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Published by suhewitson, 2023-09-06 07:08:46

Travel Matters Sept 23 Issue 66

Travel Matters Sept 23 Issue 66

elevate your escape
sale
SAVE UP TO 50% ON CLUB ROOMS
BOOK BY 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 • TRAVEL BY 23 DECEMBER 2024 CONTACT YOUR PREFERRED TOUR OPERATOR FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK
Valid at participating Impression by Secrets, Secrets, Breathless, Dreams & Sunscape branded resorts


IF ONLY HOSTED AGENTS TO A LUXURY SHOWCASE ROADSHOW AND DINNER IN GLASGOW
52
SEPTEMBER 2023


RIVER CRUISE vs CITY BREAK? THERE IS ONLY ONE WINNER!
Earlier this year, Riverside Luxury Cruises set sail for the first time, offering true luxury on Europe’s most breathtaking waterways.
We recognise that you may have many discerning guests who prefer to take a number of shorter breaks throughout the year rather than two weeks at a time, so we are delighted to offer itineraries starting from only 3 nights. Why not talk to them about a short river cruise instead of those city breaks? With 3, 4 or 5 nights, your clients can visit signature cities such as Amsterdam, Arles, Avignon, Budapest, Brussels, Lyon, Vienna and many more.
Here are 5 good reasons to swap a city break for a river cruise:
COST
Do your clients assume river cruising
is more expensive than its land-based counterparts? We are here to ‘bust that myth!’ Our three-night 5* ultra-luxury cruises (including excursions, drinks, transfers and more) start from only £311 per person per day!
TIME
Do they want to pack in as much as possible in a short time? River cruising is the answer! They can sit back and relax as they cruise effortlessly to their next destination. Our ‘Captivating Danube Capitals Westbound’ cruise transports guests to three different
countries – Hungary, Slovakia
and Austria - in just three nights showcasing the best of each country in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna.
NO SUPPLEMENT FOR SOLOS
How many of your solo clients are
fed up with having to pay a premium for being single? It’s not fair and we agree. That’s why all individual guests booking a Harmony or Melody suite
in 2023 & 2024, will pay no single supplement. That means premium all-inclusive fares including excursions for a 3-night cruise in 2024 start from £415 per night per person. Probably half of what they would pay for an ultra-luxury city break.
GUARANTEED EXCELLENCE
Do your clients have high standards? Then look no further. Riverside Luxury Cruises is in a class of its own, defined by its service culture and crew-to- guest ratio of one crew member per suite. Nowhere will this be better exemplified than by its 24 hour butlers, who go above and beyond. Guests can expect the largest suites on the rivers, most with floor to ceiling windows and marble bathrooms.
Dine in one of four first-class restaurants, where award-winning chefs create everchanging specialities inspired by locally sourced and seasonal produce from each region.
CONVENIENCE
No-one wants to feel like they need
a holiday to get over a holiday right? We take care of every detail from the moment their trip starts to its finish
so that your clients can fully relax, unwind and enjoy the true benefit of slow travel. And most convenient of
all – they only need to pack and unpack once to enjoy their multi-destination, ultra-luxury river cruise with Riverside Luxury Cruises!
Why not try it for yourself first? We are offering exceptional Travel Agent rates: £1,199 per person for 7 nights’ on a Premium all-inclusive with
excursions basis.
Register on our online booking engine
www.riverside-cruises.com/TA Visit www.riverside-cruises.com. Reservations: 033 33 05 06 07 Sales: 03330 342270
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SEPTEMBER 2023


To find out why Riverside Luxury Cruises is in a class of its own
www.riverside-cruises.com
e: [email protected] t: 033 33 05 06 07
Ultra-Luxury Cruises on Europe’s most beautiful rivers
By choosing Riverside Luxury Cruises you have chosen the best. Experience the trip of a lifetime onboard our state-of-the-art ships that will be cruising Europe’s most beautiful rivers – the Danube, Rhine and Rhone. Here, every
cuisine curated to the regions you are visiting. You can combine our itineraries as you wish, and our diverse excursion choices can be booked to match
your interests.
THIS IS THE ULTIMATE
IN LUXURY ON THE RIVERS.


FROM THE IDYLLIC ISLES TO CAPTIVATING NEW COASTS, EXPLORE THE MEDITERRANEAN IN 2024
The truly beautiful thing about the Mediterranean isn’t its shimmering waters, warm climate, or colourful coastal cities (though we’ll certainly take all of the above) - it’s that there are countless ways to experience
it and each visit can look dramatically different.
Maybe your Sailors are sipping their way through the wine regions of France and Italy, strolling through sunkissed vineyards with nothing but reds, whites, and baguettes on their mind. Maybe they’re exploring the ancient beauty of Athens and taking advantage of every photo-op on the white-walled streets of Santorini.
Or maybe they’re diving into the continent’s history in Bruges, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. No matter how your Sailors want to experience the Med, we’ve got them covered.
We’re launching an epic lineup of new itineraries in 2024, designed to satisfy all adventurous appetites. For the truly intrepid, our Scarlet Lady ship will be sailing across the Atlantic from Miami to the Mediterranean on a whirlwind
For those who’d rather travel from
old world to new, our 16-night Rome
to Miami voyage brings Sailors from the ancient shores of Rome to Miami, stopping in Malaga, Tenerife and Madeira. The bulk of our Mediterranean sailings, however, are happening aboard Resilient Lady, the newest ship in our fleet.
And as alluring as European waters might be, our Resilient Lady cruises don’t stop at the edges of the Mediterranean. In addition to our Med sailings, we’re also making 2024 the year Virgin Voyages goes down under.
Your Sailors can look forward to a whole slate of new voyages in Australia, from the famous whale- watching coast of Eden to the wildlife of Tasmania. Enjoy the lively music scene of Melbourne and the legendary beaches of Sydney on the 3-night Melbourne Magic and Sydney Shores, or the natural beauty of Tasmania on Along the Tasmanian Coast.
Sailors looking for a truly memorable cross-continental journey, however, should look no further than our Asian Adventure to Aussie Sunshine, a 14-night journey from the shores of Singapore in Southeast Asia to Perth, Australia, stopping in Bali, Darwin, Broome, and the Kimberley Coast.
Whether they’re island hopping and sun soaking in the Med or getting up close and personal with Aussie wildlife, 2024 will inevitably be an exciting year for your Sailors.
Visit firstmates.com
Largely departing from Portsmouth, they’re the perfect way to catch some Mediterranean rays while also delving into the history and architectural beauty of the region.
Send your Sailors on a tropical trip
to La Coruna, Bilbao and Bordeaux aboard our English Sights & European Delights voyage, or a culture-filled jaunt through the Low Countries’ famous canals on The UK to Zeebrugge
14-night Transatlantic Miami to Med voyage. Sailors will start the journey in Miami and visit Portugal’s Madeira island before ending in Spain at the bustling ports of Malaga and Ibiza.
& Amsterdam. You can even go island- for more information. hopping in Sardinia, Sicily, Santorini,
and Mykonos on Across the Med:
Spain to Greece, a 9-night Odyssey
through the Med and Aegean.
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SEPTEMBER 2023


