Travel Matters Issue 10 - January 2018

TRAVELMATTERS EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
ISSUE 10 JANUARY 2018
2019 River Cruises
on sale now
BREAKING NEW GROUND FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE IN SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, NORTH OF ENGLAND & IOM


2019 Viking river cruises are on sale now
With the world’s largest fleet of innovative river ships – including our multi award-winning Viking Longships
– only Viking can really promise you more. More comfort, more quality, more experience and more choice of itinerary options across Europe, Russia, Egypt and Asia. Relax in spacious, contemporary surroundings. Indulge
in fabulous, freshly-cooked food and carefully selected wines. Explore the cultures, customs and cuisines of the places you visit on expertly-led tours. And discover a unique view of the world from the rivers that run through it.
Enjoy it all, it's all included...
P Return scheduled flights from the UK*, including Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle at no extra cost P Deluxe river-view stateroom
P All delicious on board meals, including regional specialities
P Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
P Complimentary guided tours almost every day P Free Wi-Fi on board**
P Free coffee, tea and snacks anytime on board P On board talks and entertainment
P All port charges, airport taxes and overseas transfers P No surcharges guaranteed once your deposit is paid
Prices correct at time of going to print but are subject to availability and change. From prices are per person and based on two people sharing the lowest grade stateroom available, departing on selected dates in 2019. Prices valid until 28 February 2018. Single supplements apply. *Portugal’s River of Gold is only available to fly from London, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester. Kiev to the Black Sea is only available to fly from London. **Restrictions apply. Please note a visa may be required and is at the passengers own expense. For more information please visit vikingcruises.co.uk/terms-conditions or call us.


TRAVELMATTERS EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
ISSUE 10
JANUARY 2018
EXPLORING CANADA
Q&A with...
Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport
GLAMORE IS BACK!
PLUS
WIN vouchers with Hoseasons
FREE Drinks or Tours with Fred. Olsen
BREAKING NEW GROUND FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE IN SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, NORTH OF ENGLAND & IOM
2 TICKETS FROM EDINBURGH TO ATHENS WITH AEGEAN AIRLINES!


New Beginnings....
The beginning of a New Year always brings with it the chance to make a fresh start.
Not only is it a time for re ection, but it’s also a time for making new plans.
For those of us who make New Year’s Resolutions, the list may include plans to get healthy; time to start that diet; time to declutter or get organised; or to decide that this is the year to travel to that destination you have always dreamed of!
For some, the New Year also brings about the desire for a change in career or a new job. Here at Travel Matters, the New Year has heralded change too and we are delighted to welcome Andrea Pellicci on board. Andrea brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the travel trade and is very excited to be part of the team!
Whatever your plans may be for 2018, we wish you a very successful and a very Happy New Year!
Hilary Douglas
Director
07989 414454 [email protected]
* [email protected] www.travelmatters.biz
Travel MattersTM is published by GAH Publishing Ltd, 96 Craigleith Hill Crescent, Edinburgh, EH4 2JP
Printed by Claro Print
For magazine delivery and subscription enquiries,
email [email protected]
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the prior permission of the copyright holder. All prices and data are correct at time of publication. Opinions expressed in Travel Matters are not necessarily those of the publisher and GAH Publishing does not accept responsibility for any mistakes that may occur.
Gary Reavely
Director
07762 630057 [email protected]
Read last month’s issue online at... www.travelmatters.biz
Andrea Pellicci
Director
07766 010272 [email protected]
Get in touch...


04
WIN 2 tickets with Aegean Airlines!
19
Glasgow to Toronto with Air Canada Rouge
42
Q&A with Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Airport
07
2 for 1 Amsterdam Mini Cruise with DFDS
8-9
GLAmore is back!
Inside Guide...
10
Meet the new SPAA President
14
New Year Resolutions from If Only...
25
FREE upgrade o er with A ordable Car Hire
35
Meet with Success at the Radisson Blu
37
Explore the Extraordinary with Etihad Holidays
38
Check-In with Belfast International Airport
46
Great o ers from Newmarket Holidays
50-51
Day in Life of....
18
Exploring Canada
41
Smart ies with Aer Lingus
54-55
This month’s Snapshots
WIN ONE OF HOLLIE’S
NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS!
8x£100
LIFESTYLE VOUCHERS TO BE WON*
Be social
Cinema
Go online today
www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call 0345 498 6153
facebook.com/HollieHoseasons @HollieHoseasons
Register EVERY Hoseasons booking you confirm between 27th December 2017 – 21st February 2018 to [email protected] to be entered into the prize draw.
New Year Resolutions
See a movie
Go out for food
Shopping spree
Magazine subscription
Relax at the spa
Treat myself to diamonds Bubble away on a hot tub break Buy a bunch of owers
qf`hbq
*The prize draw is open to all UK Travel Agents. Entrants must be over 18 years. The prizes are non-transferable and no cash alternative is o ered. For the promoter details and full terms and conditions of the prize draw please visit: www.hoseasons.co.uk/pdf/holliesnewyear.pdf


COMPETITION TIME
2 ECONOMY CLASS ROUND TRIP TICKETS
FROM EDINBURGH TO ATHENS WITH
FLY TO GREECE AND BEYOND WITH “THE BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE IN EUROPE”
When you’re flying to Greece, it’s not enough to just get you there. We believe you should experience the very best our country has to o er from the moment you step on board. From the warmest welcome to the fondest farewell - whether it be our comfortable leather seats, complimentary hot meals, prepared by our expert Greek chef or specially selected wines, beers and soft drinks – you’ll soon come to understand why we’ve been named Skytrax “Best Regional Airline in Europe” 2017, the 8th time since 2009!
Why stop there? With over 30 domestic destinations in Greece and 153 destinations served in 44 countries, there’s sure to be a connecting flight that will suit your needs. These are the little details that, put together, make all the di erence. When you fly Aegean, it’s all part of the service.
For your chance to win 2 tickets with Aegean Airlines, simply answer the question below:
QUESTION:
From Athens, Aegean connects to over 30 domestic destinations around Greece - can you name three destinations?
Answers should submitted by email to [email protected] by no later than Friday 16th February 2018. Entries will be entered into a prize draw and the winner notified by email or telephone. Terms & conditions apply.
THE PRIZE
2 ROUNDTRIP TICKETS ON THE EDINBURGH - ATHENS - EDINBURGH ROUTE,
ON DIRECT FLIGHTS OPERATED BY AEGEAN AIRLINES.
Aegean Airlines will cover the fare and the fuel surcharge. Airport & security taxes remain payable by the passengers. Travel is valid From 11th June to 25th October 2018 (subject to availability and excluding school holidays, public holidays and the month of July). Tickets must be issued before 31st March 2018.
Terms and conditions: Prize cannot be exchanged, refunded, sold on and no cash alternative will be o ered. Destinations changes are not allowed. Maximum stay one month. Tickets need to be booked and issued at least 21 days before the departure date. Wait list is not allowed.
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018
WIN




NEWS
6
18 SILVERSEA CRUISES
- EVENING BROCHURE LAUNCH AND PRODUCT UPDATE Blythswood Hotel, Glasgow
20 AMAZING THAILAND ROADSHOW
Belfast
01 SPAA 88TH
ANNUAL DINNER Crowne Plaza, Glasgow
08 GEORDIE BALL Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel, Newcastle
14 ABTA SOCIAL MEDIA IN TRAVEL SEMINAR Glasgow
22 STAR EXHIBITION Principal Hotel, Edinburgh
13 CMV MAGELLAN VISITS BELFAST
19 SPAA SPRING SEMINAR & NETWORKING LUNCH Blythswood Hotel Glasgow
05 CMV MAGELLAN VISITS NEWCASTLE
06 CMV MAGELLAN VISITS DUNDEE
08 SPAA TRAVEL QUIZ, Glasgow
15 SPAA TRAVEL QUIZ, Edinburgh
22 SPAA TRAVEL QUIZ, Aberdeen
31 SPAA TRAVEL QUIZ FINAL, Glasgow
12 CMV MAGELLAN VISITS NEWCASTLE
14 SPAA SUMMER BALL
Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow
21 CMV COLUMBUS VISITS INVERGORDON
13 CMV COLUMBUS VISITS GREENOCK
14 CMV COLUMBUS VISITS BELFAST
23 SPAA GOLF DAY Lanark
Royal Caribbean announces new appointment
Royal Caribbean has announced the appointment of Vicky Billing to Head of Retail North, reporting directly to Amanda Darrington, Sales Director for UK & Ireland.
06 SPAA AUTUMN SEMINAR & NETWORKING LUNCH Principal George Hotel, Edinburgh
13 STAR EXHIBITION Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen
01 26th SPAA ANNUAL TRAVEL AWARDS Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow
20 STAR EXHIBITION Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow
Movers& Shakers
Martin Jubb joins Clyde Travel Management
Clyde Travel Management have announced that Martin Jubb has joined their team in the role of
Customer Relations Manager, based in their Aberdeen o ce.
Commenting on his new role, Martin stated: “Moving up to Aberdeen 11 years ago, a er
experience working in corporate travel, leisure and tour ops in Manchester, I was quickly immersed in the world of Oil & Gas and Marine travel on prestigious accounts for the likes of Carlson Wagonlit and HRG, latterly settling at QA Travel as operations supervisor.
“I am very excited to be part of the Clyde Travel Management restructure and creation of the CRM (customer relations management) department alongside Bill Tonagh, Anne Crowe and senior CRM Sarah Hughes. The move provides a local contact for the Aberdeen and the north east of Scotland market.”
“These roles are designed to lead our Regional Sales Managers to further success and solidify the Royal Caribbean brand within their local communities. Vicky
will work closely with myself and Head of Ireland, Jennifer Callister to drive a cohesive and market leading approach to winning on the high street,” says Darrington.
Vicky comments: “Over the last six amazing years I have worked in several key roles within Royal Caribbean, ranging from Regional Sales Manager to key and strategic account positions, and I have to say my passion and dedication for the brand is still as strong as my rst day on the road!
“My love of retail makes this role extremely exciting for me and I am very much looking forward to supporting my team in delivering engagement for the trade in Scotland, Northern England and Wales.”
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JANUARY 2018
06
SPAA AGM & CHRISTMAS NETWORKING LUNCH


