Travel Matters October 2021 Issue 44

ISSUE 44 OCTOBER 2021
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE IN SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, NORTH OF ENGLAND & IOM
The Review
See what the first Sailors on Scarlet Lady are saying...
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New Seacademy Tier,
New Rewards Silver tier is now available
It’s time to level up your Virgin Voyages knowledge with the third tier of Seacademy: Silver.
At the Silver tier, you’ll complete five new modules beyond the Violet and Scarlet tiers to learn everything about selling our sailings, while earning valuable rewards. Every tier earns you a knot, and your level of knot-iness speaks to your mastery of Virgin Voyages. Each Seacademy tier is also worth 3 elective credits towards CLIA's certification program.
If you haven’t already, make sure to register and complete the Violet and Scarlet tiers first.
Start Seacademy at FIRSTMATES.COM


ISSUE 44 OCTOBER 2021
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE IN SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, NORTH OF ENGLAND & IOM
FOCUS ON ESCORTED TOURS
RECOVER & REBUILD - WTM LONDON
SALE NOW ON WITH NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS


in this issue...
9 Discover the Mediterranean with Tradewind Voyages
14/15 Turkish Airlines - Time to Meet Again: Tokyo
19 Air Astana is back to London
20/21 Press the Green Button and escape to Ireland
9
23 Newcastle International Airport - looking forward to
Summer 2022 24/25 Sail the Olsen Way
31 Cunard - Early Saver fares
20/21
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14/15
24/25
4 travelmatters.biz


32 Welcome to Arabia - Youtravel
35 Railbookers - Dream destinations by rail
37 Luxury yacht cruises - Emerald Cruises
38/39 Register with Onee Luxury Travel
48 Set sail the Virgin Way
World Travel Market Preview
26/29 Recover & Rebuild at WTM
Focus on Escorted Tours
41
26/29
41 45
45
Newmarket Holidays’ Autumn sale
Explore the British Isles with Just Go! Holidays
48
37
38/39
OCTOBER 2021 5


@travelmatters.biz @TravelMatBiz @travelmattersbiz @travelmattersbiz
Read previous issues online at...
www.travelmatters.biz MEET THE TEAM:
Hilary Douglas
Director
07989 414454 [email protected]
Andrea Pellicci-Glen
Director
07766 010272 [email protected]
Gary Reavely
Director
07762 630057 [email protected]
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Brighter road ahead
With more travel restrictions lifted and countries removed from the red list, it seems that finally, there is something to ‘write home about’!
Obviously there is still a long way to go however, these are all steps in the right direction. Hopefully, this will encourage customers to book a getaway - and enable the travel industry to get back to what they love and do best - selling holidays!
For clients that are still lacking the confidence to travel, an escorted holiday is an ideal way to see the world. Our feature shows that these tours combine the best of both worlds - the freedom to explore new countries, but with the services of a guide when needed.
In addition, there are lots of live travel functions making a comeback too: the STAR exhibition was recently held in Glasgow; World Travel Market will take place next month - in both a physical and virtual format - and the SPAA will also host its annual Travel Awards in December.
Although it won’t be a walk in the park, at least we can now see a brighter road ahead.
The Travel Matters Team


Northern Lights Lounge celebrates new collaboration
The Kilted Chef, Craig Wilson, owner of the award winning restaurant Eat on the Green in Udny Green, Aberdeenshire, recently visited Aberdeen Internationa
Airport to celebrate a partnership with ESS who deliver
r the food service in the Northern Lights Lounge.
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Opened in 2017 as part of the £20m terminal transformation project, the Lounge will continue to work with local suppliers helping to support jobs across the north-east.
To celebrate the partnership and recovery from the pandemic, the Northern Lights Lounge has increased its opening hours and has a special new plant-based dish for passengers to enjoy
y in collaboration with Grants of Speyside – one of the Lounge’s
existing local suppliers.
The Kilted Chef is working in collaboration with ESS show- casing a range of exclusive recipes. Craig Wlson was recently appointed as a Regional Food Tourism Ambassador for Scotland Food & Drink.
Second route to Paris Orly from Glasgow Airport
Glasgow Airport has welcomed the announcement of a second route to Paris Orly Airport, with AirFrance/KLM Group’s low cost airline, Transavia.
Commencing Thursday 14 April 2022, services will operate three times per week to Paris Orly Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 189 seats.
Pictured are Lesley from the Northern Lights Lounge along with Jemma Cumming, commercial manager, Aberdeen Airport and Craig the Kilted Chef.
A PLANE TICKET IS THE ANSWER
WHO CARES WHAT THE QUESTION IS
DFDS - Welcome back
on board
Now that many of the travel restrictions have been lifted, we are looking forward to welcoming passengers back on board our DFDS ferries!
Be sure to look out for our latest offers and for more news of the return of our popular Mini Cruises.
We would be so grateful if you could Vote for DFDS in the upcoming SPAA Awards this year and would like to thank you for your continued support. We really appreciate it.
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have:
Mark Henderson, Global Sales Manager, DFDS T: 0191 293 6248 M: 0770 131 4263 Email: [email protected]
Find out more from DFDS www.dfds.co.uk We’re Award-Winning!
We are the current World’s Leading Ferry Operator & Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator, as voted for by the World Travel Awards.
OCTOBER 2021 7


NEWS
Travel demand on the up at Belfast City Airport
Due to an increase in demand for travel, a number of recruitment opportunities have become available with the commercial and operational partners at George Best Belfast City Airport.
With British Airways and Aer Lingus announcing an uplift in frequency on key routes, a number of vacancies are available with partners including Swissport, Starbucks, WHSmith,
the Artisan, MITIE and AV Flight. Positions include ramp services agents, team leaders, kitchen team members,
shop assistants and front of house.
British Airways has already announced increased frequency on its Exeter, Glasgow and Leeds routes and introduced
a new Birmingham service for the winter season, while
Aer Lingus has committed to an uplift in flights to London Heathrow, Edinburgh and Manchester.
easyJet has also confirmed it will continue to operate its London Gatwick route with flights on sale until February 2022.
Glasgow Airport co-hosts Boeing Innovation Forum
Glasgow Airport recently co-hosted the Boeing Innovation Forum.
The two-day event, co-hosted in partnership with Boeing, brought together partners in Scotland and the broader aviation sector to demonstrate the role sustainable technologies can play in the future of aviation and prepare the industry for a more sustainable future.
Boeing partnered with ADS, British Airways, Glasgow Airport, Loganair, Menzies Aviation, Scottish Development International, Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise on the forum and dozens more were represented in the supplier showcase and through panel discussions.
The centrepiece of the forum is a visit by Boeing’s eco- Demonstrator aircraft and this year’s plane is a new 737-9 from Alaska Airlines. The aircraft programme has accelerated innovation by testing nearly 200 promising technologies
to address challenges for airlines, passengers and the environment. Among the technologies being tested are an engine nacelle designed to reduce noise and cabin side walls made from recycled material.
During her speech, the First Minister announced that the Glasgow Science Centre will become home to the United Kingdom’s first Newton Flight Academy, a permanent classroom used to teach students aviation-related STEM concepts that will include three full-motion flight simulators when it opens in the spring of 2022.
Edinburgh Airport announces four new routes
Ryanair has added four new routes to its Winter 2021/22 schedule from Edinburgh, bringing the total number of routes to 50 – having previously announced routes to Knock, Tallinn, Shannon and Turin for W21 earlier this year.
Winter break destinations will now include Cork, Madrid, Palermo and Paris.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon along with Derek Provan chief executive of AGS Airports and Lena Wilson CBE chair of AGS Airports
8 travelmatters.biz


Voyages between April - October 2022
CRUISE LINES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
The Ocean’s Journey
A NEW WAY TO DISCOVER THE MEDITERRANEAN
Discover iconic and remote locations of the Caribbean, following ‘safe sailing’ protocols, on board a ship which perfectly marries rich sailing heritage and modern luxury, with a sustainable twist.
The extensive programme will offer 22 different voyages and include visits to:
Portugal France Albania Croatia Greece Spain Italy Montenegro Slovenia Turkey
Book with confidence with our ‘Covid Promise’ & Safe Sailing’ Protocols
Available to book from mid October 2021
Call 01473 932060 or visit tradewindvoyages.com
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The Voice of Travel in Scotland
As a combined SPAA Autumn Lunch & STAR Exhibition took place in Glasgow - in a cautiously more confident Scottish travel sector - President Jo Dooey reflects on a much- changed, evolving business environment and considers plans for a re-invigorated SPAA Travel Awards
in December.
With this year - our Centenary Year - racing on and September bringing the end of the Furlough Scheme - SPAA Council took the decision to make
the best of Members and Associates’ precious business time, by bringing together our popular Autumn Network Lunch and valued STAR Exhibition into a single event in Glasgow.
Coinciding with the most significant re-opening of air travel corridors and simplification of destination safety categories - so far - in the pandemic (no more crazy ‘amber plus!), the plan was to maximise face-to-face networking and business catch-up time, while still building in some restorative R&R, banter... and of course, prizes!
At this stage in a uniquely tough and draining year, our Associate partners have a lot of product and operations news to pass on and agents are getting to grips with getting back to selling
and engaging with information and travel-starved customers. Recharging batteries for a busy last quarter is vital.
This is all part of the SPAA’s determi- nation to build our events back better
- making them even more valuable and enjoyable for Members, Associates and guests and more efficient in terms of time, travel and resources. On the day, the enthusiasm of the 80 lunch guests and our 35 Associate exhibitors - for our first opportunity in nearly two years to get down to ‘live’ business - was more than evident.
Well-known travel personality Lee Foster offered the lunch audience his thoughts on building resilience and relationships. Over two lively Exhibition sessions, they were joined by over
100 news-hungry SPAA agents - who also enjoyed the evening buffet and of course, the prizes!
When The Association came up with
the ‘virtual’ SPAA Rewards last year, recognising and thanking Member and Associate colleagues who had stepped up big-time to help as we supported our clients, we knew we’d hit on something important. But in the 18 months since, it’s become clear just how significant that was.
Meanwhile, as consumer confidence has come, gone - and is now back strongly in the wake of the recent ‘traffic-light’ changes - many a customer is saying, ‘we’ve waited a long time for this break’ when they also mean ‘we’ve had lots
of time to think and plan for this’ - and they are increasingly focused on in- depth service and sustainability.
For obvious reasons - not least the increasing extreme weather events - public health and climate change have finally grabbed the attention of many. Many travellers are thinking differently - and the travel industry has to step up and respond.
So, although many of our highly-prized Awards will still be celebrated in this year’s ceremony - best airlines, tour operators, cruise lines and hotels,
to name a few - in those traditional
categories - exceptional Partnership will be the benchmark. Of course, we’ll recognise our best agencies, ‘agent heroes’ - and individuals who have ‘gone the extra mile’ during the Covid-19 crisis.
But the Centenary Awards will also focus on recognising Environmental Sustainability and Innovation, in some new and significant company and individual Awards.
In those new categories, excellence and innovation in responding to coronavirus challenges - such as hygiene and health protection - will be recognised, as will initiatives that are changing traveller behaviour, or reducing waste and energy consumption.
Increasingly, we will all need to be able to point to our individual and corporate action in protecting the environment and reducing travel’s carbon footprint. The SPAA will be giving that signal strongly in this year’s Travel Awards.
As this edition of Travel Matters reaches you (and it’s great to see the magazine back with a bang!) we’re hopeful that the US will be ‘open for travel business’ again and a well bedded-in ‘vaccination passport’ system working - along with
a minimal, low-to-no cost coronavirus testing system in place alongside it - if we need one at all!
In the Association, we’re working as hard as ever, with the Scottish Aviation Working Group and Government, to make sure these developments happen.
All this combined will make the Travel Awards 2021 a genuine indicator of the Association’s determination to rebuild a Scottish travel community even stronger than before the pandemic and a fitting climax to our extraordinary and eventful SPAA Centenary Year!
Jo Dooey
SPAA President
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• Domestic Airline • European Airline • Global Airline

