Travel Matters Issue 35 February 2020

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CELEBRITY REWARDS


airline news
Belfast City Airport to welcome back Eastern Airways
Eastern Airways has announced the launch of a six-times weekly service from George Best Belfast City Airport to Teesside International Airport, commencing 9th March.
Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City airport, said: “improving connectivity to and from northern ireland is of the up- most importance to the region and we welcome the return of Eastern Airways, a sixth airline partner at Belfast City Airport.”
Eastern Airways will also launch services to Dublin, london City, Cardiff and Southampton from Teesside Airport. A seasonal service will operate between teesside and the isle of Man and the airline will also increase the number of flights
to Aberdeen.
Tony Burgess, Managing Director of Eastern Airways, said: “Eastern Airways is one of the longest serving airlines to fly from teesside international serving the critical corporate oil and gas market with flights to aberdeen.
“We’re delighted to now be strengthening our ties with the airport and branching out to bring enhanced connectivity to some new city destinations for business and leisure travellers. i’m sure these flights will be popular and we are continuing to look at how we can further develop our network for all regions.”
This announcement, which includes
37 new flights per week from teesside international airport, will add 185,000 seats each year, more than doubling the number of available seats.
New look for Aer Lingus staff
Aer Lingus cabin and ground crew will be wearing their new look uniform from this month, which was created by Irish fashion designer, Louise Kennedy.
guests flying with aer lingus in the coming months can expect to still see iconic green, now a new ‘Kenmare Green’, as well as a greater inclusion of navy, entitled ‘Midnight’, throughout. in all, 25 garments have been designed, in a variety of styles, including both trouser
and dress options and new jacket and coat designs for male crew. aer lingus’ first-ever uniform was a military-style rich brown suit designed by Sybil Connolly in 1945, which then became green a few years later in 1948. the airline currently offers 16 direct routes to north america, operates over 70 european routes and carries some 12 million guests each year.
Qatar to go double-daily
from Edinburgh
Qatar Airways have announced that they will increase their service from Edinburgh to double-daily flights, commencing 1st April.
Qatar airways Country Manager uk & ireland, gary kershaw, said: “our increased frequency to double-daily flights from edinburgh underlines our commitment to Scotland and we are delighted to offer our passengers greater opportunities to fly to Doha as well as connecting them with more than 160 destinations worldwide.”
FEBRUARY 2020
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KEY NEWS ON CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY
Aviation is a growth sector supporting prosperity and international mobility. For the Lufthansa Group, this goes hand in hand with the responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of business activities to the unavoidable minimum, in the air and on the ground.
Modern aircraft significantly reduce emissions
An important measure in reducing the impact of travel for business is constant fleet renewal. Lufthansa Group
have a programme of fleet renewal until 2027 whereby new aircraft will emit up to one quarter (-25%) less CO2 than predecessors, or about 1.5million metric tons per year. The latest order for 40 state-of-the-art long-haul Airbus A350- 900 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft with an investment volume of 12 billion US dollars (list prices) supports these ambitions.
Less CO2 emission by aircraft renewal
The success of continuous fleet renewal can be measured. The airlines of the Lufthansa Group have not only increased fuel efficiency by 30% since 1994, they have also set a new efficiency record in 2018; on average the passenger airlines only used 3.65 litres of kerosene to fly a passenger 100 kilometres. That is an improvement of 0.8% and the lowest figure in the history of the company so far.
Creating a market for alternative fuels
Synthetically-produced fuels are the only real alternative for completely neutralising emissions in aviation. In 2019 Lufthansa and Refinery Heide signed a joint declaration of intent concerning the future production and acceptance of synthetic kerosene that is to be produced with electricity generated by wind power.
From 2020 corporate customers will fly CO2 neutral with Lufthansa Group Corporate Value Fares
In 2020, the Lufthansa Group is launching an attractive range of climate-friendly business travel products. With the Lufthansa Group Corporate Value Fares, corporate customers can fly CO2-neutral on Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines flights in Europe. For the first time, carbon offsetting is automatically included in these fares for contracted customers.
Find out more at lufthansagroup.com
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Information correct as of January 2020 - subject to change | V02