NEWS
Get closer to nature with
For clients who want to escape from it all, Hoseasons o ers a wide range of accommodation, from lodges and cottages to holiday parks, located throughout the UK as well as Europe.
Ideal for a short break, the Hoseasons Loch Lomond Holiday Park is set on the banks of Loch Lomond at Tarbet and has been recently re-landscaped to a rst class standard.
With a great choice of accommodation, including eight lodges with hot tubs, each with spectacular views of Loch Lomond and luxury interiors, it is ideal for couples looking for a romantic break or families who want to explore the Loch.
Loch Lomond Holiday Park is perfectly located for touring Argyll and the Highlands, only one hour from Glasgow and is an ideal base for shing, hill walking, touring, kayaking and biking. For those with a four-legged member of the family, pets are welcome for free.
Weekly prices start from £275.
Record year for Edinburgh Airport
More than 13 million passengers used Edinburgh Airport in
2017, making it the busiest year in the airport’s history, with international passengers driving growth – up almost 14 per cent - as 32 of the 34 new routes launched last year were to international destinations. December was also the busiest ever at the airport, with 925,017 passengers using the terminal.
Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport Gordon Dewar said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Edinburgh Airport – to welcome more than 13 million passengers is a real triumph and one that we are delighted by.
“We’ve already announced new and extended routes this year and construction continues on our £80 million extension project as we prepare for further growth. We are excited about what 2018 will bring and we hope to deliver more choices and destinations for our passengers throughout the year.”
2 FOR 1 AMSTERDAM
MINI CRUISE
Book your customers on our popular Amsterdam mini cruise from just £45pp with our 2 for 1 offer, available for a limited time only.
They can even extend their stay with our 3+ night short breaks.
Visit dfds.co.uk/agent to find out more about our fantastic Amsterdam short break
offers today.
NEWCASTLE-AMSTERDAM
WDFDS.CO.UK/AGENT
Prices are subject to availability. Book by 28 February for selected departures until 28 March. T&C’s apply.
2188 - Travel Matters Ad .indd 1 J0A5/N01U/2A0R18Y 2110:3168
7


GLAMORE COMPETITION
ENTER NOW!
Glasgow Airport’s competition is back and this year there are even more chances to win fantastic prizes from a number of different airlines!
This month you can win with Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic and Thomas Cook Airlines. Keep reading to find out how to enter!
WIN TWO RETURN FLIGHTS TO FRANKFURT OR MUNICH WITH LUFTHANSA
FROM GLASGOW
HOW TO ENTER
To enter, simply send your answer to the following question to [email protected] by 15.04.18 to be in with a chance of winning.
Q How many flights a week does Lufthansa operate from Glasgow to Munich between October 2017 - March 2018?
• New! Fly to Munich year round and Frankfurt from summer with Lufthansa from Glasgow.
• Connect to destinations across the world when flying from Glasgow with Lufthansa.
• Lufthansa offer WiFi on all flights.
• With Lufthansa meals and drinks are included.
Winners will be announced later on in April. Please email [email protected] for full competition and prize terms and conditions.
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018
8


WIN 2 ECONOMY TICKETS FROM GLASGOW TO ORLANDO WITH
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
HOW TO ENTER
To enter, simply send your answer to the following question to [email protected] by 15.04.18 to be in with a chance of winning.
Q What’s the luggage allowance in Premium Economy?
WIN TWO RETURN SHORT OR MID HAUL FLIGHTS WITH THOMAS COOK AIRLINES FROM GLASGOW
HOW TO ENTER
To enter, simply send your answer to the following question to [email protected] by 15.04.18 to be in with a chance of winning.
Q What date does the new Thomas Cook Airlines route from Glasgow to Kos begin?
• New for summer 2018! Fly to Kos and Tunisia with Thomas Cook Airlines.
• New! Economy Plus seating available from Glasgow.
• Named Europe’s Leading Charter Airline at The World Travel Awards for 2015/2016/2107.
• Benefit from a dedicated trade sales team.
• Iconic 747 (jumbo Jet) with state of the art seating and entertainment.
• Travellers can take advantage of fully inclusive food and drinks on board, including alcohol.
• Travellers can enjoy 23kg baggage allowance free of charge.
• Upgrade to Upper Class and enjoy a cocktail at the on-board bar.
JANUARY 2018
9


2018 - a good year for the travel trade?
Taking over from Alan Glen as President
of the SPAA,
is both an honour and a privilege, and
I would like
to pay tribute to Alan’s commitment to the organis-
ation over the last two years. The SPAA has expanded and grown during his tenure and is very much a robust and stable organisation moving forward.
2018 does not have its challenges to
seek, especially in the travel industry. We already have a ban on credit card charging this month and are yet again in the middle of more Package Travel Directive changes.
Couple this with new rules surrounding the collection and holding of data in May and the changes being brought about in the airline world on NDC and IATA New Gen ISS, and you have a number of things to think about.
Many agents appear not to have worked out the annual e ect of the ban on credit card charges and I would urge anyone who hasn’t done so yet, to look at the impact as soon as possible. It unquestionably a ects your bottom line, although a number of agent friendly tour operators have upped
Lu hansa has imposed surcharges for a while but in April, KLM and Air France will join that mix. No doubt others will follow.
Despite all these issues, business is growing. You only have to look at the passenger gures and new destinations from airports in Scotland, N Ireland and the north of England to see consistent increases.
More ights, more destinations, more passengers, means more opportunities for the travel trade to grab its fair share
of the market and this is despite a year of terrorist activities, natural disasters, airline and tour operator failures, and so on.
One of the things I feel strongly about is trying to secure one collective voice in
the industry when we come up against these challenges, to enable us to in uence, maybe even change, but certainly to understand and provide guidance to our members. Which is why we are keen to work closely with other organisations such as ABTA on the leisure side, GTMC on the business travel side, the Association
of ATOL Companies representing many operators, CLIA for cruises and of course, the commercial consortia models.
Despite the changes coming, 2018 could be a very good year for the travel trade. Let’s all make that New Year wish the same.
Ken McLeod SPAA President
88th ANNUAL
SPAA DINNER
1st March 2018
CROWNE PLAZA, GLASGOW
their commission levels to help. The PTD changes are supposed to be applied by the 1st July, with the changes being announced by April, although both these dates seem ambitious as we currently stand.
The Monarch collapse showed that 17% of their passengers were protected by the Monarch ATOL, 30% by other ATOL holders and 53% had no cover at all.
The fact that all passengers were repatriated by the Government was good for all, but raised the question of how big a collapse there has to be before the Government steps in and makes a nonsense of the whole point of the ATOL scheme itself ?
Whilst data rules are being tightened
by the end of May and could be seen by many as overly complicated, depending on the interpretation by the overseeing bodies, it is di cult to see how many companies can be completely compliant from that date. As travel companies hold considerable personal data, everyone has to start to understand how these data rules will a ect them.
In the airline world, the challenges for many agents is how to compete with those that have the technology and agreements to avoid the surcharges imposed, especial- ly those British Airways bookings through the three GDS, which adversely a ects Scottish agencies more than most and to some extent Northern Ireland.
Join us for the
Guest Speakers • Address to the Haggis • Pipers
For more details, contact Janice Hogarth:
[email protected]
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018
Datefor your Diary...


Associate Member News Bytes
Small groups, big adventures with Intrepid Travel
New SPAA Member Associate, Intrepid Travel, is a specialist small group adventure company that has been taking travellers o the beaten track to discover the world’s most amazing places for over 28 years.
With over 1,000 trips, we have every continent covered, providing real life experiences with our native guides. It’s not just the guides that are local though. Local accommodation, transport and restaurants are used wherever possible, ensuring we travel responsibly.
Chris Godrich, Senior BDM is the face of Intrepid in the North of England and Scotland. You’ll nd him out
on the road, meeting our agent partners!
It isn’t just about A ordable Car Hire you know...
it’s about all the little Xtras!
Whilst we all try and put Christmas
rmly in our rear view mirror and no doubt start the New Year with a couple of New Year resolutions, why not try ‘A ordable’ for more than just car hire. Did you know we also do motorbike hire, airport hotels, parking and lounges...even Travel Insurance is coming!
Why not register your interest now and I’ll be in touch, just go to
a ordablextras.com
If it’s just our car hire products you need a refresh on, then head to our all new training academy - a ordabletrainingacademy. com to get the latest news, incentives, fact sheets, webinars and much more!
Talking of incentives, we’re o ering a free case of wine to our Scottish top selling store over peaks and to help, we’ve teamed up with Routes Car Rental to o er free car
upgrades in Canada!
Osprey Holidays appoints new Agency Sales Executive
At Osprey Holidays we love travel agents and aim to provide you, the travel agent, with unrivalled service, best knowledge in the industry and exibility for your clients! We pride ourselves on o ering superb value for money, outstanding service and hand- picked accommodation.
We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Fraser has now joined Osprey Holidays and Ski Independence as our brand new Agency Sales Executive. A er travelling the world, then working for a well-known travel agent for several years, Jennifer has lots of experience in the travel trade.
Jen comments: “I’m so excited to join Osprey, working with both their short breaks and ski brands. I will be
on the road in the New Year and can’t wait
to meet all of our valued travel agents all
over the UK!”
Fly the short
northern route
between Edinburgh and Asia via Helsinki!
Finnair recently announced an increase in its Edinburgh to Helsinki service (launched last year) to up to 9 ights a week for 2018, making it easier to y onwards to Finnair’s network of 19 destinations in Asia, including Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Phuket, Krabi and Beijing.
Many routes are operated by Next-Generation Eco-Smart A350 XWD aircra , which are quieter, with advanced air ltration and “Northern Lights” LED Mood-Lighting, o ering enhanced passenger comfort. Helsinki airport o ers a compact and e cient hub, designed for seamless transfer between UK and Asia ights.
For more information on Finnair, please visit our Trade Support Website – www. nnair.com/easy
(User ID and Password = AGFINNAIR01),
or contact your Account Manager,
Naomi Jones.
Contact Chris at ukbdm@intrepidtravel. com, call 0808 274 5719, get trip inspiration at Intrepidtravel.com or signup to intrepidlovesagents.com – our agent portal!
To contact Jennifer - Email:
[email protected] or telephone: 0131 243 8081
For further information contact: Stephen Joyner - Head of Sales Email: stephenjoyner@ a ordablecarhire.com
Mobile: 07738 151711
Agency Sales: Agencysales@ a ordablehirecar.com
Naomi Jones, Client Manager
UK South & Scotland
Email – naomi.jones@ nnair.com Call – 07876 544 474
Trade Support – 020 8001 0111
JANUARY 2018
11