DECEMBER
SKI HOLIDAYS
Great deals available for December skiing from Manchester and Edinburgh. Create your own posters on the agent website or share our Facebook posts and showcase some great ski holidays at great prices to your customers!
Christmas ski holidays
Departing Manchester
from £859pp Save £250pp
T. 01252 282471 W. agents.inghams.co.uk
New Years Eve ski holidays
Departing Edinburgh
From £718pp Save £200pp. Inghams Winter for Travel Agents
T&C’s: Offer 1 based on Hotel Austria, Niderau, departing 23rd December 23, 2 adults, half board, flying from Manchester airport. Offer 2 based on Haus Edelweiss, Alpbach, departing 30th December 2023, 2 adults, bed & breakfast, flying from Edinburgh airport.


AE Expeditions Katie Harber and Karen Hollands hosted 11 agents onboard their 12-day Svalbard Odyssey expedition onboard the purpose-built expedition ship Greg Mortimer. As one of the world’s most extreme and captivating environments, Svalbard is the destination of a lifetime.
Located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, this archipelago is rugged and diverse, showcasing nature’s rich and varied landscapes – from icy fjords and glittering glaciers to harsh polar deserts. Read on to get Karen and Katie’s tips on how best to sell this fascinating destination.
WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHT ON THIS VOYAGE?
Karen - For me it was landing on the sea ice directly from the ship, it was an indescribable experience and the feeling of being truly immersed in the Arctic wilderness came with
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS ON SELLING AN EXPEDITION TO SVALBARD?
Katie - I think to sell any polar destination, knowledge is key. Knowing what your guests can expect and the experiences they will have will help sell. Showcasing the scenery and wildlife with photos and images is invaluable. We have lots of assets including videos and images and webinars to improve your knowledge on our Travel Agents Hub which can be found on our website. Our sales team also have a wealth of knowledge and would be happy to arrange training or talk through any areas you aren’t sure about.
Karen - Switch sell your regular clients on to an experience like this. You may have safari guests, nature lovers, photographers etc all within your database. Go out there and market to them and plant the seed in their mind that an expedition is the perfect holiday to combine their passions.
You can currently earn a £50 John Lewis Voucher for any new Antarctic 2023/24 booking made before the 30th September 2023 PLUS any Arctic 2024 booking made before the 31st October 2023.
many powerful e
Katie - Being on the lookout for wildlife was so
exciting, spotting g
polar bear tracks s
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HOW DID THE AGENTS FIND THE ACTUAL EXPERIENCE OF BEING ON AN EXPEDITION? DID IT HELP THEM TO FULLY UNDERSTAND WHAT EXPEDITION IS ALL ABOUT?
We had a mix of agents onboard with us, some had been on an expedition and for some, this was their first experience of both an expedition ship and the polar regions. They
all agreed that it was invaluable in helping them explain
to guests what makes AE Expeditions different, and the majestic wonder of remote Polar regions.
The agents who joined us on this trip have all commented that the value and experience of a familiarisation trip should never be underestimated. That is why AE Expeditions fully supports agent trips. We have ongoing plans in place to host more familiarisations to both polar regions.
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SEPTEMBER 2023


UNLOCK THE WONDERS OF
THE ARCTIC
GREENLAND | SVALBARD | NORTHWEST PASSAGE | ICELAND
Embrace the spirit of adventure in the Arctic in 2024. With a maximum of only 132 passengers, our small-ship expeditions offer 2-3^ excursions daily, and everyone gets to go, every single time.
Join our world-class expedition guides and enjoy life-changing new adventures to Greenland, Svalbard, Northwest Passage and Iceland.
For a limited time, save up to 25%* on selected itineraries.
aexpeditions.co.uk
^Weather conditions permitting *Terms and conditions apply
SMALL-SHIP EXPEDITIONS | 32 YEARS PIONEERING EXPLORATION | 100% CLIMATE NEUTRAL
part of Aurora Expeditions


NEW YORK & LAS VEGAS
New York and Las Vegas - a kaleidoscope of world-class entertainment, iconic landmarks and mouth watering cuisine, along with the best holiday To-Do lists that never end – these two destinations can be overwhelming in their magnitude – but their intensity is all part of the exciting appeal!
At DSD, we offer an extensive portfolio of pre-bookable attractions, tours
and experiences to ensure that your customers won’t miss a moment!
NEW YORK – to get the best possible bite out of the Apple, we recommend
a Go City: New York Explorer pass. Starting from as little as £68, you can save time and up to 50% when visiting the must-see attractions, all hand- picked by local experts! Use your digital pass to skip the line at the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and The Edge. Catch a ferry ride to Liberty Island and meet New York’s national treasure - The Statue of Liberty!
Visit must-see museums, MoMa famous for its forward-thinking exhibitions, enjoy a picnic at The Botanical Gardens a “living museum” and pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. A short stroll from there and you can take the Best of Brooklyn Walking tour to discover its cutting-edge appeal with its laidback waterfront district, vibrant street art and history.
Slow the pace down with a stroll through Central Park, the lungs of the city with sprawling green meadows, bridges and waterways.
Pre-book a gentle Central Park Bike Ride with an expert guide, a great way to check out the famous movie scenes and the celebrity homes around
the park.
Of course, you can’t go to Manhattan and not see a Broadway show - it’s pretty much the law. Book early to get the best seats, at the most popular shows. Wicked, Hamilton and the Lion King are sell-out shows every year!
LAS VEGAS - the Entertainment and Wedding Capital of the World! A
vibrant land of adventure, architectural marvels, sizzling entertainment, the Grand Canyon and 24hr clubs - you’re never far from your next cocktail!
The Grand Canyon - a 7th Natural Wonder of the World - is a must-do trip from Las Vegas and there are options to suit every budget and style.
The Grand Canyon West Rim, a Hualapai Tribal Land, is the closest gateway to the Grand Canyon and a short but exhilarating helicopter flight from Las Vegas. Here you can stop off at Eagle Point, home to the Skywalk, a ten-foot-wide horseshoe-shaped glass bridge, that extends out over the rim
- look down to the canyon floor, nearly 4000 feet below - if you dare!
The King of Canyons, our best-selling helicopter tour will land on the canyon floor, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch and a glass of champagne!
By small plane you can fly further along the Canyon to the South Rim or North Rim, the deepest and widest part for even more breathtaking views.
The Grand Canyon Deluxe and Hummer Tour is our best-selling plane trip to the South Rim. Enjoy a panoramic picnic lunch and then set off in an open-air Hummer travelling through the Grand Canyon National Park and the lush Kaibab Forest.
Shows – Vegas attracts world class artists and entertainers and is home to some of the most jaw-dropping and spectacular live performances in the world. From ‘Michael Jackson One’
by Cirque du Soleil to The Rat Pack
or Magic Mike - pre-book to get your customers the best seats in the house!
With so much to see and do, it’s important to plan and book your attraction tickets and experiences well in advance to avoid disappointment.
It’s equally important to save your holiday flash cash for what counts – casino chips and cocktails!
Whatever they choose, DSD can help your customers visit New York and Las Vegas in style!
THE BIG APPLE & THE NEON CAPITAL
60
SEPTEMBER 2023


