Travel Matters Issue 4

Spotlight on...
USA
Insight into...
PLUS:
SPAA - A Roaring Success The Canny Lad
Meet the Air Transat team
TRAVELMATTERS EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
ISSUE 4 JULY 2017
BREAKING NEW GROUND FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE IN SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, NORTH OF ENGLAND & IOM
IFONLY... Divine Inspiration -
SILVER MUSE
INDIAN OCEAN HIGHLIGHTS
Most convenient - Belfast City Airport
2 RETURN FIRST CLASS RAIL TICKETS TO PARIS, COURTESY OF RAILTOURGUIDE!


Welcome...
It’s a common characteristic of the human condition that we always seem to think of things as being better in the past - the good old days!
There is a wee bit of nostalgia in this month’s edition of Travel Matters and to be honest, we don’t think that’s such a bad thing!
There was something inherently elegant and romantic about the time period o en referred to as the ‘Golden Age of Travel’.
But what if we were right in the middle of a ‘Golden Age’ now? How would we know?
The world is in a constant state of ux - the only thing that is certain, other than ‘death and taxes’ - is that there will be change.
So, as we hurtle through the Universe, isn’t it exciting to think that occasionally, we can still be transported back to that ‘Golden Age of Travel’. But, shouldn’t we also count ourselves lucky to be in such a fabulous industry and possibly, at such a great time?
Hilary Douglas
Director
07989 414454 [email protected]
Gary Reavely
Director
07762 630057 [email protected]
Get in touch...
 [email protected]
Travel Matters is published by GAH Publishing Ltd, 96 Craigleith Hill Crescent, Edinburgh, EH4 2JP
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Inside Guide...
04 0506
• Insight into If Only...
14
• Luxury rede ned - Indian Ocean highlights
37
• Ambassadors required
• Meet the luxury Scenic Eclipse
• Gregorz visits Amsterdam
08 - 09
• Divine Inspiration -
Silver Muse
10 - 11
• SPAA - The Voice of Travel
19
• Castaway with Inspiring Travel Co
25
• WIN a place on a Travel 2 fam trip!
28
• Spotlight on USA
31
• Take a tour with Riviera Travel
38
• Ship of the Month - Regent Seven Seas Explorer
42
• Check-In with London City Airport
12
• 30 Years of Connoisseur Travel
26
• Q&A with Diane Risk, Belfast City Airport
36
• Secret of my Success
43
• This month’s Snapshots
2 return first class rail tickets on board eurostar to Paris, courtesy of railtourGuide, your Global rail exPert!
Would you like to win a relaxing rail journey to the beautiful city of Paris?
You can discover Europe by rail with RailTourGuide, YOUR Global Rail Expert. With a wealth of experience in the rail industry providing UK rail tickets, European rail tickets and also Worldwide rail tickets, RailTourGuide are the rail specialists giving impartial advice on all rail related products from the best tickets to the most scenic journeys and they are giving you the chance to win 2 tickets to Paris!
The prize includes two reserved First Class seats (Standard Premier Class)
from London St Pancras International to Paris Nord, with service and style, all the way:
Easy 30-minute check-in Generous luggage allowance Dedicated coaches with spacious seats and power sockets Enjoy a light meal, served at your seat
For your chance to win, simply answer the question below.
Question: What other european city in Belgium can you reach by eurostar?
Answers should be submitted by email to [email protected] by no later than Friday 18th August 2017.
Entries will be entered into a prize draw and the winner noti ed by email. Prize must be taken before 31st December 2017.
Editor’s decision is final. Terms and conditions apply: only one entry per person: prizes are non-transferable, non-negotiable and no cash alternatives will be o ered. Prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers’ terms and conditions.
3


NEWS
4
Here are a few of the opportunities this month to get connected and expand your travel knowledge:
CMV Marco Polo ship visit, Rosyth Crystal Symphony ship visit, Rosyth
Holland America Line MS Zuiderdam ship visit, South Queensferry
CMV Marco Polo ship visit, Greenock
SPAA Golf Day, Lanark
CMV Magellan ship visit, Dundee
Movers& Shakers
Wendy Wu Tours has appointed Mark Bloxham as its new
UK Managing Director.
Formerly the MD of James Villa Holidays, Bloxham will oversee
the Asia specialist’s digital transformation, reporting to global chief executive Joe Karbo and company founder and chairwoman, Wendy Wu. Mark is due to start in his new role on 21st August.
In February, former UK managing director Laurence Hicks announced he would be leaving the business.
Brendan Maguire gives Travel Matters an insight into his vision for the company
Expansion plans...
Over a period of 16 years, If Only... has grown year on year,
in terms of both our portfolio o ering as well as our turnover. From a one man business, it has now developed into a force to be reckoned with in the luxury sector of the travel business in the UK.
Our team is currently approaching 70 in number and that
is prior to the major planned expansion on the immediate horizon. However, there is still a very considerable gulf between ourselves and our big cousins. I rmly believe that in order to thrive, rather than just survive, we need to close that gap. By taking this step we will enjoy in nitely more buying power, married with enhanced relationships with hoteliers, tourist boards, DMCs, airlines etc.. .
In addition we will bene t substantially from the contacts and experience of some top level executives who have a wealth of experience of working at a di erent level.
Our valued agency partners will bene t from this development in terms of our enhanced portfolio as well as even more competitive pricing driven by our increased bargaining power.
Travel agent partners...
We will remain 100% trade focused and very importantly, you will never nd us marketing direct to the general public. Furthermore, unlike many of our competitors, we will not be selling direct whilst masquerading under a di erent trading name. Given that we will have in nitely more product available, we will be looking to work even closer with our loyal agency partners to our mutual bene t.
Despite our expansion, we are adamant that the quality of the service on o er to agents will be conserved and attention to detail will remain paramount. Equally important is that the If Only... ethos will be maintained at all times.
New products and destinations...
In early November our new Caribbean brochure will hit the shelves and this will be followed by our USA brochure in early December. In 2018 and beyond, our portfolio will continue to expand to include South Africa, South America and a host of other destinations as well as o ering more touring product and cruising options. Ultimately it is hoped that If Only... will largely become a one-stop-shop for discerning agents.
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


THE WORLD’S FIRST DISCOVERY YACHT SETS SAIL IN 2018
Luxury meets Discovery on board Scenic’s extraordinary new ocean ship. Dive into the deep blue in a submarine. Soar above by helicopter. And go further than ever before in custom-built luxury, designed for up to just 228 guests.
From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, ocean cruising has never felt like this. Introducing Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yacht.
2018/2019
VOYAGE CALENDAR
Maiden Voyages in the Mediterranean
The Americas
Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands
The Arctic & Fjords
Contact your local travel agent and book the ultimate in luxury.
Please note, additional charges apply on selected discovery options


Gregorz... The well travelled bear visits... Amsterdam
with DFDS.... hassle free Holland!
TOP TIPS
I enjoyed a few days on board the DFDS King Seaways, sailing from Newcastle to Amsterdam on a mini cruise. If you want to sell a short break without the hassle of ying, this is a great option.
3 Great mini canal cruises o ered by Lovers - www.lovers.nl. Lasting one hour, the audio that goes with the tour is excellent and they give you a coupon for a free beer. Cost is only 14 euros per person. You can also pre- book this for your clients with DFDS!
3 Also best to pre-book dinner on board the ship for your clients and get them to try a di erent option for each evening. It’s also cheaper that way.
3 If your clients are going as a group of 10 people or more with DFDS, you get the tenth person FREE!
3 The Heineken Experience teaches you all about the brewing process of arguably one of Holland’s most famous exports.
3 Perhaps your clients might want to visit the ‘coolest’ bar in Amsterdam? The Ice Bar is entirely made out of ice and as long as you have a coat, it’s a great thrill. Reservations are essential and for around 20 euros you get 3 drinks in, yes - ice glasses!
3 Amsterdam Bike Tours o er a 2hr guided tour of Amsterdam. Join the locals in this great way to get around!
Boarding mid-a ernoon, we set sail at 5pm. As a foot passenger it was stress free. The car park at the port is easy to nd and only a few metres from the ship. Going through check in was a breeze – parking to boarding took less than half an hour! Once on board, my ensuite cabin was ideal for getting my head down for a good night’s sleep on the high seas!
DFDS believe the journey is part of the holiday, so there’s plenty to do during the crossing. Weather permitting, a lovely option is the al fresco Sky Bar – best views too! The entertainment suits all tastes so whether you fancy your luck in the casino, want to see the latest movies or enjoy live music as part of the Sail Away Party or Captains’ Show, the ship has it all.
Meals are served in a variety of restaurants. The Seven Seas restaurant hosts a bu et with varied and tasty fare or for something a little more special, your clients might prefer the Steak House, Little Italy or for premium dining – the Blue Riband restaurant.
Waking up bright and early, I disembarked a er a hearty breakfast and was taken by coach to the centre of Amsterdam. You get around ve hours in this lovely city
Where will he go next?...
and there’s lots you can do. I began with a mini one hour canal cruise so I could get
an overview of Amsterdam. This turned
out to be an ideal way to see the canals and sights of this charming city. From the streets of narrow houses to what seemed like thousands of bicycles lining the pathways,
it’s an amazing sight. I still had plenty of time to wander around Dam Square, the central part of Amsterdam and meander through the streets lled with shops selling everything from cheese, souvenirs and even cannabis ice cream!
The coach then took me back to the ship and we sailed home with just enough time to enjoy another delicious meal, a movie and late evening drink,
while listening to live music before getting one of the best night’s sleep ever – it must have been the sea air!
6
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


NEWS
Welcome to the Air Transat Team!
For Air Transat, one of North America’s leading leisure airlines, it’s an exciting year! Not only is the Canadian airline celebrating 30 years of ying, with 25 of those years operating the popular link between Glasgow Airport and Canada, but it’s also been an exciting time for growth within the team!
The mainly Glasgow based Air Transat team has welcomed new colleagues over the past few months, with three new appointments to support what had been a team of two.
Gail Kerr (pictured right) took
up the role of Sales Manager for Scotland, Northern England and Ireland and has worked over the past few months to strengthen relationships within the travel trade. She is o en out and about on the road, so you may have already had the pleasure of meeting her.
To develop the market in the South of England, with a key focus on the London market, Malcolm Aldcro joined the team, bringing with him over 27 years in the airline industry.
Completing the team in the Glasgow city centre o ce, Tony McSorley joined to work alongside Stacey Gallagher and to implement the newly developed Air Transat groups department. Both Tony and Stacey will be working together to provide a strong support to, and to nurture the relationships with the travel
trade sector.
The team is led by Sales Director for the UK and Ireland, Lesley Kane, based in Glasgow’s city centre where the airline’s marketing team is also located.
It’s understandable global rail can be confusing with a multi choice of routings - various ticket options and buying in a foreign currency.
RailTourGuide cover all these challenges for you, using their expert knowledge and experience in this sector. RailTourGuide have their global agency agreements in place and will make sure that your client gets the best possible product and service for their rail journeys.
You also get to earn a nice commission - so it is really a win - win option using RailTourGuide.
Why choose RailTourGuide?
Expert Knowledge Excellent Commission Fast and Reliable Service
No Hidden Charges Global Coverage Friendly UK Based Of ce
- RailTourGuide are Your Global Rail Expert
© digitalmedia-FSitaliane
Tel 0191 246 0708 | Email [email protected] www.railtourguide.com | Register your agency with us online
JULY 2017
7


