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Published by suhewitson, 2020-09-09 07:10:08

Travel-Matters-Issue37-Sept/Oct20

Travel-Matters-Issue37-Sept/Oct20

ISSUE 37 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE IN SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, NORTH OF ENGLAND & IOM
CRYSTAL
CONFIDENCE 2.0
NO MONEY DOWN | 90-DAY DEPOSIT WINDOW LIMITED TIME ONLY
Enhanced peace of mind booking policies
OCEAN | RIVER | YACHT | EXPEDITION 2021 – 2023
BOOK NOW & DEPOSIT LATER
ZERO MONEY DOWN NEW 90-DAY OPTION WINDOW REDUCED DEPOSITS
CLOSER-IN FINAL PAYMENTS
RELAXED CANCELLATION TERMS
The World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line invites guests to dream big and plan for their future travels with total confidence, excitement and reduced pressure of commitment. Newly expanded to include voyages through until 2023 across all Crystal Experiences — Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition — is our Crystal Confidence 2.0 for all new bookings, and you’ll have 90 days before deposit is
due. Effective immediately, this new limited-time offer launches in conjunction with enhancements to our other Peace of Mind booking policies — from reduced deposits and extended final payments to relaxed cancellation schedules and extended Early Full Payment Savings — granting travellers who are eager to return to their global discoveries with broader choices and flexibility to alter plans if necessary.
Book your dream cruise by 5 November 2020 to take advantage of Book Now Fares and prepare to enjoy the spacious luxury and all-inclusive value of Crystal... Where Luxury is PersonalTM.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO MAKE A BOOKING,
PLEASE CONTACT: [email protected]
The All-Inclusive
CRYSTAL EXPERIENCE®
INCLUDES
BOOK NOW SAVINGS
OPEN BARS & LOUNGES with complimentary fine wines, champagnes, spirits & speciality coffees
MICHELIN-INSPIRED CUISINE in up to 11 dining venues plus 24-hour in-suite dining
SPECIALITY DINING aboard all ships, including Umi Uma® by Chef Nobu on Ocean & Expedition
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMES NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT COMPLIMENTARY, UNLIMITED WI-FI PRE-PAID GRATUITIES
BOOK BY 5 NOVEMBER 2020


3
OCEAN COLLECTION
CRYSTAL SYMPHONY® | CRYSTAL SERENITY® WORLDWIDE DESTINATIONS | WORLD CRUISE
BOROBUDUR TEMPLE | SEMARANG, INDONESIA
The All-Inclusive
CRYSTAL EXPERIENCE®
I
I
N
N
C
C
L
L
U
U
D
DE
ES
S
DISCOVERY TO FUEL YOUR WANDERLUST
216 PORTS | 10 MAIDEN CALLS | 92 COUNTRIES | 6 CONTINENTS
From Asia to Africa, New Zealand to New England, and the Black Sea to the British Isles, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line sets a global course for enriching discovery in 2023. Newly announced are 36 journeys aboard Crystal Symphony with focused itineraries in Southeast Asia and India; the Middle East, Holy Land and Egypt; and the Mediterranean, Baltic and Australia — including a New Year’s Eve celebration in Sydney. Following the recent launch of Crystal Serenity’s 32 itineraries, Crystal’s 2023 Ocean Collection now features 68 all- inclusive voyages ranging from 6 to 23 nights in destinations both fascinating and fabled, as well as a 140-night World Cruise with multiple options for disembarkation. The lauded ships — Travel + Leisure just named Crystal Cruises the very best for food, service, nightlife and romance in its 2020 World’s Best Awards — will both spend extended seasons in the Mediterranean and Europe on diverse itineraries offering tremendous choices. Crystal Symphony will
spend the entire year sailing abroad, from places like Vietnam, Cambodia, Yangon and India to destinations including Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and Egypt. Crystal Serenity will also offer routes from Canada to the Caribbean.
Look to the horizon and plan your future adventures with Crystal... Where Luxury is PersonalTM.
CONTACT [email protected]
The most trusted, all-inclusive luxury cruise brand Open-seating dining, Michelin-inspired cuisine
and casual fare in multiple restaurants
Nobu Matsuhisa’s only sea-going restaurants
24-hour room service and butler service in every Penthouse category and above
Multiple open bars and lounges, and endless pours of fine wines and spirits
The highest space-to-guest ratios with big-ship amenities and small-ship feel
The highest staff-to-guest ratio offering unmatched, personal service
Free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the ships More than 2,000 shore excursions plus
complimentary voluntourism opportunities
The highest acclaimed enrichment in the industry, plus exclusive entertainment partnerships


ISSUE 37 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE IN SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, NORTH OF ENGLAND & IOM
FOCUS ON...
UK SHORT BREAKS
CHECK-IN WITH LOGANAIR
INDIAN OCEAN HIGHLIGHTS
TRAVEL MATTERS SPEAKS TO
GARRY WILSON, CEO, EASYJET HOLIDAYS


in this issue...
7 2022 Saga cruises on sale now!
12-20 Focus on Short Breaks
17 Savings with DFDS
19 George Best Belfast
City Airport connecting you
with the UK & Europe
23 Goodlife Florida Villas - experts in Villas & Car Hire
7 12
25 Get to know the Bahamas
26-27 Escape it all in Whidbey & Camano Islands
28-33 Indian Ocean Highlights
29 Become a Seychelles expert
31 The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach -
unparalleled paradise
35 Unique itineraries with Crystal Esprit
35
25
31
28-33
4 travelmatters.biz


Explore Iceland onboard Golden Horizon
A voyage departing from Glasgow, which showcases the island’s incredible natural scenery and wildlife.
Looking for a new way to explore the world? Come on board Golden Horizon, the world’s largest square-rigged sailing vessel, with voyages commencing in May 2021. Our philosophy is simple and unique; we use the winds and the currents to follow the sun.
Our Icelandic voyage takes you to Reykjavik and the Golden Circle as we circumnavigate the island’s dramatic coastline. Search for puins, ride Icelandic horses and go whale watching, before soaking in the healing geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.
View all voyages at tradewindvoyages.com


@travelmatters.biz @TravelMatBiz @travelmattersbiz @travelmattersbiz
Read previous issues online at...
www.travelmatters.biz mEET ThE TEam:
andrea Pellicci
Director
07766 010272 [email protected]
gary reavely
Director
07762 630057 [email protected]
Hilary Douglas
Director
07989 414454 [email protected]
Travel MattersTM is published by GAH Publishing Ltd,
96 Craigleith Hill Crescent, Edinburgh, EH4 2JP
For magazine delivery and subscription enquiries, email [email protected]
Printed by Claro Print.
This magazine can be recycled through your kerbside collection or at a local recycling point. Travel Matters is printed
on paper sourced from managed forests where more trees are planted each year than are harvested. All printing inks are vegetable oil based, eco-friendly and all print is produced in conditions that are compliant with and certified to the ISO 14001 environmental standard.
This product is wrapped using LDPE 4, which is a recyclable polythene. If you are unsure of how to dispose of this wrap, please check with your local authority.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the prior permission of the copyright holder. All prices and data are correct at time of publication. Opinions expressed in Travel Matters are not necessarily those of the publisher and GAH Publishing does not accept responsibility for any mistakes that may occur.
Opposite image: Eilean Donan Castle
Front Cover image: Sunset over the basalt rock formations of Giant’s Causeway on the north coast of Northern Ireland.
We are back!
well here we are - in September would you believe - and who could have foreseen the events of the past few months?
While this may be one of the most difficult times we have ever encountered, the travel industry is fighting hard to find solutions for us to move forward, albeit perhaps in a different world.
Here at Travel Matters we are extremely grateful to our readers for all your support and hope that you find some inspiration in this month’s issue.
Until the next time - stay safe - and we will get through this. The Travel matters Team