WHY DSD ’S NEW YORK & LAS VEGAS
New York, New York
Viva Las Vegas
BOOK SOMETHING... IN THE USA!
020 8090 3890
[email protected]
*T&Cs apply


NEW YORK & LAS VEGAS
New products, services and onboard experiences are
making the journey every bit as enjoyable as the destination for Delta customers. Wherever they fly, they will experience Delta’s human-centric innovation and state-of-the-art airport terminals all designed to make their lives easier in the air and on the ground.
Delta’s nonstop services from Edinburgh and Dublin to New York-JFK offer conveniently timed connections to Las Vegas and a choice of cabins
to suit every style of travel, meaning there’s more to enjoy with Delta.
EXPERIENCE UPGRADED
Spacious, wider seats in Delta Premium Select offer deeper recline, more legroom and adjustable leg - and footrests so customers can really put their feet up. Dedicated overhead storage keeps carry-ons closer and at the airport, customers enjoy access to select Sky Priority® services including priority check-in, dedicated boarding and priority baggage handling.
An upgraded dining experience includes a ‘Bubbles and Bites’ moment followed by delicious seasonal menus bursting with fresh flavours presented on eco-conscious service-ware. There’s a choice of wines, craft beers, soft drinks, teas and Starbucks CoffeeTM – and plenty of snacks.
MORE THAN JUST A FLIGHT
Meanwhile, plush blankets made from recycled materials, memory foam pillows and artisan-crafted amenity kits with travel essentials help customers settle in and arrive refreshed.
LIE FLAT, FINE DINE
Delta One®’s fully flat-bed seats come with luxuriously soft bedding made from 100% materials and responsibly made, artisanal amenity kits by Mexican brand, Someone Somewhere, that help reduce single use plastic. Multi-course, chef-curated menus can be pre-selected before departure and come paired with a selection of fine wines, beers and spirits. And if there’s room for dessert, decadent sweet treats include Delta’s signature ice cream sundae.
On the ground, Delta One customers enjoy access to the Delta Sky Club® or partner airlines’ lounges and Sky Priority services to expedite their airport experience.
STAY CONNECTED. NONSTOP.
Being in the air doesn’t mean losing touch. All Delta flights offer free mobile messaging via iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger and on- demand access to high-speed Wi-Fi is available on international routes. Free Wi-Fi is available on most domestic U.S. flights for SkyMiles members and will be rolled-out across international services by the end of next year.
Seats in every cabin come with a power supply and seat-back screen featuring complimentary Delta Studio® entertainment. This offers 1,000+ hours of movies, TV shows, games, music and more, including exclusive ‘Classes in the Clouds’ led by Peloton instructors and Spotify mindfulness podcasts to help customers travel well.
FORWARD LOOKING
Delta is building a smoother end-to- end customer experience making multi-billion-dollar investments in
its airport hubs to modernise and transform the customer journey and implementing new digital solutions that take the guesswork out of travel.
Take Delta’s New York-JFK hub,
where the airline’s operations have been consolidated to Terminal 4
and a brand-new Sky Club has recently opened, offering a nearly 14,000-square-foot space near Gate A7. The second Club in Terminal 4, the facility features a covered outdoor SkyDeck with sweeping runway views, as well as a cosy fireplace lounge for work or relaxation.
62
SEPTEMBER 2023


IT’S MORE THAN JUST A FLIGHT
IN DELTA’S
PREMIUM
CABINS.
Thoughtful details and special touches make every trip memorable.


NEW YORK & LAS VEGAS
VIRGIN HOTELS NEW YORK CITY
Upon its debut in early 2023, Virgin Hotels
New York City was the sixth Virgin Hotels location to open in the United States and seventh hotel in the brand portfolio, most recently joined by Virgin Hotels Glasgow, which opened in August 2023.
Virgin Hotels New York City joined the luxury lifestyle hospitality brand that combines heartfelt service and a personalised hotel experience with the track record of innovation and smart disruption that Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group has pioneered for over 50 years.
Virgin Hotels New York City features 460 Chambers (guest rooms), 39 Suites and 2 Penthouses; entertainment- anchored spaces including Everdene - a 4,000 square foot indoor/outdoor venue with distinct dining and cocktail experiences paired with nightly music and entertainment programming; an outdoor Pool Club exclusive to hotel guests; and more than 19,000 square-feet of meeting and event spaces – all with a picturesque backdrop of the city.
The hotel is located in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood,
an area privy to some of New York’s most iconic architecture. Rich in history, restaurants and entertainment, NoMad is the place to be for a quintessential New York experience.
NoMad, otherwise known as North of Madison Square
Park, extends from 25th Street to 30th Street between
The Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue) and Lexington Avenue. The hotel boasts floor-to-ceiling windows throughout public spaces and Chambers to offer stunning views of some of Manhattan’s most recognisable landmarks including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the Statue of Liberty.
VIRGIN HOTELS LAS VEGAS
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a reimagined and re-conceptualised casino resort. The property is part of the Curio Collection by HiltonTM.
The integrated resort mixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture and features three hotel towers totaling over 1,500 Chambers and suites; the 60,000 square foot Mohegan Sun Casino, operated by Mohegan Gaming
& Entertainment; a five-acre desert pool oasis including a multi-functional event lawn; live music and entertainment theatre with 4,500 capacity and the 24 Oxford showroom accommodating 650 guests.
It also features an exclusive portfolio of twelve food and beverage venues including Kris Yenbamroong’s Night + Market, the legendary Nobu, Michael and David Morton’s One Steakhouse, Kassi Beach Club from restaurateur Nick Mathers, Casa Calavera by global hospitality company Hakkasan Group, famous Afters Ice Cream, Pizza Forte by the Ferraro Family and signature Virgin Hotels restaurants and bars including The Kitchen at Commons Club, The Bar at Commons Club, The Shag Room and Funny Library Coffee Shop.
64
SEPTEMBER 2023