Divine Inspiration - Silver Muse By ALAN GLEN, Glen Travel
Having been lucky enough to be invited to experience the newest ship of the Silversea eet, Silver Muse, I could not wait to see if the cruise company could improve upon an already excellent product!
As I stepped onboard, it was thrilling to think that the ship had only just been delivered from the Fincantieri shipyard and she appeared indeed, to be as beautiful as a greek goddess!
Wandering around the ship, I immediately understood why the ship was named the ‘Muse’ - it felt like an inspiration as it is evident that the company has considered very carefully the passenger experience onboard. Silver Muse oozes elegance
and luxury, and with a maximum of 596 passengers and a crew of 411, it is spacious but still feels like a small ship and the personalised service is rst class.
While on board, I
had the pleasure
to meet Manfredi
Lefebvre d’Ovidio,
Silversea’s
Chairman and
during our
conversation,
something struck
me - the ambiance
onboard Silversea is akin to the feeling
of being surrounded by your family - a feeling of warmth and comfort, something that the Italians excel in! Thanks to the Lefebvre family’s commitment, Silversea Cruises is one of the last privately owned cruise companies and this shows in the quality and service you receive on board. Keeping it in the family, Manfredi’s 17-year old daughter, Costanza Lefebvre, was given the honour of becoming godmother and naming the ship in Monaco.
Manfredi explained that Silversea Cruises was the brainchild of his late father,
Antonio Lefebvre d’Ovidio, a respected Italian industrialist and maritime law professor. In 1988, he purchased the majority of Sitmar Cruises, merging it with P&O’s Princess Cruises a year later, and a er selling the company in 1994, founded Silversea Cruises with two ships purpose-built for the line.
He wanted to create
a class of elite
vessels designed
with more space
for fewer guests
and with the
highest levels of
personalised service.
It was also his late
father’s vision and dream to expand the eet to 12 ships and Manfredi is steering the company on this course, with still a little bit of work to do to ful ll his wishes!
Manfredi, who had been involved in the family’s businesses from an early age, then managed Silversea’s ship operations and became chairman of Silversea Cruises in 2001. He has transformed Silversea from a cruise line with three vessels to a market leader, now with nine ships cruising to over 900 destinations worldwide. He also expanded the product range of the company by adding the Expedition eet, which is able to reach unique, remote destinations including the Galápagos Islands, Antarctica and
the Arctic.
But back to Silver Muse - you cannot help but be impressed by the tasteful art collection, the public areas of the ship, including
the Panorama Lounge and the Connoisseur’s Corner, the
pool deck and
of course, the spacious all-suite accommodation.
There is also a great selection of dining options on board, including three restaurants new to the Silversea eet: Atlantide, a seafood and grill concept; the Asian-accented Indochine; and an Italian-themed poolside restaurant, Spaccanapoli, which serves homemade Italian pizzas throughout the day.
I would highly recommend Kaiseki,
the teppanyaki restaurant where the emphasis is on the preparation and presentation of the dishes and the fresh food is cooked right in front of you! It does have a cover charge of $60 per guest, but it is well worth the fee! The theatre involved in producing the dishes is very enjoyable and highly entertaining and the
food outstanding.
With a choice of eight onboard restaurants and the luxury and the freedom to dine on “anything, anywhere, at anytime”
on the ship, you are certainly spoilt
for choice.
Silver Muse does indeed raise the bar
in the ultra-luxury cruise market! With her elegance, comfort and the feeling of intimacy onboard, you immediately feel as if you have come home - home to the welcoming arms of the Silversea family!
8 8
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


OUTDOOR LIVING
From tranquil niches and observation areas to an unprecedented spacious pool deck, outdoor lounges and three open-air restaurants, our tailor-made outdoor spaces have been conceived so that time spent aboard is most de nitely, time well spent.
A PERSONAL TOUCH
With less than 300 suites, Silver Muse is the epitome of Silversea excellence. A small, intimate ship with uncompromised levels of service, comfort, design and accommodation, she offers tailor-made experiences to last
a lifetime.
To discover more about Silver Muse’s exciting itineraries or to book, call 0207 340 0700 or visit Silvermuse.info
CULINARY EXCELLENCE
Soak up the ambience and award-winning gastronomic pedigree of what is surely the most comprehensive dining experience at sea. Eight superb restaurants mean more choice than ever while our unrivalled culinary excellence
raises the bar in offshore dining.
Discover Silver Muse at silvermuse.info


A Roaring Success...
Our SPAA Summer Ball at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh could only be described as a roaring success!
The Great Gatsby theme certainly seemed to capture the imagination with almost everyone making the e ort to dress accordingly. There were some fantastic out ts, like Danny Giles and Emma Coombs of Hurtigruten who were really going for it with the 1920’s swimwear. Brilliant!!
It got me thinking - the SPAA is the oldest travel association in the world and it was founded in 1921 - right at the start of the Great Gatsby Roaring 1920’s era. It was ‘The Golden Age of Travel’, a time when ‘It was better to travel than to arrive!’.
A time before commercial long haul airline travel, when grand ocean liners like the RMS Mauretania ruled the waves. Comfortable and elegant travel, unless of course, you were in steerage class....
How things have changed since then. What the world of travel will look like in a 100 years from now is anyone’s guess.
But let me make a prediction. With the exponential rate of change due to technology, we won’t recognise the planet or life as we live it now. Space travel will probably be the norm.
As Mr Spock would say - “It’s travel Jim, but not as we know it!”
A 100 years from now, let’s hope that the SPAA is still going strong and that they might be having a noughties themed party - celebrating another Golden Age of Travel!
ALAN GLEN, SPAA President
Photos courtesy of The Bygone Photobooth Co
10
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017
SPAA Great Gatsby Charity Summer in the City Event 2017


Associate Member News Bytes
Royal Caribbean International has announced the appointment of Michelle Nagy as Regional Sales Manager for Scotland.
Michelle joins Royal Caribbean from L’Oréal where she held the position of Account Manager in Scotland. Michelle has previously worked with Virgin Atlantic and the Rentokil Initial Group.
Michelle will report into Sarah Weetman, Head of Retail, UK & Ireland and will be responsible for growing trade partnerships
in the region. She will also look a er the implementation of new ideas and reinforce Royal Caribbean’s commitment to nding the right type of cruise holiday for Scottish guests.
Sarah Weetman, Head of Retail, UK & Ireland said: “We’re excited to welcome Michelle to our UK sales team this year. Michelle brings with her a wealth of FMCG experience which will provide valuable insight to her role as RSM for
Scotland. Scotland is an important focus for us, and as we continue to expand, we know that Michelle has a unique skillset required to drive this growth through 2017 and beyond.”
SPAA GOLF DAY
Thursday 24th August 2017 - Lanark Golf Club
Turkish Airlines have announced a new General Manager in Edinburgh for Scotland, Gokhan Haciibrahimoglu.
Gokhan began working for Turkish Airlines at their head o ce in Istanbul. In 2006 he started out as a specialist in the Revenue Management Department before moving to Azerbaijan to become General Manager in 2010.
A er two years he moved onto Kosovo, where he spent ve years as General Manager before moving to Scotland. Gokhan is very happy to be here and is looking forward to meeting everyone in the industry across the country.
Award winning airline, Turkish Airlines picked up four awards in this year’s 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards:“Best Airline in Southern Europe”, “Best Business Class Onboard Catering”, “World’s Best Business Class Lounge” and “Best Business Class Dining Lounge”.
According to this year’s results, Turkish Airlines’ Lounge in Istanbul o ers a wide range of activities
and services that transforms pre- ight
or connecting time into its own special
experience, unique to Turkish Airlines and has earned the carrier the top spot in the category, ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge.
Contact: Email: Tel:
Michelle Nagy [email protected] 07771 955 938
The SPAA Golf Day is open to both male & female Members and Associates + Guests,
so why not join us for a great day of golf and networking! The moorland course at Lanark is one of Scotland’s nest, with a well-stocked professional’s shop and practice area.
The cost is £50 and the programme includes:
• 11am - Bacon Rolls and Co ee
• Tee O s from 12pm
• High Tee & Prizegiving a erwards
Sponsored by Raj Mistry of Carrier
For more information, email
[email protected]
Lanark is the 25th oldest golf club in the world and is located just outside the historic market town of Lanark in the Upper Clyde Valley. It is maintained to the highest green- keeping standards and is renowned for
its smooth, fast greens, natural moorland fairways and beautiful, unspoilt views across Scotland’s rolling South Upland hills.
Contact: [email protected]
JULY 2017
11