• Hotel and Resort Operator • Bedbank


• Large Tour Operator
• Small Tour Operator
• Luxury Tour Operator
• Specialist Tour Operator



• Leisure Agent of the Year
• Corporate Agent of the Year
• Individual Agent of the Year - nominated by line manager or colleague for going over and beyond during Covid
for their customers

• UK Domestic Sailings • Mainstream Cruise
• Luxury Cruise
• River Cruise


For ongoing support & commitment to the Scottish Travel Trade
• Airline
• Tour Operator • Cruise Line
• Hotel Group

Nominations for and decided on by a panel for -
• SPAA Ambassador - nomination of agents /
tour ops / airlines / reps etc.
• Significant Contribution to the Scottish Travel Industry Company Award - Airline / Airport / Cruise
• Outstanding Commitment to the Scottish Travel Industry Award - individual award to someone who has gone over and above during Covid
JOIN US FOR THE
THURSDAY 9th DECEMBER 2021 • DOUBLETREE BY HILTON, GLASGOW

YOUR VOTE COUNTS!
We hope to see you there and we’d be very grateful if you could take a few minutes to nominate organisations and representatives for awards online at
www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SPAAawards Voting closes at 5.30pm on Friday 26th November 2021
OCTOBER 2021
11


NEWS
Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings joins TIPTO membership
Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings have joined TIPTO as a dual branded member, attending the recent Carlisle & Preston Face 2 Face with TIPTO Roadshows.
Cox & Kings UK joined the Abercrombie & Kent family in December 2019 represented by a shared sales team on the road, including Mark Harris and Sarah Turner.
Mark Harris of Abercrombie & Kent/Cox & Kings, comments: “We are excited to be joining TIPTO and continuing our commitment to supporting our agent partners and the wider travel trade community. The forthcoming TIPTO Roadshows give us a great opportunity to bring the amazing luxury travel experiences of Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings to life, as well as showcasing the support that our trade sales team, trade marketing team and specialist sales consultants
can offer.”
New Sky Bar for Teesside International Airport
Teesside International Airport has revealed plans for a brand new Sky Bar and viewing platform, to give passengers and enthusiasts a new space for spotting planes.
The new development will replace the old outdoor viewing platform, located at ground level beside the terminal building, which has remained closed for a number of years. The Sky Bar and platform will be located across two floors in the landside area of the airport, with a welcome space on the ground floor and bar and platform above, occupying space currently used as offices.
Visitors will be able to access the platform without having to pass through to departures, so everyone will be able to take advantage of the area, whether flying or not.
Work is set to begin on the development before the end of the year, with it due to be opened for next year’s summer season.
Those who visit the viewing platform will also receive two hours free parking if they make a purchase in the Landside Café or new Sky Bar.
How the new Sky Bar and viewing platform could look
TIPTO Carlisle – Mark Harris & Sarah Turner from Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings with the team from TUI Carlisle.
Vueling, an IAG member airline, has announced new services from Belfast International Airport to Paris Orly, commencing on 2nd November 2021, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
DID YOU EVER NOTICE THE FIRST PIECE OF LUGGAGE ON THE CAROUSEL NEVER BELONGS TO ANYONE?
12 travelmatters.biz


VOTE FOR MSC CRUISES AT SPAA AWARDS 2021
BEST TRADE SUPPORT TEAM
BEST CRUISE LINE UK/DOMESTIC SAILINGS
BEST MAINSTREAM CRUISE LINE
MSC CRUISES HAS HAD AN EXCITING 2021 FULL OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES!
3 The first Mainstream Cruise Line to resume cruising in August 2020
3 New departures from Greenock, Liverpool & Southampton exclusively for the UK market
3 Our new flagship MSC Virtuosa based in the UK for her maiden season
3 2 ship launches in the last 6 months, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seashore
3 The opening of the brand new dedicated Horizon Cruise Terminal in Southampton
3 The launch of a brand new TV, press and outdoor campaign to support the launch of MSC Virtuosa
3 Ongoing support from our dedicated team in Scotland
3 Dedicated training & webinars throughout the pandemic to support our trade partners
3 Implementation of our world class industry leading Health & Safety protocol on-board our ships
3 Travel agent 50% off rates for UK sailings


One of the World’s Great Cities
Tokyo is Asia’s version of the
‘city that never sleeps’. With a population of almost 14 million, it is a lively and futuristic Metropolis with an eclectic mix of the old
and new - ancient temples
and religious sites blend in perfectly with the large modern architecture.
Tokyo is a great base to explore some of Japan’s other great cities. The legendary Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
is the perfect example of superb Japanese engineering, meticulous organisation and time keeping and is a must-do experience. Tokyo is a central transit hub and with dozens of direct services all over Japan, your clients can visit Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Sapporo, Nagoya etc. in real style and quite quickly! Tell your clients about the Japan Rail Pass which has numerous benefits and makes travelling very affordable and easy.
English is much more widely spoken however, to be on the safe side, ask the hotel to give you a Japanese translation of where you want to go, for a taxi driver or train station staff.
The most popular day trip is to get up close to the majestic Mount Fuji which is only 62 miles from Tokyo. You can also visit the Meiji Shrine. Other major attractions in the city include The Imperial Palace; Ueno Park; Tokyo Tower as well as many other observatories
for great views of the stunning skyline, day or night and on a good day, mighty Mount Fuji itself may well be visible.
Tokyo is famed for its nightlife,
none more so than the Shinjuku neighbourhood. Karaoke has a unique place in Japanese culture and is hugely popular, with local tours taking you around the night time bars. Baseball is a national obsession and if in season, try and get tickets to see either Yomiuri Giants or the Yakult Swallows for a great experience.
CRUISES FROM TOKYO
Tokyo has become a very popular embark/disembark city with cruise lines, either for voyages around Japan or Asia-wide itineraries. The city is served from the port of Yokohama,
32 miles to the South. The journey takes only 46 minutes by train to Nihon Odori, the closest station. The International Passenger Terminal is a five-minute walk away.
Japan is an incredible travel experience and Tokyo represents all that is great about the country.
STOPOVER IN ISTANBUL
When flying with Turkish Airlines, be sure to recommend to your clients
that they stop off for a few nights in Istanbul. One of the most incredible cities, Istanbul has it all - a spectacular setting, world famous sights and attractions, great shopping, restaurants and hotels and a truly vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.
Turkish Airlines flies to Istanbul
with connections from Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, London and Dublin. Passengers not only enjoy excellent inflight services
and amenities but also a generous baggage allowance in both Business and Economy class.
14 travelmatters.biz
Tokyo


TIME TO MEET AGAIN:
Have a healthy journey with all precautions taken down to the smallest detail for your in-flight safety.
JAPAN


SNAPSHOTS
SPAA recently held its Networking Lunch and STAR Exhibition in Glasgo
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Vote for Us!
Azamara® has had a unique year, starting with the announcement of our next venture as an independent brand, a new ship, and a variety of new itineraries to look forward to, now until 2024. We even saw Azamara Quest®, Azamara Journey® and Azamara Pursuit® leave their temporary home of Glasgow in the summer. We couldn’t have achieved all of this without the support and dedication from the Scottish Travel Trade.
We’d love if you could continue to support us by voting for Azamara® at this year’s 2021 SPAA Awards.
Find out more about our latest offers and itineraries at Azamara.co.uk and ClubAzamara.co.uk Explore FurtherSM
OCTOBER 2021 17
Azamara Quest®, Santorini, Greece


