travel bulletin 1st november 2013

November 1 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,848 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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Saint Lucia is the Caribbean island that has it all, whether you are looking for romance, rejuvenation or adventure. From November 2013, we will have 13 direct flights a week to our beautiful island so we have ambitious plans for 2014 and need your help.

Travel agents and tour operator reservations staff are at the core of our success and we want to increase our support to you. We have two strategies, one for those of you who have been to Saint Lucia and one for those who have not visited yet.

For those who have been, we will invite you to our 2nd annual Saint Lucia Showcase for Agents to get an update on the island, and hear from our hotels. We will list you on our website www.stlucia.org so that customers can find you when planning their next holiday, and we will offer bigger incentives and rewards when you log your bookings on our training site www.saintluciaexpert.com

For those who have not been, the first step will be to complete the training course which will take you under an hour. We will then be able to invite you to attend our fam trips and other events throughout the year.

Our online training programme www.saintluciaexpert.com is the gateway to your journey with us. All the benefits begin from this point. See the back page for more information. Please note that every January we re-launch Saint Lucia Expert.

There is so much happening and changing in Saint Lucia that we have to do an update every year. For those of you who have already done the training, all you need to do is follow the “Refresher” module which will take 10-15 minutes. You can then download your up to date certificate. Unless you have done the refresher module, you do not get any benefits of being a Saint Lucia Specialist.

On behalf of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board team, I would like to thank you for supporting us in 2013, and invite you to continue to work with us again next year. Together we could make 2014 a historic year for Saint Lucia.

The Star Tourist Board teamWe are on the look-out for stars amongst you. 2014 will see anincreased effort to work and build relationships with agents who sell the island. You need to log your bookings on www.saintluciaexpert.com to help us identify you. This will give you the opportunity to win quarterly prizes, plus receive an invitation to our Saint Lucia Showcase for Agents in June and to win places on our fam trip for the Top Sellers.

Win a pair of flights to Saint LuciaSimply complete our online training programme at www.saintluciaexpert.com or the refresher module(as relevant) by Monday 18th November and you will be entered into a draw to win one pair of flights to Saint Lucia! If you have completed the course and logged a booking in the last 3 months, your name will be entered twice into the draw.Five runner-up prizes - £50 shopping vouchers

THE CARIBBEAN ISLAND

Message from Jean-Marc Flambert, Director of Marketing, UK & Europe

Dear Partners,

Sa-ka fete! (our traditional greeting which means how are you? or how is it going?)

THAT HAS IT ALL

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SPECIAL

EDITION

November 1 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,848 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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ASHFORD ACTIVITIES...Independent travel agents from 21 agencies in Kent and Surrey joined members of BRIGHT(Bringing Real Information & Guaranteed High Quality Training) for a training workshop and dinner at Eastwell Manor,near Ashford, Kent recently. A variety of members, including Kirker Holidays, Jersey/Preston Travel, Prom Peru, JordanTourist Board, Viking River Cruises, Cox & Kings, 1st Class Holidays, Canada Tourism, Turismo de Canarias and VelosoTours gave presentations and discussed the latest travel trends. Pictured enjoying the event's networking opportunitiesare, from the left: Nick Goodchild, Veloso Tours; Tahir Bolton, Travel Counsellors; Lara Perez, Prom Peru; Erika Fernandez,Turismo de Canarias; Rosanna Pearce, Cox & Kings; and Nico Fournier, Canadian Tourism.

This Week

3 newsthis week's latest reports &industry developments

8 at home with eileenhomeworker Eileen offersher advice on ThomasCook’s new rebranding

9 agent bulletinTravelodge unveils its mostbizarre requests

10 travel talksJohn Guinn shares histhoughts on WTM

11 puzzle bulletintry your luck at Su Dokufor a chance to win a £50M&S voucher

12 convention updatenews & emerging trendsfrom ABTA's Convention inCroatia

14 event bulletinimages & news from the'Celebrate Africa'workshop, in associationwith Travel Bulletin

16 wtm previewour special preview guide tonext week’s WTM coversnews, destination updates,who’s where, floorplans andan exhibitor list

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ABTA unveils 2013 booking habits of UK holidaymakersNEW RESEARCH released by ABTA at its convention in Croatia has revealed that sixout of ten consumers (62%) have booked an overseas holiday with a travel agent ortour operator in the last 12 months.

One in five (19%) booked through a High Street agent, a quarter booked with atravel agent online (23%) and one in five booked directly with a tour operator (20%).For domestic holidays a third (33%) booked at least one holiday with a travel agent ortour operator.

The research also revealed that a quarter (24%) of 16-24 year olds booked at leastone overseas holiday through a High Street travel agent. Travel agents’ expertise alsoscores particularly highly amongst the younger generation with more than four out often 16-24 year olds (44%) saying that they value the services that a travel agentoffers. The age group also feels strongly that using a travel professional can savethem time (62%) and money (52%), as well as making the booking process easy (64%).

Other findings from the survey revealed that 55-64 year olds were the only agegroup to take more holidays per person in the 12 months to 2013 compared to thesame period the previous year. This correlates with an increase in the number of 55-64 year olds booking at least one holiday abroad directly with a tour operator, with28% making this type of booking compared to 23% in the previous year’s study.

Victoria Bacon, the association's head of communications, said: “It is clear fromour findings that consumers are making full use of all of the booking optionsavailable to them.

"Travel agents and tour operators play a vital role in helping consumers to researchand book holidays with two thirds of consumers using their services when bookingtheir overseas holidays. Goodwill towards travel professionals is particularly strongamongst younger consumers so it is important travel businesses build on this, asthese customers mature.”(ABTA Convention update - page 12)


KUONI’S 2014 dedicated Italy brochure is out now, with new additions including the townsof Lucca and Pietrasanta in Tuscany, 35 hotels, a Royal Clipper cruise, more multi-centresuggestions and a Highlights & Hidden Treasures of Sicily tour.

To highlight rail travel in Italy, details have also been brought to the front of the brochurewith information and suggestions on how to get from city to city.

The brochure includes the Forte Village in Sardinia, which features 21 restaurants, eighthotels and bungalow style properties, sports academies including Chelsea Football SoccerSchool for children, sports, leisure and health facilities and The Thaermae del ForteTalasso & Spa centre, a member of ‘The Leading Spas of the World’.

Featured properties include the five-star family-owned Capo La Gala in Sorrento, whichis set on a cliff edge overlooking the Bay of Naples; the Tenuta Monacelle in Puglia, whichwas formerly a convent but has now been converted into a ‘Truli village’; and the BoscoloAleph in Rome, situated in a quieter area of the city but within walking distance of themain sights.The brochure can be downloaded at www.kuoni.co.uk/brochures

Kuoni issues dedicated 2014 Italy brochure with new resort & hotel additions

www.travelbulletin.co.ukNovember 1 20134

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FLAGGED UP FOR EUROPE...Pictured markingCruisingexcursions.com's expansion into Europe with the launch ofdedicated language websites for the German, French and Dutchmarkets are, from the left: the company's Simonne Fairbanks, SimonPurchase and Graham Chuter. A European office has opened inGermany and Rob Knoedl has been appointed regional sales managerfor Benelux countries, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

A RECENT survey, carried out by Hotwire.com, looked at theshift in Brits’ attitudes towards spending and saving ontravel and everyday objects and the impact that this has hadon the travel industry, and hoteliers in particular.

Results from 'The Britain on Sale' report found that Britsare saving £32.1bn each year on all their purchases byusing saving techniques such as shopping for sale itemsand using discount codes, and that increasing numbers ofBrits are not afraid to negotiate for a bargain.

According to the survey, travel has been strongly affectedby this shift in attitude. When asked ‘how often they pay fullprice for something’, 30% of Brits surveyed revealed thatthey rarely, or never, pay full price for hotel stays. Some(21%) say that they rarely, or never, pay full price for flights,and to save money on travel, 26% of British travellers useflight comparison websites and almost one in four (24%)booking with discount travel websites.

Hoteliers are experiencing the same shift from the otherside of the coin. Some 75% of hoteliers are concerned thatthe omnipresent discounting is having a negative impact ontheir brand, and are worried that if their brand is seen asalways on sale, it will be devalued. As such, the report saysthat many hoteliers have had to become moresophisticated in the way they manage discounting,responding fast to changing occupancy levels.

Hotwire.com report: Brits' shiftingattitudes to spending impacts industry

Luxury boating collection by HoseasonsHOSEASONS HAS announced an exclusive new collectionof first class boating escapes called ‘Starboard’, which isaimed at families, couples and groups of friends lookingto try a new holiday experience coupled with a high levelof service and amenities. A total of 20 Starboard boatswill be available at four bases across the canal networkof England and three bases on the Norfolk Broads, withboats sleeping between two and eight people.

While each boat will have its own individual feel, therewill also be a universal level of quality across all thefleet with flat screen TVs, DVD players, welcome packs,games and binoculars, guides to local wildlife and theability to carry bikes on board.For more information visit www.hoseasons.co.uk or call 0844-847 1100.

New AI hotel from Cape Verde ExperienceA NEW four-star, all-inclusive hotel on the island of Sal is nowon sale through The Cape Verde Experience.

The property features in the operator’s November 2013 –October 2014 brochure and has been carefully designed tomake the most of its sought after beach location while beingjust 400m from the centre of Santa Maria town.

The hotel offers 338 furnished rooms, a swimming pool,children’s pool, wellness centre & spa, outdoor theatre, gymand daily sporting activities. A number of water sports centresare also available along the beachfront.

To celebrate the hotel's opening, the operator is offering £75per person discounts on holidays of seven nights, with pricesleading in at £1,089 per person, based on two sharing a gardenview room, including flights, transfers and visa arrangement.For details call 0845-330 2046 or visitwww.capeverde.co.uk


Newsbites● THE TRAVEL Network Group has announced a new deal

with Ideal World that will see the launch of WorldchoiceTV. The deal involves six, eight-minute programme slotswhere Worldchoice TV will feature mainstream sectors,including: Summer Sun; Coach; UK; Long-stay, EscortedTours; and Long-haul holidays. The first show will beaired on Thursday November 14 and subsequentprogrammes will run until June 2014.

● NO EXCLUSIONS Limited has announced the launch of anew partnership for Missed Flight Cover. Spanish airlineVueling has added the consumer protection to its onlineflight bookings which offers passengers a practicalsolution for continuing on their journey, with the choiceat the airport of a new ticket on the next available flightor a full flight refund. By registering their claim at thecarrier's sales desk within four hours after theirscheduled departure, the policyholder will receiveimmediate assistance from the 24-hour Missed FlightCover Helpline.

● THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) is keen toreassure the trade that a proposed new 'tourist tax' inThailand has not yet been approved and is still to bepassed by government. At this time, it is still one ofseveral ideas the Ministry of Health and Ministry ofTourism & Sport are considering helping boostinvestment in their industries.

● THE ASSOCIATION of Independent Tour Operators (AITO)has welcomed three new trade-friendly tour operatormembers – China Links Travel, the Curzon Corporation(with its two brands, Inspired by Asia and African Pride)and Planet Holidays and Weddings.


Fred.\ adds new Canaries productFRED.\ HAS introduced the Hotel Jardin Tecina, located on theCanary Island of La Gomera which features the UNESCO siteof Garajonay National Park, to its portfolio.

The four-star hotel offers 434 rooms and is situated on acliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with views of theneighbouring island of Tenerife.

Surrounded by a garden of more than 70,000sq m, theproperty offers a range of leisure and sporting activities thatincludes an 18-hole golf course.

A seven-night stay at the hotel, including flights andtransfers, costs from £654 per person.For more information call 0808-159 5256, [email protected] or visit www.fredhoteljardintecina.co.uk

Cox & Kings adds new group tours to Europe brochure

FOLLOWING A passenger number increase of 10% on lastyear, Cox & Kings has launched its Europe programme for2014, which features five new tours in the destinations ofCrete, Iceland and Italy.

They include an eight-day Highlights of Crete itinerary,which explores the scenic and cultural highlights of the islandand leads in at £1,295 per person, with the option to furtherextend the trip to include one of the nearby Greek islands.Alternatively, the tour can be arranged as a self-drive basisfrom £850 per person.

The operator’s Scandinavia programme has also beenexpanded to include a new five-day/four-night escorted 'Insearch of the Northern Lights' tour, which is based inReykjavik. Prices lead in at £955 per person and departuresare offered from December to March, including a Valentine’sDay departure.

Meanwhile, three new Italy itineraries include a seven-dayLake Maggiore from £1,545 per person, a seven-day ClassicTuscany tour from £1,595 and an eight-day Puglia & Basilicatatour from £1,695.

All prices include flights from London, transfers, excursionsand breakfast accommodation.For more information or to request a copy of the brochure call020-7873 5006 or email [email protected]

BALES WORLDWIDE is marking its 66thanniversary by launching three 66-day-long tours that traverse Asia, LatinAmerica and Africa and the Middle East.

The Asia tour leads in at £20,945per person and travels to India,Nepal, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia,Burma (Myanmar), China and Japan,with highlights including the TajMahal, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Angkor

Wat and the Great Wall of China.The Latin America tour costs from

£26,495 and travels to Brazil, Argentina,Chile, Bolivia, Peru and the GalapagosIslands. Highlights include Rio deJaneiro, trekking in the Amazonrainforest, Iguassu Falls, the MachuPicchu and the Galapagos archipelago.

Alternatively, the Africa & MiddleEast itinerary costs from £29,950 and

visits Turkey, Oman, Ethiopia, Kenya,Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana andSouth Africa. Highlights include theancient monuments of Turkey, thesouqs of Oman, Lalibela, the MasaiMara Nature Reserve, Victoria Fallsand the Okavango Delta.For details or to book visitwww.balesworldwide.com or call 0845-057 0600.

Bales Worldwide launches three new 66-day tours to mark 66th anniversary

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Viking launches new cruise lineVIKING CRUISES has announced the launch of its oceanproduct line, Viking Ocean Cruises, marking the introductionof the industry’s first new cruise line in almost a decade.

The line will begin sailing with its first vessel, the 930-passenger Viking Star, in May 2015. The ship will embark onmaiden voyages in Scandinavia and the Baltic and theWestern and Eastern Mediterranean.

Features of the ship include all veranda staterooms, withfive room categories available; 14 two-room ExplorerSuites; two pools; a spa; the Explorers’ Lounge andWintergarden; multiple restaurant locations and foodchoices; a three-deck atrium with musicians playingregional and classical music; the Star Theater; the VikingPiano Lounge; and sustainable features.

An example of itineraries is an eight-day RomanticMediterranean itinerary which travels from Barcelona-Rome and visits Toulon, Corsica, Monte Carlo, the Tuscanregion of Italy, Barcelona and Rome. Prices start from£1,499 per person.

Agent webinars and new online training will be availableto agents keen to learn more about the product. A copy of the brochure can be downloaded atwww.vikingcruises.co.uk/oceans

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EUROSTAR HAS signed an agreement with the Dutchrailways to launch direct services between London andAmsterdam from December 2016.

The service will feature the company’s new e320 trainswhich will be interoperable and will be compatible withthe Dutch high-speed signalling systems.

The London-Amsterdam route is the largest,international airline market in Europe, attracting morethan three million business and leisure passengers. The

company plans to run two services daily between Londonand Amsterdam with journey times of around four hours.

The services will run via Brussels to Amsterdam,stopping at Antwerp, Rotterdam, Schiphol Airport andAmsterdam Central.

In addition to providing a direct high-speed linkbetween the UK and the Netherlands, the service will alsoenhance the scope for customers to connect to a range ofdestinations in mainland Europe.

SHEARINGS HAS expanded its range of Grand Tourer escorted tours for 2014.Following an increase in sales of holidays to Germany by 64% year-on-year, the

operator has introduced a selection of new tours, including an eight-day Wiesbaden &Rheingau Wine Festival tour from £749, which includes theRheingau wine festival and a trip to the Rhine Valley, plus anew nine-day Discover Bavaria itinerary, which includesvisits to Lake Chiemsee and the UNESCO site ofRegensburg old town for £799.

Meanwhile, three new Italian holidays have been addedfollowing a 44% year-on-year sales increase, with a 12-day Hidden Apulia & Vieste tour from £1,049, whichexplores the history and culture of south-east Italy, aswell as a 15-day Classic Italian tour from £1,549, takingin the key Italian cities.

The operator has also added three new UK holidays,including a five-day Royal Bath, Houses & Gardensholiday from £359 and an Enigma Code & the Blitz five-day itinerary from £369, which gives an insight into thecode-breaking work done at Bletchley Park.

The premium tours offer accommodation in four- orfive-star hotels, free added extras, dedicated tourmanagers, door-to-door pick-ups for coach holidays, airportlounge passes, meet and greet and a free tag and track service, which providesassistance with lost luggage.

