S E L L I N G T R A V E L • j uly / au g u s t 2 0 1 7

july/august 2017 • sellingtravel.co.uk TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR 2015 & 2016

Into
Argentina • Costa Rica • Diving worldwide • Falklands • Gulf States • Jersey • Nicaragua • Singapore • Thailand • Uganda

the deep
Selling diving holidays means
knowing your wrecks from
your reefs. Get savvy on scuba

how to sell...

Costa Rica
Uganda
Thailand
Argentina
Nicaragua
Gulf States
and more...
 rwandair.com

Now flying from Gatwick

to Kigali and beyond
3x weekly at unbeatable fares.

01293 874922
sales.london@rwandair.com

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 contents 3

this issue
- we travel further to bring you more -

FEATURES
08 Diving the World:
What lies beneath
31 Uganda: Gorillas in the 86

mix in East Africa 87 81

90 48
38 Argentina: Glaciers,
beaches, desert, jungle...
41 Gulf States: The heart of
41
the Middle East 56
80
74
56 Costa Rica: Going green 31
53
74 Thailand: Southern stars

SELLING CANADA
82 Show report: From 38
Rendez-vous 2017
86 Six of the Best: New
hotel openings
87 Indigenous Canada
UGANDA
90 Introducing: St John's
92
94
Winter sports
Introducing: Atlantic
31
Canada
95 In Person: Air Canada
96 My Journey: Rocky
Mountaineer
ARGENTINA
QUICK READS
33 Visit USA 38
36 My Journey: Orient
G U L F S TAT E S
Express
48 In Person: Jersey 41
49 Island Profile: Jersey
53 How to Sell: Singapore
54 My Journey: Nicaragua
80 Six of the Best: St. Kitts

THE REVIEW C O S TA R I C A
61 Top news and reviews
56
TALKING SHOP
T H A I LA N D
15 News, competitions,
incentives & fam trips. 74
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. CA N A DA

81
To benefit from this travel industry sales
training resource visit www.sellingtravel.net

sellingtravel.co.uk

Contents/ThisIssue.indd 3 7/19/17 07:47 PM

 welcome
Travel Trade
Publication of the Year

Travel Trade
Publication of the Year

Proudly published by
BMI Publishing Ltd 2017
© 2017.

Suffolk House, George St, Croydon, Surrey,

CR9 1SR, UK
– dedicated to those who love selling travel –
T 020 8649 7233 | F 020 8649 7234

I
enquiries@bmipublishing.co.uk
bmipublishing.co.uk
sellingtravel.co.uk
had the pleasure of visiting Thailand in June, initially for
the annual Thailand Travel Mart but also to join a post-fam
Publishers: designed to experience some of the country's southern islands.
Steve Thompson & Sally Parker
It was a hectic but hugely enjoyable few days that saw our group zip
Commercial Director: from island to island and from property to property. If it was Thursday,
David Clare it had to be Phi Phi Island!
Editorial Director:
Few tourist boards court and invest in the trade as creatively as the
Steve Hartridge Thailand Authority of Thailand (TAT). Its Head of Marketing, Chris Lee,
has a background in tour operating and knows that the most effective
Deputy Editor:
Laura Gelder
way to get the word out about the country’s diverse products is by
coming up with as many imaginative initiatives as he can to keep tour
Staff Journalists: operators and agents enthused about the destination. His philosophy
Ben Coren
Steve Hartridge
EDITOR is simple: show those who are selling Thailand, and those who want
Group Editor: to sell Thailand, as much of the country as possible, and as often as
Andy Hoskins
possible – and mix in a little fun along the way. For agents whose time is more limited, there’s
Contributing Editor: a raft of road shows, support collateral, training programmes and much more to draw upon.
Julie Baxter Such initiatives create devoted ambassadors that will most probably be lauding the virtues of the
country for as long as they remain in travel.
Business Development Manager:
Craig McQuinn There is no substitute for seeing or experiencing a destination, hotel or attraction first-hand but
Advertisement Manager: the next best thing is to gain more knowledge vicariously through the
Lisa Merrigan
eyes and anecdotes of those who have
Creative Director: been there. So brush up
Matt Bonner on Thailand, and read
Designers:
Louisa Horton, Monica Notarnicola,
how the destination is
Ross Clifford & Zoë Tarrant promoting its southern
islands, by turning to my
Production Manager:
Clare Hunter feature, on page 74.
Managing Director: Elsewhere in this issue,
Martin Steady
we list the finalists in this
We are members of the Caribbean Tourism year's Selling Travel Agents
Organization, Visit USA Association, LATA, PATA, Choice Awards.
MENATA, SATOA, the Foreign Airlines Association
and the Institute of Travel & Tourism. Whilst
Once again, we invite
every effort is made to ensure accuracy, BMI you to choose those you
Publishing cannot be held responsible for any consider to be the best in
errors or omissions. ISSN: 2056-9319.
Cover image: bigstockphoto.com the business when it comes
to making your job easier
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE! and more profitable!
sellingtravel.co.uk/subscribe
So get voting!

MAKE YOUR MARK!

VOTING FOR THE SELLING TRAVEL AGENTS CHOICE AWARDS
OPENS JULY 28. IT'S THE ONLY INDUSTRY AWARDS
DECIDED BY YOU - GET INVOLVED!
sellingtravel.co.uk/awards

WELCOME.indd 4 7/19/17 08:24 PM

 Ladera stands today as St. Lucia’s most
unique and luxurious resort and the only resort
situated on a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From the jaw-dropping views at The Villa or our
more intimate suites, Ladera offers a dramatic
backdrop for your vacation. The setting is
breathtaking and unlike any other, on a volcano
ridgeline 1,000 feet above the deep, blue Caribbean
Sea, with stunning views of the Pitons.
At every moment our attentive staff are
available to meet any need. Resort amenities
are designed with ultimate relaxation in mind,
from authentic St. Lucian culinary experiences at
Dasheene to indulgent treatments at The Spa.

 1 866 290 0978 ladera.com reservations@ladera.com

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 6 the big picture

Durdle Door
Dorset, UK

Home comforts
When the sun is beating down at
home there’s surely no better place
to be than the UK. So here’s a little
staycation inspiration all the way
from Dorset’s quite epic Jurassic
Coast. This is a land of rolling
green hills, craggy cliffs, emerald
waters and plentiful ice cream. Tell
your clients to forget Dubrovnik
and instead drool over Dorset’s
Durdle Door!
visit-dorset.com

sellingtravel.co.uk

Reasons for Seasons_v2.indd 6 7/19/17 07:42 PM

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 8 diving the world

something
deep blue

Selling scuba doesn’t always

come easy for landlubbers but
diving holidays can provide a
healthy revenue stream, says
Laura Gelder, who picks her
top dive destinations

sellingtravel.co.uk

DivingTheWorld.indd 8 7/19/17 06:43 PM


A
bove us a rosy dawn is breaking
over the tiny Filipino island of
Malapascua. The light is slowly
filtering down to where we sit on the
seabed, a few metres back from the drop-
off and the abyss beyond, accompanied by
the collective sound of our ragged yogic
breathing. We’re waiting for a rarely-seen
species to emerge: the thresher shark.
Usually residing in depths of 60 metres or
more, they come here to enjoy a spa treatment
at the local ‘cleaning station’. Straining our
eyes, we can see large, dark shapes begin to
emerge out of the blue. I have to be careful
to stay ‘neutrally buoyant’ as my lungs fill
with excitement and the shimmering bubbles
streaming from my regulator like flying
saucers begin to zoom faster upwards.
The silver sharks are just a few metres in front
of us, gliding smoothly and stealthily though
the water, their long, dangerous tails waving
sellingtravel.co.uk
DivingTheWorld.indd 9
diving the world 9
ceaselessly behind them. They use this unique
weapon to corral and whip schooling fish but it’s
temporarily disabled for the trip to Monad Shoal.
An army of cleaner wrasse await: small
fish wearing a business-like stripe, who
swarm around each spectral customer,
working diligently to nibble parasites
from their lustrous hides. It’s a beneficial,
symbiotic relationship so there’s no chance
of anyone becoming breakfast – including
us. Still, you wouldn’t catch me turning my
back on those over-sized mercury eyes.
Scientists believe that Southeast Asia is
where most of the Pacific’s marine organisms
evolved before they spread out to colonise
other oceans, hence the incredible bio-diversity.
But diving is big business all over the world.
Specialist operators offer everything from
luxury resort-based dive holidays to intrepid
‘liveaboards’, floating hotels of varying standards
which trawl remote archipelagos and facilitate
7/19/17 06:44 PM
 10 diving the world
dawn ‘til dusk diving for scuba addicts. As ever,
knowing what floats your client’s boat is the key.
Belize
The second-smallest Central American nation has
more than 400 islands and the longest unbroken
barrier reef in the western hemisphere. The
“Renowned for exceptional destination is also lauded by divers for its
reefs and biodiversity, opportunities to see whale sharks between April
along with a number of and June at Gladden Spit on the southern section
of the reef. Ambergris Caye, the largest of the 200
fascinating shipwrecks, cayes that dot the coastline, is just a 20-minute
Papua New Guinea is one of plane ride from Belize City and the closest you
the most exciting and remote can get to the barrier reef, so is the most popular
base for divers. Outside the reef are three of the
dive destinations on earth. four true coral atolls found in the Western
Frontier diving at Hemisphere - Turneffe, Lighthouse and Glover’s
its very best!” – a quieter base for divers who want to get away
from here. The Great Blue Hole is a sink hole
PHIL NORTH, MANAGER, DIVE WORLDWIDE
measuring 1,000 feet across, 400 feet deep and
almost perfectly round. More experienced divers
(Advance PADI holders) can venture down to 40
metres to see the giant stalactites which Costeau
first explored in the 1970s.
Did you know? Original Diving (originaldiving.com) offers
tailor-made packages to Matachica Beach Resort on
Ambergris Caye. Rooms are set in individual private
air-conditioned cottages. There is an onsite spa, the Mambo
Restaurant and the Cinema-Martini Lounge.
Egypt
The Red Sea has long been a draw for
British divers, thanks to its fantastic
visibility, warm waters, diverse
marine and a high standard of
quality accommodation – and all just a
four-hour flight away. Resorts like Hurghada,
Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab and Marsa Alam are all
popular bases from which to access the abundant
reefs. Popular dives include strong currents of the
Straits of Tiran off Sharm El Sheikh, popular with
larger fish like jacks, barracuda and sharks and
Above, from left: Belize’s Great Blue Hole; Egypt’s Red Sea in Pharaoh’s Island off Taba for its tiny, ugly-looking
full cartoon-like colour; a manta ray blocks out the sun in
Mozambique. Above: a green spotted puffer fish frog fish, which walk the ocean floor on their fins.
sellingtravel.co.uk
DivingTheWorld.indd 10
Did you know? Dahab’s Blue Hole plunges to depths of
130 metres and has claimed many lives. Only technical
divers can attempt the sink hole’s most famous dive but
advanced recreational divers can safely do The Bells dive.
This descends through a chimney down to 27 metres,
turning into a wall drift dive which affords opportunities to
peek out into the deep blue of the open sea for larger
creatures, before entering the Blue Hole itself.
Indonesia
The choice here is between a liveaboard
cruising remote islands suited to hardcore
divers or a more relaxed diving holiday based in
a resort with more attractions above the water.
Liveaboards are popular around Komodo
Island, famous for its prehistoric-looking
komodo dragons and its national park of
132,000 hectares holding popular dive log
entries ranging from the huge sunfish down to
the pygmy seahorse. Resort-based diving for all
levels can be found around Bali, which has
wrecks, reefs, walls and volcanic muck diving for
small critters. Sulawesi, just east of Borneo, has
more varieties of coral than anywhere in the
world. Its north offers a dramatic volcanic
sub-aqua landscape and the chance to see
dugongs, while on land divers can learn about
the region’s unique tribal culture. The up-and-
coming Raja Ampat archipelago off West Papua
is a dreamy landscape of karst islands
surrounded by emerald water. Here, manta rays
are ten-a-penny.
Stay here: Misool Eco Resort in Raja Ampat is a private
island surrounded by white beaches and protected by clear
lagoons and abundant reefs. With just nine guest cottages
and a staff-to-guest ratio of three to one, this is the only
luxury offering in this dream dive destination. Original
Diving (originaldiving.com) offers commissionable packages.
Maldives
A great choice for divers who want a little luxury,
the Maldives are some of the most nutrient-rich
waters on the planet. Deep channels cut
between the atolls, teaming with plankton
7/19/17 06:44 PM
 Located just north of Australia, Papua New Guinea offers some of the most incredible
diving in the world. With hundreds of dive sites to choose from, your clients will
discover atolls, passages, lagoons, wrecks and world famous Muck diving. It’s no wonder
PNG is an underwater photographer’s paradise.
For more information: www.papuanewguinea.travel/UK
or email robin@pngtourism.org.uk for help in selling PNG to UK divers.

