Travel Matters Issue 31 October 2019

AFRICA - INDIAN OCEAN - DUBAI EXPERTS IN
TAILOR-MADE
HOLIDAYS
IN PROUD ASSOCIATION WITH
CALL ONE OF OUR EXPERTS NOW 0161 789 8838 OR EMAIL US ON [email protected]
THE TRAVEL ARCHITECT
AFRICAANDBEYOND.CO.UK


NeWS
The Canny Lad...
DARREN PHILLIPS
Hi all.... I am sure we are all still reeling from the shocking demise of Thomas Cook.
In all my 25 years in travel, I have never been so lost for words on how a company of that size and reputation could end like that. My heartfelt thoughts go out to all my Thomas Cook friends and all who have been affected by this unbelievable turn of events.
There are lots of questions to be answered and it may take some time to understand how on earth this was allowed to happen and why something wasn’t done sooner. I sincerely hope that the travel industry will continue to grow and that all the Thomas Cook employees get new jobs and the chance to start afresh, especially with the fantastic news that Hays Travel have taken over all the shops and hope to reopen them all.
People are saying that Thomas Cook was like a big family. I truly believe that the whole travel industry is like one big family - it’s so heartening to see how we all look out for each other and try to help whenever we can.
Tables for the GRAFTAS have sold like hot cakes - let me know if anyone wants a ticket and I will put you on the waiting list. It takes place on Tuesday 3rd December at
e e
a
March 2020.
Happy selling guys and hope to see you all soon, Darren
the Crowne Pla
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. .
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Don’t forget the date for the Geordie Ball too - Thursday 12th
z
record-breaking transit for Braemar
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line ship, Braemar, made a record- breaking transit of the 6.4 kilometre-long Corinth Canal in Greece, becoming the largest ship ever to traverse this narrow waterway that separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese. The Canal is only 24 metres at its narrowest point.
Braemar was sailing on the ‘Corinth Canal & Greek Islands’ cruise, which departed from Southampton. There will be a second Fred. Olsen sailing around the Greek islands in April 2021.
Two new ships
for DFDS
DFDS has entered into an agreement with Italian ferry company Moby, to exchange two passenger ferries currently operating on the Newcastle to Amsterdam route - DFDS King Seaways and Princess Seaways - with two ferries operated by Moby.
Moby Wondern and Moby Aki, built in 2001 and 2005, respectively, will join the DFDS fleet this month and after undergoing a significant refurbishment programme, will set sail in early 2020 and renamed Newcastle Seaways and Amsterdam Seaways.
DFDS will subsequently bareboat-charter King Seaways and Princess Seaways until January and February 2020.
ArTIST IMPreSSION
OCTOBER 2019


NeWS
North America Travel Service, along with travel partners from Arizona, treated agents to Afternoon Tea at Crossbasket Castle
Princess Cruises hosted agents on board the beautiful Crown Princess
OCTOBER 2019
53


