TRAVELMATTERS EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
ISSUE 14 may 2018
Breaking new ground for the travel trade in Scotland, northern ireland, north of england & ioM
Scenic Eclipse 2019/20 Season
Now on Sale
Continuously striving for that which is beyond the horizon, our 2019/20 collection will see a second Scenic Eclipse luxury yacht join our fleet. The identical sister ships will explore corners of the globe rarely traversed by explorers throughout history, from the White Sea to the Northwest Passage
– these truly remarkable locations are now accessible in 6-star luxury.
TM
THE WORLD’S FIRST DISCOVERY YACHTSTM
Truly All-Inclusive
On board
Spacious all-verandah suite accommodation
Personal service with an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio
Butler service for every guest All-inclusive dining and beverages*
Spa Sanctuary, gym, yoga and Pilates studio
Indoor and outdoor swimming and plunge pools
Expert Discovery Leaders on all cruises
Daily entertainment and education program
Complimentary Wi-Fiˇ
Onshore
Comprehensive choice of all- inclusive shore excursions
Active discovery excursions Exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences Scenic Freechoice activities
Expert Discovery Team and local guides
Before the cruise
Return flights from the UK‡ Return airport transfers Pre-departure hotel stay
All tipping and gratuities on board and onshore
East Coast USA
12 Day Itinerary
New York City > Nassau
NEW FOR 2019/20
Antarctica in Depth
16 Day Itinerary
Buenos Aires > Buenos Aires
Vast icescapes, mountains that have never felt human footfall and an abundance of breathtaking wildlife. Guests will spend their days marvelling at the wonders while exploring via Zodiac, kayak, helicopter^ and submarine^.
Buenos Aires
Tracing more than 3,200 kilometres down the graceful eastern coast of the USA and into the shimmering Caribbean, our expert local guides will bring the rich and complex history of the quaint Colonial towns and vibrant cities to life for your customers.
Poughkeepsie 1
New York City
Baltimore Norfolk
1
Ushuaia
Lemaire Channel
1
USA
9
Wilmington Charleston
Nassau
Bahamas
Drake Passage
11
From £6,395† per person Departs 28 September 2019
From £10,295† per person Departs 24 Nov, 5 & 6 Dec 2019,
1, 12, 23 Feb, 5 Mar 2020
Terms and Conditions: All prices per person, twin share in GBP based on two sharing with economy flights departing London Heathrow, subject to availability. † Prices indicated are for the lowest suite category available with the same name. *All drinks on board are included except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits. Prices correct at the time of going to print (May 2018). Offers are valid for new bookings only made from now and 15 June 2018. Earlybird Fares are strictly limited. Early Payment Discount - save £500 per person off the advertised price of an itinerary of 11 days or longer when the balance is paid in full before 31 October 2018, save £350 off itineraries of fewer than 11 days when the balance is paid in full before 31 October 2018. Pre-departure Night Included on all 2019/20 departures – hotel stay will be allocated and booked by Scenic, includes bed and breakfast. Free Private Door-to-Door Chauffeur Transfers - Private door-to-door chauffeur transfers are complimentary within a 75 mile radius and are subject to availability. For guests who live outside of this 75 mile radius, an additional supplement of £2.00 per mile will be charged thereafter, UK mainland only, book before 15 June 2018 to qualify. *All drinks on board are included except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits. ˇLimited in Polar and remote regions. ^Helicopter and submarine activities are weather permitting, may incur additional costs and are subject to availability. ‡Supplements may apply for regional departures. For full terms and conditions, please see scenic.couk/terms-and-conditions.
Argentina
South Shetland Islands Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Circle
2019/20 NEW COLLECTION NOW ON SALE
EARLYBIRD FARES
PLUS
FREE
PRIVATE DOOR-TO- DOOR CHAUFFEUR TRANSFERS
FocUS on SHort BreAkS
ASiA HigHLigHtS
TRAVELMATTERS EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
ISSUE 14 may 2018
Breaking new ground for the travel trade in Scotland, northern ireland, north of england & ioM
PLUS
WIN flights with Thomas Cook Airlines! Discover the heart of Japan with Saga
TM
How time flies...
As we race towards summer, do you ever suddenly think - where has the time gone? one minute, it’s a cold, windy day in March and the next, it’s almost Midsummer’s Day!
In this busy, fast paced industry we work in, is it any wonder that we are taking more short breaks. ABTA research has shown that in 2017, over half the UK population chose a city or short break. This could be due to the increase in direct, low cost flights available, as well as the fact perhaps, that we all need to recharge our batteries from time to time.
We pack so much into our daily lives, we sometimes hardly notice that the days are flying past. So remember to take a short break and experience something new every now and then. And don’t forget to make the most of it - as time flies when you are having fun!
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...
18-19
Lufthansa - 5-Star Airline
8-9
GLAmore winners!
23
City breaks with Super Break
28
Q&A with Michael Bennett, Osprey Holidays
45
Ski in Japan with JTB
58-59
This month’s Snapshots - SPAA 88th Annual Dinner
21
Flybe - Close to you
13-29
Focus on Short Breaks
27
Increase your commission with Railtourguide
43
Fly the short Northern route to Asia with Finnair
36-47
Asia Highlights
49
Quality tours with USA Guided Tours
32-33
Flights with Thomas Cook Airlines!
48
Face to Face with
David Sinclair,
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
51
Discover Washington DC with United Airlines
60-61
Vision for an enhanced If Only...
6
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
Inside Guide...
61
Recruitment - New opportunities with If Only...
OUR MAN IN THE NORTH REPORTS ON...
GETAWAYS! 2018 is the year for your guests to see for themselves why Crystal has been voted World’s Best more times than any other hotel, resort or cruise line in history...and with our new Getaways on ocean and river sailings, there really is no better time. Here are a few of my favourites but we have lots more dates and itineraries on offer, so head over to the website to see our full selection – www.crystalcruises.co.uk – See you soon!
If you would like to learn more about Crystal, just give me a call or send me an email: 07841 921533 | [email protected]
VINEYARDS & VISTAS GETAWAY
ROMANTIC RHINE
LISBON TO MONTE CARLO
Voyage #OCY180805-07
Crystal Serenity | 5 August 2018 | 7 nights Lisbon (overnight), Barcelona (overnight), Cassis, Monte Carlo (overnight).
Fares from £2,278 per person cruise only
MAINZ TO AMSTERDAM
Voyage #RBA180701-07
Crystal Bach | 1 July 2018 | 7 nights
Highlights: Mainz, Rüdesheim (overnight), Koblenz, Cochem, Cologne, Nijmegen, Antwerp, Amsterdam.
Fares from £3,255 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) 2018 Crystal Cruises, Inc., Ships' registry: The Bahamas.
Jon Schofield
GLAMORE winnERs Thank you To everyone who enTered GlasGow airporT’s Glamore compeTiTion, here are all The winners:
Fiona BiBBy, Travel archiTecT
(Accepted by Angela McLynn, Glen Travel)
2 x ViRGin AtLAntic tickEts tO ORLAndO
GreG penFold, Barrhead Travel
thOMAs cOOk AiRLinEs -
2 x shORt hAuL OR Mid hAuL fLiGhts
Mhairi McGuinness, Travel 2
2 x LufthAnsA tickEts tO fRAnkfuRt OR Munich
Zoe KourKoulou, My canada Trips
2 x AiR tRAnsAt fLiGhts tO tOROntO
paMela dicK, clyde Travel
2 x unitEd AiRLinEs tickEts tO nEw YORk (nEwARk)
June chalMers, allan WaTer Travel
2 x AER LinGus tickEts tO MiAMi
chrisTiane MccorGray, Thorne Travel
2 x fLiGhts tO BOuRGAs with BALkAn hOLidAYs
Michelle GeMMell, KenneTh Macleod Travel
2 x dELtA AiR LinEs fLiGhts tO nEw YORk (Jfk)
8
expanding the boundaries march 2018
may 2018
9
david Gillespie, corporaTe Traveller
2 x EMiRAtEs fLiGhts tO duBAi
aGnes WilliaMs, sTeWarT Travel
2 x JEt2hOLidAYs tickEts tO AnY EuROPEAn dEstinAtiOn
Jo Mcneill, FliGhT cenTre
2 x AMERicAn AiRLinEs tickEts tO PhiLAdELPhiA
Muriel MorGan, Travel counsellors
2 x AiR cAnAdA ROuGE fLiGhts tO tOROntO
anGela MacasKill, sTa
2 x icELAndAiR fLiGhts AnYwhERE On thE nEtwORk
And the winner is .......................
the cry of delight from a clutch of travel people round a table
at an industry dinner, normally signifies an award has been won in honour of all their hard work over the previous year.
Everyone loves to win and everyone loves a winner, apart of course, from the other many nominees who wonder how on earth that prize could have slipped out of their hands.
I raise the subject because, as I write, I’m preparing to attend a full day judging for one of the industry’s most sought-after awards. There are now more awards lunches, evenings, presentations and dinners in the industry than ever. Everyone feels they want to reward the best in the business, but my long held thought is how do we keep them relevant and more importantly - meaningful.
The very diversity of the industry presents enough challenges for organisers as to how many categories of winners can you reasonably include in your ceremony. I suppose my under-lying question is, how many awards ceremonies can you reasonably expect to hold in a year, without devaluing the actual award itself. I can count about twenty without even thinking about it and granted, they are not all in the same field of discipline, but how many are there really?
Now, I fully understand I’m on shaky ground here, because the SPAA has its own awards dinner and is the most successful event we hold in terms of attendance. I have also been the recipient of two travel industry awards and very proud of them.
There is no question that an award adds considerable cache to an agent or a company’s standing in the community and is used to great effect by many. It has become an industry in itself and if everyone is having fun, enjoying themselves, and it’s allowing their peers or customers to recognise the quality of their business or personality, then that is good for the industry.
However, the more awards and award ceremonies we create, the more that sprinkle of gold dust has to be spread over more and more winners and as we know, gold is a precious commodity. If your sparkle lessens, then it’s not so precious anymore.
In some cases, it seems it is the fear of not winning that drives the desire to grab the coveted prize. That’s the bit that worries me. Just because you don’t win, doesn’t mean you are a failure. A well-known football coach (and this was some 30 years ago), told me that kids at school were being given far too many awards and by doing so, we were teaching them that achievement was easy and you didn’t always have to go above, beyond and stretch yourself to the limit, to earn that illusive trophy and make it a truly valuable commodity.
I wonder sometimes, if we add more ceremonies, will that moment when the announcer reads out your name and makes you stand out from the crowd, not be so magical anymore because two weeks earlier someone else won the same award at a different ceremony.
I doubt my two awards were given because I really set myself apart from others, but in the end, ego and vanity do play powerful tricks and consequently, they are still on display at home.