Early booking incentives are available, with savings of up to £50 per couple untilNovember 15.For more information call 0844-824 6359 or visit www.shearings.com

Shearings expands Grand Tourer programme for next year

Eurostar announces plans to launch service between London and Amsterdam


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STORE RESTORE...Attraction World helped mark the launch of the new Thomas Cook Hanover StreetConcept Store after it was closed due to fire damage. Pictured are, from the left: Lynsey Dunn, KarenBuchanan, Liam Main, Leanne Riley, Jennifer Hodge and Rachel Owen from the agency; MiyaGilritchie, Attraction World; and the agency's Emma Morgan, Sarah Cooper and Alfie Hainie. Theoperator has also launched a new range of gift experiences in time for Christmas, and is giving agentsthe chance to win an Ultimate Spa Day for two . The winner will be the top selling member of staff andwill receive three spa treatments for themselves and a friend.

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@visitwales#Halloween is around thecorner here's a few spookylocations to explore:http://bit.ly/VWSpooky

@BBC_Travel The newest attempt atspace tourism is a heliumballoon flight offeringviews of Earth from 20 miles.http://dld.bz/cSWFX

@UKHurtigrutenThis video displays thejourney from Bergen toKirkenes in 5 minutes!http://fb.me/6t3iyzi7R

@RipleysLondonPlanning a #weekendtreat? The BIG Ripley’sWeekender offers groupsof 7 or more people entryfrom just £11.95pp!http://bit.ly/134ArjF

@CruiseLineUK@WindstarCruises launchNEW loyalty programmehttp://www.cruiseline.co.uk/Windstar-Cruises-Launch-New-Loyalty-Programme …

@STATravel_UKSydney vs Melbourne.Who wins in the battle ofthese two legendarytraveller hubs?http://sta.travel/17ctG1P

Follow us on Twitter!http://twitter.com/

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COCOA BEACH

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WEBSCLUSIVES

● Win up to £150 of Love2Shop vouchers courtesyof Iceland Travel. Just answer 3 quick questionsand Like the Iceland Travel Facebook page toenter. Runners-up prizes are a £50 Love2Shopvouchers and a Blue Lagoon skin care hamper.Enter now at:www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

● Win a fantastic fly-drive fam to the FloridaBeaches, courtesy of Funway. Just take a quicksurvey to enter.Visit: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/funway

All this and more at:


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Go

More choices in Sicily from PrestigePRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has expanded its holiday selection in Sicily.

New for 2014 are the Aeolian Islands, a bed-and-breakfast in the Baroque town of Ragusa in the South Eastand a self-drive Montalbano tour.

The operator has also added a boutique hotel in Palermo,new hotels in Castellammare and San Vito Lo Capo on thewest coast and a boutique hotel in the resort of Taormina.

Week-long stays start from £479 per person at the LaDimora Di Piazza Carmine, a nine-room bed-and-breakfastin the historic part of Ragusa overlooking the village of Ibladi Ragusa. The package includes flights with Ryanair fromStansted to Comiso, private transfers and breakfastaccommodation. A short break costs from £359.

The Aeolian archipelago, which comprises nine islands, islocated between the North East coast of Sicily and the toe ofCalabria in mainland Italy and is a new addition for nextsummer. The operator is featuring the Lipari and Salinaislands, with properties including the three-star HotelRocce Azzurre in Lipari. A week’s two-centre stay costsfrom £769 per person comprising flights to and fromCatania on BA, private transfers, three nights at VillaBelvedere in Taormina and four nights in Rocce Azzurre.

The seven-night, self-drive Montalbano Experience visitsScicli and Ragusa and leads in at £635 per person,including a week’s breakfast accommodation with flightsfrom Gatwick and transfers.For more information call 01425-480400 or visitwww.prestigeholidays.co.uk/sicily

with Eileen...At home

What has homeworker Eileen

been up to this month?

HAD A really good time at the Travel Bulletin StarAwards a few weeks ago. It was held at the LandmarkHotel in London which is a lovely venue. After an

enjoyable meal, the winners of the 34 awards wereannounced by our host for the evening, BBC Breakfastpresenter Bill Turnbull. Then it was time for theentertainment which this year was a performance by the WestEnd cast of the show “Stomp”. Many congratulations to all theworthy winners and nominees.

Here at Travel Counsellors, we’re all looking forward to ourannual conference which is now only a couple of weeks away.The conference sessions are always interesting andinformative, updating us with all the latest company news andfuture plans. It is also a great opportunity to catch up with oldfriends. This year the conference is being held at Telford andpromises to be another great weekend.

There has been mixed reactions to the new Thomas Cookrebranding that was announced recently. We’ve been told thatthe new yellow heart logo and the new slogan will make thecompany “more relevant to more people” and sell moreholidays. I personally find that surprising as Thomas Cook hasbeen established for more than 150 years and already has ahistoric global brand identity and after all, isn’t it the quality ofthe product and great customer service that produces brandloyalty and sells more holidays, rather than logos and slogans?

Apart from the current cost-cutting measures and newbranding now in progress, it will be interesting to see whatThomas Cook are going to do differently in the future to turnthe company’s fortunes around. Perhaps now is the time forthem to differentiate themselves from the competition, bemore innovative and get back to their roots as a pioneer intravel, as they once were.

by EILEEN SAUNDERS of Travel Counsellors To respond to any of Eileen’s comments email

[email protected]

‘STOMP’ at Travel Bulletin’s Star Awards


● TRAVEL AGENTS can holiday like an X Factorjudge following the launch of a new incentivefrom Hayes and Jarvis and St James’s Clubin Antigua. Agents have the chance to spenda week on an all-inclusive basis in the luxuryvilla that Nicole Scherzinger stayed at whilefilming The X Factor's judges' housesepisode. To be entered into the prize draw,agents need to make a booking to St James’sClub with Hayes and Jarvis. Each bookingmade counts as an entry. Bookings must bemade before November 16 and all entries should be emailed [email protected] by November 18.

Agent trainingFOLLOWING THE success of its inauguralPartners First roadshows last year, NorwegianCruise Line has announced that it will hit theroad again this month. The events take place in Glasgow on November11, Belfast on the 14th, Bristol on the 19th andBirmingham on the 20th.The roadshows, which run from 09:30-16:00, willask agents three key questions: ‘Who are yourcustomers?’, ‘Where are you going to send themcruising?’, and, ‘How are you going to do it?’.For more information or to register your placevisit www.roadshow-uk.ncl.eu

HAMPER PAMPER...Sarah Willis from BathTravel in Hythe, Kent was the winner ofWarner Leisure Hotels’ ‘New Warner DiningChoices for 2014' competition. Sarah is picturedwith her prize of a luxury food hamper prize.

Booking incentive

Bizarre hotel requestsTRAVELODGE HAS revealed the most bizarrerequests that some of its 16.5m customers haveasked whilst staying in one of the company’s 513hotels during the last 12 months. The oddities include everything from: ‘How do Icross Spaghetti Junction to get to the BaltiTriangle?’, ‘Can you get me a real stag for myfriend’s stag night?’ and ‘Do you offer a sleepsitting service, so that someone can watch overme as I tend to sleep walk?’. One customer who was staying at BirminghamAirport Travelodge asked the reception team ifthey could find a local hairdresser who could comeout to style her Afghan hound (Betsy’s) hair.A guest at Perth Travelodge asked if the hotel’spet policy included a pair of Llamas. Other strangecustomer requests have included one gueststaying at Chelmsford Travelodge asking thehousekeeper if she could arrange for her bath tobe filled with fresh milk – so that she could bath init, like Cleopatra. At Birmingham Bullring Travelodge, the receptionteam received a call late one evening from abusiness customer asking if it was possible forsomeone to go into his room and lay in his bed inorder to warm it up for him. And the hotel manager at Oxford PeartreeTravelodge was put on the spot when he wasasked by a male customer if he could borrow hiswedding ring as his best man had lost his ringsand he was getting married within the hour.


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AGENT OFFERFRHI HOTELS & Resorts' (FRHI) travel agenteducation and rewards programme, FamousAgents, is offering members two exclusive bonusoffers. Until the end of the year, Famous Agents'members can receive bonus points redeemablefor getaways in exotic destinations when theybook clients at select FRHI hotel locations.Agents who share experiences from any Raffles,Fairmont or Swissôtel visit will also have theopportunity to receive additional bonus points.For more information visit frhi.com/promo/go


Guests at Nidd Hall will be Walking in the Air this DecemberFANS OF Welsh singer, actor, author, radio and TVpresenter and part time dancer Aled Jones can head toWarner Leisure Hotels’ Nidd Hall Hotel in Harrogate thisDecember as he takes to the stage.

Aled and his band will be performing on Saturdaynight of the three-night weekend break, and for fanswanting to get up close and personal with Aled, 50spaces are available for an exclusive Star BreakPlatinum VIP Experience package.

Packages are available for £50 per person and includethe best seats in the house, a reserved VIP dressedtable, a complimentary drink,bottle of Champagne per couple,VIP waiter service and anExclusive Green RoomExperience to meet Aled.

Prices for the three-nightbreak start from £329 per personbased on a December 6 arrivaland two adults sharing a standardroom on a half-board basis.For more information visitwww.bourneleisuresales.co.uk orcall 0808-141111.

Monarch announces second skiseason from Leeds BradfordBUILDING ON the success of last year’s ski season fromLeeds Bradford Airport, Monarch is operating flights tothe key ski destinations of Grenoble and Munich fromYorkshire’s gateway airport again this winter.

As examples of fares, flights to Munich commence onDecember 13 with prices from £120.98 return, whileflights to Grenoble, from December 14, lead in at£106.48.For details see www.monarch.co.uk

Aled Jones


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IT’S WORLD TravelMarket time. It’s achance to get out of

the office or shop so youcan get up-to-date,make new contacts andstock up on pens.

My first everexhibition wasn’t travelrelated. I was on anengineering apprenticeprogramme and one ofthe lecturers fanciedattending an IT event.He decided that it wouldbe of benefit to us, sooff we went. That’s theCivil Service for you.

We had no buying power, or even any interest in the event.So to pass the time the 12 of us moved around like a swarm oflocusts and lifted whatever freebie we could get. I’ve actuallystill got a paperweight from back then.

Fast forward more years than I care to think about and Iattended my first WTM. I had been a homeworking franchiseefor nearly two years and the first thing I discovered once Ientered the ExCel Centre is that I didn’t know travel. By theend of my first visit I discovered more about the world of travelthan I had in the previous 24 months.

The other thing I noticed was that some visitors weredragging an overnight case behind them. It wasn’t until thetrain journey home that I found out why. I had grabbed so manyleaflets and brochures (old habits die hard) that my handswere in absolute agony from carrying all the carrier bags. Thecases were used to carry all the stuff back. Doh!

If, like me, you are slow on the uptake, it does take a fewyears of visiting before you really get the hang of this event. SoI now drive down instead of getting the train and I take a casewith me. Of course driving does mean that the drinks eventsaren’t as much fun.

I still need to improve on one thing. Making a plan andsticking to it. I’m still arriving and then wondering aroundaimlessly sounding like a Minion from Despicable Me.

So if someone gets in your way and seems oblivious to theworld, it’ll probably be me. So please stop me to say hello.

Gearing up forWTM

by John Guinn, holiday researcher

John Guinn runs Holiday Hut, and has a weeklytravel show on internet radio station SecklowSounds. He also contributes regularly to UKHealth Radio. Here, John shares thoughts from hisprevious experience of WTM and why he's lookingforward to this year's event...

THE MARBELLA Beach Hotel in Corfu has partnered with ThePoseidonia Dive Centre to launch new scuba diving courses for guestsof all levels and abilities. ‘Two Dive Packages’ cost from €70 whilerefresher courses (from €50) are also available for guests who need tobrush up on their theory before getting back in the water. The divecentre also offers longer SSI courses for those looking to becomeJunior (minimum ten years) or Adult SSI certified Open Water Diversfrom €350. Classic Collection Holidays offers seven nights at theproperty from £2,088 per person, based on two sharing anexecutive two-bedroom deluxe suite sea view on an all-inclusive basis. The price also includes flights fromGatwick and private transfers.For details see www.classic-collection.com orcall 0800-294 9315.


puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

County in Ohio, near the Parthenon?

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the

3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate

to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name,

company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if

applicable to:

[email protected]

Closing date for entries is Thursday, November 7th. Solution and new puzzle

will appear next week.

The winner for 18th October is Beccy Doyle, Pearl King

Travel in Liverpool.

October 18 Solution: A=8 B=4 C=9 D=1

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 134

Travagrams

Across 1. Hotel chain (5,3)6. This leaf is the national symbol of

Canada (5)8. Ferry line (5)9. European country (6)10. 1 Across has a hotel in this Irish city (4)12. Mount in Australia's Northern Territory (4)14. Region in northern Italy (6)17. Yorkshire national park (5)18. French city with a Flemish influence (5)19. Minehead is a popular resort in this

county (8)

Down 1. He plays the part of Paul Potts in One

Chance at a cinema near you (5,6)2. Currency of Mauritius (5)3. Scottish loch (4)4. Scenic area of Germany which gave its

name to a gateau (5,6)5. Nevada city, famous for its casinos (4)7. Hip Hop group, The Black ___ Peas (4)11. US Navy commando, sounds aquatic (4)13. Flag carrier of Bahrain, ___ Air (4)15. Historic island attraction in New York

Bay (5)16. European capital city (4)

Where Am I?

Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 51

Crossword

Su Doku

Num

ber:

134

A popular form of summer footwear

The name of this hotel is similar to the name of the supporters of King Charles I in the English Civil War

And Lass

Ethical Rave Oil

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle


ABTA CHAIRMAN, Noel Josephides, highlighted the latesttravel industry challenges, opportunities and successessince last year's convention.

Josephides said that he was, on the whole, optimistic andlooking forward to 2014 but added: "We cannot take thecontinued health of destinations for granted. Never forgetthat consumers have many different options when looking tobook a holiday."

In other news, Josephides informed delegates that ABTA'scollective member turnover last year was £31.5billion, itshighest ever figure, and that January and February this yearsaw the best early booking season in years. According to

Josephides, there has also been a resurgence of thepackage holiday where, according to ABTA research, 46% ofconsumers who took an overseas holiday in the past 12months booked a package holiday.

On future trends, the research revealed that 10% areconsidering cruising in 2014; London will be the focus withthe opening of a port in Greenwich in 2016; and the airportexpansion in the South East will address the urgent need forflight capacity. On the subject of new regulations, includingAtol reform and the Package Travel Directive, Joesephidesurged members to 'relax' as any changes will be made as"as palatable as possible".

MITTU SRIDHARA, chief informationofficer of TUI Travel PLC, outlined threesteps to help travel businesses usemobile as a way of engaging theircustomers at the convention.

He said: "Being present says it all. Themobile channel has been proven to work,again and again. If businesses want tocompete, then they have to have amobile offering. This is a digital age andeveryone has a smart device. As abusiness, why wouldn’t you want to havea presence in the consumer’s pocket?This is about getting the basics right -the interface and the content. The rightinterface for the customer allows themto absorb the content you’re providing

easily and immediately. For example,basic research shows you that a lot ofthe time users of smartphones use it inone hand and therefore simply use theirthumb, so create your interface aroundthat proof point. It’s then about creatingyour content - beautiful, digitallyenabled, multi-channel content withenhanced search capabilities.

"The second step is to be relevant;people will only engage with you as abusiness if what you give them is relevantto their situation, which changesthroughout their engagement or journeywith you. If you can provide somethingthat has a unique aspect to it, even better.

"Finally you need to be one step ahead

by being able to understand yourcustomers’ needs and innovate aroundthem. Use the context that you’ve beenusing to help personalise your contentand draw insight from it. For example, onthe customer’s holiday, if you know it’sgoing to rain tomorrow, push a notice tothe customer telling them and suggestbooking an excursion for the day. Youshould also ask for customer feedback,ask them what they want. We mustremember that we’re talking directly tothe customer one on one, not even thebest focus group could have this kind ofpower. Give them the ability to suggestimprovements, or what they would finduseful and innovate around it.”

TUI Travel offers steps on how travel companies can use mobile to engage customers

Josephides reminds delegates complacency comes at a cost as Brits' booking options grow


conventionupdate

CROATIA CATCH UP...Pictured catching up (and enjoying somesun) at the convention are, from the left: Lorna Willis and ZenaCalderbank from TIPTO; Jane Atkins, Superbreak; and MandaChurchill, Travel Indochina. Meanwhile, TIPTO has announced itsupcoming roadshow dates for this month. They take place on the12th in Cheltenham, the 13th in Coventry, the 14th in Shrewsbury,the 19th in Portsmouth and the 27th in Durham.

InBrief● IN A session entitled 'Trending in Travel', Nigel Huddleston, industry

head of travel at Google, unveiled the company's latest researchwhich showed that consumers use a combination of mobile,desktop, brochures and tablet before booking a holiday. Huddlestonsaid that maps and reviews were also important sources ofinformation prior to booking and that, on average, consumers make17 different search sessions over 73 days before booking. Theresearch also revealed that six out of ten UK travellers purchasepackage holidays online and four out of ten purchase offline, while60% watch video content to help them decide on a destination. Thefindings also revealed that store and travel agencies are the thirdmost important drivers of purchase decisions and there is still greatvalue in human interaction in the holiday booking process.

● TONKO RILOVIC, director UK and Ireland of the Croatian NationalTourist Office, said that Croatia has seen a 25% increase in thenumber of Brits visiting this year, with 375,000 travellers from theUK visiting in the first nine months of the year. Meanwhile, thecountry's first waterpark, Isrtalandia, will open next year in Istria.