DivingTheWorld.indd 11 7/19/17 06:44 PM

DivingTheWorld.indd
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16:36

and larger pelagic creatures like manta rays,
whales and sharks. There are also swim-
throughs, caverns and overhangs to explore.
Inside the atolls are gentle reefs, sandbars,
islands and lagoons which have evolved over
millennia forming the habitat and nurseries for
many colourful inhabitants.
December-April is the driest time in the
Maldives, when visibility on the eastern sides of Mozambique
the atolls is excellent but less so on the western
sides, although divers are more likely to
encounter manta rays and whale sharks during
this period. May to December shifts the diver’s
focus on to the western sides of the atolls.
Stay here: Park Hyatt Maldives (maldiveshadahaa.park.
hyatt.com) sits at least 10 kilometres away from any other
inhabited island, on an untouched atoll, surrounded by one
of the region’s most beautiful reefs just 50 metres from the
shore. The onsite dive centre
also offers a unique à la
carte diving programme,
enabling guests to customise “Outside the main arc of the Segundas Marine
their dive experience with a Windward Islands unique
private instructor and private
Barbados has snared –
boat as an option.
literally and figuratively –
Malta wayward ships for centuries mangrove forests
If your diving clients and has a portfolio of about which act as a nursery
have to stay in Europe
then they won’t do
200 wrecks”
much better than Malta, PADI.COM
which is renowned for
its clear seas. Reefs,
wrecks and caves are all waiting to be explored.
Top dives include the wreck of HMS Maori, which
sank in Valletta Harbour in 1942 and is now 16
metres below, guarded by conger eels and other
sea creatures. Gozo is home to another ‘Blue Hole’,
which gives access to an impressive underwater
archway and cavern.
Sell it: Regaldive (regal-diving.co.uk) offers St. Patrick’s
Hotel in Xlendi Bay on Gozo from £328pp for seven nights
B&B including flights. You can add a dive pack from £133
for six guided dives.
17 16:36 DivingTheWorld.indd 13
diving the world 13
Home of mega-beasts, Mozambique’s plankton-
rich waters attract whales, whale sharks and
manta rays. Beach town Tofu is a great base for
seeing these. The region is home to one of the
world’s largest manta ray populations – both
reef and giant varieties. Further offshore is one
of the best chances to see the world’s biggest
fish, the whale shark. These gentle spotted
giants can reach up to 19 metres in length,
weigh over 34 tonnes and can have a mouth 1.5
metres wide! Also
popular is the
Primeiras and
Protected Area (MPA),
the largest on the
continent. It comprises
rich coral reefs and
for reef fish and five
breeds of turtle.
Sell it: Dive Worldwide
(diveworldwide.com) offers a
13-day Kruger Safari and Mozambique diving package
including UK flights, three nights in a safari lodge with two
game drives and seven nights at a beach lodge with 10
dives, from £3,765pp.
New Zealand
Although not as famous for diving as its larger,
hotter neighbour, New Zealand has some more
unusual marine environments which attract
more experienced divers. In the South Island,
popular dive destinations include Kaikoura, Clockwise from top left: Divers wait to go out in Borocay,
Philippines; a clown fish peeps out from its anemone home;
where they have the chance to see playful turtle-spotting in Belize; a thresher shark
sellingtravel.co.uk
7/19/17 06:44 PM
 14 diving the world
dusky dolphins and fur seals, and Stewart
Island, with its famous kelp forests hiding seals,
sea lions and seahorses. Further north are the
Poor Knights Islands, located three kilometres
off the tip of the North Island. This sub-tropical
dive destination is famous for its underwater
arches, often patrolled by stingrays, as well as
caves, kelp forests and sponge gardens.
Top spot: Milford Sound and the surrounding Fjordland
area is home to giant black coral trees (actually white in
appearance) which are rarely found at such shallow depths
but thrive thanks to a tannin-stained layer of fresh water
which protects them from the light above.
Philippines
The world’s second-largest archipelago – 7,000
Clockwise from right: a yellow seahorse; the rich water of
Raja Ampat, Indonesia; an inquisitive turtle islands no less – means a diverse and exciting
EXCLUSIVE BAREFOOT LUXURY
UNPARALLELED DIVING AND SNORKELING
ULTIMATE PRIVACY AND RELAXATION
DEDICATED AND PERSONALIZED SERVICE
The Park Hyatt™ trademark and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt International Corporation. © 2017 Hyatt International Corporation. All rights reserved.
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DivingTheWorld.indd 14
marine environment which is great for repeat
visitors. Multiple dive destinations offer very
different thrills. Hot spots include the
wreck-dense Coron region and dramatic
limestone cliffs of El Nido, both around the
island of Palawan Island; Puerto Galera, which
is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at
the heart of the Coral Triangle region; and the
Visayas which covers multiple islands including
Apo Island off Negros, which is a marine
sanctuary teaming with everything from schools
of jack fish numbering 2,000 to tiny neon-
coloured nudibranchs (a type of mollusc).
Sell it: Dive Worldwide (diveworldwide.com) offers
its Island Hopping Dive Safari in the Visayas from £2,145
for 17 nights, including flights, 14 nights’ accommodation
and 22 dives. Departing and leaving from Cebu, the safari
takes in Moalbaol on Cebu Island, Malapascua or
Dumaguete, and Bohol (home of the Chocolate Hills)
and Panglao Island.
Tahiti
Also known as French Polynesia, this collection
of five archipelagos covers an area of the
Pacific the size of Europe and has an astounding
choice of dives. The abundance of lagoons make
ideal areas for novice divers while steep drop
offs and passes swept by strong currents
provide thrilling challenges for more advanced
divers. Tiputa Pass in Rangiora is a shark
fanatics’ paradise, where fast currents sweep
divers along with hoards of grey reef sharks.
Tuheiva Pass in Tikehau is home to vast schools
of barracuda, tuna, manta rays, grey sharks and
lemon sharks.
Sell it: Regaldive’s (regal-diving.co.uk) French Polynesia
Master liveaboard cruises several islands. Prices start
from £3,209pp for a seven-night trip, boat-only and
full-board (including local beer and soft drinks). The price
includes transfers between the internal airports and boat,
18-20 dives (weather permitting) and a land visit. 
Fall in love with the beauty of a barefoot
luxury getaway at Park Hyatt Maldives
Hadahaa. Located at the heart of one of
the largest and deepest natural atolls in
the world, the waters surrounding our
secluded island is every divers’ haven.
To learn more, visit
maldiveshadahaa.park.hyatt.com
10/07/2017
7/19/17 09:16
06:45 PM
 TA L K I N G S H O P
-INSPIRED BY YOU-
The stuff that happens when
agents get involved...

Jet2 plans Tenerife double bill for agents

17
AITO chooses Evora in 20
THE Association of
Independent Tour Operators (AITO)
has announced Evora in Portugal as
the host location for its 2017
conference. Medieval Evora, a
UNESCO World Heritage city, is a
two-hour flight from London.
AITO Chairman, Derek Moore
said: “We’re delighted to have
been invited by the Portuguese
National Tourist Office and the
Alentejo Tourism Promotion Board
to the delightful Alentejo region in
mainland Portugal.”
The main conference location will
be the Hotel Vila Gale Evora.
SPOTLIGHT ON...
JET2'S VIP travel agent
conference 2017 will be held at
the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife in
November and December.
The details were revealed
by Head of Trade, Alan Cross,
at a series of launch events
in Newcastle, Manchester and
London.
The package holiday specialist
will whisk 240 independent
travel agents out to two
conferences: the first will
take place from November
27-29, with the second from
November 30 to December 2.
trade.jetholidays.com
Attendees will also have the
opportunity to stay at the Pousada
do Loios in the heart of the old city.
Sessions will be held on Friday,
November 24 and November 25.
The conference is expected to be
a sell-out event. TAP Air Portugal
will offer flights from Heathrow,
Gatwick and Manchester. aito.com
Contents
20 Barbara Charlton
23 On Location
24 Been There, Done That
Rwanda route
GATWICK WELCOMES
FIRST RWANDAIR FLIGHT
GATWICK welcomed the
touchdown of the first direct flight
between Rwanda and the UK.
RwandAir’s London to Kigali service
is operating thrice-weekly between
the two capital cities. The route is
served by a new Airbus A330-200,
with flights from £368. rwandair.com
Sell 2, sail free
REGENT
SEVEN SEAS
REGENT SEVEN SEAS Cruises
new booking incentive ‘Sell 2 & Sail
Free’ gives agents booking any two
Seven Seas Voyager Mediterranean
cruises, which sail from June 28 to
September 28, a free luxury suite.
Bookings must be made from June
16 and prior to July 31.
rssc.com

A taste of
Brazil LONDON - BASED travel
professionals enjoyed a unique
Keep in mind... COMING UP
& ENDING SOON

opportunity to participate in Brasil 2 & 5 September SELLING 12 & 13 September AMAZING

Junino at the Embassy of Brazil.
They discovered some of Brazil’s
lesser-known destinations and
were treated to music
performances, dances and some
Latin cocktails. The seminars
were part of the Brasil Junino
cultural programme.
brasiljunino.com.br
TRAVEL AGENTS CHOICE AWARD
NETWORKING PARTY Selling Travel
is pleased to present two evenings in
London and Manchester for agents
to meet and network with our STACA
finalists. Make contacts and meet
industry colleagues over drinks and food.
sellingtravel.co.uk
THAILAND ROAD SHOWS Thailand
Tourism will bring hotels, airlines,
destination management companies
and tour operators together for
workshops in Edinburgh and Newcastle.
There will be prize draws with the
chance to win a trip to Thailand.
tourismthailand.co.uk
More online at sellingtravel.co.uk/events

sellingtravel.co.uk

TS-Cover.indd 15 7/19/17 07:54 PM

 16 AWAR D S
the finalists

The 2017 Selling Travel Agents

Airlines & Cruising

Airports Ocean Cruising: Celebrity
Cruises, Cruise & Maritime,
Airline to the Far East: ANA, Cathay Crystal Cruises, Fred Olsen,
Pacific, Garuda International, Korean Hurtigruten, Royal Caribbean.
Air, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways. River Cruising: AMA
Airline to North America: Air Canada, Waterways, Avalon, Riviera
Air Transat, British Airways, Delta Air Travel, Tauck World
Lines, Virgin Atlantic. Airline to Latin Discovery, Uniworld, Viking.
America & the Caribbean: Air Europa
Lineas Aereas, Avianca, British Airways,
LATAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, United
Airlines. Airline to the Middle East:
Emirates, Etihad Airways, GULF AIR,
Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic.
Airline to India & the Indian Ocean: Air
Mauritius, Air Seychelles, Emirates,
Etihad Airways, Jet Airways, Qatar
Airways. Airline to Europe & North
Africa: Brussels Airlines, easyjet, Jet2,
Monarch Airlines, Norwegian Air
Shuttle. Airline to Africa: Emirates,
Ethiopian, Etihad Airways, Kenya
Airways, South African Airways. Airline
to Australasia & the Pacific: Air New
Zealand, Emirates, Fiji Airways,
Philippine Airlines, Qantas. Overseas
Regional Airline: Bangkok Airways,
Copa, Gol, Liat, Virgin Australia.
Overseas Airport: Abu Dhabi,
Amsterdam Schiphol, Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi, Dubai International,
Singapore Changi. UK Airport: East
Midlands, Edinburgh, London City,
London Gatwick, Manchester.

