Travel Matters Issue 18 September 2018

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Renovation for Fremont Street
Experience
in february 2019, fremont Street experience will begin a $32 million renovation of viva vision, the large video screen, located in historic downtown Las vegas.
Spanning five city blocks, the upgraded Viva Vision canopy will illuminate the pedestrian mall with 16,433,152 pixels and 5,000 Nits, making it seven-times brighter than the existing canopy with four- times the resolution. Renovations to the canopy will be completed by the end of December 2019 and will feature high-resolution light and sound shows 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Las Vegas welcomed nearly 3.6 million visitors in June 2018, including more than 500,000 convention delegates. McCarran International Airport also reported another strong month in passenger traffic, with more than 4.3 million passengers, up 2.8 percent from last year.
Enjoy the thrills and spills
of zip lining
Zip lining has become big business in Las vegas and flightlinez bootleg canyon offers some great tours to recommend to your clients.
With over 1.5 miles of zip line over the course of four separate runs, where you can reach speeds of up to 60
mph and take in the scenic views, this experience is simply breathtaking! Located just 30 minutes away from Las
Vegas, in Boulder City, where many men lived who built the Hoover Dam, the tour begins with a comprehensive safety demonstration before being transported off with the fun and friendly tour guides.
With a choice of daytime, sunset and moonlight tours, this is a great experience for all ages. Tours are priced from USD159 pp. For more details, visit www.flightlinezbootleg.com
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Graceland Wedding Chapel
Iconic musicians and famous movie personalities have either married, renewed their vows, or just stopped in to say hello - including Elvis himself! Let us create a memorable day for your clients too!
We offer a variety of packages ranging in price that include professional photography, hand crafted flowers, luxury stretch limousine service, wedding cakes, and did we mention Elvis, among a few other amenities!
We give your clients a classic Vegas experience and offer you 25% commission on all bookings!
Graceland Wedding Chapel is one of the most popular chapels in Las Vegas, if not the world.
Visit us at www.gracelandchapel.com
or email Brandon Reed at [email protected]
On the Las Vegas strip fOr 70 years!
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TEAM DSD KNOW
BECAUSE WE GO!
Here’s what we’ve ticked off the bucket list...
IN LAS VEGAS
AND IN NEW YORK
Contact Team DSD to hear all about our own experiences and for fresh expert advice!
020 8090 3890 [email protected]
T&Cs: Subject to availability and cost change. From prices are shown, contact us for live prices and more information.
Hoover Dam Premium Tour
From £45
Mojave Desert ATV Tour
From £115
Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise
From £23
Chicago on Broadway
From £103
Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour
From £292
Las Vegas Weddings
From £188
Grand Canyon Deluxe National Park Air & Ground
From £249
Empire State Building Skip-the-Line Ticket
From £28
Hoover Dam
Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise
From £134
Central Park Bike Tour
From £35


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New schedule from Delta Air Lines
delta air Lines will operate its longest ever season from glasgow to new york-Jfk in summer 2019.
Delta will restart flights, which are operated in conjunction with Virgin Atlantic, on 24th May, 2019 and the service will operate for seven more weeks than this year, ending on 26th October, 2019.
The carrier has scheduled a Boeing 757-200 aircraft on the
route, which has 167 seats, including 15 flat-beds in the Delta One business class cabin, which will add over 5,000 extra seats on the route, in each direction next summer.
Paddle up the Colorado River
with Vegas Glass Kayaks
if you fancy escaping from the brights lights and glitz of Las vegas, then why not take a paddle up the colorado river.
Located just 40 minutes outside of the Strip, Vegas Glass Kayaks offer three guided tours of the Black Canyon: the half- day Emerald Tour: a full day Black Tour and a night time Neon Tour. Featuring easy to use crystal canoe-kayak hybrids, these tours are suitable for the whole family and great fun.
The popular half-day Emerald Tour includes a four-mile trip on the easy to navigate, slow, moving water of the Black Canyon. The excursion travels 2 miles up river to see the beautiful waters of the Emerald Cave, followed by a float back down
the river, with optional stops along the way. Offering stunning, views and a gourmet picnic lunch on the beach, this is a fabulous way to escape from it all.