● ABTA REVEALED that the Slovenian capital Ljubljana will play hostto next year's convention which takes place from September 22-24. Tine Murn of the Slovenian Tourist Board said: “Slovenia andLjubljana are delighted to welcome The Travel Convention in 2014.Slovenia is a beautiful country and we see this as an idealopportunity to increase the number of UK visitors to our countryand to develop closer ties with the British travel industry.”

The 60th ABTA Travel Convention recently took place in Dubrovnik, Croatia under the theme'Travel in a Connected World'. Here’s a round up of news from the event...



eventbulletinCELEBRATE AFRICA, in association with Travel Bulletin, was held last month at Baden-PowellHouse in London and brought together leading African suppliers with local tour operators andtravel agents. All guests were treated to lunch, teas & coffee, plus a prize giveaway draw...

ETHOS MARKETINGintroduced its newestproperty in its portfolio tothe trade at CelebrateAfrica - one of the moststylish boltholes in the CapeWinelands, the owner-managed Majeka House.Located in Stellenbosch, thehotel has undergone a two-year makeover resulting in22 individually designedsuites, a bar and arestaurant. The propertyalso features a spa andspacious grounds.

Show News

Below: SOUTH AFRICACALLING...Catching up are,from the left: Nina Farrimond,South African Tourism; LouiseDean, Jetset Holidays; and ZoeOvens, Sun International.

Below: Guests at CelebrateAfrica enjoy the networkingopportunities

Above: INDUSTRYFRIENDS...Catching up at theevent are, from the left: EmmaLenanton, Infinity Holidays;Sophie Taylor, PlanetDestinations; Adam Forsdike,Namibia Tourism; and DavidReading, Talking StickMarketing.

LUXURY REPRESENTATIONCollection has beenappointed to representTaleni Africa, a portfolio ofproperties in the key touristareas of Namibia.Properties include EtoshaVillage, Hotel zum Kaiser,Sossusvlei Lodge andDesert Camp and theSossus Oasis Camp Site. For details [email protected] or visit www.taleni-africa.com

AMG HAS announced thatEarth Lodge in Sabi Sabi hasadded a new gym. It isequipped with a state-of-the-art rowing machine,treadmills, training bike,mats, weights and exerciseballs. The company has alsoannounced that Sabi Sabi'sSelati Lodge hasrefurbished its bar andlounge area, and that SAAirlink will fly to Skukuza inKruger National Park as ofJune 1, 2014.

Show News

SERENA HOTELS has announced the official opening ofthe new public areas at both Mara Serena Safari Lodgeand Sweetwaters Serena Camp. Following an extensiverefurbishment of the properties at a cost of more thanUS$2million per property, Mara Serena Safari Lodge nowoffers new public areas including a lobby, reception, giftshop, bar lounge, Maisha Spa and gym. The dining roomalso been expanded and offers a new buffet and activecooking area. There is also a new coffee station andlounge, new public area washrooms, an internalfireplace, terrace and a court yard. The new public areasat the five-star Sweetwaters Serena Camp include areception, dining area, guest lounge, bar lounge, gift shopand kitchen.

Show News



eventbulletin

LOUISE'S LUCK...Louise Stanion (right) from Cox and Kings won a two-night stay for two at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. She is picturedwith Natalie de la Porte from Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve.

Below: AFRICAN DREAMS...Becca Spurgeon (left) from Visions ofAfrica won a three-night break to Africa courtesy of Tolene vander Merwe from Boutique Travel Marketing.

Above: BAGGING A BOTTLE...isClare Bullock (right) of TravelCounsellors with Minaxi Mistryfrom &Beyond.

Right: PRIZEPULL...CaroleMcFadden (left)from African Pridecollects her goodiebag from NatalieOdenbreit of VirginLimited Edition.

LEOPARD HILLS by Seasons In Africa has undergone acomplete re-styling of its eight individual suites and now offersthe latest in contemporary colours and furnishings whilst notlosing its authentic, luxury bush ambience. Meanwhile, theHollows hotels in Cape Town, Knysna and the Kruger regionare offering further discounts for guests staying at more thanone property during their itinerary.

SAFARI SPECIALIST, Singita, has announced the launch ofSingita Castleton in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve.The lodge is one of the group’s 12 properties in Africa and isavailable for exclusive rental. It consists of a main house withcommunal living spaces and accommodation located in sixindividual cottages within the grounds, catering for up to 12people. Onsite facilities include a large garden, swimmingpool, wine cellar, gym, tennis court and spa treatment room. Astay at the property can be combined with Singita Sweni Lodgein neighbouring Kruger National Park, which is also availablefor private rental for up to 12 guests – or Singita PamushanaLodge, situated in the south east of Zimbabwe, offering viewsover the Malilangwe dam and sandstone hills. For details see www.singita.com

VIRGIN LIMITED Edition's Mahali Mzuri, a tented camp whichopened earlier this year in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy ofKenya’s Maasai Mara, is running a four nights for the price ofthree offer. The deal applies to stays up to June 30, 2014,excluding Christmas and New Year, and mid-season rates(between January 2 and March 31) lead in at US$890 perperson, per night. The operator is also highlighting a 'kids gofree' deal at Ulusaba Rock Lodge in South Africa. The offerallows two children under 12 years to stay free throughout thisyear and next when they share their parents' room. A range offree kids’ activities are also offered, along with acomplimentary babysitting service. For more information [email protected]

Show News

Above: KAMILI COLLEAGUES... Taking time out are Tim Henshelland Sophie Henley from Kamili.

Left: TRAINING DUO...CindyWalker from Extraordinaryand Rosie Lindsell fromMedina Palms showcase theirlatest brochures.


17 News: a round-up of the latestdevelopments and announcements

Destination updates & developments

18 Europe

26 Americas

37 Global Village

31 Middle East

34 Asia Pacific

40 Africa

45 Who’s wherean at-a-glance guide to whichexhibitors are where

46 Floorplan

48 Exhibitors’ listings

38 Technology

S04 TB0111 WTM Start & Europe_Layout 1 30/10/2013 12:35 Page 16


Cash prize offered for inspirational start-upsTECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN TRIP planning and travel inspiration start-ups can win £5,000 in anew WTM initiative, Fresh, sponsored by Sabre Travel Network, as part of the dedicatedTravel Tech Show at WTM.

WTM Fresh will focus on companies less than a year old which have innovative and viableideas for using technology - such as web, mobile, social, app or a combination of these - tohelp consumers with trip planning and travel inspiration before and during a trip.

As well as a £5,000 cash prize, the winner will also receive mentoring from the sponsorSabre and other members of the judging panel.

Aer Lingus CEOheadlines AirlineProgrammeAER LINGUS CEO, ChristophMueller, will headline thisyear's Airline Programme.

Mueller will discuss howhe has delivered strong andimproved growth for the Irishflag carrier despite its set ofunique challenges as part ofthe session ‘Airlines inTransition: Pushing theBoundaries, acing theChallenges’, which takesplace on Tuesday November5 at 15:30 in Platinum Suite 3& 4.

The airline’s majorityshareholder Ryanair wants totake over the company, whichMueller and his managementteam are against.Furthermore, Aer Lingus’home market of Ireland issuffering severe economicproblems.

Despite this challengingbackdrop, Mueller – a formersenior TUI executive – led theairline to a 2012 profit of€69.1million with a record10.8 million passengers.

Mueller will explain howhe led the airline to suchsuccess despite thecompany’s macro challenges,while also discussing thewider aviation and travelindustry issues, while alsolooking to the future.

He is part of a heavyweightpanel which also features AirMalta CEO, Peter Davies, andIcelandair CEO, Birkir HólmGuðnason. It will be chairedby WTM aviation expert, JohnStrickland, director of JLSConsulting.

Sir Stuart Rose to officially open WTM 2013 WORLD TRAVEL Market 2013 will be opened by Sir Stuart Rose, one of the business world’s mostrespected leaders.

Former Marks & Spencer CEO and chairman Sir Stuart led a turnaround of one of the UK HighStreet’s most well-known brands and fought off a number of high profile take over bids for theretailer.

Sir Stuart will open this year's event at the new-look WTM Captains of Industry Opening Lunch,with 200 of the industry’s most senior leaders in attendance.

Veteran BBC presenter Stephen Sackur will interview Sir Stuart about his career in business,which will offer the travel industry senior industry audience inspiration and practical advice as tohow they can run their own businesses.

Sir Stuart is currently chairman of online delivery company Ocado.

SENIOR EXECUTIVES from Facebookand Google will be attending the WTMTravel Perspective programme,sponsored by Sabre, on TuesdayNovember 5.

The programme includes a keynotesession from Facebook head of travel,Lee McCabe. Entitled Facebook andTargeting: Finding the People thatMatter to You, the session will explorehow powerful Facebook is as anadvertising platform.

McCabe said: “Travel is in Facebook’s

DNA. More people share their travelmilestones on Facebook, such asdeparting for a holiday or sharing aphoto from their travels, than any otherimportant events.

“In fact, more than 70% of Facebookusers update their status and/or sharephotos while on holiday. This is whytravel companies are reaching out toFacebook to find the people that matterto them.”

The session takes place in SouthGallery Rooms 23-26 at 10:30.

Wednesday November 6 seesGoogle’s industry head for touroperators, Sarah McDonald, take to thestage as the first keynote speaker of theday, followed by former WordPress userinterface designer, John O’Nolan.O’Nolan has built blogs for Microsoft,Virgin Atlantic, easyJet and Nokia, andwill tell delegates about his experienceat WordPress and how his new platformwill shake up online publishing.

Both sessions take place in SouthGallery Rooms 19-22 from 10:30.

Senior execs from Facebook and Google to speak at Travel Perspective Programme

WTMnews

WORLD TRAVEL Markethas a high profile line up ofsenior business leadersand politicians for its finalday on ThursdayNovember 7.

The WTM KnowledgeTheatre, situated on theexhibition floor at GV750,will host three back-to-back sessions starting withLondon Deputy Mayor forBusiness and EnterpriseKit Malthouse at 11:00.

Malthouse is followed at11.45 by former no-frillsairline Go Fly founder andCEO Barbara Cassani, andthe final session is anaviation panel debate titled- Airlines Adapting TheirBusiness Models.

Final day of WTM graced by senior business leaders and politicians

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THE CYPRUS Tourism Organisation (stand EM1100) will be on hand to highlight the island’s diverse offering, from food and wine to sportsand ancient history. Responsible Tourism forms a core theme for this year and representatives promoting Rural Cyprus will be available tomeet with agents to discuss new and recent developments.

ENCORE TICKETS is to re-launchMyEncore.co.uk, its password protectedtrade booking system at this year's show.

The new booking system will now addtranslation into Mandarin, Japanese andKorean languages to its already featuredten languages, enabling more non-English speaking operators to booktickets directly on the company's websiteand access either commissionable or netrates on full price and discounted theatretickets.

The system will also offer improvedusability and a range of new featuresincluding direct connectivity betweenEncore and many theatres meaningthousand more seats will be availablefor The Phantom of the Opera, WarHorse, The Lion King, Charlie and theChocolate Factory and many other keyshows.

Visitors to WTM will be offered livedemonstrations of the new website,which also offers users Flexible payment

methods (on account or using clientscredit), where Encore Tickets’ newlyappointed head of sales, Jo Bachelor,and her team will be on hand to showtrade clients how Myencore.co.uk canhelp them increase their sales of theatreand attractions in London. To make an appointment to meet one of the team [email protected] or call 020-7492 1500.For more information visit stand L310.

WTMeurope

Encore Tickets re-launches trade booking platform to offer improved usability


TURKISH HOTEL group Voyage Hotels will be announcing its latest five-star Maxx Royal brand at WTM. Maxx Royal Kemer, which will opennext year, is located on the Turkish Riviera and will be an all-suite, all-inclusive spa hotel. The hotel’s setting spans three bays and aprivate beach and it is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean. For details see stand EM955.

Frankfurt am MainA Multifaceted Metropolis

Frankfurt Tourist+Congress BoardPhone: +49 (0) 69/2123 03 98E-Mail: [email protected]

■ An extraordinary and unique skyline■ 60 museums and an awarded opera■ Regional and international gastronomy ■ Historical sightseeing attractions■ One of Europe’s largest shopping promenade ■ A vibrant nightlife■ Green parks and the river embankments■ International sport events and festivals

… and much more. That’s what Frankfurt has on offer!

www.frankfurt-tourismus.de

Visit us at the

WTM4th– 7th Nov.

ExCel London

EM 540

WTMeurope


FOLLOWING A recordnumber of UK visitors toCroatia in 2013, theCroatian National TouristBoard will be celebrating atthis year’s World TravelMarket by promotinggastro-tourism, nationalparks and new festivals.

Developments in thecountry this year included a27% increase in UK visitorsfrom January-September;Jet2 doubling its regionalflights to Pula fromGlasgow, Manchester,Newcastle and Leeds;Unknown Festival andTerraneo joining thecountry’s music line-up; theopening of the four-starCamping Krk camping siteon Krk Island; Tourdust’slaunch of a new collectionof family adventurepackages in Dubrovnik; andthe opening of the ZagrebEye Viewpoint, which offerspanoramic views of thecapital.

Tonko Rilović, UK andIreland director of the

tourist board, said: “We’vehad a fantastic summerseason but there’s stillmore to do if we’re to reachour record-breaking visitorfigure of 500,000 in 1990.The UK market is incrediblyimportant to us and tomaintain this growth we’relooking to show Britishvisitors that Croatia offersmore than just stunningcoastline. We plan topromote our historic cities,eight national parks and thepacked calendar of musicfestivals all year round.

“We will also look tostrengthen our position as atop short-haul destinationin 2014. Our joining the EUthis year means it’s eveneasier to travel to Croatiaand at less than two-and-a-half hours away from theUK, an affordable family-friendly holiday or anadrenaline-raising activebreak is actually muchcloser than you think.”For more information visitstand EM1250.

CNTO celebrates record UK visitors in 2013

RIVER CRUISE line CroisiEurope is planning a number ofitineraries on new ships for next year.

Three new barges will operate new itineraries on theCanal du Rhone-a-Sete through Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azurand the Languedoc Roussillon; the Burgundy Canals throughthe Saône-et-Loire and La Côte d’Or regions of France; TheCanal Lateral A La Marne and The Marne River through theChampagne region and Paris and The Canal Saint-Martin.

A new ten-day combination cruise will also be launchedfrom Amsterdam to Avignon along the Rhine and Rhone

rivers which will pass through Holland, Germany andFrance.

A new nine-day cruise on the Rhine from Amsterdam toBasel will meanwhile cross three countries and call at citiesincluding Aachen, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Koblenz, Mainz,Strasbourg and Breisach.

Other developments include three new Rhine itinerariesoperating out of Frankfurt, a new four-star ship with a newprogramme, plus a new all-inclusive drinks policy.For further details visit stand EM1605.

CroisiEurope launches new itineraries on three new barges for next year


THE TURKISH Culture andTourism Office hasannounced that next year itwill focus on cultural travel,including archaeology andits new UNESCO sites, artsand music, gourmet travel,fashion, design, literatureand architecture - as well

as continuing to promoteTurkey's range of Blue Flagbeaches and marinas andspa/thermal offerings.

The plan, to be put inaction from 2014, is to boosttotal arrivals from 35.7 to50million by 2023, the yearthat marks the centenary

anniversary of the foundingof the Republic of Turkey.

The TCTO has alsoannounced a new socialmedia address toaccompany a new socialmedia campaign.

By following@GoToTurkeyUK on Twitter,

users have the chance towin a trip to Istanbul andfind out about the city's newdevelopments in the lead upto the festive season andbeyond. For more information seewww.gototurkey.co.uk or visitstands EM800 and EM850.

WTMeurope


THE GERMAN NationalTourist Office hasannounced its tourismcampaigns for 2014including two major newtourism initiatives andthemes for the comingyear.

They include a new‘Royal’ holiday route andtravel website, the ‘RoyalHeritage Route’ to markthe 300th anniversary in2014 of the Hanoveriansuccession to the thronesof the UK and Ireland; andDiscover GermanyBarrierFree - a new,multi-media campaign andtravel website to promote‘Barrier Free’ (accessible)travel for the UK andIreland market.

Focused editorialthemes include a majorcultural focus for nextyear highlightingGermany’s 38 WorldHeritage Sites and a majorsustainability initiative.

In addition to the

campaigns launched bythe tourist office, WTMwill showcase a range ofmajor initiatives by UKorganisations such asHistoric Royal Palaces,The British Library andthe British Museumthroughout 2014, whichwill be in keeping with theGNTO’s ‘Royal’ theme.

Klaus Lohmann, thetourist board's director,said: “We are delightedthat Germany is currentlyenjoying so much interestfrom visitors from the UKand Ireland and, with thenew initiatives planned for2014, we are lookingforward to this continuingrise in visitor numbersthroughout next year andbeyond.” The 'Discover GermanyBarrier Free’ website canbe found atwww.germany.travel/barrierfree or for moreinformation visit standEM540.