YEARS
Moira Scott re ects on the beginnings of Connoisseur Travel
L
E
V
A
R
T
N
I
To say I started in travel in 1970 is
a shock even to me – can it really
be that long ago? Those days were so di erent, and dare I say it, so much easier. Yes, we had to go
into a darkened room just to do a photocopy! There was no email and we relied on faxes. But there was much less discounting, making it a fairer playing eld for all.
I originally started as a typist with
David and John Bennett in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, but quickly got into selling holidays. Over the next few years I went
to Mackay Brothers and then to Sibbald Travel in 1975 where I was Manager of
the Gorgie branch until 1980. I remember booking a Club Class seat for a client at 11am and the rep at the time, Don Yule, was at the o ce by 1pm to take me to the pub for a celebratory drink! Dennis Hart (the boss!) joined us too!
I then moved onto P & O Travel in George Street where I was Associate Director until 1987. This was when I got into selling cruises on a big scale and loved every minute of it. We used to take groups of 100 passengers about 8 times a year to Shetland and Orkney and they were such a great seller. But my passion was Ocean Cruising and we were top in the UK for P&O Cruises most years – however as part of the P&O family, we very rarely won
the ‘prize’!
In 1987, 30 years ago this month, Connoisseur Travel was born. Bob Ballantine and I had decided to go it on our own and we opened a small o ce in Rose
Street. We went from strength to strength with Mini Cruises and Groups and I can remember the excitement of having our own business and watching it grow.
As I mentioned, there was no ‘discounting’ then and clients booked with you on
the strength of your knowledge and professionalism, along with great customer service. The company was doing so well that we took on our rst employee, Nora Fraser and that was it – o we went! Before long there were six of us in the company. We enjoyed many cruise FAM trips and became members of the Royal Viking Line Agents Group as well as Cunard Inner Circle and the SPAA.
On a couple of occasions, with Gary Reavely from Sibbald and Robin McWilliams from Volta Dixon, we chartered Concorde to New York where passengers would spend 3 nights and return on the QE2! What an event to have been part of! I also remember being on the shakedown cruise on the Silver Cloud when Silversea rst started cruising... it was so thrilling to be on a ve-star plus ship in those days!
As the years rolled on, we became part of the Fred. Olsen Viking Masters Top Agents - selling cruises from Scotland is such an incentive to our clients. We continued to grow and then we were 12!
A good few years ago we invested in Tarsc, the front and back o ce system which makes so much di erence
to our time now - we can churn out invoices with the ick of a switch. Also, with the Apple MAC, we can
design all of our own posters, mailers and adverts. Perhaps modern technology does have a few perks!
I put our success down to the fantastic sta we have had over the years. Poor Yvonne has been with me now for 20 years (she deserves a medal but don’t tell her!). Linda, Lesley and Michelle have been with me over 10 years each and they have all attributed to the success
of Connoisseur. We have one ‘poor’ man in the o ce – James – but he copes very well! He sits near the door in case he has to make a hasty exit!
The ‘travel and cruise industry’ although di erent now, is still as exciting as ever – it gets in your blood and that’s it! I would say to anyone looking to join our industry or start their own business - go for it and follow your dream!
12
E
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


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INDIAN OCFEEAANTFUERAETURE
LUXury rede ned with LUX* Resorts & Hotels
Whether seeking a peaceful hideaway or active adventure, the island of Dhidhoo nolhu in the Maldives is home to LUX* South Ari Atoll, a luxury resort where clients will nd a laid-back, desert island paradise.
A slice of tropical heaven, combined
with the warmth of traditional Maldivian hospitality, LUX* South Ari Atoll is ideal for families and groups of friends, as well as couples.
Accommodation includes rooms or villas dotted at the water’s edge along four kilometres of powder ne beaches and perched on stilts above a lagoon. With Temptation Villas suspended over the ocean with private over-water pools and Beach Villas with their very own pools, every room, suite and villa at LUX* South Ari Atoll has been designed to make the most of the natural surroundings, with sweeping views of the beach and lagoon.
There is a choice of eight restaurants and ve bars, including ne dining and the Beach Rouge bar and restaurant introduces a fashionable beach club feel to the island. The resort also o ers two in nity pools, oodlit tennis courts and a Technogym tness centre while the LUX* Me spa,
o ers a wellness concierge and a choice of treatments.
Delightfully warm and clear, the waters surrounding LUX* South Ari Atoll are a diver’s dream - from shoals of Butter y sh and Oriental Sweetlips to whale sharks, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and more. The PADI IDC Dive Centre o ers tailored programmes for all abilities and specialty courses led by the country’s most experienced instructors.
LUX* South Ari Atoll also features a LUX* Photo Fanatics studio, the Junkart Studio and its Wanderlust Library. Guests may also sign up for LUX*’s innovative expert-led workshops. The range varies from painting lessons, to the Art of Travel Writing and Tibetan Sound Healing.
LUX* NORTH MALE ATOLL - MALDIVES
Blessed with a pristine reef teeming with sea life, LUX* North Malé Atoll is set to rede ne island hospitality when it opens in early 2018. With private villas, ocean views and a eet of luxury yachts, this will be a one-of-a-kind escape for con rmed epicureans.
Explore the Côte Sauvage
LUX* Resorts & Hotels has announced the opening of a new hotel, LUX* Sud Sauvage, set on the beautiful Côte Sauvage of Reunion Island, just a short distance from La Fournaise volcano.
Reunion Island’s area of volcanic peaks, cirques and ramparts are set within the core zone of the Reunion Island National Park and has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 2010.
Dominated by two towering volcanic peaks, massive walls and three cli - rimmed cirques, Reunion Island boasts a wide variety of rugged terrain, forested
gorges and basins that together create a spectacular landscape.
Adventurous clients who would like to explore this beautiful island, will soon be able to do so with LUX* Resorts.
Due to open in 2018, the new eco-resort LUX* Sud Sauvage will be set on the wild southern coast of Reunion Island. Nestled
in acres of lush gardens, its luxurious pool villas will o er stunning views of the Indian Ocean and will be within easy reach of the Piton de la Fournaise, white-sand beaches and dramatic waterfalls.
14
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


Smile all the stay in the Maldives
Your fantasy of a laid-back, desert island paradise is about to come true.
The freshly-renovated LUX* South Ari Atoll brings an entirely original vibe of coastal, beach house chic holiday. Yes, it’s the Maldives - but not as you know it.
MAURITIUS • RÉUNION • MALDIVES • CHINA • TURKEY • VIETNAM • U.A.E


INDIAN OCFEEAANTFUERAETURE
Smile all the stay.
All our hotels are in dreamlike settings, but if we can go the extra step, rest assured that we have what it takes to surprise you, over and over again, so you’ll keep wondering what’s next?
MAURITIUS • RÉUNION • MALDIVES • CHINA • TURKEY • VIETNAM • U.A.E
Going it alone? Go with Saga
For clients travelling on their own, they can join ‘Discover Island Contrasts of the Indian Ocean’, a Saga Holidays tour exclusively for solo travellers.
The tour features fascinating Madagascar, with its native wildlife and array of ora and fauna evolved from 80 million years of isolation in the Indian Ocean, then heads to Réunion for the chance to admire the island’s spectacular scenery.
The tour then ends with a relaxing four-night stay in Mauritius, where clients can choose to do as much or as little as they like.
The tour includes -
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EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
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• 13 nights in hotels and one in ight
• 34 meals: 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 12 dinners.
• Free bar for 13 hours a day at the Tamassa Hotel
• VIP door-to-door travel service
• Optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights,
or a reduction if not required • Return ights and transfers
• Saga tour manager
• Welcome drinks reception
• Porterage at all hotels
Excursions include a short tour of Antsirabe: an evening and full- day tour of Ranomafana National Park: a guided tour and night visit to the Analamazoatra Special Reserve and South Island tour of Mauritius.
Prices for the 14-night tour start from £4,649 pp, departing from Newcastle Airport in November 2018.
LIFE IS SHORT LIVE IT!


INDIAN OCFEEAANTFUERAETURE
Family focused activities in the Indian Ocean
With IAIN RAEPER, Product Manager, If Only...
Bookings for family holidays in the Indian Ocean are consistently growing for If Only..., with requests for Family Rooms or interconnecting rooms on the increase. Resorts in our portfolio have responded with some innovative ways of keeping the kids entertained and the adults relaxed.
We’ve also seen a growth in larger family groups, so our good working knowledge of Indian Ocean resorts means that we can con dently recommend ones that are right for each speci c request.
While guestroom layout is important, the ambience and the
kids club facilities are other attractions that also come into play. There’s a lot of emotional investment in a family holiday (with the pressure on the person who is booking to get it right!), so word of mouth recommendation and agents’ con dence in our service are both essential. Hence the need for us at If Only... to ensure the booking is absolutely right rst time!
Here’s a couple of resorts that we feel go the extra mile in catering for families.
The 4 - star Zilwa Attitude in Mauritius has a range of accommoda- tion perfect for families. Deluxe Family rooms can accommodate 2 adults and 3 children in 2 separate bedrooms and the Family
Zilwa Attitude
Mauritius
Apartments can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 children or 2 adults, 2 teenagers and 2 children in interconnecting apartments. The mini club includes treasure hunts to its own private “Crusoe Island”, accompanied by "Ayo The Dodo”, the resort’s bird mascot. With treasure maps, children can explore one of the small islands situated right in front of the hotel.
The 5 - star Soneva Fushi is a Maldives island of dreams for all ages with a unique kids club called The Den. Children can explore a pirate ship, two swimming pools, a children’s mocktail bar, a lego room, a dressing-up area, a cinema, a music room lled with instruments and a 14-metre channel clad in roots, branches and hidden surprises, that leads to gardens lled with owers, swings and nests tucked into the trees.
There are a great many other family focused activities on o er including: father and son picnics, mother and daughter spa and cooking classes for the whole family.
- Laid-back beach resort, perfect for families
- Young guests can enjoy treasure hunts,
themed days and creative adventures
- Explore two private islands
- Call 0141 955 4000 to nd out more
agents.ifonly.net
JULY 2017
17


The Art of
Mauritius
Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
The best choice of luxury hotels on the island
As the first hotel company in Mauritius, Beachcomber Hotels had the first pick of the most stunning locations and the best of the beaches when choosing where
to place its hotels. We are now fortunate to have a choice of eight individual and exceptional hotels dotted around the island.
We’ve got everything from indulgent luxury to superb all inclusive options. For families all of our resorts are family friendly offering a great range of free land and water sports, free children’s clubs for 3 to 12 year olds, a choice of spacious family accommodation and family friendly dining options.
For the ultimate luxury stay at the best address in Mauritius, the Royal Palm Hotel. For golfers challenge yourself on the Paradis Golf Course. And for the perfect family holiday choose one of our luxury villas at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club or Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa.
For the best Mauritius holidays call Beachcomber 01483 445 610 www.beachcombertours.uk
MAURITIUS | SEYCHELLES | DUBAI | ABU DHABI