Priced at USD195pp, the cost includes hotel pick up as well as the gourmet lunch. For more information, visit: vegasglasskayaks.com
By gary reaveLy
This was the third time I have stayed at this fantastic three- star rated boutique hotel and I have also booked many clients and groups here.
If as they say, location is everything then the Hotel Metro, located on West 35th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue, one block from the Empire State Building and a 7 minute walk to Times Square, (even less to Macy’s), is truly blessed!
Situated in the connecting street between the Avenues,
it is an oasis of calm amongst the hustle and bustle that is New York City. With a classic art deco lobby and reception area, the hotel offers both style and comfort.
Unusually for New York, the hotel includes continental breakfast and all guest rooms have marble bathrooms, flat screen TV’s, mini fridges, tea and coffee making facilities and free WI-FI. There is an excellent choice of room types, from standard twin/doubles to executive rooms with a separate bedroom that are ideal for families.
There is a small fitness centre but my favourite feature of the hotel is the rooftop terrace - (summer months only) - where guests can enjoy stunning unobstructed views of the nearby Empire State Building and its great light show after dark. You are even allowed to bring your own food and drink!
The hotel is currently enhancing rooms and the main restaurant and this is scheduled to be completed by year end.
There are very few bargains in New York City, however the Metro, with its unparalleled location, style and great service, represents an ideal choice for both leisure or business clients.
The
Hotel Metro, New York
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Premium product experience with United Airlines
United airlines has been serving Scotland for over 20 years and today offers its Scottish customers daily nonstop flights year-round from edinburgh and on a seasonal basis from glasgow to its new york hub, newark Liberty international airport.
From Edinburgh, United also offers daily nonstop seasonal services to the airline’s Chicago hub, Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Washington D.C. hub, Washington Dulles International Airport. Flights are conveniently timed to provide connections beyond United’s U.S. hubs to almost 280 destinations across the Americas.
United Managing Director Sales for the UK and Ireland, Bob Schumacher said: “Whilst business customers from Scotland can take advantage of our frequent and direct links to three key U.S. finance and industry hubs, leisure customers can enjoy easy access to some of the country’s most exciting and vibrant tourist destinations.”
All United services from Scotland are operated by Boeing 757-200 aircraft with a total of 169 seats – 16 flat-bed seats in United Polaris business class and 153 seats in United Economy, including 45 Economy Plus seats. United’s onboard services are second to none. United Polaris business class features a new premium product experience with enhanced comfort and service from lounge to landing for a restful night’s sleep in the air.
The first phase of United Polaris is now available onboard services from Scotland and features an elevated inflight food and beverage experience, custom bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue and exclusive amenity kits with products from Soho House & Co’s Cowshed Spa. United Economy Plus offers additional legroom
and increased personal space. Located near the front of the Economy cabin, the seats give the added benefit of allowing a swifter exit from the plane on arrival. Customers flying United Economy from Scotland can enjoy complimentary food and drinks (including beer and wine), as well as a personal on-demand entertainment system.
United Airlines operates the largest hub in the New York City metropolitan area at Newark Liberty International Airport. Located just 14 miles from Manhattan, the airport offers the fastest surface transfer journeys to many parts of the city, including the AirTrain service to New York Penn Station in midtown Manhattan, with a journey time of less than 30 minutes.
United is also upgrading its customer experience at New York/Newark at every point of the customer’s journey with world-class retail shops and leading-edge technology. The airline is upgrading check-in facilities and baggage screening systems and unveiled a United Polaris lounge for international business class customers in summer 2018 with more than 27,000 square feet, 455 seats, 10 private daybeds outfitted with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, 10 luxurious shower suites, featuring rainfall showers and Soho House & Co's Cowshed Spa products, personal valet services and a private dining area featuring a menu developed by New York Chef John Glowacki.


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Take an Affordable drive
“What happens in vegas, stays in vegas!” - a resort city famed for its vibrant nightlife, 24-hour casinos and themed hotels! but there’s no reason to stay in Las vegas when so many incredible natural wonders are within a day’s drive.
Why not look beyond Sin City and explore the crazy rock formations of Valley of Fire State Park; or the inner workings of Hoover Dam, situated about 30 minutes southeast of Vegas, en route to the Grand Canyon, which is roughly a 270 miles/four-hour drive. You’ll also encounter some of the historic Route 66 towards the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and that’s on everyone’s bucket list!