Who is to say we can’t celebrate achievement and success and have fun at the same time - because if we don’t tell each other we are the best in the business, then Tripadvisor is our only hope and that doesn’t even bear thinking about!
ken McLeod SPAA President
MeMbers of the travel trade
for an American themed Country & Western Hoedown!
Grab your boots, chaps and cowboy hats or your spurs & bling for a cowgirl thing, for this year's Summer in the City Summer Ball!
When: Thursday 14th June Where: The Fruit Market, Glasgow
This year's event is generously being sponsored by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, British Airways, American Airlines and Travel 2
Pre-Dinner drinks reception courtesy of Travelport
So round up your friends and get booked in now! Contact [email protected] for further details
10
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
Associate Member news Bytes
Sustainable solutions with Hurtigruten
Being the world leader in exploration travel comes with a responsibility. Sustainability is the core of every part of our operation.
With the introduction of the world’s first battery hybrid powered expedition ships – and the conversion of up to nine existing ships to hybrid LNG-battery power - Hurtigruten sets a new standard with the next generation of adventure travel.
By summer of 2018, Hurtigruten will ban all unnecessary single use plastic – as the first cruise line in the world. From straws to drinking glasses and plastic bags, everything will be replaced by paper, biodegradable material and sustainable solutions on all Hurtigruten ships.
icelandair - looking after the travel trade
I have worked for Icelandair since December 2015, looking after the trade in the Midlands, North of England and more recently Ireland.
I have over 20 years experience working with the travel industry, as well as within the retail, business travel and tour operations sectors.
My previous roles include Aviation Manager/Air Product Manager for the likes of Carrier Travel, Eden Luxury Group and Gold Medal Travel Group and I’m looking forward to meeting all the agents in Scotland, North of England and Ireland in my new role with Icelandair!
To explore more with Hurtigruten, contact:
Explorer: Danny Giles,
National Explorer Manager [email protected] 0782 4505283
Norwegian Coast: Agency Sales
[email protected] 0208 8462647
Feel free to get in touch if you need any assistance:
GRAHAM JOWERS,
Account Manager Sales - UK & Ireland Mobile: 07341 774755
Email: [email protected]
Flexible Autos - supporting agents’ needs
Flexible Autos is a trading name of Flexiblecarhire.com Ltd. We are an independently owned company which has been established for over 10 years.
Offering car hire in over 22,000 locations, we pride ourselves on delivering a low cost, high quality product. Our trade
only website has an easy-to-book facility with dual product functionality / filters for petrol options / on and off airport suppliers / premium product offering zero/reduced excess, plus much more.
At Flexible Autos we understand and support the agent’s needs at every level by providing a dedicated freephone number to our UK call centre: 0800 2545101.
cosmos and Avalon Waterways on the lookout for new opportunities
Danielle Radford is the new Trade Account Manager for Cosmos and Avalon Waterways.
Having previously worked with Thomas Cook, Red Sea Holidays and Balkan Holidays, Danielle is well known in the travel trade and in her new position, she will be responsible for looking after travel agents in Scotland and the North of England.
Danielle will be carrying out product training, making calls to key accounts and will be out on the road visiting agents.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Cosmos and Avalon Waterways, Danielle will be more than happy to help!
For more information, contact:
Audrey Thomson (MTC)
[email protected] 07795 682337
Chantal Tomlinson
[email protected] 07711 441297
For more information, contact:
Danielle Radford
Trade Account Manager Cosmos and Avalon Waterways Tel: 07815 559757
Email: [email protected]
may 2018
11
news
8 BRAND
NEW MODULES
Learn about all things Inghams with our online training platform
Fantastic prizes
to be won!
We are giving away a prize a month for the next six months, so sign in to the training academy, complete 5 of our brand new modules or more and you will automatically be entered to win one of the following great monthly prizes
Inghams Winter or Summer Holiday for 2 Amazon Echo
£120 spa day voucher for 2
BA Flights to an Inghams destination £150 Love 2 shop vouchers
Fit bit
Visit learning.inghams.co.uk To get started register with your usual Inghams agents password.
If you have forgotten your password please email us at [email protected]
Terms and conditions apply to prizes - see our agents facebook page for more details
51387_TW_Academy.indd 1
26/03/2018 17:29
12
12 cMv MAgellAn viSitS newcAStle
14 SPAA SuMMer bAll olD Fruitmarket, GlasGow
21 cMv coluMbuS viSitS invergordon
26 bright trAvel trAining event GlasGow marriott Hotel
26 brilliAnce of the SeAS ShiP viSit,
greenock
27 bright trAvel trAining event
tHe vermont Hotel, newCastle
27 royAl PrinceSS ShiP viSit, leith
13 cMv coluMbuS viSitS greenock
14 cMv coluMbuS viSitS belfASt
18 royAl PrinceSS ShiP viSit, greenock
24 SilverSeA event, walDorF astoria, eDinburGH
30 brilliAnce of the SeAS ShiP viSit,
inverneSS
23 SPAA golf dAy, lanark
06 SPAA AutuMn SeMinAr &
networking lunch,
PrinCiPal GeorGe Hotel, eDinburGH
13 StAr exhibition, DouGlas Hotel, aberDeen
19 cAribbeAn roAdShow newCastle
assembly rooms
8-10 AbtA convention seville, sPain
01 26th SPAA AnnuAl trAvel AwArdS Doubletree by Hilton, GlasGow
5-7 world trAvel MArket,
exCel, lonDon
20 StAr exhibition Doubletree by
Hilton, GlasGow
06 SPAA AgM & chriStMAS
networking lunch
Movers& Shakers
New Business Development Executive for Latin Routes
Latin routes have appointed gaynor Atherton as Business Development executive.
Gaynor has worked in the travel industry for 26 years, mostly in retail, including agencies such as Co-op Travel and First Choice. She has spent the past eight years in the luxury sector working for Carrier as their Retail Manager plus some time in Tour Operations.
In her new role, Gaynor will be responsible for looking after existing agents and building new relationships in Scotland, the North of England and North Wales.
Commenting on her new role, Gaynor said: “I love working in the travel industry and am very excited to begin this journey in helping develop and grow Latin Routes even further.
“I will be on-hand to provide in-depth training on South America, host events, support and assist agents in any way I can.”
Gaynor can be contacted via email on: [email protected]
New training modules from Inghams
Inghams has added eight brand new modules to
its bespoke online training portal, The Academy.
The new modules
include Santa Breaks
in Lapland, Family
Lakes & Mountains:
Skiing in Switzerland, Austria, France and Italy and Ski Packs and Extras.
Agents who complete five or more of the new modules will be automatically entered into a monthly prize draw, which will run until the end of September 2018. Prizes range from a spa day voucher or Amazon Echo to a free Inghams holiday for two.
Each module takes approximately four - eleven minutes to complete and includes video tutorials and interactive courses. To register, travel agent partners can visit https://learning.inghams.co.uk and enter their usual Inghams agent password to get started.
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
s h o r t b r e f ae ka st uf re ae t u r e
New routes take off from Newcastle Airport
newcastle international has celebrated the launch of six new flights to four destinations – enfidha in tunisia, Bodrum in turkey, Dubrovnik in croatia and Halkidiki in greece.
On 1st May, the airport welcomed the return of Tunisia’s Enfidha to the
programme, with Thomas Cook taking passengers to the North African holiday spot from Newcastle International for the first time in almost three years.
On 3rd May, an additional four new routes were launched: Jet2.com and Jet2holidays’ connection to Bodrum on Turkey’s South Aegean coast; TUI’s new flight to Dubrovnik in Croatia and both operators’ routes to family- friendly Halkidiki provide the perfect base for a Greek getaway this summer.
Thomas Cook’s new route to Bodrum also took off in early May.
enJoy liFe...
BecoMe a Travel aGenT...
ESCAPE TO EFTELING
When your customers book a holiday to Efteling, Holland’s favourite theme park, they walk into
a world straight out of a fairy tale.
Prices start from just £209pp for 6 nights, including their Efteling entry tickets, 2 nights onboard our Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry
in an en suite cabin and carriage of
their car.
Visit dfds.co.uk/agent for more information and to book your customer on their Efteling adventure today.
NEWCASTLE-AMSTERDAM
DFDS.CO.UK/AGENT
Price based on 4 sharing and are subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
2198 - Travel Matters Ad.indd 1 01/05/2018 14:53
may 2018
13
s h o r t b r e f ae ka st uf re ae t u r e
New entertainment and facilities at Haven
With a large investment in improvements to accommodation and facilities over the last few years, Haven has a wide choice of short breaks for clients.
From weekend getaways to last minute breaks, clients can choose from 36 parks around the country. Families can get interactive with brand new entertainment, including ‘Inquizitive', play music with ‘Greedy’s Tin-Pot Band', indulge in luxury spas at Rockley Park and Haggerston Castle, play golf at 11 parks, enjoy fencing or archery, as well as heated swimming pools and other outdoor activities .
For 2018, Haven is also offering new evening entertainment, with shows including ‘Festival of Anthems’ and ‘Oh What a Night!’ with Haven’s Theatre Company performers. Agents can become a Haven Expert at www. Havenexpert.co.uk and can claim a free day pass for completing the course successfully, as well as earning awards for bookings following
completion of the course. For further information on incentives, visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk
Travelsphere launches VIP transfers and low deposits
travelsphere has launched a free ViP door-to-door private airport transfer for every worldwide holiday booked before 31st July.
For customers living within 75 miles of their departure airport, the airport transfer is complimentary and for those outside
75 miles, there is a nominal charge. At the end of the holiday, Travelsphere will ensure customers enjoy a VIP journey home.
In addition to the free private airport transfers, Travelsphere is also offering a saving of up to £400 per couple on selected bookings.
Alastair Campbell, Travelsphere’s Managing Director comments: “Our customers and trade partners are at the heart of everything that we do. From the huge number of guaranteed departures, free VIP door-to-door private airport transfers on all worldwide holidays, low deposits of £49 for our European holidays and massive savings on all early bookings.
“Travelsphere has guaranteed every European holiday in the new brochure, with more than 20 unique tours to choose from in Italy, along with new tours to Iceland, Switzerland, Norway and the Aeolian Islands."
Every Travelsphere holiday comes with a unique range of Rock Solid Guarantees, including the 800 Guaranteed Departures, Guaranteed Price Match, Guaranteed Price Promise and Guaranteed Loyalty. Travelsphere also has a 24/7 support team.
Super Break revamps theatre
break booking system
Super Break has revamped the booking system for its London theatre breaks programme, with new technology to offer more shows, availability and prices. Seating plans with the option to pre-book specific seats will now be available, plus shorter life shows and plays are featured for the first time.