GNTO launches new campaigns and focused marketing themes

Poland invitesagents to 'Comeand find your story' THE POLISH National TouristOffice is inviting the trade toits stand to 'Come and findyour story', a new campaignthat highlights thedestination's culture throughunique photographic scenes.

Agents are also beinginvited to attend a networkingparty on Tuesday November5 from 17:00-20:00 on thePoland Stand EM450. RSVP [email protected]

THE VIEW from The Shard (UKI209) will be undertaking a series ofactivities during WTM with highlights including opportunities tojoin the team at the stand for a special tasting of their ownbranded Champagne at 17:00 on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th andmeeting representatives to learn more about the attraction anddiscuss potential partnership opportunities.

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New vision for Tenerife showcased to tradeTHE TENERIFE Tourism Corporation (stand EM1450) ishosting a special evening event for the trade on MondayNovember 4 to present a new vision for the destination.

The new focus will be based on nature, presenting thenew five volcanic territories and stargazing, and the eventwill feature a special video showcasing the island’s skies.

The event takes place at 18:45 at the Millbank MediaCentre in central London and attendees will also have thechance to meet Carlos Alonso, the newly-appointedpresident of the Council of Tenerife. Transfers will beprovided from ExCeL for those attending WTM. For more information email [email protected] or call 0845-498 9980.

Stargazing in Tenerife


THE NETHERLANDS Board ofTourism is presenting a new stand atthis year's event which showcasesfour core areas that represent thestory of Holland; the healthy countrylife; the varied coast; the inspiringmeeting; and the creative city.

A highlight for next year will be thelaunch of the Liberation RouteEurope, an internationalremembrance trail of more than3,000km which will be launched on D-

Day. The tour will follow the path ofthe Allies through Europe from 1944-1945, with the exhibition focusing onthe Dutch part of the route whichalready exists as a trail.

Other highlights for next yearinclude the re-opening of TheMauritshuis Gallery in The Hague; theintroduction of Select Voyages' newfive-star MS William Shakespeare;and the Georges Seurat exhibition atthe Kröller-Müller Museum.

Meanwhile, the recently re-openedNoordbrabants Museum, with originalart and heritage of Vincent van Goghand Hieronimus Bosch, will becelebrating both of these artists withfestivals and events throughout2015/16.

The tourism board will be hosting aHappy Hour event on Tuesday withsome surprise guests paying a visit.For further information go to standEM300.

Netherlands Board of Tourism showcases four core areas on new stand

WTMeurope


MARKETING GREECE S.A is a new non-profit organisationpromoting the Greek travel industry in co-operation with publicand private institutions, with the overall aim of strengthening theGreek economy. The company will be on stand EM1000 to discussits aims and future plans.

InBrief● WTM VISITORS will be able to discover TAP Portugal’s extensive

connections from the UK to Brazil, including new routes, in the leadup to the FIFA World Cup 2013, as well as the airline’s ManchesterAirport campaign surrounding the increased flight offering toLisbon, recently increased to ten flights per week. The airline will alsobe promoting the new wines now available on its network on standEM900 on November 5 from 16:00-18:00.

For details see www.flytap.com ● VISITBLACKPOOL IS joining forces with Mamma Mia! at WTM to

promote the destination and the popular musical which is coming tothe resort for a ten-week run next summer. The tourist board willalso be launching its 2014 Destination Guide at the event.

See stand UK1500. ● TOURISM FLANDERS will be highlighting up and coming exhibitions

in the destination, as well as information about the opening of theFin De Siècle Museum in Brussels, due to open on December 6.Joining the newly designed stand are new carrier and transportpartners including P&O Ferries, Eurostar International and SNCBEurope, BMI Regional, Brussels Airlines and Eurotunnel Le Shuttle.Tourist offices and attractions from the region will also be sharingthe stand - at EM1200.

● LITHUANIA WILL be exhibiting at stand EM570 and Dr. RaimondaBalniene, the director of the Lithuania State Department of Tourism,will be available to discuss the latest developments. Visitors to thestand have the chance to win a £25 voucher plus a unique prize in abusiness card draw.

● BESPOKE HOTELS is teaming up with VisitScotland at WTM toshowcase its latest properties at stand UK1500.

● The Azores Islands Promotion Agency has announced that Ben Foglewill attend WTM on November 5 to discuss the Azores and his role asdestination ambassador.

Visit stand EM9000. ● AGENTS VISITING Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London stand (L205) will

be eligible for 50% off entry to the attraction from November 4-7. Theattraction is open seven days a week from 10:00 until midnight, withlast admission at 22:30.

For details see www.ripleyslondon.com● THE VISIT Benidorm Tourist Board (stand EM1300) will be promoting

a new brochure for the resort, as well as the emerging market forhealth tourism, the regional gastronomy of the resort and thediversity of its sport and leisure offerings.

The World’s Best River Cruises

EUROPE | RUSSIA | CHINA | VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

Now all inclusive on every 2014 European itinerary*

Exclusive door-to-door holiday transfers

NEW 2014 BROCHURE OUT NOW!

£20 LOVE2SHOP VOUCHER FOR EVERY BOOKING†

T’s & C’s apply. *Excludes Russia. †See website for full details

Uniworld are on the Germany stand EM540 at WTM 2013

Call 0800 988 5166 for an appointment slot or visit us at the stand

TB Uniworld 291013.indd 1 29/10/2013 16:52

WTMeurope



FLORIDA KEYS & Key Westis highlighting newexperiences for visitorsincluding historic walkingtours, where pedestrianscan stroll with Keys authorand historian Brad Bertelliduring his Historic UpperKeys Walking Tours insmall-group explorations ofthe region’s importantlocales and bygone days.

As an example, anHistoric DowntownTavernier Tour spotlightsneighbourhoods developedby pineapple farmers andworkers on Henry Flagler’sFlorida Keys Over-Sea

Railroad. During the hour-long strolls, Bertelli sharesstories about people andincidents that shaped thedowntown Taverniercommunity. Prices lead in at$16 per person.

A 40-minute IslamoradaHurricane Tour provides aninsight into the island’shistory, its monumentdedicated to the 1935 LaborDay Hurricane, a storm thatshaped the lives of thecommunity, and buildingsthat still stand today. Priceslead in at $10 and the tour isalso available at night oncemonthly through December.

For details seehttp://historicupperkeyswalkingtours.com

Meanwhile, kids andgrownups alike can buildintricate, eye-catchingsandcastles on the beach inKey West and craft sandsculptures of all kindsthanks to a newpartnership. Casa Marina, aWaldorf Astoria Resort onthe Atlantic Ocean, andSand-Isle ProfessionalSand Sculpting haveteamed up to offer two-and-a-half-hour beachsideworkshops for people of allages eager to play in the

sand. Up to six guests canenjoy the master class andparticipants create theirown sand sculpture fromscratch during theworkshop, which must bebooked in advance throughthe Casa Marina’sconcierge(www.casamarinaresort.com) or throughwww.sandisle.com/lessons.Prices are $49 for adultsand $42 for children agedsix-11 years, with aminimum of two peoplerequired per workshop.For more information visitstand NA300.

THE FALKLAND Islands Tourist Board (FITB) is launching anew accommodation accreditation programme at this year’sexhibition amidst plans to boost tourism to the remotearchipelago and ensure that the visitor experience measuresup to expectation.

The programme is currently being introduced across theislands for the start of the new season, with a one- to five-stargrading system in line with European standards. The resultingaccreditation comes after a rigorous assessment of allaccommodation by the tourist board, and will be posted on theFITB website to enable visitors planning their trip to book andbuy with confidence. Phase two will be rolled out next year toinclude restaurants and food outlets.

Other initiatives underway to help drive sales to theFalklands include plans for a new agent incentive programmeand negotiations with IATA to change the airport code to onemore readily identifiable with the islands’ capital, Stanley.

Managing director of the FITB, Tony Mason, said: "This yearis a significant one for us at WTM. Last year was the best year

for tourism to the Falkland Islands since records began and wewant to keep building on this momentum. Whilst our coremarkets remain wildlife and niche tourism, I plan to meet withas many partners as possible to find out how we can help thembetter sell the Falklands. By introducing a quality accreditationsystem and lobbying bodies such as IATA we can encourageeven more visitors to discover what an amazing place this partof the world is.”

The FITB will also be introducing a refreshed look and feel toits branding at this year’s event, along with new mascot,Stanley the penguin. Visitors to the stand will be able to havetheir photo taken with Stanley against a Falklands backdrop to‘share’ with friends, family and colleagues on Facebook.

Representatives will also be on hand to discuss the Islands’digital drive across social media channels including Facebook,Pinterest and Google+ and the roll out of an e-version of theVisitor Guide. Visitors can also find out about the refurbishedJetty Visitor Centre and new cruise itineraries for 2013/14. For more information visit stand LA320.

Florida Keys & Key West highlight historic walking tours to attract new visitors


TRAVEL AGENTS can win a Jeep driving experience and practisedriving on the Colorado stand at this year’s World Travel Marketas part of the state’s campaign to promote outdoor adventure.The competition is designed to encourage awareness of Coloradoas a year-round destination amongst the travel trade and increaseproduct knowledge of the wide variety of activities and attractionsavailable. These include outdoor activities such as white waterrafting, hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, golf and horse-riding. Colorado will also be promoting its training programmesand fam trips, where a strong trade programme is planned overthe next six months with the focus on selling spring, summer andautumn 2014. For details visit stand NA230L.

WTMamericas

New initiatives from the Falkland Islands Tourist Board help drive visitor numbers

S05 TB0111 Americas_Layout 1 30/10/2013 12:48 Page 26


VISIT ORLANDO has launched a new autumn campaign thattargets UK adults without children. For the first time, thetourist office has invested in new television adverts to launchthe campaign, which also encompasses trade and PR activity.The six-week campaign is designed to drive growth in footfalland sales for tour operators and travel agents from the hard-to-reach, travel-savvy Generations X and Y, who have thedisposable income and flexibility to take advantage of thespoils available to off-peak season travellers.

Research by the tourist office has shown that young adultcouples or friendship groups, without children, have busyworking lifestyles and seek a holiday that provides fun andescapism from their everyday lives. In their 20s and 30s, thisgroup is not restricted by school holidays, yet remains highlymotivated by price promotions, making them a valuableaudience for off-peak travel.

Danielle Courtenay, chief marketing officer for VisitOrlando, said: “Many adults assume that they should wait untilthey have children to visit Orlando, but the reality is that ourdestination truly offers everything young couples desire in aholiday at this stage of their lives.

“It’s the ideal break from the daily routine, where thesecouples can escape and experience everything from thrill ridesat our world famous theme parks to relaxing poolsidecocktails, delicious meals and vibrant nightlife.”

A new consumer website, VisitOrlando.com/escape, willhighlight information about activities and deals appealingespecially to adults without children. For more information visit stand NA300.

Philadelphia's Mayor leads consortium oftravel partners to promote destinationAS PART of Mayor Michael A. Nutter’s November trademission to London, the Philadelphia Convention & VisitorsBureau (PHLCVB), Philadelphia International Airport and keypartners will promote Philadelphia as a global traveldestination for conventions and leisure travel at this year'sWTM.

Mayor Nutter will lead a consortium of area travel partners,including PHLCVB President & CEO Jack Ferguson, on thetradeshow floor at WTM. The delegation will also host an eventwith airline executives about new potential flights, which willprovide a vehicle to drive additional business and leisuretravellers to Philadelphia in the coming years.

Mayor Nutter said: “I want to thank the PHLCVB and allthose who are supporting this effort and working every day topromote Philadelphia on the global stage. Through theserelationships, we will attract new international travellers,students, investment and trade opportunities for Philadelphiabusinesses, and create new jobs for Philadelphians."

To further promote the destination, the PHLCVB haspartnered with Brand USA to wrap 11 London taxicabs that willbe on the streets this month. Philadelphia messaging andimages will appear on the exteriors of the cabs as well as onthe interior headrests and taxi receipts.

Meanwhile, the PHLCVB is launching a contest on Facebook(www.facebook.com/discoverPHL) and Twitter (@discoverPHL)for people in London to spot the cabs, share a photo, and beentered to win a VIP trip to Philadelphia. For more information visit www.discoverphl.com or visit standNA230F.

TRAVEL ALBERTA, which is exhibiting at stand NA100, hasannounced the opening of the Glacier Skywalk in May nextyear, which offers a new observation platform in JasperNational Park with views from 918ft high across the park.

The glass-bottomed platform and interpretative walk willteach guests about the glaciology, wildlife and flora and faunaof Jasper National Park. For details seewww.glacierskywalk.ca

Meanwhile, with the long ski season looming, the ski hills ofAlberta are preparing for another bumper season with theexcellent conditions, quality and quantity of snow enjoyed overthe last few years expected to continue.

News from the ski hills includes a new ski yoga packagefrom Sunshine Village in Banff which combines yoga on themountain, skiing and a specifically designed menu. Seewww.skibig3.com

Also new is a revamp of the historic Cliff House at MountNorquay in Banff (see www.skibig3.com) and 50th anniversarycelebrations at Marmot Basin, Jasper in 2014, which isdeveloping its best experiences available for skiers within theNational Park. For details visit www.skimarmot.comFor more information see www.travelalberta.co.uk or visitstand NA100.

WTMamericas

TRAVEL AGENTS can visit the Choose Chicago WTM stand (NA230j)to discuss the city’s plans for IPW in 2014, as well the increase invisitor figures and boost in new hotel openings. These include theGodfrey Hotel Chicago which is set to open in February next year.The hotel will be located adjacent to the Hotel Felix in Chicago’sRiver North neighbourhood and will feature 189 rooms, 39 suites, a24-hour fitness centre and a 10,000sq.ft rooftop bar and lounge.

Visit Orlando expands reach with newcampaign targeting adults without children

Travel Alberta welcomes Glacier Skywalk in Jasper National Park

New shopping outlet & hoteldevelopments for Illinois DISCOVER ILLINOIS has announced that the Outlets atSpringfield are scheduled to open in spring next year, offeringmore than 80 outlet stores across 340,000sq.ft.

Other new developments include a Virgin Hotel in Chicago,the opening of Soho House Hotel in Chicago in spring 2014 anda third hotel in Chicago from InterContinental Hotels &Resorts.

Loews Hotels & Resorts has also announced plans to opena Chicago property in 2015.

The hotel will feature 400 guest rooms, including 36 suites;a signature restaurant; and more than 25,000sq.ft of meetingspace, outdoor terraces, a spa/fitness centre and an outdoorrooftop with a pool. For details visit stand NA230J-2 or see www.discoverillinois.org


Saint Lucia Tourist Board announces newinitiatives and developments

TOUR OPERATORS and travel agents visiting the Saint Luciastand (CA200) will be updated on the island’s newestdevelopments and programmes including the first triathlon,the Small Six Safari Challenge, plus a range of traininginitiatives.

The tourist board has also announced that Thomas Cookwill launch a new weekly direct flight from November 10 on aspecially configured Airbus A330 - 200 aircraft, leavingManchester on Sundays at 12:00. The midday departure allowstravellers to benefit from a range of connections from regionalairports across the UK and Europe including Scandinavia andGermany.

Meanwhile, next year will see the relaunch ofwww.saintluciaexpert.com for agents with additional face-to-face training, more video content and increased incentives andrewards given to those who log bookings. The first ten agentswho register before WTM will be invited to a special rum andchocolate tasting on the stand.

Jean-Marc Flambert, the tourist board's director ofmarketing UK and Europe, said: "Saint Lucia has seen figuresfrom the UK rise year-on-year in terms of revenue to theisland. As the second largest contributor to the island’stourism economy, the UK is an increasingly important focusfor the Saint Lucia Tourist Board. WTM is an opportunity for usto meet new tour operators and agents to build on therelationship with existing partners and thank them for theirvaluable support.

“This year we’d like to engage with new specialist operators,particularly those operators specialising in nature and sportsas Saint Lucia becomes the host of the Youth CommonwealthGames in 2017. Saint Lucia offers the widest variety ofactivities of any island in the eastern Caribbean, everythingfrom adventure hikes to zip wiring, a drive-in volcano, naturetrails and climbing the stunning Piton mountains."

The tourist board will also be hosting a series of fam tripsnext year. To register your interest see www.saintluciaexpert.com


Come get a taste of all Louisiana has to offer, from our unique cuisine to our vibrant music scene. Because there’s no better place to hear live music than where it all began.

Phone Number: 0208 460 7082Brochure Request Line: 0800 652 8251

[email protected]

Come visit us at stand number NA230G-3 within the Brand USA Pavilion

©2013 Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism

WTMamericas

InBrief● VISITORS TO the Barbados Tourism Authority stand (CA203) will be

presented with information on Barbados Island Inclusive ‘freespending money’ initiative. Guests can also sample cuisine from thetourist authority's Bajan pop-up restaurant – highlighting classicdishes as well as rum recipes.

For details see www.visitbarbados.org● THE DOMINICAN Republic (stand CA305) has announced that Air

Europa is to commence weekly flights to La Romana from Gatwickfrom December 16. The service will be on an Airbus A330-200 and isavailable with connection via Madrid, in time for the Christmas peakseason. British Airways will also boost services from Gatwick toPunta Cana with the introduction of a third service this winter.Meanwhile, Thomson and First Choice have confirmed they will adddirect Dreamliner flights from Glasgow to Punta Cana for nextsummer.