Virgin Hotels is a luxury lifestyle
hospitality brand that combines heartfelt service with a personalized hotel experience and the innovation and smart disruption that Sir Richard Branson's global Virgin Group has
pioneered for 50 years. NOW OPEN
CHICAGO | DALLAS | EDINBURGH LAS VEGAS | NASHVILLE
NEW ORLEANS | NEW YORK | GLASGOW
COMING SOON
MIAMI | DENVER
VIRGINHOTELS.COM GDS Chain Code: VL


NEW YORK & LAS VEGAS
NYC PREPARES FOR
THE FESTIVE SEASON
New York City Tourism + Conventions has outlined details of the festive events scheduled for the upcoming holiday season, which officially kicks off with the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on 23rd November.
From November to January, visitors can enjoy winter exhibitions and activities and holiday parades across all five boroughs, with approximately seven million travellers expected to visit New York City.
Other highlights of the season include the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on 29th November and of course, the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square in Midtown Manhattan. Watching the The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball descend on New Year’s Eve is a spectacular way to ring in the New Year!
NON-STOP TO NEW YORK? IT’S EASY WITH AER LINGUS Fly direct from Manchester to New York JFK
Every moment of your trip matters. The warm smile you’ll see as you settle into your seat. The deep breath out as you choose your movie and adjust your blanket. The sense of calm as the lights dim and your book beckons. The confidence of knowing you’re in safe hands. The pure joy of flying Aer Lingus.
There’s no better way to travel from Manchester to New York’s JFK - gateway to one of the world’s most exciting cities - than a direct Aer Lingus flight. Board in Manchester Airport, kick back on one of our state-of- the-art A330s and bask in the glow of our welcoming service, non-stop all the way to New York.
Enjoy delicious complimentary meals and a personal in-flight entertainment system, or treat yourself
to a fully lie-flat seat in Business Class, with luxury dining, complimentary Wi-Fi and more. Whatever way you choose to travel, collect Avios every time you fly through our Aer Club loyalty programme.
At Aer Lingus, we do everything we can for the people who fly with us. From the moment you check- in, our friendly crew takes pride in going the extra mile in every way and offering one-of-a-kind care. Looking for value, comfort and a warm welcome? Cross the Atlantic with Aer Lingus, a trusted airline with a global reputation
for safety.
With daily non-stop flights from Manchester to JFK, Aer Lingus has your transatlantic trip sorted. Fasten your seatbelt: next stop, New York!
Book now at aerlingus.com.
IF ONLY LAUNCHES NYC CAMPAIGN
If Only has teamed up with New York City Tourism + Conventions to launch ‘New York City:
As You’ve Never Seen It’, a joint marketing campaign encompassing all five boroughs.
Agents will be encouraged to learn about the city’s five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. The campaign will also cover special events and things to do across the whole city.
If Only can provide agents with various marketing materials including social media and video content which will focus on accommodation and must-see locations.
Agents also have the chance to win a 4K Ultra HD GoPro Hero11. To enter, agents simply have to make as many bookings as possible for New York City with If Only until 30th September 2023.
66
SEPTEMBER 2023


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Discover our exceptional in-flight service from Manchester with
Aer Lingus. Our customers enjoy complimentary meals and personal in-flight entertainment screens fully stocked with brilliant blockbusters and TV boxsets.
Business Class customers are treated to fully lie-flat seats, a luxury dining menu featuring the finest produce, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.
See your GDS for more information.
Daily direct flights from Manchester to JFK


Travel Matters speaks to
KAROLIEN DE HERTOGH
Director UK & Ireland, United Airlines
How is United performing as demand returns?
Very well! Our recently posted First Quarter results were positive and exceeded expectations. The performance was driven by a strong domestic and international network with domestic margins now back to 2019 levels and international performing beyond that.
What about your 3 routes from EDI – New York, Chicago and Washington?
Scotland continues to play a major role for us and things are going well. In March 2022, United was the first airline post covid to resume service between Scotland and the United States with the return of year-round, daily flights between Edinburgh and New York/Newark.
Customer demand for our services from Scotland continues to be in line with expectations. The demand
from Scotland reflects the growth we are seeing on our international routes across the network where the average seat load factor rose by almost 8% to 82.4% for the first half of 2023.
We offer seasonal flights to Washington and Chicago and are now the only airline to offer a continuous year-round service from Edinburgh to the USA with Edinburgh - New York/Newark operating throughout the winter, returning to double daily again for summer 2024.
There have also been improvements at New York/Newark Airport which have seen us move into Terminal A, the newest terminal and will allow us to continue to improve connectivity from there across the entire U.S. network.
United is well known for its innovation and customer service – what’s new?
We know people will travel, so we want to make sure they can do it in both a sustainable and inclusive way. These are the two ideals that drive our innovation and ambition.
From an inclusive perspective, we were recently announced as the first U.S. airline to add braille into our aircraft interiors helping millions of travellers with visual impairments more easily navigate the cabin independently – completing across the entire mainline fleet by 2026.
Our award-winning United mobile app is at the heart
of our customer service experience and we have made improvements here too. For visually impaired travellers, our app now features increased colour contrast, more
space between graphics and reordering how information is displayed and announced to better integrate with the screen reader technologies like VoiceOver and TalkBack.
Innovative features on our app also include giving live information of where you are at any point in your journey, letting you know your luggage is loaded on the plane and which carousel it’s on as you arrive at your destination.
On sustainability, we plan to be 100% green by 2050 without relying on carbon offsets. The main contributor to us reaching that goal is sustainable aviation fuel. United’s Eco-Skies AllianceSM is a first-of-its-kind programme designed for participating companies to work together
to share the “green premium” or the cost associated
with purchasing lower emission fuel and help them fly more sustainably.
Any expansion plans?
We have on order one hundred 787 Dreamliners with an option for another hundred. This represents the largest widebody aircraft order by a U.S. carrier in commercial aviation history. This year we are taking delivery of two new aircraft each week which will increase to three per week in 2024. We also have one hundred 737 Max on order too, so there is a lot going on! We always believed that travel would return strongly post covid.
What’s your message to the trade?
You are vital to us! We are keen to listen to the feedback we get from the market and want to continue to work closely with you. We have a strong corporate travel community
in Scotland, so feel we are well connected. I am always impressed by the energy and enthusiasm we see and feel every time we come to Scotland.
68
SEPTEMBER 2023


