travelmatters.biz
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Gregorz:diary The social diary of a bear (71⁄4 inches tall)
Hi there Peeps!
Back in the travel business – exactly where he always belonged, Jason Kemp, the ever popular and now newly appointed Agency Sales Manager for Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings. Over a cheeky Starbucks, he was telling me how excited he is to be back and loving the welcome he has received. His remit is to further increase business from the trade and he would be delighted to speak to any agent who wants to expand their luxury
and higher end business.
He can be contacted at [email protected].
Jason
As everyone knows, I am a plane and airport bear geek, so when I knew I was meeting Rob Lang, Head of Marketing and Kirstin Ross from Edinburgh Airport, I set off a few hours in advance and bagged the prime spot beside
the runway to watch the activity..... happy days. There’s lots going on at the airport. Traffic has rebounded dramatically and it’s looking like a bumper 2023.
Rob and Kirstin
Highlights include Delta Airlines announcing daily flights to Atlanta and the new Westjet service from Calgary, as well as increased frequencies and new destinations from many other airlines. Edinburgh Airport have been working on their new agency portal which is available for the trade and incorporates everything agents
would want to know including details of travel trade concessionary
parking rates. Find out more at www.trade.edinburghairport.com
Love was in the air as I headed to Glasgow for a Cyprus Tourism event. They were in town for the Weddings and Honeymoon show and I was delighted to be asked to meet them
to find out more about the successful wedding market. Agents check out this beautiful, year round island for your loved up clients. I had to be helped out of the venue and home after the most amazing mezze buffet which showed
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Shane, Cheryl and Shonagh
Mirabelle and Shane (Mr Barbados) Thomas for dinner to talk all things Bajan.
There is lots going on on this beautiful paradise island with new hotel openings and attractions. Agents
who chose to promote Barbados Stay and Cruise holidays have been really well rewarded with fantastic client feedback - agents - have a look at this market.
My phone rang and it was Sharon Anderson from Bonny Travel. She had heard a rumour that that I had a rather large collection of model aircraft and travel memorabilia and she asked if she could borrow some for her window display in her pristine new shop.
I was delighted to rock up and help get them all arranged – my it looks fabulous. I will be returning in the summer when they celebrate 10 years in business and will be the Principal Bear at the party. Hic!
Never one to turn down an invitation to a top quality restaurant, I put on my glad rags and headed to the famous Ivy as a VIB (very important bear) guest of Cheryl Carter, Director of Visit Barbados, Shonagh Rutherford from
Bonny Travel
That’s all folks!
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MARCH 2023
BRAND NEW SHIPS ON THE 130 YEAR OLD COASTAL ROUTE Havila Voyages is the new operator of the brand new ships sailing the historical Norwegian coastal route between Bergen - Kirkenes.
NORWEGIAN SEA
Geirangerfjord
BERGEN
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TRONDHEIM
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BARENTS SEA
M A
SAVE UP TO £500* PER CABIN
Our brand new, award-winning ships run on battery and LNG allowing you to fully appreciate the pristine and untouched beauty of the Norwegian coast, quietly and comfortably, with lower emissions. Our spacious cabins have all the amenities needed for a truly enjoyable trip. Full board à la carte dining is included. Discover the highlights of the Norwegian coast from the comfort of our lounges specially designed for the ultimate viewing experience, or up close through our rich excursion program.
Find out more on havilavoyages.com or contact [email protected]
THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF NORWAY
*Only applicable on Double Occupancy bookings made during the campaign period (ending 31 March 2023), for departures until 31 March 2024. £500 per cabin / £250 per person for Round Voyages: Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen (12 days), Ålesund-Kirkenes-Ålesund (10 days), Trondheim-Kirkenes-Trondheim (9 days). £250 per cabin / £125 per person for Voyage North: Bergen-Kirkenes (7 days), Voyage South: Kirkenes-Bergen (6 days). Essential drinks, breakfast, lunch and dinner is included. Not combinable ABTA No.Y6780 with other offers, promotions or group bookings. See our Travel Terms and Conditions on our website havilavoyages.com/terms for further information.