● VISITORS TO Alaska can now navigate their way around with a newMilepost Tour Guide App which offers interactive maps as well asdetails on upcoming attractions and sites along the way, acting as apersonal tour guide.

For details visit stand NA230G.


New campaign from LVCVA puts focus on detox theme THE LAS Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is to launch a new campaign in 2014playing on the detox retox theme. The city is renowned for being a retox destination but thenew campaign aims to highlight the alternative detox element which the city has to offer.

The campaign will showcase spas, wellness centres, healthy eating and an active side incontrast to the more familiar retox restaurants, bars and day/nightclubs.

Meanwhile, the LVCVA has announced that a range of new resorts, restaurants and showsare scheduled to open in Las Vegas at the end of 2013 and into 2014.

The Vegas Strip will be welcoming two luxury hotel brands in early 2014 with TheGansevoort Las Vegas and the SLS Las Vegas. The Imperial Palace is being transformed intoThe Quad, offering 2,640 rooms and the world’s largest classic car showroom - The AutoCollections, while the all-suite hotel The Delano will be opening at Mandalay Bay.

Vegas’ skyline is also set to change with the opening of The LINQ - a £343million retail,dining and entertainment district – which includes the world’s tallest observation wheel, theHigh Roller. For details visit stand NA150 and www.visitlasvegas.co.uk

ATLANTIC CANADA, exhibiting at stand NA100, hasannounced that 2014 will see the return of Canada'slongest running musical for its 50th season, Anne of GreenGables - The Musical, a classic tale told with modern sets,staging and choreography.

Next year, Prince Edward Island (where Anne of GreenGables is set) will celebrate an important chapter in history,as it marks the 150th anniversary of the 1864 CharlottetownConference - where the idea of Canada, as a nation, wasproposed.

The island will be hosting a year-long tribute to the

beginning of a great nation and is encouraging visitors tojoin in the festivities. Part of downtown Charlottetown willbe turned into a celebration zone where visitors can followthe steps of the Fathers of Confederation and experiencedaily concerts, food tasting, kids’ games and rides andhistorical presentations.

Each province and territory in Canada also has theopportunity to showcase their local food, culture andhistory.For more information see www.pei2014.ca andwww.confederationcentre.com

Atlantic Canada announces 50th anniversary of destination's longest running musical

WTMamericas

Utah offersbusiness carddraw prizeTHE UTAH Office ofTourism will run a freedraw of business cardsentered by the travelindustry over the fourdays of the show,offering £100 worth ofM&S vouchers to fivewinners drawn randomlyat the end of the show.Visit stand NA230 to takepart.


SANDALS RESORTS International (SRI), parent company ofSandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pineapple BeachResorts, has announced that it will open the former CouplesResort in St Lawrence as a Sandals Resort as well asmanaging a new Beaches Resort, set to be built on the site ofthe former Almond Beach Resort in St Peter.

The former Couples property will open as Sandals Barbadoson November 6 and will honour all existing commitments withguests who had booked to stay at the Couples Resort.

The company's chairman, Gordon Stewart, said: “We aredelighted to announce the opening of, not one, but two of ourfirst ever resorts in this wonderful country of Barbados.Barbados and its people are so rich in culture, charm andpersonality and has been one of the leaders in Caribbeantourism for decades. In the former Couples Resort, I stronglybelieve that we have acquired one of the most beautifulproperties in the entire island and we cannot wait to bring thefull Luxury Included experience here."

Upon opening, the resort will offer a selection of 280 luxuryaccommodation that ranges from beachfront suites to roomssituated in the resort’s tropical garden.

Meanwhile, the company is to open a new resort, SandalsLaSource Grenada, next month and has expanded BeachesTurks & Caicos by adding a new Key West Village which offersmore than 150 suites and villas, three gourmet restaurantsand private pools. For more information visit stands CA200, CA340 and CA101.

Sandals Resorts announces plans for doubledebut in Barbados


WTMamericas

InBrief● TRUE BLUE Bay Boutique Resort in Grenada (stand CA101) will

host its inaugural Chocolate Week from May 18-25, 2014. It willinclude tastings, making truffles and making chocolates usingmoulds. Visitors will also be able to learn more about the historyof chocolate and visit the Belmont Cocoa Plantation to see howcocoa is processed.

● TRINIDAD AND Tobago is featuring a giant interactive screen on itsstand for visitors to use. Set against stunning island imagery,visitors can capture themselves enjoying a beautiful private beach,taking in the tropical lush rainforest or even diving the island’scolourful reefs. Agents can take part in groups and images can beprinted on-stand and taken away as a memento. Meanwhile, theteam is launching a new agent initiative, ‘Just Add Four’, which aimsto reward those agents that make regular bookings and toincentivise and educate agents on what the islands have to offer.Agents that make four or more bookings by March 2014 areguaranteed a place on the first Tobago mega fam which takes placein June next year. The tourist board will also be offering two agentsthe chance to join the fam via a business card drop on stand.

Visit stand CA240. ● HALF MOON, a RockResort, is celebrating its 60th anniversary in

2014 and will mark the year with special events and offersincluding a three-night, all-inclusive package with spatreatments for US$1,954, the opening up of two of the WestCottages as luxury suite retreats for up to 14 people, plus a newonline agent training programme.

For details see stand CA340. ● THE ANTIGUA and Barbuda Tourism Authority will be exhibiting

at stand CA220. The Honourable John Maginley Minister ofTourism, Civil Aviation & Culture, Antigua & Barbuda will beavailable to discuss the latest developments on the island.Joining him on the stand will be Sir Vivian Richards as Antigua’sTourism Ambassador. Sir Vivian Richards will be available to talkabout England travelling to the West Indies for a whistle stoplimited-overs tour, including three one-day internationals in aweek in Antigua on February 28, and March 2 and 5.

VISIT ST. Pete/Clearwater (VSPC) has announced that filming forDolphin Tale 2 is currently taking place at the Clearwater MarineAquarium, and is due for release in September 2014. The originalcast from Dolphin Tale is returning, including Winter the Dolphin,Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr, Ashley Judd and KrisKristofferson. The tourist board has also announced that VirginAtlantic will be offering 30,000 extra return seats to Orlando fromManchester next summer in response to increased demand. For details see www.visitstpeteclearwater.com or visit stand NA300.



IN 2014 Abu Dhabi Tourism & CultureAuthority’s (TCA Abu Dhabi) main message willbe that Abu Dhabi is an affordable luxurydestination – which is evident in the quality ofAbu Dhabi’s hotels and resorts as well as thestandards of service.

At this year’s WTM, the authority will beunveiling packages for the Abu Dhabi VolvoOcean Race stopover in December2014/January 2015, when the UAE capital willcome alive with all things nautical. Visitors toAbu Dhabi over the 2014/15 Christmas/NewYear festive season can look forward to awaterfront destination village offeringentertainment and sailing races.

In addition, TCA Abu Dhabi will be looking toleverage, with the trade, packaging around itsportfolio of major events which launches eachJanuary with the Abu Dhabi HSBC GolfChampionship and takes in a gourmet festival,heritage shows, an international triathlon andaerobatics show, as well as the Abu DhabiFestival of music, theatre and dance and theannual Art Abu Dhabi fair.

Part of the authority's stand at this year'sWTM will be dedicated to Yas Island - home tosome of the UAE’s most popular attractions,racing events, concerts and luxury hotels. YasIsland, Abu Dhabi’s entertainment destination,will promote the latest expansion of its YasMarina area, which includes new retail andfood and beverage and will be a waterfrontleisure component in its own right. It will also

be promoting Yas Mall – which will be AbuDhabi’s biggest shopping complex when itopens in the first quarter of next year.

Meanwhile, visitors to the stand will havethe opportunity to have their photo taken in theYas Island interactive photo booth which willtransform expressions as if people were going240km/h in under five seconds on FormulaRossa – the world’s fastest roller-coaster atFerrari World Abu Dhabi – or as they explorethe legend of the lost pearl at Yas Waterworld.

Visitors can also join in social mediacompetitions for the chance to win a grandprize to be unveiled on the show’s final day.Those who put their business cards in the slotson the stand can win a range of prizesincluding a weekend getaway on Yas Island,Etihad Airways' Economy tickets for two to AbuDhabi, sunset cruises along Yas Marina andCaptain Tony’s and premium passes to YasWaterworld and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or around of golf at Yas Links.For details visit stand ME300.

Yas Island promotion from Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

WTMmiddleeast

AT THIS year’s WTM, Dubai will bediscussing its 2020 vision on standME200.

The vision is to double the amountof visitors to 20million per year andtriple the economic contributiongenerated from tourism. To achievethis objective, the destination plans toattract more visitors to stay in Dubaifor longer and spend more whilst theyare there, and a key element toachieving that goal is the Dubai 2014

events calendar, where Dubai aims tobe one of the world's leading keyevents destinations.

Another new announcement for thedestination is the bid to host DubaiEXPO 2020. For the bid, the UAE hasselected the theme 'Connecting Minds,Creating the Future'.

Meanwhile, agents who visit thestand and take along their completedDubai expert certificate will be enteredinto a draw to win a Dubai goodie bag.

One agent will also have the chance towin a place on a 2014 fam trip.

This year's stand will also feature atraditional Falconer where visitors canget up close to a trained bird of prey.

Guests to the stand can also haveintricate henna body artwork done bythe on-stand henna artist, plus learnabout the traditional way of writingfrom a calligrapher. For more information on Dubai visitwww.definitelydubai.com

Dubai Tourism outlines plans for 2020 vision to double visitor numbers

IGTO updates visitors on airline

developmentsREPRESENTATIVES FROMthe Israel Government ofTourism will be available onstand EM650 to discussmarketing plans for nextyear as well as currentcampaigns for the Jewish,Christian and generalconsumer markets.

The team will alsodiscuss productdevelopments and give anairline update following thesigning of the Open Skiesagreement earlier this year,whereby Israel’s cabinetapproved the signing of theagreement with theEuropean Union which hadbeen initiated in 2012.

The deal allows more EUflights, ultimately loweringthe prices of flights to andfrom the country withweekly frequencies addedfrom this year onwards fromVienna, Paris, Frankfurt,Athens, Rome, Madrid,London, Milano, Berlin,Barcelona and Munich.

Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Aerial view of Yas Island

S06 TB0111 Middle East_Layout 1 30/10/2013 12:36 Page 31


Jordan TouristBoard promotesculinary toursTHE JORDAN TouristBoard's focus for 2014 ison food and promotingculinary tours to thecountry.

At this year's show, thetourist board will beunveiling its new website atwww.visitjordan.com/food,and actress, CelebrityMasterchef winner andchef, Nadia Sawalha, willbe on the stand on Mondayfrom midday-13:00 to givea Jordanian cookerydemonstration and toprovide insight into herlove of Jordan.For details visit standME150.

WTMmiddleeastTHE QATAR Tourism Authority will be highlighting the destination’s tourism development strategy atWTM, particularly leading up to hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022. This will include Qatar as anunusual winter sun destination and as a stop-over option. Visitors to the stand will also have thechance to win pearl earrings, tickets to the V&A and QMA Pearls Exhibition and a holiday to Qatar. For details www.qatartourism.gov.qa or see stand ME100.

Oman celebratestenth anniversary of

London office THIS YEAR the Ministry ofTourism of Oman willcelebrate the tenthanniversary of its UK &Ireland office and HisExcellency the Minister ofTourism, Ahmed bin Nasserbin Hamad al Mehrzi, will beattending WTM for the firsttime.

The Ministry is proposingto boost businessdevelopment in key marketsand accelerate Omani skillsdevelopment, and hasannounced a number ofrecent developments. Theseinclude news that Oman Airis launching double dailyflights to the UK; the recentlaunch of Qatar Airways'flights to Salalah; a new 400-room Rotana Hotel, which isscheduled to open in Salalahat the end of the year; andthe opening of a newConvention Centre in 2016.

Visitors to the standduring World Travel Marketwill be treated to a selectionof goodies including Omanicoffee and dates.For details visit standME500.

THE SHARJAH Commerce & Tourism Development Authority will be announcing detailsof Sir Bu Nair Island at this year's show, a new development on the Arabian Gulf Islandthat will offer a mix of high-end luxury and comfort.

Set to be completed in 2015, the island will host a five-star hotel and resort, hotelapartments and villas, a camping village, shops, a souk, dedicated family areas, anamphitheatre, museum, education centre, harbour and an airport.

Other announcements include a new Chedi hotel, Al Jabal Resort, The ChediKhorfakkah, which is set to open in 2015; the opening of the five-star Al Bait Hotel inSharjah, set to open in early 2015; and promoting the fact that Sharjah has been namedCapital of Islamic Culture for 2014.

Throughout this year's show, the authority will be running a competition on its standfor travel agents to win a place on a Sharjah fam trip.

To enter, agents have to answer three questions about the destination. The fam willtake place in February 2014 and will coincide with the opening ceremony of the SharjahLight Festival.For more information visit stand ME400.

Win a place on a fam to Sharjah in February 2014

Sir Bu Nair Island


THE SAMOA TourismAuthority, exhibiting onstand AS265, will behighlighting itssustainable/eco products,in particular its wealth oflocally ownedaccommodation options,including the traditionaland unique beach fales.

The tourism authoritywill also be promoting itsluxury offerings with theopening of several high-end resorts on the SouthCoast of the destination'smain island of Upolu.

Meanwhile, it hasannounced that any travelagent booking a holidayto Samoa beforeDecember 31 will beentered into a prize drawto win a five-night stay inSamoa, including flightsfrom Australia or NewZealand. To enter, emailconfirmation of thebooking [email protected]

MTPA develops new strategic tourism direction DURING THIS year's WTM, the Mauritius TourismPromotion Authority (MTPA) will be promoting thelaunch of Emirates' A380 from Dubai to Mauritius.

The tourism authority is also developing a newstrategic direction for next year which plays on theisland’s active and wellbeing product, with the aim ofattracting visitors during the low and shoulder winterseason, which is traditionally a better value time to visit.

Many hoteliers are also backing the MTPA’s new focuswith their own individual initiatives. As examples, StRegis has launched its own kite-surfing school, LUX isproviding a comprehensive sports calendar and, at One&Only Le Saint Géran, water-skichampion Francis Koot is now a resident coach.For more information visit stand AS240 or see www.tourism-mauritius.mu

Agent incentivefrom SamoaTourism Authority

Quad biking in Mauritius


WTMasiapacific

ONYX HOSPITALITY Group has announced the opening of OZO Wesley Hong Kong, the first propertyunder its OZO brand. Further OZO development plans will be revealed at WTM, including the openingsof OZO Colombo (Sri Lanka), OZO Samui, Thailand, both in late 2013; and OZO Pattaya in early 2014.The company will also be announcing its expansion into Malaysia. For details visit stand AS300.

TOURISM NEW Zealand and key inbound operator partners will join forces at this year’s show to promote a focus on growing the premiumand special interest sectors. Visitors to the stand will be able to find out more about walking and cycling opportunities in New Zealand,identified as key special interest areas for UK visitors. These include the completion of Nga Haerenga next year, a Government backedproject to create a world-class network of cycle trails. The team will also be highlighting to agents the opportunities to attract high-endtravellers looking to enjoy world-class lodges, food and wine and culture. For details visit stand AS355 or see www.newzealand.com/travel/trade

S07 TB0111 Asia Pacific_Layout 1 30/10/2013 12:28 Page 34

Win a trip to adestination ofchoice in JapanJAPAN WILL becelebrating new transportdevelopments at WTMincluding the 50thanniversary of its speedybullet trains in 2014, thelaunch of its first luxurysleeper train, Seven Starsin Kyushu, which launchedlast month, plus a newlow-cost carrier, VanillaAir, which will commenceoperations from nextmonth.

Meanwhile, the touristboard is giving visitors toits stand (AS575) thechance to win a trip fortwo including flights withAir France KLM. Thewinner can choose to visitTokyo, Fukuoka or Osaka.To enter, drop a businesscard in the entry box at thestand.

Southern Ocean Lodge, SouthAustralia and Leeuwin EstateWinery, Margaret River,Western Australia

Macau Grand Prix promo from MGTO THIS YEAR'S WTM takes place just before the 60th anniversary of the Macau Grand Prix and theMacau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) will be highlighting the event to visitors at its stand.

The tourist office will also be promoting four new walking trails, which have been designed tohelp visitors discover local areas of Macau away from the main tourist sites, and visitors to thestand will be able to view the tourist board's new website www.macautourism.gov.mo, whichwas recently unveiled. For more information see stand AS735.

WTMasiapacific

IN RESPONSE to a global consumer researchproject carried out for Tourism Australia byBDA Marketing, the tourist office will increaseits focus on marketing Australia's food andwine experiences to potential holidaymakers.

The new approach stems from researchacross 15 of Australia’s key tourism marketsthat shows great food, wine and local cuisine isnow a major factor in holiday decision making,

ranking third ahead of world class beauty andnatural environments.

According to the research, only 26% ofpeople associate Australia with a good foodand wine offering but for those that havevisited, Australia is ranked second for its foodand wine experiences after culinary giantFrance and ahead of Italy. For details see stand AS350.