INDIAN OCFEEAANTFUERAETURE
Tour Sri Lanka with the ITC Travel Group
ITC Luxury Travel has unveiled a new name – the Inspiring Travel Company – re ecting the huge growth of the Chester-based luxury tour operator. The parent company ITC Luxury Travel Group, will now be known as the ITC Travel Group and the website rebranded as www. inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk. In addition, product portfolios across the group will be expanded in order to clearly de ne the specialist area of each individual tour operator.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, sister company Rainbow Tours currently specialises in Africa and Latin America, with the majority of business centred
around nature-focused itineraries in Southern and East Africa and Madagascar. Following the rebranding of ITC, the operator will now focus on its credentials as a wildlife and nature specialist and launch new destinations, including Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka combines striking natural beauty with fascinating cultural heritage. ITC Travel Group can arrange a multi- centre escape here, so that can clients can experience this stunning island and all it has to o er.
Sri Lanka is ideal for touring holidays and clients can explore Kandy, a major city in Sri Lanka’s Central Province and culturally fascinating. Set among tea plantations in the hills, it has rightly earned its spot on the well-trodden
touring trail. It is dominated by its lake and the nearby Temple of the Tooth; one of the most sacred places for worship in Buddhism and situated beside the King’s Palace in the hills - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level, the operator also o ers the Ceylon Tea Trails, a collection of four classic colonial bungalows built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, located in the Bogawantalawa Valley, close to Nuwara Eliya. Sympathetically restored, they o er guests the unique experience of life on a working tea
estate at Sri Lanka’s rst and only Relais & Chateaux resort. As you would well expect, a ernoon tea here is exceptional!
CASTAWAY LUXURY
FOR ALL AGES
T he ultra-luxe, eco-friendly, Indian Ocean resort of Soneva Fushi lies hidden away in a UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve just a 30-minute seaplane transfer from Malé airport. Families will adore The Den - open 12 hours a day, this complimentary facility is an unmatched playground, with its own-up ‘mocktail bar’, huge model pirate ship, swimming pools and waterslides, cinema, LEGO room, a learning area and even its own music room.
Guests can choose from an impressive range of villas with up to nine bedrooms to suit your preference and party size.
One of our favourites - and the stu family holiday dreams are made of - is Villa 15. This achingly spacious four-bedroom villa boast a host of unique features sure to charm young and old alike; including your very own water slide straight from the villa’s rst oor into the expansive private swimming pool below!
Call one of Travel Specialists on 01244 355 505
EXPERTS IN THE EXTRAORDINARY
JULY 2017
19


INDIAN OCFEEAANTFUERAETURE
Unique and authentic experiences with Fred. Olsen
Smaller ships from ‘right on your doorstep’
Award-winning Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines takes care of the details, so that guests can relax and enjoy their holiday in the style and comfort of its four classic, more intimate ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch.
With Fred. Olsen, guests can enjoy smaller-ship cruising from ‘right on their doorstep’, with convenient departures from nearby ports, including Edinburgh (Rosyth) and Newcastle. These
fantastic local sailings make the holiday experience even more enjoyable; a shorter journey time for guests to join their ship and smaller ports, which are much less crowded – the ideal start to a stress-free Fred. Olsen getaway!
Making friends and memories!
Fred. Olsen was proud to be crowned ‘Best Ocean Cruise Line’ at the ‘Silver Travel Awards’ in June 2017, for the second
year running! Renowned as being ‘the friendliest eet a oat’, over 60% of guests come back to Fred. Olsen year in, year out!
As one of the longest-established cruise lines in the world – family-run
to this day – guests know that they can count on Fred. Olsen for an unrivalled holiday experience, with unforgettable adventures and a lifetime of memories.
Bringing you ‘closer’ to the destination
The Fred. Olsen eet – along with Brabant, the cruise line’s new river vessel – can take guests ‘closer’ to the destination, as their smaller scale means that they can sail into
ports that the larger ships cannot reach. With Fred. Olsen’s tailor-made itineraries and specialist shore tours, guests are able
to make the most of their extended time in the destination, whatever their tastes and interests.
Turning dreams into reality!
The 1,350-guest Balmoral will be o ering 11 cruises from Newcastle in 2018, and nine from Edinburgh, the rst season that Fred. Olsen’s agship has sailed from Rosyth.
Fred. Olsen guests departing from Edinburgh or Newcastle can choose
from a host of tempting destinations
and experiences next year: from the breathtakingly-beautiful Norwegian ords – the cruise line’s historic homeland – to the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, to the sun and scenery of Spain, Morocco and Portugal... and everywhere in between!
Add to this Fred. Olsen’s unique and innovative itineraries, carefully-cra ed to give holidaymakers an ‘authentic’ experience of the destination, and it is easy to see why so many guests choose to cruise with Fred. Olsen time and time again!
Join Fred. Olsen in the Indian Ocean!
For guests who want to experience
the beauty of the Indian Ocean, they can embark on an epic, 14-night exotic voyage on Boudicca in Mauritius, taking in a selection of the most beautiful and
culturally diverse islands in the Indian Ocean.
Before setting sail, they can sample the authentic Mauritian lifestyle in Port Louis or visit Casela National Park and experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of walking with lions. Alternatively they can discover the breathtaking Trou-aux-Cerfs volcano, sacred lake and ‘Seven Coloured Earth’ sand dunes on a stunning South Island tour.
Sailing onto the Seychelles, here guests can join a Robinson Crusoe Adventure tour from Praslin Island in search of
huge Coco de Mer nuts and Aldabra Giant Land Tortoises, one of the largest tortoise species in the world; discover the beautiful, uninhabited island of Moyenne on a catamaran cruise from Victoria, Mahé and also enjoy a scenic cruise by Silhouette island at sunset – a simply unforgettable spectacle.
During a day-long stop at the French island of Mayotte, they will have the opportunity to observe the Indian Ocean’s largest lagoon, with vibrant coral reefs and even dolphins, from aboard
a glass bottom boat. They can even go snorkelling in the crystal clear waters and see the wonders of this natural aquarium up-close.
Two days in Madagascar allows passengers to discover the best of this world-famous natural wonderland. Hell- Ville is perfectly placed for tours to Nosy Be’s tropical, 740-hectare Lokobe National Park; while Amber Mountain National Park is within easy reach of Diego Suarez.
Before returning to Mauritius, guests
can also savour the sweeping volcanic landscapes of Reunion Island on a hike or helicopter tour from Port Reunion.
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EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


Discover the Diversity of the Idyllic Indian Ocean
Book your guests on an Indian Ocean Fly-Cruise with Fred. Olsen and it won’t be long before they discover that there’s much more to this stunning region than just phenomenal beaches...
Wildlife
Madagascar is home to animals found nowhere else on earth. Guests can visit Lokobe National Reserve
- home to rare species of lemur, as well as many reptiles and birdlife.
Landscapes
Sell the once-in-a-
lifetime experience of a helicopter flight over one of the most active volcanoes in the world - Piton de la Fournaise. Located in the World Heritage Site of Reunion National Park.
Natural Wonders
When guests are in Port Louis, Mauritius it allows the opportunity to visit some breathtaking natural wonders, such as the Trou- aux-Cerfs Volcano and the ‘Seven- Coloured Earth’ sand dunes.
History
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town is home to the flourishing centre of the spice trade in Zanzibar. This Tanzanian island has an abundance of fascinating history just waiting to be explored.
And of course... Beaches Who wouldn’t want to relax by crystal clear waters on powder-white sands? Guests can take their pick from the quintessential Seychelles beaches, such as Anse Lazio and Cote d’Or.
For your chance to win £50 Amazon vouchers*...
Just visit fredolsencruises.com/tagiveaway and answer our three Indian Ocean questions correctly to be entered in to our prize draw
For further information call Trade Support on 01473 746 164,
or visit our dedicated agent website at fredolsencruises.com/agent
*All entries must be made between 26/07/17 and 10/08/17, inclusive. The winner will be contacted directly by phone and email by 17/08/17. FOCL’s decision on prize winner will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. Fred. Olsen will treat entrants information as private and keep it secure but reserves the right to use the winner’s name, home town, agency name, any photography and comments in future publicity or promotional material. Prizes are non- transferable, no cash alternative will be given. If we are unable to make contact with a winner within 7 days, FOCL will select a new winner, at random. E&OE.


INDIAN OCFEEAANTFUERAETURE
Coco Collection - boutique luxury in the Maldives
Launched in 2005, the Coco Collection o ers ve-star destinations, each celebrating traditional Maldivian architecture and ambiance. Three islands comprise of the Coco Collection, the luxury portfolio of Sunland Hotels: Coco Privé Private Island; Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu lies in the southern waters of the Baa Atoll. The 30-minute journey by seaplane from Malé International Airport gives guests a thrilling start to their holiday – a bird’s eye view of the azure lagoons and curling atolls.
Coco Palm is a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve and home to incredible marine life and reefs. Within this tropical setting, Dhuni Kolhu features 98 villas designed in a circular shape with authentic thatched roofs, timber latticework, rustic terracotta tiles and white stone walls, concealed amongst lush tropical ferns, vines and coconut palms. The Lagoon villas, with traditional artefacts and furniture hand-picked by the owners themselves, exude a nostalgic feel of historic Maldivian royalty.
Whether clients are looking for an activity lled holiday or if they simply want to relax, the resort o ers a variety of packages including Coco Marine, to immerse guests in the local marine life: a Coco Romance package for couples and a Coco Wellness package, o ering a healthy and holistic stay. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also o ers
a selection of unique experiences for guests, including water sports, diving and snorkelling and authentic island activities.
Coco Palm is dedicated to preserving
the island’s beauty and natural habitat. Working together with keen like-minded individuals to protect the fragile natural environment of the Maldives has always been a core pillar of the brand philosophy behind Coco Collection. The island has
a resident marine biologist and runs
a restoration programme with coral nurseries on metal structures growing branch and nger coral, two of the more sensitive species of coral to ocean warming and therefore, coral bleaching.
Coco Palm also runs a scheme
where they have taken naturally broken pieces of coral and planted them in the island’s lagoon, in areas where the corals ourish. Guests can help to plant the coral with donations helping to fund environmental programmes on the resort and add their name or a dedication to the structure – leaving an important environmental legacy for the future.
In addition, guests can take a personal guided tour of the reef with the marine biologist and learn all about the di erent
species that live in the waters, amid some of the best snorkelling spots
around the island.
Coco Palm is exploring the possibility of creating an aquarium for coral nurseries on the island. Coco Palm is uniquely placed to do this as it also opened a turtle rescue centre in partnership with The Olive Ridley Project earlier this year and is the only resort with an in-house vet (and only the second vet in the whole of The Maldives). The rescue centre has the deepest tanks
in The Maldives and whilst their primary purpose will be to rehabilitate injured turtles, there is an opportunity to develop a coral nursery here too.
The centre also recently released their
rst rehabilitated turtles (Beyoncé and Noor) who recovered under the care of
Dr. Claire Petros, the Veterinary Surgeon heading the operations of the centre. Together with the marine conservation programmes, Coco Collection is constantly working with the community to raise awareness of knowledge concerning
good environmental practices, useful in everyday life.
For more information, visit
www.cococollection.com
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EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