NEWS
Air Astana -
Best Airline in Central Asia
Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, has been recognised as the “Best Airline in Central Asia” in the Skytrax World Airline Awards for 2021 for the 9th time in a row. Skytrax did not go ahead with the awards programme in 2020 due to the global health crisis.
The Skytrax survey measures passenger satisfaction of a wide range of services including check-in, boarding, on-board comfort, cabin cleanliness. food, beverages, in-flight entertainment and staff service.
Peter Foster, CEO and President, Air Astana comments: “In spite of the challenges of the pandemic, top quality service delivery has continued to be our priority. I would like to thank our customers for their loyalty and also
my colleagues, who have shown great dedication in challenging circumstances and who, I am pleased to say, have almost all returned to full-time work.”
Portugal chosen for AITO Conference
Visit Portugal has announced that Braga will host next year’s AITO overseas conference, taking place 17th - 20th November 2022.
Portugal was chosen as the host destination due to its efforts in becoming one of the most sustainable destinations in Europe, as well as its easy accessibility.
AITO promises to offset any carbon footprint emissions for delegates that choose to fly and Porto and Braga are well connected by a regular train service.
The conference will include educational panel discussions, breakout events and business sessions as well as planned activities in the region.
Earlier this year, Braga was announced as the Best European Destination in 2021 by European Best Destinations.
New range of London packages from Omega Breaks
Omega Breaks has launched a new range of ‘Go As You Please’ theatre breaks to London.
Two and three-day breaks are now on sale and each includes hotel accommodation and a ticket to a show, giving customers the flexibility to make their own arrangements for travelling to the capital.
Packages are on sale from November 2021 through to March 2022. Three shows are on offer - Mamma Mia!, Wicked and The Phantom of the Opera - with more shows to be added in due course. Prices start from £109pp for a two-day break and £169pp for a three-day break.
New digital hub opens at Belfast City Airport
A new digital hub sponsored by Danske Bank has opened at George Best Belfast City Airport to help travellers stay connected.
The Drop Zone, located in the airport’s Departures Lounge, offers passengers 16 charging points, a seating area, plus the use of the airport’s free Wi-Fi.
Shaun McAnee, Managing Director of Corporate & Business Banking at Danske Bank, said: “We’re really pleased to see
the Danske Drop Zone come to life at George Best Belfast City Airport. It is the latest initiative in our mission to Help Northern Ireland Grow Again and provides an opportunity for anyone travelling for work or leisure to stay connected. As the economy opens up again it is important that we make it as easy as possible for our local business people to do business in other parts of the UK and beyond.”
18 travelmatters.biz




‘Press the Green Button’ now
The island of Ireland is excited to welcome new and returning British holidaymakers and it’s so easy to get there - just a quick hop across the Irish sea by air or ferry to amazing destinations in both
the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Every city or coastal area that can be explored is filled with local people who can’t wait to greet you with a warm welcome. The best way to sense the island’s beauty is through authentic experiences. From ancient history
to stunning scenery, modern cuisine to amazing food tours, vibrant cities to rural escapes and cosy pubs to traditional Irish music - the island of Ireland really has it all and we can’t wait to welcome you back.
Tourism Ireland has recently launched its new ‘Green Button’ campaign to encourage British holidaymakers to book a trip to the beautiful island of Ireland. Just press the ‘Green Button’ and click ‘book’ to unlock a fabulous short-break or longer holiday.
Are you ready to unlock some of the amazing activities and places to visit on the island?
Views and Landscapes
It’s time to get back to exploring our great outdoors, from our amazing coastal cliffs to our scenic rugged mountains. At the very edge of Europe lies the Wild Atlantic Way, the longest defined touring route in the world stretching 1,600 miles with 180 discovery points.
Marvel at the breath-taking views
and create picture-perfect moments, make memories at Slieve League in Co. Donegal or set off on a journey through Ireland’s Ancient East discovering
its magnificent locations such as Glendalough lake with panoramic views and Powerscourt gardens and waterfall.
The Great Outdoors
All over the Emerald Isle, you’ll find secret corners that are perfect for walking, cycling, horse-riding and kayaking
and you’ll also discover some hidden gems off the beaten track. Cycle on
the stunning old railways like Mayo’s Great Western Greenway, walk along the Causeway Coast on a windswept coastal trail or escape to the lush green countryside to take in the valley’s beauty of the Glen of Aherlow in Co. Tipperary.
20 travelmatters.biz


to escape to the island of Ireland
Glide down Irish waterways and
marvel at the undiscovered wonders. The winding rivers through counties Tipperary, Galway and Clare lead to Lough Derg where you’ll pass through farmland, old villages and see a wide variety of wildlife. You’ll also meet some interesting locals who have some great stories to tell.
Food and Drink
The island of Ireland invites you to the heart of its amazing food and drink scene. Food tours have become a popular way to experience the best of each locality. Cork’s famous English Market has been around since 1788 and lies in the heart of the city. Food markets are a great place to pick up traditional specialities like freshly baked bread, fabulously fresh fish, delicious cheeses and Cork’s famous spiced beef are just some examples of what’s on offer.
In Northern Ireland, Belfast’s 19th century St. George’s Market is a foodie’s playground which offers a wide variety of food from venison to fudge! Taste & Tour NI focuses on walking the streets of Belfast sampling some delights along the way! The island is packed with quality cosy pubs and restaurants which offer traditional Irish food where you can order a pint of Guinness and oysters, taste a traditional seafood chowder with Irish soda bread or even sample a delicious Irish coffee – the choice is yours. And you can also visit the many whiskey and gin distilleries springing up throughout the island. Visitors are amazed at the variety of quality food and drink on offer and love that they’re getting to meet the locals and not just other tourists too!
will lead to Ireland’s great cities. Titanic Belfast museum stands at the slipway where the ‘Ship of Dreams’ was built. Experience the island through unique historical treasures by discovering passage tombs that are older than
the Pyramids at Newgrange, Co. Meath, or fire up your imagination in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city founded by Norsemen, where you can visit the Viking Triangle to discover Reginald’s Tower, the Medieval Museum and the Bishop’s Palace Museum.
Go on... press the #GreenButton and plan your trip to Ireland now!
Living History
Nothing captures the imagination quite like a good story. Museums, galleries and visitor attractions bring the past to life. The journey into the island’s past
Common Travel Area
The Common Travel Area means it’s easy for your customers to visit the island of Ireland. British and Irish citizens can travel between the two countries without a passport or visa restrictions. However, some carriers may still require photo ID, so always check with your carrier prior
to departure.
Covid Safety
The island of Ireland has put in measures to create the safest environment for visitors. Tourism businesses display their ‘We’re Good to Go’ certification in Northern Ireland, while businesses in the Republic of Ireland exhibit a Safety Charter logo.
For the latest travel and public health advice for the island
of Ireland see: www.ireland.com
OCTOBER 2021 21


The secret of my success...
PAUL JOHNSTONE
Director, Now Lets Travel
Tell us about your career history to date
I started my travel career in 1990
as a YTS with A.T. Mays in Carlisle, before joining Lunn Poly in 1992. I then became Assistant Manager in Workington before Shop Manager
in Dumfries and then Carlisle. I was relocated to North East England in 2001 to manage their Gateshead Metro Centre Store. People always say you will recall where you were on September 11th, 2001 and this was my first day managing this store.
I then went on to become Town Manager for Newcastle in 2004. In 2006 I left to work for an independent travel agency as a Cruise Business Development Manager and in 2013 set up my own company, Now Lets Travel, as a managed partner of Barrhead Travel.
What gave you the inspiration to start up your own company?
The big push for me was being made redundant. I honestly thought at
the time it was the worst thing ever. However, many people said it was ‘the push I needed’ and that it would ‘be the best thing to happen to me’.
At the time I couldn’t see it, but it actually was!
During the first 18 months of setting up the company, the days were
long, working from my dining room. However, we grew and expanded, recruiting a team of cruise and worldwide tailor made homeworkers.
In December 2020, I opened a new store in Newcastle City Centre recruiting seven staff who had been made redundant from other travel agencies.
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months on, we now have a team of
13 working in the store and have just announced that we will open three more stores in Wallsend, Peterlee and Stockton on Tees before the end of the year. ”
There is no better way to learn than from experienced people
What tips would you give to anyone thinking of doing the same?
I would say... do it... but have a plan A, B, C... all the way to Z! Always look for an angle to difffferentiate yourself from your competitors. Days will be long and it will be hard, but the satisfaction of working for yourself is huge.
What is the best piece of business advice you were given?
My dad told me... it’s best to flfly under the radar and don’t fear others - let them fear you.
What is your customer service ethos?
You never get a second chance at
a first impression. If my team has done their best and impressed the customer with their knowledge, experience and their friendly service, the customer will come back for more.
the middle of the pandemi
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we closed for four months. Nine
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customer.
If they don’t, we have failed that
Any advice for young people joining the travel industry today?
Listen and learn from your peers.
To this day, I still use some of the learning I picked up from colleagues with my customers from my first days as a YTS at A.T. Mays, Asda Carlisle store in 1990. There is no better
way to learn than from experienced people. Use every day as a learning day (especially at the moment) and put that knowledge into practice. Look at opportunities as they present themselves and don’t be afraid to take chances.
22 travelmatters.biz


EUROWINGS RESUME FLIGHTS BETWEEN NEWCASTLE AND DUSSELDORF
Newcastle International Airport has welcomed Eurowings, the Lufthansa Group’s low cost airline, back to the North East with the resumption of operations between Newcastle and the German city of Dusseldorf.
The airline will operate twice-weekly flights between the two cities, with over 500 seats on sale each week.
Located in the west of Germany, Dusseldorf is the country’s seventh largest city and is popular with leisure passengers looking for a city break as well as business passengers traveling from the North East to the major North Rhine- Westphalia economic area.
Passengers flying to Dusseldorf with Eurowings can seamlessly connect to other destinations across Germany and the rest of Europe including Berlin, Hamburg, Zurich, Munich and Budapest.
In July, Eurowings’ parent company Lufthansa began operating flights to the airline’s largest hub airport, Frankfurt, from Newcastle.
Leon McQuaid, Head of Aviation Development at Newcastle International Airport said: “This marks another important step in the rebuilding of our global connectivity and we
are delighted to welcome Eurowings back to the region. Dusseldorf is a great city break option as well as an important business destination and thanks to Eurowings’ onward network, passengers can also seamlessly connect further afield.
“Each month we are seeing more and more passengers travel through Newcastle International Airport and I am pleased
to say that all of our airline partners have either resumed operations or will be very shortly - amongst them it is fantastic to see Eurowings back on our departure
board today.”
OCTOBER 2021 23


LAST MINUTE ESCAPES, THE OLSEN WAY
If you have customers still looking for a break this year, we have a selection of great value last minute cruises in 2021. Whether they are in need of some late autumn sunshine or preferring to go in search of the Northern Lights, we have
a cruise for them.
What’s more, they can relax on our smaller-sized ships and enjoy the warm, civilised atmosphere while our friendly crew take care of their every need.