Super Break’s booking system now links directly with individual theatres, providing live availability updates right up until the day of travel and allowing sales up to one hour before curtain up. Agents will be able to see exactly what they can book and either print an e-ticket for the customer or arrange for tickets to be collected from the Box Office.
In addition, for the first time, Super Break will now be able to offer agents the opportunity to pre-book specific seats. A seating plan will now be shown, allowing agents to select exact rows and seat numbers, so they can book knowing exactly where their customer will be sitting.
Gary Gillespie, national sales manager at Super Break comments: “We have been working on this for some time and I’m delighted that we can now offer agents much greater flexibility and choice. Having the option to pre-book seats is something we know agents wanted and we now have the technology to offer this.
“The new live connectivity to the theatres allows us to offer shows and plays that have shorter runs which until now, would have taken too long to set up on the original system.”
All theatre tickets are sold as part of a hotel inclusive package.
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Get ready for the excitement of Wimbledon with Newmarket Holidays
For clients heading down to London this summer, newmarket Holidays are offering a 2-night Wimbledon hotel break to catch the excitement of the tennis grand Slam.
Clients will view the action of the Junior and Senior matches on No.1 Court, strawberries and cream (and even a glass of champagne or Pimms), and the atmosphere of the crowds gathered on the slopes of Murray Mount.
The package includes two nights' bed and continental breakfast accommodation at a three-star hotel as well as: -
• A full day at Wimbledon with a reserved seat on no.1 court
• return hotel-to-Wimbledon coach transfers
• the services of a newmarket tour Manager
Single rooms are also available for a supplement.
This break takes place over Finals' weekend and includes a reserved seat on the 11,000-seater No.1 Court on either Friday, for the semi-final rounds of the double competitions, or Sunday, for the Junior and Invitation Events.
Prices start from £239 for arrivals on 12th July or £225 on 14th July.
may 2018
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Gregorz... The well travelled bear visits... Prague
Let me just start by saying that Prague is stunning with its gothic and romanesque spires and baroque architecture! easy
to explore on foot with winding cobbled streets, alleys and squares, it simply oozes history and charm. even better – it continues to offer great value for money for us Brits with prices still below average for meals, drinks and attractions. this is a magical city, whether for couples, families or groups of friends.
There are some key sites and attractions that are a must see, starting with Charles Bridge. As you cross from one part of the Old Town to Prague Castle on the hill,
don’t forget to stop on the bridge at the monument to St John of Nepomuk, who was thrown into the river in 1393. Tradition says that if you rub the bronze plaque, you will return to Prague one day!
Dominating the skyline, the Castle encom- passes St Vitus Cathedral, St George’s Basilica and Golden Lane and can easily take an afternoon to appreciate fully.
Often buskers and
musicians will play in the
esplanade and there is nothing better than finding a place to sit and simply take it all in.
Back over the bridge and into the heart of the Old Town (Stare Mesto), make your way to the Old Town Square, one of Prague’s favourite places for eating, drinking and people watching. Here you can see the beautiful Old Town Hall and on its south wall, the medieval Astronomical Clock with its Walk of the Apostles. Currently being renovated, it will be fully restored
by August.
If the Old Town Square is the historical centre of the city, Wenceslas Square is
its heart beat – crammed full of cultural activities and entertainment. Named after Saint Wenceslas, the square is a traditional setting for celebrations and events with great nightlife and fantastic shopping!
Any time is a good time to visit Prague. Spring is warm and colourful, summer is hot but busy, autumn is beautiful and the Gothic snow capped spires, a sight to savour in winter. Take your pick!
3 Official currency is the Czech Koruna. Euros are accepted in some places but you don’t get a good exchange rate, so advise clients to take Koruna.
3 Clients can take an evening town tour and boat trip on the river Vltava with a local guide and buffet dinner. Prices start at £44pp and it is a great way to see Prague at night.
3 Petrin Lookout Tower is a 60 metre high structure, not unlike the Eiffel Tower, offering amazing views of the city. A bit of a walk up the hill, taking over half an hour, but once there,
it’s worth it! The Tower is open from 10am-7pm, April to October.
toP tiPS
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Belfast's Grand Central Hotel set to reopen
When the new grand central Hotel opens its doors this June, following a £53 million investment by Hastings Hotels, it will be northern ireland’s largest hotel.
Located in the city centre, the hotel will offer 300 luxurious bedrooms, a restaurant,
a bistro and rooftop lounge. For events and meetings, there will be two conference suites, two boardrooms and a 80-seater reception suite, all with state of the art facilities including audio visual aids, data projectors, screens and microphones.
Given its central location, the Grand Central Hotel offers excellent transport links and is within walking distance to the local train and bus stations and a short drive to the George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast ferry terminal.
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our latest broChures now!
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• Door to Door* service with many holidays
• Free welcome pack with all Coach & Select holidays
• Hosted holidays for solo travellers with our good ComPanions • You are in safe hands – ABTA & ATOL protected
moreCambe
& the english lakes
We stop at historic Carlisle on our outward journey then check into the Headway Hotel on Morecambe’s East Promenade. Includes an excursion to Bowness-on Windermere.
Fri 22 Jun 3 Days only £149
taster hoPs
Travel to a mystery Select hotel aboard a luxury Select coach, receive a premium welcome pack and enjoy morning coffee on both legs of your journey as well as a guided tour of your destination.
Tue 12 Jun 3 Days only £149
Continental
& air holidays ColleCtion 2018
fgrleenPthoonnheo0l8id0a0y0s2.4Co24m24
english lakes hoP
The cosy County Hotel in pretty Kendal is a historic coaching inn located within easy reach of the river and shops and has an entertainment room with dance floor. Discover the beauty of the Lake District and enjoy a stop at dazzling Windermere.
Sun 15 Jul
2 Days only £79
tatton Park flower show
Have your senses dazzled by the sights and scents at the Tatton Park Flower Show with its themed gardens, leading nurseries and expert gardeners. Staying at the Britannia Country House Hotel.
Fri 20 Jul
3 Days only £189
Call to book 0141 374 2691
2019 CRUISES
COMING SOON
holiday ColleCtion
2018
2018 grouPs ColleCtion
freePhone 08000 24 24 24 glentonholidays.Com
telePhone 0141 221 1668 glentonholidays.Com
summer
ColleCtion 2018
COACh, Cruise & Air hOlidAys frOm sCOtlAnd
freePhone 08000 24 24 24 glentonholidays.Com
coach
cruise
air
holidays diRECT fRom sCoTland
Call now for more details .... 0141 374 2691
or visit us online at www.glentonholidays.Com *Conditions Apply. E&OE
may 2018
17
s h o r t b r e f ae ka st uf re ae t u r e
Lufthansa offers new options to Scottish passengers
Lufthansa, part of the Lufthansa group, is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious airlines as well as the first european 5-Star airline. the airline is widely known for
its premium services. Lufthansa has recently invested in introducing and upgrading a wide range of products and services, including our Signature Service in Business class on our long-haul services.
options for onward travel to hundreds of worldwide destinations. Passengers are now able to travel to both Frankfurt and Munich, giving them more flexibility and increased connections in
our large, multi-hub network. We have been able to increase Lufthansa’s flight offer at Glasgow from a single weekly service to 12 flights a week in just 6 months. This level of growth is almost unprecedented and underlines the importance of Glasgow Airport within the Lufthansa worldwide network.”
As well as providing Lufthansa’s Scottish passengers with daily access to Germany, the new Frankfurt flight enables Glasgow passengers to access onward connections to the airline’s worldwide network of 209 destinations in 74 countries through its Frankfurt and Munich hubs. In addition to Lufthansa’s flights to its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, Lufthansa Group’s point-to- point airline, Eurowings, connects Scotland’s biggest city with Düsseldorf, one of its main bases that offers connections to 33 destinations.
With Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings all departing from Edinburgh or Glasgow, you can take a short city break to Frankfurt, Munich, Brussels, Dusseldorf or Cologne – all great cities with plenty to see, such as the Neuschwanstein Castle near Munich or the Atomium in Brussels. Additionally, if you want more, then via our efficient hubs you can connect onto hundreds of destinations throughout Europe and globally – you really can go anywhere!
In addition to our main hubs, why not take a nice weekend in Rome, Toulouse, Prague, Budapest or Nuremburg to name a few - all destinations with great connection times via Frankfurt or Munich. With Summer quickly approaching, what a great way to spend a nice long weekend!
So what are you waiting for? There is a whole world out there to see and we want to be part of that experience. We look forward to welcoming you on board soon!
The Lufthansa Group comprises Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Lufthansa and SWISS. It is the airline group with the largest network in the world. We offer well-timed, easy transfers from Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as numerous UK and Irish airports via the efficient hubs of Vienna, Brussels, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich, Geneva and Zurich to over 400 global destinations.
Additionally, March 2018 saw the further expansion of Glasgow for Lufthansa. Lufthansa now operates a new daily flight from Glasgow to Frankfurt and has even expanded its Glasgow to Munich service to 5 times a week. All flights will be serviced with the Airbus A320 family.
Announcing the new flight, Andreas Koester, Senior Director Sales UK, Ireland & Iceland, Lufthansa Group said: “This new daily service opens up a huge number of business
and leisure opportunities to Scottish passengers.
Not only does it provide access to one of Europe’s financial capitals, but it also introduces new
18
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
There are five stars more in the sky now. Lufthansa is proud
to be Europe’s first certified 5-Star Airline.
lufthansa.com/5-star_en
s h o r t b r e f ae ka st uf re ae t u r e
20
Virgin Trains East Coast Review
Edinburgh Waverley/London Kings Cross/Edinburgh Waverley By HiLAry DoUgLAS
Booking process
Booking process online at www.virgintrainseastcoast.com is quick and simple. It’s easy to see where the best deals are and on what trains. You can then choose to either collect the tickets at the station or use an electronic version.
Quiet carriages are great but if, like me, you need to work and make calls during the journey, then you are better in the other carriages. Seat selection online is simple to use and payment is easy too.
cost
As I was able to book in advance, the price of my ticket was highly competitive.
Departure
20 minutes before departure, Virgin staff were on the platform to advise passengers where to wait to get onto their correct carriage and when the train arrived at Waverley station, boarding was a piece of cake. We left on time and within 30 minutes the first trolley was round for my morning caffeine fix. On the return, and because the train originates at London Kings Cross, I was able to board 15 minutes before departure and leisurely find my seat ready for departure.
on BoarD experience
First thing I did was to log into my laptop (plenty of power points under the table) and fire up the wifi. Remember that if you don’t book direct, you don’t get the complimentary wifi code which comes on your reservation confirmation.