SAIL AWAy IN STyLE WITH STENA LINE By HILArY DOUGLAS
For a recent day trip to Belfast, I decided to try something different – the Stena Line service from Cairnryan and am so glad that I did.
The drive to Cairnryan was not only scenic, but effortless too. On arrival, the signs were clear and everything well organised. There was plenty of parking and at only £5 for the entire day, great value for money. Only needed to walk
a few steps to the terminal which was welcoming, functional and comfortable. Inside and outside seating as well as free Wi-Fi, all made the wait to board more enjoyable.
No passport or ID is required and when called to board, it was a short stroll to the ferry. The term ferry does not really do the ship justice as once on board, it had more of an ocean liner feel about it. There was a selection of lounges, bars, shops and even a cinema on board. Believe it
or not, there was also a SPA which you can access for a fee and enjoy the hot tub and relaxation area. In addition, you can buy a great variety of treatments all competitively priced, ranging from 15 minutes and longer .
An additional £18pp allows you to upgrade to the private access Stena
Plus lounge and this, in my opinion, was well worth it. Situated high up at the
front of the ship, there were stunning views and very comfortable seating including fully reclining armchairs. There was a library with daily newspapers, books and magazines and the service from the dedicated staff was first class. Another major benefit was the unlimited complimentary beverages and wines
as well as snacks, fruit, cakes and
nibbles that you could help yourself to throughout the crossing.
The crossing time to Belfast was only
2 hours 30 minutes and it passed very quickly – a most relaxing and enjoyable experience. Within minutes of docking, I was off the ship and in a taxi on my way to see the famous Titanic exhibition.
This is a ‘must see’ for any visitor to Belfast and you should allow for a couple of hours to see everything properly.
With interactive displays and the latest technology, it’s no wonder it has won so many accolades. I then took a taxi to the Cathedral District of Belfast with quaint pedestrianised streets and lively bars and restaurants. It was easy to fall in love with this city and pass a fabulous day before heading back to the port (in 10 mins) to return home.
The check-in at Belfast was just as easy and convenient as at Cairnryan and in no time I was back in the Stena Plus lounge in the comfort of my reclining armchair, looking out to sea with a cheeky Merlot to keep me company.
This day trip experience was a real treat which I thoroughly enjoyed. I had high hopes after hearing about the on board product and most certainly wasn’t disappointed. For any of your clients looking to take a short break or day trip with a difference in either direction, this is a great opportunity.
To talk about group deals, offers, promotions and pricing, contact [email protected]
OCTOBER 2019


Autumn/Winter Hotel Breaks Sale to Ireland
It’s time for a change of scenery! Book your clients an Autumn or Winter break in our hotel sale and let them relax into a 2-night stay at a 3, 4, or 5 star hotel from only £149 per adult sharing, including return ferry travel with car on our short 2 hour 15 minute crossing from Cairnryan to Belfast.
2 Nights
Drive off on a city adventure or a countryside escape and get busy making new memories! You can choose from hundreds of hotels and B&Bs
all over Ireland, with the option to upgrade and extend your stay.
At this great price, space is limited, so you’ve got to be quick - book today!
From
pps
For further information and to book visit
stenaline.co.uk/agent
or call 08445 768 768
Travel up to 31 March 2020. Book by 30 November 2019. Please see website for full terms and conditions.
to Ireland
Hotel
£149
From From
including travel


fOrTHCOMING ISSUeS 2020
For more information, contact: [email protected]
OCTOBER 2019
PLUS
Air Matters Supplement
PLUS
Luxury Matters supplement
OCTOBer
NOVeMBer
Escorted Holidays
Small Ship/river Cruises
Asia
Northern Lights Holidays
APrIL
MAY
Small Ship/river Cruises
Africa & Safaris
Short Breaks inc. UK & Ireland
Florida
MArCH
Australia & New Zealand
Escorted Holidays
SePTeMBer
Canada
New york/Las Vegas
feBrUArY
AUGUST
USA
Weddings & Honeymoons
Caribbean
Cruise
JUNe
DeCeMBer
JANUArY
Canada
Cruise
JULY
USA
Indian ocean
Middle East • Far East Solo Holidays
Florida • Short Breaks Christmas Edition


Gregorz was lucky enough to be invited to a live show of Strictly Come Dancing! Obviously, Andrea and Hilary had to go along to see him score a perfect 10!
It was simply fab-u-lous daarling!
OCTOBER 2019