2022 cruises on sale now!
EARLY BOOKERS Save up to 35%
We’re excited to launch our full season of boutique cruises for 2022. This includes
43 brand-new itineraries aboard
Britain’s newest all-balcony sister ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure.
Every cruise is all inclusive, and also includes sightseeing excursions, speciality dining, gratuities and free Wi-Fi.
All cruises are no-fly, departing from Dover or Southampton. We even include a shared chauffeur service from home to the port up to 250 miles each way.
Book your customers at launch for the best discounts of up to 35%, plus a wider choice of cabins, including balcony single cabins.
Destination highlights for 2022 include voyages to the Arctic wilderness of Spitsbergen and the intriguing Black Sea, winter sun cruises to the Canaries, Caribbean and much more.
Bookings are now open for all 2022 cruises aboard Spirit of Discovery and
Spirit of Adventure.
0800 074 8021 www.sagaagents.co.uk
All-inclusive includes a choice of wines with lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits and cocktails, draught beer and lager, plus all mixers and soft drinks. Private chauffeur service to the port up to 75 miles each way or shared chauffeur service from 76-250 miles. Some highlights may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently. Saga’s holidays and cruises are exclusively for the over 50s, but a travel companion can be 40+. Saga reserves the right to withdraw, reduce or amend offers at anytime without notice. NTA-SC4659


travel news »
MORE FLEXIBILITY FROM LUFTHANSA GROUP
Lufthansa Group airlines including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines have removed rebooking fees.
Until the end of December 2020, all fares can be rebooked free of charge and includes the lowest light fare without checked baggage.
In response to the pandemic, the Lufthansa Group Airlines previously implemented a one-off, free of charge rebooking policy. The Lufthansa Group airlines recognise their customers’ needs for flexible travel arrangements and this new regulation applies to all new bookings on short, medium and long-haul routes worldwide. Customers may incur additional costs if,
for example, the original booking class is no longer available when rebooking to a different date or destination and any fare difference will require additional payment.
TAKE ME ANYWHERE....
EXTRA SAVINGS WITH
EMERALD WATERWAYS
For a limited period, customers can enjoy an extra saving of £150 per person on Emerald Waterways 2021 France river cruises, in addition to savings of up to £500 per person. They will also receive €150 per cabin to spend on board and a free Deposit Protection Plan.
Plus, when they pay for their holiday in full by 31st October 2020, they are entitled to an Early Payment Discount of £200 per person.
WIN
A cruise For Two wiTh Fred. olsen
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering travel agents the chance to WIN one of six cruises for two
on board its new ships, Bolette and Borealis.
To qualify, agents should
register every new booking
made onto Fred. Olsen’s
2021, 2022 or 2023 cruise programmes, on any of the fleet – Balmoral, Braemar, Bolette or Borealis – between 1st September and 30th November 2020 inclusive.
Geoff Ridgeon, Head of Sales at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are so excited to be welcoming Bolette and Borealis into the fleet and know that so many of the travel agents who
sell our cruises can’t wait to get on board to explore the new ships for themselves.
“We as an industry have found ourselves in unprecedented times and this is a great way to be able to say ‘thank you’ for all of the trade’s hard work and support throughout this time. We can’t wait to welcome six travel agents, each with a guest, on board to enjoy the Fred. Olsen experience aboard our new-look fleet.”
The winning travel agents will join one of two cruises setting sail next year: a seven-night cruise aboard Bolette, departing from Dover on 17th April; a five-night cruise aboard Borealis, departing from Liverpool on 29th April.
Each new booking will act as a new entry into the draw, with no limit on the amount of entries that can be made. All bookings should be registered online via Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Travel Agent Centre by Friday, 4th December. The winners will be announced on Monday, 7th December.
aCaDEmy COUrSES - NOw liVE
Two brand new online training modules have now been launched on Agent Academy; Emerald Waterways European River Cruises 2021 and Scenic European River Cruising 2021.
Agents completing these interactive modules can discover the 2021 European River Cruise programmes as well as Emerald and Scenic’s new health and safety procedures and protocols.
For more details, visit:
www.emeraldwaterways.co.uk/ agent-portal/agent-academy
www.scenic.co.uk/agent-portal/ agent-academy
8 travelmatters.biz


travel news »
BeYond The horizon wiTh TrAdewind voYAges
New cruise operator, Tradewind Voyages has launched details of the first voyages on board the world’s largest square-rigged sailing ship, Golden Horizon.
Combining traditional features with a contemporary design, the new ship will carry 272 guests and feature luxury cabins, gourmet cuisine, complimentary water sports along with well being programmes.
Golden Horizon will debut next year, offering ex-UK voyages from May to August, including two departures from Greenock. She will then
sail east in September, following the historic Maritime Silk Route to Jakarta and on to Bali and the Indian Ocean.
For more information, visit tradewindvoyages.com
Msc cruises sAYs “ThAnK You” To heAlThcAre worKers
MSC Cruises has launched a special global discounted cruise fares programme, for all front line and back office healthcare professionals as a way of saying ‘thank
you’ for their ongoing contribution to fight the global pandemic.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, said: “As a family-owned company we think it’s only right and proper to find a way to express our heartfelt ‘thank you’ to each and every healthcare professional around the world
– as well as their families - for their selfless and tireless dedication, professionalism and bravery in tackling the current global pandemic.
“To all of them, NHS and private health care staff, front line and back office workers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, those who work in research laboratories and in fact everyone who is a health worker, at all levels.”
The special ‘thank you’ discounted cruise fare programme will be available on all MSC Cruises sailings of any duration through to the end of 2021. This includes all cruises departing up to 31st December 2021, when the booking is made by
30th April 2021.
DrEamiNg Of walkS by ThE SEa
ABTA lAunches virTuAl regionAl Business MeeTings progrAMMe
This autumn, ABTA is engaging with Members virtually through its Regional Business Meetings programme to share information and help businesses get through this ongoing crisis.
Each session will be hosted by ABTA’s experts that will explore the current industry picture, including Government measures and advice.
The Regional Business Meetings will cover topics
such as refunds, Government support schemes, chargebacks and Brexit. A new forum will also take place that will consist of a panel discussion that looks at how we can work together as an industry to restore consumer confidence in travel. Places can be reserved by Members at abta.com/regionalbusinessmeetings
Virtual meetings will be held in the
North East - 29th September; Scotland - 27th October and Northern Ireland - 29th October.
ABTA has unveiled the latest speakers for this year's virtual Travel Convention which will take place on 14th October with the theme - ‘Rebuilding Confidence in Travel’.
Speakers will include multi-award-winning comedian, actor, writer and TV presenter, Richard Ayoade; President of Carnival UK, Simon Palethorpe; CEO of Virgin Atlantic, Shai Weiss and the Director of General Insurance Policy at the Association of British Insurers, James Dalton.
September / october 2020 9