You can still log in, but are charged £5 for 10 hours so you want to avoid this if possible. Considering we travelled through tunnels across the country at speed, the signal was consistent and very good.
The seats were spacious and comfortable. Having a table made a big difference and allowed plenty of space to spread out all my paperwork.
The staff were very friendly and efficient and the regular trolley service couldn’t be faulted – saved having to go to the restaurant car if you just wanted a cup of tea and a snack.
Regular, but not intrusive announcements were made during the journey and kept us all up to date with the progress of the train, stops and expected time of arrival. We departed and arrived bang on schedule into Kings Cross, in the heart
of London.
oVeraLL iMpression
Although I had initial reservations about spending over four hours on a train to get to London, this was actually a very pleasant travel experience and one I would happily repeat.
The time passed quickly and the journey was hassle free. I managed to work, read and relax and with the underground network from Kings Cross, was at my final destination in less than 20 minutes.
The old adage of ‘let the train take the strain’ is as relevant today as it ever was!
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
There are many routes to success.
Edinburgh
Belfast City Birmingham Cardiff
East Midlands London City London Heathrow Manchester Southampton
Plus more...
Glasgow
Belfast City Birmingham Cardiff
East Midlands London Southend Manchester Southampton
Plus more...
Belfast
Aberdeen Birmingham Cardiff
East Midlands Edinburgh Glasgow Inverness London City Leeds Bradford Manchester Southampton Plus more...
Inverness
Belfast City Birmingham Jersey
Aberdeen
Belfast City Birmingham
East Midlands Jersey
London Heathrow Manchester Newcastle Newquay
Norwich
Paris Southampton
Plus more...
Connecting Scotland to London with up to 15 flights a day
Get closer to worldwide connection
Increased flight frequency
Frequent flights daily from Aberdeen and Edinburgh to London City Airport and London Heathrow Airport, and from Glasgow to London Southend Airport.1
Convenient connecting flights to long-haul destinations with our partners Air France, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.2
Up to six flights a day from Belfast City Airport to London City Airport.3
1. Correct as at 04.05.18. Some flights may be operated by our franchise partners Eastern Airways and Stobart Air. 2. Please see flybe.com/codeshares for our full list of codeshare partners. 3. See flybe.com for terms and full schedule. Available for travel from 08.05.18 – 27.10.18, subject to availability. Some flights may be operated by Eastern Airways.
s h o r t b r e f ae ka st uf re ae t u r e
The Hotel Duquesa de Cardona Barcelona
New services
from Loganair
Loganair will operate services from the newly-renamed carlisle Lake District Airport (cLDA) to London Southend, as well as flights from carlisle to Dublin and Belfast city, under its new partnership with the Stobart group.
Loganair will operate eight flights per week day and a total of 12 at weekends, connecting Cumbria and the Lake District, which receives 45 million visitors per year, to the three destinations.
The service to London Southend will allow for full day returns with two flights a day Monday to Friday, one on Saturday and two on Sunday. Dublin will have a daily service each day of the week and Belfast City will also be served daily, excluding Saturday. Prices will start at £44.99 to London Southend and Dublin and £39.99 to Belfast. All Loganair fares include 20kg of luggage and inflight refreshments as standard.
Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership has committed £4.95m to the development of CLDA and the services will be the first commercial and business flights from Carlisle since 1993.
Loganair managing director Jonathan Hinkles said: “We’re delighted to become the first operator at the new Carlisle Lake District Airport and this partnership with Stobart will open up Loganair’s services to a whole new range of customers.
“With frequent services on each of the three routes, we have every confidence that these new flights will transform access to and from the Lake District for many thousands of customers each year, as well as serving areas like the South West of Scotland.”
The routes to and from Carlisle commence on 4th June.
By AnDreA PeLLicci
At just over a two hour flight away, the city of Barcelona is
perfect for a short break or pre-or-post cruise stay.
With plenty of accommodation, attractions, restaurants and bars, as well as architecture, arts, a beach and marina, there is plenty to see and do!
Overlooking the Port Vell marina and just a few minutes from the beach, The Hotel Duquesa de Cardona Barcelona is in a great location and an ideal choice. Situated in
the Gothic Quarter in the heart of the city, all the top attractions are within easy walking distance, including Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous boulevard, full of bars, restaurants, market stalls and street performers.
Dating from the 16th century, this historical boutique hotel features 63 guest rooms with a range of standard, superior and deluxe rooms, as well as junior suites. Facilities include concierge service, room service, buffet breakfast, tea & coffee facilities in room and free Wi-Fi.
However, to take full advantage of the Mediterranean sun, the hotel’s fabulous rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the harbour, marina and cruise terminals, is outstanding. With a cocktail bar and restaurant, as well as a plunge pool, La Terrassa del Duquesa is the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s sightseeing and shopping!
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expanding the boundaries
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City Breaks in the UK, Europe and Beyond
Incredible Iceland
Akureyri, Northern Iceland is famous for its volcanic landscape, geothermal pools and roaring waterfalls - perfect for discover all that Iceland has to offer.
London
Whether you want to to see the mezmerising sights, experience a dazzling night at the theatre or visit an exciting attraction, London is the ultimate city break.
+ 2 nights hotel stay
+ Breakfast each morning
+ +
Add optional rail from your local rail station and save up to 50% on your break. Flight options also available.
Prices from £699pp
Discover more of our top city breaks online...
It’s easy to discover some of the world’s most popular hotspots like London, Paris, Edinburgh, Dublin and Rome with the option to add flights from your local airport and connecting rail tickets.
+ 3 or 4 nights hotel stay
+ Return flights & resort airport transfers
+ +
Flights available from many local airports including
Newcastle International, Inverness, City of Derry Airport and many more.
20kg hold luggage & 5kg hand luggage
+ Search for Northern Lights Tour
+ Lake Myvatn - Land of Fire and Ice Experience
+ Many more fantastic optional extras available
1st night dinner
+ Add exciting optional tours and experiences like
theatre tickets, O2 arena events, top attractions, sightseeing tours and more to make it a break to remember.
P
Prices from £99pp
Plus, with ABTA and ATOL protection providing peace of mind, your customers can relax and enjoy their break stress-free
Find out more at: www.SuperBreak.com/TravelAgent
P
s h o r t b r e f ae ka st uf re ae t u r e
Poland - so much more than just Krakow
By HiLAry DoUgLAS
If your clients are looking for something a little different, offering culture, history and beauty – with a
temperate climate and fantastic people – why not suggest a short break in Warsaw and Gdansk.
From Krakow, they can then easily
get a train to Warsaw which takes just under two and half hours on the Express Intercity Premium trains. Reservation is compulsory and you can arrange this for clients at www.intercity.pl
Almost completely flattened in the Second World War, Warsaw has been painstakingly rebuilt to replicate the way it once was and the architecture is stunning! Clients should head to the Old Town to relax and enjoy the vibrant café culture and take in the Square with its variety of multi coloured houses.
Warsaw
Must see attractions include the Palace
as well as the delightful Lazienki Park (meaning the Baths Park) - simply magnificent, but often missed as it’s a short walk from the Old Town. Consisting of more than 76 hectares, it is now used as
a venue for arts, culture and music. With
a palace, orangery, amphitheatre and a beautiful garden villa called the Little White House, on a warm day, there really is nowhere better to be.
If culture is their thing, you might want to include a trip to both the Chopin museum in Warsaw and a visit to his birthplace just outside the city. You can prearrange this
with a ‘ChopinPASS’ – giving admission both to the Fryderyk Chopin Museum in Warsaw and his birthplace in Żelazowa Wola. The price includes entry to both venues and round-trip transportation via comfortable minibus. Once there, they can experience a mini concert with Chopin’s work played on his own piano. Sitting in the garden of this beautiful home, listening to fantastic music on a summer’s afternoon is really quite exceptional. You can get more info at: www.chopinpass.com
Heading a further three hours north on the train, clients can then spend a few days in Gdansk. Sitting on the Baltic coast, Gdansk has a real Scandinavian feel to it. The old town itself is full of magnificent narrow, highly coloured and decorated houses all lining the long streets. Tell them to look out for the Golden House – truly remarkable!
There are two additional reasons why it is so worthwhile to include this part of Poland in a trip for your clients – Sopot
Malbork Castle
and Malbork. Sopot is a beautiful old fashioned spa town situated only a few miles from Gdansk. You can wander along the wooden pier in this seaside resort and then take afternoon tea in one of the lovely hotels.
My favourite place by far however, is Malbork Castle and I wouldn’t let anyone travel to this part of Poland and not make the effort to visit. It takes only 30 minutes by train to the town of Malbork and then a short 10-15 min walk.
The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork was originally built by the Teutonic Knights and has a collection of amber to die for, both in size and beauty! Tickets and travel can be pre -arranged (note: Malbork interior is shut to the public on Mondays).
Poland is a country with a huge amount to offer – and so much more than just a few days in Krakow!
Gdansk Old Town
24
expanding the boundaries
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MORE THAN
JUST A SHORT
BREAK
Whether you are hoping to marvel at grand architecture, savour delightful cuisine, take in breathtaking landscapes or enjoy rural tranquillity, discover Europe’s many hidden treasures on our escorted tours.
FROM ONLY
£279PP
DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER YOUR BOOKINGS FOR THE G.I.F.T
(SEE OUR TRAVEL AGENT’S FACEBOOK GROUP FOR MORE DETAILS)
Return transport from your local airport or rail station
*Exclusive SOLO TRAVELLER departures available on selected dates for Bruges
BRUGES*
FOUR DAYS FROM ONLY £289PP
KRAKOW
FOUR DAYS FROM ONLY £429PP
PARIS BY EUROSTAR
FOUR DAYS FROM ONLY £279PP
CONTACT OUR AGENCY SALES TEAM:
Call for support: 01283 744307 | email: [email protected]
CALL RESERVATIONS 7 DAYS A WEEK:
Call to book: 01283 744370 | Book online: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents
Prices are based on two people sharing and are correct at time of print. Single supplements may apply.
Solo holidays are operated by and subject to booking conditions of Riviera Travel, ABTA V4744 ATOL 3430 protected. Subject to availability. Additional entrance cost may apply. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel.
YOUR FRIENDLY AGENCY SALES TEAM
Joseph
Darren
Tamzin
Mia Paul
ABTA No.V4744
Travel Consultant
s h o r t b r e f ae ka st uf re ae t u r e
Willie on Tour -
The ultimate executive rail experience
By WiLLie SteWArt
Director, RailTourGuide Global Limited
I have been fortunate enough to have travelled extensively and experienced everything from rickshaws to First Class air travel. On my recent trip from Italy to the UK, I experienced what is probably the most luxurious journey ever and it was on a train!