news
pictured (l-r): John Fair, uk sales Director, Croisieurope; nick hughes, tipto Chairman and Joanne peters, senior Business Development Manager, uk & ireland, palladium hotel group.
New members for TIPTO
TIPTO has announced two new supplier members, including the Palladium Hotel Group and CroisiEurope Cruises.
Joanne Peters, Senior Business Development Manager UK
& ireland, the palladium hotel group, comments: “palladium hotel group is entering a five year phase of development with new projects that we want to convey to the uk trade. tipto events, its online training and its social media access will allow us to pass this information onto agents and support them in selling our worldwide product.”
John Fair, UK Sales Director, CroisiEurope Cruises said:
“we are delighted to be joining tipto in its 21st year. the association’s well-established reputation and agent database will be fundamental to us achieving the goals we have set out for 2020.”
Traveleads
celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
Traveleads has recently taken on another apprentice and now has a total of five, aged between 17 and 22, working across the business travel, sports travel, IT and HR departments.
Emma Louise Forrestall, corporate travel manager at Traveleads, who helps oversee the apprentices, said: “Working with educational partners in Leeds and Edinburgh, we’ve developed our own apprenticeship scheme which provides apprentices with on-the-job learning in a dedicated department for two years.
“We are delighted to be celebrating all of our apprentices during national apprenticeship week.”
traveleads has offices in aberdeen, edinburgh, leeds and Southampton.
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
A PASSPORT
Traveleads’ apprentices (L-R) Georgia Pickard, Megan Smith, Billy Cameron, Emma Paden and Lucy Speight
Earn more with If Only
Agents can earn up to £350 of My Loyalty Card Enhanced Earnings when they make any Cruise & Stay booking with If Only before 31st March 2020.
if only’s reward scheme, My loyalty Card, offers agents the chance to earn up to £300 with Love2Shop for every single booking.
This incentive runs alongside the operator’s Peaks Ocean indulgence campaign, which rewards agents with one prize every month until 31st March, when customers book one of the participating Peaks cruise lines, including Seabourn, Holland America Line, Silversea, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Celebrity Cruises, Princess, Oceania, Azamara and Cunard.
FEBRUARY 2020


To Canada and beyond this summer.
Take off for Canada and the US via Toronto this summer from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester with Air Canada Rouge, featuring complimentary checked baggage*, meals and advance seat selection**
Plus, we offer added comfort in our Premium Rouge class: priority check-in, extra legroom, wider seats, and more.
Learn more at aircanada.com
*Non-sop trans-Atlantic services only;
*A checked bag(s) fee applies to Economy Basic fares.
**A advance seat selection fee applies to booking class W, S, T, L and K.


Face to Face with...
anTOniO ParaDisO
MD for UK & Ireland MSC Cruises
What have been the principal reasons for MSC Cruises’ success in the last few years?
2019 was our most successful year to date in the UK. We have a vision and we have a dream. We are a family run business so whatever we do, we do with our hearts - we have never been a corporate company. We listen carefully to our travel agents and customers – our personal relationships are most important. Emails and SMS messages are all very well, but nothing beats face to face contact and the personal touch and we aim for this with each and every travel agent.
i believe one of our major strengths is that we listen – we act global,
but think local. There can be no coincidence that we are the fastest growing cruise line in the world with more than 16 new ships coming, including MSC Virtuosa later this year – more than any other cruise line. Our business has gone from strength to strength in Scotland, the north and ni and we can feel the love, support and enthusiasm from the trade. This means a great deal to me personally and i know it also does to our sales staff working with our trade partners every day.
You made a bold decision to remain in the Arabian Gulf market for 2019-20. Has this been worthwhile?
Every cruise line uses its own judgement. As far as we are concerned, it’s a safe area, we have deployed our newest ship
in the Arabian Gulf and it’s been very successful so far. it’s a great alternative to the Caribbean for winter sunshine with outstanding
and interesting ports of call that people seem to want to visit, so we may even consider extending the season. There are certainly plenty of opportunities ahead for this part of the world.
What are the biggest opportunities for travel agents who want to work with you?
starting with opportunities – i have 5.5m of them to share with our agents - which is the number of passengers we expect to be carrying world wide by 2026! This business plan shows our ambition for the brand.
in terms of destinations, especially from the north of the UK and northern ireland, the western Mediterranean and the Caribbean are proving to be the most popular. We have supported our agents with regional flight packages and have more ships in the Med than anyone else – it is our home after all.
We are investing heavily all around the world and have a brand new terminal in Miami and also recently opened one in Barcelona. Over the next year, we will be bringing more MsC Cruises’ ships to northern ireland and scotland so that agents can see and feel the product for themselves. We are a trade friendly business as it represents 99% of our revenue and will always want to work in partnership with our friends. We offer price parity and support agents with generous commissions and our regional sales managers offer plenty of great sales support.
i personally want to say a huge thank you to all the travel agents who have supported us - as you have made us the business that we are today.
FEBRUARY 2020