TUI adds ights to Dalaman for Summer 2018
TUI has added another weekly ight to the Turkish destination of Dalaman for Summer 2018, operating out of Glasgow Airport.
The additional ight will operate twice weekly, starting in May, on Mondays and Thursdays.
Karen Switzer, Director of Aviation Planning for TUI UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our programme from Glasgow Airport for Summer 2018. We have added a Thursday ight to Dalaman meaning we now y twice a week to the Turkish destinations and customers can book holidays of 10 and 11-nights. In total, we have 25 destinations departing from Glasgow Airport.”
A NEW YEAR’S
RESOLUTION IS SOMETHING THAT GOES IN ONE YEAR AND OUT THE OTHER!
Silversea invited a group of Scottish and North East agents onboard Silver Spirit to experience their ultra-luxury ship rst-hand.
Hosted by Silversea representatives Amanda Middler and Julie Nunes - as well as Paul McDougall from Turkish Airlines - attendees of the Silversea familiarisation trip included Laura Marshall, Barrhead Travel - Falkirk; Judith Eardley, Kenneth Macleod; Leanne Tierney, The Cruise Specialists; Jackie Smith, Jimmy Martin Travel; Alana McEwan, Scotland’s Cruise Centre; Joanne Mitchell, Travel Bureau; Kerry James and Jessica Vincent, Cruise.co; Gemma Wheatley, Dawson & Sanderson; and Gail Cooper, Thomas Cook.
The group ew with Turkish Airlines from Edinburgh Airport to Dubai via Istanbul on 30th November and stayed at The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai for two nights, before stepping aboard Silver Spirit on 3rd December.
They then sailed for three days, calling at Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas before disembarking in Fujairah. During their time on board, the group were able to experience the choice of ne dining, evening entertainment in The Show Lounge, the spacious, ocean-view suites with butler service and Silversea’s all-inclusive lifestyle which includes champagne, select wines and spirits and onboard gratuities.
They also enjoyed an Abu Dhabi City Tour and an Exclusive Cabana & Beach Escape in Sir Bani Yas.
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018
12


Secure your clients’ next 2018 trip for just £1 with Intrepid Travel. Make sure you con rm the booking by the 16th February 2018 to bene t from this fantastic low deposit o er!
With over 1,000 trips in more than 120 countries, you are sure to find the right trip for your clients wherever and however they choose to travel.
Terms and conditions apply. Visit the travel deals page at Intrepidtravel.com for further details.
[email protected] 0808 274 5719 bookings.intrepidtravel/agents intrepidlovesagents.com
We’re open
24/7


New Year
Resolutions from
IF Only...
By BRENDAN MAGUIRE,
Managing Director and Founder of If Only...
Looking back on 2017, it’s been of roller-coaster of a year for the travel trade in general and for If Only... in particular. In the summer, news of our expansion plans caused quite a stir, and our subsequent success in winning numerous awards in the autumn convinced me that the trade are ready and willing to support our future developments.
The turn of the year heralds the launch of many of these plans, so we’ve made some New Year resolutions to make life easier
(and more pro table) for our supportive agents.
Here’s our list of promises for 2018.
• Catering for demand, we’ve just introduced the USA (very successfully, thanks to all our agents) and a er only one month of selling the USA, we’re already expanding our team of USA specialists. We’ve also had a great response to our new 132 page USA brochure.
• We’re also working hard to add a number of new destinations to our portfolio in 2018, the rst new brochure due for release in the Spring. Watch this space!
• Next, we’ve increased our commission levels on accommodation-only bookings (they’re now on par with our package booking commission levels) and, taking into account the change to credit card charges this month, all of our agents will see their commission levels increase by 0.5%.
• We’ve designed “The Best of Both Worlds” campaign to make January and February the best “peaks” ever for agents - with top-notch in-store displays and a toolkit of marketing materials that can be used by agents to sell great twin-centre options onto their own clients.
• And to keep agents motivated in ‘peaks’, we’re o ering the best of both worlds with daily and weekly prize draws - how do holidays in Dubai, Fitbits or some luxury Indian Ocean hotel stays sound?
• Our online booking system is also being rolled out - supported by our new website - perfect for single centre enquiries that require a quick quote.
• We’ve also increased the number of sta in our reservation teams, and the number of phone lines coming in to our HQ in Milngavie, making life easier for our valued agency partners.
• We’ll remind you of our long standing promise, that we do not promote ourselves directly to the consumer, investing all our e ort in the retail travel trade. Unlike many of our competitors, we don’t have a ‘sister’ direct sell brand out there undercutting you, our loyal agents. And we won’t use any data that we may require (such as emails or phone number for frequent yer numbers, chau eur drive etc.) to reach out directly to
your clients.
• And nally, of course we’ll continue to o er £10 - £300 “Just Rewards” by Love2Shop – with every eligible booking!
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
JANUARY 2018


Win a PRIZE
Win a PRIZE
Best of Both
Worlds
a day
a week
Book with If Only... for your chance to win every day and every week
You could win:
Champagne
Fam trip places
NutriBullets Dubai trips
Kindle Fires
Indian Ocean Hotel stays
Cases of wine Fitbits
Call us on 0141 955 4000 or visit agents.ifonly.net for details Double your chances by including our preferred partners in your booking
RESORTS & HOTELS
RESORTS & HOTELS RESORTS & HOTELS


NEWS
Bumper Cruise Sale from Fred. Olsen
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has added a number of European river itineraries on board its new river cruise ship Brabant, to its new year sale.
Fred. Olsen’s ‘Cruise Sale’ features more than 125 sailings from its 2018/19 ocean and river programmes, with the added bonus of either complimentary drinks or shore tours, for bookings made by 1st March 2018, inclusive.
With Fred. Olsen’s bumper ‘Cruise Sale’, clients booking one of the 27 featured river cruises aboard 156-guest Brabant, can opt for a free Dining Drinks upgrade – with a choice of house wines, beers or branded so drinks with their lunchtime and evening meals – or free shore tour credit of up to £100 per person.
Justin Stanton, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are extremely encouraged by the success of our 2018/19 ‘Cruise Sale’ so far, and we are now extending the o er to include our new river cruise programme, on board the Brabant.
“Guests can experience some of Europe’s best river cruise highlights, including the Moselle, Rhine, Danube and Main valley - all for less, as they choose between the free dining drinks upgrade or free shore tours.”
Brabant’s inaugural river cruise programme will run from 5th April to 3rd November 2018, taking in some of Europe’s most beautiful rivers, on a total of 31 departures in 2018, on durations ranging from ve to 25 nights – complemented by a selection of high-quality shore excursions.
Cruise Sales
Opportunity
A Round The World Cruise - The Ultimate Holiday
y
Month...
of the
M
When those people lucky enough to win a lot of money are asked what they will spend it on, more o en than not, they say a round the world cruise! Just imagine the prospect of 90 to 120 days ahead of you, with warm sunny weather, exotic places to visit, lazy days at sea and much more.
World cruises and y cruise sectors represent a major sales and pro t opportunity. Cruise lines are reporting great business, fuelled by those seeking to escape the long winter.
Sailing from the UK, you have Cruise and Maritime, Fred.
Olsen Cruise Lines, Cunard and P&O, all o ering this amazing experience. There is a real early booking market for these cruises, especially for the cheapest cabins, helped by great o ers when they go on sale. Now is the time to look at the 2018/2019 cruises, select what you think you could promote and sell, talk to your local cruise sales manager and put together a plan.
With a world cruise, there are a few things you need to carefully consider with your client. The ship’s itinerary for one - there can be long periods at sea. Is there enough time in the ports to see
everything? Drinks and tips can add up on a long voyage. If the ship has a self service launderette, then less luggage is needed, to name just a few.
If your clients cannot do the whole voyage, sectors of a world cruise o er great value for money and the chance to sail on some unusual and interesting itineraries. See where you can link a particular sector with ights - for example y non-stop to Dubai, then sail back home. A voyage
to or from Australia, ying the
other way would be a fantastic
trip and incredible value, when
you think what is included.
In my opinion, one of the
best ways to sell these trips
is to use the lowest common denominator pricing, eg from only £90 per person per night. Why not have a look at this market - the world could be your oyster! Bargain!
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018
16


FREE
Drinks –or–
Tours*
With us, your clients will enjoy a FREE
All Inclusive Drinks Upgrade or FREE Shore Tours on almost every Fred.Olsen cruise.*
With these fantastic benefits
– there’s never been a better time to explore the world on Fred. Olsen’s smaller, friendlier ships.
For further information call Trade Support on 01473 746 164,
or visit our dedicated agent website at fredolsencruises.com/agent
These Terms and Conditions are in addition to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ (FOCL) standard Terms and Conditions which are available on our website, fredolsencruises.com and on request. Both must be read before booking. Information shown is correct at time of going to press (Dec 2017). All o ers may be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice, cannot be combined (exception: the Enjoyment Promise if applicable), are subject to availability and cannot be applied retrospectively. *Guests can choose from either Free All Inclusive
Drinks Upgrade or Free Shore Tours o er not both. Freedom Fare terms and conditions apply. O er is applicable to new bookings made between 06/12/17 and 01/03/18,
inclusive. O er applies to selected 2018/19 sailings between ve and 34 nights in duration. Refer to our website for full Terms and Conditions, including a list of relevant o er cruises and tour values. There is no cash alternative. E&OE.