NEW YORK & LAS VEGAS
THE MIRAGE HOTEL AND CASINO
BY GARY REAVELY
I have been to Las Vegas on many occasions - I love the atmosphere and incredible choice of things to see and do - so when my son wanted to celebrate his birthday there, I couldn’t wait to get back!
When deciding on a hotel for this special trip, there was only ever going to be one choice - the world famous Mirage. Hotel location in Vegas is everything and The Mirage has an absolute prime spot right in the heart of ‘The Strip’ with Caesars Palace, The Bellagio, Paris and The Venetian all very close by.
The hotel is rated 4-star, has over 3000 rooms and
as you would expect great gaming, first class dining choices, music and entertainment plus much more, including the aquarium, the towering atrium, 5 acres of swimming pools, beautiful lagoons and waterfalls. The aim was to create a Polynesian themed island retreat and resort in the Nevada desert and they certainly succeeded. It is consistently rated as one of the very best pool experiences in Vegas and as good a reason as any to stay at The Mirage.
Lighting up the night sky, the famous front of the hotel volcano show now has more bang than ever with more fireballs and an amazing new soundtrack!
One of the highest rated and best attended shows in the history of Las Vegas entertainment, The Beatles - Love - By Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage is an amazing must see show in a 360 degree specially constructed and designed theatre that tells a unique story from every angle!
Since staying there, the hotel was purchased for over
a bIllion dollars by Hard Rock International (owned by Florida’s Seminole Indian Tribe) and guests can expect an enhanced experience as the hotel undergoes a major transformation into its next stage as a Hard Rock branded resort and casino. The hotel will be operating as The Mirage for the remainder of 2023 before closing for major refurbishment.
MSG SPHERE ILLUMINATES
‘THE EXOSPHERE’
To celebrate Independence Day on 4 July, MSG Sphere lit up with a display of dynamic, animated content on the venue’s exterior ‘The Exosphere’ for the first time since its construction.
The signature feature of The Sphere, a next-generation entertainment venue, is its 580,000 square foot fully- programmable LED exterior, the largest LED screen on earth, creating a new landmark on the Las Vegas skyline.
The venue will host live entertainment performances, concerts and residencies from the world’s biggest artists and this month, it will premier with ‘U2: UV Achtung Baby Live at The Sphere’, with The Exosphere prominently featured throughout the performances.
In November, during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Sphere will have a prime position along the circuit to showcase The Exosphere to a global audience both in- person and on TV.
NEW STUDY REVEALS
TOP PLACES TO ELOPE
New research has revealed the top 10 most popular destinations to elope worldwide, with Las Vegas taking the top place and NYC taking tenth place.
The research, conducted by Las Vegas wedding chapel, Chapel of the Flowers, analysed worldwide elopement trends and Google search data from the past year to discover where couples are searching to elope worldwide. Las Vegas receives 11,800 searches every month worldwide for terms search as ‘Vegas elopement’ and ‘elope in Las Vegas’, etc., while #Vegaselopement has 24,000 hashtags on Instagram.
Vegas is well known for its easy and budget-friendly options to get married, as well as its Elvis impersonators and little white chapels. The city has also hosted many celebrity weddings over the years, including Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu.
Details of the study can be found at:
www.littlechapel.com/wedding-packages
70
SEPTEMBER 2023


USA and Canada Specialists
Save up to 10%
Hollywood, San Diego, Vegas & the Grand Canyon
11-day escorted tour now from £2,280pp
| Apr 2024 - Nov 2025 | Fly from London Heathrow
Canada’s Maple Leaf Trail
10-day escorted tour now from £2,280pp
| May 2024 - Oct 2025 | Fly from Edinburgh, London Heathrow and Manchester
Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans & Nashville
9-day escorted tour now from £2,025pp
| Oct 2023 - Dec 2025 | Fly from London Heathrow and Manchester
Five-Star Alaska Cruise & the Canadian Rockies
16-day escorted tour now from £3,159pp
| Apr 2024 - Sep 2024 | Fly from London Heathrow
Your escorted tour specialists
BOOK BY 29 SEPTEMBER 2023
Darren
North of England & Isle of Man
Phone: 07736 041351 or email: [email protected]
Darren Newmarket
Amy
Scotland & Northern Ireland
Phone: 07423 122875 or email: [email protected]
Newmarket Amy
For Agency Sales Email: [email protected] | Call 0330 341 1929 | Visit newmarketholidays.co.uk/agents-area


VIEW FROM THE NORTH EAST
Good morning everyone hope you have all had a busy summer and are getting prepared for winter bookings.
Currently I am on Ambassador Cruise Lines’ ship, Ambience, cruising around the Norwegian fjords! This cruise has been on my bucket list for years as I love dramatic scenery and I have certainly seen that on here.
Check-in was a breeze and I joined the coach transfers from London Victoria to the ship and was on board about 10 mins after arriving at Tilbury! My balcony cabin is a great size and very well equipped with everything I need - there’s even a good size bathroom too.
Our first port of call was Leirvik, followed by Eidfjord, which is simply stunning and in my opinion, the most beautiful village that exemplifies the Norwegian Fjords.
I jumped on the “wally trolley train” for a tour around the area which cost £15 and lasted about an hour. It was well worth it as we got some amazing photos!
Darren
We then sailed into Flam, another beautiful Fjord village - a bit more touristy than Eidfjord but still with amazing scenery! I didn’t take the train to Myrdal as it was packed but instead, I took a leisurely cruise
to Gudvangen and then a
coach trip back to Flam through a tunnel that was 14km long through the mountains!
Currently as I write this, I’m in Bergen, a very busy bustling city. A must do is the funicular ride to Mount Fløyen - the views are breathtaking. The weather has been very good, with lots of sunny spells and around 16C, but today in Bergen, it is 20C and full sun!
It will take us two days to sail back to Tilbury where we will arrive early morning on Saturday. All in all I must say that I have had a great time on this ship!
Just a quick reminder that the Geordie Jingle Ball is on Tuesday 5th December at the Crowne Plaza Hotel again and hope to see many of you there.
Happy selling,
We’d love for you to VOTE FOR US as
• River Cruise Company • Luxury Cruise Line • Cruise Representative
for this year’s SPAA Travel Awards 2023
William Young
Sales Manager at Scenic & Emerald Cruises
72
TR439 DUAL SPAA Awards 2023 HP Advert.indd 1 04/09/2023 11:11 SEPTEMBER 2023


Breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, picturesque towns and magical cities. Keep it Fresh in Pure Michigan.