WWW.COCOCOLLECTION.COM
For Bookings:+960 664 1122 | [email protected]


INDIAN OCFEEAANTFUERAETURE
Escape to Paradise
in the Indian Ocean
By DEBORAH WADHAMS
Product Manager: Middle East & Indian Ocean, Travel 2
Travel 2 has seen bookings for Indian Ocean holidays increase by 38% year-on-year. Leading the race are Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the Seychelles with 66%, 34% and 13% growth respectively. With luxury hotels and resorts, beautiful beaches and one-of-a-kind excursions to some of the world’s most outstanding locations, there is something for everyone.
SRI LANKA
A trip to Sri Lanka is not complete without visiting one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travel 2 has a number of itineraries that take in the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Spend a few nights exploring the inner island before relaxing at a beach front hotel.
The Shinagawa Beach Hotel is a new property for Travel 2 for 2017, smaller than most and perfect for couples or families with teenage children. Nearby, Kosgoda is a prime turtle nesting site and conservation project. Eggs are collected and taken to the hatchery, buried in sand until the turtles emerge, then released back to the ocean at night. The project also cares for injured and disabled turtles that would not be able to survive in the wild.
For those looking for something special, the Shangri-La Hambantota Resort and Spa is located on the ancient spice route. Set
in 59 hectares with 300 spacious rooms including 21 suites, and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, it is Sri Lanka’s largest resort. The complex boasts an 18-hole
golf course, expansive spa and an artisan village celebrating local cra s. There are many dining venues throughout the resort; Bojunhala specialises in local delicacies while Sera serves comfort food inspired by the famous hawker stalls of south-east Asia.
MAURITIUS
When you think of Mauritius you probably don’t think of safari, but the Casela Nature and Leisure Park is a great experience for all ages and our top tip for the area. Spot big cats, zebras, ostriches and antelopes. No trip to Mauritius is complete without a visit to the lagoon and beaches of the Iles aux Cerfs, o the coast of the main island.
Travel 2 has added the Radisson Blu Azuri to its roster of properties for 2017, great
for families and for couples looking for a retreat. All-inclusive packages are available, with a huge amount of dining choices for guests, including the hotel’s sister property, the Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette. The hotel o ers an array of land and water sports
for the more active traveller and a Decléor spa for those looking for a more tranquil experience.
THE SEYCHELLES
Although the Seychelles is a small country, each of its islands is very di erent. Island hopping across the archipelago is great for travellers looking for the true Seychellois experience. The main island of Mahe is the most built up of the islands, but venture further a eld and you will discover some hidden gems. The Vallée de Mer on the island of Praslin is an area of palm forest unchanged since prehistory.
Travel 2 has added two new properties for 2017; Kempinski in Baie Lazare is great for honeymooners and families and the Hilton Northolme located on Beau Vallon Bay, perfect for honeymooners and spa lovers. The eforea Spa has three luxury treatment rooms, organic products and views over the Indian Ocean.
Travel 2 has expanded its 2017/18 o ering in the new Dubai, Arabia and Indian Ocean brochure, adding 23 new properties across the region. The recently released brochure is a key selling tool for agents and showcases the breadth of choice on o er.
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EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


4* Shinagawa Beach,
Sri Lanka
Includes
Return flights • 7 nights 4* Shinagawa Beach, Sri Lanka, B&B
Rich in heritage and culture, Sri Lanka offers a truly unique experience within the Indian Ocean. Private balconies
in every room of Shinagawa Beach offer endless views across the deep blue Indian Ocean, whether your relaxing in bed or in the shower, your view of the sea is always
at hand at this spectacular Sri Lankan resort.
SAVE up to £370 per person
Glasgow from
£799pp
Newcastle from
£799pp
Edinburgh from
£799pp
Belfast from
£899pp
4* Kempinski
Seychelles Resort
Includes
Return flights • 7 nights 4* Kempinski Seychelles Resort, B&B
The Seychelles Islands are known for their incomparable beauty, with white sandy beaches and stunning scenery being the norm for this gem of the Indian Ocean. Located on the south end of Mahé in Baie Lazare, the Kempinski Seychelles Resort is an indulgent retreat offering a huge variety of facilities and activities.
SAVE up to £365 per person
Glasgow from
£1,689pp
Newcastle from
£1,689pp
Edinburgh from
£1,669pp
Belfast from
£1,659pp
WIN
THE UK’S 100% TRADE ONLY TOUR OPERATOR To book call Travel 2 Reservations FREE 0800 0224 182 or visit www.travel2.com
1 of 5 places on a Seychelles
FAM trip with T2 Academy
*
@T2news *Terms & Conditions: http://www.travel2.cotm/site content/terms/t2seychelles17.html
3228


Questions & Answers
with
GARY REAVELY and DIANE RISK
Gary Reavely speaks to Diane Risk,
Travel Trade Consultant at Belfast City Airport
Belfast City Airport (BHD) was recently purchased by the 3i Group plc.
Have they shared their vision and plans for the airport and have you seen any changes yet?
The purchase is an important landmark in what’s been an exciting period of expansion for the airport. The new owner’s arrival came on the same day as the launch of Icelandair’s new route to Reykjavik which was great – there was a lot of buzz going around the airport. As far as the business goes, new investment opportunities have already been identi ed which will be announced in due course. It’s such an exciting time to be working at Belfast City Airport!
The airport has recently won a couple of accolades – ‘Right Place to Work’
and ‘Northern Ireland’s Responsible Company of the Year’ - congratulations! What is the secret of your success?
Thanks – we are delighted! ‘Right Place to Work’ recognises socially responsible organisations – ones who show close links to the community and a genuine commitment to environmental issues. We are very aware of the impact our business can have on the local community, especially given our location in the heart of the city. We are fully committed to have a positive impact on society through a range of initiatives and outreach programmes.
The launch of the new Icelandair route is a major milestone for BHD -
how do you support and promote
new services?
Whenever any of our airline partners come into the market we o er them marketing support which includes access to the corporate market as well as highly competitive commercial terms for new routes and partners. We act as their dedicated partner giving them an in depth understanding of the local market. Everything we do
for airline partners is bespoke and designed for that airline. We try to put ourselves in the airlines’ shoes and act as their eyes and ears in the market place.
Are you hopeful of announcing any more new routes in the near future?
We have a strong track record of working with blue chip airlines, such as KLM Air France, Flybe, BA and Aer Lingus. A er co- hosting the Routes Europe Conference, it was good to change the traditional perception of Northern Ireland. We have experienced strong economic growth over the last few years and that helps us reach our key objectives – expanding domestic route networks, developing our European network and adding more European cities to our o ering.
How important is the travel trade to BHD?
Obviously, the travel trade is hugely important to the airport! We will continue to work closely with all the leading players in the market to ensure that our airline partners are receiving the highest pro le possible with the trade and that’s key to my role. I think a really good example of that strong relationship was at the recent breakfast launch for Icelandair where more than 20 key travel trade personnel attended - all interested to hear about the new service and the potential business opportunities.
Can you tell us more about the improvements and investment at BHD
We have enjoyed remarkable growth at the airport over the
last few years and are obviously delighted about that. We have invested more than £50m in upgrading and improving facilities including the walk from the car park to the terminal. We are still one of the shortest walks to the terminal of any European airport which complements the short distance from the airport to the city centre and we have had great recognition for this. Recently in fact, the Daily Telegraph named Belfast City the 6th ‘Most Convenient Airport in the World’ and one of only three UK airports to rank in the Top 20. We were the only airport in Ireland to feature on the list, so that was great recognition for us! As a company, we never stand still and are looking forward to 3i announcing future investments, as we continue to improve the customer experience at Belfast
City Airport.
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EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


50% of Northern Ireland’s
biggest businesses
located in our immediate
catchment area
Belfast City Airport
5 minutes
from city centre
Short walk from
BELFAST
car park to terminal
Northern Ireland’s
only connection
to Heathrow
Our airlines include:
UK and Ireland’s
Unrivalled
• Aer Lingus
• British Airways • Eastern Airways • Flybe
• Icelandair
• KLM
most convenient
route network
airport
To nd out more visit:
belfastcityairport.com


USA FEATUFREEATURE
Adventure holidays with
As part of the rebranding of ITC Luxury Travel to the Inspiring
Travel Company, sister company Western & Oriental will expand its product portfolio. Western & Oriental specialises in multi-centre itineraries to destinations such as North America, where travellers will o en visit several di erent states, choosing various excursions and adventure activities along the way.
For anyone looking for a side of adventure to accompany their holiday in the USA, then a luxury Arizona holiday with the Inspiring Travel Company provides
the perfect choice. The operator o ers hiking trails over mountain ridges, hot air balloon rides and jeep tours into rugged backcountry. If these attractions sound like experiences that would take hours to reach from some remote destination...
think again. They are all located right in Scottsdale’s scenic backyard, the Sonoran Desert.
Clients looking for a rst class resort
should look no further than the luxurious Phoenician Hotel, located on over 250 acres at the base of Camelback Mountain and surrounded by the stunning Sonoran Desert.
The Phoenician Hotel is renowned for its service and amenities and o ers one of America’s best resort golf courses, a spa,
a tennis complex and nine swimming pools. Guest rooms feature private balconies or patios and to experience the ultimate in luxury, clients can choose The Canyon Suites at the Phoenician, a resort within a resort with personal Canyon Ambassadors to pamper to every whim.
For a twin centre holiday, why not suggest California, which can o er not only the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles and Hollywood but also the beauty of the natural wilderness of Lake Tahoe and the Yosemite National Park. Visitors can also drive the Paci c Coast Highway for
stunning views of the Paci c Ocean and visit the picturesque Carmel by Sea with its fairytale cottages and galleries.
For clients who want to base themselves in the city, enjoying a prime position in the vibrant SOMA district, is the St. Regis San Francisco which o ers guests luxury and sophistication right next door to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and close to attractions such as Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf. This hotel makes the perfect base to explore the sights including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge and guests will enjoy meticulous hospitality, including the renowned St. Regis Butler Service, which is o ered as standard across all room types.
Call our travel experts on 0203 588 1301
28
Saddle up for an unforgettable holiday
Western & Oriental ranch holiday with Western &
Oriental is expertly crafted to your exact requirements; so whether you’re an old hand, or this is your rst time in the saddle, we’ll match you with your perfect retreat.
This wonderful way to experience North America will see you heading out on intrepid horse rides, sampling barbecue favourites during cookouts under the stars, trying your hand at a cattle drive or rodeo, and of course luxuriating in style at the end of each busy day in your accommodation. White Stallion Ranch being a particular favourite with
our clients. Based in Arizona, this ranch is a year-round destination, suitable for all capabilities of rider and with a wealth of nearby attractions such as golf and desert jeep safaris. The facilities make it as well suited to families as for single travellers and couples, with the moonlit bon res and line dancing lessons keeping everyone entertained.
A variety of rides keep your ranch experience di erent from day to day, with slow tours through the Saguaro cacti, canters along mountain trails and all day rides to the Box Canyon where you can see Native American petroglyphs.
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


SM
Land in more places
Daily nonstop ights from Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow to the U.S. with onward connections to over 300 destinations across the Americas
united.com
© United Airlines, Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. Number of onward connections includes destinations served by United Airlines, Inc. and United Express. Information correct as of June 2017.