CANADA FEATURE
Non-stop services with Air Canada Rouge
Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada’s leisure airline, o ers seasonal non-stop services from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester to Toronto, with convenient connections to destinations throughout Air Canada’s extensive global network depart daily from Toronto Pearson International Airport to 64 Canadian destinations, 57 in the United States as well as services to the Caribbean, Mexico and South America.
Operating a eet of Boeing 767-300ER aircra , Air Canada Rouge features both premium and economy cabins. Premium Rouge passengers can enjoy a separate cabin with a generous 37” seat pitch, premium meals served on chinaware, complimentary wine and spirits, priority airport services, plus two free checked bags weighing up to 23 kgs each. In Economy Class, passengers receive complimentary hot meals and non-alcoholic beverages, plus one free checked bag weighing up to 23 kgs.
In both cabins, passengers will have access to ‘Player’, a new generation of in- ight entertainment. For Premium Rouge passengers, wireless streaming of on-demand entertainment is available on complimentary iPads.
To access the in- ight entertainment in Economy, passengers must download the free Air Canada app prior to travel to stream on-demand entertainment onto their own Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or laptop. Alternatively, passengers can rent an iPad for the duration of the ight for $10 CAD.
Seasonal non-stop ights will depart from Edinburgh to Air Canada’s main hub at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport four times a week in summer 2018:-
MON/ WED/FRI/SAT
AC1905 departs Edinburgh 0820 - arrives Toronto 1040
TUES/THU/FRI/SUN
AC1904 departs Toronto 1855 - arrives Edinburgh 0635*
Seasonal summer non-stop ights will depart from Glasgow to Toronto three times a week:-
TUE/THU/SUN
AC1939 departs Glasgow 0830 - arrives Toronto 1045
MON/WED/SAT
AC1938 departs Toronto 1855 - arrives Glasgow 0635*
Seasonal summer non-stop ights will depart from Manchester up to ve times a week:-
MON/TUE/WED/FRI/SAT
AC1931 departs Manchester 1215 - arrives Toronto 1500
MON/TUE/THU/FRI/SUN
AC1930 departs Toronto 2255 - arrives Manchester 1045*
*Arrives the next day
The double aisle Boeing 767-300ER aircra o ers 282 seats onboard, 24 seats in Premium Rouge and 258 seats in the rear cabin: 219 Economy seats and 39 Preferred seats which o er 5” of extra legroom.
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018


Glasgow, meet Canada’s coolest city.
Non-stop seasonal service between Glasgow and Toronto begins summer 2018.
Beginning June 17, 2018, your clients can experience Canada’s multicultural metropolis— the city is home 230 nationalities and 140 languages—via our new direct, summer-long Glasgow-to-Toronto service.
Plus, with continuing ights from Toronto’s Pearson airport to over 120 destinations across North America, the rest of Canada is just a connection away: café au laits in Montreal, the Stanley Park seawall in Vancouver, craft brews in Halifax, and more.
Our Glasgow–Toronto service features complimentary checked baggage, meals and advance seat selection.*
For more information, visit aircanada.com.
PROUD TO SERVE SCOTLAND
*Transatlantic services only; an advance seat selection fee applies to Tango booking class W, S, T, L and K.


CANADA FEATURE
The world’s largest skating rink
Did you know that Ottawa is home to the largest naturally frozen skating rink in the world, as designated by Guinness World
Records? Each year, from January to late February or early March, the scenic Rideau Canal – Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage
Site – freezes and welcomes nearly one million visitors for winter fun.
People from all over the world come to glide along the Rideau Canal Skateway’s 7.8 kilometres (4.8 miles), which stretches from Ottawa’s downtown to Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River at Kingston, Ontario.
According to the National Capital Commission (NCC), the
Skateway hosts a daily average of 20,000 visitors during the winter months. Access to the Skateway is free.
Visitors can bring their own skates or rent a pair at the Skateway’s downtown and Fi h Avenue entrances and all along the way, there are various stands o ering hot soup, hot chocolate
as well as deep fried cinnamon and sugar Beaver Tails pastries, invented in Ottawa in 1978. There are also heated changing huts.
Many Ottawans who live near the Canal actually use it to skate to school or to work in the winter!
During the rst three weekends of February, the Canal is the focal point for Winterlude, the Capital’s annual celebration of winter. Winterlude events
include the Ice Dragon Boat Festival, where dragon boats race down the frozen Rideau Canal Skateway as well as the International Ice-Carving Competition at
Confederation Park’s Crystal Garden, featuring dazzling ice sculptures created by professional carvers from around the world.
Book a whale watching tour
For lovers of wildlife, a visit to British Columbia o ers an ideal opportunity to book a whale watching tour. Visitors may spot Orcas (killer whales), humpback whales or Paci c grey whales – all in their natural habitats.
There are a number of whale-watching tours running from May through October, leaving from major cities such as Vancouver and Victoria, along with more remote locations such as Northern BC and o the
north and west coasts of Vancouver Island (named by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of North America’s Best Whale Watching Spots
in 2010).
For example, you can zip along on an open-air high-speed Zodiac; spend a full day on a comfortable cruiser with indoor seating and spacious viewing deck;
or book a historic sailboat for a week-long luxury adventure.
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018


WINNER OF 15 AWARDS
New 2018/19 Worldwide brochure OUT NOW!
Worldwide holidays on sale throughout 2018 & 2019
More regional ight options available
NEW solo departures Prices from just £779pp†
Titan includes FREE connecting ights from an airport near you &
VIP door-to-door travel service*
For more information please visit titanagents.co.uk *Titan’s VIP door-to-door transfers are not available on the Essential Collection †Lead in price applies to Essential Malta


CANADA FEATURE
Ontario Tourism launches new online training programme
Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation has launched a new online training programme, targeting travel agents across the UK.
This new programme – ‘Discover Ontario Agent’ – encourages agents to complete six modules, focusing on accommodation, excursions and Signature Experiences, festivals and events, and tips on how to get to and around the destination, in order to become Ontario specialists.
These di erent modules are split by destinations including Toronto, Niagara Falls, Killarney and Northern Ontario, Manitoulin Island and Fathom Five National Marine Park, Ottawa and 1000 Islands, Muskoka and Algonquin, to showcase the beauty and diversity of Ontario.
In the province of Ontario, visitors can explore its vibrant cities as well six national parks, over 250 provincial parks and 400,000 lakes and rivers.
Discover Toronto with Air Transat’s seat sale
With prices starting from £367 return to Toronto from Glasgow, including taxes and fees, why not suggest a trip to your clients with Air Transat, to Canada’s largest city.
Fares include luggage, a meal and in ight entertainment. Air Transat has also partnered with Daniel Vézina to o er a selection of gourmet meals on its ights. The Chef’s Menu by Daniel Vézina is o ered for free to all Club Class passengers and Economy Class passengers can purchase his signature dishes for $25, which will be served with a cheese plate, dessert and glass of wine. The meals can be pre-ordered on Air Transat’s website or by calling the booking centre.
With plenty of accommodation to choose from, Toronto also o ers numerous attractions, unique neighbourhoods and great shopping. In downtown Toronto, no visit is complete without
a trip to the CN Tower. Standing 553 metres, the tower o ers amazing views of the city (on a clear day, you can even see Niagara Falls).
Those looking to indulge in a bit of retail therapy can do so at the Toronto Eaton Centre. This shopping centre, in the heart of the city, features over 230 shops and restaurants, as well as a beautiful town square.
Visitors can also venture further a eld and make the short trip from Toronto to see Niagara Falls. There are plenty of local tours to choose from or alternatively, it is an easy drive of around 90 minutes to get there. Once there, clients can choose whether to take in the view from the sidelines, or board a boat to experience the Falls’ up close!
In addition, Niagara-on-the-Lake is full of wineries that o er tours and tastings and the town also plays host to the Shaw Festival, with a mix of theatre productions celebrating the works of famous Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw.
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018


Canada starts here
airtransat.co.uk Available to book via your GDS
Prices are per person based on selected routes and prices. Prices for other routes may vary. Correct at the time of going to print and can change at any time. Other routes available with Air Transat, see online for details and prices.
CANADA SEAT SALE
Glasgow -
Toronto
Direct flight
Starting at £367pprtn
Manchester -
Toronto
Via Toronto
Starting at £391pprtn
Dublin -
Toronto
Via Toronto
Starting at €370pprtn


CANADA FEATURE
Enjoy the Spirit of the West
at the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is a must see event and takes place this year, from Friday 6th - Sunday 15th July.
Celebrating the people, animals and traditions that make up the spirit of the west, the Stampede features cowboys and cowgirls, rodeo events, including Showdown Sunday—Rodeo’s Richest A ernoon, with $2 million in prize money to be won, as well as 10 days of shows and music concerts.
The Stampede looks a lot di erent today than when it all started, back in 1886, when the Calgary District and Agricultural Society held their rst Exhibition. In those days, Calgary had a CPR station, a North West Mounted Police
post and about 1,000 people.
However, the Exhibition became an annual event and attendance continued to grow. In 2012, the Stampede celebrated its 100th birthday, with a record 1,409,371 people passing through the gates. Stampede Park has grown signi cantly, from 95 acres to 208 acres and has remained a volunteer driven organisation: in the 1920s the Exhibition had 130 volunteers; today, the Stampede has over 2,500.
This year, the Stampede will o er performances from local, national and international performers, including country music superstar, Luke Bryan on Saturday 14th July, as part of the 2018 Virgin Mobile Stampede Concert Series. All shows are free with admission to Stampede Park.
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A er completing the two foundation modules - Travel Information and Geography - you need to complete three experience-based modules to become a quali ed Canada Specialist.
Modules include:
• Food & Wine • Accommodation • Vibrant Cities
• Wildlife & Nature • Adventure • Cruise & Rail Travel
Each module has links to essential travel information, including consumer websites, weather pages, city transportation sites and maps. When you have completed your rst ve modules successfully, you will have earned your Canada Specialist Level accreditation and certi cate from Destination Canada.
Bene ts of the programme include: reduced travel rates on FAM trips; your contact details will posted on the consumer website www.canada.travel; access to online itineraries and tour operator details; use of promotional items and branded templates, stationery and logos in the CSP Toolkit; regular updates, news, training and webinars and the opportunity to become an Elite Canada Specialist.
I FIND THIS SO AMOOSING!
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018
24