Tour Operators
Favourite Fam Trip: Abu Dhabi/Etihad
Airways, Jet 2, Philippine Airlines,
Westjet, Thai Airways.
Tour Operator to Africa: African Pride, The Gambia Experience, Kuoni, Somak
Holidays, Visions of Africa. Tour Operator to Australasia & the Far East: AAT
Kings, APT, Cosmos, Jetset Holidays, Premier Holidays, Travel 2. Tour Operator
to Europe & North Africa: Jet2 Holidays, Monarch Holidays, Prestige
Holidays, Titan Travel, Thomson. Tour Operator to India & the Indian Ocean:
If Only..., Kuoni, Osborne & Ebel, Sunset Faraway Holidays, Travelpack.
Tour Operator to Latin America & the Caribbean: Caribtours, Cox & Kings,
Journey Latin America, Latin Routes, Travel 2. Tour Operator to the Middle
East: Emirates Tours, Gold Medal, If Only..., Sunspot Tours, Travel 2. Tour
Operator to North America: Cosmos, Funway Holidays, North America Travel
Services, Insight Vacations, Trek America. For Escorted Tours: Newmarket
Holidays, Riviera Travel, Saga Holidays, Titan Travel, Wendy Wu Tours. For
Solo Travellers: Contiki, G Adventures, Just You, Riviera Travel, Sag Holidays.

sellingtravel.co.uk

TS - Awards.indd 16 7/19/17 08:33 PM

 AWAR D S 17

the finalists

Choice Award finalists list

Destinations Hotels
City Break: Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, New York, Singapore, Tel Aviv Hotel/Group in Africa: One &
Destination for Beach: Greece, Jersey, Mauritius, Philippines, St Kitts, Thailand. Only, Sun International, Taj
Destination for Wildlife & Nature: Botswana, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Cape Town, Tsogo Sun, Thanda
South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago. Private Game Reserve. Hotel/
Destination for Soft Adventure: Australia, Dubai, Group in the Australasia &
New Zealand, Peru, South Africa. Destination for Far East: Anantara, Dusit,
Spa & Wellness: Bali, Maldives, Oman, Centara, Meritus, Shangri La.
Saint Lucia, Thailand. Destination for Hotel/Group in Europe &
Weddings & Honeymoons: Barbados, North Africa: Hyatt, Iberostar,
Cyprus, Mauritius, Mexico, Seychelles. Melia, Maritim, nh Hotels.
Destination for Winter Sports: Austria, Hotel/Group in North
Canada, Italy, France, Switzerland. America: Fairmont, Loews,
Agent-Friendly Tourist Office: Barbados, Hyatt, Kimpton, Marriott.
Cook Islands, Fiji, Malta, New South Wales. Hotel/Group in Latin America
Favourite Fam Trip: Brand USA, Canada, & the Caribbean: AM Resorts,
California, Kenya, Philippines. Favourite Barcelo, Belmond, Elegant
Training Event/Roadshow: Canada, Caribbean Hotels, Elite Island Resorts,
Tourism Orgainzation, Visit USA, Thailand, Iberostar. Hotel/Group in
Destination New South Wales. India & the Indian Ocean:
Crown Cham, Beachcomber,
Four Season, JA Resorts &
Hotels, Lux Hotels. Hotel/
Group in the Middle East:

Best of the
Anantara, Atlantis, Dusit, JA
Resorts & Hotels, Ritz Carlton.

Rest
Hotel/Group All-Inclusive:
AM Resorts, Club Med, Hard
Rock Hotels, bodyholiday
Bed Bank: Saint Lucia, Sandals.
Bedsonline, Bookabed,
Getabed, Medhotels,
roomsXML
Ticket Provider:
Attraction World, Do
Something Different, Holiday
Extras, Superbreak Mini
Holidays. Rail: Belmond, Blue
Train, Eurostar, Great Rail
Journeys, Rocky Mountaineer.
Ferries: Brittany, DFDS, Irish
Ferries, P&O, Stena line.
Car Hire: Avis Budget Group,
Affordable Car Hire, Alamo,
Flexible Autos, Hertz, Your Car
Hire. UK Holidays: Bourne Leisure,
Hoseasons, Shearings, Superbreak Mini
Holidays. Theme Parks: LEGOLAND, Dubai
Parks & Resorts, IMG, Worlds of Adventure,
Walt DisneyWorld Resort Florida,
Universal Parks and Resorts.

sellingtravel.co.uk

TS - Awards.indd 17 7/19/17 08:33 PM

 18 AWAR D S
the prizes

Did you know..... votes win prizes?

E
ach reader who votes in the Selling Travel Agents
Choice Awards will be put into a draw to win one of ALSO UP FOR GRABS...

our fabulous prizes! How do you fancy jetting off to Luxury

the Philippines with a friend? Then get voting! You have to chocolates
be in it to win it! More prizes will be announced soon...

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experience

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yourself in hours of entertainment: choose from over 300 hours of movies, TV shows and music whilst you
fly with the new myPAL eSuite. Enjoy a vibrant mix of Asian, Spanish and American dishes offering a mosaic
of flavours – and all passionately prepared. Arrive refreshed in Manila to explore its rich cultural heritage
before relaxing on the tropical warmth of the country's white sand beaches.
philippineairlines.com

sellingtravel.co.uk

TS - Awards.indd 18 7/19/17 08:34 PM

 AWAR D S 19

the events

Time to party with the best of them

THIS YEAR WE'RE HEADING TO LONDON AND MANCHESTER!
We're throwing two huge events to celebrate our 2017 finalists and to help you decide on the line-
up of winners. This time we're taking our speed dating event to London and Manchester, giving
agents north and south the chance to meet some of our finalists, network and enjoy a night of fun,
food, drinks and prizes. The Selling Travel Agents Choice Awards are the only industry accolades
nominated and voted for by travel agents alone – surely that's worth celebrating with us?

LONDON
OCTOBER 2
The Banking Hall, 14 Cornhill,
London, EC3v 3ND

MANCHESTER
OCTOBER 5
The Mcdonald Manchester,
London Road, M1 2PG

sellingtravel.co.uk

TS - Awards.indd 19 7/19/17 08:34 PM

 20 FACE TO FACE
w i t h B a r b a ra C h a r l t o n

Having our cake from Midhurst to Malaysia

Being an agent is a
bit like working in a
cake shop!
The vanilla sponge regulars
know what they like and do it
repeatedly. The rich chocolate
clients want to indulge
their senses whilst the exotic
cardamom clients want a taste of
something different. Then there
are those that want the cake yet to
be created – calorie-, fat- and gluten-
free yet full of flavour! These are
the clients that want a Champagne
holiday on a tap water budget!
This season’s ‘Flavour of the Month’
is still Africa, closely contested by
summer family holidays for 2017/18.
I've also had to create a new folder
for 2019, having booked Celebrity
Cruises for two couples celebrating
their 25th wedding anniversaries –
great for the future commissions pot!
“As of the end of May, we
are up 167% on passenger
numbers and 155% on gross
sales year on year"
RECENT ADVENTURES
My hubby and I recently visited the
lovely historic town of Midhurst,
staying at the old Spread Eagle Hotel
& Spa. We were fortunate enough
to be upgraded to the Queen’s Suite,
where Queen Elizabeth 1 visited in
1591. I slept so well in the enormous
four-poster I couldn’t say whether we
had any ghostly visitors!
The hotel has a beautiful spa
area with a pool opening onto a
darling courtyard – perfect respite
during that heatwave! Clients who
appreciate history will find it all here
in Midhurst, a fascinating town.
In June, Tanya went on a fam
to Malaysia with Travelpack and
Indepth Tours. During their two
nights at The Majestic Hotel in Kuala
Lumpur the group climbed to the
Batu Caves where the skyline views
are reportedly worth the 272 steps.
In beautiful Langkawi the Danna
Hotel was Tania’s favourite. It has a
d Eagle Hote
The Sprea
rs a
Midhurst offe
true colonial feel despite being only
five years old and offering all the
modern comforts. There is plenty to
occupy the cardamom clients here,
including jet-skiing around local
islands. Tanya faced her fears at
UMGAWA Ziplines, as she abseiled
down to safety with a smile.
TRAINING & TREATS
We recently attended an evening
hosted by the lovely ladies at
Azure Holidays, with inspiring
presentations and a lovely dinner.
Thanks, as always, to the reps who
take the time to visit us, including
l in
ro ya l w elcome
Greta from Insight Vacations,
Georgia from Carrier, Pru from Lusso,
Stella from Classic and Gary from
Travelpack, who brought John from
Emirates with him. Thanks also to
Africa & Beyond for the John Lewis
Hamper and Macao Tourism for the
Alentejo wine. Now for that diet!
Happy Selling!
 Barbara@thesussextravelcompany.co.uk
 01403 276684

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 ANNIVERSARY

VISIT CALIFORNIA

SUPERFAM
CELEBRATES 10 YEARS!

Visit California are offering 100 agents the opportunity to experience

the FAM of their dreams!

Register all your British Airways and American Airlines bookings to

California between May 1st and August 18th, 2017 for the chance to
WIN a place on 1 of 10 California Dreamin’ itineraries. FAM departs on
October 5th, 2017.

For more information and to register go to

traveltrade.visitcalifornia.co.uk

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ANA186_Selling_Travel_UK_vFNL.indd 1 19/07/2017 14:27

UK operators discover Massachusetts
Massachusetts Office of Travel
and Tourism and Delta Airlines
hosted six UK tour operators on
a group FAM trip. Product teams
from Scott Dunn/Imagine Travel,
Hayes & Jarvis, Virgin Holidays,
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ON LOCATION
Ma s s a c h u s e t t s
Saga, Destinology and Carrier
International experienced the
beautiful green landscapes and
adventures on offer in the state.
THE TRIP
The group became Boston experts,
experiencing the newly renovated
Boston Park Plaza hotel and historic
touring Fenway Park baseball
stadium. They also visited Harvard
University, and visited numerous
hotels including the Envoy Hotel
and Four Seasons. From here it was
into Western Massachusetts and
the Berkshires. Highlights included
the Zoar Outdoor Park for ziplining
(opposite) and a visit to MassMOCA.
THE VERDICT
Sara Ellis, UK Account Manager for
Massachusetts Office of Travel and
Tourism said: “This trip will benefit
them when selecting product
for their programmes, enhancing
digital content and selling the
destination with passion."
23
What they said...
“The highlights for me were all the
cultural gems and outdoor adventures
in the Berkshires. I absolutely loved
MassMoCA and the Clark Institute, and the
Hancock Shaker museum was a great find.”
Nikki Trailor, Scott Dunn
“Boston is more historic than I imagined
and holds plenty of interest for visitors.
Travelling by car is easy with clearly
signposted roads and little traffic. The
beauty of the countryside is stunning – I’d
recommend hiking, outdoor activities and
living museums.”
Mary Croasdale, Destinology
07/07/2017
7/19/17 10:07
10:48 AM
 24 BEEN THERE DONE THAT
Tra i n i n g , e v e n t s a n d f a m t r i p s

Travel Counsellors are going for gold

A A GROUP of over 70 Travel Counsellors

celebrated their 'Gold' status on an

exclusive trip to the five-star Half Moon
resort in Jamaica. Travel Counsellors work
with the non-profit organisation Pack for a
Purpose that 'gives back' to local schools
on the island. The company hosts two trips
A a year for its top-performing Gold Travel
Counsellors. travelcounsellors.co.uk