The Voice of Travel in Scotland
I never anticipated last December when I took on the role of President of the SPAA, that nine months later, I would be sitting writing this article reflecting on events since then and what our industry has endured. The well laid plans I had, all but disappeared!
The February Dinner feels like a distant memory and with the Sparkle Awards (the first event to recognise frontline staff due to be held in September) postponed until 2021, I do wonder how we have managed to get through what we have so far.
We have as a trade endured so much and I do feel that us oldies, who have been around a long time, will dust ourselves down and do all possible to remain optimistic.
It is hard though and the toughest time I have ever known. Fortunately I thrive on challenges, as everything we have all had to do recently has been
a challenge - from actioning refunds,
fighting for grants, lobbying Holyrood and Westminster regarding quarantine, furlough, testing at airports and help for our beloved industry.
We all have had to make really tough decisions, which have not been
taken lightly by anyone. Owners of businesses have not been able to take the option to furlough themselves and have had to in some cases, hold the fort alone which has been really tough.
Being a business owner has been
very challenging, so don’t forget what your employer is going through too. They have the weight of this whole pandemic on their shoulders doing all they can to secure their own and your future. A lot is managed behind the scenes and your employer may require you to take a cut in hours or salary but remember, we are trying to secure your long-term future. Short term pain may be the only answer for long term gain and survival.
Some operators have really stepped up to the mark, but furlough has created issues with the ability to contact operators. Why the Government did not follow the lead of Southern Ireland helping with salaries and allowing staff to work remotely, I am unsure. This would have been a far better solution, as operators would have had to furlough less staff.
It has also been such a shame to see so many companies in a position where they have had to make their business development managers redundant.
I do hope that these companies will eventually be able to reinstate these roles as they are critical to the agency community.
In the past few weeks I have tried to get some normality back in my life. We had the SPAA Golf event and it was excellent to see so many people enjoy themselves, share stories and it makes you realise, we are all in this together.
I have also recently returned from a long weekend in Turkey with seven travel friends. I have to say the journey out of Glasgow Airport was flawless and we had an amazing time. I felt totally safe and it was brilliant to see what another country has in place and how they are coping.
The fight goes on for the introduction of testing to remove the need to quarantine on return, as well as regional travel corridors. We have to adapt to living in the new norm and try to get our industry moving again whilst living with Covid-19.
I took on this role with a lot of anticipation and excitement but have been pushed out of my comfort zone and had to step up to the mark with interviews, TV experiences, article writing, keeping you all updated via our Daily Bulletin and trying to get our voice heard in the media and by the Government.
It’s been very difficult and the nice things that usually go with the role haven’t happened but I can honestly say, I have realised just how tough we are as an industry. We will get through it but I do think it’s going to be a very different landscape for us all.
So, as they say in the song - “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” - so hang on in there, as working in collaboration, helping and looking after each other is key.
I sincerely wish anyone who finds themselves unemployed due to the pandemic, all the best for the future and hope things do work out for you all.
Joanne, President SPAA
“when the going gets tough, the tough get going” - so hang on in there, as working in collaboration, helping and looking after each other is key.
10 travelmatters.biz


MEET THE SPAA COUNCIL
Jacqueline Dobson
President of Barrhead Travel Group
Glasgow-based
Jacqueline Dobson
is the President of
Barrhead Travel,
one of the UK’s
largest travel agencies.
With over two decades of experience within the travel industry, Jacqueline has been pivotal in shaping Barrhead Travel into a UK-wide success story.
With a personal passion for travel, adventure and cruise, Jacqueline is a champion for the high street travel agency model and firmly believes there is no better way to book a holiday than with the first-hand expertise of a travel agent.
While Jaqueline says that navigating the Covid-crisis is the most testing period she has experienced in her career, she is no stranger to challenges in the industry, having co- ordinated crisis management through the Ash Cloud,
9/11 and the recession.
Thanks to her proven track-record, ambition and innovative strategic decisions, Jacqueline’s story of success is well- known and admired amongst industry peers and senior business executives. Her grass-roots development from where she began to where she is now – as trainee to President of a business in excess of £300m – is echoed in her passion for mentorship. She leads and inspires a new generation of future business leaders through a dedicated coaching and one-to-one mentoring programme.
Jacqueline is a very welcome addition to Council and has already made a significant contribution to the SPAA.
mike Tibbert
General Manager Europe V. Group
Global Marine Travel
Having worked in
various roles within
travel, beginning with
a retail position back
when you called the tour
operator to check availability,
Mike soon found that his
abilities were more attuned to the business and corporate travel side of the business.
The technology aspect has always greatly interested him and right from way back when he was trained on Travicom, he has embraced new developments and firmly believes travel needs to evolve and embrace new technology to thrive and survive.
Mike’s current role is General Manager Europe under the
V. Group travel brand Global Marine Travel. The main focus of the business is to service the travel requirements of marine crew travelling from their hometowns to the vessels around the globe and of course, home again when their tour has finished.
With over 1,400 vessels under management ranging from major cruise lines, oil tanker majors and cargo ships of all shapes and sizes, it’s a considerable task to ensure every crew member arrives safely and on time to sail with their respective ships. In total, GMT transports over 300,000 seafarers each year.
Mike is currently Vice President of the SPAA and has already risen to the challenge by appearing on the TV and radio when Joanne has been unavailable.
SPAA GOLF DAY
The annual SPAA Golf day was held at Lanark Golf Club on Thursday 20th August.
Considering the challenges we currently face, there was a great turn out (albeit socially distancing) with many people seeing each other for the first time since the February Dinner.
The course was in great shape, always proves a challenge and Thursday was no exception! The weather was mixed - warm one minute, windy the next - so a number of balls will be found in the heather and rough in future days no doubt!
Everyone put in a valiant effort however, Chris Stuart, Business Sales Manager LNER
(pictured) rose to the occasion, winning the overall competition and the James Robertson Trophy. Congratulations to Chris. Ian Scott won the Brabender Cup for Best Visitor score.
Grateful thanks
to our generous
sponsors - Turkish Airlines who gave
the individual prize of two tickets to Antalya and Barbados Tourism for providing the team prize of bottles of rum and rum cakes.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 11


gary rEaVEly
CHECKS-IN
WITH...
Edinburgh/Southampton/Edinburgh - Embraer 145 aircraft
lOgaNair
Founded in 1962 by Willie Logan, Loganair is especially well known for operating two iconic routes - to Barra - the only beach runway in the world and the world’s shortest scheduled route - 47 seconds is the record time - between Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkneys.
The airline is now operating many
new routes, including Belfast City, Birmingham, Exeter and London City, making them a significant player in
the UK. I recently took the opportunity to travel with them to see what measures have been put in place by the airline and its partner airports to keep passengers safe, in the light of Covid-19 and to experience its product.
PrE-flighT aDmiNiSTraTiON
I logged on to www.loganair.co.uk - the website is very user friendly and it took a matter of seconds to select my seats and print off both boarding passes.
EDiNbUrgh TO SOUThamPTON flighT
I had not been in an airport for many months and I was immediately impressed by the huge amount of work and effort that has been put into place to ensure social distancing and passenger safety - at all points in the passenger journey throughout the airport.
Boarding the aircraft was quick and efficient, especially with Loganair’s new zonal embarkation process, with passengers boarding by row when their zone is called and I was soon settled on board a gleaming Embraer 145. This is a twin jet aircraft seating 49 passengers in a 1-2 configuration. The leather seats were very comfortable with good legroom and large windows.
We pushed back early - Cath, the
sole member of cabin crew - gave an impressive pre-flight briefing, advising on the measures Loganair had taken for passenger health and safety,
including mandatory face coverings, enhanced aircraft cleaning protocols and the fact that they could not serve refreshments.
The take offff and climb performance of the Embraer is very impressive. We were quickly cruising at 36,000 feet and flying time to SOU was just over an hour.
Southampton Airport is very user friendly. I was taking a day trip to Bournemouth and the train station is just a short walk away and within 15 minutes of landing, I was on a train and on my way. Bournemouth is an ideal short break destination with a superb beach, bars, restaurants and a great atmosphere.
On the return train journey, I stopped off in Southampton town centre for a few hours. Lots of shopping here, with numerous bars, restaurants and plenty to see and do.
SOUThamPTON TO EDiNbUrgh flighT
Once at the airport, I went straight through security and we were boarded 15 minutes prior to departure and
on our way early. Cath was on board again and she dealt really well with some elderly passengers who required assistance.
OVErViEw Of lOgaNair In light of Covid-19, Loganair
introduced their FlySafe - Clean
& Healthy* programme to ensure maximum protection for its customers and staff. I felt that everything had been done to ensure a safe and pleasant experience at both the airports and on board both flights.
Loganair really stand out to me.
They offer a well thought out, friendly service as well as a great product - you can highly recommend them to your clients.
Currently they fly from Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh to Southampton - a great service for cruise ship passengers and easy access to the great resorts on the south coast for a short break.
*More details of Loganair’s FlySafe - Clean & Healthy programme can be found at www.loganair.co.uk/travel- help/healthy-journeys/
12 travelmatters.biz