Tourism Australia promotes new Food & Wine strategy


AIR ASTANA Holidays, a division ofKazakhstan’s flag carrier, Air Astana,has launched a new Astana & AlmatyStopover Holiday programme designedto attract increased numbers ofinternational visitors to Kazakhstan, aswell as more transit passengersbreaking their journeys in Astana andAlmaty, before flying on to other AirAstana destinations.

The programme provides visitorswith hotel accommodation includingbreakfast at a choice of hotels, arrivaland departure transfers by private carand optional half-day sightseeing tours

in the two cities. It launches with threeparticipating properties in Astana: theKing Hotel Astana, Grand Park EsilHotel and Ramada Plaza Astana Hotel;and five properties in Almaty - theRixos Almaty Hotel, the Rahat Palace,the Royal Tulip, the Grand Tien-Shanand the Iris Hotel. The programme hasbeen designed so that visitors canbuild on a basic package of one nightand add additional nights dependingon the intended length of stay.

Prices start from US$125 perperson for the first night and $75 foradditional nights, based on two

sharing. City tours in Almaty andAstana cost $85 per adult and $45 perchild.

In association with destinationmarketing company, My Destination,visitors using the stopover programmewill also be entitled to use a range ofprivileges at leading food and beverageoutlets in Astana and Almaty. Visitorswill also receive a free local Active SIMcard under the Welcome-15 Plan,already charged with 15 freeinternational SMS credits.For details see www.airastana.com orvisit stand AS750.


WTMasiapacific

THE TAIWAN Tourism Bureau will be focused on promotingcycling tours to the country this year, as well as the launch of its

new Bike2Taiwan website. The tourist office will also be givingaway two holidays to the country at the annual Happy Hour, which

takes place on Tuesday from 16:00. See stand AS450 or visit www.bike2taiwan.net/EN

InBrief● VIETNAM AIRLINES is teaming up with the Vietnam National

Administration of Tourism to exhibit at WTM, this time with anexpanded Vietnam stand (AS470). The stand will showcase arange of hotels, resorts, DMCs and tour companies and visitorswill be able to sample ‘Bia Saigon’ beer.

● THAI AIRWAYS International (THAI) will be exhibiting at standAS335 and will be highlighting its service and innovations, as wellas its expansive route network as it celebrates the 40thanniversary of its operation from the UK. At 16:00 on bothNovember 5 and 6, there will be a prize draw on the stand to wintwo Economy tickets to Bangkok.

● THE PHILIPPINES Department of Tourism has announced that itsPavillion at this year's show will house a larger contingent of touroperators, properties, PAL and local government units fromdestinations around the country. The tourist board hasannounced the return of Philippine Airlines (PAL) to Europe aftermore than a decade of absence. The inaugural flight is set to landat Heathrow on November 4.

For details see stand AS600. ● MALAYSIA AIRLINES is supporting Tourism Malaysia as a lead

partner to boost UK tourist numbers to Malaysia. Key tradecampaigns will include collaborations with tour operators toprovide competitive fares on inclusive holiday packages, fam tripsfor operators and travel agents and partnership on marketing andevents. Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia will be organising aMalaysia evening on November 6 at Proxy for the travel trade.Both the airline and tourist board will be exhibiting at standAS500.

● REPRESENTATIVES FROM the Tourism Council of Bhutan will be atstand IN410 to discuss its recent aviation news that allows visitorsmore choice when flying to the country.

●DECCAN DREAMS, a main tour operator in Karnataka, is launchinga new product, Organic Farm Tourism, which will be promoted bythe operator's director of planning and marketing, Mr S.Emmanuel Devapriya, at this year's show. The new programmefocuses on rural tourism showcasing rural life, art, culture andheritage and agriculture for an enriching tourism experiencewhich aims to support local communities and preserve thebiodiversity of the region.

For details email [email protected] or visit stand IN130.

Air Astana Holidays launches Kazakhstan stopover holiday programme


THE TRAVEL Tech Show at WTM has signed a year-roundpartnership with Amadeus, which sees the global distributionsystem and leading travel technology supplier host theevent’s VIP lounge.

As well as the Amadeus VIP Lounge at WTM, the partnershipincludes The Amadeus & WTM Awards. The Awards will coverten categories, rewarding tourist boards for their best andmost innovative product offerings. For example, awardscategories include Blow the Budget - Once in a Lifetime LuxuryHoliday and Most Authentic Travel Experiences BenefitingCommunities and Conservation. The winners will beannounced in the Travel Tech Theatre on Wednesday November6 at 16:45 and will be followed by a Champagne reception.

A vlogger (video blogger) will then experience the winningtrips and produce vlogs (video blogs) to help promote thedestinations and the winning experiences.

The Amadeus VIP Lounge at WTM (TT160) will be thecentre-piece of The Travel Tech Show at WTM available forthe industry’s VIPs and senior executives.

Throughout the year, The Travel Tech Show at WTM andAmadeus will host four round table discussions on traveltechnology-related subject, with a White Paper produced foreach event.

Amadeus' managing director, Diane Bouzebiba, said: "It isvital that all stakeholders evolve to provide a superior servicefor 21st century travellers. This means adapting to a morecustomer-centric approach that reduces stress - from theinitial travel search right through to in-journey informationservices. Amadeus is committed to helping all stakeholderssucceed in travel.

“Our continuous investment in smarter technology enablestravel consultants to search and match the travel options mostsuited to their customer’s unique needs, which is why we aredelighted to be partnering with The Travel Tech Show at WTM."

Digital Trip offers free demonstrationsof new content management systemDIGITAL TRIP, which isexhibiting at stand TT345, willbe demonstrating its userfriendly Content ManagementSystem ‘eVolve V3’, that givesusers complete control oftheir website.

The company operates in30 countries worldwide andprovides clients' online travelbusiness with the latesttechnology, drawing on itsknowledge of the travelindustry.

The company's managingdirector, Andy Speight, said:"We continue to develop andevolve our systems, ensuring our clients are always one stepahead of their competitors.

"Our mission is simple, to be the very best travel technologypartner for our customers and their businesses. To worktogether to give you the best possible digital solution that notonly improves your bottom line, but sets you apart from yourcompetition and generates solid return on your investment.

"We created our packaged travel websites to save you timeand money without compromising on quality. We’re proudthat our websites are so beautiful visually that they willattract and captivate your customer, then wow them with themarket-leading technology it encompasses.

“WTM 2012 was a huge success for Digital Trip, and we areexcited to be returning this year with new technology that wecan’t wait to share with everyone.” For more information see the company's latest brochure atwww.digital-trip.co.uk/read-new-dt-brochure/

The Travel Tech Show partners with Amadeus

Andy Speight


WTMglobalvillage

AFFORDABLE CAR Hire saysthat it will be reaffirming itscommitment to the UK traveltrade and developing newglobal partnerships when itexhibits at next week's event.

As part of its ongoingpledge to invest in thebusiness for the benefit of itscustomers, the company willbe using its stand to talkagents through its new andimproved website, whichmakes it easier to comparecar hire prices and findpolicy details.

The company's CEO,Angela Day, said: "WTMprovides an ideal platform to

develop our growing networkof GSA partnerships acrossthe globe, as well ashighlight how we aresupporting the UK traveltrade through on-goinginvestment, innovation andmarketing support."

In recent months thecompany has strengthenedits worldwide representationthrough new partnerships inRussia, South Africa,Ukraine, Ireland and Turkey,and it is now looking tocapitalise on salesopportunities in othercountries including Germanyand the US.

Day said: “We have inplace a long-term plan ofgrowth and investmentwhich is designed to reaffirmour commitment to the UKtravel agency sector, whilstunder-pinning global growthopportunities.

“With GSAs and affiliatescoming to WTM from acrossthe world to find ways ofstrengthening theirbusinesses, we believe wecan offer some innovativesolutions, including whitelabel options, for the car hiremarket.”

As part of its ninthbirthday celebrations, the

company will be holding aninvitation-only, beach-themed party at its stand onMonday and Wednesday(from 16:00), where guestscan enjoy cocktails, Calypsomusic, birthday cake andother fun activities hosted bythe distinctive team ofAngela’s Angels.

The company is alsorunning a raffle in aid of thetrade charity Just a DropTravel, where visitors willhave the chance to win ahost of prizes. For more information seewww.affordablecarhire.comor visit stand GV255.

Innovation and global investment drive from Affordable Car Hire

S08 TB0111 GV & Technology_Layout 1 30/10/2013 12:24 Page 37


MOBILE TRAVEL expert TravelSim has teamed up withfellow Estonian-based company Skype making it free forSkype users to call all TravelSim mobile users. This firstof its kind agreement means families can stay in touchfor free with football fans in Brazil for the World Cup nextsummer.

TravelSim offers an easy to use prepaid call backservice, designed to greatly reduce the cost of using amobile phone (up to 85%) when travelling overseas, andcan be used in 190 countries.

Outgoing calls in Brazil will cost €0.75/min, while anoutgoing text is €0.35/min and incoming texts are free.

Skype is a freemium voice-over-IP and instantmessaging service with 44% of its developmentworkforce in Estonia, where it originates.

To receive a TravelSim card, visit www.travelsim.comand sign-up. When the card is received, users insert itinto an unlocked phone and follow the instructions to getgoing. TravelSim is exhibiting at stand TT330.

HOTELOGIX HAS announced that itwill be exhibiting at WTM for thesecond consecutive year (standTT148) and will be demonstratinghow the usage of next generationand cost-effective cloud basedtechnology can help hotels realisemaximum return of investment ontheir business within a short spaceof time.

Since last year's show, thecompany has enabled several hotelsevolve their business operations andproductivity to the next level throughinduction of extreme automation,transparency and technologyenablement.

The company's co-founder and CEO,Aditya Sanghi, said: "Hotelogix is gainingmomentum globally and we see

opportunities of scaling up in each of thecountries we are present in, as well asother countries. At WTM 2013, we wouldlike to forge effective partnerships withcompanies who would like to grow withHotelogix, by leveraging their regionalnetwork with the small and mid-sizedhospitality businesses.”For more information visitwww.hotelogix.com

Hotelogix demonstrates cost-effective cloud based technology

EXHIBITING FOR the firsttime at WTM, theSteigenberger Hotel Groupwill be showcasing itsestablished hotels andresorts portfolio, includingthree of its flagship GrandHotel properties.

They includeSteigenberger FrankfurterHof, which has this yearcompleted an extensiverefurbishment andconversion programme;Steigenberger Parkhotel,Dusseldorf; andSteigenberger Grandhotel,Brussels.

The group will also beusing the show to announcenew hotel openings inGermany, Egypt and China,including the HotelMaximilian, Beijing, which isscheduled to open at the endof this year, and theSteigenberger Hotel AmKanzleramt in Berlin, whichis scheduled to open in thesecond quarter of 2014. Thetwo hotels join a portfolio of

14 new properties openingtheir doors between Januarythis year and December 2016.

The group's CEO, PuneetChhatwal, said: “We are in aphase of enormous growthwith great new additions inEuropean gateway locationsas well as China. It is theright time to share thetransition of a great Germanhotel company into a global

hotel group with two excitingbrands comprising circa 100hotels across Europe, Asiaand Africa.

"World Travel Marketprovides us with a fantasticplatform to showcase someof our properties that are thebest in class, share ourambitious growth plans andleverage our commitment toexcellence coupled with

warm-hearted service ethos.”Meanwhile, the company

has announced that from thebeginning of next year, it willbe providing guests in allSteigenberger andInterCityHotels with free andunlimited Internet access intheir rooms and in the lobbyareas. For more information visitstand GV530.

Steigenberger Hotel Group showcases flagship Grand Hotel properties

Steigenberger Grandhotel, Brussels

Free calls to World Cup in Brazil next summer from TravelSim & Skype

WTMtechnology


0844 357 7973 or +44 1202 702 [email protected] | www.digital-trip.co.uk

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TRAVEL AGENTS can take part in anon-stand competition where thosewho take the Tourico Holidays' quizwill have the chance to win a luxurytravel kit including an iPad, JawboneJambox and Jawbone up.

The operator will also beavailable to discuss its globalexpansion plans and how travelagents and tour operators willbenefit. Plans include a newdecentralised sales team which willgrow by 50% into 2014, plus moreproduct options that will beglobally developed in five coreareas of vacation homes. For details visit stand GV110.

Win an iPad with Tourico HolidaysCHIC OUTLET Shopping, a collection of nine luxury outletshopping villages across Europe, is celebrating its tenthanniversary of promoting shopping tourism with a birthdayparty on its stand (GV330) on Monday November 4.

Each of the nine Villages is located within reach of the mostimportant gateway cities of Europe: London; Milan; Munich;Dublin; Barcelona; Madrid; Paris; Brussels, Antwerp andCologne; and Frankfurt.

To register to attend the party (which takes place from 15:30-17:30) email [email protected]

As a new member of PATA, the company will also be holdinga networking event at its stand on Wednesday November 6.

Benefits to partner operators and agents include net rateson the Shopping Express luxury coach service, ShoppingPackages (and other tourism products including a chauffeurservice and personal stylists), lunch/drink voucher for tourleaders and coach drivers, additional savings throughout theboutiques for staff and clients, plus digital and media exposure.

Chic Outlet marks tenth anniversary

Tourico is launching THCollection at WTM, amagazine-style brochurefeaturing top products intop destinations.

HOTELS AND conferencing centres across the globe can nowreceive the latest point of sale technology with Guestline’snext generation EPoS system.

It offers a range of new features from complete integrationwith PMS, optimisation on all handheld and mobile devices,detailed reporting and analysis of stock and billinginformation through to enhanced security and managementoperations.

The company offers revenue generating softwaretechnology, enabling hotel groups and independents of allsizes to achieve maximum occupancy at the most profitablerate. The cloud-based property management software iscurrently growing revenues in businesses in ten countriesacross four continents, with new offices opening as itcontinues to expand internationally.For more information visit stand TT370.

Guestline launches next generation EPoS system with range of new features


THE NAMIBIA TourismBoard has announced that ithas renamed the CapriviStrip as the Zambezi Region.

The region was formerlylinked to the country’scolonial past and was

named after Count Leo vonCaprivi, chancellor offormer colonial masterGermany from 1890 to 1894.Now under its new name,written in a local language,the area gives further

recognition to its ownpeople. The 450km (280-mile) area is popular for itstropical rivers and wildlifeand the tourist board haslaunched a new UKcampaign to promote the

area, with a view to makingmore consumers and tradeaware of its year-roundgame and birdingopportunities. For details visit standAF101.

EL GOUNA is launching its#ReasonsToVisitElGounaTwitter competition duringWTM, and is invitingagents to participate. Toenter, agents should visitthe stand at AF435 andhave their picture taken,before uploading it toTwitter, for the chance towin a free week in ElGouna. Contestants willalso need to tweet theirmost creative reason tovisit the destination andthree winners will bechosen randomly.

The last day to post onTwitter is November 15and winners will beannounced on November18. The prize is a seven-night stay at one of ElGouna’s marina hotels fortwo people in a doubleroom on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Rotana sponsors WTM registration for fifth yearROTANA IS to sponsor registration for the fifth consecutiveyear at this year's show, as part of its ongoing strategy topromote the brand to the global travel and tourism industry.

The hotel group is particularly looking to promote itsEgyptian properties and its upcoming opening in Salalah,Oman.

Azmi Sami, general manager of the Grand Rotana Resort& Spa, Sharm el Sheikh said: "We are working very hard tobring Sharm el Sheikh back to its glory days as a leadingtourist destination within the region. The UK is one of our prime markets and we are placing alot of emphasis on developing this market further and this is why we will be exhibiting amongsta large number of international and high profile companies.”For more information see or visit stand GV400.

Win a week's trip to El Gounafor two

Grand Rotana Resort & Spa

Namibia Tourism Board renames Caprivi Strip as the Zambezi Region


WTMafrica

SET ACROSS pristine islands, El Gouna is Orascom Development’s flagship town on the Red Sea. The resort is due to open a newWatersports Complex in December and a five-star, luxury apartment hotel as part of the new Ancient Sands Golf Resort in April 2014. Thehotel complex will offer 261 apartments in total, with 114 apartments opening with the hotel in April. The group manages two Red Searesorts in Egypt - El Gouna and Taba Heights and will be exhibiting at stand AF435.

Trade invitation from Tourism KwaZulu-NatalTOURISM KWAZULU-NATAL (TKZN) will be exhibiting on South African Tourism's standAF300, and is inviting the trade to join them on Wednesday at 16:30 to sample local cuisine,while meeting the team.

TKZN MEC for Economic Development & Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu, will also be onhand to meet the trade, answer questions and give updates on the latest destinationdevelopments and news.

The tourist office has also announced that it is sponsoring the annual SATOA Networkingevent, which takes place on November 5, held at Elite Dining, an Indian themed restaurantat ExCel West. Prior to a KZN-inspired dinner and networking, the evening will start with aquestion and answer session featuring a panel of tourism visionaries at 18:00. Entry is free,but strictly by guest list only. Places are limited, so agents are urged to book tickets on theSATOA website.For details see www.satoa.com/events

S09 TB0111 Africa_Layout 1 30/10/2013 12:31 Page 40

experience the difference

Where you candine out, meet new friends and have a wild time...