NeWS
Lomond Lounge now open
NEWCASTLE AIrPorT WELCoMES AGENTS
Newcastle Airport hosted a Travel Trade Holiday Show – where agents and suppliers from all over the North East gathered together to learn about the new travel opportunities on offer at the airport.
Almost 100 agents
from companies
such as Hays Travel,
TUI and Dawson and
Sanderson attended
the show along with
holiday suppliers
and airport partners
including DoubleTree
by Hilton, Balkan
Holidays, Celebrity
Cruises and Emirates. The event also showcased two of the airport’s newest airlines - Lufthansa and Loganair.
Glasgow Airport’s exclusive £1.6m Lomond Lounge is now open airside, in the departures area.
Glasgow Airport Managing Director Mark Johnston said: “Given its prime location in the airport’s departures area, the lounge offers fantastic views of both the airfield and the stunning backdrop of the Campsie Fells, while raising the benchmark by providing a premium level of service and comfort. It’s a beautiful space and I’m sure our customers are going to be very impressed with everything this luxurious new facility will offer.”
Glasgow Airport was an official sponsor
at the recent 2019 Solheim Cup and invited members of the travel trade along to Gleneagles to enjoy a
The first Naked Deli venture outside of North East of England has opened at Glasgow Airport, offering a range of healthy food and catering for specialist diets including vegan, dairy- free and gluten-free options. Environmental awareness
is another key area for the brand, with all take-out meals packaged in recyclable materials.
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LUFTHANSA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
Lufthansa recently celebrated 20 years of flying from Edinburgh to Frankfurt and treated agents to a trip to Frankfurt for a base tour.
OCTOBER 2019


Price is a from price per person based on two adults sharing a room with scheduled economy flights. Saving is per couple against holiday prices seen in our 2019 Worldwide brochure. All holiday offers and savings are subject to limited availability, change and can be withdrawn at any time. Correct at time of print 04/10/2019 and may include other offers that may have been promoted previously. Full Kuoni booking conditions apply and can be found at www.kuoni.co.uk
save up to
£549 per couple
save up to
£939 per couple
save up to
£1201 per couple
4* Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
Prices from £1799pp
7 nights | All inclusive
Superior Room
Selected dates in May & June 2020. Flights based on Emirates from Newcastle.
Book by 31 October 2019
4* The Ravenala Attitude Mauritius
Prices from £1479pp
7 nights | All inclusive
Couple Suite
Selected dates in June 2020. Flights based on Emirates from Glasgow.
Book by 31 October 2019
5* Cinnamon Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka
Prices from £1349pp
7 nights | Room & breakfast
Luxury Sea View Room
Selected dates in March 2020. Flights based on Emirates from Edinburgh.
Includes a complimentary room upgrade from a Luxury Sea View Room from a Premium Terrace Room.
Book by 31 October 2019
5* Pangkor Laut Resort Malaysia
Prices from £1699pp
7 nights | Room & breakfast
Garden Villa
Selected dates in May & June 2020. Flights based on Emirates from Dublin. Upgrade to Full Board from an extra £582 per person. Add 3 nights at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur 5 in a Junior Suite – Tower Wing on Room & Breakfast from an extra £150 per person
Essential Vietnam
Prices from £2175pp
8 nights | Small group tour
Departs 7 April 2020. Flights based on Emirates from Newcastle.
save up to
£2057 per couple
save up to
£952 per couple
save up to
£219 per couple
5* Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa
Prices from £1999pp
7 nights | Half board | Garden Villa
Selected dates in March 2020. Flights based on Emirates from Dublin.
Book by 31 October 2019
4* The Elysian, Bali
Prices from £1679pp
7 nights | Room & breakfast
One Bedroom Villa
Selected dates in March 2020. Flights based on Emirates from Glasgow.
Includes one complimentary dinner for two and one 60 minute massage*
save up to
£267 per couple
4.5* Cape Panwa, Thailand
Prices from £1119pp
8 nights | Room & breakfast
Superior Room
Selected dates in May & June 2020. Flights based on Emirates from Dublin.
Essential Sri Lanka
Prices from £1999pp
7 nights | Small group tour
Departs 17 May 2020. Flights based on Emirates from Newcastle.


Talk to our dedicated trade team today
Kuoni has been supporting travel agents for over 50 years. We offer unrivalled in-resort service, quality training, price parity and have a dedicated trade reservations team on-hand to share expert advice and help you tailor truly special holidays for your customers.
We are available from 9am-8pm on weekdays, 9am-5pm on Saturdays and 11am-5pm every Sunday
0800 072 4454 | agents.kuoni.co.uk