sHOrt BreaKs »
Haven extends summer season
Uk holiday park operator, haven, has extended its 2020 season until the end of November for the first time in its history, in order to give more people the chance to enjoy a UK holiday this year.
In response to ongoing demand, the extension will see the company’s ‘Haven Hideaway’ offer available at 16 parks across the UK until 30th November 2020.
Haven Hideaway will provide guests with self-contained, self- catered holiday homes on the coast, as well as facilities such as takeaway food options, supermarkets and launderettes. In addition, Haven will also be adding more dog friendly accommodation to each participating park.
Haven will continue to offer its Coronavirus Book with Confidence Guarantee on all November bookings. The free guarantee will allow guests the ability to change their break any time from 28 days before, right up until three days of their arrival date should there be issues preventing them from travelling due to Coronavirus.
The extended season is available at:
• Berwick, Northumberland
• Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset • Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk
• Combe Haven, Sussex
• Craig Tara, Scotland
• Devon Cliffs, Devon
• Golden Sands, Lincolnshire • Hafan Y Mor, North Wales
• Kiln Park, South Wales
• Lakeland, Lake District
• Marton Mere, Blackpool
• Presthaven, North Wales • Perran Sands, Cornwall
• Primrose Valley, Yorkshire • Seton Sands, Scotland
• Weymouth Bay, Dorset
Christmas Lapland trips
return to Teesside International
Families can now fly from Teesside International Airport on a winter trip to Lapland.
Transun is offering its Winter Wonderland trips on 13th and 23rd December, giving customers from Tees Valley the chance to fly direct from their local airport to the Finnish destination.
The trip includes return flights including meals, a reindeer sleigh ride, a meeting with Santa plus a gift, husky and snowmobile experiences, lunch and a loan of thermal suits and boots.
Prices are £539 for adults and £499 for children, with half-price child places also available in the package.
14 travelmatters.biz
Pullman Camping
Coaches to be restored
Two of the lake District’s most iconic visitor attractions have been awarded £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for an innovative restoration project.
The project will see the transformation of two 1917 Pullman Camping Coaches into quirky self- catering accommodation, together with a new sensory garden.
Originally built more than 100 years ago as part of a World War One Ambulance Train, ‘Elmira’ and ‘Maid of Kent’, are the oldest Railway ‘Camping Coaches’ still in their original location - uniquely situated in a coastal setting within two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Lake District National Park and Hadrian’s Wall.
The coaches were rebuilt as Pullman Dining Cars in 1921 and converted into Camping Coaches by British Rail in 1960. The restoration should be finished by early Spring 2021.


how do you see the travel trade playing a role in
the business plan for easyJet holidays?
We’ve always been committed to working with the trade. We recognise the fantastic job the trade does
and know that they will be able to attract a different type of customer to consider and choose an easyJet holiday. It will mean a greater reach to some of the key regions for us across the UK. The full roll out
will see the on-boarding of over 3,000 partners across Hays Travel, Hays Independence Group, Travel Counsellors, The Travel Network Group, Advantage Travel Group, MidCounties Cooperative Travel and Protected Trust Services. We chose these partners as we think they represent the breadth and range of the travel agent community.
what kind of support and service will you be giving them?
We’ve already been engaging with our agent partners. We’ve put a
lot into our communications and invested time in our agents – they’ve been taking part in dedicated webinars and we hosted a series of successful agent partner days earlier in the year.
We’re also supporting the trade launch with marketing assets for use across social media, customer emails, in store window POS and screens and partner websites. And we have a brand new trade support team, so while they won’t be out on the road, they will be there as dedicated help and available on the phone.
In a post-covid world, we think the traditional model is going to change dramatically and we’ll be looking
at an innovative way to work with agents.
Can you tell us about some of the products you will
be offering, including any innovations.
We have launched a brand new trade portal which has been built with agents in mind and is full of great content they will need to
help sell easyJet holidays. We are also supporting the launch with a range of materials and a marketing campaign including POS in 1,800 shop windows. The trade will have access to FAQs and materials on the easyJet holidays product range which covers great value holidays to some amazing beach and city destinations across Europe.
Will you give price parity to agents against online prices?
We looked at lots of different models in the market and we consulted with some of our agent partners during our agent days and decided to give agents a higher commission.
This approach allows agents to be in control of their full margin and allows us to be competitive in the market.
What we are offering though, is that our direct proposition and trade proposition will be the same so the low deposits, the balance due dates are all replicated and if we make
a change to our direct, then it will generally be replicated for the trade too.
finally, in a sentence, what’s your message to the trade in the north of England, Scotland and NI.
We think that now more than ever customers will be looking to their trusted travel agents to help with holiday bookings.
We look forward to welcoming all of our trade partners on board and working together to make this a great success.
Travel Matters speaks to
garry wilson
CEO
EASYJET HOLIDAYS
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 15


FaM trIP revIew »
mini-Cruises:
Newcastle to Amsterdam
By LISA BARBER
Personal Travel Consultant at Hays Travel
I was lucky enough to be part of the DFDS Mini-Cruise fam trip from Newcastle to Amsterdam which took place in March this year.*
After selling this product for the
past 30 years, I was yet to sample
it for myself and I must say, I was hugely impressed! What a fabulous experience at such a low cost - this offers amazing value for money for your clients and caters for all travellers.
CHECK-IN
Checking in at North Shields port was easy and efficient and the departure lounge offers a café for refreshments prior to boarding. A swift embarkation process led us onto a rather impressive ship!
FACILITIES ON BOARD
The ferry is equipped with lots of facilities including excellent dining opportunities at the ‘All you can Eat’ Explorers buffet where we dined on our first evening. This included a huge array of mouth watering choices from salads to varied starters and mains and tasty desserts. I have seen less choice and quality in 5* hotels!
Other facilities include a large lounge bar which features nightly live entertainment, serving drinks at very reasonable prices; an after hours bar/ nightclub, coffee shops and even a small casino, not forgetting the outside space to take in the sea views as
you sail.
Families are not overlooked with a children’s club, ball pits and play areas and arcades for the older ones - something for everyone to keep you entertained on your journey to Amsterdam. You will also find a well- stocked on board shop, with savings of up to 30% against the high street.
Cabins onboard are all en-suite, comfortable and immaculate, with grades ranging from basic to more luxury commodore standards to suit all needs and budgets.
AMSTERDAM
Once docked in the port at Amsterdam the following morning, there was a very efficient disembarkation with coaches waiting to take the guests into central Amsterdam to explore this stunning and cosmopolitan city.
Lots of attractions on offer, but I particularly thought the canal cruise was a fun way to see the city at a great value for money price too! You have around five hours in the city before the coaches take you back to the ship to enjoy your final evening on board.
RETURN VOYAGE
On our last night we dined in the North Sea Bistro. This is a stylish á la carte restaurant with waiter service and a more personal feel. Food was beautifully presented and menu choices included delicious starters and desserts, with a fabulous choice of mains, including rib eye steaks and guinea fowl, to pan fried cod loin..... I would highly recommend you eat here on one of your journeys!
SUMMARY
Overall I would like to conclude by saying.... I love my cruise holidays
and I feel this experience is closer to
a cruise than a ferry trip! DFDS offers amazing low cost deals for all clients as well as eye popping offers for groups
- so a great opportunity to sell to your stag and hen parties! A spectacular short break to a stunning city. I loved every part of my trip and I am already planning the next one!
*Please note - Due to the impact of Covid-19, certain facilities are temporarily unavailable. Please check dfds.com for more details.
16 travelmatters.biz