Now We’re
Going Places


Introducing Portsmouth Shorts
3 TO 6-NIGHT VOYAGES OUT OF PORTSMOUTH
From our epic return to Bruges and Amsterdam to our first-ever sailings to Bilbao and Bordeaux, our brand-new 3 to 6-night voyages are experiences your Sailors won’t want to miss. The best part? They’re all sailing out of Portsmouth.
Bruges
LEARN MORE AT FIRSTMATES.COM
FOR PACKAGES VISIT WWW.TRADE-VOYAGESTORE.COM


Ambassador Cruise Line has joined TIPTO, with
the aim of educating agents on its unique product offering and wide range of authentic cruise experiences to increase knowledge, support strong relationships and ultimately encourage and convert enquiries into sales.
Nicola Harper, Head of Distribution, Ambassador Cruise Line, says: “Ambassador Cruise Line is thrilled to have become the latest member of TIPTO. We know knowledge is key and that we need to educate agent partners on our premium value, no fly product and joining TIPTO enables us to do this.
“Our trade team is committed to supporting Ambassador’s valued agent partners and this membership is another way of achieving this aim. Our mission is to give every agent the knowledge to be Ambassadors for Ambassador Cruise Line and we cannot wait to attend the nationwide roadshows and meet our agent friends.”
TIPTO Chairman, Richard Forde, says: “Ambassador Cruise Line brings a complimentary cruise product to our already strong cruise offering. Its premium, no-fly expertise will no doubt be welcomed by our UK agents, and we’re excited to be able to support the trade team with their goals of increasing agent knowledge, building key relationships and of course converting those all-important sales.”
AMBASSADOR CRUISE LINE JOINS TIPTO
Ambassador offers no-fly adult-only cruise experiences combined with a selection of multi-generational itineraries. Its two ships – Ambience and Ambition – depart from eight regional ports including London Tilbury, Newcastle, Dundee, Edinburgh Leith, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol and Falmouth, sailing to more than 60 countries around the world.
Service Rating
1343 Reviews
For Trade Sales contact:
Email: [email protected] Call: 0808 102 8207 Visit: ambassadorcruiseline.com/travel-partners/login/
Ambassador Cruise Line would love your vote at this years SPAA Annual Travel Awards!
KEEP CALM AND CRUISE ON
Best UK Mid-Size Cruises Overall
Best Value for Money (Ocean)
4.7/5
ABTA No. Y6765
Karen Cameron
Divisonal Sales Manager, North & NI
Sam Richardson
Business Development Manager, North & NI
AMB-TRD-0060_SPAA_Half-Page_08-23.indd 1
24/08/2023 11:25:10
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SEPTEMBER 2023


Dive into TRS Coral Hotel.
Now you can indulge your most sophisticated desires in TRS Coral Hotel. Personalized services, Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness, international à la carte restaurants, butler, incredible pools and Chic Cabaret & Restaurant wait for you on your luxury vacation in the Caribbean, in a safe and protected environment full of nature and tranquility, for adults only.
With Infinite Indulgence®, it’s all included.
For more information, visit PALLADIUMHOTELGROUP.COM or contact your favorite travel agent.
COSTA MUJERES, CANCUN (MEXICO), PUNTA CANA, CAP CANA (THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC), RIVIERA MAYA (MEXICO) and IBIZA (SPAIN).


LUX* BELLE MARE REOPENS ON 1ST OCTOBER 2023
Situated on Mauritius island’s wild east coast, LUX* Belle Mare under The Lux Collective hospitality group will reopen its doors on 1 October 2023.
The vibrant and forward-thinking resort will unveil a reimagined look along with its timeless architecture - designed by both acclaimed Mauritian architect Jean-Francois Adam and designer Jean-Marc Tang. Here, minimalism meets tropical design.
With soothing shades of pastels, coral, greens and sand white, the design takes cues from the surroundings. The 174 suites and 12 unique villas retain the island’s rich Mauritian heritage and encapsulate laid-back living. From custom print wallpapers paying homage to coral reefs to whitewashed wood seatings with nautical rope details woven by local artisans, each element has been carefully considered.
MAURITIUS . REUNION . MALDIVES . CHINA . TANZANIA THELUXCOLLECTIVE.COM


The highly anticipated resort, well-loved by families, offers an array of incredible culinary experiences: Beach Rouge - LUX* Resorts’ signature beach club concept - will serve fresh Mediterranean cuisine
for lunch and dinner paired with unobstructed ocean views.
When the sun dips below the horizon, the space will be lit in a spectacular red tint, with a programme
of international DJs and performers. Michelin- starred chef Vineet Bhatia’s signature restaurant, Amari, offers a modern interpretation of India’s rich culinary heritage in earthy pink interior settings
with contemporary murals. The renowned “Duck Laundry” serves modern Chinese cuisine and chef- driven tasting menus peppered with house specialties like Peking duck, dim sum and Sichuan favourites.
At the heart of the hotel, the all-day dining restaurant MONDO presents international dishes, a specialized buffet for kids, live cooking stations and even a customised stone oven for pizzas. For a quick yet delicious lunch or afternoon snack, guests can head to Royce Street, where a vintage 1933 Hooper Limousine Rolls Royce will serve exceptional Southeast Asian cuisine. Guests will also enjoy the ‘Keen on Green’ concept, an impressive offering of plant-based, vegan and locally-sourced dishes on every menu.
A holistic approach to wellness is a key component in the design of LUX* ME Wellbeing and LUX* ME Spa. The five elements: earth, water, fire, air and space are the foundations of wellness journeys for guests. Each journey will be tailored to individual needs combining mindfulness activities, relaxing spa treatments and breath workshops to restore.
In addition to cutting-edge cardio and Kinesis weight training equipment, the fitness centre offers Technogym’s newest modular functional strength system - Universe - a first in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Guests can access digitally several exercise possibilities, resistance and training content.
LUX* Belle Mare will present a range of enriching conservation activities, whilst retaining its commitment to championing sustainability through socially responsible and environmentally friendly practices. The resort will return with its very
own farm, supplying fresh vegetables, herbs and leafy greens which are pesticide-free. Initiatives include embracing the PLEDGETM on Food Waste Certification to investing in energy and water efficiency to reduce waste through circular design. LUX* Belle Mare is already on track to receive
its Butterfly Mark, the luxury industry’s leading sustainability certification.
THELUXCOLLECTIVE.COM