SHAPE THE FUTURE OF TOURISM ON THE NORWEGIAN COAST WITH HAVILA VOYAGES
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NEWS
MSC CRUISES OPENS SALES FOR 2025 WORLD CRUISE
Sales have opened for the
MSC World Cruise 2025 with a brand new itinerary aboard MSC Magnifica, including embarkation from four European ports - Civitavecchia/Rome, Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona on 4, 5, 6 and 7 January 2025 respectively.
The 116-night voyage around the world will visit 50 destinations in
21 countries, with seven overnight stays, featuring 22 destinations that have never featured on an MSC World Cruise before.
The three-month long journey will visit five continents, crossing three of the world’s largest oceans and sailing over 30,000 nautical miles.
Visiting cities and ports in Italy, France and Spain, the ship then sails to Casablanca in Morocco, crosses the Atlantic Ocean and then spends ten days exploring South America including overnights in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Buenos Aires, Argentina and Valparaiso, Chile as well as a visit to the Falkland Islands.
MSC Magnifica then sails. then sails across the South Pacific Ocean to visit Easter Island (Chile), Moorea (French Polynesia) and Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands followed by New Zealand and Australia, starting with the Northern Islands of New Zealand. In eight days, guests visit Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Christchurch and Dunedin, followed by cruising the Milford Sound fjord in southern
New Zealand.
Next port of call is Sydney, Australia before commencing 19 days sailing around the Southern and Western coasts of the country.
Other highlights include an overnight stay in Benoa on Bali, Indonesia, the port of Aqaba in Jordan, the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheik and a transit through the Suez Canal.
A dine and drink package is included for all World Cruises passengers,
15 shore excursions are included in the booking price and guests enjoy a 30% discount on laundry.
Classic level MSC Voyager Club members and above will benefit from
a 5% discount on their booking price. The points gained from the World Cruise will be tripled and added to their account before the start of the voyage, instantly granting them privileges
and extras.
If Only have teamed up with Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce to launch a new campaign, Dubai: A Place Like No Other, to promote Dubai as both a stopover and main destination.
Running until the end of the year, If Only will provide agents
To enter, agents need to make as many bookings as possible for Dubai between 1st January until 31st December 2023 and at the end of this period, the top booker will scoop the prize. Find out more at: https://www.ifonly.net/agents/incentives
Dubai is an ideal stopover destination and If Only are currently offering a 10-night escape with 3 nights staying at the Address Dubai Marina, followed by 7 nights at Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa priced from £4,179 per person, including savings of 25% on accommodation.
The price includes a Deluxe Double Room with breakfast daily while in Dubai and a Marina Beach Villa with private pool on an All- Inclusive basis in the Maldives. Return flights with Emirates and domestic flight and speedboat transfers are also included.
with flflyers and
d of offers.
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MARCH 2023
PROUDLY ANNOUNCING TWO EXCITING NEW CRUISES FOR 2025
A VOYAGE OF EXPLORATION AROUND THE WORLD
This unmissable journey has been planned by our team to piece together destinations and voyages of discovery linked to famous explorers.
6th Jan 2025 | Sail from Southampton Bolette | 106 nights | Cruise code T2502
Sail from £11,499pp, plus up to £600pp free
On Board Spend and FREE Door-to-Door transfers
Your customers can take in remarkable geological won- ders and scenic landscapes as Bolette sails in the wake
of the first recorded circumnavigation of the globe – the 16th-century Magellan-Elcano expedition – and enjoy an exploration of the south coast of Australia, inspired by the historic route taken by British navigator Matthew Flinders.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
SALES TEAM
Our Account Managers and Sales Support team are here to help you to promote and sell our cruises, they would love to hear from you.
Call us on: 01473 746 164 or Email us: [email protected]
TRADE MARKETING
We have a marketing team who are here to help
you with tools and support including copy, imagery, video, over-branded materials and social media assets.