Save 40%
on Amsterdam City Break
This year your customers can set sail to Amsterdam from just £96 per person, saving a huge 40%. They will spend 2 nights onboard in a private en suite cabin with breakfast and dinner included both ways. With great onboard facilities & the chance to
explore Amsterdam, customers can enjoy a relaxing short break with DFDS.
Book at dfds.co.uk/agent and use offer code M20NABD1.
*T&C’s apply, price based on 2 sharing. Travel by 29/12/20.
dfds.co.uk/agent


sHOrt BreaKs »
DESTINATION:
gEOrgE bEST bElfaST CiTy airPOrT
On board with
Ellie McGimpsey,
Aviation Development Manager at George Best Belfast City Airport
With the announcement that Aer Lingus will open a new base at Belfast City Airport, bringing with it six routes to destinations across the UK, Belfast City Airport has significantly increased its network and connectivity despite the current challenging environment.
Ellie McGimpsey, Aviation Development Manager, discusses the new routes, enhanced safety measures and what you can expect on a trip to Belfast.
what destinations are included with the new routes?
We’re excited to have secured routes with Aer Lingus to Birmingham,
East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Leeds Bradford and Manchester. These routes were very popular with both business and leisure travellers within the Flybe network and we are delighted to see them return.
Loganair will also be flying to both Glasgow and Dundee from September, in addition to its current flights to Aberdeen and Inverness, further improving its comprehensive Scottish route network.
With BA CityFlyer’s route to London City Airport and Eastern Airways route to Southampton, we have filled over 90% of the routes left vacant by Flybe earlier this year.
These routes are in addition to our existing connections to Amsterdam with KLM; London Heathrow with Aer Lingus and British Airways; and Southampton and Teesside with Eastern Airways.
How has coronavirus changed the passenger journey?
Ensuring our passengers still have a safe, comfortable and stress- free journey is a key goal for us and enhanced safety and hygiene measures have been introduced.
We require everyone to wear a mask or face covering whilst inside the terminal and each of our airlines has its own measures in place to safeguard its passengers while on board. We have also installed hand sanitising stations throughout the terminal and all touch points are regularly cleaned and disinfected.
For now, we ask that only people
who are flying enter the terminal
and anyone who is coming to meet passengers waits in the pick up / drop off parking zone.
Our food and drink outlets have
now reopened, but are operating on reduced hours. We also have installed vending machines, coffee machines and a water fountain in the departure lounge to make sure passengers are catered for.
what can someone on a trip to belfast expect?
As Belfast City Airport is only five minutes from the city centre and Belfast’s top hotels, you’re able to get started exploring as soon as you land.
Titanic Belfast, once the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, reopened at the beginning of August with social distancing measures in place. Our restaurant scene is second to none, with three Michelin starred restaurants and a wide range of flavours to try.
A lot of our attractions and restaurants now require that you book ahead, so it’s a good opportunity to plan your trip in advance and make the most of the time you have here!
We are also fortunate enough to have access to a wealth of outdoor activities and green space from kayaking to hiking, surfing, cycling and even inflatable water assault courses, so even with the current distancing guidance, Northern Ireland still has something for everyone.
For more information, contact:
Ellie McGimpsey, Aviation Development Manager
Email: ellie. mcgimpsey@ bca.aero
Diane Risk,
Trade & Corporate Relations
Email: diane.risk@ bca.aero
For more information about Belfast City Airport, its airlines, facilities and destinations served, visit www.belfastcityairport.com
18 travelmatters.biz


Connecting you with the UK and Europe
Glasgow Belfast
Inverness Aberdeen
Dundee Edinburgh
Teesside Leeds Bradford
East Midlands London City
Southampton
Birmingham London Heathrow
Exeter
Amsterdam
For further information about our route network or the safety and wellbeing measures currently in place in terminal, please contact:
Ellie McGimpsey
Aviation Development Manager [email protected]
+44 (0) 78 7246 1679
Diane Risk
Travel Trade Consultant [email protected] +44 (0) 77 8060 1210
www.belfastcityairport.com
Birmingham
East Midlands Edinburgh
Exeter
London Heathrow Leeds Bradford Manchester
London Heathrow
London City
Southampton Teesside
Aberdeen Dundee Glasgow Inverness
Amsterdam
Manchester


sHOrt BreaKs »
GREAT LITTLE BREAKS
JOINS TIPTO
Earlier this year, UK short breaks specialist, Great Little Breaks joined TIPTO with the aim to increase agent relationships and boost its profile with the UK trade.
Established in 2011, the operator works with accommodation providers, attractions and other partners, to offer handpicked breaks and experiences.
With further product expansion planned, Great Little Breaks is also hoping to add rail inclusive breaks to include key cities such as Edinburgh, York and London; as well as a range of theatre and attractions options.
NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS RETURNS TO TOURING
Newmarket Holidays returned to touring in August, when it ran its first tour since the lockdown began back in March.
Now offering an extensive UK and Ireland programme, Newmarket took 11 guests on a Scottish Highland Railways tour, along with tour guide, Andy Jones, Product Director at Newmarket.
All trips departing during September and October will be accompanied by a tour guide and a member of the product and operations team as the company continues to monitor protocols and direct contact with customers to ensure the tours are operating in a COVID-friendly way. Social distancing was in place on the tour, as was mask-wearing (where appropriate) and the tour manager was given comprehensive COVID training beforehand.
Newmarket Holidays has close to 100 departures planned for September and October and agents can earn a £10 Love2Shop voucher for every booking taken during this period.
Pictured (L-R): Chris Cundall, Director of Trade Relations, Great Little Breaks with TIPTO’s Lorna Willis-Edwards
SHORT BREAKS BEST SELLERS FOR TITAN
Titan Travel has revealed that its UK Short Breaks products were its best-selling tours for new travel
tours that otherwise may never have been considered by their clients pre-COVID in order to secure a new booking.
trade bookings during the lockdown peri
along with European River Cruises.
Edwina Coppock, (pictured), Head of Trade Sales, Titan Travel, comments: “Lockdown undoubtedly changed the way travellers were thinking about future holidays and for the first time in Titan history, our UK tours were outselling our long-haul product.
“Agents have done an incredible job at responding to this change and have suggested
i
,
o
o
d
d
,

k
know that the last few months have been

e
W
W
e
a
a
nything but easy for agents, but the way they
n
h
have performed during this time to keep new
bookings coming in amid the conditions and pressures they have been under is hugely admirable.
“We will continue to support our trade partners as best we can and hope the new policies we have introduced will help agents
secure many new bookings going forward.”
s
20 travelmatters.biz


snaPsHOts »
SPaa gOlf Day waS hElD aT laNark gOlf COUrSE
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 21


agent talk small
with Anne-Marie Robertson of Charlie Reid Travel, Kirkcaldy
Who would be your ideal dinner guest?
It has to be Clive Owen - what is there not to like? He has it all - good looks, charisma and of course, a great actor!
who would you take on a world cruise with you?
Definitely my mum. It would have been wonderful to have been able to ask her loads of things that I did not get the chance to ask her, while sailing around the world. To have such an amazing experience together on a leisurely cruise - she would have loved it.
What is the strangest request you have ever had from a client?
I once had a client who wanted to be booked on one of the first space trips to the Moon!
What is your favourite film?
I actually have two! Mama Mia and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Both are great feel good films and always leave me with a big smile on my face.
what was the last concert you attended?
Tina Turner - she was incredible! She has such an amazing voice - you can just get lost in her songs.
Tell us about your favourite destination
I adore Italy. I love the people, the culture and lifestyle and of course, the delicious Italian food.
what was the best piece of advice you were given?
My Dad gave me two pearls of wisdom. First of all, always listen to other peoples’ opinions BUT what you do with them is your decision.
The second one - try everything twice as you might not have liked it the first time!
What would you say to a young person joining the travel industry today?
Enjoy the journey and take every opportunity to see the world.
If time and money were no object, what would be your perfect day?
My perfect day would include a flight on a private jet to Lake Como.
I would have lunch and dinner on a private yacht while enjoying the stunning scenery and then return by taking a trip on the Orient-Express. Bliss!
Do you have any hidden talents?
Far too many to mention here!
22 travelmatters.biz


