Selling Travel September 19

SEPTEMBER 2019 • SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK 

TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR 2018 

DIVE INTO A 

GOLDEN AGE 

how to sell... 

South Pacific 

Florida 

Cyprus 

Peru 

Agents need to know that the over 50s 

are as adventurous and savvy as they 

are time and cash rich 

and more...

2020-22 

EARLYBIRD 

FARES 

Out Now 

Return flights from UK airports 

Pre/post-cruise hotel stay 

Spacious all-verandah suite accommodation 

Butler service for every guest and 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio 

Choice of up to 10 on board dining experiences 

THE NEW BENCHMARK 

IN ULTRA LUXURY CRUISING 

Truly All-Inclusive Luxury 

Unlimited complimentary beverages* 

Extensive choice of all-inclusive shore excursions 

Scenic Enrich unique experiences 

Expert Discovery Team and local experts 

Zodiac, kayak, snorkel and snow-shoe adventures 

The freedom of our e-bikes 

550m 2 Senses Spa, gym, yoga and Pilates studio 

Indoor and outdoor swimming pools 

All tipping, transfers and taxes, on board and onshore 

FREE private door-to-door chauffeur transfers 

ANTARCTICA IN DEPTH 

Ushuaia 

Port Lockroy 

Lemaire Channel 

Buenos 

Aires 

1 1 

Argentina 

Beagle Channel 

Drake 

Passage 

11 

South Shetland Islands 

South Orkney Islands 

Antarctic Peninsula 

Weddell Sea 

Antarctic Circle 

Departing Nov 2020 – Feb 2021 

Nov 2021 – Feb 2022 

Ushuaia > Ushuaia 

Savings from £1,050 per person 

16-day cruise from £9,725pp 

ICELAND DISCOVERY 

Grimsey 

Isafjördur 

Dynjandi Waterfall 

Reykjavik 

1 

Thorlakshofn 

Heimaey 

Húsavík 

Seydisfjördur 

Iceland 

Departing 18 & 26 July 2021 

Reykjavik > Reykjavik 

Savings from £750 per person 


8 

INCREDIBLE IBERIAN DISCOVERY 

Portimão 

Portugal 

Lisbon 1 

Seville 

Tangier 

Morocco 

Spain 

Málaga 

Cartagena 

Barcelona 

Soller de Mallorca 

Departing 11 April 2021 

Lisbon > Barcelona 

Savings from £705 per person 


7 

Book the Ultimate in Luxury Call 0808 115 0463 | Email agencysales@scenic.co.uk 

Terms and Conditions: Prices correct at time of going to print (20 August 2019). Prices advertised are based on two sharing a Verandah Suite paying the Earlybird fare with economy flights departing London Heathrow, 

subject to availability. Prices include the advertised Earlybird saving plus an Early Payment Discount of £500 per suite. Early payment discount of £500 is per suite and based on two persons sharing. Discount will be 

reduced for single occupancy. Full balance payment must be made on or before 31 December 2019 to receive this discount. Discount amount will be deducted from balance payment. ‡Supplements may apply for regional 

departures. Private door-to-door transfers are complimentary within a 75 mile radius from your home address. For any journey over 75 miles, a £2.00 per mile 

supplement will be charged. Offers are valid for new bookings only made before 30 September 2019 and can be withdrawn at any time. Earlybird Fares are strictly 

limited. Pre-departure night included on all season departures – hotel stay will be allocated and booked by Scenic, includes bed and breakfast. Helicopter and 

submarine activities are weather permitting, may incur additional costs and are subject to availability. *All drinks on board are included except for a very small 

number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits. Scenic Tours Pty trading as Scenic. Registered: 05770868

contents 3 

this issue 

WE TRAVEL FURTHER TO BRING YOU MORE 

FEATURES 

08 Peru: New cruise, rail 

and luxury options 

41 South Florida: Why 

the south side is more 

than just theme parks 

QUICK READS 

12 Six of the best: Dubai 

38 Destination Profile: 

Cyprus 

44 How to sell: Myanmar 

48 My journey: Cruising 

the South Pacific 

51 Destination Profile: 

South Pacific 

65 My trip to: Las Vegas 

66 Six of the best: New 

South Wales islands 

67 Exploring: Tobago 

70 How to sell: Northern 

Lights cruises 

65 

41 

67 

08 

38 

12 

SOUTH PACIFIC 

48 

44 

60 

66 

48 

CYPRUS 

38 

THE REVIEW 

55 Top news stories plus 

hotel reviews and a 

Sri Lanka news report 

TALKING SHOP 

15 News, competitions, 

incentives, fams, 

columnists, new 

appointments 

OVER-50S 

76 Trends 

80 Interview: Titan Travel 

82 Fresh Ideas 

OVER-50S 

76 

LAS VEGAS 

65 

MYANMAR 

44 

FLORIDA 

41 

Please note that Selling Travel, owned and 

published by BMI Publishing Ltd., is not 

connected in any way to Selling Travel 

e-magazine published by SMP Training Co. 

and based in British Columbia, Canada. The 

latter online publication focuses exclusively on 

sales skills and all aspects of professional 

selling within the travel and tourism sectors. 

To benefit from this travel industry sales 

training resource visit sellingtravel.net 

sellingtravel.co.uk

Cover_final.indd 1 

8/13/19 12:39 PM 

TRAVELWYOMING.COM 

Cover_final.indd 1 

FAM TRIP REPORT 

Experience the Cowboy State through the eyes of seven 

travel professionals who travelled hundreds of miles and 

experienced its unique culture and awe inspiring landscapes 

8/27/19 04:03 PM 

4 

welcome 

Isn't it ironic? 

WINNER 

TRADE PUBLICATION OF 

THE YEAR – PRINT & ONLINE 

EDITORIAL 

EDITOR 

Laura Gelder 

laura.gelder@sellingtravel.co.uk 

JOURNALISTS 

Jessica Pook, Sasha Wood 

& April Waterston 

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: 

Andy Hoskins & Julie Baxter 

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR 

Steve Hartridge 

SALES 

PUBLISHERS 

Steve Thompson 

steven.thompson@sellingtravel.co.uk 

Sally Parker 

sally.parker@sellingtravel.co.uk 

ADVERTISING MANAGER 

Lisa Merrigan 

lisa.merrigan@sellingtravel.co.uk 

DESIGN & PRODUCTION 

SENIOR DESIGNER 

Louisa Horton 

Laura Gelder 

EDITOR 

It's always sad when a much-loved brand collapses but the 

demise of the always-trade-friendly Super Break is still 

clearly making an impact. 

Many agents took to social media to pay tribute to the people 

who worked for Super Break, and supported the trade in selling 

its products. But as you can see on our social media page (32), 

they also bemoaned the hole it has left in the UK breaks market. 

It’s ironic, really, that the operator collapsed at a time when 

domestic breaks are on the up; but of course it wasn’t Super 

Break that was failing, but its parent company. 

The travel industry isn’t a stranger to irony, and the Sri Lanka 

bombings, also coming at a boom time for tourism to the 

country, were a tragic twist of fate. I’m so happy to hear that there are emerging signs 

of a slow recovery and you can read more about how the trade is driving this in our Sri 

Lanka news report on page 60. 

On a more upbeat note, our special section this month looks at the buoyant and 

lucrative – for agents at least – over 50s market. It’s difficult, perhaps counter-productive, 

to break any industry down into age groups and I was hesitant to even write 'over 50s'. 

As someone who recently celebrated a birthday, I know age is a touchy subject! 

But please, whether you are over 50 or not, take the time to read our feature on travel 

trends in this sector (p76), because the point it makes is that each traveller is unique 

and, like everyone else, this age group just wants new destinations and ever-more 

exciting experiences. And please forgive us if you find the cover image this month a bit 

stereotypical. All I can say is, I hope my 50s look just like that! 

DESIGNERS 

Ross Clifford, Caitlan Francis 

& Zoe Tarrant 

PRODUCTION & STUDIO MANAGER 

Clare Hunter 

PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATOR 

Steve Hunter 

BMI PUBLISHING 

MANAGING DIRECTOR 

Matt Bonner 

CEO 

Martin Steady 

(PRINT) ISSN 2056-9319. ©BMI PUBLISHING LTD 2019. 

SELLING TRAVEL IS PUBLISHED BY BMI PUBLISHING 

LTD: SUFFOLK HOUSE, GEORGE STREET, CROYDON, 

SURREY, CR9 1SR, UK. T: 020 8649 7233 

E: ENQUIRIES@BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK 

BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK • SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK 

WE ARE MEMBERS OF THE CARIBBEAN TOURISM 

ORGANIZATION, VISIT USA ASSOCIATION, LATA, PATA, 

MENATA, SATOA, THE FOREIGN AIRLINES ASSOCIATION 

AND THE INSTITUTE OF TRAVEL & TOURISM. 

WHILE EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE ACCURACY, 

BMI PUBLISHING LTD CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE 

FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. 

COVER IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM 

With this issue 

This publication is printed on Revivew 100 Media and Revive 

recycled coated, recycled paper grades that are FSC® 

Recycled certified and Carbon Balanced. 

LATIN AMERICA 

Travel Guide 2019/2020 

Latin America Travel Guide 

The 2019/2020 edition maps out 

adventures, iconic sights and 

events in the region, and puts 

luxury, cruise and wildlife in focus. 

Welcome 

to 

WYOMING 

Wyoming Fam Trip Report 

The story of a journey which seven 

agents took around the Cowboy 

State this May and what they learnt 

about how to sell it. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

Visit www.sellingtravel.co.uk and please 

Vote for Newmarket Holidays at the 2019 Selling Travel 

Agents Choice Awards in the following categories: 

• Best Short Haul Escorted Tours Company 

• Best River Cruising Company – Short haul 

We appreciate 

your support! 

Untitled-3 1 19/08/2019 15:59 

Selling Travel HPH 210x146 Ed Sep 2019_09.indd 1 19/08/2019 15:31 

The 

Real Spirit 

of 

MachuPicchu 

BUY ONLINE

the big picture 7 

The 

windy 

city 

Illinois 

Second city soaring 

Chicago has reported a 15% spike in 

UK visitors for 2018. It puts this down 

to special events like Chicago Theater 

Week, which had a record-breaking 

year, and a boom in new hotels. Eight 

big names opened their doors in 

2018, including Moxy Hotel; The 

Hoxton opened this year and Nobu 

Hotel will join in 2020. New York and 

now Los Angeles have larger 

populations, but locals still refer to 

Chicago as ‘the Second City’. 

choosechicago.com 

sellingtravel.co.uk

8 

peru 

heady 

Heights 

Peru’s tourism appeal is evolving, says Sarah Gilbert, 

who explains how to sell Peru as a rail and cruise 

holiday, a luxury escape or an adventure tour 

My breath is ragged, my heart 

is pounding and I feel on 

top of the world. A distant 

glacier glitters in the sunlight, its 

jagged peaks reflected in the mirrorflat 

surface of a sapphire-blue lake. 

And save for our small group and some 

docile llamas there isn’t another living 

thing in sight. 

I am taking the Inca road less travelled 

on Mountain Lodges of Peru’s Sacred 

Valley and Lares Adventure; innovative 

five- and seven-day programmes that mix 

high-end lodges, hiking and culture with 

sustainable practices that directly benefit 

local communities. 

Daily activities are divided into ‘easy’, 

‘moderate’ and ‘challenging’. One morning 

I climb up to the Challwaccasa Pass, then 

down to the small farming community of 

Viacha that sits among fields of red quinoa 

and purple lupin, high above Pisac’s 15thcentury 

fortress. 

My reward is pachamanca, a traditional 

Inca feast where meat and vegetables 

are layered into a hole in the ground and 

slow-cooked for hours. I am also given the 

opportunity to buy vibrant weavings, far 

removed from the tourist groups. 

In the Andean village of Huachahuasi, 

giggling children in red hats and ponchos 

scamper past on their way to school and 

women, their cheeks fat with coca leaves, 

sit spinning wool outside adobe homes. 

My contemporary lodge’s floor-to-ceiling 

windows frame the stunning landscapes 

and rooms come with alfresco hot tubs to 

sooth those post-hike muscles. 

My journey ends at the magnificent 

Machu Picchu and although I marvel at 

the Inca’s architectural prowess, I realise 

that the highlight had been getting an 

off-the-beaten-track glimpse into their 

descendants’ everyday lives. 

Sell it: Journey Latin America offers the 11-day 

Peru: Beyond the Sacred Valley with the Lares 

Adventure, including the five-day Lares trek, 

mid-range hotels, domestic flights, excursions 

including Machu Picchu, transfers and most meals. 

International flights are extra 

journeylatinamerica.co.uk 

The full package 

Peru packs in everything from colonial 

cities to ancient ruins, glacier-tipped peaks 

to the Amazon rainforest. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

peru 9 

New flights have boosted connectivity 

from the UK and within the country, 

accommodation options and tourism 

infrastructure have improved, and luxury 

trains, world-class expedition cruises and 

gourmet restaurants are now all adding to 

its appeal. 

“Peru welcomed 74,124 UK visitors 

last year, a 7% increase on 2017,” says 

Elisabeth Hakim, UK & North America 

Market Coordinator at PromPeru. 

“International tourism arrivals reached a 

record-breaking 4,419,430 in 2018.” 

Between now and 2021, investments 

in the tourism sector will exceed $790 

million, with 22 new four- and five-star 

hotel projects currently under construction 

– 17 in Lima alone. 

While Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu 

still dominate itineraries, northern Peru is 

becoming increasingly popular. 

“The Kuelap Cable Car has made this pre- 

Inca mountaintop city more accessible” 

says Isabelle Mazille, Product Manager at 

Journey Latin America. 

“And the gentle coastal city of Mancora is 

ideal for a post-sightseeing beach break, with 

high-end accommodation and humpback 

whale-watching from July to October.” 

An increased train schedule means that 

it’s easy to visit Machu Picchu on a day trip 

from the Sacred Valley, but Peru’s home to 

a host of less-visited archaeological gems, 

including Choquequirao in the south and 

Chan Chan in the northwest. 

Adventure travellers can tackle highaltitude 

hikes beyond the Inca Trail, such 

as the Salkantay Trek and Ausangate. 

Gastronomy is another major draw, with 

Lima featured in the 2018 series finale of 

BBC’s MasterChef and Peruvian restaurants 

now regularly topping many of the ‘world’s 

best’ lists. 

Cruise & train 

Departing from the jungle town of Iquitos, 

Aqua Expeditions offers three-, four- and 

seven-night itineraries on its ship Aria 

Amazon, exploring the Pacaya-Samiria 

National Reserve in northeast Peru. 

Spread over two decks, 16 stylish riverfacing 

suites come with picture windows 

and expert naturalist guides take guests 

to spot sloth, caiman, monkeys and more. 

Gastronomy is also high on the agenda. 

Launching in August 2020, the 20-suite 

Aqua Nera will follow the same model. 

THE CORdILLERA BLANCA MOuNTAINS 

sellingtravel.co.uk

sellingtravel.co.uk

peru 11 

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica 

peruvian entertainment 

the amazon 

hiking, andees 

colca canyon 

perurail - the andean explorer 

Also offering luxury on the Amazon is 

Delfin, the first Relais & Châteaux cruise, 

with three options: Delfin III with 22 suites, 

Delfin II with 14, and Delfin I with just four. 

La Perla’s three boats and three-, four- and 

seven-night cruises are a mid-range option. 

Cruise lines including Princess, Celebrity, 

Oceania, Norwegian and P&O have the 

port of Callao near Lima on their South 

American itineraries, and Regent Seven 

Seas sails from Miami to Lima on its 

15-night Paradise to Peru cruise, with the 

option for a three-night land extension. 

Getting to Machu Picchu by train has 

never been easier. PeruRail and IncaRail 

both have various options from Cusco or 

Ollantaytambo, depending on the season. 

The Belmond Hiram Bingham train – Latin 

America’s Orient Express – throws in oldworld 

glamour, cocktails and fine dining. 

South America’s first luxury sleeper train, 

while the 24 ensuite-cabin Belmond Andean 

Explorer, is an opulent hotel-on-wheels that 

whisks guests on a two-night journey from 

Cusco to Lake Titicaca and on to Arequipa. 

Sell it: Kuoni offers a 21-night Paradise to Peru 

Stay & Cruise holiday, including British Airways 

flights from Heathrow and transfers. The price 

for departure on October 31, based on two adults 

sharing, is from £9,995pp. kuoni.co.uk 

Staying in luxury lodges 

Inkaterra has been blazing the ecotourism 

trail for more than 40 years, with seven 

properties, including its sprawling cloudforest 

sanctuary, Machu Picchu Pueblo 

Hotel, and three rustic-luxe Amazon 

lodges next to the wildlife-rich Tambopata 

National Reserve in southeast Peru. They 

all help to support conservation projects, 

including rainforest reforestation and a 

spectacled bear rescue centre. 

As well as trains, Belmond operates six 

hotels in Peru, including the historic Hotel 

Monasterio and Palacio Nazarenas in 

Cusco, Las Casitas in the majestic Colca 

Canyon and Sanctuary Lodge, the only 

hotel at the entrance to Machu Picchu. 

Luxury lodging includes the art-filled 

Hotel B in Barranco, Lima’s buzziest barrio, 

Titilaka on the shores of Lake Titicaca, 

both Relais & Chateaux, and the landmark 

Country Club Lima Hotel. Hotels due to 

be unveiled by 2021 include six Hiltons in 

Lima and a Sheraton in Cusco. 

Sell it: Rainbow Tours has a 12-night Luxury Peru 

with Belmond itinerary with stays at Belmond’s 

properties in Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the 

Sacred Valley, plus tickets for the Belmond Andean 

Explorer sleeper train, from £5,490pp including 

flights and transfers. rainbowtours.co.uk 

Adventure all the way 

Peru offers plenty for adventurers, from 

high-altitude hiking to mountain biking 

and horse riding through remote villages. 

As well as the Lares Adventure and the 

challenging seven-day lodge-to-lodge 

Salkantay Trek, Mountain Lodges of Peru 

is offering three nights in the Sacred Valley 

with an optional excursion to Machu Picchu. 

Other new programmes focus on yoga and 

wellness, archi-astronomy and Andean 

festivals. With the new X.O Art House, it has 

three boutique hotels in Cusco. 

Tucked into a quiet corner of the Sacred 

Valley and surrounded by Inca terraces, 

Explora’s first lodge outside Chile – the 

all-inclusive Explora Valle Sagrado – is less 

hotel, more luxe base camp and offers 30 

differen ‘explorations’, most on two feet or 

two wheels, that take guests to deserted 

Inca ruins and up snow-capped peaks for 

the ultimate mix of action and leisure. 

Sell it: National Geographic Expeditions offers 

a 10-day Peru: Machu Picchu Inn to Inn Trek 

itinerary, including hiking the Cordillera de 

Vilcabamba. Prices start from £5270pp, including 

accommodation, meals, transfers and an expert 

adventure guide. Group sizes are restricted to 12 

and tours depart between April and October 2020. 

nationalgeographicexpeditions.co.uk 

sellingtravel.co.uk

12 

six of the best 

DUBAI 

superlative 

Dubai 

When Guinness World Records decided to open an office in 

the Middle East, it was obviously going to be Dubai. 

Laura Gelder explains why 

Towering 

above 

Dubai’s most iconic 

building and the 

world’s tallest, the 

828-metre-tall Burj 

Khalifa is a sight to 

behold and also 

home to the world’s highest bar – Atmosphere. 

However, it’s set to be overtaken by The Tower at 

Dubai Creek Harbour, scheduled to open in 2020 

and 928 metres high with a 360-degree 

observation platform, hotel, restaurants and 

vertical gardens. Also in Dubai is the tallest hotel 

in the world, the 77-storey JW Marriott Marquis. 

Shopping 

greats 

The Dubai Mall was 

the largest in the 

world by land area 

when it opened in 

2008 and, at over 13 

million square feet, 

it’s still up there with the greats. Not content to 

rest on its laurels, the mall got into the Guinness 

Records again last year with a giant Christmas 

bauble weighing 1,100kg. It’s also home to 

Candylicious, which Dubai Tourism says is the 

world’s largest sweet shop, spanning around 

1,000 square metres. 

Watery 

heights 

The Dubai Fountain 

is the world’s largest 

choreographed 

fountain system, set 

on the 30-acre 

manmade Burj 

Khalifa Lake. The jets release up to 22,000 gallons 

of water as high as 140 metres in the air and 

each colourful, illuminated jet sways in time to 

music ranging from classical to contemporary but 

always in sync. The show takes place every 30 

minutes from 18.00 daily and is a popular event 

for locals and tourists. 

Big-time 

themed fun 

Orlando now has a 

real rival after four 

major theme parks 

opened in Dubai in 

2016. The list 

includes IMG Worlds 

of Adventure, which is the world’s largest indoor 

theme park, with dedicated Marvel and Cartoon 

Network zones. Dubai’s biggest water park, 

Aquaventure, will soon become the biggest in the 

world with the addition of a giant new tower as 

well as 12 new slides. Other theme parks include 

the Hollywood-inspired Motiongate, with rides 

based on blockbusters such as Madagascar. 

Recordsetting 

islands 

Dubai is home to a 

number of the 

world’s largest 

artifical islands – 

some more 

successful than others. The World, a group of 

islands in the shape of the world’s countries, 

famously racked up debts of $60 billion and is 

still largely unpopulated. Perhaps the biggest 

success was the Palm Jumeirah, recognisable 

from space and home to some of Dubai’s most 

luxurious resorts, including Atlantis The Palm and 

One&Only The Palm. 

In the frame 

to win 

The Dubai Frame at 

Zabeel Park holds 

the Guinness World 

Record for the 

largest picture frame 

ever. At a soaring 

height of 150 metres, the Dubai Frame boasts 

sweeping, panoramic views of both Old and New 

Dubai. The 93-metre-long bridge features a 

25-square-metre glass panel bridge that gives 

visitors the experience of walking on air and an 

immersive gallery that showcases the past and 

makes predictions about Dubai’s future. No doubt 

it includes more superlative attractions! 

sellingtravel.co.uk

14 

alberta 

Calgary 

For clients looking to experience the best of what Calgary has to offer, suggest 

these stops for an action-packed two days in the city 

CALGARY TOWER 

WINSPORT ZIPLINE 

THE BOW RIVER 

FIRST NATIONS DANCE 

DAY 1 - Early to rise 

Morning: To get your city bearings 

head to the CALGARY TOWER. Stand 

191 metres above terra firma on the 

glass floor of the world’s highest 

360-degree observation deck and enjoy 

unsurpassed panoramic views of the city 

skyline and the distant Canadian Rocky 

Mountains. 

Then glide down the pathways of central 

Calgary on a guided SEGWAY TOUR. See 

the sites as you learn all about the city’s 

history, art and architecture. 

EAST VILLAGE is a vibrant community 

with walkable access to public art and 

culture, entertainment hubs and public 

spaces like the 

River Walk and 

new retail and 

dining options. 