Email us: [email protected]
Ahead of the launch of our exciting 2024/2025 programme, we are delighted to share all the details of two brand new cruises we think your customers will love.
These imaginative itineraries have been hand-crafted for your customers; and aboard our elegant, smaller ships Bolette and Balmoral, they’ll experience our warm and friendly atmosphere, and see why we can proudly say that we have more returning guests than any other cruise line.
DISCOVERING ASIA WITH THE HOLI FESTIVAL
18th Jan 2025 | Sail from Southampton Balmoral | 81 nights | Cruise code L2502
Sail from £8,999pp, plus up to £500pp free
On Board Spend and FREE Door-to-Door transfers
This extensive, in-depth exploration of Asia presents countless opportunities to experience fascinating culture and nature, from delving into ancient civilisations to seeking out endemic wildlife.
What’s more, our Journey Planners have timed Balmoral’s call into Mumbai to coincide with the Holi Festival, a colourful Hindu celebration that sees India transform into a real-life canvas
BRAND TRAINING
We’d love to help your teams understand more about what makes us different. Our dedicated Brand Training Manager is here to assist in person or with virtual training requirements to help you be more successful.
[email protected]
T&Cs apply: Free spend amount varies per cabin category, from £250 per person based on an interior cabin, up to £600 per person based on booking a Suite on cruise code T2502. Free spend amount varies per cabin category, from £200 per person based on an interior cabin, up to £500 per person based on booking a Suite on cruise code L2502. Full terms and conditions available at www.fredolsencruise.com/agent
NEWS
SYLVIA EARLE OFFICIALLY CHRISTENED IN THE ANTARCTICA
Ae Expeditions have officially named their second purpose-built small ship, the Sylvia Earle. Namesake and godmother, Dr Sylvia Earle performed the ceremony in Antarctica in recognition of the ship’s pioneering nature.
With its focus on education and conservation, the new Sylvia Earle is purpose-built for the region and designed to accommodate an average 132 passengers per voyage. Certified 100% Climate Neutral with a dedicated Science Centre, guests can enjoy expert lectures and educational Citizen Science programmes.
Each of the Sylvia Earle’s decks are named after six other pioneering female conservationists – Jo Ruxton (MBE), Dr Carden Wallace (AM), Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Dr Asha de Vos and Hanli Prinsloo – with a deck dedicated to Dr Earle herself.
Katie Harber, AE Expeditions, recently held an agents evening in Edinburgh to highlight the cruise line’s voyages to Antarctica, The Arctic and beyond.
Live life in full bloom
INGHAMS LAPLAND 2024/25
HOLIDAYS NOW ON SALE
Inghams have launched their 7-night 2024/25 Lapland experience holidays, offering both skiers and non-skiers ‘must do’ winter experiences, from the chance to see the Northern Lights to riding in a reindeer or husky-drawn sleigh.
With deposits of just £150 per person, prices start from £699 per person for a 7-night break to Villa Armas Cabins in Ylläs.
For 2024/25, Lapland departures are available from 1st December 2024 to 16th February 2025, to a choice of three resorts, Levi, Saariselkä and Ylläs, all located well north of the Arctic Circle, at the optimum altitude for seeing the Northern Lights.
New accommodation, the Top Star Glass Cube, located at the top of the Kaunispää fell, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, features heated windows, offer incredible views and is conveniently located to provide easy access to a range of hiking trails and excursions such as snowmobiling.
Inghams and Esprit have launched an initiative in partnership with young person’s charity, Snow Camp, with the aim of supporting inner city young people
to board apprenticeships, internships, qualifications and opportunities in snow sports. Young people
from Glasgow, Manchester, the Midlands and London completed the UK based apprentice schemes with Snow Camp, before travelling to Val-d’Isère’s ski resort in France.
The operators are already planning to host another group of young apprentices in the Alps next winter.