Take a virtual trip to the beach
Visit Florida has launched the Florida Beach Finder, which allows travellers to virtually explore Florida’s beaches from the comfort of their home.
In partnership with Google, Visit Florida completed a four-month project to capture the images along the Sunshine State’s 825 miles of beaches using Google’s Street View Trekker technology.
These 360-degree images, captured one footstep at a time, are integrated into Google Maps, enabling potential visitors from around the world to experience interactive views of Florida’s world-renowned beaches.
Users simply “tune” their preferences, choosing from adventurous or laid back, family friendly or romantic, action-packed or secluded and manicured or au naturel.
Once users have picked their favourite beach, they can opt for Street View, which drops them into each location, allowing them to take a look around and to explore.
Florida beaches - best in the U.S.A.
Eight Florida beaches have been voted the best in the USA, according
to Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travellers Choice Awards.
Siesta Key Beach and St. Pete Beach secured first and second place, with Pensacola Beach and Clearwater Beach following close behind in the fourth and fifth position.
Other top Florida beaches to make it onto the list included Hollywood Beach (#7); Panama City Beach (#8); St. Augustine Beach (#11) and Santa Rosa Beach (#13).
& 01254 791792
experts in villas and car hire Throughout Florida since 2006
no better life than a goodlife
• Private accommodation where your clients can keep within their own bubble
• Free amendments on all bookings
• Availability up to January 2023
• Over 800 named villas throughout Florida
• All homes are cleaned to a Covid safe standard
• Properties ranging from 3 bed townhouses to
14 bed villas
Visit www.glfv.co.uk
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 23


travel news »
NEW TRAINING FROM NOVA SCOTIA
Tourism Nova Scotia has launched a brand new online agent training programme.
Agents can discover the seven touring regions of Nova Scotia from the comfort of their chair including; the scenery, cultural heritage, signature places to explore and top activities that visitors can experience within the region.
Peter Johnson, Manager, Market Development & Media Relations at Tourism Nova Scotia commented: “Tourism Nova Scotia understands the challenges our travel trade partners are facing and we want to reiterate our commitment to working with the trade to ensure the continued success of their Nova Scotia programmes.
“The online training programme is a comprehensive sales resource featuring unforgettable experiences that make Nova Scotia so special. It will get agents inspired and help clients discover where to go and what to do in our beautiful province once the world opens its doors again.”
Nova Scotia, the gateway to Atlantic Canada and only six hours away from the UK, offers visitors natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich heritage and warm, friendly people. About the size of Scotland and home to just under a million people, Nova Scotia is very much a road trip destination. With spectacular coastal and inland driving routes, it’s easy to
get around and the journey is very much part of the holiday experience.
EVEry ClOUD haS a SilVEr liNiNg
JOIN THE VIRTUAL VISIT USA ROADSHOW
This year’s Visit USA Roadshow will be showcased online, using an interactive digital platform in two 60 minute sessions on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th October at 6pm.
Twenty Visit USA members will be presenting their latest travel ideas over two, one hour sessions with opportunities for live interaction via Q&A sessions.
Agents who sign up to attend both sessions will have a chance to win a great prize, courtesy of Cruise America RV Rentals - a ten day RV rental valid up until March 2022.
There is also a daily bonus prize to be won by one lucky agent at each of the two sessions.
To register, go to visitusaroadshow.com
SEAT SALE WITH
BRITISH AIRWAYS
british airways has launched its annual September Sale
with deals to over 150 destinations across its global network.
With travel dates in 2021 available and the airline’s flexible booking policy offering no change fees or a voucher exchange for bookings made during the September Sale with travel before the end of August 2021, customers can book with confidence that they can move their flights or holiday should their plans change. Bookings must be made by 30th September.
Flights to New York start from £299 return, San Francisco for £348 return or Miami for £349 return. In the Caribbean, Antigua or St Lucia are priced from £384 return and £399 return respectively or alternatively, a return trip to the Seychelles from £499 return.
There are over one million seats available for £39 or less each-way, including Geneva, Venice and Rome.
24 travelmatters.biz


Get to know the
BAHAMAS
INSIDE & OUT
Shorten the distance from everyday fan to Bahamas expert with our new online training platform. Designed exclusively for U.K. travel professionals, the Bahamas Academy features all the tools and resources you need to become a certified expert in all things Bahamian. Take our new Spinning Globe virtual fam trip through the islands, find out how to choose the best islands for your clients, and get all the sales materials you need, including brochures, hotel information, and island activity suggestions.
Get started at Bahamac.co.uk


7 great reasons to Visit Whidbey & Camano Islands
Any trip to the Pacific Northwest is not complete without a few days and nights on two of Washington state’s most spectacular islands. Whidbey & Camano Islands offer a rustic elegance and the ideal rural contrast to urban Seattle. Here are just five reasons why you should add them to your next adventure:
1. An Easy Getaway. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is just 56 kilometers (35 miles) by car from the Mukilteo Ferry dock. Here you’ll catch a Washington State ferry to the South end of Whidbey Island. Whidbey can also be accessed to the north across beautiful Deception Pass Bridge. Camano Island, is accesses through a bridge from the quaint town of Stanwood.
2. More to Explore. The two islands are filled with hidden treasures showcasing local artisans. Prowl galleries, winery tasting rooms and unique shops with waterfront views. These are perfect for finding special gifts and keepsakes.
3. Nature at its Best. Unspoiled beaches, majestic forests, hiking trails, and rural beauty take your breath away at every turn. Encounter wildlife such as bald eagles, blue heron, gray whales, and orca. Dine on bounty from the sea and farmland, paired with locally-made wines and spirits.
4. Mild Year-Round Climate. Located in a rain shadow of two mountain ranges, the islands have less precipitation than the national average. The marine air creates a mild climate that is pleasant no matter what time of year you visit.
5. Variety of Places to Stay. Both islands offer many accommodations ranging from historic inns and rustic cabins to luxurious lodges and contemporary hotels. The trusted website for inspiration or to search and book your stay
is whidbeycamanoislands.com.
Visit the islands today on-line at WhidbeyCamanoIslands.com then make your daydreams a reality when the time is right.
WhidbeyCamanoIslands.com




InDIan OCean »
Preview resorts on
the Maldives
Travellers planning a trip to the Maldives can now preview the white sand beaches and 16 private island resorts via a selection of live webcams and 360° videos.
Live webcams can be viewed from three resorts popular with celebrities, including One&Only Reethi Rah, Amilla Fushi and Seaside Finolhu. Visitors can also virtually explore the islands and facilities offered by 13 resorts, including the exclusive underwater residence at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and the infinity pool bar at Heritance Aarah via 360° portals.
Other live resort webcams and 360° videos include:
• Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani
• Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives
• Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
• EquatorVillage
• Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
• Aitken Spence Hotels
• Seaside Finolhu
• Angsana Ihuru
For more information, visit
www.visitmaldives.com/en/360-tours
Emirates now flying to
the Seychelles
Emirates has now resumed passenger services to Seychelles, operating a Boeing 777-300ER, five times a week service from Dubai.
In addition, the airline has increased its services to the Maldives from five a week, to six times a week to meet customer demand.
With the gradual re-opening of borders, Emirates has revised its booking policies to offer customers more flexibility and confidence to plan their travel. Customers whose travel plans are disrupted by COVID-19 related flight or travel restrictions, can simply hold on to their ticket which will be valid for 24 months and rebook to fly at a later time; request travel vouchers to offset against future Emirates purchases, or request a refund.
a GoPro Hero with If Only
If Only has teamed up with Adaaran Select Meedhupparu in the Maldives to launch a new marketing campaign, ‘Make Memories In The Maldives’, running from September to November 2020. The campaign will highlight the activities and inclusions available within the resort, catering to both families and couples alike.
At the end of November, the four top agents who make a booking for Adaaran Select Meedhupparu will receive a GoPro Hero. Agents who book a stay of five nights or more including flights this September, will also receive £30 of Enhanced My Loyalty Card Earnings, If Only’s in- house agent reward scheme.
The Premium All-Inclusive Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is part of the Aitken Spence Hotels Maldives portfolio which includes Heritance Aarah, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Adaaran Club Rannalhi and Adaaran Prestige Water Villas.
MAY ALL YOUR BLUES
BE THE OCEAN AND THE SKY
28 travelmatters.biz