26
» Day One
I started my travels at Roma Termini railway station and enjoyed the Trenitalia Executive Class lounge while I waited for my train. With large comfortable seating areas, a very well stocked bar and first class service, this was a superior rail lounge experience compared to any I’ve visited in the UK.
From lounge to my seat on the train only took around five minutes with Fast Track boarding. On board I was instantly taken aback by the space and luxurious surroundings in Executive Class . With only 12 seats in the carriage, the extra space was a delight and the seat larger than any I’ve sat in on any mode of transport.
I was delighted to see there was a meeting room on board, available
for exclusive hire for around €30 per hour. A wonderful facility for business travellers or those wishing to do work in a quiet space. This was easily the best train journey I have ever had the pleasure of taking – Trenitalia have raised the standard and are now the rail company for others to follow.
» Day Two
From Milan I took a regional Trenitalia to Tirano to join the Bernina Express to Chur in Zurich. The Bernina Express is one of the world’s famous trains and has been on my wish list for a long time and it didn’t disappoint. As the train climbed through the beautiful countryside, the panorama design of the carriages gave an uninterrupted view of the ever-changing scenery and majesty of the Alps.
The Bernina Express is an experience of a lifetime, not just your ordinary train journey.
» Day Three
Along with the Bernina Express, the TGV has also been on my list for some time and again, it didn’t disappoint. The carriage was comfortable and spacious, although not a patch on the Executive Class carriage of the Trenitalia from Rome. The trains have been modern- ised and everything felt new, although not futuristic or over stylised.
On my way to Paris, travelling at over 175 mph, there was no swaying and minimal noise compared to what I have travelled on in the UK. Three stops later, I arrived at Paris Gare de Lyon in
only 4.25hrs.
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
» Day Four
The final leg of the journey was on Eurostar from Paris to London St. Pancras. Check- in and security were efficient and hassle-free and I enjoyed the Business Premier lounge before boarding. Tip - give yourself at least 1.5 hours to enjoy the lounge before departing to indulge in the cocktail bar and huge selection of food and refreshments!
Eurostar service is outstanding, the carriage was light, spacious and very comfortable. The seat was large, although not as luxurious as the throne on Trenitalia! 2.5 hours later I arrived in London after a high speed journey at around 180mph.
Rail travel has so many advantages over flying or driving such as arriving and departing from the centre of the destination city, minimal check-in procedures and a more comfortable seat compared to air travel.
I’m so glad I didn’t fly home, or I would have missed out on such a fantastic experience!
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s h o r t b r e f ae ka st uf re ae t u r e
Questions & Answers
gAry reAVeLy speaks to
MicHAeL Bennett,
Managing Director, Osprey Holidays & Ski Independence
Your company has been very successful - what would you attribute your ongoing success to?
First of all, we put our agents and clients at the heart of everything we do and every single holiday we sell is different. We don’t offer ‘off the shelf’ package holidays - and I think that sets us apart. We have also learnt how to adapt as times change. With short breaks, bespoke itineraries such as twin centre, triple centres, rail travel and excursions are now much more popular. It’s the same with Ski Independence – every ski holiday is tailor- made and we love the challenge of more complicated itineraries. We have also broadened our market from Scotland to the rest of the UK too.
What are your best selling products?
Old favourites like Amsterdam still do really well. It offers the opportunity to combine several experiences in one holiday - not only the history of the city, but also Tulips in Full Bloom viewing trips, garden festivals and flower markets. You can combine city culture with green open spaces. For ski, the higher the resort
the better, with Val Thorens our top seller in Europe. In North America, it’s Whistler in BC.
Are there any up and coming destinations?
On the short breaks side, Scandinavia is growing in popularity, with Finland and Norway in particular seeing passenger growth. Clients want unforgettable experiences now and Scandinavia
is a fantastic destination for this. Iceland has also seen massive growth, particularly Southern Iceland. Visitors want to see more than just a city, such as Reykjavik - they want what I would term as ‘soft adventure’ and we can deliver that for them.
For our ski product, we’re seeing strong growth in the luxury hotel side and the majority of this business is driven by agents.
What are your biggest challenges?
Brexit without a doubt. It’s the uncertainty it has brought. Although the pound seems to have stabilised, the political situation remains unclear. As a tour operator, we have concerns about TOMS (tour operator margin scheme) and what happens
with that after Brexit? How much harder will life be if we have to have individual VAT agreements with the huge number
of European countries we sell? These questions all remain unanswered at the moment.
Do you have a message for agents?
Travel agents are vital to us. We love their business and want more of it! 95% of our Osprey Short Break programme is sold by agents and we have a dedicated member of staff available for meetings, advice and training. If an agent is having a local event and wants our help - we can be there! We‘re also a SPAA Associate Member which helps to keep those relationships going.
If I was an agent, I’d want to book with a tour operator who was clearly in a strong financial position and one will do the right thing if a supplier goes under. Agents should ask – “what would a tour operator do if an airline went under? How would they treat my client?”.
We are a third generation family company and take this very seriously. We put ourselves in the client’s position and ask ourselves, how can we help them and do right by them?
Do you have a favourite destination?
I would have to say Paris! It might sound a bit vanilla but I lived there for a summer many years ago - and I’ve been back
many times.
Osprey also had a close connection to the Scotland v France rugby internationals so that was a feature when I was growing up. The food, culture, art... I just love the place and will never tire of it! Recently I went back and for the first time enjoyed a river boat trip down the Seine past the Eiffel Tower at night – it was amazing!
Best piece of advice ever given to you?
I think just be respectful of everyone – both with people you work with as well as agents and clients. Never get ahead of yourself.... and remember to be humble!
28
expanding the boundaries
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FROM GLASGOW TO ICELAND AND BEYOND
ICELANDAIR OFFERS SERVICES FROM
Glasgow, London (LHR and LGW), Manchester and Dublin to Iceland with easy connections to over 23 destinations in the USA and Canada. Stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare.
+ icelandairacademy.com
s h o r t b r e f ae ka st uf re ae t u r e
classic collection Holidays recently
held a 30th Birthday Celebration Roadshow, visiting Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow
SPonSorS incLUDeD:
Samantha Hernández Galand,
Adrian Hoteles, Tenerife
Luisa Garcia
Sheraton La Caleta Resort, Tenerife Vicky Brown, Melia Hotels Vicky Bray, Aegean Air
(in Belfast)
Andrea Hunter, Aer Lingus Diane Risk, Belfast City Airport
30
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
for convenience
Land just 5 minutes from Belfast city centre
Unrivalled domestic route network
UK and Ireland’s most convenient airport
Top for punctuality in the UK
Business hub and lounge access
Fast Track parking for business passengers
BelfastCityAirport.com
• 25 Kg hold luggage • Complimentary drinks* • 10 Kg cabin baggage • Premium James Martin
meal
• Priority airport package
• Mobile entertainment access
• Seat reservation in the first four rows
*Complimentary drinks during the drinks service
DISCOVER
ECONOMY PLUS Aircrafted for you
WIN x2 FREE FLIGHTS
with
Thomas Cook Airlines
To be in with a chance
of winning x2 free flights
name three Thomas Cook Airlines Economy Plus benefits
and submit your answers to [email protected] by 1st June
Terms and conditions: This voucher entitles the winner to 2 economy return flight tickets on Thomas Cook Airlines to a destination of their choice from Glasgow Airport • The flight must be booked before 30th June • Valid for Summer 2018 & Summer 2019 Departures (excluding School Holidays, Bank Holidays) • Travel dates will be subject to availability at the time of booking • The winner must be one of the people who travels on the prize flight. The prize cannot be transferred. • The prize must be taken as offered and no cash alternative will be offered and cannot be transferred to a package holiday. • The winner and their travelling companion are responsible for ensuring they hold a valid passport to travel and any necessary visa, and that they hold adequate travel insurance • The prize does not include the cost of travel insurance, spending money or any other items or expense not specifically stated within the prize description • All such costs/expenses will be the responsibility of the winner and their travelling companion. • The prize is subject to Thomas Cooks own booking conditions in addition to these competition terms & conditions • To book email [email protected] • The winner will be chosen at random and contacted directly.
Flash Sale
3 days from £269pp
Three and four day Iconic Aegean voyages departing from Athens on board Celestyal Olympia.
We are pleased to announce our Flash Sale with prices as low as £269pp on selected dates. Experience the idyllic Mediterranean resorts of Mykonos, Samos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes (four day only), Crete and Santorini.
these prices are for a limited time only - you need to be quick!
3 DAY “iconic AEGEAn”
DEPArtinG: 15 JunE#, 02 & 09 novEmbEr
Day Ports
Fri Athens (Piraeus), Greece Mykonos*, Greece
Sat Samos (Pythagorion)*, Greece
or
Sat Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey Patmos*, Greece
Sun Crete (Heraklion), Greece Santorini*, Greece
Arr Dep
- 11:30 18:00 23:00 05:00 15:30 07:30 13:00 17:45 21:30 07:00 12:00 16:30 21:30
Mon Athens (Piraeus), Greece 07:00
*Tendering weather permitting. Embarkation/disembarkation possibilities also from/to Kusadasi and Crete.
#15 June is a different itinerary and on board Celestyal Crystal.
-
4 DAY “iconic AEGEAn’’
DEPArtinG: 29 octobEr & 05 novEmbEr
Day Ports
Mon Athens (Piraeus), Greece Mykonos*, Greece
Tue Samos (Pythagorion)*, Greece
or
Tue Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey Patmos*, Greece
Wed Rhodes, Greece
Thu Crete (Heraklion), Greece
Santorini*, Greece
Fri Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Arr Dep
- 11:30 18:00 23:00 05:00 15:30 07:30 13:00 17:45 21:30 07:00 18:00 07:00 12:00 16:30 21:30 07:00 -
*Tendering weather permitting. Embarkation/disembarkation possibilities also from/to Kusadasi and Crete
Three meals per day, made with love and care with the finest local ingredients
Our specially designed entertainment program is suitable for all ages and tastes
Enjoy a special collection of branded beverages that suits your preferences
Our handpicked excursions guarantee you’ll see the best of our destinations
The Celestyal Inclusive Experience
ALL INCLUSIVE CRUISES
Forget extra charges. Everything is included in the price of your ticket
For further details and for information on how to promote all Celestyal Cruises, please contact Jo Reid on:
07368 207881
or email: [email protected]
Gratuities are included in the price so you can stick to your holiday budget
CRUISERS’ CHOICE
Celestyal Cruises
Best for Service
Terms and conditions apply. Prices available at time of print and are subject to availability. Port charges, taxes and gratuity fees will apply.
asIa featfueraeture
New Swiss-Belhotel for Karimun
Swiss-Belhotel International has announced plans for the development and management of Swiss-Belhotel in Karimun, an island which is part of the Riau archipelago in Indonesia.