weDDinGs & HOneYMOOns
Getaway to Toronto
Honeymooners looking for a winter escape, can follow in the footsteps of Harry and Meghan and head to Canada. Toronto is a great city for a romantic getaway, with flights to Toronto with Air Transat.
Known for its friendly locals and multicultural food scene, toronto offers a number of romantic experiences. Couples can visit Toronto Zoo for their ‘Diversity of Love’ event where they can enjoy a romantic dinner, interact with the animals and learn about the diversity of companionship within the animal kingdom.
Alternatively, for a unique view of the city from above, a private helicopter tour for two is ideal. Couples can also relax in the luxurious Spa By Valmont at The Hazelton and receive luxurious treatments for two.
Passengers on Air Transat can upgrade to Option Plus to enjoy a wide range of perks or for an extra special treat, Club Class is another upgrade option and includes an exclusive cabin with spacious seats, with meals cooked by famous Canadian celebrity chef, Daniel Vezina, priority check-in and boarding and two checked bags.
Celebrate the
‘Month of Love’ in Dubai
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is offering a choice of three romantic packages and memorable dining experiences, perfect for newly weds.
The Gold Romance package features a luxurious suite with stunning views, as well as added romantic touches including an indulgent breakfast for two, roses and chocolates.
Couples can expect an opulent stay in a luxurious suite with the Luxury Romance package. This package includes a signature Burj Al Arab rose bath and an intimate dinner for two in your own private Royal Cabana, located on The Terrace.
Clients can also experience luxury and indulgence with the Royal Romance package, including a relaxing signature massage in the sanctuary of talise spa. in the evening, they can dine under the stars at an exclusive table-for-two on the bridge of The Terrace and enjoy a 5-course menu, whilst overlooking the Burj al arab Jumeirah infinity pool and the Arabian Gulf.
Guests can also opt for the ultimate romantic dinner at
Al Mahara. Seated alongside the restaurant’s aquarium, they can enjoy a 5-course menu. prepared by Michelin- starred Chef Kim Joinie Maurin, paired with a bottle French champagne. For an extra-special evening, they can surprise their loved one
with a personalised message, delivered within the aquarium by one of the in- house divers.
Honeymoon ideas
from Exsus Travel
If clients are looking for some honeymoon ideas, Exsus Travel specialise in creating luxury tailor-made honeymoons.
With a choice of over 80 honeymoon destinations, Exsus Travel can organise an escape to a secluded island in the Maldives; plan a romantic escape to italy; arrange a twin- centre honeymoon that takes in destinations like new Zealand and Bora Bora, or put together an epic adventure, such as a chance to explore indonesia, view the wildlife of Borneo or experience the rainforest in Costa Rica.
FEBRUARY 2020


TIME IS SO PRECIOUS, SMART COUPLES STEAL IT.
Somewhere in the world there is a place where two people can spend time alone and the only clock-watchers are the sun and stars.
No schedules. No distractions. No interruptions. Nothing but time.
Please contact your preferred tour operator to book, or call 0203 096 1699
www.theromanticholiday.com


JAMAICA
SAINT LUCIA ANTIGUA BAHAMAS GRENADA BARBADOS
Hneymn
IN A CARIBBEAN PARADISE
OVER-THE-WATER SUITE,
SANDALS SOUTH COAST, JAMAICA
THE WORLD’S ONLY 5-STAR LUXURY INCLUDED® RESORTS
24 Years Running
A Sandals Luxury Included® honeymoon is an incomparable showcase of quality, choice and welcoming hospitality, offering more quality inclusions than any other resorts on the planet. We include the best of everything, so your clients can do anything their heart desires. Sip cocktails crafted from premium liquors on a hammock for two at Latitudes° Over-The-Water Bar suspended over a calm turquoise sea. Step from an exotic Over- the-Water Villa into their private Tranquility
AT THE WORLD
Soaking TubTM while a personal butler pours them a perfectly chilled glass of sparkling wine. Here they can spend every day of their stay exploring a new coral reef or hitting the greens on a Greg Norman-designed golf course overlooking a cobalt blue sea. Dine in France one night, Tuscany the next without ever leaving the resort. Sure, there’s time to do absolutely nothing...on their plane ride home. At Sandals, every day is theirs to enjoy to the fullest.
TRAVEL AWARDS
LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
TO BOOK THE WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS CALL 0808 164 3459
VISIT SANDALS.CO.UK/AGENTS
@SellingSandalsforAgents
VOTED THE WORLD’S LEADING 24 ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS FOR
YEARS IN A ROW
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES 5-STAR GLOBAL GOURMETTM DINING WATER SPORTS - INCLUDING SCUBA DIVING* LATITUDES° OVER-THE-WATER BAR
*Two free dives a day for certified divers
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weDDinGs & HOneYMOOns
Does the idea of joining the love of their life at the end of a powdery, white-sand aisle make your client’s heart skip a beat?
Do they dream of kissing under the Caribbean sun while the vibrant blue ocean paints a picture-perfect backdrop for their vows?
If this is what they’ve always imagined their big day to be, then allow Sandals Resorts to create the wedding of their dreams.
Situated on seven of the Caribbean’s most romantic islands, Sandals Resorts offer the ideal destination to begin life as newlyweds. With 15 breathtaking resorts featuring luxurious world- class amenities, your client’s guests will indulge in the holiday of a lifetime, whilst they will be carefree to soak in every minute of this beautiful moment.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Location is critical when it comes to setting the stage for a couple’s big day. so whether they’re looking to say “i do” on a palm-fringed white-sand beach below a romantic pergola, in a lushly landscaped garden beneath a domed gazebo, or in one of our Over-the- Water Serenity Wedding Chapels, we provide the most beautiful and natural backdrops you’re likely to come across.
FREE WEDDING PACKAGE
Who said the perfect wedding has to cost a fortune? at sandals resorts
a wedding is even better than what you imagined... it can also be free!*
The complimentary package includes an elegant bouquet and boutonniere featuring Dendrobium orchids in purple, a two-tier white cake and a decorative centrepiece for your client’s top table.
CREATE THE WEDDING
OF YOUR DREAMS
Alternatively, they can use our Wedding Styler tool and let our inspirations inspire their imagination to create
the wedding of their dreams – from storybook romance or breezy island chic to avant-garde or refined coastal luxury. Couples can mix and match our tasteful décor options to reflect their personal style.
INCLUSIONS
when it comes to the finer details,
we include a whole host of inclusions (regardless of if your clients choose our free wedding or customise their own).
From seating and cocktails, to music and more, we give couples the perfect foundation to start creating the wedding of their dreams.
We’ll also throw in a special turndown service on the first evening of their honeymoon (complete with flower petals on their bed!), as well as a decadent breakfast in bed on any morning of their choice.
For more information or to book your client’s wedding in paradise, call 0808 164 3459 or visit www.sandals.co.uk/agents
*Minimum stay: 3 nights. Marriage officiant and government documentation fees apply. ^Mandatory caddies or carts at cost. Further T&Cs apply.
FEBRUARY 2020
Say ‘I Do’ in paradise