InDIan OCean »
Welcome to The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach Seychelles
We at The H Resort Seychelles are proud to announce
that we have received “The Health Certificate for Hotel Establishments” issued by the Public Health Commissioner for complying with the Public Health Authority’s health and hygiene measures, in line with international health and safety standards and protocols.
We look forward to welcoming you back!
Do as little or as much as you like....
as you write Your Story and create memories worth sharing amid
the luxury surroundings. Tranquil, boutique and culturally connected
- The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach is nestled on one of the Seychelles most picturesque islands – Mahé.
Renowned for its azure turquoise oceans, crystal white beaches and lush emerald greenery – expect nothing
but undisturbed views, charming creole hospitality and a new height of indulgence at this paradise resort. Whether it’s a romantic escape, the beginning of a new journey of love or an island retreat with the family, The
H Resort Beau Vallon Beach is stylish comfort and idyllic bliss. As your paradise home away from home, enjoy all the modern comforts entwined with chic décor, sumptuous furnishings and spacious luxury.
With seven eclectic dining experiences in the form of bars and restaurants
to choose from, including the world- renowned Trader Vic’s, a Japanese Teppanyaki island restaurant, bars and romantic under the stars dining – you are spoilt for choice. Sesel Spa is a true heaven within a haven and whether it is a result orientated treatment, or just an experience of utter relaxation you are looking for; a must to make part of your Story.
Otherwise there is always something to do at the resort from yoga retreats and outdoor cinema screenings, to a daily changing program for all – there is always something to enjoy.
The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach offers an unparalleled collection of opulently appointed accommodations that showcase the true heritage of their Seychellois surroundings.
The villas and suites redefine paradise with each of them representing the epitome of tropical luxury. From plush furnishings and mesmerizing backdrops, to spacious layouts and beautiful finishing’s all overlooking the topical tropical gardens leading to the beach.
Our Beach Villas offer an entirely
new level of luxury in the Seychelles. Each one occupies a private spot on the beach with direct access to the bay as well as a private pool, pool- deck, cabana, outdoor rain showers, free standing tubs, luxury in-room amenities and personal pampering products. Similarly, our suites include a comfortable double bed and lounge area with luxurious amenities of comparison. All suites have a choice of private terrace balcony or a terrace that opens out onto the resort gardens, complete with sun loungers.
Holidays are meant for indulgence
so be generous and don’t forget to pamper yourself at our spa or try some customized workout to flaunt that beach body at the Beau Vallon Gym & Yoga Studio.
For more information visit us at www.hresortseychelles.com and to get more on our COVID 19 Protocols www.hresortseychelles.com/ important-message-covid-19/
30 travelmatters.biz


reservations.seychelles@ co


InDIan OCean »
WHY SEYCHELLES?
There is one obvious reason for choosing Seychelles as a holiday destination: its diversity.
The Seychelles archipelago comprises
115 islands scattered across the western Indian Ocean, with powder-soft beaches
often rated among the most beautiful in the world; two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the legendary Vallée de Mai and Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll; and balmy average temperatures of 29°C all year round.
Ideal for island-hopping, visitors will discover that each island has its own beauty, with unique ecosystems to explore, stunning scenery and a wide range of accommodation to choose from - everything from luxurious five-star hotels
to beachside bungalows, affordable small hotels to family guesthouses and self-catering units.
Seychelles is the perfect place to do everything or absolutely nothing at all. From lazing on the beach or relaxing in one
of the many spas, there are also plenty of more energetic, sports-oriented choices on offer, including diving, sailing, fishing or ecotourism.
Of course, these islands are also ideal settings for weddings, honeymoons or romantic getaways. The combination of unrivalled natural beauty and the Seychellois warm welcome guarantees the holiday of a lifetime.
A place like no other and another world entirely...
© Grande Soeur by TorstenDickmann
32 travelmatters.biz


InDIan OCean »
10
10 EXCELLENT REASONS TO CHOOSE SEYCHELLES
Unique flora and fauna
Visitors can discover more than a thousand species of endemic flora and 75 of endemic fauna.
Controlled tourism to preserve
the ecosystem
Buildings are not allowed to be taller than the surrounding palm trees and hotels must be set back from turtles’ nesting beaches.
Average temperatures:
air, 29°C; water, 27°C; location: outside the cyclone belt
Seychelles has a pleasant tropical climate all year round: as the country is outside the cyclone belt, there are no extremes. The temperature rarely falls below 24°C or exceeds 34°C.
October to march: the trade winds blow from the north west and the sea is generally calm, with temperatures typical of a warm tropical climate
December to January: the weather is a little warmer and humid
may to September: the trade winds blow from the south east and the weather is generally drier and less humid, with slightly lower temperatures (26°C) and choppy seas, particularly on the south- eastern coasts.
No visa/Just Valid passport
whatever the nationality of visitors or of members of their family, NO ViSa is needed to enter Seychelles. All that is required is a valid passport.
Small time difference/
Easy access
Seychelles is only two hours ahead of Europe in summer and three hours in winter.
No vaccinations needed/
No risk of contracting malaria
The archipelago being free from infectious diseases, no vaccinations are required except, when your client is combining a stay in Seychelles with one in Africa (other than South Africa), vaccination against yellow fever.
© Round Island by Torsten Dickmann
kilometres of deserted beaches
Seychelles beaches are breath- takingly beautiful. Of the world’s 10 most beautiful beaches, 7 are reputed to be in Seychelles!
Two UNESCO World Heritage
sites: the Vallée de mai
and aldabra
Seychelles strives to preserve its bounty intact. Nature reserves account for 50% of the country’s land area and UNESCO has inscribed two particularly pristine sites on its world Heritage List.
World-class fishing and diving
The archipelago offers a range of fishing thrills and the exceptional underwater environment of its mix of granite and coral islands.
The charm of the Seychellois
Thanks to their colourful and harmonious mix of nationalities, the Seychellois are always discreet and considerate of their guests. A warm welcome is their keynote and they will be proud to help your clients discover our islands, another world.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 33


