WINNER TRADE PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR – PRINT & ONLINE Proudly published by BMI Publishing Ltd © 20<strong>19</strong> Suffolk House, George St, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1SR, UK T 020 8649 7233 F 020 8649 7234 enquiries@bmipublishing.co.uk bmipublishing.co.uk sellingtravel.co.uk CEO: Martin Steady Managing Director: Matt Bonner EDITORIAL Editorial Director: Steve Hartridge Deputy Editor: Laura Gelder Staff Journalists: Jessica Pook and Sasha Wood Group Editor: Andy Hoskins Contributing Editor: Julie Baxter SALES Publishers: Steve Thompson & Sally Parker Advertising Manager: Lisa Merrigan DESIGN & PRODUCTION Senior Designer: Louisa Horton Designers: Ross Clifford, Zoë Tarrant and Caitlan Francis Production Manager: Clare Hunter Production Controller: Steve Hunter We are members of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Visit USA Association, LATA, PATA, MENATA, SATOA, the Foreign Airlines Association and the Institute of <strong>Travel</strong> & Tourism. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, BMI Publishing cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. ISSN: 2056-93<strong>19</strong>. Cover image: County Antrim, Northern Ireland, istockphoto.com This publication is printed on Revivew 100 Media and Revive recycled coated, recycled paper grades that are FSC® Recycled certified and Carbon Balanced. Laura Gelder DEPUTY EDITOR welcome I t struck me, as I was dancing with a cowboy at midnight in Cody, Wyoming last month, that simply hanging out with the locals is the best way to really experience a different culture. I was in the state with seven travel agents for a week-long tour which you can read about later this summer in a supplement which will document our journey. And what a tour it was! We experienced truly awe-inspiring scenery at every turn, but top of my list are the snow-topped peaks of the Tetons and the little-known Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway, with its red rock canyon and vast sea of rolling sage brush. Wildlife spots, in Yellowstone and beyond, included soaring ospreys and eagles, lumbering grizzly bears, big horn sheep, hairy bison and one lonely otter. We ate an awful lot of meat and tasted many varieties of craft beer; we immersed ourselves in the history of the Old West, in all its gun-slinging, whiskey guzzling glory. But standing at the bar and talking to Jerome, a real cowboy, in town to buy a horse, is what I'll remember most of all. It seems this kind of experience is what travellers are looking for and agents who can point them in the right direction – to the truly local bar or the hiking trail which avoids the crowds – may well find themselves getting more business. Our 48 Hours in Hong Kong feature (page 71) covers some of its lesserknown neighbourhoods – proving that even well trodden places evolve and there is always more to learn. I attended the Destination New South Wales UK Roadshow last month and found many of the Aussie suppliers talking about how their tours or hotels offer local insights - you can read about that on page 14. This month we have a special section dedicated to river cruising, one of the fastest-growing sectors in travel and one which has always sold itself as a way to access local culture. Turn to page 81 to discover exotic new ports of call, revolutionary new ships committed to balancing luxury with environmental concerns and much more. Enjoy this issue and the start of the British summer – according to my colleague Jessica, writing about UK holidays on page 44, we're in for a long and hot one again. I do hope she's right! WITH THIS ISSUE Florida Official <strong>Travel</strong> Guide: This year's edition focuses on the experiences rather than just the destination, whether that's wildlife encounters, fine dining or designer shopping. Get some bright ideas for two-centre holidays, romantic spots or festivals. Learn how to sell Florida for LGBTQ clients, culture vultures or families looking for fun.
The countdown is on… It’s only a month until Spirit of Discovery sets sail on her maiden voyage • No more than 999 guests • All cabins have a private balcony • Included chauffeur service up to 250 miles • Speciality dining at no extra charge Book online at sagaagents.co.uk, call FREE on 0800 074 8021 or contact Agency Sales FREE on 0800 068 8732 Visit our new online training platform at sagaexperts.co.uk Find us on social media Saga Trade Team Saga holidays are for anyone aged 50+. A travel companion may be 40+. NTA-AP6050
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