weDDinGs & HOneYMOOns
Banyan Tree Seychelles
wedding packages
Overlooking a magnificent beach, the Banyan Tree Seychelles offers romance in abundance, with its traditional colonial style, breathtaking views and secluded setting.
Dining options include Au Jardin d’Epices or the award- winning thai cuisine at saffron and Moroccan cuisine at the Arabic restaurant, Chez Lamar. For a more intimate experience, guests can choose from a range of private dining options in various romantic locations.
An Unforgettable Day wedding package at the Banyan Tree is available with Kuoni, with prices starting from £2,966 per couple and includes:
a Fruit basket and a bottle of white wine upon arrival
a Choice of wedding venue
a Banyan Tree Signature Creole coconut ceremony
a A two tier wedding cake
a Tropical Bridal Bouquet and Groom’s Boutonniere
a Basic setup with frangipani incl. structure and fabrics
a Personal wedding coordinator
a Bottle of rosé wine in your private villa
a Masterofceremonyifrequired
a Complimentary pressing of wedding garments
a Service of two witnesses if required
a Civil status, legal fees and officiant
a wedding certificate
a Wedding picture framed
a One romantic dinner in your villa
a Romantic breakfast in your villa the day after the wedding
a Romantic reception for two with glass of champagne
and canapés
Alternatively, the Me & You wedding package, priced from £4,150 per couple also includes:
a Wedding toast with a bottle of house champagne
a Free upgrade on the wedding night to an upper category
of villa, subject to availability
a Wedding gift
a Manicure and pedicure for the bride
a One romantic dinner on the beach
Prices and inclusions are valid for weddings Jan 2020 - Dec 2020 and are subject to change.
Best time to visit
the Seychelles
With a year-long warm tropical climate, any time of the year is a good time
for clients to get married or enjoy a honeymoon in the Seychelles.
Typically, the weather pattern brings light north- westerly trade winds from October to March with the brisker south-easterly trades from May to September, bringing cooler and windier conditions, ideal for sailing and water activities.
Visitors will usually find fairly warm and wind-free conditions throughout April and also in October. Couples can enjoy the perfect weather for swimming, snorkelling and diving during april/May and october/ november when the water temperature sometimes reaches 29oC and visibility is often 30 metres plus.
There are a number of events and festivals held throughout the year, including the ‘subios ‘suBios Underwater Festival’, which showcases Seychelles’ extraordinary underwater world through a series of film shows, talks and competitions, while the ‘Festival Kreol’ (a week-long celebration of Creole heritage and traditions) is held in October each year.
The Seychelles Sailing Cup, an international sailing event, is held in January and the international Fishing Competition in november.
The thing I love.... is travel.
FEBRUARY 2020


The Seychelles -
The perfect place for your wedding and honeymoon celebrations.
Seychelles Tourist Office - UK & Ireland
Ground Floor, 130-132 Buckingham Palace Road SW1W 9SA
Tel: +44 (0) 207 730 0700 · [email protected] · www.seychelles.travel
Photo: © Torsten Dickmann


weDDinGs & HOneYMOOns
Escape to Trou aux
Biches in Mauritius
Set on one of the best beaches on Mauritius, Trou aux Biches offers an ideal romantic honeymoon destination. Couples can sample the cuisine at the hotel’s six restaurants, enjoy the land and water sports or be pampered at the luxurious spa.
Honeymooners at Trou aux Biches Beachcomber can also enjoy the following benefits:
• Special discounts on accommodation costs
• Sparkling wine in room on arrival
• Complimentary two-course lunches at selected restaurants offered during the whole stay, if staying on half board
• One Honeymoon Experience or one Familymoon Experience if travelling with children including a tour around the island in a convertible fun car; 5-star massage; boat cruise at sunset; indian dinner at le Mahiya Restaurant or a photoshoot.
Honeymoon Experiences can only be booked whilst at the hotel and are valid until 31st October 2020.
‘Ever After Collection’
with Rendezvous
After a US $15 million make-over, Rendezvous, a five-star, adults only all-inclusive luxury resort in St. Lucia, now offers a collection
of romantic and luxurious rooms and suites and is one of the few resorts with rooms (The Beach Cottages) that open out directly onto the beach.
For clients looking to get married, rendezvous offers a wedding planning tool on their website, where brides to be, can try out the various combinations of wedding essentials and create their own mood board, which can then be shared with family and friends.
Within the custom selections is the “Ever After Collection” which are themed weddings to suit many different tastes. Couples can choose from ‘Romance by the Sea’, ‘Exotic oasis’, ‘romance in Bloom’ and others with venues, flowers, cakes and other elements tied in to each theme.
During their stay, couples can enjoy a candlelit dinner on the Beach Deck, right on the edge of the beach, as well
as a Champagne Bar, part of Rendezvous’ all-inclusive offering, or pamper themselves in the new spa in the water Garden and chill out in the Lazy River.
Find wedded bliss on
Oahu, Hawaii
if clients are looking for a unique wedding destination, the hawaiian island of oahu offers plenty of options. Couples can get married on one of Oahu’s beautiful beaches, in a historic venue like Kawaiahao Church or even tie the knot on a surfboard.
The amenities of many hotels and resorts on Oahu are custom made for weddings and clients can also combine the wedding and honeymoon with endless activities to choose from including golf, visiting Oahu’s historic places, experiencing a luau or simply relaxing on one of the island’s beautiful resorts.
FEBRUARY 2020