+44 (0)207 647 1018 [email protected] botswanatourism.org.uk


REPRESENTATIVES FROM South African Tourism (SAT) willbe on hand (stand AF300) to answer questions on whatdesign-led initiatives visitors will be able to enjoy in CapeTown next year. The tourist office is also running a Twittercompetition during WTM where Tweeters will be asked tosend in photographs that capture South Africa as a centre ofart and design. The competition will be judged by NickCompton, Wallpaper’s editorial director, on the final day ofWTM, and the winner will receive a piece from award-winning ceramic designer Andile Dyalvane from Cape Town’sIMISO Ceramics.

Meanwhile, the Ubuntu Awards, which recognise new andinnovative ways of promoting South Africa as a compellingdestination to a consumer audience, return for next year inan updated form, influenced by feedback from the trade.

The awards recognise trade partners that sell SouthAfrica in the following categories: The Most Creative JMA(Gold Award, Silver Award and Bronze Award), Best

Newcomer and Lifetime Achievement Award. The judging ofthe above categories will be done by Janine Hutton, chiefmarketing officer of South African Tourism and two travelwriters. The judging criteria is based on (1) Creativity andinnovation that makes South Africa stand out as adestination; (2) The quality of execution of the marketingcampaigns; (3) Success in the way all marketing elementsare employed to deliver a 360° campaign (including socialmedia); (4) Engagement with the trade; (5) Return oninvestment; and (6) Consumer interest generated. Theawards ceremony will take place on the Monday evening ofWTM.

SAT has also announced that following the use of thepopular hashtag #MeetSouthAfrica at Indaba 2013, it will beusing this hashtag, along with the official World DesignCapital hashtag #WDC2014, to connect with trade partnersand visitors at this year’s WTM. For details see @gotosouthafrica and @SATravelTrade.

THE EASTERN Cape in South Africastretches from the snow-cappedpeaks of the southern Drakensberg tothe forests of Tsitsikamma. It is thesecond largest of South Africa’sprovinces and offers a wealth ofwildlife and adventure sports and800km of untouched coastline.

Tourists can explore malaria-freeBig Seven game reserves (the EasternCape is the only place to feature theBig Five plus the great white sharkand southern right whale), ski Africa’sonly slopes or visit the Wild Coast,birthplace of Nelson Mandela andhome to the Nelson Mandela Museum.

At this year's show, the destinationwill be highlighting its new Home ofLegends brand, which celebrates thelives incredible people who are fromthe area, including Nelson Mandela,Steve Biko and Chris Hani. For more information visit stand AF300or see www.visiteasterncape.co.za

South African Tourism announces range of new developments for 2014


WTMafrica

THE KENYA Tourism Board will be showcasing the best of Kenya on stand AF450 and islooking forward to celebrating 2014 as Kenya’s 50th year of independence. Travel tradeare invited to the stand on November 4 and November 6 to join the team for atraditional Dawa cocktail. For details see www.magicalkenya.com

Eastern Cape unveils Home of Legends brand to celebrate local luminaries


THE TUNISIAN National Tourist Office, exhibiting at standAF650, will be promoting the destination's diverse tourismoffering, including 3,000 years of culture, luxurythalassotherapy centres and unique accommodation, such asthe boutique Dars and desert retreats.

This year, a number of developments have taken placeincluding the launch of Tunisair daily flights from Heathrowto Tunis-Carthage, new Radisson Blu and Thalasso hotels in

Hammamet and a new Movenpick property in Djerba, plusthe launch of weekly routes from Thomson and First Choiceto Enfidha from Exeter, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford andNorwich airport.

The tourist office's aims for next year are to attract moreUK visitors, particularly from Scotland and Ireland, byworking closely with UK trade partners and introducingadditional regional roadshows, fam trips and workshops.

Dar HI Design Hotelin Nefta, Tunisia

0800 008 7288www.classic-collection.co.uk

AFFORDABLE LUXURY HOLIDAYS PRIVATE TOURS & TWIN CENTRES

MoroccoMagical

WTMafricaTNTO boosts agent training for 2014 with new fam trips and roadshows


Entrants test their destination knowledge via multiple choicequestions taken from visitabudhabi.ae. The competition is run on theipad located at the front reception desk. Every entrant automaticallyenrolls to receive the online destination newsletter. All correctentrants are entered into a raffle on the last day of WTM for thegrand prize of a 7 night stay in Abu Dhabi with spa and dinnervouchers included.

Prize details:

● Two Return business class Etihad Airways tickets** from Londonto Abu Dhabi

● Airport-hotel and hotel-hotel transfers● A complimentary suite package for 7 nights stay for two in HILTON

CAPITAL GRAND ABU DHABI● Breakfast at Oceana Grill for two – All Day Dining Restaurant● 1 Spa Treatment each for his & hers – Treatment of your choice● Dinner for Two at ORO – Italian Restaurant

Abu Dhabi Falconry Photo Competition

Visit the Abu Dhabi cultural zone and take your photo holding aTravel Bulletin with the falcon and falconer. Post your photosthrough Instagram or Twitter and mention @visitabudhabi and#abudhabi.The 50 best photos will be uploaded to Travel Bulletin’s websiteand shared via Twitter. The best photo will win two stand tickets tothe MCFC vs Tottenham premiership football match on 24November.

Al Ain Zoo Challenge

Beat the clock in an educational time trial race to find 9 matchingpairs of animals on the free-standing touch screen. Thecompetition should prove a roaring success!

Yas Island Photo Booth Competition

A multi-layered competition for you to have a photo taken amongstYas Island offerings, share your photo through the social mediachannels and take home your photo in a branded Yas Island cover.A slide show of photos taken at the booth will be displayed on thescreen at reception throughout the show. All entrants will beautomatically entered into the daily raffle draw to win one of thedaily grand prizes.Competition runs Mon-Wednesday. Winner to be announced at1700hrs.

Yas Island Travel Pass Social Media Competition

Create your personal holiday itinerary on Yas Island. Invite 3friends and gain the most likes. The Grand Prize will be announcedon Thursday at 1600hrs and posted on social media channels.

Abu Dhabi Knowledge Competition

WIN FABULOUS PRIZES AT

WTM EVERY DAY!

Visit Abu Dhabi ME300 to WINholidays and many more prizes!


Your special at-a-glance

guide to whichexhibitors are

where at ExCelnext week

Who’s where?

S10 TB0111 WTM_Layout 1 30/10/2013 12:22 Page 45


Floorplan sponsored by

Floor



rplan Floorplan sponsored by



AFRICA & NORTH AFRICA

Alpha Travel (UK) LTD AF350Amazing Excursions Ltd AF172Anstar Travel and Tours AF442Atta The African Travel &

Tourism Association AF248Blue Sky Group AF405Bluebay Hotels Zanzibar AF374Board of Tourism of São Tomé e Príncipe AF565Botswana Tourism Organisation AF200Classic Safari Camps Of Africa AF436East Africa Tourism Network AF376Echo Beach Hotel Ltd AF180Eclipse Hotels Group AF184Egyptian Tourist Authority AF500Ethiopian Wildlife Lodges AF150FAST TRACK TRAVEL AND TOUR AF170Flash Tour AF502Foxes Safari Camps AF358His-Cul Tour and Travel Agency AF178Hotels and Lodges (Tanzania) Ltd. AF366Kamili AF235Kenya Tourism Board AF450Leopard Tours AF250Libyan Ministry of Tourism AF660Malawi Ministry of Tourism AF140Ministry of Culture and Tourism AF145Moivaro Lodges and Tented Camps AF360Moroccan National Tourist Office AF600Namibia Tourism Board AF301Neptune Hotels AF372Nigerian Tourism Development

Corporation AF560Orascom Development AF435Pearlsun Hotels & Resorts AF370Rab Consult Limited AF174Regional Tourism Organisation of

Southern Africa (RETOSA) AF444Rovos Rail Tours AF402Rwanda Development Board AF230Safpol Safaris AF182Savoy Group AF439Serena Hotels AF369Sierra Leone National Tourist Board AF380Sopa Lodges AF254South African Tourism AF300South Sinai Group AF501Spring Tours Egypt AF401Swaziland Tourism Authority AF400Tanganyika Wilderness Camps Ltd. AF357Tanzania Tourist Board AF270The Gambia Tourism Board AF345The Travel Foundation AF101Travco Group AF550

Tunisian National Tourist Office AF650UGANDA TOURISM BOARD AF335Uroa Bay Beach Resort AF176Wilderness Safaris AF430Zanzibar Collection AF252

ASIA / PACIFIC & INDIAN OCEAN

AAitken Spence Hotels AS200Andhra Pradesh State Tourism IN385Asia Aventura AS385Asia Expeditions Travel and Tours Co., Ltd AS744Asia King Travel AS393Asian Luxury Villas AS601Asian Trails Ltd AS303Bangladesh Tourism Board IN429Bestway Tours & Safaris Pvt Ltd IN282Bhutan Etho Metho Tours & Treks Pvt Ltd IN101Bodoland Tourism IN270BRYS HOTELS PVT. LTD. IN232Buffalo Tours AS584Caper Travel Company Pvt. Ltd. IN256Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group IN425Century Cruises AS825CGH EARTH IN220Chariot Beach Resorts Mahabalipuram IN279China National Tourist Office AS700China Nimbus Travel AS830China Vision Holidays AS800Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts AS120Club Bali Resorts Indonesia AS592Constance Hotels & Resorts AS320Cox & Kings Limited IN240Creative Travel IN250Destination Asia AS304Dragon Delight International Tours Ltd. AS602Easia Travel AS392Eurasia Erlebnisreisen Helmut Mochel AS743Exotissimo Travel Group AS321Far Horizon Tours Pvt Ltd IN105Fiji (Tourism Fiji) AS255Focus Asia AS384Focus Travel AS382Footsteps Worldwide AS338Garuda Indonesia AS760GOA TOURISM IN180Guizhou Lucky Roll Expo AS850Hong Kong Tourism Board AS740ICS Travel Group AS589India Tourism IN350,IN300Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd. IN201Jammu & Kashmir Tourism IN190Japan National Tourism Organization AS575Kerala Tourism IN100Kesari Tours Pvt Ltd IN280Korea Tourism Organisation AS550

Le Passage to India Tours &Travels Pvt. Ltd IN245

Lernidee Trains & Cruises AS101Luxury Travel Ltd AS587Macau Government Tourist Office AS735Madagascar National Tourism Board AS348Maharashtra Tourism Development

Corporation Ltd. IN185MAhout (UK) Ltd IN255Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board AS500Maldives Marketing &

Public Relations Corporation AS201Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority AS240Mercury Travels Ltd IN151Mongolian Tourism Association AS460Myanmar Tourism Federation,

Marketing Committee AS640Nepal Tourism Board AS150Norbu Bhutan Travel Pvt Ltd IN415Odisha Tourism IN420ONYX Hospitality Group AS300Orange County Hotels & Resorts Ltd IN142Pacific Asia Travel Association AS280Pandaw River Expeditions AS380Philippines Department Of Tourism AS600Phoenix Voyages Group AS387Rajasthan Tourism IN140Rajasthan, Palaces & Tigers IN202Rama Naci Tours AS590Reunion Island Tourism Board AS342Rivages du Monde - Mekong Waterways AS391Royal Brunei Airlines AS270Sanyog Gupta Voyages IN234Seychelles Tourism Board AS140Silk Road Destinations AS790SITA IN200Sitara International Ltd AS855Somatheeram Ayurveda Group IN210South Pacific Tourism

Organisation (SPTO) AS265Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau AS100SriLankan Airlines AS135Taiwan Tourism Bureau AS450Tang Dynasty Travel AS810Thai Airways International AS335The Chateau Spa & Organic

Wellness Resort AS603The Imperial IN301The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa IN281The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts IN400The Ministry of Tourism and

Creative Economy of Republic Indonesia AS650The Park Hotels, India IN230Threeland Travel AS480Tour East AS501

WTMexhibitorslistings

Exhibitorsby region



Tourism Australia AS350Tourism Authority of Thailand AS400Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd ,

Gujarat State IN145Tourism Council of Bhutan IN410Tourism Industry Committee of MINT RK AS750Tourism New Zealand AS355Trail Blazer Tours India Pvt. Ltd.- TBi IN152Travel All Mongolia & High Asia Tours AS465Travel Corporation India Ltd IN215Travel Inn (India) Pvt. Ltd. IN278Travel World Experiences IN150Travelite (India) IN102Tuan Linh Travel AS485Vasco Travel IN214Victoria Cruises AS701Victoria Hotels & Resorts AS386VIDOTOUR Co., Ltd AS580Vietnam Airlines AS470West Bengal Tourism IN380Wuzhen Tourism Co., Ltd AS840Yatra Exotic Routes IN235Yeti World AS375

THE AMERICAS & CARIBBEAN

Aerovías del Continente Americano S.A AVIANCA LA340

Air Europa CA370AlliedTPro NA165AMResorts CA350Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CA220Argentina - National Institute

for Tourism Promotion LA300Aruba Tourism Authority CA250ASTA NA101Barbados Tourism Authority CA203Bermuda Department of Tourism CA310Brand USA Pavilion NA230Brazilian Tourism Board - Embratur LA200Canadian Tourism Commission NA100Canouan Island CA201Caribbean Tourism Organisation CA265Central America Tourism Agency (CATA) LA250Chile LA600Colombia LA550Condor Travel LA501Costa Rica Tourist Board LA350Cruise America & Canada RV Rentals Inc NA183Cuba Direct CA152Cuba Select Travel CA205Cuba Tourist Office CA140Deputy Ministry of Tourism Bolivia LA330Discover New England NA350Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism CA305Ecuador Tourism Board LA380Falkland Islands Tourist Board LA320Go NY Tours Inc NA201Gray Line New York Sightseeing NA107Grenada Board of Tourism CA101Group Promotions Ltd CA320Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board CA265AGuyana Tourism Authority CA300Havanatour UK Ltd CA145Hilton Worldwide - Caribbean & Latam CA380Jamaica Tourist Board CA340Las Vegas Convention and

Visitors Authority NA150LATAM Airlines Group LA620Latincoming LA660Liberty Helicopters NA207Mark International NA391Marysol Travel Cuba CA150Metropolitan Touring Ecuador,

Colombia, Peru, Chile & Argentina LA601Mexico Tourism Board LA400Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board CA260NYC & Company NA200Oceanwide Expeditions (Netherlands) LA595PROMPERÚ LA500Puerto Rico Tourism Company CA360Resort Marketing International CA230Saint Lucia Tourist Board CA200Tangol LA303The Epic American West Tour NA196The Islands of The Bahamas CA155The Wigmore Media Group (Belize) CA257Travalco USA, Inc NA197Trinidad and Tobago Tourism

Development Company (TDC) CA240United NA160URUGUAY MINISTRY OF TOURISM

AND SPORT LA310Visit California NA140VISIT FLORIDA NA300

EUROPE

Aqua Vista Hotels EM1001Acampora Hotels & Travel EM1801Adriatica.net d.o.o. EM1260,TT572Aeroflot Russian Airlines EM169Agjencia Kombetare e Turizmit - Albanian

National Tourism Agency EM1160ANDALUCIA EM1500Andorra Turisme, S.A.U. EM1655Animod EM525Anthemus Sea Beach Hotel & Spa EM1110Arasta Mimari Tasarim A.S. EM770Armenian National Tourism Organization EM345Asla Travel Group EM507ATAHOTELS Spa EM1774Austrian National Tourist Office EM400Avi Travel Agency EM1778Avra Tours SA EM1135Azerbaijan, Ministry of Culture

and Tourism EM960Balkan Holidays Ltd (London) EM735Belarus National Tourism Agency EM260Beleon Tours Ltd EM957Belgian Tourist Board

Brussels-Wallonia EM1245Bettoja Hotels EM1803Blue Lagoon Group/Kipriotis Hotels EM1003Bournemouth University EM1203Breaking Bread Journeys EM575Bulgaria, Ministry of Economy & Energy EM700Canary Islands EM1400CATALONIA, CATALAN TOURIST BOARD EM1640

Catania & Comiso Airports EM1787C-hotels Italy EM1805CICAR - Canary Islands Car EM1403Croatian National Tourist Board EM1250Croisieurope EM1605

Cyprotels Hotels & Resorts EM1115Cyprus Tourism Organisation EM1100Czech Tourist Authority - CzechTourism EM550De Luxe Travel EM1772Destination Ltd EM509Destination Management Turkey EM775Destination Of Bozcaada EM779Diana Travel EM805ECE Travel LTD EM203ELITE TRAVEL EM1170Emeco Travel EM1895Feenstra Rhine Line EM520Fortuna Tours DMC, Bosnia

and Herzegovina EM1140Four Seasons Hotel EM1102France EM1700Gartour by HTS Srl EM1925Generator Hostels EM1762Georgian National Tourism

Administration EM1180German National Tourist Office EM540Giglio Travel EM1915GOEUGO Limited EM1680Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Ltd EM265Gran Canaria Tourist Board EM1440GRAN HOTEL BAHIA DEL