Due to open in 2019, the Swiss-Belhotel Karimun Riau Islands will offer 134 rooms, a lounge, restaurant, meeting facilities, swimming pool, gym and spa.
Increasingly popular, Karimun is a free trade zone located only 90 minutes to the southwest of Singapore and 60 minutes from Batam, accessible by frequent ferry services.
Family friendly resort set to open in Phu Quoc
the Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach resort on Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc, is set to open this month.
Located in the South of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc, is a fast-growing tourist destination known for its long beaches, rich coral reefs, fresh seafood, pearl farms and dense tropical rainforest.
Operating under Dusit’s upper midscale Dusit Princess brand, the new four-star resort is centrally located on the island’s west coast overlooking the Bai Truong beach,
a 20-plus kilometre stretch of sand also known as Long Beach. Phu Quoc (PQC) International Airport and Duong To town centre are only a short drive away.
The family-friendly resort comprises of 108 guest rooms, most of which offer ocean views, a swim-up pool bar, an all-day-dining restaurant, serving Thai, Vietnamese and Western cuisine and Soi 14, a beach front bar and lounge serving Thai street food favourites. The resort also features a large infinity pool with ocean view, set within a lush tropical garden, a spa, gym and kids club.
Nearby local attractions include Phu Quoc National Park, part of the UNESCO designated Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve; the secluded ‘Bai Sao’ beach; the quirky Dinh Cau night market and traditional temples.
The Ministry of Tourism aims to attract at least 500,000 foreign tourists to Phu Quoc Island this year through strategic promotions and the development of tourism products. To meet international demand, PQC International Airport has opened new direct routes to destinations such as the UK, Germany and Finland and regular domestic flights to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and Hanoi are also available. A visa exempt rule grants international visitors 30 days access to the island upon arrival.
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Codeshare agreement for Bangkok Airways and Oman Air
Bangkok Airways and oman Air now have a codeshare agreement, providing customers with an enhanced network to travel between oman and cities in thailand.
Under the agreement, Oman Air puts its “WY” designator code on Bangkok Airways flights, serving 8 domestic routes. This includes roundtrip routes on Bangkok-Chiang Rai, Bangkok- Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Phuket, Bangkok-Krabi, Bangkok- Lampang, Bangkok-Trat, Bangkok-Sukhothai and Bangkok- Samui. This new codeshare partnership offers passengers enhanced connectivity and seamless connections to well known destinations in Thailand. Oman Air’s passengers travelling on Bangkok Airways will now be able to enjoy the airline’s services such as lounge access.
READY SET SAIL ASIA
13-night cruise from just £1,179pp
THE HOLLAND AMERICA LINE DIFFERENCE IN ASIA
Mid-sized, elegant Westerdam
Spacious staterooms and suites, 70% with private balcony Nearly one crew member for every two guests
Fine dining with casual to formal options
America’s Test Kitchen, Explorations Central destination experiences and more
Sumptuous Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Long days and overnight stays in incredible cities
READYSET SAIL
ANY STATEROOM EVERYWHERE WE SAIL*
Book select 2018-2019 cruises or Land+Sea Journeys and receive low fares and these valuable offers*
Prepaid gratuities (hotel service charges) 50% reduction deposit
BONUS OFFER FOR SUITES:
Receive the above plus up to US$300 onboard spending money per stateroom!
14-NIGHT JAPAN & CHINA
Departs: 15 Oct 2018 Westerdam
DEPART:
YOKOHAMA
Reservations Online POLAR Online: via www.hollandamerica.co.uk and click on partnerships Reservations by Phone Call 0344 338 8600
Terms & Conditions All lead in fares are per person sharing a twin stateroom either cruise only or fly/cruise from London airports (including pre-cruise hotel night and transfers). Ready Set Sail is available on select 2018 & 2019 cruises and Land+Sea journeys booked between 4 Apr & 14 June 2018. Terms and conditions apply.
Departs: 17 Feb 2019 Westerdam
DEPART:
SHANGHAI
ARRIVE:
SHANGHAI
CONTACT:
ARRIVE:
SHANGHAI
13-16-NIGHT
FAR EAST DISCOVERY
Cruise from
£1,669
per person
Fly/cruise from London
from £2,799 per person
Cruise from
£1,179*
per person
Departs: 12~, 27 Nov*;
20 Dec~ 2018. 17 Jan* 2019
Westerdam
DEPART: ARRIVE: SINGAPORE HONG KONG
Fly/cruise from London
from £1,969 per person
Fly/cruise from Glasgow
from £3,239 per person
Fly/cruise from Glasgow
from £1,969 per person
14-NIGHT
CHINA, SOUTH KOREA & JAPAN
Cruise from
£1,529
per person
Fly/cruise from London
from £2,469 per person
Fly/cruise from Glasgow
from £2,519 per person
VISITS: Shanghai (overnight) Qingdao (China), Tianjin (Beijing, overnight), Incheon (Seoul, South Korea overnight), Jeju (Cheju), Fukuoka (Japan), Nagasaki (Japan).
• Overnight stay Shanghai, Tianjin & Incheon
VISITS: Nathon (Ko Samui), Laem Chabang (Bangkok, Thailand, overnight), Sihanoukville (Kompong Som, Cambodia), Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam), Da Nang (Hue), Halong Bay, (Hainan, China).
~itinerary in reverse. *Itinerary & lead fare based on 27/11/18 (13-nights), on other dates ports may vary.
• Overnight stay in Laem Chabang
VISITS: Shimizu (Japan), Osaka, Beppu, cruising Kanmon Strait, Fukuoka (Hakata), Busan (Pusan, South Korea), Dalian (China), Tianjin (Beijing, overnight), Qingdao.
• Overnight stay in Beijing
Bekkie Skipp - BDM North & Scotland [email protected]. Call (0)7780 490748 email: [email protected]
asIa featfueraeture
Visit the spiritual heart of Thailand
if there is one must-see sight in Bangkok, it’s the spectacular grand Palace, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark.
Built in 1782 – and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal Court and the administrative seat of government – the Grand Palace is awe- inspiring with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail.
The Palace has also housed the Thai war ministry, state departments and even the mint and has now become the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. Several buildings are housed within the palace complex including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) which contains the small, famous Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th Century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar.
The Grand Palace with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Thailand’s most sacred site and a strict dress code applies. Men must wear trousers and shirts with long sleeves, women must be dressed modestly and bare feet are not allowed.
Shanghai excursions with CMV
cruise and Maritime Voyages’ columbus made her maiden call in Shanghai earlier this year and will be calling in Shanghai again in 2019, on her grand round the World cruise.
Departing 5th January 2019, Columbus will set sail from London Tilbury on her Round the World Cruise. Once in Shanghai, passengers will be able to enjoy a number of tours, including the Shanghai, Terracotta Warriors & Beijing Overland excursion which includes a tour of Shanghai and a ride on the Maglev train to visit the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall of China and in Beijing, Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City, before flying to re-join Columbus in Hong Kong.
Other Shanghai excursions include the Jinmao Hyatt Building, shaped like a giant handbag and the second tallest skyscraper in China, where passengers can take the express elevator to the 88th floor observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. In addition, there are tours to Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Garden, the Old Town, the French Quarter, the Bund and Shanghai museum.
Take a trip to Phang Nga Bay
Located north east of Phuket, Phang nga Bay is one of the most unique sites in the world, with its distinctive sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water.
James Bond Island and Koh Pannyi are just two of the more famous spots in this bay. One of the best ways to enjoy its spectacular scenery is to take one of the boat trips from the northern end of Phuket. A leisurely day trip cruising through the dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy the quiet beaches, is far more rewarding than the standard bus-boat tour.
once a year, Go soMeplace you've never Been BeFore.
dalai lama
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TUI to launch new Fly/Cruise programme
Tourism Malaysia and TUI Group have announced a new Fly & Cruise programme that is expected to increase European tourist arrivals to Malaysia and boost the country’s cruise tourism.
Commencing 20th December 2018 until 29th March, 2019, TUI’s Fly/Cruise programme will offer direct flights to Langkawi as well as regional cruises from the Isle of Legends. The 787 Dreamliner flights will depart from three UK airports including Manchester.
With TUI Group’s cruise ship homeporting in Langkawi, all passengers will spend at least one night in Langkawi before embarking on a 14-day cruise itinerary which will also include destinations such as Penang, Port Klang and Melaka in Malaysia, as well as Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. The total potential capacity is expected to be about 7,200 passengers in the first year of operation.
Currently, all three cruise companies of TUI Group - TUI Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises as well as UK-based Marella Cruises -
have now included Malaysia in their programmes. With three Malaysian ports of call – including one homeport (Langkawi,
Port Klang and Penang), TUI Group’s cruise companies are expected to help drive growth for Malaysia’s cruise tourism sector.
Call If Only...
for details on 0141 955 4000
The best of India by luxury train
Deccan Odyssey’s Indian Sojourn
This 10 day tour includes Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur and a wildlife safari at Ranthambore National Park.
From only £4,599pp - includes flights from Glasgow, overnight stays in Delhi and Mumbai
pre and post tour, private car transfers and all meals on board.
may 2018
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Experience the authentic heart of Japan with Saga
expert holiday hunter, Joe Sutcliffe has created a unique tour of Japan that takes his customers to the authentic heart of the country.
“I first travelled to Japan five years ago,” says Joe, “and it wasn’t one of the destinations that was top of my list. But it was one of the most special travel experiences that I’ve had and all my preconceptions about Japan were blown out of the water!
I thought Japan would be really busy with people everywhere and tall buildings. In reality, the opposite is true. Japan is a land of wide, open spaces. The cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, are well organised and the people are the friendliest people I’ve ever come across. It surprised me.”
Joe’s enthusiasm for Japan is infectious and it’s obvious he wants to share his passion for Japan with his customers.
“I think there are tours of Japan out there in the market which visit the main tourist places; you get an overview of the country, but you don’t get to the heart of it. So the idea behind this tour was to bring out the culture and the local experiences.
“The tour starts in Tokyo and we still see all the big sights, but we do things a little differently. I wanted to limit the group size to no more than 25, so our customers can have more intimate experiences, such as making their own sushi with expert sushi chefs. They’ll have an opportunity to put on a kimono and even walk some of the streets through Asakusa, where kimonos are still worn.
“A big highlight for me is when we get out of Tokyo and see the wild snow monkeys of Yudanaka; an area full of thermal activity where monkeys swim, play and bathe. You walk along a wooded path and get to an area where monkeys appear all around you. They’re amazing to watch and video.
“I wanted to include a traditional Japanese hotel experience, so our customers stay overnight in a ‘ryokan’, a Japanese heritage inn in Yudankana. They sleep on the floor on a traditional tatami mat. It’s a truly worthwhile experience and there’s therapeutic hot baths or ‘onsen’, which the Japanese people enjoy.