Fancy spending a night under the stars?
Your clients can escape the obvious and experience the extraordinary on a bespoke luxury honeymoon with Exsus Travel. From sleeping in a four-poster bed under the stars on an African safari to staying in a beautiful eco-lodge in the heart of a pristine rainforest in Costa Rica, Exsus can do it all.
Africa • Asia • Australasia • Europe • Indian Ocean • Middle East North America • Latin America • Caribbean
020 7563 1303 | www.exsus.com ABTA No.Y6561


weDDinGs & HOneYMOOns
For customers looking for
a romantic destination in which to get married or go on honeymoon, the Cook Islands, in the South Pacific, offer a number of romantic settings to choose from.
Clients can opt for a ceremony on a beach with a turquoise lagoon backdrop or on the main island of Rarotonga, where couples can exchange vows on the mountains, with views of the spectacular volcanic peaks.
Alternatively, they can choose a backdrop of tropical gardens, surrounded by fragrant local plants, flowers and greenery. Adventure seekers can even take the plunge by getting married underneath the sea.
Church weddings are also possible in one of the picturesque white limestone churches and there are plenty of local wedding planners, photographers, musicians, caterers, hairdressers and makeup artists on hand to ensure that customers have everything they may need for the big day.
to get married in the Cook islands you must be at least 21 years of age and are required to lodge your "notice of intended Marriage" with the registry office in person at least three days before your marriage, along with your passport and birth certificate (plus divorce decree or divorce certificate for divorcees or the death certificate of your previous spouse for widow/widowers). Cook island marriages are legally binding worldwide.
the climate in the Cook islands is warm and sunny year- round, with temperatures rarely below 24°C and only around 4 degrees difference between the warmer and cooler months. in the ‘wet season’, from late november to April, you can expect some occasional rain in the late afternoon, meaning you can have an outdoor wedding any time of year. it’s also an ideal year-round honeymoon destination.
There is a wide range of accommodation and many of the resorts are adult-only, ideal for honeymooners. Couples can also treat themselves to quad bikes rides or 4WD; take a boat trip to uninhabited islands; indulge in
a luxurious spa treatment or take a guided tour to learn about local culture and traditions.
Cox & kings are offering 5-nights at te Manava luxury Villas and 4-nights at pacific resort aitutaki (premium beachfront bungalow) with prices starting from £4,195pp including return flights and private return transfers on Aitutaki and Rarotonga.
I have got a crush ..... on the world
FEBRUARY 2020
Say I Do in the
South Pacific


weDDinGs & HOneYMOOns
Find romance at
LOVE Park, Philadelphia
For those looking for romance, there are lots of ways to ‘feel the love’ in the city of Philadelphia.
First stop - the famous LOVE Park - located in the heart of the city and just steps away from City hall. officially known as John F. Kennedy Park, the plaza is also called loVe park, thanks to its reproduction of robert indiana’s LOVE statue, which was placed in the park in 1976 as part of the United States’ Bicentennial celebration of independence.
This can be followed by a romantic stroll along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Fairmount Park or explore the galleries located inside one of the US’s top cultural institutions situated on the boulevard.
As one of the nation’s largest public arts programmes, Mural arts philadelphia offers visitors the opportunity to see some of the murals on guided and self-guided tours, including the two-hour Love Letter Train Tour, which takes visitors through A Love Letter for You by street artist Steve Powers.
LOVE ISATRIP
n
Couples can also enjoy a cocktail at the new Four
Seasons Philadelphia JG SkyHigh bar with spectacular unobstructed 360 degree views of the city or an intimate dining experience at the aptly named restaurant The Love, a cosy American bar and restaurant situated just steps from the picturesque neighbourhood of Rittenhouse Square.
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community to create a series of 50 murals that collectively form an open-ended love letter. The Love Letter Train Tour costs approximately £17.50 ($23) per person.
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From single to soulmate. From first date to forever.
Begin the journey at Couples Resorts, Jamaica’s favourite all-inclusive luxury resorts for destination weddings. From Ocho Rios to Negril, our four oceanfront hotels were built on one idea: True love is the trip of a lifetime.
01582.794.420 | www.couplesresorts.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2020
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Love Statue in LOVE park. image courtesy of kyle huff for phlCVB.