CANADA FEATURE
Free upgrade o er with A ordable Car Hire!
Renting a car in the Canadian Rockies will give your clients the freedom to really get to the heart of this incredible part of the world, from its natural beauty, to its bustling towns and cities..... I know as I have done it!
For most, renting a car on holiday doesn’t sound like much fun, but let me assure you, you
won’t regret it, as nature really does get up close
and personal. Having a car allows you to stop when you want; to take that once a lifetime picture of that Canadian moose walking across the road in front of you; or one of the hundreds of species of birds; or to capture the most amazing unspoilt views at your own pace!
Booking with A ordable Car o ers your clients a wide range of vehicles, from compact economy cars right through to luxury 4x4s at competitive rates and at a variety of pick-up and drop-o locations around the country. Rates start at £18 per day for a small economy, £25 per day for a midsize and £30 per day for a SUV.
So whatever your customers intend to do, whether skiing or sailing in Vancouver, visiting Butchart Gardens for the annual ower show in March, seeing the famous Calgary Stampede in July or doing the full tour of the national parks.... suggest renting a car with A ordable Car Hire!
We have sourced an incredible FREE UPGRADE OFFER for you, in conjunction with ‘Routes Car Rental’, so book your clients their next dream holiday and car hire between January 1st and April 15th to get this amazing added value!
In just a few clicks you can compare, choose and book on your award winning agent portal website. If you haven’t got an account don’t worry - contact our agency sales teams on 0345 9000 420 or email agencysales@a ordablecarhire.com and we will set you up!
‘Book and Smile’......do it the A ordable way!
*t&c’s apply- Upgrade from either a full size or standard size vehicle to an SUV (must reserve either a full size or standard size car, then upgraded at no cost to an SUV (subject to availability). Minimum 3 day rental. Not combinable with any other o er or discounts. Driver must meet normal driving requirements. Dates for promotion: Bookings: 05/01/2018 – 15/04/2018 Pickups: 05/01/2018 – 15/04/2018
BOOK YOUR CANADIAN CAR HIRE TODAY AND GET YOUR FREE UPGRADE!*
Affordable Car Hire: call 0345 9000 420 or visit affordablecarhire.com
JANUARY 2018
25


CANADA FEATURE
Go wild in Vancouver Island
Home to British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria, Vancouver Island is easily accessible for a
day trip or with so much to see, even a longer stay. There are various ways to travel to the island. Clients can board a BC Ferry, at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, 30 minutes south of Vancouver and disembark at the Swartz
Bay Ferry Terminal in Sidney, 30 minutes north of Victoria, with connecting bus services available. You can enjoy the stunning scenery and o en spot whales and dolphins too, during the 90-minute crossing.
Day trips by boat are also available, where you can cruise among the Gulf Islands, looking for whales, en route to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
Alternatively, clients can y with Harbour Air Seaplanes. Taking o in Vancouver harbour, landing about 40 minutes later in Victoria harbour, the quick ight gives you plenty of time to explore the island. With frequent departures, the ight o ers stunning views over Vancouver, the Gulf Islands in the Strait of Georgia and Victoria harbour - but be sure to arrive early to get a window seat. Advance reservations are
also recommended.
Another great option is the Helijet. The helicopter crossing takes about 35 minutes and Helijet o ers several daily ights. Alternatively, there is the V2V, a luxury 3.5 hour cruise that operates daily between downtown Vancouver and downtown Victoria. Clients can choose from the Premium Comfort, First Class, and Royal Class with onboard luxuries such as reclining leather seats and a three-course meal.
Vancouver Island o ers every outdoor adventure you can think of, from kayaking, diving, shing, biking, sur ng and swimming in the summer to skiing, snowshoeing and storm watching in the winter. You can also watch migrating birds, ducks, geese and swans in Victoria, and, of course, go on a whale-watching tour.
The Island has 160 government designated parks for hiking or running as well as the West Coast Trail, a 75-kilometre (47-mile) backpacking test of mettle. On the wild west coast, Canada’s surf capital, To no, features stunning coastal scenery where the rainforest runs right into the Paci c Ocean.
The Old City Quarter in Victoria features character buildings, galleries, shops and restaurants. You can take a gentle stroll around the beautful gardens and Inner Harbour and if you have time, take A ernoon Tea at the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel. Having recently undergone a $60 million dollar transformation, this luxury hotel is well worth a visit.
With the mildest climate in Canada, any time of the year is an ideal
time to visit Vancouver Island!
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018


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WOW air offers the lowest fares, a modern fleet with the lowest emissions and the biggest smile; this is the WOW air promise to its valuable customers. As of spring 2018, the airline services 36 destinations across Europe and North America including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto and Montréal.
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CANADA FEATURE
Enjoy the thrills and spills of Whistler
For skiers and snowboarders in search of thrills and adventure, Whistler is an ideal destination. Located in Canada’s coastal mountains of British Columbia along the scenic Sea to
Sky Highway, Whistler is just 2 hours north of Vancouver International Airport or a 4.5-hour drive from Seattle.
With plenty of outdoor adventures, world-famous après ski, ve-star dining, spas, shopping, or nightlife, there is something here for everyone. However, the main attraction is of course, the two largest, Number 1 ranked, side-by-side ski mountains in North America - Whistler and Blackcomb.
With the most skiable terrain in North America, Whistler Blackcomb has a massive reputation. Spanning 8,171 acres, the vast and varied terrain will appeal to both rst-time skiers as well the more experienced winter sports enthusiast. The two side-by-side mountains are also connected by the Guinness
World Record-holding PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and supported by one of the largest networks of high-speed chairli s in
the world.
Built for sightseers, skiers and snowboarders alike and joining Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, visitors no longer have to choose which mountain to spend the day on and can instead, board the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola for a breathtaking, 4.4-kilometre, 11-minute journey between the two, enabling you to ride the best terrain on both in the same day.
Once your feet are rmly back on the ground, Whistler Village is a lively pedestrian-only hub located directly at the base of the slopes of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. With plenty of accommodation, including ski-in/ski-out lodging, outdoor activities and stunning scenery, Whistler is the perfect winter holiday destination.
Vail Resorts announces signi cant
investment at Whistler Blackcomb
Vail Resorts, Inc has announced plans to make an investment of CAD$66 million (USD$52 million) at Whistler Blackcomb this season, focusing on three new li s at the heart of the resort.
New features will include the addition of a new gondola on the Blackcomb side of the mountain, as well as several other li infrastructure upgrades, providing quicker, easier access to all levels of terrain.
A new 10-passenger gondola will replace the Wizard and Solar chairli s and ascend from the base to the top of Blackcomb Mountain, terminating adjacent to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.
The new gondola will o er visitors a more comfortable and weather- protected experience in the rst three-gondola connection in the world, enhancing the longest continuous li system. The new gondola is expected to represent a 47-percent capacity increase and move 4,000 people per hour, the highest capacity in North America.
In addition to the new gondola, the plan also includes li upgrades in Whistler Blackcomb’s Family Ski Zone, an upper-mountain area renowned for intermediate trails tailored to families.
The Family Ski Zone’s Emerald Express four-passenger li will be replaced with a new six-passenger high-speed li , increasing guest uphill capacity by 29 percent and maximizing time on the snow for families on the mountain’s intermediate learning terrain.
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018




CANADA FEATURE
Gregorz... The well travelled bear visits...
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3 A free and frequent shuttle operates to and from the city centre to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
3 More adventurous clients can take the spectacular Skyride at Grouse Mountain in Capilano Bridge Park. They can visit native grizzly bears at the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife (I visited my relatives and they were all delighted to see me!) and in summer, also ride on the roof of the gondola – not for the faint-hearted!
3 The Vancouver Trolley Company operates a Hop-On, Hop-O City Tour which is a great way for clients to see Vancouver’s most popular areas including: Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown and Granville Island, with 34 stops and live commentary.
3 VancouverLookoutisoneofthe
most iconic landmarks in the city. Glass elevators will take them to
the Observation Deck to enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city.
3 Why not suggest a two centre holiday? Seattle is only 140 miles away or perhaps a trip to the sublime Canadian Rockies.
3 Vancouver is a major embarkation point for cruises to Alaska and you should recommend a 2-3 night stay in this amazing city, pre or post cruise.
Vancouver is consistently named as one of the top ve worldwide cities for quality of life. No surprise there - this cosmopolitan city is amazing! It combines all the fun and bustle of a city with the great outdoors! Turn one way and admire one of the best skylines in the world, then turn around and you can see the breathtaking North Shore Mountains!
Stanley Park is a great place to start your Vancouver experience. Surrounded on three sides by the Paci c Ocean, a walk or cycle around the 9 km paved portion of the Seawall is a must. It takes 2 to 3 hours to walk round or one hour to cycle. You can hire bikes of all sorts just close to entrance. Start at the Vancouver Rowing Club; marvel at
the Totem Poles; view the monuments and sculptures; stop by the beach or take a dip in the pool; or simply mingle with the locals. Canadians are friendly and welcoming of visitors so you will feel right at home.
The next stop has to be Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. This immense park lets you experience the temperate rainforest of British Columbia. Soar over the Capilano River as you cross the suspension bridge, some 70 metres above the river (only for
brave bears!), climb through r trees on the Treetops Adventure and rise high above the canyon along a towering wall of granite on the Cli walk. Simply stunning!
Once you have seen some of the sights on land, it’s time to get out on the water! There are lots of options available. Aquabus do a great 25-minute mini cruise, Harbour Cruises give you hour long tours and adrenalin junkies will love the Sea Vancouver – 90 minutes blasting around the harbour aboard a Zodiac. You can even travel further a eld and go whale watching on a sea safari.
OK, so Vancouver is a great destination for people who love the outdoor life, stunning scenery and nature but what about night life? Well, there is plenty of that too! Granville Street, a neon lit area packed with bars and clubs, has live music and bars open all night. Yaletown is a bit more designer cocktails and exclusive lounges, or there’s Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood with its beer halls, Irish pubs and some of the coolest restaurants in the city.
This city is full of life, beauty and exhilaration. You will arrive home determined to stay for longer next time!
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018
Oh Canada!
TOP TIPS


WELCOME ABOARD
San Francisco, Baltimore & Kansas City
Reykjavik I Anchorage I Boston I Chicago I Denver I Edmonton I Halifax I Minneapolis I Montreal I New York (JFK & Newark) Seattle I Tampa Bay I Toronto I Orlando I Philadelphia I Portland I Vancouver I Washington D.C.
NEW IN 2018 : Dallas, Cleveland, San Francisco, Baltimore & Kansas City
+ icelandairtraining.co.uk