Bolette
Colours & Tastes speciality dining
DEPARTURE
NOVEMBER
16 Nov 21 20 Nov 21
DECEMBER
02 Dec 21 02 Dec 21 06 Dec 21 07 Dec 21
ITINERARY
In Search of the Aurora Borealis
Discovering the Canary Islands
Amsterdam City Break in Four Nights
Five Night Spanish Escape
Landscapes of the Canaries
Canary Islands
Canaries
SAILING FROM
Liverpool
Southampton
Southampton
Liverpool
Southampton
Liverpool
NTS SHIP
16 Borealis
12 Bolette
4 Bolette
5 Borealis
14 Bolette
14 Borealis
CRUISE ID
S2126
T2128
T2131
S2127
T2129
S2128
Borealis
PRICES FROM PER PERSON
£1,399
£1,099 Limited availability
£399
£599
£999
£999
To book, please call 0800 0355 052 | www.fredolsencruises.com/agent
Terms and conditions apply. Prices subject to promotional availability and may be withdrawn at any time, correct at time of going to print 7th Oct 2021. Please check before quoting. For full terms and conditions please visit fredolsencruises.com


Simon Press,
WTM London Exhibition Director, shares the format of this year’s WTM.
What is the theme for WTM London 2021?
WTM London 2021 aims to support the industry in recovering, rebuilding and reconnecting as quickly, efficiently and sustainably as possible after COVID-19.
With over 40 years of experience, we are considered a strategic partner supporting all members of the global travel industry to promote their assets and attract targeted travellers.
What is new for WTM London 2021?
This year WTM London will be held for the first time in an innovative hybrid format.
The physical event will take place at ExCeL London on Monday, 1st November - Wednesday, 3rd November and virtually from 8th-9th November, 2021.
Responsible Tourism is one of our core pillars. We’ll run content sessions around the topic and host the Responsible Tourism Awards during WTM London on 2nd November.
The awards recognise and reward businesses and destinations contributing to a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.
Travel Forward, the travel technology event co-located with WTM London at ExCeL, will also take place physically from 1-3 November and virtually from 8-9 November.
Across the WTM Portfolio, WTM Buyers’ Club has over 10,000 qualified international buyers and as before, we will be focusing on quality over quantity. Representatives from more than 80 countries have signed up to WTM London’s Buyers’ Club, including Jet2holidays, easyJet Holidays, Saga Holidays and British Airways Holidays.
We are pleased to announce that we will be running our buyers speed networking again – in person. This is where buyers and exhibitors have short meetings then hold longer meetings during the show open hours.
We understand the need for the industry to reconnect and we are anticipating a huge demand to gain access to speed networking from both exhibitors & buyers. The new formats deliver better connections and more meetings, all in a
safe environment.
Connect Me is our networking and meeting tool that will help you find buyers that match your business needs so you
can arrange meetings in advance of the show.
London Travel Week will be a seven-day travel celebration over the week of WTM London – taking place from 30th October- 5th November, allowing the travel industry to come together and collectively shape the next 12 months of travel and tourism.
WTM London will also have two seminar theatres and will live stream all content sessions during the physical event.
What is WTM London doing to ensure the health and safety of its attendees during the show?
WTM London and Travel Forward are working closely with local authorities, ExCeL London, Public Health England and Transport for London to ensure attendees’ highest possible levels of health and safety.
Attendees will need to demonstrate their COVID-19 status by one of the following:
• Proof of vaccination
• Proof of negative test
• Proof of natural immunity
Visitors must not travel to ExCel, if they feel unwell.
Admission will only be for those who register in advance and visitors are encouraged to use WTM & TF’s planning tools before they arrive.
26 travelmatters.biz


Delegates can show their badge for contactless scanning, either on a smartphone or printout – and there will be no badge holders or lanyards.
WTM London will be a ‘mask-friendly’ event as delegates are strongly recommended to wear face masks, especially in enclosed or crowded spaces. Those using public transport will be required to wear a face mask on the Transport for London network.
What will the conference programme include?
This year’s WTM London physical show will bring two seminar theatres – WTM Global Stage and Travel Forward. We’ll be live streaming all content sessions during the physical event and those will be available during WTM & TF Virtual event. We will also host a series of high-profile industry conferences that will formulate the future of global travel and help guide the industry after COVID-19.
Conference-goers will have the chance to hear from global ministers during our traditional UNWTO, WTTC & WTM Ministers’ Summit on Tuesday, 2nd November; an extensive Responsible Tourism programme throughout WTM London also includes the WTM Responsible Tourism Awards.
The International Tourism & Investment Conference Summit (ITIC) is also taking place during the three-day show. Investment in tourism will create new jobs and economic growth and the ITIC event will facilitate vital financial and business partnerships that will pave the way for innovation and recovery.
At Travel Forward, we’ll bring the Start-Up competition, Digital Marketing Sessions - in partnership with The Five Percent, content Payment Solution and many other topics.
Let’s rebuild the travel industry together
Register Now
Registration is now open for the event. Visit: www.wtm.com/london/en-gb.html
Recover. Rebuild. Innovate.
WTM London and WTM Virtual – Don’t miss out on:
• £3.71 billion in business deals
• 50,000 senior travel professionals
(physical and virtual)
• 10,000 buyers
• 5,000 exhibitors
• 3,000 media
• 180+ countries and regions
SHOW DATES AND LOCATION
WTM London & Travel Forward – Physical Events
Monday, 1 November – 10:00-18:00 (invite only) Tuesday, 2 November – 10:00-18:00 Wednesday, 3 November – 10:00-17:00
Location: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL
WTM & TF Virtual – Online Events
Monday 8 November 07:00-22:00 Tuesday 9 November 07:00-22:00
OCTOBER 2021 27


WORLD TRAVEL MARKET PREVIEW
More than 65 countries to be represented at WTM
More than 65 countries will be represented by exhibitors next month at WTM London.
With travel restrictions around the world easing, the number of confirmed exhibitors attending the live event continues to grow, with almost 30 countries from Europe, including France, Greece and Spain as well as Sardinia, Armenia and Gibraltar. Another 38 countries from further afield will be represented: the USA and India as well as niche exhibitors from the Falklands, Galapagos and Iran.
The USA Pavilion will welcome 15 partners, including Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin, The Louisiana Office of Tourism, Memphis Tourism and Visit Mississippi. Visit Florida, Las Vegas and NYC & Company will also be exhibiting as well as Cruise America.
Other exhibitors include Peru and Guatemala; Tanzania and South Africa and North Africa; Egypt; Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Japan; United Arab Emirates – with Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Fujairah – plus Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Other regions include the Indian Ocean with Sri Lanka, the Maldives as well as the Caribbean. The CTO’s stand will be shared by tourist boards from St Lucia, Cayman Islands, Martinique plus suppliers such as Tradewind Voyages and properties including Sunswept Resort St Lucia and Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.
Delegates will also meet exhibitors from the tourist boards of the Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica.
Networking tool now live
The WTM London & Travel Forward platform, Connect Me, the networking and meeting tool that will help travel delegates to find buyers that match their business needs, is now open.
Registered attendees can use Connect Me to create professional and business profiles; connect with exhibitors, trade, media and buyers; pre-schedule meetings and select conference sessions. They can also manage their diaries for the physical and virtual shows before coming to
ExCel London.
Exhibitors at WTM will have free access
to an app that helps them to gather and convert new leads while staying in line with current health and safety guidelines.
The app, Emperia, has been developed in-house by WTM London’s parent company RX (Reed Exhibitions) and can be accessed via the Google Play store for Android devices and AppStore for iPhone users.
The designated admin person will receive the details to set up their company’s Emperia page within the app and the company access code passed on to any attending executive, who can then download the app, log in and start collecting leads. All leads are fed back to the admin who holds the master document where all collected information is stored. At the show, exhibitors can
scan the dedicated QR code on visitors’ badges which captures the information the visitor provided
when registering to attend.
28 travelmatters.biz