Stroll along the 

Bow River, and 

cross over to St. 

Patrick’s Island, 

a wilderness 

setting in the 

heart of the city. 

Have lunch in the historic Simmons 

building, East Village. 

Afternoon: HERITAGE PARK 

HISTORICAL VILLAGE charts 

the history and growth of 

early Western Canadian history over four 

eras. You will hear stories and may meet 

fur traders, First Nations people, railway 

workers and prairie town folk. A highlight 

of 1910 village is the Gasoline Alley 

Museum. Then board the Thundering 

Steam Train and/or a paddlewheeler boat. 

Evening: Enjoy a WALKING FOOD 

TOUR in one of Calgary’s many 

eclectic neighbourhoods. 

You’ll sip, sample and savour a range 

of products and meet local food artisans 

along the way. Or stroll along the river 

pathway to Prince’s Island Park, another 

green oasis in the city. 

Dine at the award-winning River Café in 

the park and during the summer catch one 

of the many performances or concerts that 

are staged there. 

“The family-friendly 

Skyline Luge Calgary is a 

wheeled gravity ride that 

gives thrill seekers full 

control over their descent as 

they drop over 100 metres” 

DAY 2 - Go with good speed 

Morning: WINSPORT, the legacy 

site of the 1988 Winter Olympic 

Games, is home to Canada's 

Sports Hall of Fame where visitors can 

participate in interactive activities and 

learn about Canada’s sporting history. 

New sports men and women are 

inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame 

every year, and their stories are shared 

through curated exhibitions, immersive 

experiences and digital narratives. 

The family-friendly SKYLINE LUGE 

CALGARY is a unique wheeled gravity 

ride that gives thrill seekers full control 

over their descent on a purpose-built 1.8 

kilometres track that 

drops over 100 metres. 

WinSport's 90-metre 

ski jump tower offers 

North America's fastest 

ZIPLINE. Riders reach 

speeds of 120km/h as 

they travel 500 metres 

and experience a 

vertical drop of over 

100 metres. 

Afternoon: STEPHEN AVENUE 

WALK is a pedestrian walk, 

situated along 8 Ave SW (Stephen 

Avenue) and spanning six blocks in the 

heart of downtown Calgary. 

Along the way you may see buskers, 

festivals and live music, while for shoppers, 

there are nine major shopping centres 

and department stores, an eclectic mix 

of boutiques and galleries and some of 

Calgary's finest restaurants, pubs, cafés 

and bars. 

Then view downtown Calgary from its 

original highway, the BOW RIVER. Marvel 

at the city's architecture as you float under 

the modern Peace Bridge and the historic 

Centre Street Bridge. 

Evening: Many of Calgary’s 

favourite hot spots are found on 

17th AVENUE, including more than 

20 restaurants, lounges and inspirational 

cafes. 17th Avenue is also a shopping 

destination, featuring eclectic and trendy 

shops and boutiques. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

Talking Shop 

INSPIRED BY YOU 

The inside track on travel 

We're 

rewarding your votes 

with prizes. Find out 

more about our awards 

on page 17 

Calgary Cash 

Stampede 

AIR Transat is rewarding 

agents who make 

bookings to Calgary, 

Canada, with shopping 

vouchers as part of its 

Star Rewards incentive 

programme. Agents are 

rewarded with £10 for 

each Economy booking 

made and £20 for Club 

Class tickets. Bookings 

must be made before 

September 12 for travel before 

September 27, 2019. airtransatgiveaway.com 

Discounted stays at QE2 ship 

QUEEN Elizabeth 2 (QE2) is offering a discounted 

price for agents staying before September 30. 

Docked permanently at Dubai’s Mina Rashid, 

a standard room costs from £45 per night 

and a double standard room from £50, inclusive of all taxes. 

Agents should email sales@qe2.com to redeem. qe2.com 

Contents 

FOUR-SIGHT 

28 

October 7,8 & 9 

SELLING TRAVEL AGENTS CHOICE AWARDS EVENTS 

Join our biggest networking party of the year in London on October 7, 

Leeds on October 8 or Manchester on October 9. Meet tour operators, 

airlines, cruise representatives and more and be in with a chance of 

winning some top prizes. Sign up at sellingtravel.co.uk/events 

Go beyond 

AGENTS could win return 

flights to Abu Dhabi as 

part of If Only's ‘Etihad 

Airways – To Arabia & 

Beyond’ campaign. To win, 

agents must book Arabia, 

the Indian Ocean or Phuket 

with Etihad before the end 

of the year. ifonly.net 

34 

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE 

30 

ON LOCATION 

sellingtravel.co.uk

16 

CRYSTAL 

WHERE LUXURY IS PERSONAL 

MEDITERRANEAN PASSAGE 

ATHENS TO BARCELONA | VOYAGE OCY191023-13 

CRYSTAL SERENITY | 23 OCTOBER 2019 | 13 NIGHTS 

Michael Dupont 

Head of Sales 

Tel: 07921 949469 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk 

Natalie Read 

Regional Sales Manager 

South 

Tel: 07896 971316 

natalieread@cruiseportfolio.co.uk 

Jon Schofield 

Regional Sales Manager 

North & Scotland 

Tel: 07841 921533 

jon@cruiseportfolio.co.uk 

CRUISE ONLY FARES FROM 

Deluxe Stateroom (C3 Grade) 

Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah (B3 Grade) 

from £2,757 per person 

from £3,911 per person 

Nan Short 

Representative 

Northern Ireland & Eire 

Tel: 02890 642252 

nanshort@btopenworld.com 

Megan Saunders 

Trade Sales Support 

Executive 

Tel: 020 7399 7602 

megan@cruiseportfolio.co.uk 

Itinerary Highlights: 

Athens, Santorini, Catania, Sorrento, Rome/Civitavecchia, 

Piombino, Livorno/Florence (overnight), Monte Carlo (overnight), 

Marseille and Barcelona (overnight). 

2018 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING, PLEASE CALL: 

020 7399 7601 www.crystalcruises.co.uk 

ABTA No.V8548 

Fares are per person, cruise only in UK sterling based on double occupancy in the specified stateroom grade and include port, security and handling charges, which vary by departure. All fares, offers and 

itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Fares may fluctuate and should be used as a guide only. Prices may go up or down. You should contact us on 0207 399 

7601 before booking, or visit our website www.crystalcruises.co.uk. The fares are available to new bookings only and are only available to UK & Eire residents. Restrictions apply. See crystalcruises.co.uk for 

complete terms and conditions of all offers. ©2019 Crystal Cruises, LLC. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

17 

• Amazing prizes • 

The 2019 

awards 

finalists 

Airlines & Airports 

airLine to the far east: 

Cathay Pacific , Japan Airlines, 

Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, 

Vietnam Airlines 

airLine to north ameriCa: Air Canada, 

British Airways , Delta Air Lines, United 

Airlines, Virgin Atlantic 

airLine to Latin ameriCa & the 

CariBBean: Air Europa Lineas Aereas, 

British Airways, LATAM Airlines, Norwegian, 

Virgin Atlantic 

airLine to the miDDLe east: Emirates, 

Etihad Airways , Gulf Air, Oman Air, 

Qatar Airways 

airLine to inDia & the inDian oCean: 

Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, Emirates, Etihad 

Airways, Qatar Airways 

airLine to europe: Air Malta, 

British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Croatia Airlines 

airLine to afriCa: Royal Air Maroc, 

Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, 

South African Airways, Tunisair 

airLine to austraLasia & the paCifiC: 

Air New Zealand , Fiji Airways, Korean Air, 

Philippine Airlines, Qantas Airways 

airLine for Business CLass: 

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Etihad Airways, 

Garuda Indonesia, Hainan Airlines, 

Qatar Airways 

airLine for premium CLass: 

Air New Zealand, British Airways, China 

Southern Airlines, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic 

airLine for eConomy CLass: 

El AL, EVA Air, South African Airways, Thai 

Airways, Turkish Airlines 

overseas regionaL airLine: 

Avianca, Bangkok Airways, Fiji Airways, 

Westjet Airlines, Virgin Australia 

overseas airport: Amsterdam Schiphol, 

DFW Airport , Dubai International Airport, 

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International 

Airport, Singapore Changi 

uk airport: East Midlands Airport, 

Liverpool John Lennon Airport, London City 

Airport, London Gatwick, Manchester Airport 

vote to WIN... 

A stay at Reef Villa 

& Spa 

Indulge in some spa treatments or 

find your zen practicing yoga while 

staying at the peaceful Reef Villa 

& Spa in Sri Lanka. 

reefvilla.com 

2018 WINNer 

aIrlINe to North amerIca 

It’s a real honour for 

us to be nominated 

again, so a big thank you to 

our travel agent community. 

We’ve been raising awareness 

of our new flights and cabins, 

in addition to our nomination, 

through training sessions and 

via email. Hopefully 

this will help us win 

again!” 

Nadia Clinton 

Delta Air Lines 

sellingtravel.co.uk

18 

Destinations 

City Break: Abu Dhabi, Hong 

Kong, Lisbon, Macao, Tel Aviv 

Destination for Beach – Long Haul: 

Bali, Cook Islands, Mauritius, Philippines, 

Saint Lucia 

Destination for Beach – Short Haul: 

Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Jersey 

Destination for Wildlife & Nature: 

Belize, Botswana, Costa Rica, Peru, 

South Africa 

Destination for Soft Adventure: 

Australia, Canada, Chile, Namibia, 

New Zealand 

Destination for Spa & Wellness: 

Dubai, India, Malta, Maldives, Thailand 

Destination for Weddings & 

Honeymoons: Barbados, Cyprus, Jamaica, 

Mauritius, St. Kitts 

Destination for Eco Friendly 

holidays: Australia, Costa Rica, Kenya, 

Nicaragua, Norway 

Favourite Training Event/ 

Roadshow: Caribbean Tourism 

Organization, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 

Destination New South Wales, Visit Orlando, 

Visit USA 

2018 Winner 

destination for soft adventure 

It’s great that agents 

recognise Canada’s 

appeal as an adventure 

destination and we feel 

honoured to have been voted 

for. We're working with our 

provincial, territorial, airline 

and tour operator partners to 

support agents 

booking Canada." 

Nim Singh 

Destination Canada 

Tour Operators 

Tour operator to Africa: 

African Pride, Cosmos, Gambia 

Experience, Kuoni, Somak Holidays 

Tour Operator to Australasia & the 

Far East: APT, Collette, 

G Adventures, Jetset Holidays, 

Premier Holidays 

Tour Operator to Europe & North 

AfricA: Balkan Holidays, Inghams, Jet2 

Holidays, Shearings, Titan Travel 

Tour Operator to India & the 

Indian Ocean: If Only, Explore, Osborne 

& Ebel, Premier Holidays, Travelpack 

Tour Operator to Latin America & 

the Caribbean: Cox & Kings, 

G Adventures, Journey Latin America, 

Latin Routes, Wendy Wu Tours 

Tour Operator to the Middle East: 

Emirates Holidays, Gold Medal, If Only, 

Mercury Holidays, Travel 2 

Tour Operator to North America: 

Cosmos, Funway Holidays , North America 

Travel Service , Premier Holidays, 

USAirtours 

2018 Winner 

short haul escourted tours 

This award was the 

first from the readers 

of Selling Travel, so we were 

absolutely thrilled to be 

recognised and to win 

amongst such stiff 

competition. We launched our 

summer brochures earlier 

than ever this year and added 

new destinations, tour-only 

options and beach 

extensions." 

Richard Forde 

Newmarket Holidays 

For Long Haul Escorted Tours: 

Cosmos, G Adventures, Riviera Travel, 

Titan Travel, Wendy Wu Tours 

For Short Haul Escorted Tours: 

Newmarket Holidays , Riviera Travel, Scenic 

Cruises & Tours, Saga Holidays, Shearings 

For Senior Travellers: Fred. Olsen 

Cruise Lines, Leger Holidays, Inghams, 

Saga Holidays, Shearings 

For Solo Travellers: G Adventures, 

Just You, Saga Holidays, Trafalgar Holidays, 

Titan Travel 

vote TO WIN... 

A stay at Ness Walk 

Be treated to a luxurious one-night 

stay (worth £400 – £800) at the new 

five-star Ness Walk Hotel in 

Inverness, Scotland. You'll enjoy 

Champagne and canapés when 

you arrive. 

nesswalk.com 

sellingtravel.co.uk

19 

#TLV 

The Perfect Winter Holiday 

at A Perfect Price 

LON 

TLV 

MAN 

TLV 

Round trip Round trip 

from £ 260 

from £ 245 

Book your Flight now! 

Contact your travel agent or call us at 020 7624 9708 

or go online at www.elal.co.uk 

*Travel Period starts 1.11-31.3.2019 

Round trip includes a meal and Hand luggage 

sellingtravel.co.uk

20 

PLEASE VOTE FOR US 

TO WIN 

BY VISITING: WWW.SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK 

AIRLINE TO EUROPE 

- JET2.COM - 

TOUR OPERATOR TO 

EUROPE & NORTH AFRICA 

- JET2HOLIDAYS - 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR 

CONTINUED SUPPORT! 

*Terms and conditions apply. Please see Jet2holidays trade website for full details. 

19-08-164 Untitled-8 • 1Selling Travel Advert - 277mm x 190mm.indd 1 sellingtravel.co.uk 

20/08/2019 17:13 17:23

21 

Cruising 

Ocean Cruising – Short 

Haul: Cruise & Maritime 

Voyages, Hurtigruten, Fred.Olsen Cruise 

Lines, MSC Cruises, Saga Holidays 

Ocean Cruising – Long Haul: 

Cunard Line , Celebrity Cruises, Princess 

Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Riviera 

Travel 

River Cruising – Short Haul: A-ROSA, 

CroisiEurope, Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines, 

Newmarket Holidays, Crystal Cruises 

River Cruising – Long Haul: 

Crystal Cruises, Viking Cruises, Scenic 

Cruises & Tours, Titan Travel, Uniworld 

Boutique River Cruise Collection 

Hotels 

Hotel/Group in Africa: 

Accor Hotels, Hilton, Protea 

Hotels, Sun International, Taj Hotels 

Hotel/Group in Australasia & the 

Far East: Dusit Hotels & Resorts, 

Centara Hotels & Resorts , Hyatt Hotels & 

Resorts, Meritus Hotels & Resorts, 

Shangri-La Hotel & Resorts 

Hotel/Group in Europe & North 

Africa: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Iberostar 

Hotels & Resorts , Movenpick Hotels & 

Resorts, Maritim Hotels , NH Hotel Group 

Hotel/Group in North America: 

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels 

& Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, 

Marriott International, Wyndham Hotel 

Group 

Hotel/Group in Latin America & the 

Caribbean: AM Resorts, Belmond, Elegant 

Hotels, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Sandals 

Hotel/Group in India & the Indian 

Ocean: Attitude Hotels, Beachcomber, 

Fairmont Hotels, Lux Hotels, Sun Resorts 

Hotel/Group in the Middle East: 

Atlantis, Dukes Dubai, JA Jebel Ali Beach 

Resort, Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, W 

Hotels 

Hotel/Group All-Inclusive: 

AM Resorts, Club Med, Hard Rock Hotels All 

Inclusive Collection, bodyholiday Saint Lucia, 

Sandals 

2018 Winner 

hotel/group all-inclusive 

Our travel agent 

partners are integral 

to the success of our business 

so knowing that it was them 

who voted for us to win this 

award really meant a lot. 

We're working harder than 

ever to see and train as many 

agents as possible 

as well as host 

them" 

Graham Brooks 

Hard Rock Hotels 

Vote TO WIN... 

Food tour tickets 

Eating Europe is offering food tours 

(worth £180) with a choice of 

locations in London, Amsterdam, 

Prague, Paris, Rome, Naples, 

Lisbon, Strasbourg or Florence. 

eatingeurope.com 

2018 Winner 

ocean cruising 

All of our business 

comes through the 

trade so to be recognised by 

them as the best is the 

greatest accolade 

we could possibly 

receive" 

Elaine Gillard 

Crystal Cruises 

sellingtravel.co.uk

22 

sellingtravel.co.uk

23 

Best of the Rest 

Ticket Provider: 

Attraction World, 

Do Something Different, Holiday Extras 

Rail: Belmond, Blue Train, Eurostar, 

Great Rail Journeys , Rocky Mountaineer 

Car Hire: Avis Budget Group, Affordable Car 

Hire, Alamo, Flexible Autos, Your Car Hire 

UK Holidays: Butlins, Hoseasons, Shearings, 

Warner Leisure Hotels 

Vote TO WIN... 

Aussie travel essentials 

Destination New South Wales is 

providing a bag of the ultimate travel 

accessories, including a Vivid Sydney 

iPad case, plus a lightweight 

Sydney-themed beach towel. 

visitnsw.com 

This year... 

You may have noticed that we've changed a few things this year, which we 

hope reflects this ever-changing travel industry. There is a new award up for 

grabs in the Destinations category, one for the most eco friendly destination. 

We've also reflected the significant growth and importance of the cruise industry, 

with short haul and long haul sub-categories in the awards for the best river and 

ocean cruise providers. Plus, see below for details on our separate trade rep category. 

Happy voting! sellingtravel.co.uk/awards/vote 

2018 Winner 

travel uni training programme 

Thailand Expert has 

been continuously 

developed over the last four 

years, taking into 

consideration agent feedback. 

We are pleased to say that to 

date we have 5,800 travel 

agents and sales consultants 

engaged with our Thailand 

Expert training and hope to 

increase these 

numbers over the 

next year." 

Chris Lee 

Tourism Authority of 

Thailand 

Who stands out 

from the crowd? 

NEW FOR 2019: 

Nominate your best TRADE REP 

This new category in the 2019 Selling Travel Agents Choice 

Awards will recognise the very important role of trade 

reps. We want you to nominate those people that support 

you most and go the extra mile to help you sell more 

travel. 

You can nominate just one of your favourite trade reps 

or a different rep in each of the sub categories which 

recognise those representing airlines, cruise lines, hotels 

& resorts, tour operators and tourist offices 

Trade Rep 

Visit sellingtravel.co.uk/awards/tradereps 

sellingtravel.co.uk

Who’s top of the pops? 

To help you decide, meet with your travel industry favourites at 

our Selling Travel Agents Choice Awards events next month 

London, October 7 Leeds, October 8 Manchester, October 9 

• MEET a selection of the finalists in 

our awards - tour operators, hotels, 

airlines, cruise lines, destinations 

and more will attend 

• WIN one of a fantastic selection of 

prizes up for grabs supplied by 

every event partner 

• CATCH-UP with industry colleagues 

and enjoy our hospitality 

Sign up now at: 

sellingtravel.co.uk/events

Smile 

all 

the 

stay. 

All our hotels are in dreamlike settings, but if we can go the extra step, rest assured that 

we have what it takes to surprise you, over and over again, so you’ll keep wondering what’s next? 

MAURITIUS • RÉUNION • MALDIVES • CHINA • TURKEY • VIETNAM • U.A.E • ITALY 

Untitled-1 1 22/08/2019 08:43 

LUX_TravelAgentChoiceAwards.indd 1 

8/28/18 4:53 PM 

AN EXPERIENCE AWAITS IN 

OVER 1,000 LOUNGES WORLDWIDE. 

With Gold status, you and a guest can enjoy more lounges than any other alliance 

including our relaxing lounges at London Heathrow Terminal 2. 

To learn more, visit our dedicated UK website at staralliance.co.uk

26 

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT 

Training, events and fam trips 

Agents ride into the 

Calgary Stampede 

Prestige Canada hosted four agents on a 

three-day visit to Calgary, Canada, where 

they experienced the city's famous 

Stampede, a 10-day-long celebration 

of Western heritage, spirit and First 

Nations culture. 

Embracing the theme, they donned 

cowboy hats to enjoy the rodeo and 

chuckwagon races and also had 

a behind-the-scenes tour of the 

Grandstand Show. 

While in the city, the agents explored 

some of its tourist attractions such as 

the Calgary Tower and Heritage Park. 

They also made a stop at Studio Bell – 

home of the National Music Centre. 

prestigecanada.co.uk 

Thailand grows 

bookings…and trees 

Thanks to agent bookings, 70 trees were 

planted in Thailand's Khao Sok National 

Park this summer.Gold Medal, Travel 

2 and the luxury tented jungle camp 

Elephant Hills ran a partnership incentive 

throughout April and May which saw 

agents make 70 bookings to the camp 

– resulting in 70 trees planted. Elephant 

Hills is an eco retreat which looks after 

elephants and sponsors veterinary 

training at the local Elephant Hospital. 

goldmedal.co.uk travel2.com 

elephanthills.com 

Missouri completes 

trade mission 

Delegates from the cities of St Louis, 

Kansas City, and Independence joined 

Ward Franz, Director of Tourism for 

Missouri (third from left) on the state's 

recent UK mission. Agents from Ascot 

Travel, American & Worldwide Travel, 

Major Travel and Travelpack were 

updated on some important anniversaries 

taking place in the state, including the 

100th anniversary of Prohibition in 

2020 and the bicentennial of Missouri 

becoming the U.S.'s 24th state (in 2021). 

visitmo.com 

Agents master 

Jamaican jerk 

The Jamaica Tourist 

Board offered agents 

from Flight Centre, Best 

At Travel, Not Just Travel, 

Stoke Newington Travel 

and Exsus a taste of the 

Caribbean with a jerk 

cooking masterclass and 

learnt all about the island's 

most popular dish. The 

JTB's Donovan Donaldson 

was on hand to provide 

some essential destination 

training and key selling tips 

as well. 

visitjamaica.com 

Have you enjoyed an interesting trade event or been on 

a trip or fam that you would like to see featured on this 

page? Email editorial@bmipublishing.co.uk 

sellingtravel.co.uk

Golf 

ggat 

Meet... STEVE FREWIN 

Director, A Golfing Experience 

Consortium hosts a BRIGHT 

summer workshop 

Thirty agents from 15 agencies joined BRIGHT at its 

summer workshop and dinner in Ipswich, which raised 

£208 for the Ipswich Hospice. The workshop, hosted by 

BRIGHT members Kirker Holidays, First Class Holidays, 

Exodus, Veloso, Viking Cruises, Cox and Kings, African Pride 

and Sunvil, encouraged the consortium’s independent 

agents to discuss their marketing initiatives and business 

development plans. 

brightconsortia.com 

Qatar hits the green 

In a bid to promote Qatar as an up-and-coming golf 

destination, the tourist board co-hosted a golf day with 

partners Discover Qatar, Qatar Airways, Education City 

Golf Club and Doha Golf Club. The event brought together 

40 UK trade, including golf specialists from Exclusive Golf, 

GolfHolidays.com, Golf Breaks, Kenwood Travel and Audley 

Travel. The newly opened Education City Golf Club in Doha, 

features the first Trackman driving range in the city, as well 

as a power tee and indoor putting green. visitqatar.qa 

WHERE THE GRASS IS GREENER 

I’m trying to concentrate as I tee off from the 18th hole 

at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club, but I'm slightly distracted 

by my surroundings. I’ve just enjoyed two holes with the 

Caribbean Sea lapping on one side and another three with 

uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean. As far as golf 

courses go, this is pretty spectacular. 