FaM TriP reView
On board the Balmoral, with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
FAM TRIP REVIEW
by STEPHANIE MACMILLAN, Scotland’s Cruise Centre
Our Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines trip was excellent from start to finish. On embarkation, any preconceived ideas we had about Fred. Olsen were blown away. it’s easy to see why so many customers choose to return time and time again.
ACCOMMODATION
We were given Superior Oceanview cabins and they couldn’t be faulted; the bathrooms were spacious, there was plenty of space in the wardrobe and an unexpected extra was one of the comfiest beds ever!
ON BOARD
Fred. Olsen is renowned for its service, however, i don’t think any of us were aware just how good the service really is. Our steward was so attentive and nothing was too much trouble for her or the rest of the staff - they were always extremely warm and friendly. From the restaurants to the bars, the service was impeccable.
The ship had a lovely atmosphere - the public rooms were welcoming and homely - it was all so relaxing.
Whether you are looking for a place to read a book or a chic area to sip a pre-dinner cocktail, the Balmoral has it covered. Our favourite part of the ship was on the top deck, The Marquee Bar. We sampled the utterly delicious cocktails while planning our days and evenings ahead.
Another strikingly impressive facility was the Atlantic Spa on deck 10, both serene and
tranquil, offering a wide range
of treatments. However, the
very best thing about this marvellous ship was the food. it was incredible! The main dining experiences, whether buffet or a-la-carte, were delicious and we couldn’t stop raving about it.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Fred. Olsen brings you their Speciality Dining options, which are well worth the small cover charge. The Poolside was exceptional - the destination themed cuisine set against the sunset backdrop was stunning and the grill offered the best meal many of us had ever tasted.
EXCURSIONS
the excursions on offer were wide ranging and the destinations were beautiful. From the friendly coasts of the orkney islands to the strikingly beautiful Shetlands, there was an abundance of history, culture and quirks to be discovered on these stunning islands.
With the opportunity to experience the riB’s offered by Fred. olsen, we can confirm there is no better way to discover the wildlife
and the beautiful and rugged coastlines.
Overall, our experience on
Fred. olsen was first class, full of surprises and completely wonderful! We will continue to confidently recommend them to our customers.
FEBRUARY 2020
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Make a booking on any cruise featured in our February Sale and you’ll earn up to £50 of shopping vouchers on every booking!
Earn £20 voucher
for every Interior Room booking
Earn £30 voucher
for every Ocean View / Superior Ocean View Room booking
Earn £40 voucher
for every Balcony Room booking
Earn £50 voucher
for every Suite booking
To claim your voucher, simply quote TREATME at time of booking!
Only valid for bookings made on the March Campaign. The Qualifying period for this incentive is between Wednesday 5th February 2020 and Monday 2nd March 2020, inclusive. Only bookings made using the promotional code TREATME will qualify. Vouchers will be distributed at the end of the incentive period and vouchers will be distributed to branches for the attention of the Branch Manager throughout March 2020. Interior room bookings will earn £20, Ocean view and Superior Ocean view room bookings will earn £30, Balcony room bookings will earn £40 and Suite bookings will earn £50. One voucher can be claimed per booking. Agents with existing incentives are excluded from the Cruise Sale booking incentive. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines reserves the right to provide substitute prize(s) of similar value should the specified prize(s) become unavailable for reasons beyond its control. Cash or credit alternatives will not be offered. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines reserves the right to end or suspend the incentive and amend these terms & conditions. If any provision of these terms and conditions is held invalid by any law, rule, order or regulation of any government, or by the final determination of any court of a competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the enforceability of any other provisions not held to be invalid. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines reserves the right to suspend, cancel or amend the promotion and/or review and revise these terms and conditions at any time without giving prior notice and by continuing to take part in the promotion subsequent to any revision of these terms and conditions, entrants shall be deemed to have agreed to any such new or amended terms. This promotion is governed by English Law and is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. The promoter of this incentive is Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Limited, 42 White House Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP15LL. (registered office 2nd Floor, 64-65 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2NU). Saving per person offer is applicable to new bookings only, made between 05/02/19 and 02/03/20 inclusive, for departures of 5 nights or more.
Cruises R2018A, D2023, D20GV, D2101, W2102, W210207, W2104, & M2109, charters, exclusive sailings and Tour Operator holidays are excluded. Freedom fare terms and conditions apply (or Saver fare if applicable). Information correct at time of going to press (Jan 2020). See fredolsencruises.com/agent for full February Offer terms and conditions. E&OE.
£50 Voucher