THE
SECRET SUCCESS
JOANNE DOOEY
LOVE TO TRAVEL
In 2018, I celebrate 30 years in the travel industry and it was a career I had always wanted to follow!
At 16 I le school and went to work for
a local cold meat and deli business in
the sales o ce. I can honestly say, the gentleman who owned this business taught me a lot about how to sell, but I had always longed to work in a travel agency. From an early age, I can remember playing travel agents as my elder sister’s best friend worked for AT Mays and used to bring brochures home!
I married young and at 18, I had my daughter. I then got to know the manager of my local Lunn Poly (her husband worked with mine) and she o ered me a job. I was delighted - at 22, married with
a young family, I never thought I could ful l my dream of a career in the travel industry!
I worked hard and the training I received in Lunn Poly was excellent. I then went to work as an Assistant Manager for a new company starting up, formed from Pickford’s and Hogg Robinson - I was there at the very start of Going Places - a company that I absolutely loved!
Tony Bennett really inspired me and
I worked for some amazing Regional Managers and Heads of Sales - people like Caroline Meikle, Philippa Mathewson, Cathy Jackson Spence and Nigel Harris - they all motivated me to believe in myself and all had a very big impact on
my career.
I became a manager for Going Places
in Buchanan Street in Glasgow, then Coatbridge, moving on to Regional Manager in the North, the East, then taking over all of Scotland. Looking a er 53 shops makes running your own two feel like an easy ride! I was still with Going
Places when Cooks took them over and I stayed there, looking a er both brands for two years.
I learnt a lot and again, I was privileged
to work with some industry greats. My career then took me to the Co-op, looking a er Scotland and Cumbria and I felt that I was back home! The Co-op was very much like Going Places and I loved it!
But with 19 years travelling and always longing to be my own boss, I decided in 2013 to set up my own business - Love to Travel. Having been out a few times to the Advantage conferences, with my other half, Jimmy Martin, I was inspired by Advantage and the support they o ered. So I opened up Coatbridge, followed by the next year, my Motherwell shop, which is ironic as it’s the old Lunn Poly I started my career in 30 years ago!
Becoming an independent was like putting a child in a sweetie shop, with
all these amazing operators I could now sell! My 14 years on SPAA Council also helped me tremendously, as I already had relationships with lots of tour operators that we did not sell in the multiples. I have always felt that it’s important to network, as you never know where your career will turn!
...don’t think being a young mum with a family will hold you back from your dreams. You can have both!
So, I would say that the secret of my success is believe in yourself - don’t think being a young mum with a family will hold you back from your dreams. You can have both!
I look at my two children with great pride as they are career driven and both are very successful. They also got to travel and see the world through my work!
The thing I love the most about the travel industry, is the people! I have made some amazing friends over the years and I do feel, especially in Scotland, that the travel industry is one big happy family - as we all look out for each other!
Here’s to an fantastic 2018 for us all and hopefully, I will see a lot of you at the SPAA Dinner in March!
ALL OUR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE
IF WE HAVE THE COURAGE TO PURSUE THEM.
(WALT DISNEY)
OF MY
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018
32


more choice in 2018
To order a supply of brochures please visit www.trade-gate.co.uk
UK & Ireland Holidays April - October 2018
UK & Ireland Holidays
Packed full of great value holidays to des na ons across England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, there are plenty of holidays to choose from across our wonderful na on.
European Holidays
Brimming with unforge able, great value holidays to des na ons across the Con nent, this year we have added some brand new des na ons too, that we look forward to sharing with you.
Heritage Breaks
These exclusive escorted tours o er the opportunity to delve deeper into the rich history of many magni cent proper es across the UK in partnership with the Na onal Trust.
European Holidays April - October 2018
Inspiring Breaks
National Trust Houses & Gardens
Get out more in
May - October 2018
in association with
Europe
Europe
This brochure features an exclusive range of 2018 holidays which we know from experience customers love. This unique European collec on has everything
from coastal resorts to touring holidays, ensuring there is something for everyone.
London
You’ll never be stuck for something to do in London. England’s capital is jam- packed with sights and ac vi es to keep you entertained, and there are quiet and tranquil corners for you to relax too. Soak up the atmosphere of this incredible, ourishing city or perhaps take in a West End show on one of our theatre breaks!
Omega Holidays and Just Go Holidays are part of the JG Travel Group. All holidays adver sed in the brochures shown are subject to terms and condi ons which can be viewed at either www.justgoholidays.com or www.omegabreaks.com. All holidays o ered are subject to availability and prices to uctua on. Errors & Omissions excepted. All prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single supplements apply.
O
EUROPE 2018
A collec unique Eur n ca s air
L&ONDON THEATRE ATTRACTIONS
LONDON THEATRE BUCKINGHAM PALACE THE SHARD LONDON EYE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT WINDSOR CASTLE CLARENCE HOUSE THAMES RIVER CRUISE
ALL
THE TOP WEST END SHOWS
Weekends from £99.95pp


FAM TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Mauritius
with Beachcomber Tours and Emirates Report by MICHELE LISTER, GLEN TRAVEL
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018
Dates Visited: What Did I Like:
20th - 27th September 2017
Airline:
We ew Emirates via Dubai to Mauritius. This was my rst time ying with Emirates and we were travelling in style - Business Class! Wow! Emirates really know how to spoil you and lunch in the amazing Emirates multi million pound lounge was a real treat!
Hotels:
We stayed in several hotels including: the luxurious Royal Palm (pure paradise); Trou Aux Biches, (amazing hotel); Paradis Golf Resort & Spa (perfect for golfers) and the all-inclusive Shandrani, located close to the airport, with access to three beaches!
Food and Drink: Excursions:
We had some great food including bu et lunches, Indian tapas and even sipped champagne on the beach while watching the sunset!
What I did not like: Destination Summary:
Having to come home!
Flying Business Class with Emirates, the Emirates lounge at Glasgow Airport, the stunning beaches in Mauritius, the fabulous hotels, the food, the people - absolutely everything!
Site inspections included the refurbished Canonnier (great for families); Mauricia (perfectly located near Grand Baie); and the all-inclusive Victoria, the rst hotel on the island with swim-up rooms!
We went on a sunset cruise; had an exhilarating trip on a speedboat (a rst for me!); visited Grand Baie with its friendly locals, great beach and new golf course; and saw the best spa ever, at the Dinarobin Hotel Spa!
I absolutely loved Mauritius - and this was an amazing trip! The hotels in Beachcomber Tours’ portfolio are perfect for families, couples, honeymooners and golfers alike. I would like to say a huge thanks to Martin Maclaren of Beachcomber Tours, as well as Sarah and Gary and the team at Emirates for a truly memorable trip!
The island is an ideal holiday destination for clients, and for agents thinking about visiting Mauritius, just do it! You won’t regret it!




AIRLINE NEWS
New summer routes from easyJet
easyJet have announced that they will operate ights to Seville and Jersey from Edinburgh Airport, commencing in March.
Both routes will be operated twice weekly through the summer season and will come into service from 26th and 31st March, respectively.
It increases the number of destinations from Edinburgh Airport to 146.
Loganair steps up expansion plans
Loganair has announced a ra of expansion plans as it launches the schedule for its rst full summer of ying under its own name and brand.
The airline is launching a new three-times weekly jet service linking Inverness and Manchester with Bergen. Operating on a year-round basis, it is Inverness’ second regular international service and it will join Loganair’s network alongside existing ights to the Norwegian city from Glasgow, Shetland and Orkney.
Loganair will introduce the rst ever non-stop services linking Manchester with Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles. Weekly services to Stornoway and Sumburgh will join twice-weekly ights from Manchester to Kirkwall.
New ights will also operate over the summer between Norwich and Inverness – non-stop from June to September every Monday and Friday; from Norwich to the Isle of
Man to meet demand for TT Races; and from Glasgow
to Guernsey, where a new Saturday service will be introduced from 26th May to 15th September.
The island of Fair Isle – where the air eld is run by the National Trust for Scotland – will receive two ights every week on Mondays and Fridays from Kirkwall, from 25th May through to 5th October, with onward connections
to Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Manchester and Norwich, via other Loganair services.
Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles said: “We’re delighted to be launching a brand new range of services for Summer 2018 to cement Loganair’s position as one of the UK’s fastest growing airlines.
“Since we started ying under our own name last September – a er nearly three decades of services under franchise agreements with other airlines – we’ve seen a tremendous response to Loganair’s strong Scottish identity and the friendly service that we o er, which includes a free 20kg baggage allowance, free in- ight refreshments and a commitment to no credit or debit card payment surcharges.”
BA expands Inverness to Heathrow
British Airways is to expand its Inverness – Heathrow service from seven to ten ights a week from March.
The new schedule, which will see a 30 per cent increase in capacity on the route, follows on from the airline’s agreement with Loganair of an extended code share agreement, which came into e ect last September.
Phyllis Stuart, British Airways’ manager at Inverness said: “We’re delighted to be able to o er our customers more ights from the highland capital, o ering more seats on the route a er a successful rst 18 months operating the route.
“Our new schedule, which will come into operation at the beginning of the summer 2018 ying programme, will mean that on three days of the week, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, British Airways will o er customers a double daily service between Inverness and London.
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018


AIRLINE NEWS
Finnair expands Edinburgh route
Continuing with its expansion plans, Finnair has extended its Edinburgh - Helsinki route to a new year-round service as well as adding frequencies
on several long-haul destinations.
The expanded service from Edinburgh will provide connections
to Finnair’s additional long-haul services from Helsinki to Asia, including Delhi, Hong Kong, Phuket and Osaka as well as short-haul services to Rovaniemi in
Finnish Lapland.
Three new routes from Icelandair
Icelandair has announced three new North American gateways, introducing a new service to Kansas City and a return to San Francisco and Baltimore.
The airline will now o er 23 North American destinations. Flights will operate three times a week to Kansas City International Airport in Missouri, commencing 25th May 2018.
Services to San Francisco and Baltimore will commence 1st June and 28th May 2018, respectively, ying four times weekly. It has been over a decade since Icelandair ceased operations to both destinations, but there has always been strong demand and support for the airline to return.
Icelandair o ers the opportunity to stopover in Iceland en route when travelling to North America from the UK, for up to seven nights at no additional airfare.
Explore the extraordinary in Abu Dhabi
Unforgettable holidays start here
Your guests can discover the wonders of Abu Dhabi with us.
Fly with the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and enjoy world-class hotels in modern Arabia, a destination that thrills all of the senses with its shimmering coastline, breathtaking desert landscape and year round sunshine.
Book your getaway to the UAE’s extraordinary capital now.
To register, call our dedicated agent line on 020 8735 6773 or visit eyholidays4agents.co.uk
JANUARY 2018
37