travel news »
PALLADIUM HOTEL
GROUP SET TO REOPEN
Palladium Hotel Group has announced the reopening of its properties in the Caribbean from 2nd October.
The group’s four hotels in Mexico’s Riviera Maya include the five-star, family-friendly Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa; Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa; and Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa; as well as the five-star, adults-only TRS Yucatan Hotel.
In the Dominican Republic, its five-star hotels in Punta Cana will reopen from 19th November including: Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa; Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort & Spa; Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa & Casino and the adults-only TRS Turquesa Hotel. This will be followed by the opening of TRS Cap Cana Hotel on 18th December.
The company has also thanked the UK travel trade for their ongoing commitment to the brand. In a statement, Nacho Gozalbo, Commercial Director, says: “We appreciate the challenges that we have all been facing recently and particularly those faced by the retail travel trade. We know that the evolution of the pandemic has put a huge amount of pressure on the travel industry both in Spain and in the United Kingdom but we feel confident that we can all recoup some of the losses
this year over the winter period with bookings to the Caribbean.
“We would like to thank our UK agents for continuing
to support us during these challenging times and we look forward to organising more agent events in the UK and hosting more UK agents on Palladium FAM trips, as soon as we are able.”
HAYS TRAVEL OPENS NEW BRANCH
Hays Travel has opened a new branch in Peterhead, Aberdeen.
The company has taken over the former TUI store which closed in July, making it the 50th Hays Travel branch to open in Scotland.
The new Hays Travel team consists of branch manager Karen Erridge who has worked in the travel industry for 20 years. She is joined by Nicola Milne and Ann Pentland who both worked in the former TUI branch in Peterhead for 13 years collectively.
Pictured (Left to Right): Nicola Milne Assistant Manager, Annie Pentland Sales Consultant, Karen Erridge branch manager
BA CITYFLYER LAUNCHES
LONDON CITY TO BELFAST
Flights between London City and Belfast City Airport resumed this month, with a five-times-a- week service, operated by LCY-based BA CityFlyer.
Last year the route, formerly operated by Flybe, was London City Airport’s fastest growing, up 14.7 percent year-on-year, with a total of 210,936 passengers.
ALL YOU NEED IS ICE CREAM
34 travelmatters.biz


2023–2024 CRYSTAL ESPRIT®
YACHTING COLLECTION
SEYCHELLES | GREEK ISLES | MEDITERRANEAN | ADRIATIC | HOLY LAND & MIDDLE EAST
— exclusive preview! —
20 UNIQUE ITINERARIES | 6 TO 12 NIGHTS
72 PORTS OF CALL | 13 COUNTRIES | 73 UNESCO SITES RESERVATIONS OPEN 26 AUGUST 2020
Boutique and carefree, luxurious and spacious, the all-suite, butler-serviced Crystal Esprit hosts no more than 62 guests on intimate journeys to iconic yachting destinations where larger ships cannot go. From January 2023 through March 2024, the award-winning yacht will offer 58 all-inclusive voyages on 20 curated itineraries — eight of them brand new, including our first-ever, roundtrip cruises from Israel’s Red Sea resort of Eilat.
Follow your wanderlust to pristine waters and nature sanctuaries in the Seychelles, to volcanic landscapes
and whitewashed architecture in the Greek Isles, and to breathtaking vistas from the Dalmatian Coast to the Côte d’Azur. There are immersive sojourns through Italy, to places with names like Capri and Chianti, Cinque Terre and Carrara. And with multiple overnights and extended stays on virtually every itinerary, extraordinary voyages to the Holy Land, Egypt, Jordan and Cyprus reveal treasures of antiquity, stories of mythology and endless visions of beauty.
For details on our Crystal Clean+® 2.0 health and safety protocols, visit crystalcruises.co.uk/crystal-clean. Go yachting with Crystal... Where Luxury is PersonalTM.
The All-Inclusive
CRYSTAL
EXPERIENCE® INCLUDES
BOOK NOW SAVINGS
OPEN BARS & LOUNGES
with complimentary fine wines, champagnes, spirits & speciality coffees
MICHELIN-INSPIRED CUISINE
and open seating; up to four dining venues
24-HOUR IN-SUITE DINING
COMPLIMENTARY SHORE EXCURSIONS in nearly every port
NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT COMPLIMENTARY, UNLIMITED WI-FI PRE-PAID GRATUITIES
CONTACT [email protected]


OCEAN RIVER YACHT EXPEDITION
BOOKING POLICIES FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND
OCEAN | RIVER | YACHT | EXPEDITION
Our Peace of Mind booking policies have been expanded and enhanced to provide you with greater confidence, choices and flexibility when making your future travel plans.
NEW! NO MONEY DOWN 90-DAY RESERVATION Book the Crystal Experience of your choice — Ocean,
River, Yacht or Expedition — on voyages from 2021 through until 2023 and enjoy a 90-day window to place your deposit. Limited-time offer, effective immediately.
NEW! CRYSTAL CONFIDENCE 2.0 (JAN–APR 2021) Now extended through until April 2021, Crystal
Confidence 2.0 offers both relaxed cancellation terms and a final payment of 60 days prior to departure (previously 120 days prior) for all new bookings.
CRYSTAL CONFIDENCE 2.0 SCHEDULES
REDUCED DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT
UPDATED! CRYSTAL’S EASY BOOK
A no-risk reduced deposit of 15% (normally 25%) is
now due 90 days from booking. Available on all Crystal Experiences in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
UPDATED! EARLY FULL PAYMENT SAVINGS Available on all 2021 voyages across all Crystal
Experiences, Early Full Payment Savings of 2.5% is now extended to 180 days prior to departure (previously 270 days).
CRYSTAL VOYAGE ASSURANCE
Provides guests with enhanced travel protection in the event that unforeseen travel restrictions require significant changes to set itineraries. Valid on new and existing bookings from January–April 2021 aboard Crystal Symphony® and select departures from January–April 2021 aboard Crystal Serenity®.
CRYSTAL CLEAN+® 2.0
As we look forward to welcoming you back aboard our ships, Crystal Clean+ builds on the attention to detail for which Crystal is known with enhanced measures to our already stringent protocols to help safeguard the well-being of our guests and crew. Visit crystalcruises.co.uk/crystal-clean for details.
Days Shown are Before First Service
BRAND EXPERIENCE
Reduced Deposit
Final Payment
CANCELLATION SCHEDULE
Days Shown are Before First Service
CANCELLATION POLICY
Admin Fee
60–31 days
30–8 days
7 days or less
2021 (JAN–APR) OCEAN, RIVER & YACHT
15%
60 days
2021 (JAN–APR) OCEAN, RIVER& YACHT
Waived
25% penalty
50% penalty
100% penalty
FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO MAKE A BOOKING,
PLEASE CONTACT: [email protected]
TERMS & CONDITIONS: Standard cancellation penalties will apply to any air and land arrangements. Pre- and post-cruise packages will mirror the updated temporary cancellation penalties. Port charges, taxes, and fees paid will be refunded to the original form of payment. Future Cruise Credit may be applied to new bookings or existing bookings that have not been paid in full. Future Cruise Credit may not be used for initial deposit or split over multiple bookings and there is no refund value. Future Cruise Credit must be applied by 31/12/2020 to a booking departing by the end of 2023. Future Cruise Credit may be applied to guests’ profile within 30 days. New deposit, final payment and Crystal cancellation policies do not apply to guests under charters and contracted groups. Please contact your charter or group agent for more details. Crystal Voyage Assurance is valid on existing and new bookings on select voyages aboard Crystal Serenity from January through April 2021 and Crystal Symphony voyages departing January through April 2021. Crystal Voyage Assurance provides a 100% refund of cruise fare and port charges when guest cancels within 7 days of receiving itinerary change notification from Crystal. Easy Book is valid for all new 2021, 2022 and 2023 bookings on all Crystal experiences — Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition. Programme offers a limited-time reduced deposit of 15%. These temporary policies may change occasionally as conditions and events evolve. All offers may not be combinable with other promotions, are capacity-controlled and subject to availability and may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Please note that Crystal Cruises operate using fluid pricing meaning that prices, discounts, supplements and special offers advertised on this flyer, in the brochure or elsewhere may be withdrawn or changed at any time. Prices may go up or down. The prices shown may have changed by the time you come to book. Contact our Reservations team for up to date pricing and offer details before you book. Fares and offers are applicable for new bookings from residents of the UK and Eire only. For complete terms and conditions please visit CrystalCruises.co.uk © Crystal Cruises, LLC. Printed in UK. Ships’ registries: The Bahamas & Malta.


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