&
What will Qatar Tourism’s main message be to the travel trade at this year’s WTM?
At Qatar Tourism, our long-term aim is to establish Qatar as a world-leading destination and triple the current number of annual international visitors to over six million by 2030.
In the shorter-term, with just a year
to go before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, we believe Qatar is the place to be with new hotels, restaurants and major sporting events, including the recently announced Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Our borders are open for fully vaccinated travellers. Our sandy beaches, intriguing culture, breath- taking architecture, world-class
dining and a range of hotels are here to meet the needs of every type of traveller and budget. We will also profile our healthcare initiatives that have made Qatar one of the world’s safest places to visit and have some exciting announcements and a new campaign we’re saving up for the WTM audience.
As the host to next year’s FIFA World Cup tournament - being quite a small nation - will Qatar be ready for the influx of international visitors?
Qatar has invested in a huge number of construction projects in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, expanding tourism offerings, improving public transport and building new hotels. There are over 100 hotels and serviced apartments currently under construction across the country, including the Pullman Doha West Bay and the Katara Towers, Lusail Marina, which will add to Qatar’s existing portfolio of 183 plus properties.
There are also a number of major development projects in progress, including Lusail City to the north of
Travel Matters speaks to
John Taker
Tourism Marketing & Promotion Sector, Qatar Tourism
Doha, an area which is set to become the centre of the World Cup plans, with new hotels, golf courses and the impressive Lusail Stadium.
Transport facilities have also been improved. The Metro system now links the stadiums to residential areas and tourist zones, the country’s Uber and taxi offerings have been expanded and a large fleet of electric scooters and bicycles will be available to hire.
The eight brand new sports stadiums and facilities, all within easy reach
of each other, will feature advanced cooling and air filtering technology, which are estimated to be 40 percent more sustainable than existing techniques.
Do you have plans to encourage visitors to stay longer?
Qatar Tourism’s extensive tourism development strategy is aimed at encouraging visitors to enjoy a range of Qatar’s diverse offerings, whether staying for a few days or over a week.
Over the past few years, a host of new attractions have opened, from theme parks such as Quest Doha, which is home to the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster and indoor shot & drop tower and Desert Falls Water and Adventures Park, one of the largest theme parks
in the Middle East. Our improved transport system will also make many areas of Doha easily accessible and encourage visitors to explore the unique country beyond the
stadium zones.
Will the UK travel trade play a part in Qatar Tourism’s future marketing plans?
Tourism from the UK is extremely important to Qatar’s economy and
the UK travel trade will play an integral role in Qatar Tourism’s future marketing plans. At WTM we will also be announcing our international plans
to facilitate our projected growth, through partnerships with some of the key tour operators and travel agents to showcase Qatar’s appeal as one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations. Our tailored marketing strategy to focus on both point-to-point and stopover trips will also be supported by a new stopover programme that we are launching in partnership with Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar.
How can agents learn more about the destination? Are there any sales tools available?
Qatar Tourism’s online training platform, TAWASH – tawashqatar.com, is a great tool for agents to learn about Qatar and ensure they have everything they need to sell and promote the destination. The interactive platform has recently been refreshed with new content and there are now nine training modules focusing on everything from popular itineraries and hotel suggestions, to what to do in Doha and beyond.
Our consumer – visitqatar.qa and trade - qatartourism.com websites are also great tools for agents and visitors, with lots of useful information including up to date travel advice.
When is the best time to visit?
Year-round sun makes Qatar a great destination to visit anytime of the
year, but the best months are between October and April when temperatures range between 13 and 32 degrees. During the winter, visitors can enjoy desert activities such as camping in a traditional Bedouin camp and safaris by the Inland Sea. These months are also the perfect time to explore Qatar’s cultural sites such as Al Zubarah Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well enjoy the outdoor cafés situated in and around Doha.
OCTOBER 2021 29


FEATURES CALENDAR 2022
For more information, contact: [email protected]
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
Escorted Holidays
Small Ship/River Cruises
Asia
Northern Lights Holidays
APRIL
MAY
Small Ship/River Cruises
Africa & Safaris
Short Breaks inc. UK & Ireland
Florida
SEPTEMBER
MARCH
Australia & New Zealand
Escorted Holidays
Canada
New York/Las Vegas
FEBRUARY
AUGUST
USA
Weddings & Honeymoons
Caribbean
Cruise
JUNE
DECEMBER
JANUARY
Canada
Cruise
JULY
USA
Indian Ocean
Middle East • Far East Solo Holidays
Florida • Short Breaks Christmas Edition


2021/2022 Overseas Escapes.
Your customers can find the freedom they’ve been dreaming of this winter with over 40 new voyages sailing between 13 October 2021 and 13 May 2022 to a variety of destinations.
M214 – The Fjords
with ports of call to Bergen, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger.
7 nights ◆ 22 May 2022.
Balcony stateroom from £1,149pp*
Example Early Saver Fares.
V210N – St Petersburg & Baltic Explorer with ports of call including Tallin, Helsinki, Copenhagen and Gothenburg.
16 nights ◆ 27 April 2022.
Inside stateroom from £2,099pp*
For the latest news and information visit
Shinerewardsclub.com
Q205N – Atlantic Coast and Iberia with ports of call to Vigo
and Lisbon.
7 nights ◆ 13 February 2021.
Inside stateroom from £549pp*
Enter all of your Cunard Fare bookings to play our online game and earn Shine points. Remember, you can combine Cunard and P&O Cruises Shine points to choose from a selection of rewards from the latest technology, beauty products and electronics, or your very own cruise.
Shuffle. Score. Shine. Marketing support.
Visit shinerewardsclub.com to access a host of supporting materials and assets for your own marketing from guides to build your own web banners to ready-made window cards.
*Fares shown are based on two adults sharing a stateroom and are subject to change.


The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and the fourth most populous in the MENA region with its 2020 population estimated at approximately 35 million people.
In September 2019, Saudi Arabia opened its doors to
leisure tourists from around the world. This historic milestone is a key step in the implementation of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s economic diversification program, aiming to connect Saudi to the world, build bridges between cultures and create prosperity for the future.
Visitors will have the chance to discover and experience the warm hospitality of the Saudi people, the rich heritage,
the vibrant culture, and Saudi Arabia's diverse and breath- taking landscapes.


Saudi offers awe-inspiring natural phenomena and exciting, unique ways to explore its diverse terrain, making the kingdom worthy of a spot on any outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. The kingdom boasts quite an itinerary, from desert and water adventures to camping and hiking through caves and craters.
Desert Adventures
From adrenaline-packed excursions like dune bashing and sandboarding to more serene, history-inspired activities such as camel riding and Arabian camping, the desert in Saudi serves as a canvas for more than just adventure travellers.
Hiking Adventures
Saudi’s diverse topography is a delight for hiking enthusiasts. With striking lookout points atop cliffs and an oasis in the desert, there are plenty of adventures to embark upon on foot.
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Find some winter sun with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Travellers looking to escape the winter blues can step aboard the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines fleet for a late break in 2021, with cruises starting from just £399 per person.
As the darker mornings and evenings draw in, Fred. Olsen is shining a spotlight on its autumn and winter cruises, hand-crafted to make the most of some winter sunshine and exceptional experiences ashore.
Among the sailings is a five-night sailing aboard new flagship Bolette, offering guests the chance to explore Antwerp and Amsterdam, with overnight stays in both, departing from Southampton on 2nd November. Prices start from £399 per person.
Those looking to venture to warmer climates can join Borealis for a 14-night cruise to the Canary Islands, setting sail from Liverpool on 7th December 2021. Prices for this cruise start from £999.
Jackie Martin, Director of Marketing and Sales at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said: “Autumn is now well and truly upon us and with so many of us missing out on summer holidays, now really is the perfect time to book an adventure for later in the year.
“Our journey planners have handcrafted these itineraries specially to make the most of some winter sun as the cooler temperatures set in at home, while also bringing opportunities to delve into the local history and cultures in the destinations too.
“Plus, the beauty of cruising on board our smaller ships is that should we need to, our Journey Planners are on hand to change course to ensure a wonderful cruise aboard for all.”
For more information, visit
fredolsencruises.com/agent
I HAVE NO CRUISE CONTROL
IT’S LIKE THE CRUISES BOOK THEMSELVES!
Celestyal Cruises to return to the seas next spring
Celestyal Cruises has announced its return to cruising on 14th March 2022, offering three- and four-night cruises, followed by seven-night sailings on 30th April.
The cruise line will also return to Kusadasi when it sets sail in March and adds Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, to its seven night “Idyllic Aegean Itinerary.” All 2022 and 2023 sailings - with all-inclusive pricing - are on sale now.
The end of 2022 will see the return of Celestyal’s seven-night “Three Continents” itinerary, calling in Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Cyprus. This will be followed by two exclusive holiday sailings - the 10-night Christmas special sailing calling in Thessaloniki, Izmir, Rhodes, Limassol with an overnight visit to Haifa to spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the “Holy Land” and the eight-night New Year’s sailing which includes an overnight stay
in Istanbul to take in the New Year’s Eve fireworks and Volos. Both sailings can be combined for an 18-night holiday.
White Tower, Thessaloniki
Naming ceremony for MSC Seashore
MSC Cruises’ latest flagship, MSC Seashore, will be officially named by Godmother, Sophia Loren at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas on 18th November, making this the first naming ceremony for a cruise ship to be held at a private island.
The naming ceremony will also see the formal inauguration of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. All MSC Cruises ships out of Miami and Port Canaveral call at Ocean Cay and often remain at the island until late in the evening or overnight, giving guests plenty of time to discover everything that the island has to offer.
MSC Seashore will commence her inaugural 7-night cruise and U.S. season on 20th November.
© IVAN SARFATTI
34 travelmatters.biz