NEWS
CHECK-IN WITH...
2017 - A Year to Remember for Belfast International Airport
The sun set on an excellent year
for Belfast International Airport in December 2016, having achieved some notable milestones with the introduction, for the rst time ever, of Europe’s largest airline (Ryanair), and annual passenger numbers surpassing 5 million for the rst time in almost a decade – visible signs that we were well and truly emerging from the lengthy economic trough we had entered in 2008.
However, the out-turn in 2016 proved merely a so glimmer of what was to materialise in 2017!
2017 started with Norwegian Air’s CEO, Bjorn Kjos, visiting Belfast to announce two new direct transatlantic routes (to New York – Newburgh and Boston – Providence) starting in Summer 2017. As the months progressed, a range of our customer airlines also announced a wealth of new services across the domestic
and international spectrum, led by Jet2. com adding a fourth based aircra and upgrading capacity on their existing Belfast eet for Summer 2018, with the addition of eleven new destinations (Madeira, Malta, Naples, Almeria, Rhodes, Crete, Paphos, Antalya, Dalaman, Verona and Salzburg).
This was followed by easyJet announcing a sixth based Belfast aircra (with associated capacity upgrades), adding additional capacity to existing domestic and international routes and announcing new services to Isle of Man, Valencia and Naples.
Virgin Atlantic, having
launched nonstop Orlando,
Florida ights from Belfast in
Summer 2015, will upgrade
their capacity and season
length in Summer 2018,
operating 28 return ights
compared to the 8 services
operated in 2017. Ryanair
have also added Gerona
and Malta services to their
initial 12-route network
and Thomas Cook Airlines
have added Dalaman and
Antalya ights, with a strong,
welcome resurgence in demand for the Turkish holiday market.
We have been equally thrilled to be able
to strongly promote our services in the Republic of Ireland market this year, as
the convergence in £/€ exchange rates
has made ying from Belfast a real value proposition for passengers living in the Irish Republic. We have witnessed this demand strongly manifest in our car parks and through the terminal building over the course of the year.
Perhaps one of the major highlights of 2017 – or any other – was the four days
we spent in late April playing a pivotal role hosting the Routes Europe aviation conference in our home city. We were truly delighted to be able to showcase our product to our peers across the airline and airport landscape in Europe and further a eld. The event was excellently drawn together and managed by Invest Northern Ireland, which was a major achievement for all of us who were fortunate enough to participate.
On foot of the developments already mentioned, we continue to develop our terminal and air eld, with signi cant capital investment in aircra landing systems and air tra c control.
Our customer o ering has also been greatly enhanced with the addition of on- site products such as Maplin’s Electronics, JD Sports, MAC and Jo Malone, and
latterly, the opening of a new dedicated Airport Petrol Filling Station with various commercial outlets, including Marks & Spencer Simply Food as its anchor tenant and the announcement by our principal catering partner (SSP) of forthcoming plans to invest £2.5 million in upgrading our terminal catering facilities.
So, as we approach almost 6 million annual passengers in 2017, it has indeed been a very good year. We look forward with con dence to the opportunities and challenges which 2018 presents!
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018




Virgin Atlantic Flight Review
- Gatwick / Las Vegas / Gatwick - Economy Class - Boeing 747 By GARY REAVELY
API REQUIREMENT
Even for a bit of a technophobe like me, the API requirement was really easy and simple. The Virgin web site is very user friendly.
CHECK-IN AT GATWICK
Virgin now use the North Terminal. When I arrived at their dedicated area of self check-in machines, the sta were most helpful and friendly - nothing was too much trouble. At the bag drop area, there was no queue and once again, another friendly smiling face. Great start!
BOARDING PROCESS
Very smooth - Virgin got it spot on! Lots of sta at the gate - they helped anyone who needed more assistance. The aim clearly was to reduce queuing and to get people on the aircra as quickly as possible to ensure an on time departure.
A personal bugbear of mine is having to show my boarding pass yet again at the aircra doors but not with Virgin! Great welcome on board by the cabin crew. A smooth and hassle free boarding process and with 452 passengers safely on board, we took o for Las Vegas!
IN-FLIGHT EXPERIENCE
It had been over 20 years since I had last own with Virgin and I was not disappointed! I could not have been more impressed with the cabin crew. Service was always with a smile and nothing was too much trouble. There was some fun interaction with the passengers which made for a pleasant, relaxing onboard atmosphere. The 747 was in a standard 3 - 4 - 3 con guration with a 31-inch seat pitch. It’s an old aircra but great to y on and Virgin have refurbished their whole eet to an excellent standard.
I am 6 feet tall but found the slimline seats and leg room comfortable, even for an 11-hour sector. The drinks and meal service was very impressive - three choices of main course, ice cream service and all well presented.
One detail I really liked was the crew constantly passing through the cabin removing meal trays, taking away rubbish and bringing glasses of water.
The IFE o ered a great choice of lms, TV programmes, sport and music. The system was easy to use and the ight passed incredibly quickly!
RETURN FLIGHT
Once again a seamless process, designed to make the journey easy and hassle free. Check-in and boarding at Las Vegas was simple and quick. The ight was delayed 45 minutes but this was communicated and handled very well. Yet again the crew were exceptional on the return ight and the meal and drinks service was up to the same top class standard.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
When it comes to detail, looking at every part of the passenger experience, from start to nish, to make it as pleasant and hassle free as possible, Virgin have really got it covered! What set Virgin apart in my opinion, was the cabin crew, who could not have tried harder to make the ight more enjoyable.
I thought that ying with Virgin was going to be a bit di erent - fun, quirky but done with panache and style - it most certainly was and they exceeded all my expectations.
Great job!
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018


fly from
Edinburgh
& Glasgow to
north america
via Dublin
For more information visit aerlingus.com
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 via Dublin to Boston, Chicago, Hartford,
Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia (March 2018), New York JFK, Newark, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle (May 2018), Toronto and Washington D.C.
Vast network of onwards connections in the USA.
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.
41


Questions & Answers
GARY REAVELY speaks to
GORDON DEWAR, Chief Executive Edinburgh Airport
What di erences have you seen since Global Investment Partners bought EDI?
Three things. Firstly, we now have a focus on EDI alone. Previously we had issues with not being able to compete and had to follow rules designed for Heathrow and Stansted that weren’t suitable for us. Now we can write our own brief, are more focused, competitive and get things done faster!
Secondly, GIP have a big manufacturing background and have brought this and an incredible operational excellence with them. This has given us a real focus on business improvement.
Finally, they came in with amazing ambition, vision and an understanding of what EDI is capable of.
What can we expect from the terminal extension currently under construction?
This will be the largest single project we have done in the last 5 years at the airport. In fact, 2018 is going to be the biggest individual investment plan in the history of EDI in any single year, spending £70m.
The operational part will open for summer 2018 and will
deliver increased capacity across the board. There’s a massive investment in immigration and baggage reclaim areas and a new domestic arrivals, all taking us from current capacity of 13m passengers to 17m on completion.
Are there any other initiatives or growth plans?
We are looking at building a new road which is really exciting – it’s not o en an airport can get involved in building public roads! We are also reviewing upgrading valet parking, revamping signage and of course, increasing our retail o ering. We also have an ongoing dialogue with our airline partners to increase frequency and add new routes. Lots to keep us busy!
We published a master plan through to 2040 showing a 35 million passenger capacity and are totally behind it. We believe there is no limit to what we can do. Scots will travel more if they have increased choice but more importantly, with long haul and international routes, we are also talking about 7 billion potential visitors out there – that’s the future.
What are your biggest challenges?
The situation with APD is enormously frustrating. The government have just announced a slowdown of at least a
year which is a huge missed opportunity. A tax cut would have not only been an investment in terms of economic value but actually in cash terms too and would have helped increase jobs and tourism. To have the excuse that we have to protect the Highlands & Islands exemption and then everyone has to pay the price for that, makes no economic sense.
One of my biggest challenges is getting people from all around the airport – landowners, developers, operators and the Council to appreciate the enormous opportunity in front of us and get them excited about the concept of an ‘airport city’ in Edinburgh. We really need to raise the ambition level.
Is there anyone in or outside the industry who has made a big impression on you?
I am a huge sports fan so I’m really impressed with the Scottish rugby team. Whenever I get a chance to talk to these guys, they are always worth listening to. Their ambition is great.
Josh Littlejohn is also very impressive – what he has achieved with ‘Social Bite’ from a standing start is amazing. To think he can bring ex-presidents and Hollywood A-listers to Edinburgh and all for the fantastic cause of homelessness is genuinely spectacular – again it’s that ‘why not’ attitude.
Do you have a favourite holiday destination?
I guess for a family holiday I would say Sri Lanka – riding elephants with my daughter, washing them in the river and enjoying the amazing scenery – spectacular! For ‘down days’ I love Scotland’s coastline, so for me nothing beats Arisaig. If I had to y somewhere for a few days, I would de nitely choose New York!
Do you ever nd time to relax?
I play squash but not o en enough and need to get tter. I love the intensity of the game but have to nd a partner who is equally as bad as me! I am a huge music fan so any chance to hear live music is great. August in Edinburgh at the Festival is the best place to be in the summer – what’s not to love about that!
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018
42


Departures
Washington
Sofia
Seville
Jersey
Zurich
Munich
Baden
Nantes
Valencia
Carcassonne
Florence
Stewart New York State Providence Rhode Island Hartford Connecticut
New for 2018
New for winter 2017/18 New for 2018
New for 2018
New for winter 2017/18 New for winter 2017/18 New for winter 2017/18 New for winter 2017/18 New for winter 2017/18 New for winter 2017/18 New for 2018
New for winter 2017/18 New for winter 2017/18 New for winter 2017/18
Destination Remarks
You don’t have to go far to go further.
Flying to 146 destinations and counting, with a £70 million 17,000m2 terminal extension opening in 2018, Scotland’s busiest airport is going places. And your customers can too. With easy connectivity across Scotland via car, coach, tram and train, the world’s their oyster from Edinburgh Airport. The UK’s fastest growing airport for international passengers.


Just another fun day on the road....
By COLIN CURRIE, Travel 2
When I worked for DFDS, I was kindly invited to attend a
dinner in Edinburgh at the Norwegian Consulate
General’s house.
A er leaving late
from Glasgow, I was desperately trying to nd somewhere to park.
As I got nearer the venue, I saw a temporary
barrier that had been moved, allowing access to a
small cul de sac full of empty spaces, with just one car parked
there. So I decided to park the car there, and a er locking up, I hurried to
the venue for dinner.
Around two hours later, as I was leaving to return to my car and drive home, I was met by around half a dozen police o cers heading down from where my car was parked.
They proceeded to stop me and ask where I was going.
I replied, ‘back to my car’. They asked if it was the black Volvo - to which I replied ‘Yes!’.
At this point, a female police o cer grabbed her radio and shouted: “Call o the bomb squad! Call o the bomb squad!” The police then explained that the barrier had been moved by the car that was parked next to mine, only to deliver a pizza to the American Embassy! I had actually parked illegally, in a restricted area, outside the Embassy building!
To make matters worse, this was before the time of sat navs and I had a map of Edinburgh open at the page and an empty McDonalds’ paper bag in the seat well, partially covering a metal power converter box which had a red and black cable plugged into the cigarette lighter socket!
This must have looked particularly suspicious, as the police were about to evacuate a two-mile radius around my car and blow it up!!
My response didn’t go down well either, as I pointed out that I was glad they didn’t explode my car, as my golf clubs were in the boot! Just another fun day on the road in travel...
GREGORZ HAS MADE HIS NEW YEAR RESOLUTION -
TO BE MORE AWESOME THAN LAST YEAR!
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018
On a lighter note...