B AS part of its in-house training Mauritius with Attitude

programme, Funway staged a Great Lakes
of the USA training event, which took ATTITUDE Hotels hosted a fam trip to
place at the company's offices in Bromley. Mauritius in partnership with Lux Resorts and
Funway's Reservations Team received Thomas Cook UK. The trip was made up of
training on the region while the format of Thomas Cook Stores’ sales agents from across
the day included supplier presentations the UK. Olivia Knight hosted for Attitude
and a training quiz. B Hotels while Emma Prichard was the Thomas
vaxvacationaccess.co.uk Cook representative. hotels-attitude.com

Vote for Cruise & Maritime Voyages

the Agents Choice for Ocean Cruising
• Britain’s leading independent cruise line
• Scenic cruising holidays from 11 UK ports
• Traditional British cruise experience
• Smaller to mid-sized classic style cruise ships
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Astor Astoria
Columbus

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Book Online at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com Call: 0844 414 6161

Agency Sales: 0844 414 6140 Brochures: www.trade-gate.co.uk
*Buy One Get One Half Price applies to selected 2018 cruises. +Applies to sales achieved over £5k for 2016/17 cruises. Subject to availability. Terms & Conditions apply. Offers may be withdrawn without notice.
Offered for sale in the UK by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. ABTA V9945. ATOL 4619. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. 3702

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06:47 PM
3702 Selling Travel 146x210 +3mm bleed.indd 1 18/07/2017 12:59
 ENJOY A MEAL
OUT ON US!
PRIZE DRAW
EVERY FRIDAY
IN JULY

- PLUS £10 LIFESTYLE VOUCHER -

FOR EVERY BOOKING IN JULY

To enter and claim for vouchers please

email agentincentives@titantravel.co.uk
Valid for new bookings made between 01-31 July 2017. Prize draws will take place on Friday 7th, 14th, 21st July and Monday 31st July
2017. Please claim within 7 days of making the booking. No cash alternatives. Agents are responsible for their own tax implications.

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16:07
10:53
 26
Cruise industry all in it together
BY BENJAMIN COREN
'Together' was the theme
at this year’s Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA)
conference, where industry leaders
stressed the importance of all
arms of the cruise industry working
together to raise cruising's profile.
Christine Duffy, President
of Carnival Cruise Line, said:
“Collaboration between agents
and cruise lines is critical for the
future of the industry. There is great
importance in understanding what
Aiming river cruising at a wider audience
Targeting special interest groups
and experiencing river cruising
first hand are key tools in earning
higher commission selling river
cruises, agents were told at this
year’s conference.
President and Co-owner of AMA
Waterways, Rudi Schreiner, said:
“Agents must go on a river cruise
in order to effectively sell it.
"Try to focus on special interest
groups. Around 50% of our
business is groups and you will
always find customers wanting to
pursue specific interests. These
include those who want to cycle
at each destination or join a wine-
themed cruise.”
Clia event_v2.indd 26
SHOW REPORT
Ma y 2 4- 2 6 , S o u t h a m p t o n
customers want, and also what
‘cruise rookies’ want. Travel agents
play such a key role in making sure
people pick the right holiday.”
Stuart Leven, Chair of CLIA UK and
Ireland, discussed Brexit's impact
on the cruise industry, breaking
down potential effects into three
points: freedom of passage to cross
borders, the freedom for crew to
cross borders and the impact on
what cruise lines may charge.
“Those booking holidays for 2019
need to be reassured it’s business
Schreiner said its new, much
larger cruiser, AmaMagna, will
attract more ocean cruisers to
river cruising. Twice the size of
its current largest vessel, the new
ship will be on the river in 2019.
amawaterways.co.uk
sellingtravel.co.uk
as usual and the industry is doing
the right things to ensure their
holidays will not be affected.”
CLIA President, Cindy D’Aoust on
the opportunities to grow the UK
cruise market, said: “We’re part of an
industry that has grown by over 62%
in the last 10 years. Yet we still have
a big opportunity as we only make
up two per cent of the global travel
industry. Travel professionals need
to understand the customer – if they
get it right those customers will be
cruisers for life.” cruiseexperts.org
River cruise conference sails in to Asia
CLIA’s Senior VP of Membership,
Andy Harmer, unveiled a new
campaign, agent incentives and
exciting destination information on
next year’s river cruise conference.
For the first time, the cruise
association will hold a River Cruise
Conference in Asia, in Ho Chi Minh
City, followed by a sailing on the
Mekong for travel agents.
The event will kick off on April
10, with the sailing departing on
April 12, 2018.
Throughout June, agents and
trade partners shared ‘first time’
cruise experiences as part of CLIA’s
‘Do Something New’ campaign
to show the range of activities a
Show Snippets
Rudi Schreiner, President and co-owner
of AMA Waterways, offered every agent
attending the conference a fam trip place
with AMA to experience a river cruise.
amawaterways.co.uk
The upcoming CLIA Cruise 360 event,
taking place September 9-11, will explore
the importance of destination knowledge
in cruise sales and will look in depth at
some of the major cruise ports.
cruiseexperts.org
Carnival’s new ship, Horizon, will begin
cruising in 2018. The corporation has
recently approved plans to build a second
cruise terminal in Barcelona, which will be
ready for Horizon in 2018.
carnival.com
October is Plan A Cruise Month, a
campaign offering travel professionals the
tools to build social marketing campaigns
to sell cruises. Travel agent members of
CLIA can showcase the advantages of
booking a cruise with a CLIA certified
agents. cruiseexperts.org
cruise holiday can offer.
The campaign is designed to
encourage agents to sign up for
CLIA events, online training, ship
visits, CLIA webinars and reach
out to customrers who have yet to
experience cruising.
cruiseexperts.org
7/19/17 04:45 PM
 SELLING TRAVEL DIALOGUE
Agents get a lesson in luxury
BY BENJAMIN COREN
& LUCY ALLEN
Selling Travel visited
Grange Hotel’s Tower Bridge
property in London for an
educational evening with GHS
(Global Hospitality Services).
Over 40 travel professionals
attended the evening to discover
more about the services GHS offers
and its vast and diverse portfolio.
THE EVENT
The proceedings were hosted by
Linda Bekoe, Vice President Global
Sales and Marketing, GHS; Samir
Bartake, Sales Manager at Grange
Hotels; Amelie Stappe,
TS _ STD GHS.indd 27
G ra n g e To w e r B r i d g e Ho t e l , L o n d o n
Sales at Hotel Kungsträdgården,
while Selling Travel publisher
Steven Thompson moderated.
GHS is a hotel sales and
marketing company specialising in
independent hotels and chains.
Linda Bekoe, said: “Clients always
come first for us; we champion
independent hotels and we are the
voice for the independent hoteliers.
"We recruit people who have been
in the industry a long time and who
have a strong understanding of our
business needs.”
GHS shared information with
agents about its growing portfolio
including own brands such as The
Collection and Inspire Me by GHS.
Partner properties also
presented on the evening to
showcase to agents.
Samir Bartake detailed
Grange’s various London
properties while Amelie
Stappe shared details
of the historical
property in the
heart of Stockholm.
The feedback
sellingtravel.co.uk
27
feceived on the night was The winners of future stays in GHS
overwhelmingly positive with hotels were Dennis Jackson from
Uniglobe Travel's Amy Walton Drifters Travel, Annette Beckford
commenting: "Events like this are a from Global Getaway, Barbara
great way to broaden our horizons Thompson from Mintex Travel, Pete
in a more personal way. You get to Foster from Those Travel Guys,
put a face to a name rather than Wendell Abraham from Gracetime
just picking up a business card." Incentives and Meetings, Prakash
“I’ve learnt a lot about GHS and about
different locations for leisure travel. It’s great
to network with other agents”
PRAKASH PATEL, HAYS TRAVEL
Steve Peca, Manager at Patel from Hays Travel and Darrel
Flight Centre Putney said: "It's Toakley from Darrell James Travel.
great to chat to suppliers and
representatives directly." THE VERDICT
Prakash Patel said: I've learnt a
PRIZE WINNERS lot about GHS and about different
Catherine Panayotopoulos from locaitons for leisure travel. It's great
Uniglobe travel won a trip to to network with other agents and
the Kungsträdgården Hotel. The learn something new"
family owned property is found Linda Bekoe added: “We were
in the heart of Stockholm close aboslutely delighted with the
to Kungsträdgården city park, the turnout on the night and the
central station and the old town. engagement for the audience."
7/19/17 04:46 PM
 28
C a r i b b e a n To u r i s m O r g a n i z a t i o n R o a d s h o w
Islands of adventure
BY JO AUSTIN
The Caribbean Tourism
Organization (CTO) last
visited Bristol and London on its
country-wide travel agents roadshow.
Selling Travel was the media partner
and attended the London event at the
Kensington Hilton, which attracted 13
exhibitors and 80 travel agents.
Carol Hay, Director of Marketing UK
and Europe for the CTO, said: “The
Caribbean has got off to a good start
this year and this dynamic event
allows our key partners and trade to
get together for an educational and
informal evening... 2017 is the Year of
Adventure for the Caribbean.”
DESTINATION UPDATE
Patricia Charlery-Leon has returned
to the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority
(saintluciauk.org) to head up UK
operations with a remit to grow
“The evening was fantastic! I really enjoyed
getting to learn about the smaller Caribbean
islands. It's amazing how many are unspoilt”
SARAH GARRET T, TRAVEL CONSULTANT, ROYALE DESTINATIONS
visitor arrivals and strengthen trade
and consumer relationships.
Dominica (discoverdominica.com) is
running a marketing campaign to
promote the island as a haven for
adventurous couples. Nature-based
honeymoons, or 'adventuremoons',
are being featured by six properties
working together to promote
experiences including rainforest
hiking, diving and canyoning.
Agents were encouraged to
download GoTrinbago, a travel app
and guide which includes offline
tools like maps and itineraries as
well as guides to event, attractions
and activities in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Cayman Islands’ (caymanislands.
co.uk) Owen Roberts International
Airport is undergoing a massive
expansion and redevelopment
programme which will double its
capacity with an extended runway
Carib Workshop.indd 28
ON THE ROAD
due for completion by 2018. The
first Kimpton (kimptonhotels.com) hotel
outside the USA opened in the
Cayman Islands in late 2016.
HOT PROPERTIES
A privately-owned luxury hotel,
Silversands, is due to open in Grenada
in March 2018. It will feature four
hillside villas, five beachfront villas
and 44 double rooms.
Sandal Resorts’ (sandals.co.uk) Jamaica
South Coast resort has built 12
new bungalows and a
wedding chapel, all over
A RT
the water. Meanwhile, the
E ST EW
new Sandals Royal Barbados
DA N A
opens December 20, with its
all-suite accommodation and
butler service.
Jewel Resorts’ Jewel Grand in
Montego Bay (jewelresorts.com) will
open this winter. The all-inclusive
five-star resort and spa offers upscale
luxury for families.
Facilities will include butler service,
an Italian villa-inspired spa, two
oceanfront swimming pools and 299
rooms ranging from junior suites and
villas to a penthouse. Save 50% on
all bookings made by September 30.
AIRLINE ACCESS
Virgin Atlantic (virginatlantic.com) is
to launch the only direct flight
between Heathrow and Barbados
on December 12. The twice-
weekly A330 service (Tuesdays and
Saturdays) will increase Virgin’s
frequency into Barbados to 11
flights a week, including Manchester. DA NA E ST
EW ART
Air Europa (aireuropaexperts.com) is
introducing the Dreamliner 787 on
its daily service between Gatwick and
Santo Domingo in the Dominican
Republic and Havana, Cuba.
Check out the full gallery online at
sellingtravel.co.uk/gallery
sellingtravel.co.uk
7/19/17 06:49 PM
 CTO_Advert_Sep2017 copy.pdf 1 18/07/2017 13:59