So on your next trip, rent a car when travelling to Las Vegas!
Prices from £25* per day!
(based on 1 week’s hire on 3rd January, including full to full fuel with 0 excess)
In New York, people often say, renting a car is not worth the hassle...but wait, is it?
There are actually plenty of reasons to hire a car. You could drive through the City’s five boroughs, including Manhattan, but there is lots more to explore in Upstate New York, with fascinating historical sites, mountain ranges, charming villages and crystal- clear lakes!
The 518-mile Seaway Trail is considered one of the great American drives and runs through New York State or you could head into the city of Buffalo, where the trail takes in the spectacular Niagara Falls, on the US-Canadian border.
With so much choice, New York is an ideal place to start your next holiday driving adventure!
Prices from £36* per day!
(based on a week’s hire, 3rd January, full to full fuel with 0 excess)
*t&c’s apply - upgrades and offers subject to availability and campaign terms & conditions. Prices subject to change. Correct at time of print. One ways
with Affordable Car hire available throughout Florida, Arizona & California with many of our suppliers.
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas
ZERO excess
FREE one ways*
Free additional drivers & upgrades**
Affordable Car Hire: call 0345 9000 420 or visit affordablecarhire.com
Terms and conditions: *Free one ways with Affordable Car hire available throughout Florida, Arizona & California with many of our suppliers. **Special upgrades and offers subject to availability and campaign terms & conditions. ^Prices subject to change. Correct at time of print.
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Woodbury Common, New York - retail therapy at its best!
Located 53 miles north of central Manhattan, in stunning upstate new york, lies the shoppers mecca of Woodbury common.
Offering 240 national and luxury stores, with sales of up to 65% off every day, outdoor seating and relaxing water structures - a day’s retail therapy here is a pleasure for anyone.
The Woodbury Common shoppers service offers a welcome centre, three guest services locations, lockers, ATM machines and centre wide high speed WiFi access. The central food court offers a huge choice of eateries, from coffee to go, to every type of convenience food where you can sit in, relax and ponder the next bargain.
Getting to Woodbury Common from Manhattan could not be easier. There are frequent direct coach services from The Port Authority of New York - Coach Terminal, conveniently located at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue. The comfortable Coach USA services depart from the 4th floor of the terminal from gates 410 and 411 and take just over an hour to get there, with a great commentary by the friendly driver. The cost is USD 30 per person return for fixed times or for $37pp open return. Coaches depart from 0715 and the last return is at 2125.
Alternatively, if flying with Norwegian into Stewart Airfield in upstate New York, Woodbury Common is located only 19 miles away and is an easy taxi ride or car hire journey from the many local hotels. Some 15 million shoppers visit Woodbury Common each year, which tells you just how good it is. And remember - tell your clients to take a wheeled suitcase with them - it will be much easier to carry all that shopping!
Enjoy
Lip Smacking
Foodie Tours in Vegas
Las vegas is a real food lovers paradise, from fast food to some of the world’s finest restaurants and dining experienes. if you have clients who are real ‘foodies’, then why not suggest that they try the Lip Smacking vegas foodie tours.
With more than 330 restaurants on the Strip, these tours offer the best bites that
Las Vegas has to offer. Your guide will meet you and take you to up to five of the very best restaurants in town. At each restaurant, you are treated like a VIP - taken straight to the best table in the house to enjoy a preset menu with three to four signature dishes selected to show off the very best the restaurant has to offer.
Along with top notch service, your expert guide will explain everything about the restaurant as well the dishes that have been prepared. Tours include ‘From Savoury Bites & Neon Lights’, ‘A Boozy Brunch’ to ‘The Savours of the Strip’, which lasts for three hours, costs USD199 pp and includes 12 signature dishes and VIP service.
For a special occasion or food gourmets, these tours come highly recommended. For more information, visit www.vegasfoodietour.com
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Getting to New York has never been easier.
Fly Norwegian nonstop from Dublin, Shannon, Edinburgh, Bergen and Belfast.