“We travel through Kanazawa, miles away from Tokyo and on to Kyoto, which is the historic heart of Japan with over a thousand
temples. The streets are so ornate and you see geishas and maikos, which are apprentice geishas. Our customers will participate in
a tea ceremony and then in contrast, they’ll go to a ninja-themed restaurant.”
Joe’s tour continues to the fishing town of Kurashiki, the old port of Tomonoura and Saijo, where his customers visit a sake brewery. Then it’s on to Hiroshima.
“Hiroshima is a very poignant place. We visit Peace Memorial Park and learn about what happened and how the people have recovered. It’s a very inspiring place because the Japanese have an attitude of forgiveness and acceptance.”
The tour ends with visits to two of Japan’s islands, Innoshima and Mijima, with some time in Dotonbori, a district famous for its food. “There’s so many great experiences on this tour: a few journeys on the Bullet trains, a walking tour at the foot of Mount Fiji, a cable car ride, a visit to a steaming volcano, a cruise on Lake Ashi. Plus, our customers can stop over in Hong Kong for three nights.
“This is a fantastic tour which I know our customers will enjoy. The pace is good and they’ll get some authentic and surprising experiences.”
(Interview: Dianne Vanstone)
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From historic temples to ancient culture,
discover the heart of Japan
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Japan on this incredible new tour, which includes 22 excursions and visits so you can really get closer to this beautiful country. Travelling as a small group, you’ll see the bright lights of Tokyo, learn how sushi is made, stay in a ryokan, and admire the majesty of Mount Fuji, plus so much more.
13 nights† from * £3799
Including optional travel insurance underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE, UK Branch, or a reduction of £65 if not required. Cover is subject to medical questions.§
22 excursions and visits
VIP Travel Included
Into the Heart of Japan
per person
Included
Travel Insurance
Small Group 25 or less
• 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
• Return flights and transfers
• Saga Tour Manager
• Welcome drink
• Porterage at all hotels, and more...
Call FREE on 0800 074 8021 or visit saga.co.uk/agents Or call Agency sales FREE on 0800 068 8732
Find us on social media Saga Trade Team
*Price per person based on two people sharing on Jun 9, 2019 departure, with the scheduled services of Cathay Pacific from Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda via Hong Kong, returning from
Osaka. Other departures available Oct-Nov, 2018 and Mar-Nov, 2019. Holiday code: FE090. †Includes two nights aboard aircraft. §A reduction of £65 applies if you do not need the optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights – please call for details. Saga’s holidays and cruises are exclusively for the over 50s (but a travelling companion can be 40+). Saga Holidays is a trading name of ST&H Ltd (registration no. 2174052). ST&H Ltd and Saga Cruises Ltd (registration no. 3267858) are subsidiaries of ST&H Group Ltd (registration no. 0720588). All three companies are registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Sandgate, Folkestone, Kent CT20 3SE. With respect to general insurance products sold in the UK, ST&H Ltd is an appointed representative of Saga Services Limited, registered in England and Wales (company no. 732602), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate, visit www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate NHA-GH8453
asIa featfueraeture
Fly smart with Finnair’s frequent flights to the Far East
The Far East is now closer than ever before thanks to Finnair’s short northern route via Helsinki and the launch of its latest route to Nanjing in China.
• Finnair now flies up to nine times a week between Edinburgh and Helsinki, as well as double daily from Manchester to Helsinki and 5 times a day from London Heathrow to Helsinki
• Skip the long route and take the shortcut to Asia and the Far East
• Choose from 19 major destinations in Asia
• Luxuriate in our award-winning Helsinki Airport lounges
• Super quick connections from as little as 40 minutes
• Enjoy Helsinki Airport’s smooth and efficient transfer service
• Fly on board our select fleet of state-of-the-art A350s
Customers can fly smart with award-winning Finnair via the quickest and most direct route from Europe to Asia. With frequent connections, the Far East has never been closer. Customers
can enjoy Finnair’s traditional hospitality and distinctive
Nordic designed cabins, which make each flight a personalised experience in the sky.
Finnair offers a range of fantastic flight options whether travelling for business or pleasure:
Business Class
Our long-haul flights offer one of the best business classes in
the sky, with fully flat beds, up to an hour of complimentary Wi-Fi, widescreen TVs for award-winning inflight entertainment, gourmet dining and fine wines.
Economy Comfort
Occupying the first five rows in our Economy Cabin, customers seeking even more space can enjoy a roomy extra five inches/ 13cms of legroom to stretch out, an hour of complimentary Wi-Fi, a more comfortable headrest and priority boarding.
Economy Class
With complimentary meals, snacks and drinks, our spacious economy cabin offers great inflight movies and TV shows to keep you entertained throughout your flight.
Fly aboard the world’s state-of-the-art A350
As well as operating one of the world’s youngest fleet of Airbus aircraft, with an average age of just seven years, Finnair now has 11 next-generation eco-smart Airbus A350s.
Each state-of-the-art A350 offers stylish and spacious interiors with panoramic windows, specially designed supersized overhead bins and one of the quietest cabins in the sky. Dynamic LED mood lighting (including a unique ‘Northern Lights’ show) emphasises the wider fuselage and sense of space onboard as well as helping customers adapt more gradually to the changing time zone of their destination.
A lower cabin pressure and hi-tech filtered air system makes jet lag a thing of the past, allowing customers to arrive rested and refreshed.
Finnair’s Far East destinations are:
• Beijing • Chongqing • Guangzhou • Hong Kong • Nanjing
• Shanghai • Xian – Nagoya • Fukuoka • Osaka • Tokyo • Seoul • Goa • Delhi • Singapore • Bangkok • Krabi • Phuket • Ho Chi Minh
In 1983 Finnair became the first airline to connect Western Europe to Japan and today offers more flights to Japan than any other European carrier. It flies to four different Japanese cities – more than any other European airline. Finnair partners with British Airways, Japan Airlines and Iberia on flights to Japan, giving customers more choice and flexibility.
As a member of the oneworld alliance, the world’s multi-award winning and leading airline alliance, Finnair is committed to providing world-class levels of customer service. It offers high frequency short and long-haul flights on an extensive range
of routes and offers codeshare flights in co-operation with its partners, including British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia and Japan Airlines to scores more destinations around the world.
Finnair is the only Nordic carrier with a 4-star Skytrax rating and was recently voted one of the top major European airlines by TripAdvisor travellers. Earlier this year, Finnair also won the Best Business Class Award from Travel & Leisure magazine in China and was named Best European Airline for the third year in a row in the TTG China Travel Awards.
For Finnair Trade Support, please visit www.finnair.com/easy Username and password is ADFinnAir01
For Finnair product training, visit the OTT course:
www.finnairexperts.com
Fly smart with Finnair to the Far East and Asia
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FROM HELLO
TO KONNICHIWA
IN NO TIME
FLY THE SHORT NORTHERN ROUTE VIA HELSINKI
TO 19 CITIES IN ASIA
Connect in the north at our Helsinki hub and save time when traveling between east and west. Fly the short northern route and enjoy our convenient transfers at Helsinki Airport.
THE NORDIC WAY
asIa featfueraeture
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Take a Peak from the top of Hong Kong
If clients only have a short time in Hong Kong, make sure you suggest that they go to The Peak. The highest point on Hong Kong Island, this has been the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood since colonial times and the views of the city are spectacular.
One of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong, the view stretches across the city skyline and Victoria Harbour, all the way to the green hills of the New Territories.
The anvil-shaped The Peak Tower has a large viewing platform called Sky Terrace 428, in addition to dining and retail outlets. Nearby, The Peak Galleria has a free-entry observation deck,
as well as shops and restaurants. Other vantage points include More Head to Lugard Road Lookout and Lions Point View Pavilion, or you can take the Peak Circle Walk.
In addition, you can jump on the Peak Tram and watch Hong Kong Island’s skyscrapers slide past the window as you make the ascent to The Peak on the city’s historic, funicular railway. Located at Lower Terminus, The Peak Tram Historical Gallery reveals its heritage and the history of Hong Kong.
The ‘Bruce Lee: Kung Fu-Art-Life’ exhibition
In collaboration with the Bruce Lee
Foundation from the United States, the Hong
Kong Heritage Museum has organised an
exhibition that looks at Bruce Lee not only as
a film star and martial artist, but also as a cultural phenomenon.
More than 600 invaluable items of Bruce Lee memorabilia provided by local and overseas collectors and organisations will be exhibited. Visitors will be able to gain greater insight into his achievements and contributions as well as his significance in popular culture.
Discover the wonders of Southeast Asia with Scenic
Scenic have launched their 2018/19 Southeast Asia River Cruising & Escorted Touring brochure featuring a number of itineraries on the waterways of Southeast Asia.
The luxury river cruise company have combined their experience in river cruising and touring to offer a collection of luxury itineraries on the Irrawaddy and Mekong, helping clients to experience the culture and heritage of Myanmar and Indochina.
Luxury comes as standard on the Mekong and Irrawaddy, with river cruise ships, Scenic Spirit and Scenic Aura, custom-built to negotiate the rivers of Southeast Asia.
Built in 2016 and navigating the Irrawaddy River, Scenic Aura offers an almost 1:1 staff-to- guest ratio, is equipped with a swimming pool, a steam sauna, and an open-air cinema, among other amenities.
Scenic’s Mekong River cruises take place aboard Scenic Spirit, a 279-foot vessel that was launched in 2016 and can accommodate 68 passengers in 34 one-bedroom balcony suites.
Bookings to Southeast Asia for 2018/19, made before 11th June 2018, will save a guaranteed £750 per person, as well as include free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers.
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asIa featfueraeture
Japan’s powder snow is second to none: the north and mountainous areas of the country have reliable, deep powder snow from December to March, great for skiing and snowboarding. But it’s not just about deep powder snow. Japan’s ski areas
are great for families, as there are many gentle slopes and well-groomed easy runs ideal for novices. Lessons in english are also available.
For the most reliable snow and well-developed facilities
for an international crowd, recommend Niseko, on Japan’s north island of Hokkaido. For winter sports centred round a typical Japanese small town in the mountains within easy reach of Tokyo including a ride on the Bullet train, Nozawa Onsen
is ideal.
A winter sports trip to Japan is really two trips in one: an opportunity to practise the sport and also to explore this unique country and its culture. A good combination might be five or six days of winter sports, followed by at least four days in one
JTB_UK_skier_snowboader_ad_May2018_halfpage_FINAL.pdf 1 01/05/2018 15:59:52
of Japan’s major cities: Tokyo for contemporary culture, or Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto for
temples, shrines and traditional quarters.