THE CARIBBEAN
TOURISM
ORGANIZATION’S
UK TRAVEL AGENT
ROADSHOWS 2017

ROADSHOW LOCATIONS

13th September - Manchester

14th September - Peterborough

C
Join the Caribbean Tourism Organization
and partners for an informative evening
M
of networking, fun and a chance to
Y
win great prizes including a pair of
CM British Airways flights to the Caribbean.
MY

CY
We kick off the events at
6:00pm and close at 9.30pm.
CMY

K
Register now at
www.caribbeantravelguru.com/reg-form.html

FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND RSVP

Email: RSVP@caribtourism.com
Call: 020 8948 0057

MEDIA SPONSOR:

www.sellingtravel.co.uk

PARTNERS:

Untitled-7 1 7/19/17 10:52 AM

 30
Escorted made easy for agents
SELLING TRAVEL AND RIVIERA, A WINNING COMBINATION
BY LAURA GELDER
Selling Travel and
escorted tour specialist
Riviera Travel hit the road in early
summer to visit agents in Brighton
and Birmingham, getting them up
to speed on the latest product and
doling out quite a few prizes to
those with attentive ears.
Joseph Grimley, Head of Agency
Sales at Riviera Travel, and Tom
Morgan, Key Account Manager, are
familiar faces to many Selling Travel
readers. The tour operator prides
itself on its close relationship with
the trade and has been on the
road meeting agents since it began
selling through them in 2012.
Awarded ‘Best Travel Brand’ at this
year’s Which? awards, Riviera Travel
has over 30 years' of experience.
NEED TO KNOW
Riviera Travel doesn’t sell through
multiples and never artificially
inflates prices or offers lower
prices online. In short, it works
hard to build and maintain agent
relationships. Said Grimley: "If
STD Riviera.indd 30
SELLING TRAVEL DIALOGUE
R i v i e ra Tra v e l , B r i g h t o n & B i r m i n g h a m
ONE OF MANY PROSECCO PRIZES
someone calls us up to book direct
we will always ask where they got
their information from. We will
then trace the original agent and
pay them the commission – which
often comes as a nice surprise!"
Riviera's stock of brochures
covers European and worldwide
escorted tours, holidays for solo
travellers, European and Asian river
cruises, tall ship cruises, Dalmatian
yacht cruises and small-ship
Mediterranean cruises.
LEADING ON RIVER
Riviera has one of the newest fleets
of river cruise vessels in the industry,
with four all-suite ships launching
this year: the Thomas Hardy, Oscar
Wilde, the Douro Elegance in Portugal
and the Emily Bronte, which 12
independent agents got a sneak
preview of this June after being
flown to Cologne (pictured top right).
Riviera Travel's ships and cruises
cover Europe as well the Mekong
in Cambodia and Vietnam. They
are designed specifically for British
customers: itineraries are slowed
sellingtravel.co.uk
AGENTS ON EMILY BRONTE
BIRMINGHAM EVENT IN FULL SWING
“The mix of information and audience
participation helped me learn a lot. It's good to
know that Riviera is so UK-focused!”
ABBEY LEWIS, TRAVEL COUNSELLOR
down (compared to whistle-stop not included, staff provide a guide on
tours typically enjoyed by American request. Wifi is included.
and Australian travellers) and the
food and drink is tailored to British EXPLORING AT EASE
tastes – including tea-making Destinations recently added to the
facilities in every cabin. There is also Riviera portfolio include Namibia,
'free' dinner seating so your client Madeira and North Cyprus. New
won't be stuck dining with someone tours include a six-day holiday in
they don't want to be sat with! Transylvania and Bucharest, an eight-
Because Riviera cruises are day Northern Croatia tour covering
designed for guests looking for the Istrian Riviera and Zagreb and
cultural;y immersive experiences, the return of a popular six-day
drinks are not included in packages. Marrakech and Atlas Mountains trip.
Riviera Travel believes its guests Top sellers include Classical Spain
will want to take advantage of the and South Africa. Grimley said: “Our
fantastic bars which often lie just tour managers are well paid, so
beyond the gangplank. And if they they won’t sidetrack you into a local
dont, a bottle of wine onboard is less factory, plus they are incredibly
than 20 Euros. knowledgeable and go above and
There are no surcharges on a beyond to keep customers happy."
Riviera cruise and, while tipping is rivieratravel.co.uk
7/19/17 06:49 PM
 introducing 31

Uganda
The Pearl of Africa comes in from the cold

T
ourism can be a
force for change and
reversing trends, as
has been proven in Uganda
where an endangered gorilla
population is enjoying a baby
boom. Meeting this powerful
but vulnerable species is
just one of the many natural
experiences on offer in the
country, says Petra Shepherd
Gorilla Habituation is a new and truly
unforgettable experience, only available in
Uganda, and is a fascinating way to really
get to know your distant ape cousins.
I took an extremely challenging three-
hour trek into the Ruhija district of Bwindi
Impenetrable Forest, to find the Oruzogo
group, a family of 17 gorillas habituated to
humans presence. Little did we know that this
number would soon become 18. It is common
for mother gorillas to hide a new-born for up watching the typical behaviour. throughout the forest long before you see them
to a week, but Nykeina revealed her precious Tim Henshall, of the Uganda Tourist Board UK, hanging from the trees.
cargo to us just after it had been born. Our says the recent gorilla baby boom in Uganda is a Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale began in
accompanying rangers were astounded: they direct result of tourism to the country: "The best 1991 when the first family of apes had been
didn’t even know she was pregnant. way to help protect these precious creatures is to successfully habituated to the presence of
The Bikingyi Gorilla Family, in the south go and see them," he says. humans. Back then the chances of a sighting
of Bwinidi Impenetrable Forest, is the latest And tourists are, with were less than 20%
Gorilla group to be lined up for paying tourists the majority of tour but now stands at over
who can now be part of their habituation by operators operating in “Gorillas are without a doubt 90% – a big tick on any
accompanying rangers to locate their 'nests', the country reporting our greatest draw but Uganda adventurer's list.
identify group members and spend time significant increases in
has plenty more to offer - from
enquiries for Uganda. Wild places
plains game to chimpanzees, Uganda is well known
Monkey excellent birding, culture and as the ‘Pearl of Africa’
business mountain trekking that beats and has 10 national
But Uganda is not all parks. These include
about gorillas. Chimp that in Kilimanjaro” Bwindi Impenetrable
trekking is also on offer COLIN MUHOOZI, Forest, with its much
UGANDA TOURISM PROJECT MANAGER
with Kibale Forest sought-after mountain
National Park home to gorillas; Queen
the greatest variety and concentration of primates Elizabeth National Park, rich in game and home
anywhere in Africa: almost 1500 chimpanzees, to the tree-climbing lion; Murchison Falls
including a community of 120 habituated chimps. National Park, where the mighty Nile squeezes
Visitors can spend an adrenaline-fuelled hour through a narrow gorge before it falls over
with them. 140ft; Kidepo Valley National Park and Jinja, the
The chimps are highly mobile and active as adventure capital of Uganda and the source of
they move around in their social groups, so the legendary River Nile.
Clockwise from top left: A contemplative gorilla; smiling keeping up with them is no mean feat – as Mount Elgon, once the highest mountain in
children in the Ugandan capital, Kampala; the Murchison
Falls; a cruise on the White Nile I discovered. You hear their distinctive cries Africa, is a stunning and undiscovered park

sellingtravel.co.uk

Uganda.indd 31 7/19/17 06:50 PM

 32 introducing

near the border with Kenya. Its many feaures

include the Sipi Falls, cave-dwelling elephants
and some of the finest Arabic coffee in Africa
(the Basigu tribe's most closely held secret).
Meanwhle, the mystical Rwenzori mountains
(the 'Mountains of the Moon') offer some of the
most picturesque trekking in Africa. Rwenzori
means 'Rainmaker' which is why its landscape is
so beautiful – but also why should recommend
clients pack a pair of wellies!
Uganda is also arguably Africa's richest
birding destination with an impressive 1,063
species identified. Dramatic, diverse and
distinctly different, Uganda can satisfy most
traveller's bucket list dream experiences.

What's new
On a peninsula above Lake Mulehe in the
shadows of the Virunga Mountain Range, the new
Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge from Churchill Safaris
(churchillsafaris.com) will open its doors in September.
The Rezidor Hotel Group (rezidor.com), in
partnership with AYA Investment Group, has
acquired The Pearl of Africa Hotel Kampala and
added it to the Quorvus Collection. The 296-room
hotel will open later this year with facilities
including a wellness spa and two outdoor and
one indoor swimming pool.
Several exisiting properties are being upgraded.
Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge's (volcanoessafaris.
com) main building has undergone a total
upgrading and redecoration of the interior.
The bedrooms are also being revamped and
redecorated and were due to be completed by
the end of June. The changes see it join the ranks
of Africa's top safari lodges.
Wildwaters Lodge (wildwaterslodge.com) is currently
undergoing an eco-refurbishment, with green-
friendly composite decking replacing over a
kilometre of wooden decks.
The Kampala Serena Hotel (serenahotels.com)
has spent eight million dollars on a new main
lobby, remodelling its Pearl of Africa fine-dining
restaurant (including a new Champagne bar)
and adding 36 additional guest rooms.The
first phase of a 10-year 'masterplan' was
completed in in April.
The Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort
and Spa (serenahotels.com) has a new Golf
Academy with a putting green, pitching and
THE DETAILS
bunker area and netted driving range. Nine
new holes will be completed in 2018. Time Zone: GMT +3 Airways and Turkish
Mahongany Springs (mahoganysprings.com) has Capital: Kampala Airlines serve Uganda.
opened a new Honeymoon Suite – guests can Curency: £1= 4,658 Languages: English is
bathe in a candlelit bath tub whilst looking over Ugandan shillings the official language
Bwindi Forest. They may even get a special Visas: British nationals Climate: Tropical except
visit from a family of gorillas – the animals can can apply for an e-visa in mountain areas.
wander into the camp for a snack. online, and pay at the Hottest December
Tour operators continue to add Uganda point of entry (US$50). to February. Rainfall
product, among them Africa Excel (excelafrica.com), Getting there: No highest March-May and
Rainbow Tours (rainbowtours.co.uk) and Titan Travel direct flights. Emirates, October and November.
(titansafaris.com), which has a new trip offering Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya visituganda.com
games drives, nature walks and river boat rides.
Nkuringo Walking Safaris (nkuringowalkingsafaris.
com) has a trekking itinerary that follows in Clockwise from top left: a sunset safari in Murchison Falls
the footsteps of Dian Fossey. The company is National Park; jungle trekking; Uganda's tree climbing
lions are found in Queen Elizabeth National Park; a cheeky
represented in the UK by Africa-Reps.  chimpanzee

sellingtravel.co.uk

Uganda.indd 32 7/19/17 06:51 PM

 VISIT USA ROADSHOW
A M E R I C A H I T S T H E R O A D • V I S I T U S A R O A D S H OW.C O M

PRIZES

Edinburgh
2 United Airlines Economy
return tickets from Edinburgh or
Glasgow to New York
2 nights at Hyatt Regency
Jersey City

Liverpool
2 Virgin Atlantic Economy
THE VISIT USA 2017 ROADSHOWS will take place in win some great prizes. Goody bags will be distributed return tickets from Manchester
Edinburgh, Liverpool and Reading, early evening on and a holiday to the USA will be up for grabs at each to Orlando

October 3, 4 and 5.
The popular, fun and informative events have been
designed to maximise the networking opportunities for
agents and exhibitors alike.
The format will include speed networking - which
will see agents visiting all exhibitors - and the chance to
location (see opposite for prize details). 7 nights Cruise America RV
Rental picking up from Orlando
All three roadshows are being held in selected
premium hotels where over 30 Visit USA exhibitors
and agents can exchange information and discuss
business development opportunities. Food and drink
will be provided too!