Golf is highly regarded on the island and this is reflected in 

the quality of the course. The grass is immaculate, fringed by 

palm trees, and I can't help but marvel at the layout, which 

features 80 bunkers and ten water hazards - they don't make 

it easy for you! 

But the course isn't just 

for serious golfers, lessons 

are available for beginners 

and there's a great driving 

range for those that just 

want to practice their 

swing. And what better 

motivation to finish than 

the 19th hole (the bar) on 

the beach! 

ADMIRALS CUP 

The highlight of the golfing calendar has 

to be the annual Admirals Cup, St. Kitts' premier event for 

visiting golfers. The Am-Am Division of the five-day team 

tournament from February 1-6, 2020, features teams of two 

amateurs competing against other pairs from across the 

U.S., Canada, UK and the Caribbean. It's a great opportunity 

to bring people together from across the world to celebrate 

the sport and the event's 10th anniversary. Attendees will 

also cross over to sister island Nevis to compete on the 

Robert Trent Jones II championship course at the Four 

Seasons Resort. Take it from my experience, that hole-in-one 

is harder than it looks! 

New £50 incentive for your bookings. 

Visit StKittsRewards.com 

sellingtravel.co.uk

28 

FOUR-SIGHT 

Our columnists 

While many of 

their clients take 

a hard-earned 

holiday this 

summer, agents 

are beefing up 

their training. 

We ask our 

columnists how 

they manage 

their professional 

development. 

Mandraki-Elias beach, 

Skiathos 

Agents out in force 

at the Yorkshire 

Travel Ball 

Experiential 

training is 

better than 

sitting in front 

of a PowerPoint 

AS I write this I'm reflecting on an afternoon 

of ‘How to sell Luxury Travel’ with The Travel 

Network Group at The Ivy in London. 

It was a great few hours, with Q&As from 

key tour operators in the market and a 

discussion about the word ‘luxury’ and 

whether that is an appropriate term for our 

'discerning customers' (a term coined by Ted 

Wake of Kirker Holidays). 

It's days like these which get my brain 

whirring and are extremely beneficial to 

my professional development. It's a chance 

to learn more and ask questions about 

running a business and what I can do to keep 

improving my service and my sales. 

I find experiential training so much better 

than sitting in front of a PowerPoint. It's also 

a chance to swap ideas and learn from other 

agents and companies – essential when 

working in a small, independent agency. 

Travelling is also a key to training: up to 

date, first-hand information and experience 

helps you to develop as an agent. And who 

doesn’t love a trip away? 

I'm just back from Greece and it has reignited 

my love for the people, culture and 

lifestyle (not to mention the food). 

Returning from such a a trip, I always feel 

enriched personally and professionally. My 

passion for travel is stoked and, moreover, I 

can sell Greece with even more confidence. 

Next, I'm heading to Québec with Air 

Transat and Québec Original. Roll on a chance 

to explore more of Canada, a country I love, 

with industry colleagues. Happy travels! 

I HAVE only been in travel for 13 years and 

am totally focused on river and small ship 

cruising, a relatively tiny niche, and yet I am 

still learning every day about new ships, new 

operators, new regulations, etc. 

I am in total awe of all those agents who 

sell everything from cross-Channel ferries 

to safaris, from skiing to package beach 

holidays... How do they learn to sell such a 

range of product? 

Training needs to cover a number of 

elements if an agent is going to be at all 

competent – from basic regulations and trade 

associations through to detailed product 

knowledge. I find old-fashioned reading to 

be the best way to brush up on the everchanging 

industry. Group discussions with 

I find 

structured 

online training 

much more 

effective 

my fellow GoCruise franchisees also help sort 

out the total mess of regulations we face in 

the cruising sector. Webinars are useful in 

that they can be joined from the desk, but 

the standard of so many is, frankly, poor 

with people just reading from a PowerPoint 

presentation. I find structured learning 

through online training much more effective. 

However, nothing beats actually 

experiencing a new product. Hence I am now 

confident in selling the new AmaMagna, a 

double-width river cruise ship, after a week 

sailing the Danube. I believe it will attract 

many ocean cruisers looking for their first 

river cruise. 

THE FAMILY BUSINESS 

Anneka Desrosiers 

Southern Cross Travel, 

East Sussex 

THE CRUISE SPECIALIST 

James Hill 

Go Cruise, Cruise specialist, 

Worcestershire 

sellingtravel.co.uk

FOUR-SIGHT 

29 

Our columnists 

Having the 

support of a 

consortium has 

allowed us to 

grow quickly 

AT VENTURE Travel we are regularly visited 

by reps from numerous different sectors of 

the travel market. 

What is great about these visits is that we 

not only get to meet with suppliers who 

we regularly book with but also suppliers 

whose product we hadn’t considered selling 

or had little knowledge of. 

The fact that these companies take the 

time to come and talk to us face to face 

shows how lucky we are as agents to be 

in an industry where help is always at 

hand – whether you need to improve your 

product knowledge or find solutions to any 

problems you may have. 

Although it might feel like it sometimes, 

you are never actually on your own. 

This leads me into my next point, which 

is about being a member of the Global 

Travel Group, a consortium for independent 

agencies. The team has been amazing in 

supporting us grow the business since 

starting two years ago. Before we launched 

they provided us with a two-week training 

course, running through all the systems, 

suppliers and back office programmes they 

offer. We still have regular contact with 

the Business Development Manager and 

the Commercial and Finance teams, which 

makes running the business much easier 

for us. Having such great relationships 

with Global and our suppliers is something 

we really value – without their support 

we wouldn’t have been able to grow the 

business as fast as we have done. 

THE ONLINE AGENCY 

BEN & HUGH 

Venture Travel, Mold, 

North Wales 

I HAVE to start by addressing the sad news 

about the collapse of Super Break. They were 

a great company with some fantastic staff. I 

hope they all find new jobs soon. 

On a more positive note, the Yorkshire 

Travel Ball was a roaring success – and 

thank you to Selling Travel for sponsoring 

the magician. We raised £4,500 in total, 

which was split between the Greek Cat 

Welfare Society, Soi Dog Foundation, SOS 

Wildlife, Starlight Barking Trust and Santorini 

Donkeys. We also donated £500 to Cancer 

Research in the name of Rachel Dawson from 

Millhouses Travel in Sheffield, who sadly lost 

her own battle in June. I’m already preparing 

for next year's bash, which will be held on 

July 16 at The Village Hotel, South Leeds. 

I think training is vital for travel agents and 

should be done on a regular basis as things 

are changing all the time. In the past it was 

something you did as and when a rep called 

in. But why not open late once a month to 

allow for staff training, and arrange a rep to 

come in and update you on their products? 

There's also an abundance of online 

training programmes which can be done 

when time allows – these are particularly 

important for homeworkers. 

I still think one of the best training tools is 

to go on a fam trip. It allows you to paint a 

picture to your customer, which makes it so 

much easier to sell. 

Training keeps us progressing 

professionally, which leads me to my thought 

of the month: 'Don’t be afraid to go out on a 

limb, that is where the fruit is.' 

Why not open 

late once a 

month for staff 

training? 

THE HOME WORKER 

Sandy Murray 

Sandy's Travel Escapes 

James experiences 

the AmaMagma 

Ben and Hugh with the 

Global Travel team 

Sandy at the Yorkshire 

Travel Ball with Jessica 

Pook from Selling Travel 

Next month: 

Tui aren't going to 

scrap brochures 

after all. But are 

they integral to 

selling travel? 

Su 

sellingtravel.co.uk

30 

ON LOCATION 

Transylvania, Romania 

Myths & legends in Eastern Europe 

BY SUE BROAD, SALES CONSULTANT 

TRIANGLE TRAVEL LIMITED 

So firmly entrenched are we in the 

'Dracula myth' that some believe 

Transylvania isn't a real place! But it 

is a region of Romania and, yes, there 

actually was a real Dracula – Vlad 

Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler. 

While the myth is exaggerated for 

the tourists Romania is still a 

fascinating country with some 

truly unique sights. 

I discovered the region 

on a Cox & Kings fam 

trip, visiting the old 

towns of Brasov and 

Sighisoara, with narrow 

cobbled streets, wonky but 

brightly painted buildings, 

covered wooden walkways and 

ornate clock towers. 

A stop at Cluj Napoca, one of the 

bigger cities, provided a slightly more 

modern feel. Home to an opera house, 

theatre and vast museums, it's a great place 

to discover the culture and history of the 

area. A great example of Romania's history 

comes in the form of the Alba lulia's citadel, 

with its Roman remains still visible. 

Viewed from the air, the citadel resembles 

a seven-pointed star and is one of the most 

historically important cities because it is 

where Transylvania unified with Romania. 

Bucharest, in the Wallachia region, 

is dominated by Ceausescu's Palace of 

Parliament (one of the biggest buildings in 

the world). It has the buzz of Paris, but still 

retains pockets of 

the ancient city 

down narrow 

lanes. 

Transylvania is 

well known for its 

castles, particularly the 

beautiful Peles Castle – a 

royal palace with its amazing 

woodwork and carvings. Bran Castle 

(traditionally known as Dracula's Castle) 

was our next stop, followed by the Prejmer 

Fortified Church, built of wood and utterly 

untouched since the 1300s. Tiny rooms 

where families sheltered in troubled times 

have been left just as they would have been. 

It's really quite moving. 

A visit to the Salina Turda salt mine is a 

must. Walk amongst its 300-foot cavern 

and you'll come to the lake at the bottom, 

where people boat in the semi darkness and 

play snooker and bowls on the upper level! 

Apparently the atmosphere here is good for 

respiratory problems so people visit to 'take 

the air', despite it being underground. 

The hotels in the cities are all very 

TRANSYLVANIA 

comfortable and modern but are 

a little more rustic in the villages, 

which I think adds to their charm. The 

food is very meat based – sausages are very 

popular – with pickled vegetables, lots of 

lovely salads and amazing cakes and breads. 

It is a really great place to send clients who 

are always looking for something different. 

It's unspoiled, with a long, interesting history 

and a touch of spookiness on the side! 

Romania is reached in two hours on a 

direct service from Heathrow with 

British Airways. 

Clockwise from top left: The Shoemaker's Tower Bran Castle or Dracula's 

Castle; Vlad the Impaler's birthplace in Sighisoara; Voronet, one of 

Romania's painted Monasteries; the Cox & Kings fam group 

sellingtravel.co.uk

16 AUG – 30 SEP 2019 

SAVE 50% 

on adults, 

teenagers & 

kids at selected 

AMResorts* for 

stays between 

14 April - 31 

October 2020 

CONTACT YOUR PREFERRED 

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Costa Rica | Curaçao | Dominican Republic: Cap Cana • La Romana • Puerto Plata • Punta Cana | Jamaica: Montego Bay 

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*Terms & Conditions Apply. *Limited availability

32 

agents talk 

Selling Travel listens 

This month #agentstalk about... 

Get social with us: SellingTravel SellingTravelmag @sellingtravmag 

Travel Agent rants & raves 

This month Jenny Jackson asked: "With the very sad news of the collapse of 

Super Break is there a gap in the market when it comes to UK breaks?" 

Agents 

overheard 

Jenny Jackson 

Founder of Luxury 

Travel Guru 

“I can't imagine UK travel 

without Super Break. I really 

hope an investor sees what 

a good brand it is for the UK 

travel market." 

“It's always been a solid choice 

for UK hotel breaks since I 

started in retail nearly 30 

years ago." 

"It would be great if Super 

Break is saved but it needs 

to solely concentrate on UK 

short breaks. Forget European 

packages and go back to the 

basics!" 

"It was a company that always 

dealt with any issues, on the 

rare occasion there were any, 

and was so agent friendly." 

"Years ago there were so many 

to choose from: Highliffe, 

Rainbow, London Travel 

Service and Golden Rail. I 

think most have merged into 

one now." 

"We have a UK hotel booked 

for a clients' golden wedding 

anniversary and it isn't 

covered by ABTA, but we have 

already paid Super Break. We 

now have to pay for the hotel 

so the clients don’t lose out - 

and it was an expensive hotel!" 

"We had to turn a customer 

away recently. They wanted a 

rail break with Super Break and 

we hadn't any alternatives to 

switch-sell to." 

"It shows the huge problem in 

travel: when companies are 

profitable but the parent 

company is not." 

"Well that’s a 

new one... A guy 

asking if he can take 

his two pet hamsters 

on a cruise with him!" 

“I had someone 

who wanted to 

purchase a seat 

for their 

goldfish bowl” 

"Client said: 'the flight time 

doesn't work for me. Could 

you ask the airline to go a few 

hours later or delay the 

flight for us?' Er, sure..." 

"'Can I pay £200 now 

and the rest when i 

get back?' No" 

TM 

10nts - Golden Triangle & Goa, India 

0208 585 4020 

holidays@travelpack.com 

DELHI AGRA JAIPUR GOA 

Package includes flights, accommodation, sightseeing, English speaking guide & transfers. 

Travel : 1 Oct 19 - 9 Dec 19 / 16 Jan 20 - 31 Mar 20 

fr£2565pp 

Untitled-10 1 13/08/2019 15:57

IN THE OFFICE 

33 

with Matt Pattinson - TUI 

The Next chapter for new TUI store 

TUI has just opened a new store in 

Sheffield, the first to be located within 

a Next retail store. Manager Matt 

Pattinson tells Selling Travel how a prime 

location in The Moor shopping centre is 

attracting a new kind of customer. 

"Sheffield City Centre and the whole 

catchment area of Sheffield is really 

important to TUI. The area supports a 

number of our regional flying bases, 

including Doncaster Sheffield, Manchester 

and East Midlands airports. Over half a 

million people are in the catchment area 

of Sheffield and therefore it is important 

that we are well represented in the area. 

"The redevelopment of The Moor (shopping 

centre) has driven the majority of shoppers 

in Sheffield to that area of the city - it has 

attracted millions of visitors in the last year 

alone - and it was a great opportunity to be 

involved in such a prestigious development. 

It’s also great that this is first 

TUI store within Next, 

something new and 

exciting for us." 

Loyalty pays 

'We know from 

speaking to our 

customers that many 

of them still prefer 

face-to-face contact 

and having that peace of 

mind that comes from going into a store 

and discussing their holiday. Over the years 

we have adapted our service proposition 

SHAUN FLANNERY 

Our customers still 

prefer face-to-face 

contact 

to suit the changing requirements of our 

customers, always ensuring that we put 

them at the heart of everything we do. We 

share our knowledge and expertise as well as 

being there with them for every step of their 

journey, as and when they need us. 

"Through all the developments in recent 

years we have been able to enhance 

our customers’ experiences 

resulting in brand loyalty and 

customer retention. 

"Our culture of honesty 

and transparency, looking 

after customers and being 

empowered to help solve 

any issues on the spot, should 

any arise, really does help our 

customers ‘discover their smiles’. I 

also believe our commitment to opening 

new and exciting stores like the one in 

Sheffield makes us different to many other 

travel agencies." 

Career highlights 

"This year I am seeing customers looking for 

more regular, shorter breaks to allow them 

to escape more often. 

"There is a late booking market and midhaul 

destinations seem popular this year. 

"I have also helped many customers book 

somewhere new for the first time. Customers 

are increasingly wanting something that they 

haven't experienced before. 

"My proudest moment as a travel agent 

has to be winning TUI store of the year 

when I was a Team Manager at our Sheffield 

Meadowhall store. I also won Regional 

Deputy Manager of the Year a few years ago, 

which to me it is a testament to my hard 

work and dedication. I am very proud to be 

a travel agent for TUI and look forward to 

seeing this new store in Sheffield thrive." 

sheffieldpinstone@tui.co.uk 

TM 

13nts , Kenya Sarova Safari & Mauritius 

0208 585 4020 


LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK MAASAI MARA MAURITIUS 

Package includes flights, accommodation, sightseeing, game drives, English speaking guide & transfers. 

Travel : 19 Aug 19 - 10 Dec 19 

fr£4199pp 


34 

TRAVEL PEOPLE 

on the move 

MEET... 

Abi Northage 

Agents Relationship Manager, 

Experience Travel Group 

Why appoint an Agents 

Relationship Manager? 

ETG has experienced 20% 

growth in agent bookings in 

the past year. The new role 

allows us to give agents a 

focal point for their queries, 

send dedicated marketing 

collateral and resources, 

and offer support. 

What’s your focus? 

To get to know our agents 

personally, understand how 

they run their business and 

make sure we are giving 

them what they need. 

Why book with ETG? 

To provide something 

different for clients and the 

importance, commitment 

and emphasis we put on 

our agent relationships. 

IAIN RAEPER 

TO: Senior Product & Commercial 

Manager, Leisure, EFR Travel Group 

Iain will be overseeing all 

product and contracting 

for the brands within the 

Leisure Division. These 

include the Luxury 

Worldwide Collection, 

Luxury Worldwide 

Collection Cruise, and 

Elegant Golf Resorts' 

bespoke holidays. 

DAVID POPE 

TO: Head of Sales and Training, 

Not Just Travel 

David helps franchisees 

build successful travel 

businesses. He specialises 

in discovering the right 

people, delivering effective 

onboarding programmes 

and then working on 

longer-term development. 

He is also the co-founder 

of Equator Learning. 

PAULINE THOMSON 

TO: Regional Sales Manager, 

Celebrity Cruises 

Pauline will keep agents in 

Scotland and Northern 

Ireland up to date with 

campaigns, incentives, and 

initiatives as well as 

arranging ship visits. She 

will also be promoting 

Celebrity's training 

programme ‘Passport’' on 

Celebrity Central. 

What’s your travel tip? 

Travel curious and enjoy 

the unexpected! 

STEVE HARRIS 

NATASHA JONES 

RICHARD GAMBER 

TO: Regional Sales Director, Rocky 

Mountaineer 

TO: Business Development Manager, 

SAGA Travel 

TO: Supplier Partnership Manager, 

JTA Holidays 

Steve joined Rocky 

Mountaineer in 2018 as 

Business Development 

Manager and has quickly 

progressed to Regional 

Sales Director. He will 

work closely with the sales 

team and trade partners 

to ensure that business 

momentum continues. 

Natasha Jones joins Saga's 

trade team of 10 and will 

support developing agent 

partners in growing their 

Saga business. The move 

brings her back to the 

trade team after two years 

away, which was spent 

travelling followed by a 

spell with STA Travel. 

With over 25 years’ 

experience in the travel 

industry, Richard’s focus 

will be to provide a range 

of marketing and support 

options for JTA’s supply 

partners. He will also 

reach out directly to JTA’s 

independent agent 

network. 

Have you just got a new job and want agents to know 

about it? We'd love to hear about it. 

Email: editorial@bmipublishing.co.uk

DON'T 

MISS OUT... 

Register 

today! 

Develop your USA experience 

REGISTER NOW TO ATTEND • VISITUSAROADSHOW.COM 

Win one of 

three fantastic 

trips to the 

USA! 

NEW YORK, BOSTON 

OR LAS VEGAS 

GLASGOW 

• United Airlines 

to NEW YORK 

• 7 nights Cruise 

America RV Rental 

• Stay at the Moxy 

NYC Times Sqaure 

LEEDS 

• Virgin Atlantic 

to LAS VEGAS 

• Stay at the Planet 

Hollywood Las 

Vegas Resort & 

Casino 

LONDON 

• Delta Air Lines 

to BOSTON 

• Stay at the Moxy 

Boston Downtown 

THE VISIT USA 2019 ROADSHOW will 

take place in Glasgow, Leeds and London 

during the early evening of October 1, 2 

and 3 respectively. The popular events 

have been designed to maximise the 

networking opportunities for both agents 

and exhibitors. All three Roadshows are 

being held in selected premium hotels where 

GLASGOW 

Tuesday October 1 

RADISSON BLU GLASGOW 

THE VENUES 

LEEDS 

Wednesday October 2 

LEEDS MARRIOTT HOTEL 

30 Visit USA exhibitors and agents can 

exchange information and discuss business 

development opportunities. Food and drink 

will be provided. The format will include 

speed networking - which will see agents 

visiting all exhibitors – goody bags and a 

holiday to the USA will be up for grabs at 

each location (see left for prize details). 

Early evening, from 6pm onwards 

2019 EXHIBITORS 

LONDON 

Thursday October 3 

CANARY RIVERSIDE PLAZA HOTEL 

AMTRAK VACATIONS • BRADLEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CONNECTICUT • BRAND USA UK & IRELAND • BROADWAY INBOUND • 

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT • COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE • CRUISE AMERICA RV RENTALS • EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE • EXPERIENCE SCOTTSDALE • 

FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST • GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU • HANDLERY HOTELS • KENNEDY SPACE CENTRE VISITOR COMPLEX • 

MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF TRAVEL & TOURISM • MAVERICK AVIATION GROUP, GRAND CANYON & LAS VEGAS • NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY AND 

LOUISIANA OFFICE OF TOURISM • NEW SYMRNA BEACH AREA VISITORS BUREAU • PAPILLON GRAND CANYON HELICOPTERS • 

SANTA MONICA TRAVEL AND TOURISM • TENNESSEE TOURISM • THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL • TRAVEL PORTLAND • 

TRAVEL TEXAS • UNITED AIRLINES • UNIVERSAL PARKS & RESORTS • VIRGIN ATLANTIC/DELTA AIR LINES • VISIT HOUSTON • 

VISIT NORTH CAROLINA • VISIT SEATTLE • VISIT WEST HOLLYWOOD 

Register now 

Attend one of the Roadshows by visiting 

visitusaroadshow.com

traveluni.com 

GDS | TRAINING | REWARDS 

Training, competitions, events 

THIS MONTH'S TOP STORIES September 2019 

Say yes to Yas Island 

NEWS 

Quick Quiz 

Are you an 

Aruba 

Expert? 

1. TUI operate a 

direct weekly 

flight to Aruba 

during the 

summer 

TRUE / FALSE 

AGENTS that complete the 

Yas Island Expert training 

programme by September 15, 2019 

will be in the frame to win a fourday 

trip for two to the Abu Dhabi 

isle. The programme is the latest 

addition to the Travel Uni platform 

and includes five modules on 

subjects such as Yas Island's three 

theme parks – Warner Bros. World 

Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 

and Yas Waterworld – to the 

Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit and its 

seven hotels. 

yasexpert.com 

Incentive 

Train to win a 

trip to Oman 

2. Civil 

marriages can 

be performed in 

Aruba 

TRUE / FALSE 

Oman Ambassadors I Modules: 5 

To celebrate the launch of the Oman Travel Uni 

training programme, the Oman Ministry of Tourism is 

offering the chance to win a four-night stay for two 

at the Shangri-La Al Bandar resort. 