But Japan is also a place for honeymooners, for scuba divers and very much in demand for pre- and post-cruise arrangements for travellers starting or finishing cruises in the
Far East.
For travellers on a budget, the Japan Rail Pass remains an ever-popular product: valid on the
entire Japan Rail network including Bullet trains, the Rail Pass is great value for money.
JTB is a Japan specialist tour operator and ground handler in London, with a team of dedicated and knowledgeable staff to help and guide travel agencies to offer the best of Japan’s many possibilities.
To find out more about selling Japan or to book tours or tailor- made, call the Japan specialist team at JTB in London on
020 8237 1605 or visit www.japanspecialist.co.uk
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
Japan
The hot ski destination
asIa featfueraeture
Explore the delights of the
Far East with Wendy Wu Tours
Asia is a continent full of wonder, each country within it offering a rich, unique culture and incredible sights that are just crying out to
be explored...
China is a colossal nation packed with millennia worth of history, incredible sights and an ever-evolving culture. Whilst the iconic sights like the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Yangtze River and the Giant Pandas should not be missed, from there the possibilities are endless! Add on spectacular landscapes like the Li River, explore off-the-path provinces like Yunnan and Sichuan or live the high life under the bright lights of Shanghai.
While Japan is a year-round destination, its four distinct seasons each offer a different and thoroughly Japanese experience! Locals and travellers alike flock to gaze at the enchanting cherry blossoms during the spring and to marvel as the trees transform to take on the rich reds, yellows and oranges of the autumn. Travel the country by Bullet train to experience futuristic cities, beautiful Mount Fuji, magnificent castles and wonderfully friendly locals.
It's easy to be captivated by Southeast Asia, with its sensational flavours, tranquil temples and untouched landscapes. Although each country has a lot in common, each also has its own charac- teristics, history and buckets of charm! Float on the emerald waters of Vietnam’s Halong Bay, explore the hidden gems of Burma or the magnificent Angkor Wat in Cambodia or unwind in traditional Laos. No matter where your clients explore on their first trip to this enchanting region, you can be sure they’ll be back for more!
As one of the world’s most enigmatic and enthralling nations, India envelops the senses with its incredible, colourful culture.
From the towering Himalaya at the top to Kerala’s beach fringed tip, India offers the chance to uncover an incredible diversity, cultural riches and breathtaking landscapes, all on one trip! You can see the Taj Mahal, explore the desert forts of Rajasthan, ascend into the Himalaya, slow the pace in Kerala amongst so much more.
Wendy Wu Tours is one of the UK’s leading Asia specialists, offering a comprehensive range of escorted tours, private tours and tailor-made holidays to China, Southeast Asia, Japan, India and South America. Since Wendy’s first tour departed in 1994, they’ve been perfecting and diversifying their range of tours to capture the very essence of the destination. Their guides are recognised as the best in the industry and they use their detailed expert knowledge and natural charm to create truly extraordinary on-tour experiences.
Their inspiring range of escorted group tours offer outstanding value – including all flights, accommodation, meals, excursions and entrance fees. They even include visas for your clients – worth up to £200pp. As well as classic group tours, the company also offers more culturally immersive tours in their Immerse Yourself range, luxury journeys in their Exclusive Collection, tailormade holidays and river cruising holidays throughout Asia.
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inspired to book your client’s next Asia trip?
Wendy Wu has launched their Great 2018 Escape Sale where travellers can save up to £500 pp on a range of fully escorted Asia tours. Call Trade Support on
0808 223 0848 or visit wendywutours.co.uk/agents
Your Epic
ASIA SPECIALIST
Providing extraordinary experiences is what we do at Wendy Wu Tours. We've been doing it for over 20 years. We want to provide your customers with an experience like no other, so they keep coming back to you time and time again.
WHY CHOOSE WENDY WU TOURS?
Fantastic incentive scheme
Earn commission on total
holiday cost
Book online 24 hrs a day
Over 20 years’ experience
CALL TRADE SUPPORT ON 0808 223 0848 OR VISIT wendywutours.co.uk/agents Wendy Wu Agent Friends Terms & Conditions apply, see website for full details
SAVE UP TO £500pp
48
How is the business travel sector currently performing?
The improvement in the exploration and production business has helped the performance of the sector overall. The energy and gas sector is still affected by volatility, as both adapt to a lower but consistent oil price, which companies have spent the last three years adjusting to. The recent modest price rises have seen the larger companies increase their capital expenditures and this confidence has trickled down the supply chain. Times have been tough but hopefully this marks the beginning of the recovery.
Specifically how are things in Aberdeen and in the oil and gas sector?
It depends on who you speak to as
there are some performing better than others. There has been a lot of activity in mergers and acquisitions and people are seeing good times are ahead. At CWT, confidence is high and our customers are starting to see the benefits of the new company-wide strategy and technology- first direction we are now heading.
Is there a trend for companies to downgrade the class of travel for employees?
Buyers are now being supplied with consolidated data which can show the real value in travelling in Business Class and covers a range of factors that doesn’t rely solely on cost. CWT for example, is using data science to show customers how to use data to improve their travel programmes as currently travel data is
Face to Face with...
DAViD SincLAir, Sales Manager UK,
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
still mostly viewed in one dimension, with the focus on cost, meaning people look at travel budgets as just the cost
of a plane ticket, hotel and taxi.
Which is not to disparage cost control
- travel and procurement managers
are typically very good at managing costs. But you cannot look at the ROI
on travel through such a narrow lens. Companies need to start combining traditional travel data (hotel, air and other expenses) with human resources, corporate finance and non-traditional data sources and this can then help with decisions around factors such as First Class travel.
What are the biggest challenges at the moment?
There are always challenges around technology and ensuring you match customers’ requirements, especially with such a fast moving sector. CWT benefits from the fact that we are
a global company and offering a consumer-grade digital-first experience is at the forefront of our new strategy.
The landscape of business travel is changing with consumers accustomed to an unprecedented level of convenience and personalisation in their daily lives. This has created some challenges for travel programmes as travellers may look off-channel for the personal experience they are used to. To change the travellers and attendee experience, CWT is making bold investments in innovation and our strategy represents the perfect blend
of people and technology to deliver a seamless, personalised and integrated experience for our clients’ travel programme.
Like any other business in travel, we are not immune to global political and economic factors but the strides we are taking in transforming our business will be of huge benefit to our customers and our industry in general.
How do you see the short and medium term future for business?
In the short term, with global GDP growth expected to accelerate to 3.6% this year and rise over the next couple, the future does look bright.
However, with oil and gas there is always a backdrop of uncertainty because it’s so exposed to geo-political factors, which
is why TMCs place such importance on safety and security for our customers and continually update and modernise safety and security procedures.
For CWT the future looks very promising and as we look forward, we can only see positives both for our energy, resource and marine business but also our wider business.
Are there any particular services that you consider important
for your customers?
In relation to oil and gas, specialised safety and security firms offer an excellent service. With safety and security remaining at the top of many travel buyer’s priorities, choosing a specialist security company to partner with should be a major consideration for companies organising their travel programmes.
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
If Only.... brunch
Introducing what might become an annual event, If Only... invited key agents to a jazz brunch at Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery, the morning after the SPAA Annual Dinner.
Not only did guests have the chance to catch up on the gossip from the night before, but they also heard from new CEO Andy Freeth, who spoke about his vision for the company.
QUALITY TOURS
SIMPLY MORE ENJOYABLE SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCE!
• LUXURY TOUR BUSES
• SMALL GROUP TOURS
• LED BY EXPERT LOCAL TOUR GUIDES
AWARD-WINNING - TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE VIATOR TRAVEL AWARD!
www.usaguidedtours.com
may 2018
49
50
United Airlines Flight Review
London Heathrow /Washington DC / London Heathrow By gregorz
cHeck-in at HeatHroW - terMinaL 2
Terminal 2 is superb. Check- in was a breeze, the self service machines were easy and quick to operate and there were plenty of friendly staff on hand to help. Ditto the security check!
uniteD Lounge - HeatHroW
United are refurbishing their lounges at key airports and LHR will be done in due course. The lounge was comfortable, staff were on hand to handle any queries and the food was particularly good - serving full English breakfast, as well as all the usual cakes, crisps etc.
BoarDing process
Flight was slightly delayed but that wasn’t a problem. The smiling crew guided the passengers straight to their seats.
inFLigHt experience
Boeing 787 DreAMLiner - econoMy PLUS - 7 HoUrS 30 MinUteS FLying tiMe
In my opinion, United's Economy Plus product is a seriously good buy for your clients - make sure you offer it to them. There is up to an additional 5 inches of legroom, seats are forward of the normal economy section so disembarkation
is fast and I think clients will enjoy the comfort. There are 70 Economy Plus and 113 economy class seats on the aircraft, in a 3-3-3 seating configuration.
The food and drinks service was efficient, crew were good natured, very helpful and quickly
cleared away trays, drinks etc.
United's IFE is considered to be one of the best, with a great choice of
programming, good sized screen and you don’t even need a
degree in computer science to fathom out how to work it!
Is the Boeing hype about the Dreamliner justified? I certainly think so. The sculpted sidewalls, redesigned overhead bins and larger windows really create the illusion
of spaciousness. The engine noise is much quieter and I would choose to fly on a Dreamliner first and foremost given the choice!
Boeing 777-200 - PoLAriS BUSineSS cLASS - 6 HoUrS 30 MinUteS FLying tiMe
In June 2016, United Airlines announced the introduction
of a major revamp and upgrade of its Polaris International Business Class product, with all new aircraft being delivered with a state of the art seat and top quality amenities such as pillows, blankets, pyjamas etc. Older aircraft are being refitted with the new product over the next few years and all aircraft will be refitted by early 2021.
I flew on an aircraft with the existing seat but with the up- graded new Polaris service and it was superb. The seat was incredibly comfortable, easy to operate and I got a great night’s sleep. As with all airlines, it’s the cabin crew that really make the difference and this flight was no exception - a cracking crew who did a great job looking
after their passengers. One unique feature of United's service is the sweet trolley - laden with cakes, ice cream etc and stunningly presented, it was ideal for a
sweet tooth like mine!
neW serVice
neW eDinBUrgH to WASHington D.c. SerVice - coMMenceS 24tH MAy, 2018
United will inaugurate a highly
anticipated daily Boeing 757
service and this is a great
opportunity for agents to promote
city break and stopovers in Washington D.C. Dulles Airport offers easy, seamless onward connections on United’s extensive domestic network and with their services from Edinburgh/Glasgow to New York/Newark, plus Edinburgh to Chicago, there is plenty of scope to create amazing multi- centre USA holidays at great value prices!
expanding the boundaries
march 2018
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