THE VENUES

Early evening, from 6pm onwards Reading

A pair of Club World tickets on
Tuesday October 3 Wednesday October 4 Thursday October 5 British Airways from London
EDINBURGH LIVERPOOL READING Heathrow to New Orleans
3 nights at Hyatt Regency New
Register now The Principal Crowne Plaza Pentahotel Orleans and 3 nights at Hyatt
to attend (formerly The George) House New Orleans
visitusaroadshow.com

2017 EXHIBITORS...

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT • AER LINGUS • AMTRAK VACATIONS • APOLLO MOTORHOME HOLIDAYS • THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS &
SANIBEL • BLOOMINGTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU • BRAND USA • CHOICE HOTELS • COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE • CRUISE
AMERICA MOTORHOME (RV) RENTALS • EL MONTE RV • FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST • GRAND CANYON TOUR AND TRAVEL • GREATER
MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU • HANDLERY HOTELS • IDAHO TOURISM • KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX • LOS
ANGELES TOURISM & CONVENTION BOARD • MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF TRAVEL & TOURISM • MAVERICK AVIATION GROUP GRAND
CANYON & LAS VEGAS • NEW ORLEANS CVB & LOUISIANA OFFICE OF TOURISM • PAPILLON GRAND CANYON HELICOPTERS • PURE
MICHIGAN • SANTA MONICA TRAVEL & TOURISM • SCOTTSDALE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU • STATE OF VERMONT TOURISM •
TEXAS TOURISM • TRAVELBEAT • UNITED AIRLINES • UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD • VISIT NORTH CAROLINA

 Register now to attend one of the Roadshows by visiting visitusaroadshow.com

VUSA Roadshow.indd 33 7/19/17 07:54 PM

 VISIT USA NEWS
JULY/AUGUST 2017

T H I S M O N T H ' S T O P S T O R I E S F R O M V I S I T U S A ' S M E M B E R S • V I S I T U S A .O R G .U K

HOTELS

Loews makeover in Seattle

HOTEL 1000 in Seattle is now
"I am totally officially a Loews hotel and will
surprised and undergo a major renovation 'to
enhance the overall guest experience'.
grateful to win
The multi-million dollar 'remastering'
this prestigious of the guest rooms and restaurant
award. To have will be completed in September.
my passion for loewshotels.com
the U.S.
recognised by
EVENTS
the Visit USA
association is
just fantastic"
Pulling together in Florida
Awards SARASOTA-BRADENTON in Florida
Neil Murray
will play host to the World Rowing

Visit USA's media night

Travel Writer
Championships from September 30 to
October 1, the first time the event has
THE Visit USA Association held its annual Media Awards night on July 4, U.S. been held in the U.S. for over 30 years.
Independence Day. Staged at the St Ermin’s Hotel, London, the event, America As You Like It has a 10-night
created 17 years ago, was sponsored by VisitDallas and Fort Worth CVB. package priced from £1,585pp.
Fifteen travel journalists/organisations were honoured for their bradentongulfislands.com
‘exceptional contribution to U.S. media coverage’ over the past year.
Among the winners on the night was freelance
journalist Neil Murray, who landed the Travel Writer of CITIES
the Year award for his ‘endless commitment to
producing quality features on the U.S.’. New York has rooms
The Digital Influencer of the Year Award was won by NEW York City will grow its
Ella Buchan and Sarah Lee from Captivate, for their U.S. inventory of 113,000 hotel rooms
Route 1 campaign while Billy Connolly’s Track Across to 137,000 by 2019. Major new
America for ITV, which saw the presenter visit 26 states, won Best openings include 50 Bowery
Broadcast. (opened in May), the MOXY NYC
The awards were judged by the Visit USA PR Committee, headed by Times Square (coming in August),
outgoing chairman, Jonathan Sloan. and the Hoxton Brooklyn (late 2017).
visitusa.org.uk nycgo.com.co.uk

THE USA in brief...

IPW 2017 ATTRACTION ATTRACTION

SEVERAL Visit UNIVERSAL THE Kennedy

USA Association Studios Hollywood Space Center
(UK) members will be marking Visitor Complex in
were in Xmas at The Florida is inviting
Washington D.C. Wizarding World guests to enjoy its
in early June for of Harry Potter. Summer of Mars
IPW, the annual Hogsmeade promotion. Guests
showcase of the Village will roll out ‘meet’ the newest-
U.S. tourism the festive décor concept vehicle
industry. The and serve up designed for
Association again holiday-themed navigating the
held its Brits and Irish party, with tour operators, food and beverages including hot Butterbeer. Each demanding landscape of Mars: a high-tech mobile
rep companies and media attending the event at evening, a colourful 'projection mapping' will illuminate laboratory similar to the Rover pictured. They can also
Capitol View at 400, with its impressive views over Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. view Mars in 3D 4K resolution through the eyes of a
the iconic Capitol Building. visitusa.org.uk universalstudioshollywood.com Hubble Space Telescope. kennedyspacecenter.com

Look out for our Visit USA Association online Travel Update for the pick of members' news

VUSA_JulyAugust.indd 34 7/19/17 12:07 PM

  

MEMBERS
SPOTLIGHT
introducing...

Daytona Beach
BRITISH Airways will
launch its direct
Area CVB
KEVIN BRETT
three-days-a- week HAT Tourism Marketing
service between
Gatwick and Fort What are the advantages of
Lauderdale, Florida, being a Visit USA member?
on July 6. Visit USA offers us great
Less than 28 miles DESTINATIONS connectivity and access to
north of Miami, Fort events, networking and trade
Lauderdale is known
for its miles of Alabama golf trail is 25 shows such as the annual
Unite show. We take part in
golden-sand beaches ALABAMA'S visionary network of golf courses, which stretches from the as many activities as we can.
It also has a vibrant northern to the southern extremes of the state, turns 25 this year. Why should travel agents
arts scene and a full From Florence near the Tennessee border to Mobile on the Gulf Shores, be selling Daytona?
calendar of events the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail features 11 locations and 26 golf courses Daytona is only an hour
and festivals. – that is 468 holes of top-class golf. Several of the locations also have from Orlando, Disney and
This summer hosted Marriott or Renaissance hotels linked to them. the other parks and makes
moonlight sea turtle The trail was the idea of Dr. David G. Bronner, CEO of the Retirement for a great beach outing for
walks are being Systems of Alabama, who canvassed that the best way to invest in the the day or the perfect
offered by the city's future of Alabamians was to construct the network of courses that would Florida twin- or multi-
Museum of Discovery attract golfers from across the USA and around the world. centre stopover.
and Science. Since it opened in 1992, nearly 12 million rounds of golf have been What is new? Plenty!
sunny.org completed and more than 500,000 individuals play the courses each year. Daytona has spent two
To celebrate its 25th, several of the RTJ Trail courses are offering a round billion dollars in upgrades,
of golf for $25 (including cart) on selected days. Special golf packages are with new flagship hotels
also available throughout 2017. rtjgolf.com; alabama.travel shopping, dining as well as

One Daytona, which has
been built outside Daytona
GRAND Canyon International Speedway. One
Helicopters, part of the VIRGINIA PLAYS million square feet of
Papillon Group, is now THE HISTORY CARD development, it has retail,
offering tours from its shopping, dining and a
VIRGINIA Tourism visited the UK and
new Hoover Dam Ireland last month for a series of trade Marriott Autograph hotel. I
heliport that offer events billed ‘VA Loves Jamestown’. first visited Daytona about
guests the chance to The state’s Governor, Terry 20 years ago and it is a very
McAuliffe (pictured), fronted the
enjoy a bird's eye view mission to celebrate the release of the different destination now.
of the world-famous Sky1 period drama series, Jamestown. Tell us one of your own
Arizona dam. “Jamestown is a great showcase of Daytona highlights?
CITIES Virginia’s importance in the early
The four new tours settlement of the US and illustrates Driving on the beach, along
range from a blink- More tax free in Philly the historic nature of many attractions hard-packed sand, chasing
and-it-will-be-over PHILADELPHIA will welcome that are popular with modern-day seagulls at five miles an
tourists,” said the Governor.
three-minute flight, another major tax-free capitalregionusa.org hour is great fun. You can’t
with prices starting at shopping location in 2018. do that in too many places!
$39pp, to a two-hour The Fashion Outlets of How well do agents know
adventure. Philadelphia promises big- the destination? They can
Papillon's other name retail brands, dining always know more! We have
brands include and entertainment outlets all our own online training
Papillon Grand Canyon in a downtown setting. programme, we visit call
Helicopters, Grand Spanning three city blocks, centres and we have a
Canyon Scenic Airlines Fashion Outlets will concession programme for
and Grand Canyon connected to the colourful agents that offers great deals
Coaches. Reading Terminal Market. when they visit Daytona.
papillon.com discoverPHL.com daytonabeach.com

Subscribe to the Visit USA Association online Travel Update at visitusa.org.uk

VUSA_JulyAugust.indd 35 7/19/17 12:07 PM

 36 my experience on Eastern & Oriental Express

Asian adventures and feasting with

EASTERN & ORIENTAL

Julie Baxter joins Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express on
a tropical journey filled with stunning scenery and fabulous
food as she travels by rail between Bangkok and Singapore

T
he shining brass and polished teak
of the observation car frame vivid
lush landscapes as I’m whisked
through a veritable colour chart of greens
created by sugar cane and rice fields,
cashew plantations and pineapple farms.
Scored through their centre, stretching behind
me like an immaculate well-oiled hair parting,
is a single railway track, a long and steady
constant marking the Eastern & Oriental Express
rail route I’ve travelled, with only the occasional
gentle curve off the straight and narrow.
All aboard
Leaving the frenzy of city life
behind in Bangkok, I am making my way
– in some style – south to Singapore. It’s
a 2,038km trip, with three nights spent
on a train that is dripping in tradition.
Launched in 1993 the train follows the lead
of its glamorous European sister, the Venice
Simplon Orient Express. The only luxury train
in southeast Asia, it embodies the same spirit
of excellence and passenger pampering.
Decorated in elm, cherry, teak and rosewood,
with lavish use of marquetry, the train carries 60
passengers and there’s no risk they’ll go hungry.
There are stops at ‘The Bridge Over the River
Kwai’ and the Malaysian royal town of Kuala
Kangsar, for excursions, but the main event on
this trip is the dining and a chance to sit back
in elegant comfort and watch the wonders of
tropical Asia pass by from your well-appointed
cabin, the bar carriage, library or restaurant car.
My favourite spot is the observation car at
the rear where you’re open to the environment,
can feel the steamy heat of the tropics, smell
its fragrances – and occasionally its filth – just
a step from the refined air-conditioned
comforts of the train if a sudden downpour
descends.
The itinerary
A rail journey through Asia gives
insights into the region you rarely glimpse if
you fly. We pass cattle and coolie-clad farmers,
a lush abundance of fertile palm plantations
and mopeds piled with local families.
We travel through neatly painted and
highly-manicured stations and, in Thailand,
see vast images of the King swathed in black
and white drapes, as part of the national
mourning. Occasionally we glimpse the sea.
The train departs early evening and not long
after our first sumptuous dinner is served before
we park up for a stationary night in our cosy
and elegant cabins. A sofa and armchair are
cleverly flipped and clicked by our charming
attendant, Woody, who converts our cabin into a
twin-bedded room complete with white cotton
sheets, E&O-branded slippers and dressing
gown and an evening gift of flowers or boxed
soap. The ensuite bathroom is a miniature