AN ITALIAN ADVENTURE WITH RAILBOOKERS
Travelling by train means travelling through landscapes rather than over them and it’s often a view that is only possible from the train. It’s the perfect way to make up for a missed special occasion or to make new memories with family.
Whether a luxury journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, an iconic trip through the Swiss Alps, combining a number of historic European cities or
a Coast to Coast adventure across the USA or Canada, there’s a holiday
for everyone.
A popular choice for many Railbookers customers is to explore Italy by train for a sense of adventure, romance and the ability to get anywhere in the country quickly and easily – from the canals of Venice and the monuments of Rome to the gorgeous coastlines of the Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast. It’s entirely possible to visit all of your favourite Italian destinations, from top to toe, in one amazing trip.
A firm favourite is our Grand Venice, Florence and Rome holiday. Discover the charms and landmarks of three
Italian gems on one scenic holiday along the rails. Explore the cities to their fullest with sightseeing tours and skip- the-line passes all included with travel in First Class comfort throughout the trip. This is one Italian adventure your customers won’t want to miss!
All holidays can be customised; there are no fixed departure dates
or durations. Adding in extra nights, extra destinations, combining different itineraries or adding additional excursions and sightseeing are just some of the ways to create the
perfect holiday.
Short breaks or longer stays, if the train goes there, so do Railbookers!
DREAM DESTINATIONS BY RAIL
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
GRAND VENICE, FLORENCE AND ROME
8 DAYS
£1,599
PER PERSON
Geneva > Venice > Florence > Rome
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Arrive in Italy in style travelling through the breathtaking vistas of the Swiss Alps
• Spend a night enjoying the lakeside sights in cosmopolitan Geneva
• Sample the best of Venice with a gondola ride, walking tour, and Doge's Palace entrance
• Discover Florence's masterpieces with Uffizi Gallery entrance and a sightseeing tour
• Explore Rome with an Ancient Rome tour and Vatican Museum tour
FROM
AMERICA COAST TO COAST
15 DAYS
£2,149
PER PERSON
New York City > Washington > Chicago > Denver > Salt Lake City > San Francisco
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours of New York City, Washington, DC, Chicago and San Francisco
• Monuments by Moonlight tour of Washington, DC
• Sightseeing tours of Rocky Mountain National Park*
and Salt Lake City
• One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations
from New York City on the Northeast Regional®, Capitol Limited®, and California Zephyr® routes
FROM
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS
to Venice with the
Glacier Express and Bernina Express
9 DAYS
£5,529
PER PERSON
Venice > St Moritz > Zermatt
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Travel in luxury aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient- Express
• Bask in the beauty of Venice
• Fall in love with the incredible Bernina Express
• Relax by the lake in timeless St Moritz
• Cross the Alps onboard the famous Glacier Express
• Admire the unmistakable Matterhorn Mountain from
Go
FROM
the G
at railway
or
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er
rg
gr
ra
Call 020 3780 2222 or visit railbookers.co.uk to view all of our holidays and to access our travel agent toolbox with downloadable resources to help you promote what’s booking right now!
OCTOBER 2021 35
7FDRAOYMS
8FDRAOYMS £1PE,R0PER4SO9N *
GRAND TOUR OF SCOTLAND
BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN SCOTLAND’S CLASSIC SPLENDOURS
with Edinburgh and the Jacobite Steam Train
10FRDOAMYS
£P1ER,1PER9SO9N* £6PER,P4ER4SON9*
Inverness > Isle of Skye > Glasgow > Fort William > Edinburgh > London
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Enjoy an overnight train journey on the Caledonian sleeper
Edinburgh > Fort William > Edinburgh
HIGHLIGHTS:
• DEmiscboavrekrotnhethreicjhouhrisnteoyryofoaf bliefeatuimtifeulthErdoinubguhrsgohme of the UK's most spectacular scenic onboard the luxurious Belmond Royal Scotsman
• Get out onto the water on the remote Loch Carron for a private Seal watching trip. • Walk in the footsteps of Royalty with a private tour of Glamis Castle
• Cross the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct aboard the romantic Jacobite steam train.
• Explore Inverness, the gateway to the mesmerizing Scottish Highlands
• Tour the many unforgettable places and landscapes of the Isle of Skye
• Visit the Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland
• Take one of the worlds most beautiful train journeys through the West Highlands • and more!
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS AND THE ISLE OF SKYE
EDINBURGH, OBAN AND THE WEST HIGHLAND LINE
£PE6RP4ER9SON*
London > Inverness > Edinburgh > London
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Explore Inverness, the gateway to the mesmerizing Scottish Highlands
• Tour the many unforgettable places and landscapes of the Isle of Skye
• Visit the Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland
• Discover Edinburgh's charms, such as its medieval Old Town and Princes Street
London > Fort William > Oban
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Explore Edinburgh's history with skip-the-line entrance to the Castle • Spend 2 nights in the beautiful seaside town of Oban
• Take one of the world's most beautiful train journeys through the West Highlands on the Jacobite Steam Train (April to October only)
• Enjoy an overnight train journey on the
Caledonian Sleeper
Contact Your Local Travel Agent:
NEW DOWNLOAD!
SCOTLAND WITH RAILBOOKERS Travel from anywhere in the UK
Papripcleysfoaresopleortpraevresollnerasn.dHsoutebljeacntdtoroaovmailfabcilityie, sbavsaerdy aondtwmoapyeboepsleubsjheacrtitnogaadsdtiatinodnarldfetewsi.nSormdeouhboltelrsoroemq.uPireicpeasyamrenstuobfjelocctatol cihtyantagxee.sSoingalerroivcacul.pPalnecaysesucpaplllefomrepnritcsinwgil.l We accept all major credit and debit cards. Railbookers UK Trading Ltd is a member of ABTA (Y6401) and holidays including flights are ATOL protected, number 7579.
9FDRAOYMS
visit railbookers.co.uk for your copy


CRUISE NEWS
Captain Kate
McCue to
take the helm m
of Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Cruises has announced that Captai
Kate McCue, the first
New yacht cruising itineraries from Emerald Cruises
With the 2023 Luxury Yacht Cruise Collection second edition brochure release, Emerald Cruises has unveiled the details of its new destination – the Seychelles – on board the recently announced Emerald Sakara, joining Emerald Azzurra in 2023.
Emerald Sakara’s maiden voyage will be the 11-day Tropical Charms of the Seychelles itinerary - Emerald Cruises first sailing in the Indian Ocean - departing from Victoria, Mahé Island, the capital of the Seychelles and calling at the islands of Sainte Anne, Cousin, Praslin, Grande Soeur, Curieuse, La Digue and Aride. Departing 23 February 2023, prices start from £4,340 per person.
Two new itineraries in the Black Sea region will also be featured in 2023. Both sailing from Athens to Istanbul, the 15-day Mykonos, Gallipoli & Essence of the Black Sea visits Mykonos, Çanakkale, Istanbul, Bartin, Sinop, Trabzon (all Turkey), Batumi (Georgia), Sochi (Russia), Odessa (Ukraine), Sulina (Romania), Varna and Nessebar (both Bulgaria). The 22-day Discover the Greek Islands, Turkey & the Black Sea itinerary sails the same ports
of call, with additional days sailing the Aegean Sea with calls at Patmos, Kuşadasi, Bodrum, Rhodes and Amorgos. Prices for the 15-day yacht cruise start from £6,125 per person departing 17 June 2023.
All prices include return UK flights, transfers, all on board meals, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and a selection of excursions with knowledgeable local guides.
Guests booking before 30 November 2021 can save up to 15 per cent with Emerald Cruises’ Earlybird Fares and those paying for their cruise in full 12 months prior to departure will save an additional 10 per cent.
i
n
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e
helm of Celebrity Beyond, the company’s third ship
in its Edge Series debuting in spring 2022.
Captain Kate has been a true pioneer, breaking the gender barrier in 2015 when she became the first - and still only - American female to captain a major cruise ship - Celebrity Summit. She moved to Celebrity Equinox before being appointed to the helm of Celebrity Edge in September 2019.
McCue also captained the history-making sailing on Celebrity Edge that comprised a cruise ship’s first-ever all-female bridge and officer team and she also led the Celebrity fleet back into operation this summer.
Celebrity Beyond’s maiden voyage will depart on 27th April 2022, from Southampton, for a 10-night Western Europe cruise visiting Bordeaux, Lisbon, Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona.
American female cruise
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Azamara unveils 2023 and 2024 Itineraries
Azamara has unveiled 39 new itineraries across its four-ship fleet for 2023 and 2024.
Each ship will embark in a different location: Azamara Pursuit in South Africa, Azamara Quest in South America, Azamara Journey in Australia and Asia and Azamara Onward in the Mediterranean and Caribbean regions. Azamara’s winter voyages will also feature several new shore excursions, pre- and post- cruise land programmes and AzAmazing Evenings.
The cruise line will also return to South Africa this winter, following the reopening of international cruising in the region. Azamara Pursuit will set sail from January to March 2022, with six back-to-back voyages.
36 travelmatters.biz


Luxury Yacht Cruises
Emerald Cruises are delighted to announce our brand-new superyacht, Emerald Sakara.
We’re bringing Emerald Cruises’ award-winning reputation and service to the world’s seas and coastlines on board our two luxury superyachts Emerald Azzurra and the brand-new Emerald Sakara.
Emerald Sakara will join our sister-superyacht, Emerald Azzurra. As part of her maiden voyage in 2023, we’re introducing a brand new region: The Indian Ocean. Your customers will be able to discover the tropical charms of this region on an 11-day yacht cruise, island-hopping through the beautiful Seychelles archipelago.
Custom-designed to allow unique access to the fascinating ports and harbours only small yachts can reach, we’ll venture off the beaten track, gifting guests the freedom to explore uncharted territory.
Discover the enhanced 2023 collection
Your customers can explore the Mediterranean, Adriatic coast, Red Sea, Black Sea or The Indian Ocean with Emerald Azzurra or Emerald Sakara in 2023, with Super Earlybird savings of up to 25% on selected cabins, when you pay in full 12 months prior to travel.
So much is included
■ ReturneconomyflightsfromLondon Heathrow (regional departures available on request)
■ Airporttransferstoandfromthesuperyacht
■ Breakfast,lunchanddinneronboard
■ Complimentarywine,beerandsoftdrinks
to accompany lunch and dinner
■ Complimentarywater,restockeddaily
■ State-of-the-artcoffeemachinesand
tea stations
■ First-classservicefromanEnglish
speaking crew
■ Includedexcursionswithknowledgeable
local guides
■ ComplimentaryWi-Fi
■ Allairporttaxesandportcharges
■ ABTA&ATOLprotected
PLUS all gratuities are taken care of
Included excursions
Modern luxury
Relax and unwind
How can we support you?
William Young, your personal Sales Manager, is on hand to support you in all you need to promote and sell Scenic and Emerald Cruises, from customer webinars and training, to marketing support.
You can also visit our online Agent Portals to find our interactive training program
– Agent Academy, presentations, marketing materials, online booking and much more!
You’ll also earn luxury gifts for EVERY booking you make with River Rewards & More. Visit www.riverrewards.cruises for more information.
Contact William on 07921 830147 or email [email protected]
Find out more at emeraldcruises.co.uk
Terms and conditions: All our holidays are subject to availability. Offer valid for new 2023 yacht cruise bookings made from 1st September and 31st October 2021. Super Earlybird and Earlybird Fares available for all new 2023 bookings are limited in number, once sold out the Full Fare will apply. The up to 25% Super Earlybird saving is created by combining the Earlybird Fare (of up to 15% saving on the Full Fare) plus an extra up to 10% Pay In Full saving when paying in full 12 months before departure. If full payment is not received 12 months prior, the Pay In Full saving will be removed. Earlybird
D Cabin fare must be paid in full 12 months before departure. Savings are applicable on the cruise element only, excludes air fares, port charges, hotel stays and other
additional items. Our offers are not combinable, and we reserve the right to withdraw our offers at any time. For full booking conditions visit emeraldcruises.co.uk. E&OE. ABTANo.Y6328