HOLLAND AMERICA LINE OPENS
2025 EUROPE SEASON
Holland America Line’s 2025 European programme features more cruises over 10 days, additional sailings to Iceland and a combined 62 overnight calls or late-night departures in European cities.
New in 2025, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, returns as a homeport for Holland America Line, hosting Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam on roundtrip voyages to Northern Europe and the Baltic. The cruise line also features more itineraries to the Holy Land region, Iberia and Iceland.
A new 28-day “Arctic Circle Crossing” Legendary Voyage showcases Greenland’s glaciers and wildlife with five calls in the country and visits to Iceland, North Cape
and Scotland.
EMIRATES MARKS ONE OF
ITS BUSIEST SUMMERS EVER
Emirates has seen one of its busiest summers ever, carrying over 14 million passengers with average seat load factors exceeding 80% across its global network between June and August.
Looking at the coming months, Emirates’ booking trends show unabated demand for international travel across its network.
Dubai remained popular, even during the summer months, with two million customers traveling to the airline’s hub to enjoy its year-round attractions and events. Over 35% of visitors traveling on Emirates were families, staying an average of over two weeks.
This winter season, the airline anticipates another spike in demand for travel to Dubai. The city has already welcomed more than 8.5 million international visitors
in the first six months of 2023, registering more than a million more visitors during the same time last year.
14 million passengers.
VOTE FOR US!
We would be so grateful if you could Vote For DFDS in the 2023 SPAA Awards.
We would also like to say a massive ‘Thank You’ for your continued support. We really do appreciate it.
Find out more about all our latest offers, including our popular Two-Night Mini Cruise to Amsterdam at
www.dfds.co.uk
Or feel free to contact me with any questions you may have:
Mark Henderson, Global Sales Manager, DFDS
T: 0191 2936248 • M: 0770 131 4263 • Email: [email protected]
80
SEPTEMBER 2023


I

THE HOLLAND AMERICA LINE DIFFERENCE
BeyondtheCaribbean’sbeautifulbeacheslieli leknownislandsecretsandoffthebeatentracksurprises.WithHollandAmericaLine,
• Perfectly-sized, elegant ships
guests can discover these tropical gems in greater depth through regional cuisine, and authentic experiences.
• Nearly one crew member for every two guests
Whether at our own award-winning private island of Half Moon Cay, snorkelling in Grand Turk’s clear blue waters or si ing
• Spacious staterooms and suites, many with private balcony
• Fine dining with casual to formal options
• Regional cuisine, Explorabtioenns Ceeantrhal dsewstainaytiongexpearilemncess oannd mtorroepical Caribbean cruises to Aruba, sun, sand and relaxation await.
• Long days and overnight stays in hand-picked destinations
With a £500pp Air Credit included, there’s never been a be
er time to explore the Caribbean with Holland America Line.
Nieuw Statendam: 25 Feb 2024 ROUNDTRIP FORT LAUDERDALE
VISITS: Half Moon Cay; Grand Turk; Amber Cove; Key West.
-night
Greek Enchantment
-night Adriatic Gems
t All’ - drinks package; speciality dining, WI-FI & shore
-night Adriatic Dream
-Day £58 Fly/cruise £589* Fly/cruise
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per person from
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VISITS: Split; Korcula; Santorini; Rhodes; Kusadasi VISITS: Dubproevnrik, Kotor, Nafp (Epfhaesurse) s from Mycenae), Split
*Lead fare based on 25/6/22 • Free Air from London and regi • From £999pp including ‘Have i
TRIESTE ­VENICE… TO PIRAEUS ­ATHENS… ROUNDTRIP TRIESTE ­VENICE
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Cruise only £1,179 per fares from person
• Free Air from London and regional airports
• Free Air from London and regional airports
• From £1,169pp including ‘Have it All’ - drinks Rotterdam: 14 Jan 2024
Rotterdam: 26 Jan 2024 • Overnight in Valletta
excursion
ROUNDTRIP FORT LAUDERDALE
VISITS: Half Moon Cay; Curacao; Cartagena; -night -night
package; speciality dining, WI-FI & shore
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Enjoy more with our ‘Have it All’ package, which includes four of our best amenities – at least one shore excursion, drinks package, speciality dining and Wi-Fi!
ges. Sharing is not permitted. Package excludes purchases made in Signature Shops, Mini Bar and In-Room Dining, or beverages on Half Moon Cay. Speciality g times will be available to pre-reserve. Shore excursion offer is based on cruise duration. For 6–9-day voyages, guests can choose one excursion (up to US$100
stateroom. Free Air based on Promo(s) JX/HT. Offer applies to select 2022 Northern Europe and Mediterranean Cruises and is available ost will be required to cover the remaining amount. Free transfers include roundtrip airport/ship ground transportation. Book air by your any other discounts, is not transferable or refundable, and is not combinable with concessioned groups, casino rates or industry rates.
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THE VERY BEST PLACES AT THE VERY BEST TIMES
175 years sailing the world has told us there’s a difference between seeing the most amazing destinations on earth and seeing them
at the very best possible times. It’s why we hand-craft our itineraries every year, to ensure your guests see the Northern Lights at their brightest, waterfalls at their strongest and Canada at its most colourful.
Guests can enjoy free drinks on selected 2024 cruises
This autumn, your customers can enjoy free drinks on a great selection of 2024 cruises, which include selected house beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks.
Whether they wish to embark on an adventure to Norway, Iceland and Greenland, soak up the cultures of the Adriatic and the Mediterranean, or discover momentous European cities, they’ll be able to take advantage of our limited time offers.
Book by 31st October
Terms and Conditions apply. Free Drinks Package offer ends 31/10/23, applicable to new bookings made from 05/09/23, on specified cruises only. For full terms and conditions, visit the Travel Agent Centre. E&OE.


Visit fredolsencruises.com/travel-agent-centre for more information


FREE FIRST CLASS RAIL UPGRADES ON ALL SWITZERLAND BOOKINGS
Inghams have announced a new Swiss rail offer, where guests can enjoy a complimentary upgrade to first class on their airport transfer journey on any 2023 or 2024 Switzerland holiday.
The free first class rail transfer upgrade is available on resort transfers in Switzerland when travelling from Geneva or Zurich airports.
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast at Eiger Lodge, Grindelwald, departing from Edinburgh on 24th May 2024 are priced from £1,169 per person. Based on 2 adults sharing. Terms and conditions apply. Upgrade is applicable on all new bookings travelling until 14th October 2023 and departures between 18th May and 12th October 2024.
DOUBLE REWARDS AND POINTS WITH NASSAU PARADISE ISLAND PROMOTION BOARD
The Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board has teamed up with Virgin Atlantic’s Sky High Club to offer agents double rewards and double points.
For all bookings made with Virgin Atlantic on the direct, non-stop Heathrow to Nassau flight and logged with Nassau Rewards between 24th August and 2nd October 2023, agents will be eligible for double Sky High Club points and double rewards (£40).
Bookings must include a stay of minimum 4 nights at one of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board member hotels (a list can be found on www.NassauRewards.com).
To register and get more information about Sky High Club points visit https://virginatlanticskyhighclub.com
Vote for us as Ski Company of the Year in the SPAA Awards! We’d love your nomination to help us on the way to winning the Best Ski Company Award.
E. [email protected] W. agents.inghams.co.uk
Travel Matters half Page.indd 1 04/09/2023 15:11
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SEPTEMBER 2023