Located just 80 minutes outside New York City in the Hudson Valley, New York Stewart International Airport is the perfect gateway into New York. With nonstop bus service to the heart of Manhattan on the Stewart Airport Express, you’ll be off your plane and on your way in minutes. To book in advance, visit stewartairportexpress.com.
Travel just doesn’t get any easier than flying into NY Stewart. Learn more at SWFny.com.
Convenient. Easy. Hassle-Free.


This month’s SnapSh TS...
SPaa recently held its annual golf day at Lanark golf club
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See the world in a new way with Viking River Cruises
For centuries, rivers have been the life force of the countries through which they flow. cities have grown along their banks, towns have prospered and people have travelled their waters, connecting to each other and the wider world. and when you travel by river, you see the world in a completely new and unique way. gliding through timeless landscapes into the heart of each destination, you can step ashore and immediately start exploring.
With a worldwide fleet of more than 65 state-of-the-art river cruise ships, Viking offers one of the most innovative and stylish ways to see the world. Warm and welcoming, with an emphasis on comfort, service and style, every ship offers plenty of room in which to relax and a selection of spacious, river- view staterooms.
Wherever you choose to travel, across Europe, Russia, Egypt or Asia, you can look forward to a journey like no other, one that is unique, exciting and truly memorable. Best of all, every Viking journey offers remarkable value for money, with so much included in the price. From excursions to mouth- watering meals on board; specially selected wines and beers with lunch and dinner to free tea, coffee and Wi-Fi, Viking has everything covered.
As well as included excursions, you can choose from a variety of optional tours that offer something for everyone – from cognac blending in Bordeaux to a painting lesson in Southern France or sweating it out in a Russian banya. Our Privileged Access, Local Life and Working World experiences are just that – open doors to places and people that would otherwise be inaccessible.
river incLUSionS LiSt:
return flights from London and up to
14 regional airports
We want you to travel in comfort, right from the start of your journey and that means scheduled flights with quality airlines, from an airport close to home.
river-view stateroom
Your private sanctuary offers a super comfortable king-sized bed that can be configured into twin beds, with spacious ensuite bathroom featuring
a walk-in shower and on the Viking Longships, heated flooring. Twice-daily housekeeping ensures your room is a welcoming retreat at all times.
an included excursion in almost every port
Get to know more about the places you visit with a free excursion almost every day. You can look forward to exclusive and insightful experiences. Viking brings every journey to life in the most engaging and illuminating ways.
all delicious meals on board
On every Viking journey, enjoy fabulous fresh food, with regional specialities and traditional favourites, as well as lighter and vegetarian options.
Specially selected wine, beer and soft
drinks with lunch and dinner on board
On board every ship, you can look forward to perfectly chilled beers, soft drinks and lovely wines with your lunch and dinner, often selected from the region through which you are travelling.
free Wi-fi on board
Stay online on board and stay in touch with friends and family throughout your journey.
free tea, coffee and snacks any time
on board
Help yourself to a hot drink and delicious pastry or homemade cookie. Always delicious, always available.
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What another busy month – my diary was chockers (even the brexit Secretary would have trouble keeping up with me)!
I recently met my match in the smooth and charming department - Diogo Castanheira, the new Abercrombie & Kent Agency sales manager for Northern England, Scotland and Ireland. As we took tea in Princes Square, I couldn’t help but notice all eyes were on us... clearly something we both have to deal with on a regular basis.
Question - How do you meet more than 30 movers and shakers
from the airline, tour operator and cruise line fraternity in one fell swoop? Easy –
blag an invite to attend the trade launch of the fabulous new Glen Travel super store in Blantyre!
Hosted by David, Alan and Douglas Glen and their fabby staff (don’t tell anyone but Michele is my favourite!), they made sure we were well fed and watered and given the chance to look round their amazing and innovative new travel agency. Check out the fantastic circular oak barrel bar where clients can quench their thirst and don’t miss the beautiful Emirates Lounge, offering a great booking experience in a first class setting.
Showing their support for Glen Travel was Mr Hurtigruten, Danny Giles who even made it on his crutches – it won’t be long before he is back running up the Norwegian mountains. Ultimate schmoozer Greig White was there, perfectly turned out and moisturised as always and king of the rivers and social media, (William aye Young), travelled from Helensburgh Sur Mer just to be there – is there anyone out there who isn’t one of his Facebook friends? Mr Nice - Raj from Carrier - charmed everyone as always and was telling Jenna from Qatar and I all about his last safari spotting lions and giraffes (no bears there though!).