sellingtravel.co.uk

E&O Rail - MyJourney.indd 36 7/19/17 06:53 PM


marvel of wood and marble with a compact but
hot and powerful shower, mirrored sink unit
and toilet, complete with plush white towels,
lush amenities, hairdryer and store cupboard.
River Kwai insights
The night passes quietly and the reason
we don’t travel through the night becomes
obvious next day. We are just a short ride from our
excursion to the Bridge over the River Kwai, where
we learn the tragic history of the rail line we have
travelled. Built by POWs and immigrant labour
at the behest of the Japanese, it was designed
to provide a supply line in its war effort in 1942.
Construction challenges, harsh conditions and
stringent deadlines put heart-breaking pressures
on the men involved, with over 100,000 said to
have died connecting Thailand and Burma.
Views of and from the Eastern and Oriental Express
E&O Rail - MyJourney.indd 37
my experience on the Eastern & Oriental Express
The museum and cemetery here tell a salutary
story of the price paid for the bridge; of dark times
which sit in stark contrast to the opulence and
comfort of the E&O Express now using the track.
Malaysian mosques
The second two nights are both spent
in motion. The rocking of the train, clacking on
the tracks, fills my dreams with both a sense of
soft adventure and scares the life out of me as
a sudden unexpected jolt shakes me awake.
In Malaysia the road infrastructure and
housing seem to step up a notch and we stop
for an excursion to the Ubudiah Mosque. This
mosque, which adorns most holiday brochures
promoting Malaysia, sits close to the nation’s
oldest rubber tree so we learn of trading history
too and see ancient heritage properties built
intricately from bamboo.
Food glorious...
Most passengers seem content simply
staying on the train, soaking up the style and
service and awaiting their next meal! Breakfast
and afternoon tea are served, quite elegantly,
by Woody in our cabin; long lunches and lavish
dinners are taken in the stylish restaurant cars.
We’re encouraged to dress formally for dinner
and each evening are treated to a little light
piano music or some local musicans and dancers.
This is soft adventure at its best. Even the
most nervous of your clients will be cosseted
and chaperoned by a loyal cabin steward.
There’s no risk, no danger and absolutely no
pre-trip training required – except perhaps some
stomach-stretching moves to make room for the
abundant menus about to come their way. 
sellingtravel.co.uk
37
Sell it
Unique selling points
The train itinerary and its glamorous
style will appeal to many but the culinary
offer is undoubtedly the star attraction.
Culinary appeal
Chef Yannis is a traditionally
trained French chef who once
cooked for President Mitterand. But for the
past nine years, in a tiny kitchen with six
supporting chefs, he has developed a
passion for Asian interpretations, designing
and delivering fine dining which reflects
this rail route.The menus are incredible. A
shimmering tiger prawn sits atop a green
mango salad served with chilled, gently-
spiced tomato soup; sumptuous curries
are complemented by pumpkin or
jasmine rice; hot chocolate sauce
melts the chocolate ball in my bowl to
reveal lush coconut ice cream; and
moulded mousse cakes are drizzled and
dressed like culinary
works of art. I eat my
way through masala
chicken with watercress
veloute and aromatic cod
fish with fresh leek salad served
with egg tofu and shitake
mushroom. Then there’s Tom
Yum cappuccino – actually a
crab foam topped soup. I also
nibble valiantly on homemade
mignardises and petit fours.
Are you getting the picture?!
belmond.com
7/19/17 06:54 PM
 38 argentina

D
id you know that Buenos Aires has

cool
the most demonstrations of any
city in the world?” asks Kaylee-
Ann, my guide on a bike tour of the city.
I did not, I tell her, as we sit lazily in the
Plaza de Mayo, the political centre of the city,
observing three (demonstrations) converge:
a protest against Clarins, a farmers union
march and a third, which we can’t figure out.
It’s a daily inconvenience and one which

customer
Porteños, as the locals are called, are well
used to as streets close and traffic is diverted.
But street demonstrations are also part
of the character of this city, where on the
surface all seems calm and well-ordered but

The ending of sales tax on boiling just under is barely disguised chaos.
Type ‘Best way to see Buenos Aires’ into

hotel nights is one more factor Google and your answer, near the top, is: by
bike. So, with four days in Argentina’s capital

making Argentina attractive on my own, I book a tour with Biking Buenos

Aires and it turns out to be a highlight of

to tourists. This vast country,

my brief visit (apart of course from the wine
tasting). It gives this newcomer a real feel

from glacier to desert, has all

for this vast, but mercifully flat, metropolis.
We start off in gritty La Boca (literally ‘The

the ingredients for a great

Mouth’ of the Rio Plata), birthplace of Tango and
a traditional working class area. Images of its

holiday, says Adam Coulter

brightly-coloured wooden houses adorn every
tourist brochure and guidebook, and hordes
of tourists are bussed in here daily: couples
Tango for pesos and a Maradona impersonator
with a bad curly wig plays keepy uppy.
Our next stop is Puerto Madero, which borders

Main picture: Ice trekking in Patagonia. Above, left to right:

the colourful barrio of La Boca in Buenos Aires; the Bodega
Colomé winery near Salta; Argentinian tango in action

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Argentina.indd 38 7/19/17 03:55 PM


the Rio de la Plata, the old docklands which
has been transformed into marinas and smart
apartments. We stop for a drink and a bite to
eat and admire the view. It’s quiet here. To
the west lies Plaza de Mayo, our last stop.
Get your bearings
Argentina is a vast country – the eighth largest
in the world. Eleven times bigger than the UK,
its population of just 43 million makes it one of
the least densely populated countries on earth.
In 2016 Argentina welcomed 69,216 UK
visitors, up from 42,000 in 2015, according to
figures released by the Argentina Tourist Board.
Says Laura Rendell Dunn, Destination
Specialist, Journey Latin America: “We have
seen a 10% rise in bookings to Argentina,
which we attribute in part to a new law which
means foreign visitors no longer need to pay
sales tax on their hotel stays, making holidays
to Argentina much better value for money.”
To get from its southernmost town, Ushuaia, to
the far northeast of the country, not far from the
border with Brazil, takes around eight and a half
hours – about the same distance as London to
Nairobi. But to make planning
simple, all roads (and flights) lead
to Buenos Aires, the best place to
start a visit to the country.
At first glimpse, the capital might seem
like a larger version of European cities such
as Paris or Milan. An astonishing 95% of the
population has European heritage, unlike
Argentina.indd 39
other South American countries which all
have significant indigenous populations.
It’s definitely worth spending a few days
here – watch a Tango show, visit gritty La
Boca and funky San Telmo, and the Recoleta
cemetery, where Eva Peron is buried, before
striking off to visit the rest of the country.
Salta, famous for wine and architecture,
lies about two hours’ flight time to the
north west. Ushuaia, in the deep south,
is the gateway to the Chilean fjords and
Antarctica and is about three hours’ away.
Cordoba resides some 430 miles northwest
of Buenos Aires. Founded in 1599 the city
preserves an extraordinary Jesuit legacy
(inspiration for the movie The Mission).
The centerpiece is the Jesuit Square,
declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There is also the Jesuit Church
and Private Chapel, the Maximum
School and the University..
If you’d prefer to drive, the famous Route
No. 40, which bisects the country, goes
right through the heart of Argentina’s
wine-growing region, including the city of
Mendoza close to the border with Chile.
Perfect ten
Visit the Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos
Aires and find many famous names,
including Eva Peron
Go on a bike ride around bustling
Buenos Aires to get a feel for the city.
sellingtravel.co.uk
argentina 39
Take in a Tango in the birthplace of the
dance – either in a traditional milonga
(dance hall), or a Tango show.
Visit Ushuaia, the most southerly town
in the world and gateway to the
Antarctic, for whale watching, penguin colonies,
elephant seals and winter sports.
Australis has four-night cruises around
the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego and
Cape Horn, the continent’s most southerly tip.
Step back in time by visiting Tigre, a
town in the Delta of the Rio de la Plata,
an hour from Buenos Aires. Kayak to private
islands, have a lazy lunch and enjoy the sleepy
vibe.
Salta lies in the far northwest of the
country and is stunningly situated in the
Valle de Lerma. It is most famous for wine, but
also has beautiful architecture.
Many estancias (Argentine farms) in the
province of La Pampa allow visitors to
join the cowboys (or gauchos) on their daily
duties, such as cattle driving, cow milking,
shearing and cattle marking. You can also stay
the night and gorge on steak and fine wine.
Iguazu Falls, in the far northeast, borders
Brazil. Its 250 separate cascades stretch
for several kilometres and form part of Parque
Nacional Iguazu.
See Parque Nacional Talampaya for its
weird and wonderful towering cliffs and
precarious rock formations dating back to when
dinosaurs roamed this land.
7/19/17 03:55 PM
 40 argentina

What’s new Where to book it

Right: Cycling through the Familia Zuccardi vineyards in
Mendoza. Above: a Gaucho in colourful traditional dress
 Air: Norwegian (norwegian.com)  TRAVEL 2 – 0800 0224 182
established Norwegian Air Argentina The 11-day Spirit of Argentina costs
earlier this year and is waiting for regulatory £3,399pp, based on travel between
approval for flights to Buenos Aires, which September 1 and December 11 2017. It
could launch in December. Currently, from includes return flights from London and all
the UK the country is served by just one domestic flights in Argentina. travel2.com
direct daily British Airways flight.  COX & KINGS – 020 3811 0608
United Airlines (united.com) has A private tour to Argentina, which takes
announced a new year-round daily, non- in Buenos Aires, Iguazu, El Calafate and
stop service between New York and Mendoza, is priced from £3,395pp. The
Buenos Aires, starting this October. 13-day/11-night trip includes flights, private
 Accommodation: A new lodge, Awasi Iguazu transfers, excursions and accommodation
(awasiiguazu.com), located on the Argentinian with breakfast daily. coxandkings.co.uk 
side of the Iguazu Falls, is due to open in
December. Fourteen suites will each feature
their own private plunge pool and living
room. There will also be a bar and restaurant
serving local delicacies. Each room will
be assigned a private guide and vehicle
offering guests a tailor-made experience.
 Tours: South American Tours
(southamericantours.com) has a 20-day gourmet
journey in Argentina and Chile. Highlights
include a barbecue in Buenos Aires and
a visit the Norton winery in Mendoza
to enjoy a local cooking class.

BOS

JFK

Latin America
closer than ever.
MIA
HAV
CUN
Fly from London Gatwick to SDQ PUJ

Caracas, Bogota, San Pedro Sula, SAP

SJU

Guayaquil, Salvador de Bahia, CCS

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, BOG

Sao Paulo, Lima, Asuncion, GYE

Cordoba, Montevideo
and Buenos Aires. LIM SSA

VVI GRU

ASU
COR
MVD
BUE

All flights are via Madrid.

Cordoba is via Madrid and Asuncion

For more information visit us at: www.aireuropaexperts.com or call: 08714230717

Untitled-1 1
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03:55
10:03
PM
 gulf states 41

strength
tower of

The Gulf States may be

surrounded by sand but a
cultural desert they are not.
Ben West looks at a region
which is fast diversifying