USA FEATUFREEATURE
Let Riviera Travel look a er your clients
Riviera Travel are one of the UK’s leading providers of Escorted Tours. Over 33 years of experience means that you can trust them to really look a er your clients. They provide an excellent balance between sightseeing excursions and
free time.
This year they have scooped the coveted Which? Recommended Provider award for Holiday Companies and were also voted Travel Brand of the Year, beating some sti competition.
Riviera Travel o er a relatively small range of tours to the USA which enables them to really focus on these speci c tours and drive large volumes and consistent customer satisfaction.
Their best selling USA tour is the 16-day
Come alive in
South Beach,
Miami
For clients who want to escape to some guaranteed sunshine and warmth, the year round destination of Miami in Florida is ideal.
Perfect for a pre - or post cruise stay, or
a twin centre holiday with New York or Orlando, Miami o ers a wide choice of accommodation, glorious sandy beaches, watersports, great restaurants and shopping galore.
With lots of districts to explore, including Coral Gables, Little Havana or Coconut Grove, why not base yourself in South Beach, on Ocean Drive right in the heart of the action. South Beach features colourful buildings and iconic Art Deco architecture along with trendy boutiques, art galleries and a beautiful white sandy beach. For foodies, you will nd everything from gourmet cuisine to casual dining. For nightlife, at night, South Beach comes
Western Wonders tour which leads- in at a competitive £2,799 per person. Highlights include visits to no less than nine National Parks, Monuments and State Parks spread across Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana, including two days in magni cent Yellowstone.
Other popular itineraries include California & the Golden West – 15 days priced from £1,849pp and Deep South USA plus Texas – 14 days with prices from £2,099pp.
For something very di erent, Riviera Travel combine the three iconic ‘must- see’ destinations of Washington DC, New York City & Niagara Falls. Clients travel between these by high speed train, to avoid the invariable airport delays when ying between cities in the US.
Riviera Travel have also recently taken an
allocation of cabins on a range of Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Voyages. They ‘bolt-on’ three di erent touring options for customers, turning one of the most famous sea crossings into a unique cruise and tour experience for your customers.
The three itineraries include trans- atlantic cruises with three nights in New York plus: Niagara Falls & Toronto: Rocky Mountaineer & Vancouver; and Flagsta Arizona, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and the original Queen Mary oating hotel in Long Beach Los Angeles.
These Cruise & Tour Holidays are escorted throughout by a Riviera Travel Tour Manager and include excursions on the touring part.
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EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017
alive with the buzz of nightclubs, music and live bands.
Ocean Drive has been featured on TV and lm screens on many occasions and you will o en see models in the middle of a photo shoot or lm crews buzzing around with their cameras! With lm directors, beautiful people and celebrities, you never know who you might bump into!
Whether you want to just sit and relax and have a co ee at the News Cafe, sip
a cocktail outside on the terrace of the boutique Betsy Hotel, or take a stroll down Lincoln Road, South Beach is also great
for people watching as the whole world goes by!
If you ever get tired of the beach, there are numerous attractions and things to do - you can visit the Miami Seaquarium;
take a thrilling airboat ride in the Everglades National Park; go shopping at Aventura Mall or play golf at some great golf courses.
Should you wish to explore further a eld, Fort Lauderdale is not far away or you could take a scenic drive along Overseas Highway US Route 1 through the beautiful Florida Keys.


We have taken over 1 million customers to the most amazing places in the world to show them the history and culture of not only the iconic sights but also the hidden treasures. Our much loved Tour Managers take pride in their extensive knowledge of each destination and not only show your customers the culture and history but tell the stories
to give them unforgettable experiences.
WESTERN WONDERS
16 DAYS FROM £2,799PP
WASHINGTON DC,
NEW YORK CITY & NIAGARA FALLS BY TRAIN 10 DAYS FROM £2,169PP
CALIFORNIA
& THE GOLDEN WEST 15 DAYS FROM £1,849PP
DEEP SOUTH USA PLUS TEXAS
14 DAYS FROM £2,099PP
Contact our reservations team 7 days a week:
Call 01283 744370 or book online at www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents
Contact us for Agency Sales support:
Call 01283 744307 or email [email protected] Riviera Travel booking terms and conditions apply. Prices correct as of 30.06.17.
Departures up to October 2017 & April to October 2018


USA FEATUFREEATURE
Dates Visited: What Did I like:
7 - 14th March 2017
Airlines:
All four groups ew with Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines, with Team Colin departing from Manchester with Virgin Airlines to cross the pond and a er a short connecting ight with Delta Air Lines, arrived in Nashville, Tennessee.
Virgin Atlantic Delta Airlines
What did I not like: Destination Summary:
Leaving!
The music, the food, the group of agents, the Jack Daniels... The whole trip from start to nish was fantastic. There were four groups on our FAMtastic megafam, each with a di erent USA itinerary. We all met up to share our experiences at the nale hosted by Universal Orlando ResortTM where we also enjoyed a VIP Experience at the parks. My group got to enjoy the spirit of the Deep South, taking in the iconic Grand Ole Opry for live country music and a VIP backstage tour as well as recording our own song at RCA Studio B along with visits to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum. I came away fancying myself as a bit of a Johnny Cash.
Check in: Check in was really quick and smooth and we were lucky enough to kick start our trip in style with lounge access! With lots of little extras in every cabin like Relax Packs, complimentary drinks, brilliant entertainment system and really friendly service, we arrived in the States ready to explore!
Our group were lucky enough to take in four destinations in one trip. Nashville was all about the country music, honky tonk bars and line dancing- all of which were great. The city has a great feel to it and I wasn’t averse to sampling some Jack Daniel’s! Chattanooga was a ying visit where we took in the Tennessee Aquarium, Ruby Falls and the Songbirds Guitar Museum.
Home to the World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta is a cosmopolitan city which has also managed to hold onto its historic culture, making it a great city to visit! The Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site was a highlight here. Lastly, Orlando - what can I say? It never disappoints!!
32
The Deep South & Orlando with Gold Medal & Travel 2
Report by COLIN CURRIE, HEAD OF SALES, GOLD MEDAL & TRAVEL 2
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


THe SMART
WAY TO North
America with
Aer Lingus
Get more of North America on your doorstep as we expand our transatlantic network with our newest route to Miami. There will be three direct ights a week to and from Miami via Dublin Airport. Whether it’s the East or West coast you want to explore, we’ve got America covered.
The smart way to North America with Aer Lingus
Pre-clear U.S. Customs and Immigration at Dublin Airport.
Arrive in the U.S.A. as a domestic passenger.
Top class entertainment including new release movies, TV boxsets, TV, games and music videos.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Network available on our A330 eet.
Fly direct from Dublin to Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK, Newark, Orlando, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington D.C.
Vast network of onwards connections in the U.S.A.
Tailored Business Class experience with priority check-in and boarding,
Irish inspired food and ne wines, complimentary Wi-Fi, 16“ high de nition screens, fully- at 2 metre bed.
New route
to Miami
September 2017


USA FEATUFREEATURE
Prepare for Kraken Unleashed!
Visitors to Orlando this summer will be able to get their hearts racing on Florida’s only Virtual Reality rollercoaster, Kraken Unleashed: Virtual Reality Experience, the new ride which recently opened at SeaWorld Orlando.
The park’s legendary and monster Kraken, Orlando’s only oorless roller coaster and with open sides, will be transformed using new digital technology, with specially designed headsets integrated into the train. Guests will embark on a new thrilling underwater deep sea adventure, alongside sea creatures, including the mythological underwater beast, Kraken.
For the rst time in nearly 40 years, on 21stAugust,2017,atotalsolareclipsewill be visible from the United States. During a solar eclipse, the moon will completely eclipse the sun, blotting out sunlight for two minutes or more. Millions of people are expected to travel around the country to witness this phenomenal event!
According to Total Solar Eclipse 2017, about a dozen U.S. states will o er the best eclipse views. Starting from the Oregon coast, the eclipse will be visible from Wyoming, through to Kansas City,
St Louis in Kentucky, as well as Tennessee, Georgia, Texas and onto North and South Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean.
Being in the right place at the right time is important for viewing a total solar eclipse
as it only lasts for a few minutes along a narrow path. One of the biggest cities in
the path of the eclipse is Charleston, South Carolina. Thisisexpectedtobeanextremely popular destination for viewing, as well as Hilton Head, along with The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
The most visited national park in the U.S. mayalsobethemostcrowdedtourist destination on the day as the path of the total solar eclipse passes over the Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming. This will be one
of the most scenic places in the western U.S. forviewingtheevent,accordingtothe US National Park Service.
Those in the neighbouring Yellowstone National Park may want to consider
driving south to the Grand Tetons as Yellowstone will not be in the path of
totality, but they will still be able to witness a partial solar eclipse with the moon covering 99 percent of the sun.
For a totally di erent perspective, Royal Caribbean will be launching a ‘Total
Eclipse Cruise’, where passengers will get to watch the eclipse while sailing on the
Atlantic Ocean. There will be a variety of eclipse-themed activities including lectures and science projects for the children and guests will also receive a special pair of eclipse viewing glasses as part of the cruise.
The seven-night cruise, onboard OasisoftheSeas,willdeparton
20th August from Port Canaveral, Florida.
34
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017
Travelling at speeds of nearly 70 mph and at 140 high, this ride is not for the fainthearted!
On a calmer note, also opening at SeaWorld Orlando this Summer is the refurbished, interactive dolphin nursery which will allow guests to get up close to dolphins and their calves in new ways. Digital displays and videos will allow guests to learn about dolphin behaviour, biology and conservation.
Total Eclipse of the Sun!