Guests will enjoy all the amenities of this luxury 

resort on a half-board basis and visit some of 

Oman's top attractions, such as its sweeping 

deserts and secluded fjords. 

For the chance to win agents must sign up and 

complete the training by September 30, 2019. 

A second prize – afternoon tea for two at the 

Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard in London – is up for 

grabs for the runner-up. 

omanambassadors.com 

Find the answer at: 

arubaacademy.com 

Food for thought 

News 

This October, diners at the 

London Restaurant Festival 

could win a gastronomic trip to 

Jerusalem in conjunction with 

Jerusalem Open Restaurant and 

Virgin Atlantic. The prize includes 

two return flights to Jerusalem, a 

three-night stay at the Inbal Hotel, 

tickets to Jerusalem Open 

Restaurant events and a tour of 

Mahane Yehuda Market. 

experiencejerusalem.co.uk 

BECOME A THAILAND EXPERT 

WIN A HOLIDAY TO THAILAND 

Thailandexpert.co.uk 

Terms and conditions apply

Training courses to help travel agents and advisers sell more! 

Working in partnership 

Sell the Cirque 

Incentive 

AGENTS could be jetting off 

to Las Vegas to enjoy two 

Cirque du Soleil shows as part of 

Do Something Different's latest 

booking incentive. 

The prize includes return flights 

from Heathrow or Manchester with 

Virgin Atlantic, three nights on the 

Strip at the new Park MGM and 

tickets to two Cirque du Soleil 

shows of your choice. 

To pocket this prize agents must 

make a booking for any Cirque du 

Soleil Las Vegas show before 

September 30, 2019 and email 

WIN@dosomethingdifferent.com 

with their DSD order number and 

'CIRQUE' in the subject line by 

October 4, 2019. More bookings 

mean a better chance of winning. 

discovercirque.com 

Time for Thailand 

News 

Thai Airways has released a 

range of travel trade fares to 

encourage agents to visit Thailand. 

Priced from £441, the discounted 

flights are on sale now for travel up 

to November 30, 2019, and must be 

booked no more than one month 

before travel. Agents can fly to 

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and 

Phuket, as well as to other 

destinations across Southeast Asia. 

thailandexpert.co.uk 

Incentive 

Qatar specialist I Modules: 5 

Connect with 

Qatar 

If Only and Visit Qatar are 

promoting Doha as the ideal 

stopover destination by giving 

one agent the chance to win 

a city break to Qatar’s capital. 

The incentive is part of 

the Connect With Qatar 

campaign, which includes 

special offers to twin Qatar with 

destinations across Asia and the Indian Ocean. 

To be in with a chance of winning the trip, which includes 

return flights and accommodation for two, agents need to 

make a booking including a stopover in Doha before November 

2019. Every booking to Qatar for two nights or more during the 

campaign qualifies for £50 on a My Loyalty Card. 

tawashqatar.com 

COURSE LIST 

A-Z of available 

courses 

ABTA 

Alaska 

Aruba 

Amtrak Vacations 

Beaches Resorts 

Bourne Leisure 

Butlins 

Centara Hotels & 

Resorts 

Cirque de Soleile 

Costa Rica 

Elegant Hotels 

Essential Detail 

Fiji 

Finland 

Flanders 

Fort Myers & Sanibel 

Haven Hotels 

Hawaii 

Heritage Resort 

Jerusalem 

Jumeirah Hotels 

& Resorts 

Journey Beyond 

Las Vegas 

Macao 

Melia Hotels & 

Resorts 

New York state 

Newmarket Holidays 

Oman 

Ontario 

Qatar 

Railbookers 

SAGA 

Saint Lucia 

Sandals Resorts 

Seychelles 

Simon Malls 

St Kitts 

Thailand 

TIPTO 

US Airtours 

Veranda Resorts 

Windjammer Landing 

Hotel 

Yas Island 

traveluni.com 

aruba.com 


38 

destination profile 

Cyprus 

Aphrodite’s isle isn’t all sun, sand and sea. Kathryn Liston explores the island’s 

natural and cultural attractions through its impressive range of driving routes 

Hold on tight! I’m bouncing around 

in the back of a jeep. No, it’s not the 

poor state of the roads – the road 

system around the entire island is 

excellent. I’m on a jeep safari of the 

protected Akamas nature reserve, a 

vast wilderness of steep-sided cliffs, 

deep limestone gorges and shimmering 

sandy bays to the north of Paphos. 

I keep my eyes peeled for eagles, 

falcons, green and loggerhead turtles and 

400 species of wild flowers, many endemic 

to the island. 

Agile wild goats keep me company in the 

Avagas Gorge, springing up the steepsided 

limestone walls to a cacophony of 

cicadas and bird song. We look down on 

beautiful Lara Bay, but its infamous turtles 

which return to lay their eggs each year 

are not at home. 

After a typical lunch meze of dips, squid 

and barbecued meats, we enjoy a swim 

in the clear waters of the remote Fontana 

Amorosa, but Aphrodite, and the lovers 

she seduced here, are not at home either. 

Charmed by the region’s raw natural 

beauty, the next day I hire a small motorboat 

in Latchi and pootle along the 

coastline to the Blue Lagoon where the 

bright azure hues assault my senses. 

With so many amazing places to explore 

on the island, the following day I hire a car 

and take to the open road. 

THEMED DRIVING ROUTES 

The Aphrodite Cultural Route is one of 

several self-drive themed routes. It visits 

LIMASSOL 

PISSOURI VILLAGE 

historic sites, museums and artefacts 

associated with the goddess of love, such 

as Kouklia, Amathus and Kition, providing 

visitors with an insight into her mythology, 

rituals and character. 

The Antiquity Cultural Route takes in the 

UNESCO neolithic settlement, Choirokoitia, 

near Limassol; the grand Greco-Roman 

Kourion amphitheatre (second century BC); 

and the Archeological Park’s Roman villas 

and stunning mosaic floors in Paphos. 

Other cultural routes focus on Venetians 

OIKOS, TROODOS MOUNTAINS 

CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION 

CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION 

THE BLUE LAGOON 

ORANGE GROVE 

in Cyprus, the history of copper and 

eastern and western culture. 

Boutique wineries, vineyards and 

museums, including the Wine Museum in 

Erimi, are featured on seven signposted 

wine routes. Cyprus is one of the world’s 

oldest wine-producing countries, and 

the desert wine, Commandaria, that it 

produces has been around a long time too. 

RURAL VILLAGES 

To encourage holidaymakers to enjoy 

a taste of authentic Cyprus, the Travel 

Foundation and Cyprus Sustainable 

Tourism Initiative have developed six 

self-drive village routes which showcase 

traditional crafts. 

Extending from Farmagusta in the east 

to Akamas in the west, the tours visit local 

businesses, such as the Oleastro Olive Park 

and Museum, the rose-producing village of 

Argos, the lace-making village of Lefkara, 

the red earth villages of Kokkinochoria and 

windmills of Farmagusta. 

A booklet outlining village festivals, 

events and places to buy local crafts is 

sellingtravel.co.uk

40 


Top Spots 

Kourion 

A magnificent Greco- 

Roman amphitheatre 

built in the 2nd century 

BC is the centrepiece of 

this ancient city-kingdom, 

which also haa villas with 

5th century mosaic floors 

and a bathing complex. 

Tombs of Kings 

This vast complex of 

underground burial 

chambers is carved out 

of solid rock, some with 

ornate Doric pillars. 

It dates back to the 

Hellenistic and Roman 

periods 

Nicosia 

Surrounded by 16th 

century Venetian 

fortifications, visitors will 

find ancient churches, 

medieval buildings and a 

maze of narrow streets. 

quaint old town of Laiki 

Yitonia. 

Hala Sultan 

Tekke, Larnaca 

By a salt lake awash with 

flamingos, this mosque 

was built over the tomb 

of Umm Haram, believed 

to be the sister of the 

prophet Mohammed’s 

foster mother. 

Troodos 

Mountains 

A paradise for walkers, 

bird watchers and cyclists 

and cool respite for 

day-trippers who flock to 

the town, Platres. Check 

out the 3km Kalidonia 

walking trail. 

BOOK IT WITH… OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS 

A seven-night holiday at the adults-only 

Amarande Hotel, which opens in June 2020, 

starts from £657pp based on two people 

sharing a deluxe room on a half-board basis 

and travelling on June 2 2020 from Gatwick. 

The four-star hotel is 300 metres from 

Maistrali beach and a short walking distance 

from Ayia Napa’s buzzing centre. 

olympicholidays.com; 0208 492 6868 

MEDITATING ON THE MED 

available from csti-cyprus.org. 

Visitors staying in Larnaca next winter 

(November to April) can enjoy a host of 

traditional village crafts such as basket 

weaving and halloumi-cheese making 

plus free guided tours. 

GETTING ACTIVE 

With 52 designated trails there’s one 

for every week of the year. They vary 

in length and difficulty and traverse a 

variety of beautiful landscapes and flora, 

taking walkers past Byzantine churches 

and historic monuments. 

Cyclists are spoilt for choice too, with 

routes offering everything from forest 

mountain bike trails to coastal rides. 

The island’s warm climate and water 

temperatures (16-27C) make it ideal for 

golfers, who can play in shirt-sleeves 

year-round on four 18-hole courses - the 

PGA Aphrodite Hills, Sir Nick Faldodesigned 

Eléa Estate Golf Club, Minthis 

Hills and Secret Valley. 

Water-sports, including kite-surfing, 

are available in the resorts of Paphos, 

Limassol, Larnaka, Ayia Napa/Protaras. 

Divers will find underwater caves, vibrant 

marine life and wrecks, including the 

Elpida off the coast of Larnaka. 

WHAT’S NEW 

Shearings’ winter-sun Cyprus Delights 

break at the Hotel Aloe in Paphos comes 

with two new tours: Authentic Cyprus, 

which includes breakfast cooked by a 

local villager and a wine tasting at a local 

winery, and Cyprus History and Scenery 

which visits key historic sites. 

Two hotels opened last May - the 

five-star couples-only Amavi, in Paphos, 

marketed under the Made-for-Two 

brand, and the four-star Louis Ivi Mare, 

Kato Paphos. The four-star adults-only 

Amarande Hotel will open in Ayia Napa in 

June 2020. 

Columbia Beach Resort is inviting 

agents to join its UK sales team for a 

30-minute Lunch & Learn session, which 

will include tips on targeting specific 

market sectors and an update on offers 

and incentives. Agents register their 

interest by emailing Nicola Pickup at 

nicola@luxuryescapehotels.com with 

suggested dates and timings. 

Jet2 has increased winter capacity to 

200,000 seats – a rise of 45% on 2018. 

AYIA NAPA BEACH 

sellingtravel.co.uk

south florida 41 

Southern 

comfort 

Family fun, eco-adventures and luxury escapes are all possible 

among the white-sand beaches, verdant parks and warm, 

turquoise seas of South Florida, says Lauren Jarvis 

“There are no one-way car 

rental penalty charges 

within Florida, offering 

quite a saving compared 

to other areas of the USA.” 

Malcom Davies, Product Destination Manager, 

Funway Holidays 

My head still virtually spinning 

from the rollercoasters of 

Orlando, I’ve headed south in 

search of some exhilarating experiences 

of a different kind. 

In chic Sarasota and Naples, I wander 

boutiques and galleries, eat fabulous 

food and sink wonderful wine. On Sanibel 

island, I scour sunset beaches for shells, 

as pink-hued spoonbills stalk the shallows 

for fish. In the Everglades, I tramp through 

steamy swamps, searching for alligators 

and rare orchids, as bromeliads and 

Spanish moss drip from the trees. Kayaking 

the mangroves of Big Pine Key, I spend 

the day in shorts with salty skin 

and shaggy hair, as rays 

and nurse sharks cruise the seagrass beds 

below. And driving the Overseas Highway 

on Route 1 to Key West, I find freedom, 

adventure and an unexpected feeling of 

home. 

There are urban delights too, In Miami 

I sip cocktails at Delano’s and dance after 

dark under the stars. 

From the unspoilt white-sand barrier 

islands of the Gulf coast, to the primordial, 

green wilderness of the Everglades National 

Park; the sparkling, golden lights of its 

cosmopolitan cities, to the blue sea swirls 

of the sun-drenched Florida Keys, South 

Florida showed me shades of the state I’d 

never imagined. 

Lay of the land 

There’s plenty for a standalone South 

Florida stay. Miami is a long-standing 

Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas national Park 

sellingtravel.co.uk

42 

south florida 

international gateway, but flight 

connections from major U.S. cities to 

Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Sarasota– 

Bradenton, Key West and Southwest 

Florida International in Fort Myers – which 

will see a $175 million expansion project 

completed by 2023 – make for a perfect 

dual-destination trip. 

Families should also consider combining 

a week at Orlando’s many amusement 

parks (Universal, Disney and Legoland are 

all here) with another exploring the South’s 

exciting cities and natural wonders. 

“South Florida has so much to offer and 

discover,” says Gill Standeven, Visit Florida’s 

UK Account Director. “We’re working 

with tour operators on co-op marketing 

programmes to promote multi-centre trips, 

encouraging visitors to travel further.” 

The glitzy centres of Miami, Fort 

Lauderdale, Boca Ratan and West 

Palm Beach on the Atlantic coast, and 

cosmopolitan Sarasota and Naples on 

the Gulf of Mexico, boast luxury hotels, 

restaurants and boutiques, but offer fun 

for families, too. The safe, sandy beaches 

Lake Okeechobee 

of Gulf islands like Anna Maria and Sanibel 

are perfect for children, while spa resorts 

and golf courses across the region keep 

luxury-seeking travellers entertained. 

For the intrepid, the Everglades National 

Park has exciting swamp and kayaking 

tours; Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral 

Reef State Park and Dry Tortugas National 

Park off Key West offer excellent diving and 

snorkelling; Palm Beach is a surf hotspot, 

and Fort Myers a watersports mecca. 

New for families 

Curio Collection by Hilton property, Baker’s 

Cay Resort in Key Largo (curiocollection3. 

hilton.com), offers family-friendly activities, 

including marine science camps, and Eden 

Roc Miami Beach (edenrochotelmiami. 

com) has introduced an all-new BECO Kids 

Club, offering fun marine workshops, pizza 

making classes, kid’s yoga, mindfulness 

sessions and more. 

On Anna Maria Island, Anna Maia Beach 

Resort (annamariaislandbeachresort.com) 

has opened, with a large pool and all rooms 

offering kitchen facilities. 

A new Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville 

resort (margaritaville.com) will open in 

2021 at Fort Myers Beach, with 254 rooms 

and a water park. 

Key West’s newest attraction, the Sails 

to Rails Museum (historictours.com), leads 

visitors on an interactive journey through 

500 years of fascinating Key West history. 

Meanwhile, four new, daily trolley tours of 

Bahia Honda State Park (floridastateparks. 

org/BahiaHonda) in the Lower Keys will 

help nature loving visitors understand the 

region’s unique ecosystem and history. 

watersports are big down south 

Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences 

Book it: USAirtours (usairtours.co.uk/agent-zone) 

offers seven nights room-only in the Florida Keys 

for a family of four from £1,245pp, including flights 

with Norwegian from London to Miami, car rental, 

and accommodation in Key Largo and Key West. 

New for luxury seekers 

Luxury boutique property, Lennox Hotel 

Miami Beach (lennoxmiamibeach.com), 

opened in the city’s historic district in 

August this year, with 119 rooms and its 

own private beach. 

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south florida 43 

Naples’ pier 

Nobu Hotel Miami Beach 

(nobuhotelmiamibeach.com) has 

introduced three new types of Penthouse 

Level Beach Villas, with a personal 

concierge, gym, pool and cabanas. 

The Palm Beaches has five new, high-end 

hotels openings: Amrit Ocean Resort & 

Residences on Singer Island and Canopy by 

Hilton Hotel in West Palm Beach in 2019; 

The Ben, Autograph Collection by Marriott 

and Banyan Cay Resort & Golf, A Noble 

House Resort, in West Palm Beach in 2020; 

and Mandarin Oriental, Boca Raton in 2021. 

Several multi-million-dollar renovations 

will be completed on The Paradise Coast 

this year, including JW Marriott Marco 

Island Beach Resort, Hilton Marco Island 

Beach Resort and Spa, the Ritz-Carlton 

Naples; and Naples Grande Beach Resort. 

Sarasota has two new, luxury resorts: 

Art Ovation Hotel Autograph Collection 

(marriott.com) and boutique property, The 

Sarasota Modern (thesarasotamodern. 

com). 

The new Seminole Hard Rock 

Hollywood Hotel and Casino 

(seminolehardrockhollywood.com) opens in 

Greater Fort Lauderdale in October 2019, 

with 1,200 rooms and a 7,000-seat Hard 

Rock Live entertainment venue. 

Marriott opens a new Autograph 

Collection property in 2020, with the 

Luminary Hotel & Co. overlooking the Fort 

Myers River District. 

Book it: Funway Holidays (vaxvacationaccess. 

co.uk) offers 10 days from £1,799pp, including 

flights from London to Miami, car rental and 

five-star accommodation for three nights in Miami 

Beach, three nights in Key West and three nights 

in Naples. 

New for adventure lovers 

The adults-only Bunagalows Key Largo 

(bungalowskeylargo.com) – the Florida 

Keys’ first all-inclusive resort – reopens in 

December 2019, offering paddle boarding, 

kayaking and snorkelling. 

Marathon’s 199-unit Isla Bella Beach 

Resort, adjacent to the iconic Seven Mile 

Bridge, now has five pools, complimentary 

bicycles and on-site water sports. 

Water lovers can participate in a 

Sip and SUP eco-tour experience 

(aquaholicadventures.com) at Islamorada’s 

Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, 

kayaking or paddle boarding to local bars. 

Otherside Adventure Park 

(othersideboardsports.com) and Keys Cable 

(keyscable.com) in Marathon run wake 

boarding, kite boarding, stand-up paddle 

boarding and foil boarding lessons. 

Key West HydroBikes (keywesthydrobikes. 

com) offer rentals from four Key West 

locations, tours to Castaway Island and 

Mallory Glow tours to watch the sunset in 

front of Mallory Square. 

The Circus Arts Conservatory (circusarts. 

org) in Sarasota – home of the famous 

Ringling Circus Museum – runs circus arts 

classes and workshops for all ages 

Book it: America As You Like It (americaasyoulikeit. 

com) has a seven-night room-only holiday from 

£1,315pp, including flights with Norwegian from 

London to Miami, car rental, three nights in Naples 

(for travel to the Everglades) and four nights at 

Fort Myers Beach (with watersports included). 

The Sarasota Modern 

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44 

how to sell 

Myanmar 

It’s gone from being a pariah state to one of Asia’s most desirable destinations. 

Kathryn Liston explains how agents can sell Myanmar 

Why sell it now 

Exiled from the outside world for 

many years, unspoilt by mass tourism 

and untouched by commercialisation, 

Myanmar provides a glimpse of Asia in 

bygone days – but things are changing fast. 

A more stable political climate since 

elections in 2015 have brought investment 

in tourism that has resulted in new luxury 

hotels, excellent domestic transport 

links, a simpler online visa service, and 

more family-owned businesses, social 

enterprises and community projects. 

Myanmar is more affordable than it has 

ever been – a five-star hotel costs half the 

price it was five years ago, says InsideAsia 

Tours' PR Manager James Mundy. 

Prices on the ground are also extremely 

low – Yangon taxis are £1; stir-fry, tea leaf 

salad or mohinga noodles £3 – although 

Western-style cafes, which are popping up 

rapidly, will charge more. 

The people are warm and welcoming 

and there’s a plethora of amazing, and 

relatively quiet, temples, monasteries and 

cultural sites to explore. Bagan receives 

300,000 visitors a year compared to 

Angkor Wat’s three million. 

Who to sell to 

With such a treasure trove of highlights, 

Myanmar caters for all markets. Culture 

buffs will love the stunning temples and 

colonial and World War Two history of 

Mandalay and Yangon; cruisers can dip 

COCKBURN ISLAND, ANDAMAN SEA 

BAGAN HAS BEEN AWARDED UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE STATUS THIS YEAR 

into village life along the Irrawaddy or 

Chindwin rivers; sun worshippers will 

adore the unspoilt beaches of Ngapali or 

quieter Ngwe Saung; hikers can trek the 

Kalaw and Shan hills; and soft adventure 

seekers can take a sunrise balloon ride 

over Bagan, boat trip around Inle Lake or 

cycling tours of Yangon and Mandalay. 

What to sell 

The tourist trail of Yangon, Mandalay, 

Bagan, Kalaw and Lake Inle visits the 

main cultural sites and is a must for firsttime 

visitors. The gleaming Shwedagon 

Pagoda is Yangon’s jewel in the crown. 

Mandalay’s U Bein teak bridge (built 1782); 

Mahagandayon Monastery, home to 1,000 

monks; and the gold-leaf covered Buddha 

at Mahamuni Pagoda are stunning. 

A balloon ride at sunrise over Bagan’s 

3,500 ancient stupas and temples – and 

a horse-and-cart ride around the dusty 

plains – are enchanting, as is a boat tour of 

Inle Lake, where fishermen row with one 

leg, artisans weave silks from lotus leaves, 

silversmiths create ornate jewellery and 

floating gardens are filled with vegetables. 

The hill station Kalaw offers great walking 

and the Kalaw Green Valley elephant camp 

employs sustainable practices, like making 

paper from elephant poo. 

Further afield, there’s the Golden Rock 

pagoda and pilgrimage site at Kyaiktiyo, 

Mawlamyine, where Rudyard Kipling and 

George Orwell penned various works, and 

the remote Mergui Archipelago, where 

Regent Holidays offers an 18-day cruise. 

How to sell it 

Recommend a guided tour from Yangon 

to Mandalay followed by a beach stay or a 

cruise. Internal flights between the main 

cities are frequent, so clients can arrive 

BOOK IT WITH... PREMIER HOLIDAYS 

Priced at £1999pp, the seven-night Highlights Of 

Myanmar tour includes three days in Mandalay, 

two days in Bagan to take in Mount Popa, a 

private sunset cruise along the Irrawaddy and 

two days at Inle Lake to visit the enchanting 

floating gardens. 

premierholidays.co.uk; 08444 937 520 

sellingtravel.co.uk

how to sell 45 

“Myanmar is more 

affordable than it's ever 

been - a five-star hotel costs 

half the price it was five 

years ago” 

U BEIN BRIDGE 

James Mundy, PR Manager, Inside Tours 

early morning for the next leg of their 

tour. Older clients may prefer to take a 

more leisurely cruise on the Irrawaddy or 

Chindwin River (from July to September). 

Agents should keep an eye on FCO travel 

advice too, as certain areas of the country 

are still out of bounds. 

When to sell 

The best time to visit is November to 

February when the weather is warm and 

dry. April and May are hot and humid; 

while the monsoon season from June 

to October is best avoided. Water levels 

for cruising are highest from October to 

January, making winter a good time. 