In conversation with...
RICHARD HEY
Trade Development Director, ONEE Luxury Travel
Richard, tell us about the background of ONEE, its launch and business ethos?
The company was founded in 2020 and is very much the brainchild of
our Founder and CEO Onur Takmak. Although Onur comes from a financial and corporate background, his abiding passion has always been for travel. He spotted a gap in the marketplace for a trade-only villa specialist distribution platform, featuring only the very best villas around the world. And so ONEE was born – the rest, as they say,
is history!
We are completely committed to working with the travel trade as – particularly at this end of the market - we believe that the role of a specialist, knowledgeable travel advisor is of the utmost importance.
What products do you see selling best with the trade?
One of our strengths is that we have
a year-round portfolio of product – whether you’re looking for a classic Tuscan villa or an exclusive ski lodge in Colorado. All are commissionable, with many having some fantastic added services and concierge elements.
For the remainder of this year,
we’re expecting some last minute enquiries for the Med, as well as the UK, followed by pick up for our ski destinations including France, Austria and Switzerland, as well as winter sun products in the Caribbean and UAE.
We’re optimistic that 2022 will see the return of the European classics, as well as properties in the Indian Ocean, South Africa, South East Asia and the Americas, which the UK market has clearly missed in recent times.
How do you select and
vet the properties?
Products are carefully researched and selected by our team before any contact is made. The vetting process then includes satisfying specific minimum service level standards, meeting health and safety/Covid 19 requirements and having the ability to meet all other regulatory needs dependent on the destination.
Forging close working relationships is also vital between ONEE and our suppliers’ partners and we trust them to be available for our travel agent partners whenever required.
What support can you offer the trade to help them sell more?
As well as being at the end of the phone and email, we also have some great social channels.
We’ve recently launched our Facebook group ONEE Luxury Travel Trade where we’ll be featuring handy tools such as “how to sell” guides, property of the week etc... Look out for some of our news on LinkedIn, as well as inspiration on Instagram.
How does an agent go
about working with you?
The first thing to do is to visit our website www.onee.com and register. The team can approve registrations quickly, giving you access to our booking system straight away.
You can view our range of destinations, check availability and interact directly with the manager of each property through the portal, allowing you to make any additional arrangements to enhance your clients’ holiday.
Email or call us on 020 8142 4801; email: [email protected] if you want any more info!
Villa Canaille, France
38 travelmatters.biz


Six Reasons to Register Now with ONEE Luxury Travel
ONEE Luxury Travel is a game-changer for the UK Travel Trade. We are committed to helping you seamlessly create exceptional villa holidays for your clients. So get ahead of the game and register now to gain access to an incredible selection of around 800 luxurious properties around the world.
A Fantastic Portfolio:
Explore our incredible portfolio – from a grand estate in Scotland to a private home in Capetown; the ultimate Alpine Ski Chalet to an exclusive hideaway in Barbados and a choice of breathtaking European villas in destinations such as Tuscany, Provence, Greece and Croatia. All carefully vetted. All of exceptional quality.
Trust and Transparency:
We offer the travel trade guaranteed commission with transparent rates, which property managers can customise themselves.
Easy to Use:
Our booking platform is easy to use and provides a seamless booking process between travel agents & property managers to find and book your clients’ dream holiday homes.
A Host of Commissionable Extras:
All properties can offer additional services and add-ons to ensure a 5-star service and experience from start to finish.
A Carefully Selected Community:
We personally vet every travel agent and property manager, creating a qualified and knowledgeable community that together offer clients unforgettable experiences.
Committed to the Trade:
Although our online platform is publicly accessible, consumers can’t book directly with us – only through vetted travel agents who are logged in to the closed and secure site. We pass on any direct enquiries to qualified agents in our existing network.
Villa Emilija, Croatia
INTERESTED? WHAT’S NEXT...
Talk to our dedicated Travel Trade team
Call 0208 142 4801 or send an email to Richard Hey [email protected]
To stay up to date with new properties and developments, join our Facebook Community:
facebook.com/groups/oneetraveltrade


ESCORTED TOURS
G Adventures
launches Christmas
market tours
G Adventures has launched its first Christmas market tours in Europe, with visits to Hellbrunner Christmas Market in Salzburg and Germany’s Nuremberg market.
The week-long tours will include four departures running from late November through to the end of December, travelling from Berlin to Vienna, or vice versa, highlighting the winter magic Germany and Austria have to offer and stopping in Salzburg, Munich and Nuremberg along the way.
“Christmas 2020 was incredibly tough, with COVID restrictions meaning many families and friends were unable to spend the holiday season together. We’re incredibly excited to be launching these new festive tours, which
will help travellers recapture the magic of Christmas and celebrate with loved ones and new friends,” says Brian Young, managing director at G Adventures.
“We know that many British travellers are opting for short haul trips and with Germany and Austria both on the UK’s green list, it’s easier than ever for them to hop over and enjoy the festive magic in some of Europe’s most beautiful and famous Christmas markets.”
Both tours are part of G Adventures’ new Travel-Ready programme, which requires all travellers to be either fully vaccinated or have a negative PCR test within 96 hours prior to day one of their tour.
© Tourismus Salzburg GmbH
Things are
looking up....
comments
Richard Forde
Head of Sales Newmarket Holidays
At the time of writing,
things are certainly looking
up for the travel sector.
With the travel and testing restrictions being lifted and the great news that the USA will allow us in from November, gives us a real boost to one of our top sellers!
For several years now Newmarket have been market leaders in the world of Elvis, taking thousands of happy customers and music lovers away with our ‘Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans & Nashville’ tour, with direct flights with Virgin from Manchester or regional connections to Heathrow, priced from only £1,615 for 9 days.
What’s even better for you and your customers to clinch that sale is we currently have up to 10% off all holidays abroad for 2022, with an agent promo code of AGENT10 running until November 10th!
If you didn’t know already, then Amy Burt covering Scotland and Northern Ireland and Gemma Walker looking after the North and North East of England are back from a long period of furlough to work alongside YOU our agent partners.
They would be delighted to hear from you and set up agent training, visits and sales opportunities you have – just get in touch.
Amy - tel: 07960 776030
email: [email protected] Gemma - tel: 07713 487115
email: [email protected]
All our holidays can be found on the Newmarket agent website www.newmarketholidays.co.uk
For reservations, tel: 0330 160 7999
“MY FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM CHILDHOOD IS MY PARENTS PAYING FOR MY HOLIDAYS”
40 travelmatters.biz


SAVE 10%*
BOOK BY
10 NOVEMBER
Autumn Sale Save up to 10% on air holidays departing in 2022*
Save up to 10% across air holidays departing in 2022* use promo code AGENT10
Lapland Santa
Experience Day Trip**
1 day from £599pp
| Departing Dec 2021 & Dec 2022
| Fly from Glasgow
| Exclusive chartered return flights direct to Swedish Lapland
Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans & Nashville 9 days from £1,749pp
| Departing Nov 2021
to Dec 2023
| Fly from Manchester
| Seven nights’ room-only accommodation
Lake Garda
8 days from £716pp
| Departing May to Sep 2022
| Fly from Leeds/Bradford and Edinburgh
| Seven nights’ Bed & Breakfast accommodation
On Safari in South Africa at Mabula Lodge
10 days from £1,845pp
| Departing Mar 2022
to Dec 2023
| Fly from London Heathrow (Regional connections available)
| Nine nights’ full-board accommodation
Your Escorted Tour Specialists
For bookings, brochures, personalised posters & more,
visit www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/agents-login or email us at [email protected] or call us on 0330 160 7999 *Terms & Conditions apply, please see our website for full details. **excluded from current offer


ESCORTED TOURS
ESCORTED HOLIDAYS FOR THE SOLO TRAVELLER WITH JUST YOU
By Hilary Douglas
If you have clients who are interested in travelling solo – the first piece of advice is – tell them to just do it!
As travellers are becoming more adventurous and confident about travelling alone, this expanding market offers a great sales opportunity and Just You have some amazing solo holidays on offer.
On an escorted holiday, although
you travel on your own, you are most definitely not alone. These holidays are the perfect combination of having the freedom to do your own thing, with the security of knowing you are in a group when you want to be.
Pre- covid, I went to Kenya on a safari with Just You and had an amazing time. I felt safe and well looked after at all times.
Our group of 12 was made up of a wide range of people but all with one thing in common – a passion for the destination and being on safari.
I knew immediately that I was in the companyoffellowtravellersthat I would enjoy spending time with.
Just You were super organised from start to finish. Between booking and departure, I was contacted to make sure I had everything I needed and the sales agents were really helpful with lots of advice and information. Once
I arrived at the airport, it was great to meet the rest of the group and our Just You guide, who made sure we were all checked-in.
On arrival in Kenya, our safari jeeps were ready and waiting for us. We loaded up and were taken to the first destination. I loved the fact that once you were in a chosen vehicle, that’s where you stayed for the week. It allowed the four of us to get to know one another and feel comfortable with our designated Kenyan driver/guide. The accommodation was amazing (Just You offer all single occupancy rooms), the food was great and planning superb.
At the start of the week, Damien, our Just You guide, explained to us what we would be doing each day and where we would be going. He was also on hand 24/7 if we needed anything.
Our trip consisted of four different stops across the seven days. Although there was quite a bit of travelling, it didn’t take away from the holiday as there were so many incredible sights to see in each destination. The aim of the safari was of course, to see the Big 5 and we most certainly did! Our Kenyan guide was brilliant – knowledgeable, fun and engaging – and made the trip thoroughly enjoyable.
I had never experienced an escorted solo trip before and would have no hesitation doing it again. Just You have a fantastic new brochure out with so many options for the solo traveller. You can be confident each of the tours have been meticulously planned to deliver maximum enjoyment.
For any client who loves to explore and travel but for whatever reason, finds themselves on their own – a solo escorted tour with Just You is the perfect choice.
42 travelmatters.biz