AZAMAZING CELEBRATIONS WITH AZAMARA CRUISES
Across the fleet, your clients will find we go beyond the expectations of even the most well-travelled cruisers, with our top-tier crew, premiere service and world class amenities.
Our ships, Azamara Journey®, Azamara Quest®, Azamara Pursuit® and Azamara OnwardSM, are perfectly sized to cross oceans, sail into intimate rivers, cruise along scenic waterways and dock at locations bigger ships can’t reach.
Azamara OnwardSM
Arrive at the doorstep of the world’s most hidden gems on an intimate ship unlike any other. Our ships’ size, style and service all combine to deliver a truly unique experience. Dig deeper with specialised encounters that connect your clients to the people, traditions, natural wonders and cultural riches of each destination. Our carefully curated immersive itineraries feature longer stays and more overnights than other cruise lines, allowing guests to get an authentic taste of each place they visit.
Our global guests come to us for the ports we visit and the cultural connections we make, but they return to Azamara for the unforgettable hospitality.
From anticipating their needs and knowing them by name, to surprising them with the smallest attention to detail, exceeding their expectations is our greatest motivation.
We’re all family here, so let us welcome your clients on board and remind them to make themselves at home, relax and grab a drink on us. The world’s most compelling destinations are ready for their arrival.
Once onboard our intimate guest ships, they won’t have to pay extra to enjoy a night-cap or celebratory drink because our inclusive cruises include alcohol.
Choose from our extensive beverage lists that include standard spirits, international beers and a changing selection of two red and two white wines, and one rosé and sparkling wine by the glass each day throughout the voyage, plus a full selection of
soft drinks, tea, coffee and bottled water included as standard. To take advantage of this incredible treat and our authentic service, simply visit one of our ship bars or dining rooms and we’re sure they will find something to quench their thirst.
TEN AZAMAZING YEARS!
We’re excited to reveal that AzAmazing Evenings has evolved to AzAmazing Celebrations! Ten years ago, we launched AzAmazing Evenings as an experiential way for our guests to dive deeper into cultures and traditions around the world.
In celebration of this milestone, we
are expanding our portfolio beyond evening events and offering new, day celebrations onboard and onshore. To honour our 10th anniversary, we added over 35 new celebrations in the most spectacular ports.
Be captivated by the rich history of the Amazon in an enriching performance in Manaus or travel back to the Renaissance era in Livorno for an exclusive showing of La Traviata. No matter the voyage, these unapparelled experiences will be the highlight of
the trip.
Best of all, AzAmazing Celebrations are included, with our compliments, on all cruises except transatlantic crossings and voyages that are less than seven nights long.
Why not find out more at connect.azamara.com for all our training, rewards, booking system and much more!
86
SEPTEMBER 2023


VOTE FOR US!
WE'RE DELIGHTED TO HAVE BEEN NOMINATED AT THE SPAA TRAVEL AWARDS 2023
We’ve had a unique year, from debuting Double Night Stays and introducing new AzAmazing Celebrations, we're committed to providing our guests opportunities for discovery around the globe, with more to look forward to in 2024. The continued support and commitment from the Scottish Travel Trade has helped make all of this possible, so thank you!
For even more reason to celebrate, we’d be delighted if you could vote for Azamara® at this year’s 2023 SPAA Awards. ENJOY THESE INCLUSIVE AMENITIES
Change The Way You Sea
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR LATEST NEWS, OFFERS & ITINERARIES AT AZAMARA.COM AND CONNECT.AZAMARA.COM
WHAT'S INCLUDED WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITH US
©2023 Azamara. Ships registered in Malta. ‘Change The Way You Sea’ is an international service mark of SP Cruises OpCo Limited.
Valletta, Malta


AGENTS WERE WELCOMED ON BOARD EXPLORA JOURNEYS BRAND NEW SHIP, EXPLORA I
WE’D LOVE
YOUR VOTE
It’s been a record-breaking year for easyJet holidays, and it wouldn’t
have been made possible without the support of our amazing Trade partners, so a huge thank you from us!
It would make our dreams come true if you considered voting for us at the SPAA Annual Awards as your...
Short Haul Operator of the Year European City Break Operator of the Year
Also, please keep our Trade Distribution Manager John Docherty in mind for Leisure Representative of the Year.
ABTA No. Y6633
88
SEPTEMBER 2023


CELEBRITY CRUISES SHOWCASED CELEBRITY APEX TO THE TRAVEL TRADE
NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS
LAUNCHES NEW US TOUR
Newmarket Holidays has launched a new transatlantic tour which includes New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC, a trip to see the Niagara Falls and a pre-departure stop-off in Toronto.
The new 9-day New York, Washington DC & Niagara Falls tour includes two-nights in New York, with an optional guided tour with an opportunity to visit the top of the Rockefeller Centre.
In Philadelphia, guests can learn about the story of America’s birth before moving on to Arlington, ready to explore Washington DC. The tour features an optional excursion to see Capitol Hill, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the White House. Other highlights include Gettysburg with a stop at the Gettysburg National Military Park before reaching Niagara Falls.
We’ d love your vote!
Newmarket Holidays is delighted to be nominated in five categories:
★ Long Haul Operator ★ Short Haul Operator ★ Leisure Representative ★ Touring & Adventure ★ European City Breaks
Amy
Scotland & Northern Ireland
For Agency Sales Email: [email protected] | Call 0330 341 1929 | Visit newmarketholidays.co.uk/agents-area
90
SEPTEMBER 2023
AB21AUG23 SPAA Vote for us Travel Matters Ad.indd 1 04/09/2023 16:38


Easy and fast
connections
am te r d a n n a t e o i c l s l e n A m r c e A a r g B e l in d B r e n l s n B l u e i l s s e a g B r u h n B e op B
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Glasgow Detroit
Gran Canaria Minneapolis
Hamburg New York
Helsinki Orlando
London
Portland
Madrid
gh-Durham
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Now flying to 15 destinations in North America
With over 50 destinations in Europe and in North America, you can choose between multiple flights every day of the week, for easy connections across the Atlantic. You can even add an Icelandair Stopover and make the most of your transatlantic journey.


North America or Iceland —
why not both?
icelandairacademy.com
Icelandair Stopover:
two destinations, one trip
When you fly transatlantic with Icelandair, you can add
an Icelandair Stopover for up to 7 days at no additional airfare. You can enjoy everything from geothermal bathing to northern lights gazing before you take in all that your final destination has to offer.


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