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MARCH 2023
EXPLORE THE AE EXPEDITIONS WAY MORE TIME OFF SHIP
For more than 30 years our expert expedition team have always been about sharing their knowledge and understanding of some of the most remote and unspoiled destinations.
The real adventure happens off ship. Our expeditions are all about more opportunities for you to get off- ship to explore and connect with the remarkable destinations we go to.
We have the most comprehensive activity programme, supported by the most experienced expedition team on hand, dedicated to making each experience action- packed and immersive in the natural environment.
Our expeditions are designed to put you in the action as much as possible. To maximise your time in the incredible destinations we visit, we offer a range of included activities* including Zodiac cruises, walks and hikes, birdwatching, visits to historical sites, photography, expert lectures as part of your voyage, as well as a range of optional activities1 such as sea kayaking, snorkelling, snowshoeing, camping, scuba diving and more so you can live out your wildest dreams.
Travel with a positive impact - with AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions).
Discover more about AE Expeditions, contact Katie Harber: [email protected] to organise training, client events and more.
For more information, request a brochure or to book call 0808 189 2005 | aexpeditions.co.uk
*All our landings, adventures and activities are subject to weather conditions and activity options do vary by itinerary. 1Note, additional fee applies for the Sea Kayaking and Scuba Diving activities.
part of Aurora Expeditions
NEWS
CUNARD DOUBLES ITS FAM TRIP
PROGRAMME FOR 2023
Cunard has doubled its fam trip programme for 2023 and will be hosting 160 agents on eight separate voyages compared to the four it ran in 2022.
Itineraries on offer include a seven-night voyage to the Norwegian Fjords aboard Queen Mary 2, a three-night fly-cruise from Barcelona to Rome with Queen Victoria and a seven-night voyage to Alaska on board
Queen Elizabeth.
Agents can view the full list of fam trips and register for a place via the Shine Rewards Club, however, the Alaska trip will be by invitation-only.
Tom Mahoney, Director of UK Sales at Cunard, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have doubled the number of agents we’ll be hosting on our ships this year. Fam trips are always a fantastic opportunity for agents to immerse themselves in the Cunard experience and to really get a feel for what makes our brand so special.
“I’m sure that agents who’ve never sailed with us before might be pleasantly surprised by the relaxed, playful and personable atmosphere on board. We’re so excited to have the opportunity to showcase some of our incredible shore excursions to agents, as well as a wide variety of luxury on board experiences, such as cocktail masterclasses and spa treatments.”
Cunard will cover the cost of flights and hotel & dining service charges across its fam trip programme, as well as providing shore experiences and other special on board experiences.
For more information, visit
www.ShineRewardsClub.com
Cunard has announced its Winter 2025 programme, offering over 133 voyages, with stops at 159 destinations around the globe.
Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, flagship liner Queen Mary 2 and the brand’s newest vessel Queen Anne will call at 57 countries, with six maiden calls for the fleet in Alaska, Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Japan. Cunard’s Queen Anne will be the only ship to offer a full World Voyage in 2025.
EMIRATES INVESTS IN NEW
PILOT TRAINING CENTRE
Emirates has outlined plans to build an advanced training facility to accommodate 6 Full Flight Simulator Bays (FFS) for its future Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft. The brand new facility is slated to open in March 2024, training its first batch of A350 pilots by June 2024.
The new building will be adjacent to the existing Emirates Training Facilities in Dubai.
Pilot trainees will be able to set-up and configure the cockpit environment using bespoke devices as part of the pilot training module and upload the data to the Full Flight Simulator (FFS) prior to commencing their training session. This first-of-its-kind concept is designed to shorten the trainee’s preparatory time inside the simulator.
With the addition of the new building to Emirates’ existing training colleges in Dubai, the airline will have the potential to expand its pilot training capacity by 54% per year.
NEW CAREERS VIDEO FROM ABTA
ABTA – The Travel Association has launched a new video campaign which highlights travel as a great industry to work in.