DUQUE RESORT EM1401Greek National Tourism

Organisation EM1050,EM1000H10 Hotels EM1570Hospitality Line Ltd EM203,UKI309Hungarian Tourism Ltd. EM350Iberostar Hotels & Resorts EM1460Ibiza & Formentera Tourist Boards EM1645Incoming Italia EM1683International Air Transport

Association - IATA EM377Israel Government Tourist Office EM650Italcamel Travel Agency s.r.l EM1900Italia Connection EM1784Italian National Tourist

Board (ENIT) EM1850,EM1800,EM1780ITALICA TURISMO SPA EM1809JPM Guides EM201Karavan EM165Lake Maggiore and surrounding

mountains EM1920Larus Viaggi EM1935Latvian Tourism Development Agency EM560Lithuanian State Department of Tourism

under the Ministry of Economy EM570LOPESAN HOTEL GROUP EM1550LORO PARQUE EM1455Louis Hotels, The EM1130Luxembourg National Tourist Office EM1230MALAGA CITY TOURISM

BOARD & CONVENTION BUREAU EM1648Malta Tourism Authority EM1150Maxx Royal Hotels & Voyage Hotels EM955Mazovia Development Agency Plc EM455Meeting Point International EM742Meliá Hotels International EM1641MGM Muthu Hotels and Resorts EM1575Moscow Exhibition and

Convention Agency EM240N&B S.r.l. EM1782National Tourism Organisation of Serbia EM340




NBTC, Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions EM300

Network 4 Sports Travel EM1201North Cyprus Tourism Centre Ltd EM750Operation Europe Travel EM207Out Now Business Class - LGBT Village EM1555Palladium Hotel Group EM1305PALOMA HOTELS EM745PENINSULA TOURS EM703Pirates of the Aegean EM959Polish Tourist Organisation EM450Portugal EM900Pubbliangie Group s.r.l. EM1760Pugliapromozione EM1643REGION OF MURCIA EM1475Representation of the Government

of Ivanovo Region in Moscow EM170Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik EM1175Rodos Tourism Promotion Organisation EM950ROMANIAN NATIONAL

AUTHORITY FOR TOURISM EM640Rome And Italy EM1770Room and Resort International Ltd EM1682RSI Group EM1785Russian Federation EM250Saint-Petersburg Express, JSC EM163Sarl Volga Voyages EM1136Scenic Travel Service EM1932Simpleview EM1125SIREMAR-COMPAGNIA DELLE ISOLE EM1789Slovak Tourist Board EM440Spirit Slovenia, Public Agency/

Slovenian Tourist Board EM500Sun Tour Travel Company EM375SUR in English EM1603Swiss Quality Hotels Int'l EM601Switzerland Tourism EM600Tapuz Enterprises Ltd EM1120Tenerife Tourism Corporation EM1450THE HOTEL MARKETING

COMPANY CYPRUS LTD EM1101Toscana Promozione EM1660Travel Europe EM401TTG Media EM1670TURESPAÑA EM1300,EM1350Turkish Culture & Tourism Office EM850,EM800UKRAINE EM160Ulusoy Travel Center EM801UNWTO EM1594Vatican Museums EM1940Via Hansa Tours EM701Visit Finland - Finnish Tourist Board EM140dVisit Flanders - Belgium EM1200Visit Iceland EM140bVisit Norway / Innovation Norway EM140aVISITBRUSSELS EM1240VisitSweden EM140cVodohod Russian River Cruises EM370Wyndham Istanbul Petek Hotel EM778Zacchera Hotels EM1910Zela Aviation EM1202

GLOBAL VILLAGE

Abreu Online GV460ABTA - The Travel Association GV680Adonis.Com GV205Affordable Car Hire GV255

Airfasttickets GV430Albatravel GV100Ascott (The Ascott Limited) GV401Avis Budget Group GV560Budget Rent a Car GV550CarTrawler GV465CBI GV515Chic Outlet Shopping® GV330Coming2 Destination Management S.A. GV577DANUBIUS HOTELS GROUP GV545Destsetters Gay & Lesbian GV280DK & Rough Guides Content Solutions GV480EbreezTravel GV555Enterprise Holdings GV340eRevMax GV140ETOA GV300Excursiopedia GV291Fore Representations & Travels Pvt Ltd GV104Fox Transfer GV573Global Discovery / Adventure Now GV600Global Passenger Network GV548Go Global Travel GV450Gray Line GV120Groundline Enterprises Ltd GV297GRUPO TRANSHOTEL GV565GTA GV200Hotelbeds & Activities GV440HotelsPro Metglobal GV420Hyatt Hotels & Resorts GV520IATI GV245Innstant Group GV115JacTravel GV230Jin Jiang International Hotel

Management Co. Ltd. GV635Jumbo Tours Group GV375K+K Hotels GV630Laico Hotels & Resorts GV470Liberty International Tourism Group GV549LWH Hotels GV575MEDITRAVEL BV GV360Miki Travel Ltd GV500Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Plc GV650Olympia Europe GV525OmegaHotels.net - Global Wholesaler GV535On The Avenue Marketing GV557OTI Holding GV240Planet Hollywood GV201Pool Safe Inc. GV625Room 54 GV665Rotana GV400S.C. Travel Associates S.R.L. GV299Sakkara Group International GV610SEH: INTER-HOTEL, RELAIS DU SILENCE,

QUALYS-HOTEL, PTIT DEJ-HOTEL GV640Sixt rent a car GV455Special Tours Wholesalers GV445Sports Events 365 Ltd GV675Steigenberger Hotels AG GV530Supranational Hotels Ltd GV501Taj Group GV320The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group GV235Totalstay Group GV265Tourico Holidays GV110Travco LLP GV410Travel To Marketing GV620Travellanda Ltd GV510TripAdvisor GV250

Warwick International Hotels GV540Welcomebeds.com GV627Worldcome, destination specialists GV130Your Holiday Booking GV103YTL Hotels GV655

MIDDLE EAST

ABU DHABI TOURISM &

CULTURE AUTHORITY ME300

AITO Iran Tours - Azadi Intl Tourism Organization ME104

Arg-e Jadid Travel Company (ATC) ME201Check-Inn TV ME290Cyrus Sahra Co. ME102Department of Tourism &

Commerce Marketing, Dubai ME200Emirates ME250Etihad Airways ME350Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities

Authority, Government of Fujairah ME501IRAQ / AL-RAFIDAIN COMPANY

FOR TRAVEL AND TOURISM ME270Iraqi Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities ME470Jordan Tourism Board ME150KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN,

Ministry of Culture, Tourism Sector ME550LEBANON Ministry of Tourism ME140Marcopolo Iran Touring Co. ME303Oman Air ME540Oman Ministry of Tourism & Industry ME500PASARGAD HOTELS GROUP ME700Pasargad Tours ME301Qatar Tourism Authority ME100Raihana Universal for Travel & Tourism ME280RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ME450Sharjah Commerce & Tourism

Development Authority ME400State of Palestine ME285Uruk Tourism Investment ME740Yemen Tourism Promotion Board ME440

THE TRAVEL TECH SHOW AT WTM

11-Infotech System Co Ltd TT12015below TT591Accord Group Ltd TT388Accubook Ltd TT368Amadeus (UK) Ltd TT160AROBS Transilvania Software TT293Bluespark TT483BusyRooms TT100Cancelon TT347Cardola Ltd TT386ChannelRUSH TT589Chetu, Inc. TT254Cloud9 Mobile Communications Ltd. TT571CodeGen Ltd TT300Comtec Group Ltd TT260Control F1 TT491Crossexpert LLP TT488Cultuzz Digital Media GmbH TT101dcs plus TT318Digital Trip - The Travel

Technology Experts TT345DirectVision TT220Dolphin Dynamics TT131EbreezTech TT349



We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:If you could retire tomorrow

what would you do?Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] bored as I'd miss Travel Bulletin!

Editor: Lauretta [email protected] permitting, I'd try my hand at property development

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected]

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] a lie-in and become contributing editor of TravelBulletin. Oh, deja-vu

Sales Director: Simon [email protected]'d spend more time on activities (swimming, bikes etc.)with the kids each day and fit in a round or two of golfand try to learn a new skill each month!

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] the family on a ranch holiday to the States

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected] cracking on the extensive project list in my "IDEAS" file

Account Manager: Bill [email protected] and live by the coast and play golf

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected] have a lie-in as I wouldn't have to get up

Sales Executive: Matt [email protected] to the family sugar plantation in Jamaica!

Senior Designer: Genaro [email protected]

Assistant Designer: Nicky [email protected]

Production: Nick Salt [email protected]

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant [email protected]

Crossword:Across: 1. JURYS INN, 6. MAPLE, 8. STENA, 9. SWEDEN,10. CORK, 12. OLGA, 14. VENETO, 17. DALES, 18. LILLE, 19. SOMERSET.Down: 1. JAMES CORDEN, 2. RUPEE, 3. NESS, 4. BLACKFOREST, 5. RENO, 7. EYED, 11. SEAL, 13. GULF, 15. ELLIS,16. OSLO.

Highlighted Word: BOSTON

Travagrams: (top) Sandals (bottom) Cavalieri Hotel

Where Am I?: Athens

puzzlesolutions


Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd - University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London,SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange LimitedSubscriptions are £105 p.a. £155 overseasISSN: 0956-2419

WTMexhibitorslistingseMerchantPay Ltd TT452Feefo TT372FLATSWIRE TT584Flip.to TT487Gate7 Reservation Systems TT140Gateway NV TT355Global Innovations International FZ LLC TT365GP software.travel TT450Great Guide TT250GroupLeader.com TT481Guestcentric Systems TT580Guestline Ltd TT370Haymillian Ltd TT489HotelAdvisor.net TT485Hotelogix TT148Hotwire & Venere, Expedia Inc TT375ICE-ICT TT578Illusions Online TT205Interface Systems Group TT486Intuitive Ltd TT219ISO Travel Solutions GmbH TT350Ixaris Systems Ltd TT258Make It Social TT471MakeMyTrip (India) Pvt Ltd. TT582MM ONE Group S.r.l. TT562Newhotel Software TT338nSight TT476OKAYO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. TT478OneTwoTrip TT325Open Destinations TT240Parity Rate TT358Peakwork Ltd - The Player

Hub Company TT360Pegasus Solutions TT348PhoCusWright Inc. TT144PriceMatch TT587Pure360 TT470Quadlabs Technologies Private Ltd. TT118RateGain TT319Reputation.com TT473ReviewPro TT369Revinate TT453Rezgateway TT218RezLive.com TT340ROOMIZE TT454roomsXML Solutions Limited TT235RWA TT440Sensible-Rez Ltd TT474Silverpop TT573SiteMinder TT225Smrt.ly Mobile Travel Confirmations TT588Survey On Tablet Ltd TT564Sycomore TT384T I Infotech Pvt Ltd TT200talkholiday TT560Tech Master/TBO Holidays TT335tellink TT570The Elite Collection TT472Thermeon Worldwide Plc TT301TourConnect TT492Tourplan TT305TRABASE s.r.o. TT448Travel Republic TT460Travel Technology Showcase TT484Travel Technology Systems Ltd TT257TravelClick Inc TT455TravelSim TT330

Traveltek Ltd TT236Treovi TT248Triometric TT253TrustYou TT469Ultimedia Limited TT380UMapped TT586umi Digital TT482Vertical Booking TT320Viatecla - Soluções Informáticas e

Comunicações, S.A. TT477Wirecard Technologies GmbH TT249World Independent Hotels Promotion TT475WorldPay TT357XML Travelgate SL TT498Your Car Hire Ltd TT130YouTect TT480ZOLV TT245

UK & IRELAND

Abbey Travel Ltd UKI422Airport Pickups London UKI107Amitours UKI102ATG Tickets UKI409Best Western Hotels GB UKI224Big Bus Tours UKI401,NA355Champions Travel L204City Academy UKI449City Sightseeing Ltd UKI450Cutty Sark L219Davids Of London Ltd UKI318Encore Tickets Ltd L310Escapism Magazine UKI120Europe Incoming UKI425Expedia Travel Agencies Affiliate

Programme - TAAP UKI445Gibraltar Tourist Board UKI350Golden Tours L215Group Line L200Heritage is Great Britain UKI320Hostelbooknow.com UKI101ITB Berlin UKI346Jersey Tourism UKI100London Theatre Direct UKI407National Car Parks Ltd UKI349Piccadillybox Ltd L217Portsmouth Historic Dockyard UKI200Quietvox AG UKI335Ripley's Believe It or Not! London L205Skål International UKI118The Leisure Pass Group UKI421The Original London

Sightseeing Tour Ltd L305The View from The Shard UKI209Tourism Ireland UKI600Travel Trade Products UKI125TravelMole UKI312UKinbound UKI500,UKI400VeriFone Media UKI435Vox Tours Srl UKI440Warner Bros. Studio Tour London UKI420Whisper UKI430Wimbledon Lawn Tennis

Museum and Tour L300Worldwide DMC Ltd UKI301


British Airways (London, Gatwick)

Virgin Atlantic (London, Gatwick)

Thomas Cook (Manchester)

Daily

5 flights per week

1 flight per week

Daily

4 flights per week

1 flight per week

Winter2013/14

Airline Summer2014

Key selling points for 2014

Thomas Cook has partnered with Flybe, which means that your clients travelling from Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Inverness, Isle of Man, Norwich and Southampton can easily connect with the Manchester flight to Saint Lucia.

Approximate 8 hour flight from the UK to Saint Lucia*13 direct weekly flights for Winter 2013/4.

*All information is correct at time of going to press on the 1st November 2013.

Calendar of events Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (May)Every year since 1992, Saint Lucia has held a major international Jazz festival with events taking place across the island culminating in the main stage performances at Pigeon Island National Landmark. An Arts element has been added to further increase the popularity of the Caribbean’s leading event. www.stluciajazz.org

Carnival (June/July)Saint Lucia’s month long, heady carnival season culminates in mid-July with steel band and soca monarch competitions, a carnival queen show and two days of intense street partying.www.luciancarnival.com

Wedding Symposium (Sept)This new event aims to highlight why Saint Lucia has won the Caribbean’s most romantic destination eight times and to run workshops to ensure that Saint Lucia stays abreast of leading trends.www.stlucia.org/loveelevated

Jounen Kweyol (Oct)Events throughout October focus on Saint Lucia’s fascinating mixed African and French creole heritage, and Kweyol, the French-based local patois spoken by over 90% of Saint Lucians. The celebrations peak near the end of the month on Jounen Kweyol or Creole Day, when chosen communities lay on traditional creole cuisine, crafts such as pottery and basket weaving, music, dance and games.

Health & Wellness Retreat (Nov)Global leaders in the field of yoga, well-being and fitness offer a series of presentations and workshops for a healthy mind, body and soul.

Triathlon (Nov)Organised by Human Race and with Daley Thompson as Ambassador, this is the foremost triathlon in the Caribbean.www.tristlucia.com

Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC & ARC Plus) (Nov)Each year, 200 yachts join in the world’s largest transoceanic sailing event, from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia. The 2,700 nautical mile crossing takes two to three weeks, and ends in Rodney Bay Marina, where concerts and celebrations are held to welcome the sailors.www.worldcruising.com/arc


In-house training available - We are happy to provide your team with in-house training, please contact Chelcie Lewis on 020 7341 7008 or email [email protected]

Evening training events - Priority for our events is given to agents registered on www.saintluciaexpert.com

Saint Lucia Showcase for Agents - This fun, exciting, yet informative event is held over two days with the aim of improving your knowledge and ability to sell more holidays to the destination. Agents who have completed the online training programme and have been to Saint Lucia are eligible to attend.

Sign up for e-newsletterOur bi-monthly e-newsletters aim to keep you updated on news, offers and information on Saint Lucia. To register, please email [email protected]

Saint Lucia Tourist Board1 Collingham GardensLondon, SW5 0HW

Tel: 020 7341 7005Email: [email protected]: www.stlucia.orgTrade: www.saintluciaexpert.comImages: http://saintlucia.fotoseeker.com

/saintluciauk

Benefits of completing our online training programme

Completing our online training programme will take approximately 40 minutes. There are six fun, interactive and informative modules for you to work through and upon successful completion you will receive a gift and certificate to mark your achievements.

Incentives - Simply log your Saint Lucia bookings to be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes through our incentive programme. Prizes include free hotel stays, shopping vouchers, Saint Lucian, Chairman’s Reserve rum, Chocolate from Hotel Chocolat and an annual prize of flights for two to Saint Lucia.

Fam trips - Completion of our online training programme will make you eligible to be invited to attend one of the eight exciting fam trips that we have planned for 2014.

Get listed on our website - Become a Saint Lucia Specialist and have your contact details listed on our website. If you have been on a fam trip to Saint Lucia, with the Saint Lucia Tourist Board or with one of our Tour Operator partners and have logged at least 4 bookings to Saint Lucia then you can request to be listed on the home page of our website. This will help drive business to you.

Refresher module - as we have new events and developments on island, we will launch a refresher module (it will not take no more than 15 minutes to complete) in January every year which is compulsory for all who have completed our online training programme and those who are “Specialists”.


travel bulletin 1st november 2013

Documents

saint lucia specialist

saint luciasimply

annual saint lucia showcase

saint lucia tourist

relaunch saint lucia

page wrap

training course

online training programme