, accommodation suppliers and cruise companies. This has given Mainstreet access to some of the best rates available in the industry and also the chance to host some great trips for our agents.
everybody loves a faM trip and we currently have 8 places up for grabs on our orlando faM, taking place on 4th december staying at Universal StudiosTM, florida.
This will be co-hosted with Virgin Atlantic/Delta and Bookabed. All bookings made with Mainstreet on Virgin Atlantic/Delta and accommodation booked via Bookabed until 30th September will have a chance to join us on this fantastic trip, in a prize draw.
Next time you need a quote, pick up the phone and give us a call on 0191 384 5500. We would love to have a chat with you and see how we can help!
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