The two-minute video is the latest phase of ABTA’s ‘#BePartofTravel campaign’, which aims to support members to attract and retain talent in the industry. The video features testimonials from ABTA member travel agents and tour operators explaining why they work in the industry and the various reasons it should be considered as a career path by graduates and career changers. The opportunities to travel and career development are among the top reasons people highlight as why to join the sector.
ABTA is encouraging its members and ABTA Education Partners to get involved with the campaign by sharing the new video across their own channels, as well as ABTA’s existing social media assets on career opportunities.
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MARCH 2023
New voyages now available to book.
Brings opportunities to explore Alaska on new 2024 voyages.
Embarks on her first ever World Voyage in January 2025.
Sails to the Caribbean on 29-night and 35-night voyages in early 2025.
Embarks on a 78-night adventure in South America in January 2025.
Cunard World Club members can benefit from a 5% saving on Cunard Fares and Early Saver Fares*.
SHINE REWARDS CLUB
Earn double Shine points for every booking you make, on our new 2024 & 2025 voyages, by 31 March.
Visit Shinerewardsclub.com
or scan the QR code for more information.
*Terms and conditions apply.
NEWS
BELFAST CITY AIRPORT
LOUNGE TO BE EXTENDED
Airport lounge provider, Aspire, has announced a £1.2 million major refurbishment of the lounge at Belfast City Airport.
In partnership with concept design specialists DV8 Designs, the existing lounge area will be extended to accommodate 178 seats, effectively increasing its capacity by 70 people.
Commenting on the investment announcement, Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, said: “This investment is fantastic news for our passengers who have been enjoying the Aspire product since the lounge opened in 2014.
“Whether it’s on the outbound leg of a trip or travelling
home from experiencing Northern Ireland, the collaboration between Belfast City Airport and Aspire provides passengers with a comfortable and tranquil start to their journey.
“We are passionate about delivering an airport experience that exceeds expectations and the new, larger lounge due to open later this year will ensure our passengers can enjoy a high quality, premium lounge offering whilst waiting to board their flight.”
The refurbished lounge will incorporate a blend of tile and slatted curved screens, plush upholstery design seating and enclosed private booths for additional privacy.
Complimentary food and drink, table-side charging facilities, access to newspapers and magazines will all be available as well as views of Belfast City Airport’s runway.
To avoid disruption for passengers, the refurbishment will be undertaken in a phased approach, enabling the lounge to remain open at all times.
IT’S SPRING!
WE ARE SO EXCITED WE WET OUR PLANTS
FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES ANNOUNCES BRAND NEW WORLD CRUISE
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced a brand new World Cruise for 2025, inspired by journeys taken by famous historical explorers.
Departing from Southampton on 6th January 2025, flagship Bolette will follow a similar route to the first world circumnavigation by explorers Magellan and Elcano in 1519.
The cruise will take guests to destinations including Brazil, Argentina, French Polynesia, Mauritius and South Africa,
as well as the south coast of Australia as British navigator Matthew Flinders did in 1801 and will call into places visited by the likes of Captain James Cook and Alexander Selkirk – the Scottish sailor who was the inspiration for the Robinson Crusoe novel.
Guests will be able to enjoy the traditional and cultural highlights of South America, with opportunities to learn more about the Samba beats in Rio de Janeiro or learn the techniques of the Tango in Argentina.
Throughout the cruise there will be chances to gain cultural insights into many societies and civilisations and encounter a variety of native wildlife including Magellanic penguins in South America, koalas and kangaroos in Australia or the ‘Big Five’ in South Africa.
Bolette’s 106-night ‘A Voyage of Exploration Around the World’ cruise, is priced from £11,499 per person. All guests will enjoy up to £600 per person to spend on board plus free door-to-door transfers covering up to 250 mainland miles from the port, with the option to join and return to Liverpool departing on 4th January for an additional £400 per person for Interior and Ocean View cabins or £500 for Terrace Cabins and Suites.