news
Newcastle International aims to reduce emissions
As airports across Europe announce their plans to become Net Zero Carbon before 2050, Newcastle International is aiming to become
a Net Zero emissions airport by 2035, its centenary year.
The airport plans to become more environmentally friendly over the next 15 years by generating renewable energy, shifting to new technologies and introducing a brand new fleet of passenger and car park electric vehicles across the airport, along with improved facilities for customers with electric vehicles.
As a member of Sustainable Aviation, which is made up of airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers and air traffic service providers, working towards cleaner, quieter and smarter aviation, newcastle international is also planning to help stakeholders to reduce carbon emissions from flights by encouraging more use of the latest, most efficient aircraft such as the a320 neo – which already operates at the airport. the neo aircraft delivers a 15% saving in Co2 emissions.
nick Jones, Chief executive at newcastle international Airport, said: “Decarbonising the Airport before 2035 will be a challenge, but this is something that we feel strongly about.
“Newcastle International Airport is an extremely important asset to the region and we pride ourselves on being a good neighbour. The people of the North East are at the heart of everything we do, so it is vital that we make the changes needed to be able to grow the airport in a sustainable manner that protects the environment we all live and work in.”
in 2020, newcastle international airport will also seek to join the aCi europe airport Carbon accreditation scheme.
DARREN PHILLIPS
THE CANNY LAD
hi guys ,i hope everyone is coping with “peaks”. Booking patterns seem to have changed over the last decade and appear to be more spread out. January/February are still busy months but not quite as manic as they used to be - so hopefully we can cope with it all...
gB details are all being finalised and
as it’s the 20th anniversary, it’s going to be even better than usual.... if that’s possible! 12th March is the date and by now you should all have invites. if not, let me know and i will put you on the waitlist as there are usually a few spare seats nearer the time.
Pre-dinner drinks are sponsored by Jet2Holidays. The night starts at
7pm in the Classic Suite, dinner from 7:45pm and charity raffle (don’t forget your money) at about 9:30pm, with Jet2Holidays Vibe vodka luge in the foyer after the raffle.
please drink responsibly.... sorry, but i have to say that! Then we have a top DJ keeping the dance floor full.... and maybe a surprise celebrity thrown into the mix too? get the next day booked off and look forward to seeing you all there.
Right that’s enough from me, see you all at the GB for a party to remember,
Cheers me dears.
Darren
FEBRUARY 2020
6
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8


airline news
Fly to Iceland from
Belfast International
Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks are to launch a brand new Winter2020/21 programme to Iceland from Belfast International Airport.
Both flight-only and package holiday options will be available, including a guided northern lights tour, flights to keflavik international airport, (including 22kg hold luggage), transfers to and from the airport, as well as a choice of 3 and 4-star hotels in central Reykjavik. Excursions to the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon will also be available.
Four-night weekend packages will operate from 1st October – 5th October 2020 and 22nd April - 26th April 2021.
Additional Dublin
flight from Glasgow
Aer Lingus Regional has announced an extra weekday flight from Glasgow to Dublin, commencing 6th April.
the move will see services operated by the irish carrier increase from five to six flights, Monday to Friday and boost capacity by an additional 26,000 seats.
Operated by Aer Lingus Regional franchise partner Stobart Air, the additional service has been timed to connect with onward connections to north american destinations including new york, Boston and Chicago.
Fly to Canada in Club Class:
an exclusive cabin with spacious and comfortable seats
Generous baggage
allowance
Two pieces of checked baggage of 32 kg
Priority services
Priority check-in, boarding, security queue*, and baggage handling
Personalised service
One dedicated flight attendant for a maximum of 12 passengers
Gourmet meals
A selection of meals from the Gourmet menu by Chef Daniel Vézina
Fly direct to Toronto all year from Glasgow, Manchester and London Gatwick
*At select airports. In flight perks differ on domestic flights within Canada, see online for details.
Fly the World’s Best airtransat.co.uk
Leisure Airline to Canada [email protected]
EUR-1685 UK B2B Travel Matters - Half Page Ad - Club Class.indd 1 2020-01-27 12:46
FEBRUARY 2020
69


Chill out at the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
The Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife is a cutting-edge, luxurious hotel, which combines the style and energy of the legendary brand, together with the vibrant atmosphere Tenerife has to offer.
located off the northwest coast
of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, the volcanic island of Tenerife is the largest of the Canary islands and one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. With fantastic weather throughout the year and a large number of beaches to choose from – with sand ranging from dark volcanic to soft white – the hotel is located on the sunny south coast near Adeje and faces the sea.
This exclusive beachfront hotel with modern facilities has 624 rooms, including 259 suites with cutting-edge
decor, functional and beautifully furnished including a dual rain sensor shower and double sink in the bathroom, a 43-inch flat-screen TV and sofa bed in the seating area.
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife proudly boasts two stunning swimming pools and access to the natural lagoon and indoor and outdoor entertainment areas.
six restaurants and six bars offer
a great flavourful fare in a modern atmosphere. Choose between breakfast, half board and all-inclusive.
Children have fun with games, races, group activities, talent contests and performances at the Roxity Kids Club or at Teen Spirit.
To relax, choose between chilling out in the Rock Spa®, sculpting your body in the Body Rock® gym or shopping for legendary Hard Rock-branded products at the Rock Shop®.
Being a rock star isn’t the same as becoming a legend. Become part of the rock elite with its exclusive Rock Royalty service.
FEBRUARY 2020