What's new 

Rosewood Hotels (rosewoodhotels.com) 

opens a new property this summer in the 

former New Law Courts for British Burma, 

Yangon. Last December saw the opening 

of luxury island resort Wa Ale (waaleresort. 

com) at Lampi Marine National Park, with 

11 tent beach villas and two treetop villas. 

The community initiative in the far south of 

Myanmar was set up by Lampi Foundation 

owners Chris & Farina Kingsley. 

Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min 

(sofitelaccorhotels.com), Accor’s first hotel 

in Myanmar, opened last year. 

The city of Bagan, with 3,000 Buddist 

temples, monateries and stupas, gained 

UNESCO World Heritage status in July. 

The Secretariat (thesecretariat.com), 

the magnificent colonial centre of British 

Burma, where general Aung San and six 

cabinet minster's were assassinated in 

1947, will open to visitors in October. 

Yangon-based Sampan Travel 

(sampantravel.com) has introduced a 

Coffee & Tea Trail in the Pindaya Hills, and 

World War Two battlefield tours. 

A plastic reduction initiative from 

InsideAsia Tours (insideasiatours.com) 

provides clients with a refillable water 

bottle, bamboo straw and handwoven bag 

on arrival.

Visit USA News 

THIS MONTH'S TOP STORIES FROM VISIT USA MEMBERS • VISITUSA.ORG.UK 

GET FREE 

ORLANDO 

TICKETS 

Agents who 

complete the 

redesigned online 

Orlando Travel 

Academy 

training 

programme 

qualify for up to 

50% off theme 

park tickets, 

complimentary 

tickets to 

selected 

attractions, and 

up to 35% off 

hotel rates. 

Pass before 

December 31, 

2019 to qualify 

for other special 

discounted rates 

at four Orlando 

hotels. 

visitorlando.com 

Virgin unveils new A350 

Virgin Atlantic’s new A350 aircraft is expected to start flying across the 

Atlantic on September 10, with the inaugural flight from Heathrow to 

New York JKF. 

The aircraft features an entirely redesigned Upper Class cabin, as 

well as the airline’s unique social space, The Loft (pictured). Those in 

the Premium and Economy cabins will benefit from added luxury and 

comfort, including the airline’s largest-ever entertainment screens. 

Four A350s – Mamma Mia, Red Velvet, Rain Bow and Queen of Hearts 

– will join the airline’s fleet by the end of 2019, all flying between 

Heathrow and JFK. 

A further eight A350s will be introduced across 2020-2021 with the 

full schedule and destination information to be revealed in due course. 

The final five planes will offer a leisure configuration and will operate 

routes to Florida and the Caribbean from Gatwick and Manchester. 

virginatlantic.com 

If Only... 

If Only is featuring 

Cleveland, Ohio, in its North 

American programme for the first 

time. The city provides the final stop 

on the operator’s 14-night self-drive 

tour around the Great Lakes region. 

The overnight in Cleveland takes in a 

visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

ifonly.net 

Tasty California 

A quintessential California 

wine-tasting experience will 

be on offer at the California Wine 

Festival in Huntington Beach – 

nicknamed 'Surf City' – from October 

25 to 26. Held at the Pasea Hotel and 

Spa, it will display hundreds of 

premium California wines, regional 

craft brews and a variety of artisanal 

foods such as cheeses, breads, olive 

oils, shellfish, salads and chocolates. 

surfcityusa.com 

Pilgrims' progress 

Plymouth, Massachusetts, 

will celebrate the 400th anniversary of 

the Mayflower voyage next year with a 

ceremony on April 24, an Official 

Maritime Salute on June 27, a 

Wampanoag Ancestors Walk on August 

1 and an indigenous History 

Conference/Powwow on October 29. 

massholidays.co.uk 

BLOG It's that time of year when thirsty 

minds turn to beer or, more specifically 

beer festivals, and the USA has plenty of 

these – from Fredericksburg's Oktoberfest 

in Texas to Props & Hops in Greater Palm 

Springs, California, in November. What 

better way to get to a taste of a destination 

than with a local craft brew in hand? 

More Blog content at visitusa.org.uk/Blog 

Look out for our Visit USA (UK) online Travel Update for the pick of members' news

SPOTLIGHT 

ON... 

Hawaiian Airlines 

CAROL TUMBER, 

SALES MANAGER, UK 

DOLLY PARTON'S TENNESSEE FAMILY 

ATTRACTION, DOLLYWOOD THEME PARK IN 

PIGEON FORGE, HAS A UNVEILED A MAJOR 

EXPANSION, ‘WILDWOOD GROOVE’, WITH 

NEW RIDES SUCH AS TREETOPTOWER 

Deep-south-usa.com/Tennessee; tnvacation.com 

SEEKING 

TICKETS FOR 

U.S. THEME 

PARKS AND 

ATTRACTIONS? 

Check out these 

Visit USA UK 

members 

• Disney 

Destinations 

International 

• Kennedy Space 

Center Visitor 

Complex 

• PIER 39 San 

Francisco 

• SeaWorld Parks 

& Entertainment 

• Universal 

Parks & Resorts 

Epic news from Universal 

Universal Orlando Resort is to build a fourth park which it claims will 

“forever change the theme park entertainment experience”. 

The company says Universal’s Epic Universe, which will nearly double 

the space it owns in Central Florida, will be "the most immersive and 

innovative theme park we have ever built". 

Located on a 750-acre site a few miles from the existing resort in 

Southwest Orange County, east of Universal Boulevard, It will also feature 

an entertainment centre, hotels, shops and restaurants. 

“Our vision for Epic Universe is historic,” said Tom Williams, Chairman 

and Chief Executive Officer for Universal Parks & Resorts. 

News of the new park was announced in early August at an event 

attended by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, although there were no 

details on the planned rides or other attractions. 

universalorlando.com 

When did Hawaiian Airlines 

join Visit USA and why? 

We joined for 2019/20. We 

are looking to increase our 

awareness of our brand, 

product and services to 

both consumers and travel 

trade partners. We think 

Visit USA provides the ideal 

platform to do this. 

How well do you think the 

trade know the airline? 

Hawaiian Airlines has been 

in service for over 90 years 

therefore there is good 

awareness of our product. 

However, as we are 

constantly developing new 

routes, updating our fleet 

and enhancing our services 

we are keen to ensure that 

our vital trade partners are 

kept fully up to date. 

Do you have any events 

planned for agents in 2019? 

We will participate in 

various trade events and 

consumer shows 

throughout the year. 

Sum up Hawaii's appeal 

With gorgeous scenery, 

aloha spirit, stunning 

beaches, and exciting 

activities, Hawaii can be 

enjoyed all year round with 

average temperatures 

between 23°C to 27°C. 

Do you have a favourite 

Hawaiian Airlines memory? 

On my first-ever flight I 

'experienced Hawaii' as 

soon as I stepped onboard: 

the cabin crew were 

wearing fresh plumeria 

flowers in their hair. 

hawaiianairlines.com 

Subscribe to the Visit USA (UK) online Travel Update at visitusa.org.uk

48 

my trip to... 

Islands of 

Bounty 

It’s a long way to the South Pacific so you could argue it’s worth 

seeing more than one island. Jane Archer shows how you can visit 

several on a cruise. 

We’ve stopped beside a pile of 

stones that to an untrained 

eye (mine) looks like, well, a 

pile of stones. To anthropologist Mark 

Eddowes, a walking encyclopaedia on 

everything Polynesian who happens 

to be guiding my tour, they offer an 

insight into the lives of the people who 

lived here hundreds of years ago. 

‘Here’ is the South Pacific island of 

Moorea, the last stop on a one-week 

cruise around the Society Islands with Paul 

Gauguin Cruises. We started in Papeete, 

in Tahiti, and have already visited Raiatea, 

Tah’a and Bora Bora. There’s an overnight 

in Moorea to come and then, all too soon, 

we’ll head back to Papeete. 

The islands are as close to paradise as 

anywhere I’ve ever been (certainly worth 

the near 24-hour journey getting here) – all 

small, ringed by beautiful beaches and 

with lush green rainforest interiors. They 

are each enclosed by strings of coral reefs, 

which keeps the waters calm and attracts 

an array of marine life; on the reefs 

themselves are beautiful white motus, the 

local name for coral islands, which glint in 

the bright sunshine. 

Paul Gauguin’s ship, also called Paul 

Gauguin, has proved the perfect base 

from which to explore this region. 

Purpose-built to cruise the South Pacific, 

it accommodates just 332 passengers and 

has a shallow draft so it can get inside the 

reefs. There’s plenty of outside deck for 

lazing in the sun and a laid-back, casual 

atmosphere that suits the destination. 

After all, who wants to come to the South 

Pacific and have to dress up in tuxedos or 

DJs. The icing on the cake, is that prices 

include all dining, drinks and gratuities so 

you don’t have to think about the budget. 

Ship mates 

I was there with my daughter on what 

turned out to be the perfect bonding 

trip. While I was loving the sea, sand and 

temperatures in the high 80s (despite it 

being August, which is their winter), my 

daughter was coming back from scuba 

and snorkelling tours with the ship’s dive 

masters, telling tales of turtles, sea urchins, 

eagle rays, sharks (I was assured they were 

harmless!) and more. On one notable 

trip she encountered a Crown of Thorns 

starfish, a carnivorous echinoderm capable 

of wiping out entire reef colonies. 

My daughter is a scuba dive instructor 

but you don’t have to be qualified to dive 

from the ship as there are scuba trips for 

beginners and certified divers (these are 

at extra cost). Uniquely, there are three 

dive masters on board, plus a couple of 

assistants, and between them they also 

look after the marina, housed in the stern 

of the ship, which contains water toys like 

snorkelling equipment, kayaks, canoes and 

a windsurf, all of which are free to use. 

We also had plenty of together time. 

I got roped into a drift snorkelling trip, 

which sounded alarming (“for confident 

swimmers only, no touching the coral”) 

but was brilliant. We were guided through 

fields of colourful coral teeming with evenmore 

vibrant tropical fish, pulled along by 

the strong current that runs between the 

motus – a bit like being in a funnel - when 

the tide is coming in or receding. 

We drank cocktails from coconut shells 

during a Robinson Crusoe day on Motu 

Mahana, Paul Gauguin’s private coral 

sellingtravel.co.uk

my trip to... 49 

BORA-BORA 

STINGRAY ENCOUNTER, MOOREA 

CREDIT LINE HERE PLEASE IF ANY 

island, hiked up Mount Tapioi on Raiatea 

and joined the long list of celebrities who 

have frequented the famous Bloody Mary’s 

Restaurant on Bora Bora, an hour’s walk 

from the pier. 

Sacred places 

And then there was that Trails of the 

Ancients tour with Mark Eddowes, a 

regular guest speaker on Paul Gauguin’s 

Society Islands’ cruises. 

We saw the remains of an ancient marae 

(the Polynesian’s sacred meeting ground) 

and learned of their religious beliefs and 

how life in the islands changed when the 

French arrived in the 1700s. The excursion 

was supposed to be four hours but was 

so fascinating that when it overran no one 

noticed or cared. 

We even went along to Mark’s lectures 

back on Paul Gauguin - one about ancient 

Polynesian society, another billed the 

DECK VIEWS 

‘true’ story of the mutiny on the Bounty. 

Unfortunately I missed the ending because 

we had to leave half way through as we 

had booked dinner in the Grill, one of two 

speciality restaurants on the ship. The 

other is the Veranda, which doubles as the 

self-service for breakfast and lunch) that 

book up fast. 

We dined in each, but most evenings 

went to L’Etoile, the main dining room, 

where you can eat when and with whom 

you want. During meal times, two of Les 

Gauguines, a group of seven local women 

who provided the entertainment on the 

ship, passed through the restaurant, one 

playing the guitar, the other dancing. 

They also performed song-and-dance 

shows in the theatre in the evenings, 

and by day hosted games of volley ball, 

petanque and hermit crab racing, as well 

as telling us about life ON the islands and 

teaching us how to make shell bracelets. 

It sounded a lot easier than it was but 

practice makes perfect so as I see it, I just 

need to cruise on Paul Gauguin again and 

have another go! 

How to get there 

The best route from the UK to Tahiti 

is via Los Angeles. Air Tahiti Nui flies 

from Paris to LA between five and 

seven times a week depending on the 

season and offers a daily service from 

LA to Papeete, taking eight hours. The 

national carrier has just launched its 

new Dreamliner fleet, with a refreshed 

cabin reflecting the tropical colours and 

shapes of the idyllic Polynesian islands. 

British Airways flies direct to Los Angeles. 

PADDLE BOARDING 

Top tips 

Group mentality 

Offer to organise a Polynesian cruise or 

liveaboard diving holiday for a group 

from your local dive club or shop. 

All-rounder 

With everything from hardy mountain 

and rainforest hikes and thrilling water 

sports to gentle swimming on the menu, 

this is a perfect cruise for all ages. 

Addded extras 

Extend your client’s South Pacific holiday 

with pre or post-cruise hotel nights in 

Tahiti’s capital Papeete, Los Angeles or both. 

Not just for cruise lovers 

Think beyond cruising and target luxuryloving 

clients looking for an exotic holiday 

with plenty of sun, sea and sand. 

Where to book it 

The Cruise Portfolio has a one-week Tahiti 

and the Society Island voyage with Paul 

Gauguin Cruises from £4,272 per person 

departing January 4, 2020 including 

return flights with Air Tahiti Nui between 

Los Angeles and Papeete. 

cruiseportfolio.co.uk 

sellingtravel.co.uk

Paradise is closer 

than you think 

m/s Paul Gauguin 

Visit islands beyond the ordinary – Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, 

Huahine and Taha’a – in comfort and style on this award-winning 

luxury small ship. 

With heartfelt hospitality always on board, every destination 

feels like home. 

• Spacious oceanview accommodations 

• All meals, plus complimentary room service 

• All onboard beverages, including beer and select wines and 

spirits 

• All onboard gratuities for room steward and dining staff 

• All shipboard entertainment 

• Exclusive access to our private beach and motu 

For further information or to make a booking, 

please call 020 7399 7691 www.pgcruises.com 

ABTA No.V8548

destination profile 51 

South Pacific 

It’s one of the ultimate long haul destinations and agents who can show why it’s 

worth the long flight will reap the benefits, says Anna Selby 

THE COOK ISLANDS 

The main island is Rarotonga, famed 

for its singers and dancers. Friday night 

is the high-octane ‘Island Night’ – all 

gyrating hips, coconut bras and haka 

challenges (be ready to join in). 

Its white-sand beaches and sparkling 

lagoon are ideal for snorkelling, but 

even more astonishing is the lagoon of 

Aitutaki – a vast turquoise triangle with 

water so clear you can see all the way 

to the bottom. It’s heaving with marine 

life – bright blue starfish, giant clams 

with luminous lips and hawksbill turtles. 

While on shore, transparent ghost crabs 

scuttle and dive into holes as you walk. 

It’s the stuff of desert island dreams, 

especially if you stay in an over-water 

bungalow – the epitome of South 

Pacific glamour – where you can walk 

straight down the steps of your terrace 

into the lagoon and feed the fish from 

the window in your bedroom floor. 

FIJI 

Fiji has no fewer than 333 tropical 

islands which, says the tourist 

board, are ‘home to happiness’. 

Claiming to be a leader in ecotourism, 

Fiji is known as the ‘soft coral 

capital of the world’ and as such, 

boasts world-class diving and, on land, 

hidden bays and secluded beaches. 

The two main islands are Viti Levu and 

Vanua Levu and there are plenty of resorts 

on both. Denarau Island, off Viti Levu and 

PIULA CAVE POOL, SAMOA 

close to the capital and international airport 

at Nadi, has a concentrated dose of resorts 

plus a world-class golf course and marina. 

Taveuni is the third-largest island, 

known as the Garden Island for its lush 

jungle, secluded waterfalls and abundant 

wildlife, and an eco-tourist’s dream. 

However, most visitors want to get away 

to the smaller islands and from Viti Levu 

you can see the Mamanucas, a string of 

pearl-like islands which offer white sandy 

beaches fringed with cocount palms. 

They are a great spot for water sports. 

Beyond the Mamanucas are the 

exquisite Yasawas. You can take in 

both as part of a cruise with local 

operator Blue Lagoon Cruises. 

The Yasawas played a major role in 

the film The Blue Lagoon. It’s also the 

historic spot from which two canoes 

of cannibals chased the unfortunate 

Captain Bligh just a week after the 

mutiny on the Bounty (he got away). 

Off the East coast of Viti Levu is the 

Lomaiviti Group, home to the historical 

port town Levuka, Fiji’s first capital and a 

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further east 

are the off-the-beaten track Lau Islands. 

AITUTAKI, COOK ISLANDS 

A FIJIAN DANCER 

FRENCH POLYNESIA 

Now marketed as ‘Tahiti and her Islands’, 

this region has several island groups. 

Most visited are the Society Islands, 

of which Tahiti and Bora Bora are best 

known. The Society Islands have the most 

sophisticated resorts in the whole of the 

South Pacific and offer a classy French 

take on Polynesian food and style. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

52 


Top experiences 

Pearls of wisdom 

Go pearl fishing or see 

them growing in Raiatea 

and Taha’a’s vast lagoon. 

Alternatively, just buy 

them from a pearl shop 

or (somewhat cheaper) 

in a market like the one 

in Tahiti’s Papeete. 

Happy hour 

Fiji’s national drink is 

kava – a mildly narcotic 

powdered root of a 

pepper plant. OK, it looks 

(and tastes) like dirty 

dishwater but a kava 

ceremony is a good way 

to meet the locals. 

© KAI MATTHES 

Bird in the hand 

Go to Atiu (Cook Island no 

3) for the tumunu (bush 

beer club) and a swim in 

candlelit caves. Take an 

eco-tour with Birdman 

George who will literally 

charm the birds out of the 

trees for you. 

Check into 

paradise 

Visit the most famous 

hotel in the South 

Pacific, Samoa’s Aggie 

Grey’s, for fia fia (literally 

happy) night with a feast 

followed by dancing 

every Wednesday. 

Whale of a time 

Tonga is one of the few 

places in the world 

where you can swim with 

whales. Humpbacks visit 

every year and specialist 

guides will get you in the 

water with these these 

huge mammals. 

BOOK IT WITH... TURQUOISE HOLIDAYS 

Turquoise Holidays has a 10-day holiday to 

Fiji that sees guests staying in a treehouse 

and an overwater bungalow. Priced from 

£6,995pp the deal includes five nights at 

Matangi Private Island Resort and five nights 

at Likuliku Lagoon Resort. Also included are 

flights, meals and transfers. 

turquoiseholidays.co.uk 

01494 678 400 

TAHAA, TAHITI 

The Tuamotus are a series 

of picture-perfect atolls floating 

on turquoise lagoons, of which 

the most popular is Rangiroa. 

The Marquesas are more remote: 

you can fly in but the best way to 

explore is by boat (the Aranui 3 has 

a 16-day cruise to the Marquesas 

and Tuamotus from Papeete). 

Even further afield, Mangareva in the 

Gambier Islands is some 1,000 miles from 

Tahiti – a four-and-a-half-hour flight away. 

SAMOA 

Samoa combines one of the most 

traditional of Polynesian cultures with 

stunning natural features – from white 

coral beaches to blow-holes, unspoilt 

rainforests to a solidified lava flow that 

stretches down to the Savai’i coast. 

Vailima is the beautiful colonial house 

built by Treasure Island author 

Robert Louis Stevenson. It’s now 

a must-see museum and also 

the name of the local beer. 

There are two main islands – Savai’i 

and Upolu – but you can also take a 

ferry to road-free Manono Island and 

reach even tinier, uninhabited islands 

for a small fee to a local fisherman. 

To really get to know the place, opt 

for a village stay. You’ll be in a fale – an 

open-sided house (hut really) on the 

beach – just a raised platform with a 

thatched roof, a mattress and a mosquito 

net and you’ll share meals with the family. 

TONGA 

Captain Cook didn’t call Tonga the 

‘Friendly Isles’ for nothing. Less 

visited than many of its Polynesian 

neighbours, the locals reach out here 

and it’s the last monarchy in the South 

Pacific, stretching back 1,000 years. 

A good place to meet islanders is 

at an umu (and most resorts offer 

this, too). Basically, it’s a feast cooked 

in an underground oven – usually 

followed by dancing. Not the frenzied 

hip shaking you’ll find elsewhere in 

the Pacific but the lakalaka, a graceful 

dance with sung poetry; so special it 

has UNESCO World Heritage status. 

Tonga prides itself on being a very 

family-friendly destination, with a 

variety of activities for children including 

guided fishing expeditions, swimming 

with whales and turtles and visiting 

local markets to see traditional weaving 

and bone or wood carving. 

POLYNESIAN TATTOO 

sellingtravel.co.uk

New fleet, 

new experience 

Air Tahiti Nui is the national carrier to the French Polynesia departing from Paris, 

Los Angeles, Tokyo and Auckland with connecting flights available from London 

with airline partners. 

From September 2019 all routes and flights will be operated by the Dreamliners. 

World class hospitality with French and Polynesian influences is served on board. 

Discover the latest innovations in comfort and technology on board our Tahitian 

Dreamliner including a brand new Moana Premium class. 

Ancillary services available to book: Priority pass, Lounge pass, Extra comfort 

seats, Celebratory champagne and chocolates. 

Visit www.tahitian-dreamliner.com 

Information/Reservations 

Tel: 0844 482 1675 

Email: resa@airtahitinui.co.uk 

The change of scenery starts with us. 

Live the new “Tahitian Dreamliner” experience.

advertorial 

where in the 

world... 

Whether clients are after a beach break or 

secluded dune retreat, the Ritz-Carlton 

in Ras Al Khaimah offers both, and if that 

wasn’t enough, it’s only 45 minutes from Dubai. 

With two properties in Ras Al Khaimah – one amid glorious 

desert dunes and another on the Gulf’s sparkling blue 

shores – The Ritz-Carlton offers holiday experiences packed 

with activities and pampering, in stunning surroundings. 

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert 

Plan a getaway of desert discovery at The Ritz-Carlton Ras 

Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. Set amid a 500-hectare nature 

reserve with private infinity-pool villas, clients can soak 

in the nature by stargazing, desert biking, nature driving, 

destination dining and horse riding surrounded by dunes. 

From adventure to relaxation, get away from it all and discover 

a tranquil wellness sanctuary in the Arabian Desert. Indulge 

in the newly opened Rainforest, a healing water oasis with 16 

different stations combining European hydrothermal culture 

with Middle Eastern bathing rituals, or, treat yourself to one 

of the signature spa treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. 

There is plenty to entertain at this stunning and 

exclusive desert escape. To make the most out of your 

holidays, book the Ultimate Desert Experience package, 

including full-board dine-around, Al Wadi ranger 

activities, a falcon show and an owl interaction. 