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MARCH 2023
HOW TO BECOME AN AGENT Email [email protected]
with the following information:
• Agency name
• Branch address & postcode
• Branch manager & email address
• ABTA number or equivalent
• VAT Number
• Telephone number
• The consortia you are part of
HOW TO MAKE A BOOKING
• Visitwww.dfds.co.uk/agent
• Login
• Select route
• Select offer
• Select date
• Follow on screen instructions
OFFERS AVAILABLE
• Check our cheap fare finder page on how to find better deals - www.dfds.com/cheapfarefinder
WIN £500 LOVE2SHOP VOUCHERS WITH DFDS!
MAKE ANY BOOKING WITH DFDS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:
1st prize - £500 Love2shop vouchers 2nd prize - £250 Love2shop vouchers 3rd prize - £100 Love2shop vouchers
Simply send an email to [email protected] and include:
• Lead passenger surname • Booking reference
• Agent name / Branch
Our incentives run all year long so remember after every booking, send us an email (as above).
3 BIG incentives each year - running January to April, May to August and September to December.
For more information, please contact
Mark Henderson - [email protected]
WWW.DFDS.COM
travelmatters.biz
63
NEWS
THE SCENIC GROUP PREPARES
FOR LAUNCHES OF NEW YACHTS
The Scenic Group is inviting more agents on board as it counts down to the launches of their latest luxury yacht cruises: Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Sakara, making its debut this summer.
“Stepping up our trade activity in recent months is definitely translating into bookings,” said Andrea Stafford, Director of Trade Sales. “Innovative luxury products always catch people’s attention and we’ve got two amazing launches to shout about.
“We’ve already got plans in place to have trade partners with us at the christening ceremonies and it is our intention to invite agents on board the yachts to see how they raise the game in the luxury and exploration markets. Scenic Eclipse II will be making UK calls in September and we will be showcasing the yacht to the trade, which is already creating excitement.”
Scenic Eclipse II, sister yacht to Scenic Eclipse, launches in April with a 12-night sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona before the new Discovery Yacht embarks on a summer season exploring the Mediterranean, Iceland and Scotland.
Emerald Sakara joins the fleet as a sister yacht to Emerald Azzurra, offering the same on board facilities, fine dining and curated excursions.
After making its debut with an eight-day Ionian Sea Adventure sailing from Athens to Rome, departing 5th August 2023, Emerald Sakara will operate a summer season in the Med and Adriatic, before heading across the Atlantic in November for a winter of Caribbean and South
America itineraries.
DARREN PHILLIPS..
VIEW
FROM THE NORTH EAST
Hi guys
Hope you all had a busy Peaks period and things are starting to ease off a bit now so you can play catch up with the dreaded admin!
The infamous Geordie Bash took place earlier this month and what a night it was, together with my partners Jet2Holidays and some new faces attending like Phaselis Bay Hotels, Lujo Hotels and Regnum Carya Hotels as well as the Malta Tourist Office and Ratehawk to name but a few.
We had an amazing lineup of entertainment starting with DJ Nathan getting everyone prepared for the fun and games, Retake That doing a 45-minute session,
a bit more DJ Nathan and then Fusion time, until the early hours! So all in all it was a great lineup and of course. with a few surprises along the way!
The Geordie Jingle Ball back in December was amazing too with DJ Sean getting everyone up and dancing around the tables before we even had dessert! This year the date for the event is pencilled in for Tuesday 5th December- again at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle. So when it’s confirmed, you can get the date in your diary.
It has been a quiet time for me being out on the road as most agents have said they do not have the time to spend with reps on shop visits in January and February. But now Peaks are out of the way, hopefully I will be back in to see you guys soon for the suppliers I will be representing and you can see what exciting news they have for you all.
Until then, chin up, head down and keep smiling!
Darren
..
.
SPRING IS NATURE’S WAY OF SAYING LET’S PARTY!
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MARCH 2023
OUTSTANDING CUISINE TO SUIT ALL T STES
From Executive Chefs to mixologists, dining and drinks on board are designed
with our guests in mind. And, they will enjoy exceptional service and authentic flavours every day as outstanding cuisine shouldn’t have to come at a high price.