Also enjoying the Glen Travel legendary hospitality was the lovely Linda McDonald, Amanda Middler and Jon Schofield (the thinking man’s Phillip!). Guess which one was heard to remark that on their ship it’s “only Bollinger we serve darling!”.
Shirley Saadi from Emirates was there, looking calm despite the imminent launch of the new EDI service – perhaps she was thinking about her upcoming cruise (am sure you could squeeze me into your Louis Vuitton!) and if all these people weren’t enough, El Presidente of the SPAA even came along and naturally wanted his picture taken with me (nothing new there then!).
The entire evening was simply bear-tastic and I wish Glen Travel every success in the future. If you would like me to attend one of your events (where I can add my usual sparkle and style), feel free to contact my social secretary at – [email protected]
You can see loads more photos online at www.travelmatters.biz
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Discovering the best of Belfast via Belfast City Airport
following a record-breaking year for tourism in 2017, belfast is quickly becoming a hotspot for weekend getaways, adventure filled holidays, as well as playing home to global business enterprises.
Thanks to the epic landscapes and compelling energy of the city, Belfast and the neighbouring Causeway Coast and Glens were named as the #1 Region to Visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet. For anyone who has visited Belfast, this will not come as a surprise.
In the past few years, Belfast has added
a touch of Narnia by paying homage to a legendary Northern Irish writer with the unveiling of C.S. Lewis Square, filmed eight series’ of Game of Thrones at the world- class Titanic Studios and invested nearly £4 million into the restoration of the listed Botanic Gardens building, home to the unique Tropical Ravine.
Renamed in 2006 to commemorate the life of international footballing legend, George Best, Belfast City Airport serves as the ideal airport for travelling to and from Belfast, located just five minutes from the city centre.
Convenient and accessible
With excellent links to public transport and all major routes in and out of Belfast, getting to and from Belfast City Airport couldn’t be easier.
The airport is located within reach of many of Belfast’s top tourist attractions, such as Titanic Belfast, voted the World’s Best Tourist Attraction in 2016, and St George’s Market, where over 300 traders and foodies sell their authentic products each week to both tourists and locals alike.
Committed to ensuring an easy, enjoyable experience for all passengers, Belfast
City Airport has recently launched hidden disability lanyards, as well as becoming the first airport to recognise the NOW Group’s Just a Minute (JAM) card which allows passengers with learning difficulties to discreetly tell others that a bit more time or patience may be required.
The airport’s efforts to make travelling possible for all has resulted in the CAA placing it in the highest category, ‘very good’, for accessibility.
Punctuality
For the last number of years, Belfast City Airport has ranked within the top three airports in the UK for punctuality in reports published by the CAA.
Ellie McGimpsey, Aviation Development Manager (pictured right) said:
“We are dedicated to providing outstanding
service to the 2.5 million passengers who travel through the airport each year and our consistent punctuality performance ensures an enjoyable and stress-free experience
for all.
“As an airport small in size, our passengers are always less than ten minutes away from our car parks, our boarding gates, our security search area, our baggage reclaim and our shops.”
£15 million reconfiguration
In a move that will increase retail space by 30%, food and beverage offerings by 25% and double passenger seating, Belfast City Airport is currently in the midst of
a £15 million refurbishment due to be completed later this year.
Ellie added: “Our £15 million infrastructure investment is aimed at further enhancing the customer journey through Belfast City Airport whilst ensuring we have a facility of which Northern Ireland can be proud, when welcoming visitors from across the world.
“The improved security search area will enable passengers to be processed more efficiently allowing them more time to relax before their flight.”
Belfast City Airport’s partner airlines include Aer Lingus, British Airways, Flybe and KLM, with routes across the UK and Europe.
For more information about Belfast City Airport please visit www.belfastcityairport.com
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Fly from the
UK & Ireland’s most convenient airport
Just 5 minutes drive from Belfast city centre
Ranked amongst the Top 3 most punctual UK airports
www.belfastcityairport.com