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach 

A short drive away, overlooking the Arabian Gulf, The Ritz- 

Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach comprises 32 

luxurious private pool villas sitting along a private beach, 

each with their own infinity pool. First impressions certainly 

won’t disappoint as guests arrive at the hotel, which is 

set on its own island, via a complimentary boat ride. 

Relaxation comes naturally here: refresh your senses at The 

Ritz-Carlton Spa, inspired by the calming waves of the sea. For 

the ultimate relaxation experience, book one of the Wellness 

packages. An overnight stay includes daily breakfast, private 

beach access, a complimentary transfer to the sister resort in 

Al Wadi nature reserve, and – ideal for families – kids stay free. 

What are you waiting for? It’s time to get booking your 

next escape. ritzcarlton.com/rasalkhaimah •

THE TRAVEL NEWS THAT REALLY MATTERS 

NEWS: TOM DALEY HELPS TO PROMOTE LESSER-KNOWN AREAS OF JAPAN 

56 

64 

59 

60 

CHECKING OUT 

CASA DE CAMPO, CARIBBEAN 

CARI BBEAN NEWS 

WIN A ST. KITTS FAM TRIP 

NEWS FOCUS: SRI LANKA 

A COUNTRY BOUNCING BACK 

GET ONLINE – READ ALL OUR MAGAZINES AND CHECK OUT OUR DAILY SELLING TIPS AT SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK 

sellingtravel.co.uk

56 

the review 

First training 

programme from 

Sonoma County 

Agents can become an expert 

on California’s Wine Country 

by signing up to the new 

Sonoma County Travel Pro 

training programme. 

The portal will better 

prepare agents to share, sell, 

and promote Sonoma County 

with the help of product 

information, maps, shareable 

images, information on trade 

events and a directory of 

accommodations, attractions, 

activities and events. 

Deleyse Langdale, Sonoma 

County Tourism’s Vice 

President, said: “In addition 

to becoming a certified Travel 

Pro, there’s also access to an 

online tool kit, plus content 

that can be shared directly 

with clients.” 

Agents can connect with 

the Sonoma County team 

via the new Facebook group, 

Sonoma County Travel Pros. 

sonomacountytravelpro.com 

JNTO teams with Tom Daley 

BY JESSICA POOK 

Olympic diver Tom Daley is a city which was badly affected by 

helping to promote the lesserknown 

prefectures of Japan ahead 

of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. 

The athlete has created a sixpart 

content series off the back of 

his recent trip to Japan, where he 

travelled to several prefectures 

the Tsunami in 2011.” 

Talking of the Olympics next 

year Tom admitted he’s excited 

to see what host city Tokyo has 

in store saying: “There’s already 

a buzz around the upcoming 

Olympics. I can’t wait to see the 

north of Tokyo, including opening ceremony, I think it may 

Fukushima, Yamagata, Miyagi, outdo London.” 

Aomori and Iwate. 

He finished: “Japan is so well 

Talking of his experience, Tom connected through its bullet 

said: “It was great to be able to 

see a different side of Japan. I was 

surprised by the rural landscapes 

and how unspoilt the country is. 

He added: “I would recommend 

trains, but another option is selfdriving. 

They drive on the left 

there but it’s easy to hire a car and 

see more of the country.” 

To further encourage travel 

incorporating a homestay as to Japan the Setouchi Tourism 

part of your trip, it allows you to 

immerse yourself in the culture. 

Authority is offering a place 

on a fam trip for those who 

I was particularly touched at the complete the introductory 

sense of community I felt when 

staying with a lady in Fukushima, 

course: training.setouchitrip.com; 

japan.travel 

New agent sales 

guide from Explore 

Agents now have access to 

another dedicated selling 

tool with Explore’s Agents 

Sales Guide. 

The guide provides all the 

necessary information and 

assets to increase sales, 

along with best-selling trips 

and top-selling tips. 

To incentivise sales, Explore 

is offering agents the chance 

to earn a free trip by booking 

five passengers on itineraries 

featured within the directory 

before December 31, 2019. 

Ben Ittensohn, Global 

Head of Sales for Explore 

comments: “Recent trade 

sales have grown significantly 

which is why we have created 

a sales guide to capture more 

of this growing sector.” 

Visit Explore’s Facebook 

page, ‘Explore Agents’, to 

request a copy. 

explore.co.uk 

Sponsored content – Travelpack 

The Stylish Maldives 

Getaway 

Seven nights at the 

Hard Rock Hotel 

Maldives start from 

£2255pp. 

Bed & Breakfast, Inc. 

flights & transfers 

Travel period: 

Nov 15 - Dec 12, 2019 

Call: 020 8585 4020 


Get to know Kentucky with the latest guide 

Find your copy of the new Holiday 

and Travel Guide to Kentucky 

with this month’s Selling Travel. 

The publication highlights 

some of the state’s ‘Real Americana’ 

experiences as well as outdoor 

activities, city breaks and mustsee 

attractions such as the 

new Bluegrass Hall of 

Fame and Museum in 

Owensboro, the Kentucky 

Bourbon Trail and the impressive 

caves of Mammoth Cave 

National Park. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

the review 57 

New small ship deals 

ONE & ONLY REETHI RAH MALDIVES 

JETWING HOTELS 

One of the finest properties in the Maldives 

Reethi Indulgence Offer still available: 

Stay 4 Nights and receive 25% Off Room Rates 

Stay 7 Nights and receive 30% Off Room Rates 

PLUS Complimentary Upgrade to Half Board 

AND Complimentary Boat Transfers 

Valid for stays between now – 16 Dec 19 


Clients can enjoy complimentary 

round-trip airfares and discounts 

on a small ship expedition to 

the Amazon, Galapagos or 

Antarctica with Adventure Smith 

Explorations. 

They can save up to 40% on 

Anakonda Amazon Cruises 

and Manatee Amazon Explorer 

Cruises to the Ecuadorian 

Amazon with sailings on the Napo 

River priced from $1,966pp. 

The operator is also offering 

complimentary local airfares and 

savings of up to 10% on sailings 

to the Galapagos onboard its 

16-passenger luxury yacht, Sea 

Star Journey, with prices starting 

from $4,649. The complimentary 

airlift is valid from Quito or 

Guayaquil to Galapagos on 

November 3, 17 and December 

15, 2019 departures. 

Alternatively, agents booking 

a Seaman Journey Galapagos 

Cruise from October through 

to December, usually priced at 

$2,599, can save up to 20% plus 

a $300 discount on local airfare. 

Clients wishing to explore 

the Antarctic can do so with 

complimentary round-trip 

airfare, with bar tab and all 

gratuities included when booking 

on the National Geographic 

Explorer or Orion by December 31, 

priced from $14,680 for 14 nights. 

Complimentary round-trip 

airfare, waived bar tab and crew 

gratuities are also offered on the 

National Geographic Antarctica, 

South Georgia and Falkland 

Islands cruise, from $25,220. 

adventuresmithexplorations.com 

KUDAFUSHI ISLAND RESORT MALDIVES 

LAST MINUTE SUMMER OFFER 

Book from now until 31 Oct 19 and receive: 

Heavily Discounted Rates for Water Villa categories 

Save over 30% with this offer!!! 

Valid for stays between now – 31 Oct 19 

Sponsored content - Osborne & Ebel 

Trade-friendly wholesaler 

Osborne & Ebel has a special 

deal for the Sheraton Full 

Moon Resort Maldives. Five 

nights start from £375pp, on 

a full-board basis, including 

return speedboat transfers, 

for travel May 1 to September 

30 2019. The resort is a short 

boat transfer from Male Airport, with excellent access to great 

diving spots, pristine beaches and great F&B options. For 

details contact: sales@osborneandebel.com 

AYADA MALDIVES 

Wonderful property in South Maldives 

With multiple dining options and a great house reef! 

Fantastic Offers for Spring 2020 

Book now for Spring and receive 40% OFF Room Rates! 

Valid for various dates between 05 Jan 20 – 30 Apr 20! 

ALSO FIND EXCLUSIVE DEALS FOR TRAVEL TRADE PERSONNEL 

ONLY ON OUR WEBSITE 

OVER 200 HOTELS AND A SELECTION OF TOURS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE 

MALDIVES • SRI LANKA • MAURITIUS • SEYCHELLES • INDIA • UAE • CARIBBEAN • GREECE 

• NEW CRUISING AND SAILING. INCLUDING EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR SPRING 2019 

SUMMER 2019 AND WINTER 2019/20 RATES ARE NOW ONLINE 

osborneandebel.com 

All above offers are subject to availability | Terms & Conditions Apply

58 

the review 

Cruise Update 

First look at Scenic Eclipse 

NEWS TO USE IN BRIEF 

ANDY HARMER, 

CLIA UK & 

Ireland Director 

September means only one 

thing in the cruise industry... 

Cruise Month! 

Each year the UK & Irish 

cruise industry unites, 

bringing together cruise lines, 

travel agents, media and 

consumers as part of a 

campaign to highlight the 

benefits of a cruise holiday. 

This year, we are focusing 

on two key themes, 

sustainability and wellness, 

to showcase and champion 

what cruise lines are doing 

to create a sustainable 

future and offer enriching 

wellness experiences. 

We have created a 

dedicated toolkit for CLIA 

travel agents, found on 

cruiseexperts.org, which 

includes exclusive cruise line 

deals and promotions, social 

media graphics, ocean and 

river cruise guides and a 

sustainability fact sheet. 

We’re also encouraging 

agents to create their own 

special cruise event to keep 

in touch with existing 

customers and entice firsttime 

cruisers to book. 

Getting actively involved in 

Cruise Month can help 

agents to increase both their 

sales and the visibility of 

their businesses. 

We are looking forward to 

celebrating another 

successful Cruise Month with 

our travel agent partners. 

cruiseexperts.com 


Two onboard helicopters, a 

submarine and luxury suites were 

all revealed in a launch video of the 

new ship Scenic Eclipse last month. 

Described as the world’s first 

discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse, 

which is currently on its maiden 

voyage from Reykjavik to Quebec, 

offers six-star luxury and the latest 

in design and innovation. 

The two onboard helicopters 

offer passengers the chance to 

experience their surroundings 

from new heights while the 

onboard submarine can dive 

down 300 metres for close-up 

encounters with aquatic creatures. 

Back on deck passengers 

have the choice of ten dining 

experiences, from alfresco meals 

in the Yacht Club, to casual eating 

in the Azure Bar & Café, and the 

chance to dine at the Chef’s Table. 

The 114 suites all have verandahs 

and private butler service and for 

the ultimate luxury experience the 

Owner’s Penthouse Suite features 

a spa bathroom and a private 

terrace with jacuzzi. 

Speaking at the launch event, 

Joseph Grimley, Director of Trade 

Sales said: “Despite the delays, 

we’re excited to be celebrating 

the launch of Scenic Eclipse as 

she voyages from the Arctic 

to Antarctica and everywhere 

inbetween. We now look forward 

to welcoming sister ship Scenic 

Eclipse 2, due to launch in 2021.” 

scenic.co.uk 

Timed to coincide with September 

being CLIA’s Cruise Month, ‘River 

to Riches’ is the latest incentive 

from Shearings Holidays to help 

drive 2020 river cruise sales. 

Running until September 

30, agents can earn a £40 

Love2Shop voucher for every 

2020 booking made on any 

of the ships and cruise lines 

featured within Shearings’ 

portfolio of river cruises, including 

Agents can now secure 

November bookings for 

Reefsuites, Australia’s first 

underwater accommodation. 

Cruise Whitsundays is 

offering two underwater 

Reefsuite options: a premium 

king or twin single priced from 

£412, both of which feature 

floor-to-ceiling windows with 

underwater views of the 

Great Barrier Reef. 

cruisewhitsundays.com 

Lennox Hotel Miami Beach 

has reopened following a 

$100-million renovation 

to maintain the property’s 

legacy and restore its original 

Art Deco design. The hotel 

has 119 rooms, restaurant, 

private beach area, and 

Mediterranean-style 

courtyard with swimming 

pool and poolside bar. 

lennoxmiamibeach.com 

The new 1 Hotel West 

Hollywood by SH Hotels & 

Resorts, formerly The Jeremy, 

has upped its sustainability 

credentials and is now “one 

of the most energy-efficient 

hotels in L.A.” Its hotel uses 

a smart irrigation system 

that determines when soil 

needs water, a sustainablygrown 

vegetable garden 

and neighboring beehive. 

1hotels.com 

Earn £40 Love2Shop vouchers with Shearings’ River to Riches incentive 

A-ROSA, Amadeus Cruises and 

CroisiEurope. 

Agents have over 62 itineraries 

to choose from with many 

including transfers by coach 

rail or air travel, all of which are 

included in the incentive. 

To claim the vouchers agents 

need to email their qualifying 

booking references to win@ 

shearings.com before October 10, 

2019. shearings.com 

sellingtravel.co.uk

your 

CARIBBEAN NEWS 

THIS MONTH’S TOP STORIES FROM THE CARIBBEAN 

MEET THE CTO MEMBER 

LIZZIE PARKER 

Director of Sales 

& Marketing at 

AMResorts 

QWHAT don’t readers 

know about your 

company? The AMResorts 

portfolio currently consists 

of eight brands and 58 

hotels across the Caribbean, 

Mexico and Spain, with new 

openings and destinations 

in the pipeline for late 2019 

and early 2020. Watch this 

space for Secrets St. Martin 

Resort & Spa! 

QWHAT are the benefits 

of being a CTO 

member? The fantastic 

networking opportunities 

and the joint agent training 

sessions available. The CTO 

team themselves have given 

us lots of support over the 

years. We’ve benefited 

hugely from their advice 

when launching hotels in 

new destinations. 

QWHAT CTO activities 

do you get involved 

in? We regularly attend the 

PR roundtable events and 

the Twitter chats are great 

at getting people talking 

about all things Caribbean. 

And you’ll always see a few 

of the team letting their hair 

down at the CTO ball! 

QWHAT’S your top 

Caribbean tip? 

Take advantage of the 

AMResorts Amazing Sale to 

save 50% at selected hotels 

for travel until October 31, 

2020. Hurry as the offer 

expires September 30! 

Agents will have the chance to visit the colourful island of St. Kitts 

St. Kitts fam trip up for grabs 

AS part of its St. Kitts Agent Rewards Programme, the 

tourist board is giving a £10 cash incentive for every 

booking made to St. Kitts, alongside the chance to win 

a place on a fam trip. 

Agents that book a minimum of seven nights and 

return flights will be entered into a draw to win a place 

on a four-night fam trip from October 12 to October 16, 

2019. The group will have the chance to explore the 

history of the island at Brimstone Fortress, eat local 

Caribbean food and explore the dense rainforest. 

An additional £10 hotel bonus can be earned when 

agents book at the following four hotels: Ocean 

Terrace Inn, Sugar Bay Club, Park Hyatt 

St. Kitts and Bell Mont Farm. 

To win, agents must sign up to the 

agent rewards programme and log 

their bookings at: 

mybookingrewards.com 

New look for Nevis hotel 

THE Four 

Seasons 

Resort in Nevis 

is due to finish its 

two-year 

renovation in 

November. At the 

centre of the 

refresh is a new 

3,300-square-foot infinity pool, featuring four 

pool cabanas and wifi connectivity. Guests 

can also enjoy the new restaurant, On The 

Dune, which extends onto the sand, 

transforming into a beach bar in the evening. 

fourseasons.cpm/nevis 

don’t miss 

The CTO 

Roadshows on 

September 10 in 

Nottingham, September 

11 in Leeds and 

September 18 in 

London 

CTO members out in force 

KEMPINSKI TO 

OPEN IN DOMINICA 

Kempinski Hotels is to 

open a property on Dominica, 

which will mark the island’s first 

five-star resort. 

Due to open on October 14, 

2019, the Cabrits Resort & Spa 

Kempinski Dominica offers 151 

rooms and suites with mountain 

or ocean views. Amenities will 

include a spa and three 

restaurants onsite serving both 

local and international cuisine as 

well as ‘farm-to-table’ and ‘seato-table’ 

dining. kempinski.com 

CAYMAN COOKOUT 

SIGNS UK CHEF 

British Chef Clare 

Smyth will form part of the lineup 

for the Cayman Cookout, an 

annual culinary event taking 

place on Seven Mile Beach in the 

Cayman Islands, January 15-19, 

2020. Clare will join Michelin Star 

chef Eric Ripert at the event, 

which involves cooking 

demonstrations, tastings, dining 

events and local food tours. A 

new culinary guide with the 

latest news on restaurants 

and culinary tours is now 

available, email: 

info-uk@caymanislands.ky 

visitcaymanislands.com 

MEMBERS of the 

Caribbean Tourism 

Organization 

gathered for the 

annual Summer 

Social last month 

where sponsor 

Visit Jamaica 

revealed new hotel 

openings. Tourist boards, tour operators and 

media were told about the new Ocean Coral 

Spring, a five-star H10-branded hotel due to 

open November this year. The tourist board 

also revealed plans to open a Margaritaville 

next year (2020). visitjamaica.com 

HOTTEST NEWS 

caribbean.co.uk 

Sign up to the CTO’s training programme at caribbeantravelguru.com

60 

the review: news focus 

Sri Lanka 

It has been a tough four months for those working in the Sri Lankan tourism industry, 

but signs of better days ahead are already discernible, says Steve Hartridge 

The road to recovery 

Sri Lanka’s rising popularity was brought to 

an abrupt halt on April 21 by the bombings 

that killed more than 250 people in churches 

and luxury hotels. Foreign visitor numbers 

immediately fell off a cliff: down almost 71% 

in May and 64% in June. 

This sparked a flurry of activity and 

initiatives designed to get the word out that 

the destination is as safe as any country can 

be in these uncertain times. 

Many of Sri Lanka’s hoteliers, like 

Resplendent Ceylon, Uga Escapes and 

Taj Hotels, united with other travel 

industry interests to create the Sri Lanka 

Tourism Alliance, with online platform – 

lovesrilanka.org – acting as a portal of 

travel information for both the trade and 

consumers. 

The country has also embarked on a 

programme of personally-tailored individual 

press visits to Sri Lanka to generate a spate 

of positive publicity. And to lure tourists 

back, the Sri Lanka Tourism Ministry 

introduced free tourism visas on arrival to 

40 countries, including the UK. 

On the ground in Sri Lanka, security 

measures have been stepped up, most 

noticeably at the international airport in 

Colombo, popular tourist sites and temples. 

Overwhelming support 

But the country faces a steady rather than 

rapid climb back to its previously-healthy 

visitor numbers. Travelpack says its Sri Lanka 

business was ‘severely impacted’ but director 

Vishal Patel believes the company ‘owes it to 

Sri Lanka to continue its investment there’. 

“We have seen Sri Lanka go though worse 

situations, like the tsunami and a civil war, 

and it always bounces back stronger.” 

He added: “Enquiries and sales have picked 

up, but not at the rate we hoped for. We will 

be arranging fam trips and pushing Sri Lanka 

in the coming months.” 

Kuoni hopes to boost its Sri Lanka bookings 

through its current campaign with TV 

presenter, Anita Rani (pictured above, bottom 

right), who visited the country for a film now 

HANSON IMAGES 

featuring on the operator’s YouTube channel. 

Rani is featured sampling egg hoppers, 

watching baby elephants in Minneriya 

National Park, climbing Sigariya Rock, walking 

through jungle to the temples at Dambulla 

and wildlife spotting off the south coast. 

The early signs of a recovery are already 

discernible, says Jean-Marc Flambert, 

former Director UK, Sri Lanka Tourism. ”The 

comeback has started and will continue to 

grow. Many tour operators have campaigns 

to give Sri Lanka a push, the industry in Sri 

Lanka has pulled out all stops and the airlines 

are committed to airlift for winter 2019/2020.“ 

Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing 

Symphony PLC, which operates several 

hotels and villas across the country, says it 

experienced a busy August, with occupancies 

in the mid-60% at most of its properties. 

“We have received overwhelming support 

from our travel partners and are confident 

this winter will be a busy one...we are going 

ahead with our planned completion of the 

26-suite Jetwing Kandy Gallery, which will 

open this December,” he said. 

Natasha Muttettuwegama, Sales Manager 

at The Haritha Collection, said she is 

“encouraged” that many travellers kept their 

bookings and visited during July and August. 

“We believe this is down to guests feeling Sri 

Lanka is safe and recognising it as an exciting 

and unique destination,” she said. 

There is plenty that is new to tempt return 

visitors back, added Flambert. “The Nine 

Mirissa, a luxury villa on the south coast 

aimed at couples and families, opened in 

April, while Flow by the Amber Collection 

offers luxury houseboat cruises on 

Bolgoda Lake, close to the capital Colombo. 

Meanwhile, a refurbished Cinnamon Bentota 

Beach will be unveiled in December. 

Half a million families in Sri Lanka depend on 

tourism and the industry is the country’s thirdlargest, 

generating $4.4 billion a year. 

BOOK IT WITH...SELECTIVE ASIA 

The 14-night Insider’s Sri Lanka tour 

showcases the country’s ‘lesser-known 

gems’. Included is wildlife spotting in 

Uda Walawe, street food in Colombo and 

chill-out time on Aruba Bay’s secluded 

sands. Accommodation includes Hill Country 

(two nights) and Kumana National Park 

(two nights). Prices start from £2,627pp 

(excluding flights). selectiveasia.com 

sellingtravel.co.uk

TM 

Sri Lanka Holiday Offers 

Special Tour of Sri Lanka 

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Gregory Lake - Udawalawa - Bentota - Beruwala 

Travel : 1 Sep 19 - 31 Oct 19 

fr£1165pp 

8 nights 

Sri Lanka - East Coast Tour 

Negombo - Dambulla - Sigiriya Rock - Kandy & more 

13 nights 7 nights 

fr£1799pp 

Ceylon Cultural & Yala Park 

Kandy - Dambulla / Habarana - Nuwara Eliya - Colombo & more 

Travel : 1 Sep 19 - 31 Oct 19 Travel : 1 Sep 19 - 31 Oct 19 

fr£1659pp 

All promotional prices are per person includes flights from London & accommodation. Other departure airports available for a 

supplement. These promotional offers are subject to availability. 

T : 0208 585 4020 

E : holidays@travelpack.com

FOCUS ON CALIFORNIA 

Keep up to date with all the news from the Golden State such as 

the recent reopening of the stunning Highway 1 route through Big Sur 

Visit California STAR Training Programme & Sales Companion 

H Discover California through a series of inspiring, thematic modules 

H Enjoy the all-new shopping module - available now 

H Download and share any images, videos or other content to help inspire your clients 

H Wine Country’s Sonoma County module – available now

the review: checking out 63 

Checking out... 