ANCHORAGE
VANCOUVER
SEATTLE PORTLAND
EDMONTON
ICELAND
ABERDEEN GLASGOW
MANCHESTER BIRMINGHAM
BELFAST LONDON
HEATHROW & GATWICK
DENVER MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL
CHICAGO
TORONTO MONTREAL
BOSTON HALIFAX PHILADELPHIA NEW YORK
JFK & NEWARK
TAMPA ORLANDO
ICELAND & 18 NORTH
AMERICAN GATEWAYS
Fly from 7 UK airports including Glasgow, Aberdeen & Belfast
WASHINGTON D.C.
Reykjavik I Anchorage I Boston I Chicago I Denver I Edmonton I Halifax I Minneapolis I Montreal I New York I Seattle Toronto I Orlando I Portland I Vancouver I Washington D.C. NEW IN 2017 : Philadelphia I Tampa Bay
+ icelandairtraining.co.uk


THE
SECRET SUCCESS
TREVOR DAVIS
3FOR LIMITED
I can honestly say that my school years were not in the slightest bit memorable and I le my South London comprehensive with no quali cations and no real idea
of what I was going to do work-
wise. During the school holidays,
I had a part-time job at the local independent butcher but an unfortunate rugby accident le me with an arm in plaster and therefore prematurely ended that career path! So, I listened to my mum and started helping at the local travel agency in South London where she worked as an accounts clerk. The business was owned by a certain Harry Goodman ... and the rest is history.
My part-time job at Letchford Tours soon became full-time when Harry launched Intasun Holidays and I can honestly say that I have never looked back. 42 years later I am proud to be a founding partner of 3FOR, where we specialise in providing sales and marketing support services to travel agents, tour operators and airlines.
Harry is one of our industry’s ‘legends’ and I have had the privilege of working with many more legends during my travel career including David Elstob and Bill Munro.
My career in travel includes 15 years at ILG followed by senior roles at Aspro Holidays, Shearings, The Travelworld Group, Going Places and (my favourite years) at The Co- operative Travel which later entered into the much-publicised (and much- criticised) joint venture with Thomas Cook.
The best part about our industry is without doubt the people. During my 15 years at ILG we were known as the fun, party company that grew its business through carefully nurturing relationships with travel agents – in particular the
independent sector whilst Thomson (the arch enemy) was focussed on growing its retail network Lunn Poly (now Thomson/First Choice) and courting direct sales. Looking back, it’s clear to see now who had the best business plan!
Today, it’s fantastic to see so many independent agents have survived from the days in the 1980’s when I used to ‘manage’ their relationships at ILG.
I have huge respect and admiration for the likes of John Hays, Alan Glen, Sandra Corkin, Chris Harrison and Peter Cookson who have nurtured their respective businesses through some of the most challenging trading years our industry has ever faced. Global Recessions, Tsunamis, 9/11 and numerous terrorist attacks involving British tourists is surely enough to test the best in any industry and yet these businesses not only survived
– they ourished! So hats o to those
and everyone else still working in this wonderful industry a er 40 years.
My biggest personal challenge was launching my own business. We started 3FOR using personal savings with not a penny borrowed. Mandy (my wife), Lesley Wilcock and I launched 3FOR in 2014 with a combined 90 years’ experience in the travel industry between us. We saw a gap in supplying ‘plug-in’ sales and marketing support services to travel agents, tour operators and airlines and our business has not looked back - we are loving every minute of it!
never ask anyone to do something that you are not prepared to do yourself!
36
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017
OF MY
“
I am o en asked what is the secret for success in this industry and my answer is always the same –
I am o en asked what is the secret for success in this industry and my answer is always the same – never ask anyone to do something that you are not prepared to do yourself!
My rst job (in 1975) involved spending hours sorting out and stamping brochures and making sure the racks were always full. Windows had to be updated daily (yes, even then we had late o ers) and what at the time felt like the worst job ever, I now look back and realise that a tidy back o ce and storeroom meant an e cient and e ective front o ce!
I would also say, remember to always be respectful (you never know when you might meet these people again in your later life). If they remember you as polite and smart, that’s got to be a good thing. Take pride in your personal appearance – trust me, it really can make a di erence, especially when chasing that promotion!
It is also important to understand exactly what is expected from you, whatever role you have. Be clear and concise always and never be afraid to ask questions – if at rst you don’t understand, then ask again – a er all, you only ask a silly question once!
“


AMBASSADOR
REPRESENTATIVES
Scotland, Northern Ireland &
Northern England.
3FOR is a rapidly growing sales, marketing & business solutions agency providing services to the travel & leisure industry.
We provide Ambassador Representation for a growing number of Tour Operators, Tourist Boards and Airlines. Due to increasing demand we are seeking to strengthen our existing team in the following areas: Aberdeen / Inverness, Dundee, Dumfries, Borders, Belfast and Newcastle upon Tyne. The role includes business and product development visits to high street travel agencies.
You must have at least 2 years travel experience, own a car, be smart and always work with a smile. Ambassador roles are on a self-employed basis and will be offered as and when opportunities arise.
For the full details, please send your CV
to [email protected]
T: 0333 700 3434 E: [email protected] www.3for.co
3FOR is the culmination of several lifetimes of travel & leisure industry expertise blended seamlessly with a comprehensive range of business development and marketing skills brought together to provide creative, cost-e ective solutions to help achieve your business objectives.
Think of us as a plug-in service. We can support your marketing team, enhance your resources or develop and handle projects independently; anything from a short term tactical campaign through to long-term advertising and marketing support.
We o er a range of services to complement your existing work – we are able to supplement your team, bring new services or organise something you are unable to ful l. Whatever you want, we’ll help you achieve it.
Here’s a snapshot of what we do:
- Ambassador services - Digital marketing
- Event organisation
- Marketing support services - Telesales & ful lment
- Training & consultancy
Classic Collection Holidays -
happy to support the travel trade
By ANDREW FARR, PR Manager
In 2018 we will have been selling holidays through the UK travel trade for 30 years and have won more than 60 travel trade accolades, including seven SPAA Awards! We feel that these awards endorse our brand and our high levels of service.
Classic and travel agents
We enjoy supporting travel agents because 90% of all our holidays are sold through agents. We pay full commission on all elements of every booking. Incentives and rewards are available with the agreement of your head o ce or manager and are based on the value of your Classic bookings.
We like to assist agents as much as possible with joint marketing ventures,
advertising and mailings. Twice a year we produce an e-brochure highlighting early booking o ers - this is proving particularly popular with agents. Our price promise guarantees that our holidays are as competitively priced as possible. Many Classic guests are repeat bookers and so it’s lucrative for agents to nurture them. Copies of our brochures can be ordered via BP or directly
from Classic.
Our service
Our freephone service operates until 10pm every evening. We prefer to discuss in detail your clients’ holidays,
so our website is more for information, although it does have a live chat facility. We also have a dedicated sales executive, Drew Stewart covering Scotland and
Northern Ireland and Alison Bull takes care of the North East of England.
Our holidays
We’ll y your clients from any airport, with any airline, for any duration. We can book train travel to, and within, some of our closer resorts. We include private transfers, unless car hire o ers better value. We’ll guarantee interconnecting rooms when and where necessary
and include complimentary in atable booster seats for youngsters.
Single centre, twin centre, multi centres, city breaks...we’re happy to discuss any combination of our featured hotels.
So why not call us, to nd out more,
on freephone 0800 008 7288
or visit www.classic-collection.co.uk.
JULY 2017
37


NEWS
The Canny Lad...
DARREN PHILLIPS
Hi everyone! I have just got back from a late deal in Kos! The prices for holidays this year are unbelievable and I sometimes wonder, who is making a pro t as they are so cheap!
It was my rst time in Kos and I have to say, I was very impressed with it. Before going, I read some reviews on tripadvisor (as you do!) and it mentioned the refugee crisis and that there were a lot of refugees in Kos as it is so close to Turkey. However, I never saw any evidence of this at all.
The Greek people are so genuinely friendly and helpful and they say that the negative reports about the refugee crisis is scaring o some tourists but I urge you to tell people
- please go.....it’s just a fantastic place.
The locals are also concerned about the in ux of all-inclusive properties on the island, which they say is damaging the local businesses. I must admit, it’s not my idea
of a holiday - going to an all-inclusive hotel, mixing with the same people for a week, eating in the same restaurants and drinking in the same bars and not discovering the
place that you have own to.
I prefer to get out and explore! We hired
a car for the day, for the price of 30 euros and went all over the island. Kardamena, Kefalos, Kamari Bay, Marmari and Kos town. We were staying in Tingaki and I would have to say that it was the best place on the island. Plenty to do, both day and night, with a fantastic sandy beach that went on for miles and not at all crowded.
A “must do” when in Kos is an evening trip to Zia, a mountain village above Tingaki. Go for dinner and watch the stunning sunset over Kalymnos and the other islands just o the coast. It is a fantastic night with great restaurants, superb food and amazing views of the Islands and the Turkish coast.
On another note, preparations are well under way now for the second GRAFTAS awards dinner, taking place at the Hilton
Hotel again, on Thursday 14th December.
I will be in touch nearer the time with more details on how to vote for your favourite suppliers and reps and the best travel agents that we have here in the NE.
Some great sponsors on board again this year, so it’s going to be another fun lled night! Get the date in your diary... and book the next day o work!!
Thanks for reading - hope you all have a busy summer and happy selling!
Cheers,
Darren
Ship
of the Month...
The Regent Seven Seas Explorer - Sheer luxury - All suite - All balcony - All-Inclusive
It’s always a major event when a luxury cruise line introduces a new agship and the Regent design team have done an incredible job with the Regent Seven Seas Explorer.
Step on board and it’s like stepping back in time to the ultra glamorous art deco style of the 1920’s. The sweeping Hollywood Mansion staircase sets the tone for the rest of the public areas and it really is a stunning a ship!
So what can your clients expect on board? Well, the all- suite,
all balcony accommodation features a welcome bottle of champagne, separate seating/dining area, marble appointed bathroom, in-suite mini bar, free and unlimited WIFI and a butler service for the penthouse suites. With two crew members for every three passengers, the service is discreet and superlative - hence why so many clients, having tried the Regent experience, return time a er time - the product really is that good!
With Regent Seven Seas, the value for money is incredible - ne dining, all-premium beverages, gratuities and unlimited shore excursions are all included. Work out the per person, per night cost and compare this to a stay in a ve-star hotel, including food and beverages and sightseeing - you will be amazed at the di erence.
It’s also worth comparing the cost of a Regent cruise to other cruise lines where so much is at extra cost, eg excursions and tips. A cruise on The Regent Explorer really is the ultimate way to discover the world. Is it the most luxurious ship ever built ? It just might be! When it comes to promoting the luxury cruise market to your existing customers, as well as trying to attract new clients, why not talk to the Regent’s sales team - they have some excellent sales and marketing ideas to assist you (hello Linda Macdonald)! Talk to her - it may be the best and most pro table call you
ever make...
38
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