OUR MAN IN THE NORTH REPORTS ON...
THE MEDITERRANEAN. After an Alaskan summer this year, Crystal is back in the Mediterranean in 2018 which some beautiful itineraries to tempt your guests – what could be better than blazing sunshine and six-star luxury and all just a short hop from home. Here are some of my favourites for the year, including a stunning meander along the Adriatic coast with just 60 fellow guests onboard Crystal Esprit. For a full guide to all our itineraries just visit the website or give me a call.
If you would like to learn more about Crystal Cruises, just give me a call or send me an email: 07841 921533 | [email protected]
VINEYARDS & VISTAS
YACHTING HARBORS OF CROATIA
DOVER TO MONTE CARLO
Voyage #OCY180729-14
Crystal Serenity | 29 July 2018 | 14 nights Highlights: Dover, Guernsey/St Peter Port, Bordeaux/Le Verdon (two overnight), Oporto/Leixoes, Lisbon (overnight), Barcelona (overnight), Cassis
and Monte Carlo (overnight).
Fares from £4,445 per person cruise only
VENICE TO DUBROVNIK
Voyage #YES180819-7
Crystal Esprit | 19 August 2018 | 7 nights Highlights: Venice, Rovinj, Sibenik,
Trogir, Vis, Hvar, Korčula and
Dubrovnik.
Fares from £5,124 per person cruise only
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO BOOK PLEASE CALL:
O20 7399 7601
www.crystalcruises.co.uk
ABTA No.V8548
Fares are per person, cruise only in UK sterling based on double occupancy in a lead-in stateroom for the first two full-fare guests and include port, security and handling charges, which vary by departure. All fares, offers and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Fares may fluctuate and should be used as a guide only. Prices may go up or down. You should contact us on 0207 399 7601 before booking, or visit our website www.crystalcruises.co.uk. The fares are available to new bookings only and are only available to UK & Eire residents. Restrictions apply. See crystalcruises.co.uk for complete terms and conditions of all offers. (c) 2015 Crystal Cruises, Inc., Ships' registry: The Bahamas.
Jon Schofield


Newmarket Holidays - celebrating 35 years of tour operating in 2018!
Newmarket Holidays is one of the UK’s largest independent operators, specialising in escorted touring. They have just won best Escorted Tour Operator for the h successive year at the British Travel Awards – as voted for by the travelling public. Newmarket, and their team made up of more than 200 passionate sta , are also celebrating further wins at the ‘BTAs’ (taking their overall tally to 26), as well as 35 years of tour operating in 2018!
Newmarket guarantee excellent customer service at a ordable prices on everything, from UK coach holidays to river cruising, and from escorted tours to Europe and the US, to niche, small group tours to India and further a eld.
Gemma Walker, who has been looking a er Scotland with Newmarket for three years now, is the contact on the road.
With many years experience in travel and over 4 years with Newmarket, Gemma is best placed to share all the latest news. Gemma says: “This is a strong booking time for Lapland, so don’t let customers miss out – most ights sold out early in 2017. Our new brochure is available now, with 2017 prices held for 2018 until 31st March 2018. Glasgow also has the prime date for 2018 - on 23rd December! With adults priced at £549 and children at £499, it’s a great value day trip with everything included and a £50 deposit secures your place.”
The bedrock of Newmarket’s collection are holidays and escorted tours to Italy. Eight-day Italian holidays start from £379 to Lake Garda where Hand-Picked Resorts include Sirmione, Torbole and more. Newmarket o er numerous touring itineraries, staying in
a range of three and four-star hotels. From Venice and Verona to Puglia and Pompeii, there are a host of customer favourites to choose from.
Newmarket’s Long Haul programme has expanded considerably in the last 5 years, with over 20 new tours added. Gemma comments: “We have seen real growth in holidays to India and now o er ten double award-winning holidays with well-planned itineraries that consistently receive ve-star reviews. Our Small Group Tour range also now o ers private touring for groups as small as 2 – with home-stays and real-life cultural experiences featuring high up in the itinerary.”
The America programme o ers fantastic value escorted tours. The Deep South continues to be popular, with two new tours added, along with favourites to New Orleans and Graceland. Elvis fans, and clients looking for something a little di erent, can’t get enough of the new Graceland Guest House which opened in 2017 – next door to the ‘King’s’ residence!
Newmarket supply dedicated trade brochures and promotional material and their training website has helped more than
1,500 agents understand their full product range. Complete it today and be entered into their monthly prize draw at training. newmarketholidays.co.uk
✓ 15% Agent Concession rate on completion of training - www.training.newmarketholidays.co.uk
✓ Fully bookable website: www.newmarketholidays.co.uk
✓ Come and see our dedicated trade sales team on roadshows
and training sessions around the UK!
✓ We are partnership driven and we’re here to help you 7 days a week – just get in touch!
✓ We o er price parity across our range and never discount online
Trade website www.newmarketholidays.co.uk Generic agency sales email address [email protected] Agency sales phone number: 0330 160 4799
GEMMA WALKER, Account Manager, North & Scotland gemma.walker@ newmarketholidays.co.uk
tel: 07713 487115
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018
46


NEW Brochure Out Now!
Introducing our
new & exciting o ers
Book to discover why Newmarket Holidays have just won “Best Escorted Tour Operator” at the BTAs, voted for by the public, for the FIFTH year in a row! Bookings made before 14th February 2018 will save up to £100 per person* on flight-inclusive escorted holidays or tours! Plus, customers can reserve their place for a low deposit of just £79 per person* on a huge selection of holidays.
Worldwide
Save £100
per person* Promo code
JANLH8
Europe
Save £50
per person* Promo code
JANSH8
Don’t forget our
Low Deposits
50 Gold Coins to be found in our brochure
Plus...
2018 Lapland Breaks at 2017 prices
*
Book by 14th Feb 2018
0330 160 4799 | www.newmarketholidays.co.uk [email protected]
Order your brochure at www.tradegate.co.uk 26 14 Gold ★ 9 Silver ★ 3 Bronze
*Terms & Conditions apply on all offers. Please see our website for further information. The Gold Coin competition is open to all travel agents across the UK onjlya. Sneulfaierpyho2t0os18 must be submitted via Facebook to www.facebook.co.uk/Nic.Newmarket by 31st January 2018. Agents must quote their Gold Coin code to redeem their prize. All pictures submitted may be used by Newmarket Holidays for promotional use. No cash alternatives for prizes. Agents responsible for their own tax implications.
Further A eld
Collection
India
USA & Canada
Europe
UK & Ireland
Holidays
& Tours
2018-2019
26
14 Gold ★ 9 Silver ★ 3 Bronze
Flying from Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Glasgow
Find a coin – win a prize!
47


NEWS
New Year prizes from CMV for the travel trade
Cruise and Maritime Voyages are promising the travel trade some help with their New Year resolutions in 2018, with ten New Year prizes. For bookings made during January and February, the prizes include a Fam Trip place on a cruise to the Fjords in April, cinema vouchers, a three-course meal for two at Jamie Oliver’s Italian and an all-new Amazon Echo.
Announcing the new agents booking incentive, CMV’s Head of Trade Sales, Lisa Jacobs said: “We know that the main conversation at this time of year is about New Year resolutions. We have put together ten prizes that are related to some of the most popular resolutions for 2018, including health, timekeeping, reducing stress, getting more sleep and food.”
For CMV bookings made during January and February, agents should email their name, ABTA number along with the booking reference to: [email protected]
CMVhave reported a busy start to the year, following the release of their new Worldwide Cruise Collection brochure, covering the Summer 2018 programme, plus a preview of 2019. New itineraries include: Mediterranean Odyssey, Grand Scottish Lochs, Glens, Islands & Ireland and Canada in the Fall.
Lisa Jacobs added: “It is all good news at the moment, as agents realise the exceptional value that our cruising holidays represent. The trade understands the bene ts of promoting
early booking.”
Ship
of the Month...
The Celebrity Constellation - Perfect for rst time or regular cruisers
You o en hear the saying ‘you never get a second chance to make a rst impression’ and when I walked on board Celebrity Constellation, my rst impressions were -wow, what a stunning ship!
Greeted by smiling faces and a ‘welcome on board sir’ by the sta , I was handed a glass of zz and a chilled towel, which set the tone for a stylish, top quality holiday!
Carrying 2,170 passengers, the Constellation is no behemoth, but o ers that perfect combination of small ship service but with big ship amenities and facilities. Despite being fully booked, there was never a moment when I felt crowded; I didn’t spend any time in a queue and getting a sunbed was not a problem.
What a gem of a ship! I loved seeing the hotel director and his senior sta regularly walking around the ship, checking everything was top notch and speaking to the passengers and asking for their comments. The attention to detail was outstanding - from the immaculate public areas to the pristine
pool deck with comfy sun loungers. I particularly liked the fact that there were as few public announcements as possible!
The food was simply outstanding - from the bu ets, the main restaurant, to the fantastic ice cream parlour. The entertainment included two great bands on board who played around the pool and made for a fun atmosphere. The silent disco was a real novelty and the Martini bar was busy at night!
While I was on board, I arranged to meet the Hotel Director, Guest Services and Future Cruise Sales Manager. They all explained what it takes to become a member of Team Celebrity. With the amazing support and backing they get from their head o ce, the sta are able to go that extra mile to make the cruise a memorable experience for all the passengers on board.
Celebrity Constellation is based in the Med this Summer. For Winter 2018/2019, she operates ex Abu Dhabi. If you are looking to arrange a fantastic cruise and travel experience for your clients, then look no further than the Celebrity Constellation!
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EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES JANUARY 2018