Our carefully crafted menus blend traditional fare with locally inspired dishes, giving guests a taste of the finer things in life.
Discover our new 2023-2024 season with sailings on Ambience and Ambition from seven regional ports around the UK, including; London Tilbury, Newcastle Tyne, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol Royal Portbury and Falmouth.
JOIN OUR TRADE FACEBOOK GROUP
Your exclusive area for the latest Ambassador news, updates, competitions and so much more.
S VOUR EVERY MOMENT
Say hello at ambassadorcruiseline.com Call 0808 102 8521
NEWS
VIRGIN ATLANTIC JOINS
SKYTEAM ALLIANCE
Virgin Atlantic has formally joined the SkyTeam alliance, becoming SkyTeam’s first and only
UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester airports.
Virgin Atlantic customers will now benefit from a consistent, seamless customer experience, across 1,000 global destinations in over 170 countries.
Customers can conveniently book every SkyTeam member flight on a single ticket, checking in with baggage just once through to their final destination.
Virgin Atlantic’s entry into the alliance builds upon the success of its transatlantic joint venture with Delta and Air France-KLM, each already long-established SkyTeam members.
Virgin Atlantic is co-located at London Heathrow’s Terminal 3, alongside Delta and existing SkyTeam members Aeromexico and China Eastern.
POST-PANDEMIC BUSINESS TRAVEL
STIMULATING ECONOMIC GROWTH
The Business Travel Association (BTA) has published a new report based on analysis from CBI Economics, detailing the value business travel provides to the UK economy.
Research by CBI Economics shows the total business travel sector contribution exceeded £27.5 billion to the UK economy in 2022.
The study shows the potential for a strong return for business travel post-pandemic with seven out of ten businesses recognising that travel played a vital role in the day-to-
day running of an enterprise. Nearly seven out of ten using business travel, believe it is vital in helping organisations meet their business objectives.
Meetings with existing clients, prospects, and attending exhibitions and shows, are the top reasons for travel. 84% of business travellers used private cars as a means of transport for domestic business travel, followed by long-distance / inter-city trains at 59%. Air travel was used by 95% of international business travellers.
While the number of journeys remains below 2019 levels, 95% of firms recognise that a return to business travel
is important.
However, seven out of ten businesses cite virtual meetings as the main reason for limiting business travel, along with concerns around cost (60%) and a growing concern for the environment (29%) also mentioned.
The report is now available on the BTA website.
BARRHEAD TRAVEL OPENS NEW
FLAGSHIP GLASGOW STORE
Barrhead Travel has opened its new flagship store on Gordon Street, Glasgow.
More than 35 travel specialists will be based in the new store with the group expecting to add further positions this year, including apprenticeships
The new Gordon Street location will also trial the first paperless store front for Barrhead Travel in line with its sustainability commitments.
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Give them (just) a taste.
4-night taster voyages sail this summer.
Set out for the south of France and an idyllic Iberian isle on our 4-night taster sailings, departing Barcelona from May through September. With a $300 Bar Tab and return flights included, all from £999 per person, there’s never been a better time to send your Sailors to see for themselves what it means to Set Sail The Virgin Way.
Book these special voyages (and add pre- and post-cruise hotels stays, too) at TRADE-VOYAGESTORE.COM
DAY 1: BARCELONA
DAY 2: MARSEILLE
DAY 3: CANNES
DAY 4: PALMA DE MALLORCA
Calanques de Marseille
Celebrating Together
Life is punctuated by moments we get to come together and celebrate,
so we’ve added easier ways to book, link, and get perks just for sailing together.
A SPLASH FOR YOUR BASH
Our curated party planning package is available to purchase now for voyages after 2 April, for $250 per cabin. It includes:
• A bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne per cabin • Bottomless brunch event
• Dinner party with curated beverages and desserts
LEARN MORE AT FIRSTMATES.COM