news
New collection from Indus Experiences
A new collection of five private family tours to
Sri Lanka, Kerala/India, Borneo, Thailand and Vietnam is now available from Southern Asia specialist,
Indus Experiences.
asiya Zargar, Director of Marketing at indus experiences, comments: “asia is a truly incredible destination for family adventures with a vast, sometimes daunting array of possibilities, plus an extensive choice of family-friendly accommodation. We’ve hand-crafted this new collection of original tours after numerous requests from agents.
“Each tour includes major highlights and lesser-known treasures of the destination, with plenty of options for different ages and interests; there’s also endless scope for agents to customise and sell add-ons to meet individual preferences.”
Key attractions of the tours include trekking through the rainforests of Borneo and meeting orang-utans; spotting elephants, leopards and sloth bears in Sri Lanka and climbing Sigiriya Rock and cycling around the medieval capital.
The 10 to 16-day private tours depart between April or June and September. Prices start from £2,815 per adult and £2,595 per child under 12 (sharing with parents) for the 15-day ‘Borneo Explorer’ tour which combines the cultural and natural highlights of Malaysia. Price includes international
and domestic flights, family-friendly accommodation with breakfast, some additional meals, private transfers, excursions, entrance fees and sightseeing with an English-speaking guide.
The Stuba Super heroes will be out in force this peaks period giving our travel agents super powers when you need it the most.
PLUS as a thank you, you could win 4 x Experience Day vouchers to the value of £100, or one of our extremely popular Stuba Chilly Bottles. Simply make a booking of £250 and over between 13 January and 28 February to be entered into the prize draw.
STUBA - The Superpower
STUBA - The Superpower
FEBRUARY 2020
in Bedbanks
in Bedbanks
To ensure you don’t ‘peak’ too early we will be dropping in Stuba Survival kits to see you through the long hours.


OUR MAN IN THE NORTH REPORTS ON...
RIVER CRUISING – I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of a better way to explore the legendary landscapes, regal cities and quaint villages along the Rhine & Danube rivers, than onboard our luxurious all suite, all inclusive, river ships – plus, book now and take advantage of our Best Available Suite promotion. Visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk for more details. See you soon!
If you would like to learn more about Crystal River Cruises, just give me a call or send me an email: 07841 921533 | [email protected]
LEGENDARY RHINE
DANUBE CHRISTMAS DREAMS
BASEL TO AMSTERDAM
Voyage RDB201116-07
Crystal Debussy | 16 November 2020 | 7 nights Highlights:
Basel, Strasbourg, Mannheim, Rüdesheim, Koblenz (overnight), Cologne and Amsterdam (overnight).
Fares from £2,515 per person cruise only
(Best Available Suite – Grades S5 to S1)
BUDAPEST TO VIENNA
Voyage RMH201216-07
Crystal Mahler | 16 December 2020 | 7 nights Highlights:
Budapest (overnight), Bratislava, Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, Krems and Vienna (overnight).
Fares from £2,897 per person cruise only
(Best Available Suite – Grades S5 to S1)
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO BOOK PLEASE CALL: O20 7399 7604 www.crystalcruises.co.uk
ABTA No.V8548
Fares are per person, cruise only in UK sterling based on double occupancy in the Best Available Suite, for the first two full-fare guests in stateroom and include port, security and handling charges, which vary by departure. Guests will be assigned the best available suite in grades S5 through to S1, Best Available offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. 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 020 7399 7604 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. © 2020 Crystal Cruises, Inc., Ships' registry: The Bahamas.
Jon Schofield


PALLADIUM HOTEL GROUP CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY
Palladium Hotel Group, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year,
has announced a new president and CEO and a number of new hotel openings.
Abel Matutes Prats will be the new president and Jesús Sobrino the new CEO of Palladium Hotel Group, manager and owner of the hotel brands.
This year the company will open three new hotels, including the newly renovated Palladium Hotel Menorca, a four-star all-inclusive hotel that will be one of the group’s most ambitious projects in the Spanish market.
Also in the Mediterranean, in the north of Sicily, Palladium Hotel Group will open Grand Palladium Garden Beach Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa, with Azora as a strategic partner. it is a 10-hectare resort consisting of two hotels with 469 rooms, in which more than 31 million euros will be allocated for the comprehensive renovation of the facilities.
The group is also planning the launch of the urban brand Only YOU Hotels - which so far is only present in Madrid
- in Malaga and Valencia; as well as exporting its TRS Hotels brand, which will open in ibiza in 2021 for the first time, after its success in the Caribbean.
Last year, the company launched the Bless Collection Hotels brand and
its pioneering concept of hedonistic luxury, with Bless Hotel Madrid and Bless hotel ibiza as well as its first hotel in Malaga, the Palladium Hotel Costa del Sol.
2019 also saw the opening of the new Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa and the TRS Coral Hotel in Costa Mujeres, north of Cancun, Mexico.
the group also offers the first rafa nadal tennis Centre outside spain at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa and TRS Coral Hotel. With this expansion, the company has evolved to now have 48 hotels, more than 14,000 rooms and 10 brands, with hotels in six countries around the world: spain, italy, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Brazil.
FEBRUARY 2020


TRS Cap Canal Hotel. Punta Cana - Dominican Republic
We Have
Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa. Cancun, Costa Mujeres - Mexico
It All
TRS Coral Hotel. Cancun, Costa Mujeres - Mexico
We have the
Experiences Beauty Luxury Excellence People Commitment Know how Strenght Devotion Gratitude
Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa. Dominican Republic
Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa. Riviera Maya - Mexico
PALLADIUMHOTELGROUP.COM


PALLADIUMHOTELGROUP.COM