NEWS
View from the Bridge...
Cruising is o en criticised for being over complicated - far too many cabin grades, with little apparent di erence between them, too many dining choices, confusing tipping policies and an over the top advanced passenger information requirement.
So who better to guide the bamboozled public through the maze and the jargon than a savvy travel agent or cruise specialist? The secret is to match the right client to the right ship and cruise line that meets their requirements and budget.
The size of your business is no barrier to making serious money in cruising - it’s the size of your thinking that makes the di erence!
I know a home worker who achieves really high passenger numbers and good margins by identifying respositioning cruises early, packaging them up, o ering added value by taking advantage of group or early booking discounts and promoting them in a variety of di erent ways. Even better than that, the clients are all delighted and come back asking - where are you sending us next year?
Sometimes it pays to think outside the box...
Cruise
of the Month...
Our pick of the best cruise sales opportunities
Queen Mary 2 - The Transatlantic Voyage
The world’s greatest and most sought a er travel experience?
The Queen of all ocean liners awaits your clients pleasure, where they can enjoy the unrivalled ‘White Star’ service that only a legendary Cunard Line Transatlantic voyage between Southampton and New York can o er - glamour, excitement, relaxation, superb food and entertainment.
Your clients should only undertake this journey with the very highest of expectations - once onboard the Queen Mary 2, they will appreciate the meaning of the phrase, ‘The Golden Age of Travel’ - it really does still exist on this magni cent liner which was specially designed to cross the Atlantic.
This is one of the best ways to travel to or from New York - with no noise, no congestion or hassle - it’s all about sailing the ocean in superb style and comfort with every resort facility on hand. Clients can look forward to interesting lectures, glamourous shows and entertainment and cocktail parties or they can simply relax and do nothing more than read a book as the world slips
by. The departure or arrival of a great liner in New York is a real
occasion as the views of the famous skyline are really superlative.
Don’t worry if you don’t have access to one-way fares. Cunard can help with this and also packaging a hotel in New York for a few days. It is also a great opportunity to upsell your clients to premium economy, business class or even rst class ights! You could also add on a New England or Caribbean cruise!
The crossing takes seven nights in either direction, so no jet lag and there are 20 plus crossings every year! Clients need to be aware that the ship is dressy at night so dinner suits and cocktail dresses are needed. There are also the famous black and white and masked ball evenings which are all part of the experience.
You can easily promote a transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2 as a classic once in a lifetime ‘bucket list’ trip and with a 7-night crossing priced from £699 pp, it is excellent value for money! Bon Voyage!
JULY 2017
39


View from the Tower
WHENISATAXNOTATAX?
The airline business has nally become pro table again a er many years of heavy losses and thin margins, mostly due to the high price of oil or aviation fuel.
During the nancial crash of 2007/2008, the price of oil rose dramatically to $150 a barrel, forcing airlines to implement fuel surcharges to keep pace with the ever increasing price of fuel.
This was introduced as an ‘emergency YQ tax’, the thinking behind this at the time being that
it saved the airlines from re- ling 1000’s of fares every week on the ‘Global Distribution Systems’ - GDS - instead they just increased one YQ gure as and when required.
However, despite the oil price now being lower than the pre-crisis level, YQ taxes/surcharges have never been removed or even lowered. It has been retained as part of the ‘airline tax’ and rebranded as a ‘carrier imposed fee’.
Why is that you might ask? Well, it is probably because it suits the airlines in many ways to treat the YQ surcharge as a tax. Perhaps because corporate discounts and agents’ commissions only apply to the base fares, or that they can charge YQ tax on reward/award tickets - making redeeming rewards’ points/miles for economy tickets a very unattractive proposition?
The litmus test is really the fact that if you cancel any non-refundable ticket before departure, by law you are entitled to a refund on the tax on the ticket. Most airlines will not refund the YQ element, proving beyond doubt that it is indeed, not a tax.
It suits the airlines to keep the status quo, but is it fair to agents and customers? In our opinion, more transparency is required.
We would love to hear from you! Email [email protected]
SEND US YOUR COMMENTS
“If the Wright Brothers were alive today, Wilbur would have to re Orville to reduce costs.”
(Herb Kelleher
- Southwest Airlines)
40
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017


Our dream day trip on board the Belmond Northern Belle
By ALLISON DOW (and her mum!) The Travel Bar
My trip on the Belmond Northern Belle really could not have been any more perfect. The whole experience, from start to nish, was just a delight. Passengers are made to feel so welcome and are treated like VIPS from the very moment they step onto the train, to the moment they step o !
My mother and I were so excited about our day on the Belmond Northern Belle and we could not wait to get on board.
We started o the day at the station and greeted the train as it arrived on the platform. Each carriage is named a er a British Castle or stately home and a er nding your con rmed “carriage”, you are met by your steward who takes you to your allocated seat on the train, with a champagne bellini in hand!
Several customers were on board celebrating momentous birthdays, anniversaries and some ladies just for a Grand Girls Day Out! The general age ranged anything from 40 years to
100 plus!
A er taking our seats the journey began, with the tea/co ee owing (it is a er all, only 6am) and then the ne dining begins! The menu was sumptuous and seemed to be never ending.
Our journey to Chester lasted for ve hours but seemed to pass far too quickly! The sta on board were extremely attentive and made sure our trip was relaxing and carefree. The carriages
were all decorated to re ect the days of the 1930’s and the tables dressed with starched white linen, bespoke china and sparking crystal glassware - we felt like we were movie stars!
Throughout the journey, the train managers James and Sandra made their way through the train to talk to all the passengers and ensured everyone was being well looked a er - we both felt so pampered!
I would highly recommend this journey to anyone - you really have to go to experience it rst hand - it is well worth it. It really is a treat and we were spoilt rotten, from start to nish! We both felt so relaxed when we departed the train and had such a fabulous time!
It’s something we will never forget... as you travel through the countryside on any of the infamous Belmond trains, The Northern Belle, The British Pullman or the Royal Scotsman, you are taken back to a time of the ‘Golden Age of Travel...’
A er experiencing this for myself, I know now that I could share my enthusiasm with customers and paint the picture for their “journey” - it really is something to put on the ‘bucket list’ of things to do!!
JULY 2017
41


NEWS
More ights from Aberdeen with Air France KLM
From 29th October, Air France KLM will introduce an additional daily service from Aberdeen Airport to Paris, providing an additional 532 seats on the route per week.
Frequency from Aberdeen to KLM’s hub Paris-Charles de Gaulle will increase from the current two ights per day, to three daily ights for the Winter 2017 schedule.
Aberdeen International Airport’s Northern Lights Executive Lounge is now open and available to book for all passengers. With panoramic air eld views and locally-sourced food and drink,
the Lounge also o ers a walk-up service, availability permitting, allowing passengers to enter the lounge without pre-booking.
Join ABTA’s campaign - ‘Stop Sickness Scams’
As part of its ‘Stop Sickness Scams’ campaign, ABTA has launched a tool for the travel industry and members of the public to email their local MP, urging them to support the campaign and to take action against the growing problem of fraudulent sickness claims.
Simply visit www.stopsicknessscams.com, enter your postcode to nd your local MP on the website and then email them directly from the site using a pre-prepared email template.
Two emails are available: one for the travel industry and business owners and one for members of the public, to encourage sta , suppliers, customers, friends and family to use the tool to contact their MP. The emails will ask individual MPs to write to Justice Secretary, David Lidington MP, asking him to close the claims loophole that encourages claims management companies (CMCs) to target the travel industry.
CHECK-IN WITH...
LONDON CITY AIRPORT
London City Airport (LCY) in London’s Royal Docks, East London, is the only airport actually situated
in London and its location makes it one of the most convenient airports serving the UK capital city - just three miles from Canary Wharf (13 minutes away), seven miles from the City (21 minutes away),
and 10 miles from London’s West End.
The airport is connected to London’s transport network via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). London City Airport station in Zone 3 is served by frequent and direct trains between Bank, Tower Gateway, Stratford and Woolwich Arsenal, with an easy London Underground connection to the Jubilee Line at Canning Town. LCY o ers a unique rapid transit proposition – a short and e cient check-in (door to lounge) of around 20 minutes and a speedy arrival (tarmac to train) of around 15 minutes.
The airport caters for over 4.5 million passengers each year, with around 54% travelling on business (by nearest comparison, Heathrow has around 30% business passengers). More than 60% of passengers travel inbound and the airport facilitates around 80,000 movements annually. In 2017 London City Airport celebrates its 30th anniversary year. HM The Queen opened the airport on 5th November 1987. The airport serves over 45 European and domestic destinations, as well as a British Airways business class service to New York JFK. Recently added destinations include Lisbon, Berlin, Cardi , Manchester
and Skiathos.
Twelve commercial airlines use the main London City Airport terminal - British Airways (and its franchise partner SUN-AIR), Flybe, CityJet, Lu hansa, SWISS Airlines, KLM, Alitalia, SkyWork Airlines, Luxair, Blue Islands and Aurigny. TAP Portugal will begin services in October 2017. The most popular routes by passenger numbers include Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zurich, Rotterdam and Dublin. The airport also runs a Jet Centre terminal for private aircra .
Construction begins on the City Airport Development Programme (CADP) in 2017, which will enable 6.5 million passengers per year to travel through the airport’s doors by 2025 and add 30,000 additional ights per year. CADP is a £350 million privately funded investment which includes plans for 7 new aircra stands, a parallel taxiway to maximise runway capacity, and a terminal extension to accommodate increasing
passenger numbers.
If you have any travel trade related enquiries,
please email Anne Doyère, Head of Corporate Sales – [email protected]
The campaign is calling for a simple amendment to court rules, to enable holiday sickness claims to be included in a xed costs regime, which will reduce the incentive for CMCs to bring
these cases.
Join the campaign today!
Time traveller meeting.
Meet here, last Thursday, at 7pm!
42
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JULY 2017
View last month’s issue at www.travel matters.biz


This month’s
SNAPSH TS...
SPAA GREAT GATSBY SUMMER IN THE CITY BALL
JULY 2017
43


Glasgow
Toronto & Vancouver Plus connections to Montreal & Calgary
Direct ights to Canada
FREE FREE LUGGAGE MEAL
IN-FLIGHT A CANADIAN ENTERTAINMENT AIRLINE
Available to book via the GDS