ESCORTED TOURS
Shearings double capacity for Warner 2022 Holidays
Escorted coach tours company, Shearings has doubled capacity for 2022 holidays featuring Warner Leisure Hotels.
The adult-only Warner Leisure Hotels in the Shearings programme are country or coastal, sometimes historical houses, mansions and even castles and offer leisure facilities, such as swimming pools, gym facilities, spa treatments, golf, croquet and even archery. The hotels also offer fine-dining and live evening entertainment.
The 2022 programme features a choice of five-day breaks, 60 departure dates, across 11 destinations to 13 properties, include return coach travel, with local joining points, four- nights’ accommodation with breakfast and evening meals and excursions.
Leger Shearings Group’s Head of Retail Sales, Ashley Dellow said: “Shearings’ Warner Leisure Hotels programme has proved very popular with agents this year as customers upgraded their UK holidays, to make up for the disruption and lost holidays caused by the pandemic.
“It looks like the trend is continuing into 2022 and we’ve increased our product to meet that demand. Agents shouldn’t be concerned that we’re going completely up-market though! Our beloved traditional great value escorted coach tour short breaks, ‘Best of the UK’ programme, has also had capacity increased as the appreciation for exploring the UK continues.”
New Canada, Alaska and USA tours with Scenic
Scenic has added two new itineraries to its Canada, Alaska and United States 2022/23 collection. The 23-day America’s National Parks and Rockies to the Red Rocks land tour will travel from Calgary to Denver, while the 32- day Majestic Rockies & the Colours of Eastern Canada travels from Calgary to Boston.
On the National Parks and Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary, guests will enjoy jeep riding in Monument Valley, a visit to Yellowstone National Park, a journey on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer and a dining experience on the rim of the Grand Canyon.
The Majestic Rockies & the Colours of Eastern Canada cruise-tour introduces guests to Canada’s Rocky Mountains on a journey to Alaska, Vancouver, Niagara Falls, Washington and Boston. Guests can meet with a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, take a guided city tour of Montréal and Québec City as well as see a Broadway show in New York City.
All land journeys are fully-inclusive, with prices including return flights, transfers, gratuities, a selection of local specialty dining options and all excursions. Land tours are capped at a maximum group size of 36 guests to ensure an intimate touring experience.
OCTOBER 2021 43


ESCORTED TOURS
New options and exclusive escorted tours with Just Go! Holidays
Just Go! Holidays, part of The
JG Travel Group, specialise in group tours by coach, to England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and continental Europe. There is
a huge choice on offer with everything from short breaks
in the UK to longer trips and touring breaks by coach and air.
Whether it is a last-minute Festive getaway or a tour for 2022, there is so much on offer to suit a wide range
of customers.
Going local
Just Go! Holiday coach tours offer
great value for money and depart directly from over 450 local pick-up points. This means that customers can start enjoying their holiday from the very minute they step onto one of our coaches and we also have a selection of tours available from regional airports if customers prefer to fly.
So much choice
For 2022, a vast range of itineraries
are now available from classic British seaside breaks and heritage steam train journeys to scenic tours, events and so much more. Just Go! Holidays’ British Isles programme for 2022 is the operator’s largest to date, featuring 137 tours including two TV inspired tours themed around crime drama Vera and Netflix smash hit, Bridgerton.
For those who want to head into Europe, a range of tours are now on sale including amazing new itineraries such as Krakow, Auschwitz and the Tatra Mountains by coach or Avignon, Carcassonne and Picturebook Provence by air. Each tour includes a selection of excursions to ensure customers see the very best of the region visited.
Exclusive escorted tours
Just Go! Holidays offer an exclusive collection of escorted tours exploring Britain’s Historic Houses. Tours offer the chance to explore the architecture, craftsmanship, unique collections and family narratives of some of the most beautiful historic houses, castles and gardens in the country on specially tailored, bespoke itineraries. Customers make their own way to the hotel, where they will be met by the tour manager who will escort the trip as well as all
the excursions.
Trade friendly
Any agent looking for help, advice, training or sales material should contact Claire Dutton, Trade Sales Manager at Just Go! Holidays. Claire is on hand to provide agents with ideas on how they can grow their business, how they can promote escorted tours and how to
get the very most out of every
sales opportunity.
For more information, visit
www.justgoholidays.com/agents or email: clairedutton@ justgoholidays.com
44 travelmatters.biz




NEWS
More flexibility from Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel has launched ‘Cruise & Explore’ river sailings on three new European itineraries, offering guests a more flexible experience for joining a cruise and when in port.
The new itineraries enable guests to travel to and from a cruise via their own pre-arranged flights and transfers, allowing them to stay for longer in pre- and post-sailing destinations of their choice and pick their preferred mode of transport and departure point. They can also stay on board their ship on a half-board basis, combining this with heading for the shore to enjoy the local hospitality. Riviera is arranging for ships to stay longer in port, including having overnight moorings at select destinations, to allow later dining on shore.
Fares will be based on a half board, cruise-only basis, with guests booking their flights, transfers and excursions. Prices start from £799pp.
These options are available on new Danube, Rhône and Rhine eight-day itineraries next year. Two departures will take place on each itinerary, one at the end of March and one in early November, meaning six of the new Cruise & Explore sailings are on offer in total.
Turkey ready to welcome back UK visitors
The Turkish Government has announced that proof of a negative PCR test is no longer required from double vaccinated UK travellers visiting Turkey.
The popular destination, which welcomed two and a half million British tourists in 2019, was removed from the UK Government’s red list on 22nd September 2021.
Fully vaccinated Brits can now take full advantage of direct flights from across the UK to Antalya, Dalaman and Izmir, as well as to Istanbul, to head to Turkey’s warmer climes this autumn.
The Turkish Tourism Board in the UK said: “Turkey is ready and excited to welcome back travellers from across the UK. With no requirement for PCR tests and following our removal from the UK Government red list, travelling to Turkey couldn’t be easier.
“With warm temperatures, welcoming people, stunning coastlines and wonderful local cuisine all just a few hours flight away, Turkey is the perfect destination for UK families.”
For more information, visit www.goturkiye.com
Windstar Cruises completes
W
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yacht renovation
y
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Windstar Cruises has taken delivery of its all-suite
W
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Star Plus Class Star Pride at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Italy.
S
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The yacht is the third and fififinal of the line’s Star Plus Class yachts to
T
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be stretched and transformed over a multi-year, $250 million project.
b
b
Star Pride will remain in Italy until the yacht resumes guest
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o
operations next April in the Mediterranean. Sister yacht Star Breeze
h
has begun sailing in Tahiti, while Star Legend is completing a short
s
season in the Mediterranean before sailing to the Caribbean
i
i
n November.
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All three yachts have increased in maximum capacity from 212
g
guests to 312 and now feature additional dining experiences, a true
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spa and fifitness centre, an infifinity pool and more outdoor deck areas.
46 travelmatters.biz


Read all about it
Our first Sailors are sharing what it means to
Set Sail the Virgin Way and, well, see for yourself...
“I’m convinced this ship is a game changer.” Cruise Critic
“A whimsical sensory overload, an incredibly unique ship,
one not to be missed.” @London_Tash on Twitter
“Sleek, sexy, cheeky, sophisticated — and no kids, no water slides, no go-karts, no gimmicks — just a beautifully curated experience. Beautiful ship. Incredible food. Lovely staff.”
Trip Advisor Review
“Scarlet Lady is not your typical cruise ship. From the moment you board, the ship sets the mood...And that feeling of Virgin being one step ahead of your expectations continues all the way round the ship.”
Cruise Critic
Read more on FIRSTMATES.COM
For packages, visit TRADE-VOYAGESTORE.COM


Your Sailors can return to that European town they have always loved, that dream of spending summer days and nights sailing through the Mediterranean. Book a magical Med sailing with Voyage Store today!
Overnights Homeports in Barcelona, Spain Longer port stays & overnights in some of in Ibiza & Piraeus, Athens the most idyllic islands & cities in Europe
7 Night ‘French Daze & Ibiza Nights’ Voyage + 3 Nights in Barcelona from £1675pp
Barcelona • Marseille • Monte Carlo • Olbia • Ibiza • Barcelona
Departing on: 16 June 2022 | Onboard: Valiant Lady | Offer Ref: 34002
11 Night ‘Charming Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece’ Voyage + 3 Nights in Athens from £2049pp
Lisbon • Málaga • Palma de Mallorca • Catania • Mykonos • Piraeus, Athens
Departing on: 3 May 2023 | Onboard: Resilient Lady | Offer Ref: 34647
7 Night ‘Greek Island Glow’ Voyage + 4 Nights in Rome from £2099pp
Piraeus, Athens • Santorini • Rhodes • Chania, Souda Bay • Mykonos • Piraeus, Athens
Departing on: 4 September 2022 | Onboard: Resilient Lady | Offer Ref: 34651
For more information and package terms, please visit: trade-voyagestore.com/packages/
Book Virgin Voyages Mediterranean packages with Voyage Store Call us on: 0151 350 1133 Email us at: [email protected]