HOTELS / RESORTS 

TRAIN JOURNEYS / CRUISES 

AIRPORT REVIEWS 

HOTEL AZURE – South Lake Tahoe, California 


THE BACKGROUND: Hotel Azure is 

a small boutique-style property of 

THE VERDICT 

100 rooms, ranging from the deluxe 

Just a stone’s throw from 

two-bedroom Lakeview Suite to 

Lake Tahoe, Azure 

ground level Accessible Rooms. In 

provides the perfect base 

2016 the hotel (formerly the Inn by 

for activities like 

the Lake) completed a $3.5 million 

watersports, hiking or 

renovation which included all rooms 

skiing the Sierra Nevada 

and suites, public spaces and the 

Mountains. Its location 

hotel’s exterior. 

on the California side of 

THE LOCATION: Close to the ski 

the lake lends it a 

slopes of Heavenly and not far 

tranquil feel with alpine 

from the mountain terrain of Sierra 

views, but the bustling 

Nevada and Kirkwood, Hotel Azure is 

Heavenly Valley, on the 

a popular choice for skiers. The hotel 

decorated with calm, neutral colours, 

heated year-round. The Bear Beach 

Nevada side, is just a 10 

enjoys prime views of Lake Tahoe 

it gives the illusion of bringing nature 

Café provides a hearty breakfast 

minute drive away. 

and is a short walking distance 

indoors. The plush beds and modern 

and there’s also a Scottish pub next 

to activity centres which provide 

bathrooms give a luxurious feel and 

door with a menu of classic pub 

RATES: One night at the 

kayaks, paddleboards and jetski hire. 

all guestrooms feature a patio or 

favourites. Guests have access to 

Hotel Azure in a Lake 

It’s also close to various restaurants, 

balcony with lake or alpine vistas. 

free wifi, parking, fitness facilities and 

View Double Queen room 

bars and the lively casinos and bars 

KEY FACILITIES: The pool and hot 

a games room. 

starts from £193. 

of Heavenly Valley. 

tub are the perfect place to unwind 

W: hotelazuretahoe.com 

THE ROOM: Extremely spacious and 

after a day of activities and are 

E: info@hotelazuretahoe.com 

TEWKESBURY PARK – GLOUCESTERSHIRE, UK 

BY JO AUSTIN 

THE BACKGROUND: This familyowned 

and run hotel, set in 165 

18-hole golf course, the hotel was 

awarded Fido’s Favourite Pet Friendly 

Hotel by Best Loved Hotels in 2017. 

Only five minutes from M5’s 

junction nine, on the doorstep of 

Tewkesbury and within easy reach 

THE VERDICT 

acres of parkland outside historic 

THE LOCATION: With stunning 

of Cheltenham, Gloucester and 

There’s an overall sense 

Tewkesbury, has recently completed 

views of Tewkesbury Abbey and the 

Worcester. 

of informality combined 

the second phase of a multi-million 

Malvern Hills from its hilltop position, 

THE ROOM: Dog-friendly ‘pampered 

with attentive and 

pound renovation. Offering 84 

the property has a contemporary 

pooch’ rooms are on the ground 

friendly staff who simply 

guestrooms and nine suites plus an 

feel but retains historic features. 

floor overlooking the golf course 

cannot do enough to help 

with doors leading onto private 

make you (and your dog!) 

parkland. There’s a Scottish 

feel welcome. The perfect 

influence, with tartan carpet and dog 

place for a relaxing break 

bed, and amenities including tea and 

or a golfing/walking 

coffee making facilities. 

weekend. I loved the 

KEY FACILITIES: Golf course and 

collection of colourful 

tennis courts; a leisure club with 

wellies in reception, ready 

sauna, gym and indoor pool. There’s 

for guests to take on one 

a large, airy reception and bar area, 

of the area’s great walks. 

a breakfast room for dog owners 

and a separate dining room with 

RATES: Prices start from 

breakfast buffet and a la carte 

£70 a night for a double 

dining. 

room (room only) 

W: tewkesburypark.co.uk 

E: enquiries@tewkesburypark.co.uk 

sellingtravel.co.uk

64 

the review: checking out 

Checking out... 

HOTELS / RESORTS 

TRAIN JOURNEYS / CRUISES 

AIRPORT REVIEWS 

CASA DE CAMPO RESORT & VILLAS – Dominican Republic 

BY MARTIN STEADY 

THE BACKGROUND: Truly a 

remarkable luxury holiday 

and a further dressing area with 

a safe and wardrobe. Patio doors 

lead onto a good-sized balcony, 

various shopping options, several 

swimming pools – one with a swimup 

bar - and three private, pristine 

THE VERDICT 

destination, Casa de Campo 

perfect for morning coffees and 

white sand beaches. For the kids 

Casa De Campo is 

covers 7,000 acres and has three 

evening sundowners. There 

there are supervised programmes 

described as the most 

world-class golf courses. But 

are also tea-making facilities, a 

including all activities. 

inclusive resort in the 

that’s just the start of it, and the 

Nespresso machine and mini bar. 

There are also a great number 

Caribbean, providing 

resort’s huge array of facilities 

RESTAURANTS/BARS: There are 

of unique locations for destination 

affordable luxury at 

attract a wide ranging clientele, 

ten excellent restaurants, including 

weddings and a state of the art 

competitive prices. The 

including families, honeymooners, 

coffee, juice, cocktail and beach 

wellness facility with extensive spa, 

breadth of options is vast 

sports enthusiasts, and even a few 

bars. The dining choice is vast 

holistic treatments and yoga. 

- unlimited horse riding 

celebrities and heads of state. 

- Spanish tapas, classic Italian, 

Not to be missed is a visit to 

and weekly clay pigeon 

THE LOCATION: Romana, in 

fresh sushi, Mexican, up-scale 

the unique village of Altos De 

shooting in addition to all 

the southeast of the island, 

food trucks and more. La Caña 

Chavón, a full-sized 16th century 

of the normal all-inclusive 

east of historical capital Santo 

restaurant offers French-inspired 

Italian-style replica village 

features - yet expertly 

Domingo and close to Punta Cana 

fare and guests gather at the 

with restaurants, shops, an 

dealt with. The resort has 

international Airport. 

outside bar and lounge area each 

archaeological museum, the St. 

options for every kind of 

THE ROOM: There are 247 rooms, 

night to enjoy live local music and, 

Stanislaus Church, sweeping views 

traveller and endless 

from hotel suites to private villas, 

if you fancy it, hand-rolled cigars 

of the Chavón River and a 5,000- 

ways to get away from it 

some with private pools and staff. 

and a range of Dominican rums. 

seat Grecian-style amphitheatre 

all. Impressive from start 

I stayed in the Elite Balcony Room 

KEY FACILITIES: I loved the 

that is used for internationally- 

to finish. 

which is spacious, cool and well 

stunning new Minitas Beach Club 

renowned concerts. Frank Sinatra 

appointed. An enormous and 

but other venues for relaxing and 

was the first star to perform there 

RATES: Net rates can be 

very comfortable bed faces a 

activities include the Caribbean’s 

when it opened in 1982. The village 

obtained via Resort 

multi-channel TV. There’s a large 

largest marina, an equestrian/ 

is also a cultural centre for working 

Marketing International 

bathroom with free-standing bath, 

polo centre, shooting centre, 

artists like painters and weavers. 

(resort-marketing.co.uk) 

walk-in shower and double sinks, 

tennis courts, water sports centre, 

W: casadecampo.com 

sellingtravel.co.uk

my trip to...Las Vegas 65 

In the firing line 

Steve Hartridge spends a day in revitalised downtown Las Vegas, 

exploring some of the must-see attractions away from The Strip 

The mechanic in the dirty 

overalls looks up from behind 

the boot of a rusty Oldsmobile, 

clenching a heavy-duty spanner. He 

takes a menacing step towards me. 

“Stop right there, and drop the tool,” I 

command, my CO2 pistol now drawn. But 

he ignores me and moves a pace closer. 

“Drop to the floor NOW or I will shoot,” I 

yell, my extended arms pointed directly at 

him and my finger twitching on the trigger. 

He makes a sudden move – and I fire. 

The mechanic drops to the ground and is 

motionless. A voice from above says: 

“Well, done, you have successfully 

completed your training”. 

With perspiring palms, I emerge into the 

light of the foyer of the Mob Museum 

(themobmuseum.org), having just 

experienced one of the facility’s newer 

attractions: the Use of Force Training 

Experience, based on the type of instruction 

that real Las Vegas law enforcement officers 

receive. Featuring ‘criminal actors’, the 

‘situations’ are very real-to-life and my heart 

is still racing. 

I am spending a couple of days seeing 

some of Las Vegas’ alternative attractions, 

away from the bright lights and malls on 

The Strip. I say alternative but the Mob 

Museum (full name The National Museum 

of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement) 

is now a must-see stop on any Vegas trip. 

Since it opened in 2012, it has regularly 

added interactive attractions – you can even 

‘electrocute’ yourself in an ‘electric chair’ – to 

its exhibits that tell the warts-and-all story 

of organised crime’s impact on Las Vegas 

and its unique imprint on America. 

Before leaving I drop into The 

Underground, a basement-level Prohibition 

history exhibition and speakeasy, for a 

bourbon shot in its distillery. 

Up in bright lights 

It’s a short Uber ride to the Neon 

Museum (neonmuseum.org), a ‘boneyard’ 

spread over a 2.6-acre outdoor area, also 

located downtown. 

The headline acts are the 150 or so 

oversized decommissioned and nonrestored 

neon signs that once lit up 

casinos, hotels and other businesses in 

the city. It’s an eclectic mix of the kitsch, 

burlesque and retro-modern – think 

Golden Nugget, the original Aladdin’s lamp 

from the Aladdin Casino and the Silver 

Slipper – for which the city is known. 

Take a tour after sunset to see some of 

the signs lit up. The visitor 

centre is housed in the restored lobby of 

the defunct La Concha Motel. 

A taste of downtown 

That evening I explore more of the 

revitalised downtown area on a food tour. 

I have been on several of these, in various 

cities, where the tiny portions on offer 

have left me looking for the nearest 

Subway on the walk back to my hotel. 

But that’s not the case on a Lip 

Smacking Foodie Tour (vegasfoodietour. 

com), which makes stops at up to four top 

restaurants. The idea is to introduce 

visitors and locals alike to the best 

signature dishes and exciting new tastes 

in Las Vegas, whilst a guide imparts their 

knowledge of the city through a series of 

anecdotes about its rich history. 

At each restaurant, I am treated like a VIP 

as I am shown to a reserved table and 

served three or four signature dishes. After 

eating curry at an Indian, pizza at an Italian 

and Dim Sum at a Chinese – all top-notch 

restaurants – there is little room for 

pastries and cake at our final stop. 

It’s been a full day, but I have had a 

fulfilling taste of Las Vegas’s ‘other side’ in 

more ways than one. 

The Neon Museum 

The Mob Museum 

sellingtravel.co.uk

66 

six of the best 

NEW SOUTH WALES 

New South Wales 

Islands 

You don’t have to venture too far from the busy cities to 

discover secluded islands in New South Wales, says 

Jessica Pook 

Lord Howe 

Island 

Recognised as ‘one of 

the world’s cleanest 

locations,’Lord Howe 

Island maintains its 

pristine status by 

limiting visitors to 

400 at any one time. Home to untouched forests, 

ancient volcanic mountains and an abundance of 

wildlife and rare flora and fauna, the UNESCO site is 

a popular draw for hikers, birdwatchers and 

snorkellers, who have the chance to hand feed the 

fish at Ned’s Beach. 

Montague 

Island 

Enjoy being cut off 

from city life by 

staying in one of the 

125-year-old 

Lighthouse Keeper’s 

Cottages on this 

remote island, just off the coast of Narooma, 

southern NSW. With a colony of Australian fur 

seals and thousands of penguins for company 

there’s never a dull moment. The island is easily 

accessible by one of the many tours leaving 

from Narooma. 

Clarke Island 

Looking for the best 

views of Sydney 

Harbour Bridge and 

the Royal Opera 

House? You’ll find 

them on tiny Clarke 

Island, just off 

Sydney’s Darling Point. With a capacity of just 150 

people at one time, its small size means there’s 

no ferry access, but visitors can get there by 

water taxi or kayak. Once on the island, enjoy a 

picnic surrounded by some of the country’s most 

iconic landmarks. 

Dangar 

Island 

Known as the 

gathering place for 

Guringai Aboriginal 

tribes, Dangar Island 

gives visitors an 

insight into the 

history of these indigenous people. Located in the 

middle of the Hawkesbury River, the island is 

accessible by ferry from Brooklyn marina - an 

hour’s train ride from Sydney. Find secluded 

beaches by exploring the shoreline’s biking and 

walking trails. 

DESTINATION NSW 

Cockatoo 

Island 

A place where you 

could be learning 

about past prisoners 

who were sent to 

the island one 

minute, the next 

singing along to a Justin Bieber concert! Located 

in the heart of Sydney Harbour, a short ferry ride 

from the CBD, the island has emerged as a 

popular arts and entertainment venue, but still 

maintains its historic draw as a former convict 

penal establishment. 

GREAT LAKES TOURISM 

Broughton 

Island 

A birdwatchers 

dream, this island 

has one of the only 

facilities where 

visitors can camp 

amidst an active 

seabird colony and is a key breeding site for 

wedge-tailed shearwaters. Part of Myall Lakes 

National Park, off the coast of Port Stephens, 

Broughton Island’s undersea caves, coral, and 

curious penguins also appeal to scuba divers. 

visitnsw.com 

sellingtravel.co.uk

exploring... 67 

Tobago 

For those clients seeking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the typical 

attractions of the Caribbean, Tobago is up there with the best, says Alan Orbell 

Few parts of the world conjure up 

images of pure hedonism like the 

Caribbean, but for those for whom the 

purity of nature is of equal importance, 

Tobago is a great option. 

Just off the coast of South America 

Trinidad & Tobago has a combined area of 

a little over 5000 sq km, of which Tobago 

takes up just 300 sq km., some of it 

pristine rainforest. 

Together with stunning unspoilt 

Caribbean beaches it is the Tobago Forest 

Reserve – the oldest (since 1776) protected 

rainforest in the western hemisphere – 

that is a major draw for many. 

Birdlife 

It is here that visitors will see some of the 

180-plus species of birds that call Tobago 

home. The main point of access to the 

rainforest is the Gilpin Trace and a couple 

of hours’ stroll along this track (though a 

three- to four-hour walk will take you all 

the way to Bloody Bay) will reveal richlycoloured 

hummingbirds, kingfishers, 

woodpeckers and parrots. 

It’s quite possible to walk the trail alone, 

but a qualified guide is to be strongly 

recommended. Without one visitors will 

certainly miss much of the flora and fauna, 

none of which, incidentally, is venomous. 

The sounds of the rainforest offer nothing 

but the rustle of the breeze, occasional 

cicadas and non-stop birdsong. 

A visit to the rainforest should be 

recommended as a ‘must’ for anyone. 

Hidden bays 

Tobago is littered with hidden bays on 

both its Atlantic and Caribbean (leeward) 

coasts. On the leeward side, stunning 

sandy beaches at places further up the 

BOOK IT WITH... CARIBTOURS 

Seven nights at Coco Reef Resort and Spa is 

from £1,299pp, B&B. The resort has a private 

lagoon and white sand beach, surrounded by 

ten acres of tropical gardens. Alternatively, 

seven nights room-only at the island's most 

luxurious resort, The Villas at Stonehaven, is 

from £1,559. caribtours.co.uk; 020 3627 1777 

ARGYLE WATERFALL 

coast like Castara, Englishman’s Bay, 

Parlatuvier and Bloody Bay remain largely 

unspoiled with little but the odd café/bar 

and souvenir shop. 

For those who prefer a more commercial 

offering, Pigeon Point is the place. 

There’s a small TT$20 charge to get in but 

it comes with sunbed/parasol hire options, 

lifeguards and plenty of places to eat 

and drink. The thatched jetty is probably 

Tobago’s most photographed scene. 

From here there are glass-bottom boat 

cruises plus the full range of watersports 

from snorkeling and diving to windsurfing 

and boating. All told, Tobago has some 60 

diving sites. 

Tobago icons 

The main attractions in Tobago’s biggest 

town, Scarborough, are the small botanic 

garden and the 1777-built Fort King 

George complex, which has played a 

central part in the 30-plus times Tobago 

has changed hands. 

The clifftop Heritage Park includes two 

PIGEON POINT 

BATTEAUX BAY 

museums with the Tobago Icons Museum 

housing artifacts dating back to 2500 BC. 

Other attractions include the Argyle 

Waterfall and, for visitors staying in 

the last two months of July, the biggest 

of the annual cultural events, the 

Tobago Heritage Festival. This is when 

Tobagonians display their culture and reenact 

historical events. 

It’s easy to hire a car in Tobago and there 

are also plenty of taxis willing to take 

clients on a private tour. Organised tours 

are also plentiful. 

But however your clients see the island 

it’s well worth suggesting they spend some 

time away from the hotel pool. 

Where to stay 

A good base, combining the indulgences 

of an all-inclusive resort with easy access 

to Tobago’s natural attractions, is the 

Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort. 

For golfers it also offers a PGA-designed 

18-hole golf course. Rates, including flights, 

are from around £1,799pp. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

68 

spotlight on 

Talking... 

Air 

Mauritius 

In conversation with... Ian Nash, 

Regional Manager UK & Ireland, Air Mauritius 

QWhat’s new with Air Mauritius? 

A: We are delighted and proud to have 

started operating brand-new A330-900neo 

aircraft this year on our London route, 

making Air Mauritius the first A330neo 

operator in the Indian Ocean and the 

world’s first operator of both the A350-XWB, 

which flies on our Paris to Mauritius 

route, and the A330neo, 

Airbuses’ new generation 

of wide-bodied aircraft. 

This really is a sea 

change for us 

and shows our 

commitment 

to providing 

the very best 

quality product to 

Mauritius. 

Why should 

Q agents book 

with you? 

A: As the national carrier, their 

customers will experience Mauritius 

the moment they step on the aircraft. Our 

Mauritian cabin crew are renowned for 

their friendly, professional service whilst 

our unique ‘cooking without borders’ menu 

brings together a wonderful blend of Indian, 

African, Chinese and European flavours. 

This, plus totally new product – including 

fully flat business class seats, state-of-theart 

inflight entertainment and large full HD 

screens – means Air Mauritius offers agents 

the very best value for money on non-stop 

direct flights to Mauritius - plus, we are the 

only carrier to fly direct from Heathrow 

to Mauritius and will carry golf bags and 

wedding dresses at no extra charge. 

We are the National Airline of Mauritius 

and celebrated our 50th anniversary in 

2017. A Skytrax four-star rated airline, 

Air Mauritius has been voted the Indian 

Ocean’s leading airline by The 

World Travel Awards 14 times 

in 17 years. 

How do you 

Q work with 

agents? 

A: Our busy 

sales team call 

on agents all 

over the country, 

delivering product 

updates and training 

sessions. With new 

products to show off, 

we try to send as many 

sellers to the island as we 

can; this year we’ll send over 100 

on educationals. Our Air Mauritius Training 

(airmauritiusacademy.com) is a great way 

for agents to find out more about us. We 

also post information and promotional 

opportunities on our trade Facebook and 

Instagram pages. 

QWhat benefits do agents get for 

working with Air Mauritius? 

A: We regularly partner with top resorts 

on the island to offer incentive promotions 

where top sellers can win a holiday for 

two. Top revenue-producing partners 

receive incentive payments, free staff and 

management tickets plus educational seats. 

QWhat are the twin-centre options with 

Air Mauritius? 

A: We fly to over 20 destinations from our 

hub in Mauritius. Probably the most popular 

is the combination of a safari in South 

Africa followed by relaxing on the beach 

in Mauritius. We offer a wide selection of 

flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and 

Durban. But as customers strive for new 

experiences, our flights to Madagascar have 

seen increased demand whilst Mauritius 

provides the best stopover location enroute 

to Perth in Australia. Other destinations 

connected to Mauritius include India, South 

East Asia and China. 

QWhat does the future hold? 

A: We have a fleet investment 

programme and will continue to focus on 

providing the very best flying experience in 

the Indian Ocean. In the UK, our short term 

focus will be to ensure all our partners are 

fully aware and hopefully experience the 

new improved level of onboard service. 

In the future we’re keen to offer more 

flight options to Mauritius, with a possible 

increase in the number of direct flights. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

Flying you direct onboard 

our upgraded aircraft 

BUSINESS 

Full at Business Class seats 

State of the art entertainment system 

Individual 15.4 inch HD LED screens 

All seats have aisle access 

Complimentary lounge access 

ECONOMY 

State of the art inight entertainment 

Individual 11.1 inch HD LED Screens 

Complimentary luggage allowance 

Champagne service (pre-order required) 

Golf bag and wedding dress carried free 

In both cabins enjoy the warm Mauritian welcome, an excellent choice of food 

styled on the multicultural essence of Mauritius and friendly on board service 

For more information: 

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8834 5800 Email: UKReservations@airmauritius.com 

Web: www.airmauritius.com Trade web: www.airmauritius.biz 

Air Mauritius Training Site: www.airmauritiusacademy.com

70 

how to sell 

Northern Lights cruises 

A Northern Hemisphere cruise is a cost-effective option for clients who have 

seeing the Northern Lights on their bucket list, says Laura Gelder 

Why sell it 

Aurora Borealis – better known as the 

Northern Lights – is nature’s own light 

show and one of the most sought after 

experiences that Mother Nature can offer. 

Often as elusive as it is spectacular, this 

phenomenon of green, purple, blue and 

pink lights dancing across night skies is 

caused when charged particles from the sun 

strike atoms in earth's atmosphere. 

The lights are only seen in the upper 

reaches of the Northern Hemisphere, 

and the further north the better – which 

makes the Arctic Circle the top location 

for Aurora gazing. These remote and 

often frozen places are hard to access and 

accommodation isn't ubiquitous and can be 

expensive, which is why a cruise is a popular 

way to package the experience. 

A Northern Lights cruise means agents can 

guarantee their clients a consistant standard 

of service, while a curated programme of 

shore excursions helps them access the 

reigon's wild places. 

Who to sell to 

Target those who have enjoyed the rugged 

landscapes of New Zealand's South Island 

or North America's Rockies, and clients who 

have expressed an interest in Scandinavian 

city breaks or enjoy excorted tours or 

cruises with a nature focus. 

This could be a break-through sell for 

cruise sceptics too because, depending on 

the cruise line, the all-inclusive nature of a 

WINTER SHORE EXCURSION 

GODAFOSS WATERFALL, ICELAND 

cruise means it can offer the best-value way 

to see the Northern Lights. Scandinavia, in 

particular, is generally expensive so keeping 

costs down can be crucial to making a sale. 

When to sell it 

Darkness is required to actually see the 

Northern Lights. They are observed at high 

latitudes, where the midnight sun means 

there is no darkness at all for many months, 

so the lights are not a year-round attraction. 

They are visible from late August to early 

April (anytime during dark hours) but 

from late September to March it gets dark 

as early as 18.00, increasing that window of 

opportunity. 

Note that December isn’t always an 

ideal month because popular viewing 

destinations like Tromsø in Norway can see 

70% probability of precipitation, meaning 

cloud cover. 

What to sell 

Activities and excursions are hugely varied. 

There are wildlife watching trips to see 

whales, birds like puffins and eagles and 

even polar bears. Active excursions include 

hiking mountains and glaciers, kaying and 

boat trips, as well as winter sports such as 

husky or reindeer sledding, snow-mobiling, 

snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing. 

Cultural tours include meeting indigenous 

people such as the Sami reindeer herders of 

Scandinavia or the Innuit of North America. 

Excursions also explore towns and cities, 

giving an insight into their culture and 

architecture – like Alta's futuristic Cathedral 

of the Northen Lights in Norway. Cultural 

experiences range from eating reindeer to 

listening to a Sami Yoik choir. 

Onboard, ships have lecturers on hand 

BOOK IT WITH...CRUISE & MARITIME 

Departing London Tilbury on October 12 2019, 

the 12-night round-trip Iceland and Land of 

the Northern Lights cruise visits the Faroe 

Islands, Akureyri and Reykjavík in Iceland and 

the Orkney Islands. Excursions include whale 

watching, Iceland's Blue Lagoon, Orkney's 

Standing Stones of Stenness and the Faroes' 

Vestmanna Sea Cliffs. cruiseandmaritime.com – 

0844 414 6140 

sellingtravel.co.uk

how to sell 71 

“The all-inclusive nature of 

a cruise means it can offer 

the best-value way to see the 

Northern Lights. 

Scandinavia, in particular, 

is expensive” 

FJORD VIEWS, NORWAY 

to give talks on subjects such as wildlife, 

astronomy, geology and others. 

Where to sell 

There are several destinations which 

can yield spectacular Aurora viewings, 

but perhaps the best-known route is up 

Norway's coastline from the fjords to the 

Arctic circle. Many cruises start and end 

in the UK but the most popular stops on 

this route are Bergen, with its picturesque 

waterfront fronted by multi-coloured 

buildings, and Tromsø, considered the 

gateway to the Norwegian Arctic and home 

to the northernmost botanic garden. 

Iceland is often combined with the Faroe 

Islands and Scottish islands for a Northern 

Lights cruise, with ports of call including 

the Faroese capital Tórshavn, with its 

turf-covered roofs and viking history, and 

Reykjavik for trips to the Blue Lagoon and 

Golden Circle Tours which take in Gullfoss 

Waterfall, many geysers and geothermal 

features and Thingvellir National Park. 

Alaska cruises offer a good chance to 

ARCTIC CIRCLE 

see the Northern Lights at the right time 

of year. Many are round-trip from Seattle 

through the Inside Passage and calling 

at ports like Ketchikan, with its Native 

American and pioneer history; the gold rush 

town of Skagway; state capital Juneau; and 

Fairbanks, a top Aurora-viewing destination. 

If your clients are keen on an expeditionstyle 

cruise, and have the budget to 

accommodate, Greeland can offer 

spectacular viewing opportunities as well as 

the chance to see glaciers, fjords and bucket 

list wildlife like musk ox and polar bears. 

Britain’s leading independent cruise line presents 

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Our biggest ever winter 

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52 nights - 9th Oct 2020 



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74 nights - 1st Feb 2021 



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Agency Sales: 0844 414 6140 Brochures: www.trade-gate.co.uk 

Subject to availability. *Book by 30th September 2019. Terms & conditions apply. Offered for sale in the UK by South Quay Travel 

& Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone comany’s access charge. 

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Untitled-10 1 sellingtravel.co.uk 

21/08/2019 12:57

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All-Inclusive 

All-Inclusive 

PLUS FREE child places, FREE return airport transfers 

& resort credit up to $2500 

Upgrade available on selected dates. More resorts are available, 

please call for details. 

from 

7 night San Juan Roundtrip 

01 Dec 19 - Silver Wind 

Vista Suite 

San Juan, Jost Van Dyke, Basseterre, Fort-de-France, 

St. Johns, Charlestown, Gustavia, San Juan. 

All-Inclusive Lifestyle: All-Inclusive ultra-luxury suite accommodation, 

butler service in every suite, all beverages, gratuities, port charges, 

taxes and more. 

7 night Mediterranean 

£495 

30 Jan 20 - MSC Grandiosa 

Balcony 

Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), 

Palermo (Sicily), Valetta, Barcelona. 

7 night Western Mediterranean 

17 May 19 - Allure of the Seas ® 

Barcelona, Palma (Majorca), Marseille, 

Staff's family may travel independently. 

£1599 

£735 

Balcony 

La Spezia (Florence/Pisa), Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples 

(Capri/Pompeii), Barcelona. 

Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort 

Mauritius 

from £95 All-Inclusive 

FREE child places! 

from 

Staff's family & friends may also travel at these rates. 

Book with confidence 

Hotel prices are per person per night and based on 2 adults sharing unless otherwise stated. Cruise prices 

are per person and include all taxes and port charges. Offers subject to availability and maybe withdrawn 

without notice. Terms & conditions apply. 

7 night Cruising the Rhine, Main & Moselle 

02 Oct 19 - Brabrant 

Balcony 

Dusseldorf, Cologne, Cochem, Cruise Moselle River, 

Koblenz (overnight), Cruise Rhine River, Cruise Main River, 

Miltenberg, Cruising Middle Main Quadrangle, Wurzburg, 

Crusing by the Hassberge Mountains, Bamberg, Nuremberg. 

ACCREDITEDAGENT 

£559 

£905 

7 night Captivating Rhine 

16 Nov 19 - AmaPrima 

Outside 

Amsterdam (overnight), Cologne, Rudesheim, 

Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel. 

£919 

7 night Vienna to Prague 

15 Dec 19 - Avalon Passion 

Balcony 

Vienna (overnight), Grein, Passau, Regensburg, 

Nuremberg, Prague (2 nights).

the final word 73 

the quirky side of travel 

Slaves to the screen 

It's official, 72% of millennials can't go 

on holiday without their phone, at least 

according to research from international 

mobile service provider, TravelSim. 

Its UK survey revealed we are spending 

over 32 hours a week on our phones and 

tablets whilst on holiday. On average, 

women spend over three hours on social 

media, while men scroll for two and a 

half hours, and 59% of parents take tech 

on holiday to entertain the kids. 

Manchester and Newcastle claim the 

highest number of people (62%) needing 

a digital detox while Norwich dwellers 

are smugly the least reliant on tech. 

Video streaming apps are most 

popular, followed by Facebook and 

messaging, Instagram and emails. 

travelsim.com 

Beers of the world 

The global average price of a pint is 

£2.63, according to comparison site 

Finder. So why, you may ask, does a 

pint in the UK cost upwards of £3.70? If 

you reside in London, you will likely pay 

£5.18. But don't cry in your beer and 

take some comfort by this: the dearest 

was found in Doha, Qatar, at £10.30. 

Or just move to Maputo, Mozambique, 

where it's 39p. finder.com/uk 

For better or woof... 

Do you sell destination weddings? 

Have you booked dog-friendly trips? 

Lake District hotel Armathwaite Hall 

has combined the two to offer a new 

pooch grooming service, making sure 

four-legged guests are looking their 

paws-down best on the big day. Dogs 

are bathed and groomed, dressed in 

occasion attire and delivered to the 

aisle to woof along with the 'I dos'. 

armathwaite-hall.com 

Euro-trashed 

Behold, the top locations for hen and stag 

parties in Europe, as listed by Alpha Insurance 

(alphatravelinsurance.co.uk), which looked 

at the price of flights, hotels and beers and 

number of bars and attractions. 

1 Madrid, Spain 

2 Prague, Czech Republic 

3 Berlin, Germany 

4 Bratislava, Slovakia 

5 Hamburg, Germany 

6 Paris, France 

7 Barcelona, Spain 

8 Rome, Italy 

The October 2019 issue oF SELLING TRAVEL WILL INCLUDE: Adventure holidays • California • Central America • Christmas Markets • New York • Philippines • 

Seychelles • contact us sales@bmipublishing.co.uk; editorial@bmipublishing.co.uk 

plus online Daily Selling Tips • Destination Guides • Features • Blogs • Interview • Reviews 

sellingtravel.co.uk

THANK 

YOU 

FOR YOUR 

CONTINUED 

SUPPORT 

Thank you for nominating Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc in 

the category of Best Destination for Weddings & Honeymoons. 

The Barbados Elite Club, has been set up for travel professionals like 

you. If you’re passionate about Barbados and want to send your 

clients to the most luxurious and exciting destination while earning 

valuable rewards yourself, Barbados Elite Club is for you. 

Through our brand-new platform, you’ll discover that there is so 

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beaches. From the low-down on local festivals, insights into the 

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What’s more, through the club you’ll earn points which all add up 

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T’s & C’s apply.

Be inspired by... 

over-50s 

travel 

Trends in the over-50s market • Interview with: Titan Travel 

• New & top selling holidays for the over 50s market

76 

OVER 50s TRAVEL 

MATURE TRAVEL TRENDS 

The over-50s travel market has a tendency to be overlooked or pigeonholed, yet 

specialists say it’s more adventurous, diverse and lucrative than many imagine. 

Debbie Ward investigates 

Solo travel is trending across escorted 

travel and is particularly high 

in the over-50s market. Riviera 

(rivieratravel.co.uk) has increased its solo 

tours from 12 to 40. “We’ve really seen 

growth over the last year to 18 months, 

since our launch of solo tours. It's not 

necessarily people who’ve lost a partner, 

it may be people whose other half doesn’t 

have an interest in the same destination,” 

explains National Sales Manager for UK 

and Australia, Tom Morgan. 

Seeing similar demand, Leger Holidays 

(leger.co.uk) has added six new Single 

Traveller tours for 2020, with no single 

supplement and a door-to-door service. 

Experiential travels 

The over-50s sector is increasingly active. 

“I’ve been thrilled at how much more 

adventurous the mature market are. Not 

many will just go and lie on a beach now,” 

says Clare Dudley, Managing Director of 

Cambridge-based agent Ponders Travel. 

Leger has added more See It Live tours 

to the Venice and Nice carnivals, Monaco 

Grand Prix and Brussels Jazz Weekend. 

Its specialist guided battlefield tours, of 

which it offers over 80, have been boosted 

by media coverage. “We had a number of 

battlefield tours to the 75th anniversary 

D-Day commemorations,” says Head of 

Retail Sales Ashley Dellow. 

Riviera Travel has added Discover tours, 

with three levels of walks. “It’s not the same 

as 10 to 20 years ago when you went on a 

coach tour… people want to get out and 

explore,” explains Morgan. 

Personalised extras like the ballet in 

Russia are also new, while its escorted 

ocean range now features Azamara and 

excursion-focused Hurtigruten. 

Saga (saga.co.uk) has added excursions 

to all its European holidays and new ships, 

Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, 

are performing ‘exceptionally well because 

they aid adventure. “We know there’s a real 

desire to sail ex-UK on a luxury small ship. 

Their size allows visits to unique ports of 

call,” says Head of Trade Sales, Iain Powell. 

Luxury matters 

Luxury is another mature market trend. 

Saga’s door-to-door VIP Travel Service is 

among its other product tweaks in recent 

years, while for 2020 its Stay programmes 

include a Signature Collection of hotels 

with dedicated lounges and exclusive 

arrangements for Saga guests. Product 

differentiation is key, says Powell, and 

offering a unique, tailored experience “helps 

to immerse them in the local culture.” 

Leger believes the luxury trend is a 

natural extension of mature clients’ desire 

for a more comfortable holiday. Its new 

Luxuria coaches come with extra-wide 

seats, increased legroom, retractable calf 

rests and personal touch-screen TVs. The 

Luxuria Signature Collection, launched 

last year, is a selection of holidays which 

“combines state-of-the-art coach travel 

with some of Europe’s most fascinatingly 

unique hotels…. from Spanish Paradors to 

fairy tale German castles,” adds Dellow. 

Multi-generational travel 

Trips with children and grandchildren, 

are an important trend and a gateway to 

lucrative long-haul group bookings. 

“Grandparents are ringing and saying ‘I 

want to take everyone away for Christmas’ 

sellingtravel.co.uk

OVER 50s TRAVEL 77 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Leger Holidays offers stays in German castles; multi-generational travel is on the up; battlefield tours are trending; experiential travel is big for over 50s 

sellingtravel.co.uk

78 


ABOVE: Demand for India is rising, according to Newmarket Holidays and Saga 

and they don’t want to just fly-and-flop, 

some are taking family from Australia and 

the UK and meeting in-between,” Dudley 

from Ponders Travel says. “I’ve done a trip 

round Burma for one family. They’re often 

big bookings and interesting to do.” 

The Far East, Caribbean and Disney 

prove popular, she says, as do villas with 

private pools, though escorted tours are 

less common with children involved. 

Destination hot list 

Long haul is booming for Newmarket 

Holidays (newmarketholidays.co.uk) as 

continuing Brexit uncertainty prompts 

clients to look beyond the Eurozone. India, 

Canada, Vietnam and South Africa are 

performing particularly well. 

“We’ve added further dates to our Indian 

programme to keep up with demand; the 

same for Kenya and South Africa. We’ve also 

added beach extensions to some tours,” 

says Head of Trade Sales, Richard Forde. 

“We’ve released 2021 dates earlier than ever 

and customers are booking further ahead.” 

New, longer-haul destinations are also 

trending for Saga driven, Powell believes, 

by both a change in client mind-set and the 

weaker pound against the Euro. Significant 

demand for India and Uzbekistan has been 

sparked by TV coverage the last year. 

Croatia, Italy and Scandinavia are selling 

well for Leger and it has over 25 new breaks 

for 2020. Also doing well are Romania and 

Greece, perhaps perceived as less pricey 

than other Eurozone countries, and longerhaul 

Costa Rica and Peru, fitting the more 

adventurous mature market trend. 

Tricks for the trade 

“The main thing we’re always talking 

to agents about is how exciting this 

demographic should be for them,” says 

Saga’s Powell, pointing out that baby 

boomers typically have greater disposable 

income and time to travel. 

“It’s important agents recognise how 

the average 60-year-old has changed in 

the last 20 or 30 years,” he adds. “These 

guests are willing to research their holidays 

extensively and they’re comfortable 

shopping around, but they value service 

and reliability above everything else - price 

often isn’t the determining factor.” 

With over-55s the second biggest users of 

Facebook, Powell encourages agents not to 

overlook social media for marketing. “They 

are engaged with it and can be influenced 

heavily by trends online and on television – 

use this to your advantage!” he says. 

Riviera’s Morgan points out escorted 

tours and river cruises are easy, good value 

sells, which meet the mature market’s 

desire for stress-free holidays. He adds: 

“There’s no hassle for agents and the all-in 

nature means it’s good for commission.” 

Newmarket’s Forde recommends agents 

keep up with mature travel trends by asking 

operators what is currently selling well; “it 

may be something you had not thought of”. 

It’s a case of recognising the value of, and 

embracing, this market. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

A huge thank you! 

We’re delighted to be finalists in the following Selling Travel Agents 

Choice Awards 2019... 

Tour Operator for Short Haul Escorted Tours 

Senior Travellers 

Solo Travellers 

Ocean Cruising – short haul 

It’s fingers crossed for now, but one thing’s already certain… 

we’re looking forward to working with our current agents, 

and hopefully many more, in the weeks and months to come. 

Book online at sagaagents.co.uk, call FREE on 0800 074 8021 

or contact Trade Support FREE on 0800 068 8732 

Visit our online training platform at sagaexperts.co.uk 

Find us on social media Saga Trade Team

80 


TALKING TO... TITAN TRAVEL 

“TV is a big influence. Celebs 

give others the confidence to 

be adventurous, whatever 

age they are” 

A decade ago there was a stigma that 

over-50s travel was limited to coach trips 

to Europe, but since then we’ve opened the 

door to so many far-flung destinations around the 

world that weren’t previoulsy easily accessible. 

At Titan we exclusively cater for the over-50s 

market so we know just how diverse this sector is. 

It’s important to remember that, regardless of age, 

everyone is an individual and they all want different 

things from their holiday. 

What’s trending? 

Small group tours continue to be popular for us. A 

great example is our recently-added Wild Collection, 

which includes Wild Costa Rica and Wild Borneo. 

These itineraries can be slightly more adventurous. 

On the flip side we’re also seeing demand for 

relaxing week-long river cruises through Europe, so 

it’s all about catering to different needs. 

India’s Golden Triangle goes from strength to 

strength, especially when it comes to trade bookings. 

Orangutans in Borneo 

BEN DAVIS,HEAD OF 

PRODUCT TITAN 

YEARS IN THE 

INDUSTRY: 24 

FAVOURITE 

HOLIDAY 

DESTINATION: Italy. 

(Helps that my wife 

speaks Italian too!) 

TRAVEL DISASTER: 

Leaving my Passport 

at LHR when flying 

to Edinburgh with my 

family. 

I think it’s one of those bucket list destinations that 

people are a bit hesitant about booking for fear of 

the unknown. That’s why they choose to go with a 

reputable operator such as Titan, which has been 

travelling there for decades. Guests feel safe in the 

knowledge that they will be transfered door-to-door 

with our VIP service and looked after by experts. 

We’ve also noticed how TV has had a huge influence 

on bookings to long-haul destinations. For example, 

The Real Marrigold Hotel TV series built up a huge 

demand for India and we’re capitalising on that 

with new itineraries. There’s been an increase in 

travel to Armenia, Georgia and Uzbekistan thanks 

to Joanna Lumely’s Silk Road Adventure; Borneo is 

doing really well following the Wild Borneo Adventure 

documentary with Judy Dench, and anything that 

Jane McDonald touches seems to turns to gold! I think 

these celebrities give others the confidence to be 

more adventurous, whatever age they are. 

Here’s what you didn’t know 

Agents are surprised about how diverse Titan's 

product is and we want to remind them about our 

more relaxed Stay and Explore option – a one or twocentre 

trip with three or four nights in each place. 

We’re also the only company that operate these tours 

in the UK. Clients are picked up from their front door 

and driven to and from their hotel, with the option of 

daily excursions. 

In other news, we’re excited to have Zimbabwe back 

in our portfolio, since it has been off the travel map for 

about 25 years. Our 14-day escorted tour to Zimbabwe 

is a small group journey, with a cruise on Lake Kariba, 

a visit to Victoria Falls and a game drive in Hwange 

National Park. In comparison to South 

Africa, Zimbabwe is very much unspoilt and 

the game has been left mostly untouched. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

ochure 

Low 

£99PP 

deposit 

Book by 

30 Sep 2019 * 

From Scotland to Sicily, find your customers their perfect 

short-haul escorted holiday in our brand-new brochure. As well 

as our diverse selection of European itineraries, you’ll find UK 

short breaks and a range of festive getaways over Christmas. 

• VIP door-to-door travel service † 

• Fly from an airport near you** 

• Price Promise 

• Guaranteed departures 

Book online at www.titanagents.co.uk 

*£99pp deposit is available on the majority of Titan’s European and 

river cruise holidays. †Mainland UK only. **Supplements may apply 

007763-TT Untitled-2 1Selling Travel.indd 1 19/08/2019 16/08/2019 08:12 16:22

82 


TOP SELLERS & NEW PRODUCT 

JORDAN 

SARDINIA, ITALY 

The nine-day Jordan Discovery trip from 

Explore is proving a top seller for the over- 

50s. Clients can float in the salty waters of 

the Dead Sea, explore the lost city of Petra 

and enjoy a desert campfire at Wadi Rum. 

explore.co.uk 

New for summer 2020 is 

Inghams' Secrets of Sardinia 

tour. With departure dates 

from May to September, the 

seven-night trip includes 

a walking tour of the coast 

and a visit to Bosa (pictured), 

known as one of Italy’s most 

picturesque villages. 

inghams.co.uk 

MEMPHIS, NEW ORLEANS & 

NASHVILLE, USA 

Popular with Newmarket’s music-loving 

customers is the Elvis Presley’s Memphis, 

New Orleans & Nashville tour, which journeys 

through America’s musical heartland, from 

the birthplace of Jazz and the cradle of Rock 

‘n’ Roll to the capital of Country Music. 

newmarketholidays.co.uk 

HAWAII, USA 

The new 13-day Hawai’ian Islands 

Discovery trip from Titan hops 

between Maui, Big Island and Oahu 

for a taste of tropical island life. 

Clients will uncover a poignant piece 

of USA history at Pearl Harbor and 

enjoy postcard-perfect beaches and 

volcanic parks. titantravel.co.uk 

WINE COUNTRY 

Kirker Holidays has introduced 

Cultural Wine Tours, initially 

to the wine regions of Reims 

& Champagne in France and 

Rioja and Northern Spain. 

Clients join expert Tim 

Clarke in visiting Bollinger 

and Tattinger, with tutored 

tastings. Kirker hopes to add 

more destinations, including 

Georgia. kirkerholidays.com 

sellingtravel.co.uk

OVER 50s TRAVEL 83 

MOROCCO 

Christmas in Marrakech forms part of Just You’s Solo Festive 

Breaks portfolio. The eight-day trip includes a tour of the 

markets of Djemaa el Fna Square, a visit to Asni with lunch at an 

authentic Moroccan retreat surrounded by the Atlas Mountains 

and a stop at Ourika Valley with lunch in a hilltop restaurant. 

justyou.co.uk 

SPAIN & PORTUGAL 

Launched in 2018, Leger’s Luxuria Signature collection 

includes the Paradors & Pousadas of Castile, Madrid, 

Salamanca & Portugal. From the capital of Madrid to the 

Golden City of Salamanca, the tour focuses on historical 

architecture with lavish accommodation in some of 

Spain’s finest Paradors and Portugal’s idyllic Pousadas. 

leger.co.uk 

LEBANON 

Saga’s new nine-day tour, The Pearl of the Middle East, 

explores the history and modern regeneration of Lebanon. 

This modern country is now bouncing back after years 

of conflict and the tour showcases highlights such as 

the Cedars of God Forest; Sidon, with its sea castle and 

souks; and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tyre, which has 

Phoenician and Roman archaeological influences. saga.co.uk 

SCOTLAND 

The 'gentle walking specialist' Adagio has 

launched its new 2020 brochure, with 37 

different options. New additions include 

a trip to the UK's most northerly outpost, 

the Shetland Islands, known for their 

rugged coastline and rolling hills, ancient 

history and wildlife including many sea 

birds. adagio.co.uk 

sellingtravel.co.uk

JAMAICA SAINT LUCIA ANTIGUA BAHAMAS GRENADA BARBADOS 

Sandals Barbados 

Barbados 

BOOK THE WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS 

FOR TRAVEL UP TO AUGUST 2021 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS 

Call Agency Sales 020 7590 0210 | Email agencysales@sandals.co.uk | Visit sellingsandals.co.uk 

OR TO BOOK 

Call 0808 164 3459 | Visit sandals.co.uk/agents 

2 0 1 8 

Book by 30 Sep ’19. Terms & conditions apply – contact us for full details. 

23 Years Running

Selling Travel September 19

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