M
y foot is hard down on the
accelerator. I’m in the driving seat
of a dune buggy, in the seemingly
endless desert surrounding Dubai city. It’s
completely exhilarating, careering up and down
the huge sand dunes under a hot, hot sun.
There is not a moment to relax as I career
along wide sandy thoroughfares which swiftly
morph into the top of perilously thin dunes.
The desert can be very deceptive: often
all you see is a huge expanse in front
of you and no other vehicles, but that
can change in an instant. You have to
be on your guard the whole time.
At a couple of points I find myself stranded
on a monster dune, the tyres buried in the
sand at what seems to be an impossible angle.
However, the guide soon fixes a rope to his
4WD, dragging my vehicle back down the dune.
I’ve tried dune-bashing in Qatar and 4WD
racing in Oman and each were overwhelmingly
exciting. Visiting the desert is such a great
contrast to the city and all the Gulf States offer
dune buggy and/or dune-bashing excursions.
Typically, you stay in a tented camp furnished
with more rugs than the Glasgow branch of
Allied Carpets, enjoying traditional dances
and feasts, camel rides and falconry displays.
Sitting by a bonfire watching shooting
stars in the vast Arabian sky is an awesome
end to an adrenaline-charged day. Desert
day trips are also widely available.
A hub for innovation
Twenty years ago few Brits holidayed in the
Middle East. However, rapid expansion of

sellingtravel.co.uk

Gulf states.indd 41 7/19/17 06:55 PM

 42 gulf states
Previous page: Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Above, from left: wild flamingos in Oman; a 4WD desert
safari in Dubai. Above: Arabian oryx.
Gulf states.indd 42
regionally-based airlines such as Etihad,
Emirates, Oman Air and Qatar, coupled
with massive infrastructure development,
widespread hotel, mall and resort development
and the introduction of major sporting
events and cultural initiatives, has
completely transformed the region.
Once a small trading hub, Dubai is
now a major entertainment destination,
known for its huge shopping malls, high-
end hotels and restaurants, and
numerous resorts and malls.
Abu Dhabi has been positioning itself
as a cultural centre, with notable projects
including the upcoming Louvre Abu
Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum,
as well as a family destination, with
attractions such as Yas Waterworld.
A relative newcomer on the
tourism scene, Ras Al Khaimah
(RAK) is focusing itself as a centre
for heritage and culture.
In one day in one of the smaller
emirates, you can experience
deserts, beaches, mangrove swamps
and spectacular mountain ranges.
RAK is seeing an increased uptake of
adventure tourism, not least thanks to the
Jebel Jais Via Ferrata (jebeljais.ae) in the Hajar
Mountains range. Sustainability underpins the
emirate’s Destination 2019 strategy, which
aims to attract a million tourists a year.
Without the gloss of spanking new
sellingtravel.co.uk
R
A
skyscrapers and shopping malls, Oman has
the laid-back feel of a more traditional Middle
Eastern destination. There are numerous
historic buildings, souks and outstanding
natural features including dramatic wadis,
canyons, mountains and lush greenery.
With a growing reputation as a sporting
destination and a more proactive airline,
Qatar is attracting those looking for stopovers
and short breaks. It is less ‘bling’ than Dubai
and, without an overwhelming choice of
things to do, very manageable. There are
numerous museums, galleries and souks,
an impressive range of luxurious hotels
and restaurants, a dazzling skyscraper
skyline and superb watersports.
Superbreak has seen increased visitor
numbers to the region overall and Dubai
remains just behind New York as its second
most popular mid-haul destination.
Chris Hagan, Head Of Propositions at
Superbreak says: “We don’t expect the ongoing
diplomatic issues [concerning Qatar] to have
any effect on numbers although we may
see small increases in airfares with Qatar
Airways capacity into the UAE removed from
the market for the time being. In response to
growing demand from agents for content-rich,
unique, experiential, mid-haul short breaks
we have enhanced our Dubai programme D
to coincide with the launch of our newly-
E
rebranded Overseas Short Breaks brochure
l
which features two brand-new packages.”
t
p
7/19/17 06:55 PM Untitled
 RELAX.
A Studio instead of a seat.

Discover the difference of our Business Class.

Eat when you want with our Dine Anytime service. Sleep on a
large, fully-flat bed. Enjoy the latest blockbusters and boxsets
through noise-cancelling headsets or work using in-seat power
ports and mobile or Wi-Fi. The ideal space for work, rest and play. etihad.com

Gulf states.indd
Untitled-4 1 43 7/19/17 06:55
18/07/2017 PM
12:21
 5 Star Deluxe Oman
Al Husn

Perfect ten
Abu Dhabi mangroves: Kayak tours
provide a guide to explain the eco-system.
Bed down like a Bedouin: Authentic
reproductions of Bedouin life in Ras
al-Khaimah’s desert include The Bedouin Oasis
Camp and Bassata Desert Village, where you can
live in the desert amongst the camels.
Theme park central: Dubai is awash
with theme parks, including Wild Wadi,
IMG Worlds of Adventure, Aquaventure,
Legoland, Motiongate, Al Nasr, Wonderland,
Fantasy Kingdom and KidZania.
Monster mosque: Abu Dhabi’s huge
Sheikh Zayed Mosque has 82 domes,
more than 1,000 columns and extravagant
gold-plated chandeliers. All faiths are welcome.
Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort: This
new art-inspired luxury resort is nestled
3 An exclusive oasis amongst the hidden valleys of the Al Hajar
Mountains in the coastal region of Dibba, the
reminiscent of an second largest town in the emirate of Fujairah.
Arabian palace Shoppers’ paradise: Qatar’s impressive
range of malls include Villagio, Landmark
3 Beautiful views and a private and City Center Doha, one of the biggest in the
100m beach region. Or try Souk Waqif for traditional craftwork.
Wildlife wonderland: Get close to the
3 Complimentary mini- region’s animals in Oman, with whale-,
bar, afternoon tea and bird-, turtle- and dolphin-watching.
Culinary delights: Ras al-Khaimah has a
Beauty has pre-dinner cocktails and wide range of culinary experiences, from
an address canapés international five-star cuisine to Arabic cafes for
local specialities accompanied by a sheesha.
Cultural Qatar: Qatar’s Museum of
Islamic Art is not to be missed. Culture
vultures will also love the modern art museum
and recently-built opera house and ampitheatre.
Call our specialists on 0141 955 4000 and visit Crystal clear waters: You’re never far
from water in Oman, whether a glorious
agents.ifonly.net to win in our Oman quiz! empty beach, a refreshing wadi or luxury pool. If
From left: A market Only… (ifonly.net) offers the six-night Wonders of
trader measures up in Oman tour which includes a visit to the deep
Dubai’s atmospheric
Spice Souk blue waters of Wadi Bani Khalid.

sellingtravel.co.uk

Gulf states.indd 44 7/19/17 06:55 PM Accor-J

 Our Magical Middle East,
90 HOTELS AND RESORTS

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Hotel

Gulf states.indd 45
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17/07/2017 PM
10:43
 46 gulf states
What’s new
 Accommodation: Coming up in Dubai: the
“Send clients with an 304-room Aloft Dubai City Centre Deira
appetite for culture and (starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels), the region’s first
design to Abu Dhabi at the cinema-themed hotel; the quintessentially
end of the year, when the British Dukes Dubai (dukesdubai.com) is synonymous
with sister property Dukes London and offers a
Louvre Abu Dhabi will open. golden sandy beach with views over the Dubai
Its 600+ artworks will tell Marina skyline; and The Retreat Palm Dubai
the story of shared human MGallery by Sofitel, which describes itself as the
first holistic welling resort in the Middle East.
experience from ancient Centara Hotels and Resorts recently opened a
times to the present day” new 152-room hotel in Muscat, Oman. Located in
NABEEL AL ZAROUNI, UK COUNTRY MANAGER, the bustling Ghala Heights business district it
TCA ABU DHABI
features three restaurants, a spa and a rooftop
pool and terrace. Centara is also opening a new
hotel in Qatari capital, Doha, later this year.
 Airlines: Qatar Airways (qatarairways.com)
and Qatar Tourism Authority have a free
Doha stopover initiative until September
30, giving transit passengers free hotel
stays and complimentary transit visas. It’s
part of a bigger campaign called +Qatar,
seeking to encourage transit passengers
to add Qatar to their itineraries.
Emirates will be introducing a
second daily A380 service between
Dubai and Birmingham,
beginning October 29.
 Attractions: The
foundations have been
laid for The Tower
at Dubai Creek
Harbour,
the world’s
tallest
building, set
to become
an iconic
landmark when it opens in 2020. It
will feature The Pinnacle Room and VIP
Observation Garden Decks.
 Cruise: Luxury lines Celebrity Cruises and
Clockwise from top left: Qatar’s world-class Museum of MSC Cruises are seeing record-breaking
Islamic Art; mountain biking in rugged Oman; relaxing in demand for cruises originating in Abu Dhabi.
Ras Al Khaimah; falconry is the national sport across the
Gulf States The emirate is forecast to welcome more than
sellingtravel.co.uk
Gulf states.indd 46
300,000 passengers from 148 calls made by
18 ships from 15 different cruise lines during
the 2017/18 cruise season – around 10% up
on last year. Oxford Economics predicts that
Abu Dhabi cruise tourism will see 450,000
passengers by 2020, rising to 808,428 in 2025.
Tourism talk
“The UK was the second biggest source
market for international visitors to Abu
Dhabi last year, with more than
238,000 Britons checking into the emirate’s hotels,
a three per cent increase year on year. This year
has started just as positively, with 86,529 Brits
staying at Abu Dhabi’s hotels in the first four
months, a four per cent year-on-year increase.
“Forging strong relationships with the trade
is hugely important to us, and we’re constantly
looking for new ways to assist UK agents and tour
operators. We have joint marketing programmes
planned with 17 different tour operators.
“In September we will fly 36 agents from
London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin
to Abu Dhabi to explore the city, desert and
attractions of Yas Island. We also plan to tour
the country delivering destination training.
“As an incentive to agents, we’ll be giving
away tickets to Manchester City home games,
as well as Yas Island theme park passes.”
Nabeel Al Zarouni, UK Country Manager,
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Where to book it
 LUSSO – 01625 591111
Lusso offers five nights at The St Regis Saadiyat
Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, from £1,215pp based
on two people sharing a Superior Room on Vi
a half-board basis, plus private transfers and
flights with British Airways. This is a saving
of £255pp. Valid until September 20 2017.
lussotravel.com
 ETIHAD HOLIDAYS – 0345 600 8118,
A week at the five-star Jumeirah Zabeel
Saray Hotel, Dubai, flying economy from
Heathrow, is from £1569pp half-board.
etihadholidays.co.uk 
7/19/17 06:56 PM Untitled
 Discover Oman
Fly direct from Manchester
Daily Flights | Award Winning Airline | Year Round Service

Visit omanair.com/en or our app, to buy, book, or check-in online.

World’s Leading Airline

Economy Class 2014, 2015, 2016

Gulf states.indd
Untitled-1 1 47 7/19/17 06:56
19/07/2017 PM
09:59
 48 in person

Visit Jersey
Keith Beecham,CEO

Steve Hartridge
catches up with Visit
Jersey during its
trade mission to the UK

Q What are you hoping to achieve

from this UK visit?
A: Visit Jersey is over as part of the Jersey
Government. We travelled with politicians,
'Digital Jersey' and 'Jersey Finance'. The aim is
STUNNING COASTAL WALKS
to show off all that Jersey has to offer – both
as a premier place to visit and invest.

Q In its most recent reincarnation

Visit Jersey has existed for just
over two years. What have you achieved?
A: Visit Jersey was formed on March 30, 2015
and we have done a lot differently. We have
launched a new brand: The Island Break, which
is working well, with some of our commercial
partners taking this forward. We have gone out
there with short break holiday ideas. Now, it is
not just about promoting Jersey in the summer
OCEAN ADVENTURES GREAT SEAFOOD
months, which historically was the case, but
Jersey for all seasons: summer, autumn, winter
and spring. That is one of the big differences
from the past. And we have re-launched our
bounce-back from our French visitors and our
German market is looking good too. The picture Q Does the trade remain important to
Jersey's tourism efforts?
website, which has made a massive difference should get better as we enter our busy season. A: It remains very, very important. We have not
to the number of people that are now finding reduced our budgets for what you might call
Jersey and interacting with us.
Q Are you trying to change old-
fashioned perceptions of Jersey?
the traditional channels, that is operators and
agents. We work very hard with them, in the UK

Q How are visitor numbers looking?

A: The data is encouraging. For the first
five months of 2017 our holiday visitors were up
16%. That is globally, but in that period it was
mostly from the UK, although we have seen a
A: We are, but I think changing perceptions is
the difficult bit. I have been in this business
30 years and have learned that all you can
really do is nudge this along a little bit. What
we are attempting to do, with our partners and
though our PR and the many bloggers that
come to our island, is to show Jersey as a place
that is uplifting, fresh, vibrant and exciting.
Our message is that if you have a zest for life,
whatever your age, come to Jersey and you will
enjoy yourself.
and Germany, and rely on them a lot, but we
have supplemented these efforts with a digital
marketing campaign. We probably do not
focus as much as we once did on traditional
brochures, but we still know the importance of
agents and operators.
Q Tell us about some of your own
favourite Jersey experiences.
A: I have lived all over the world but Jersey is
truly a special place to live. We have some reefs,
Les Ecrehous and Les Minquiers, that are just

Q Are visitors staying longer?

A: The data for the first five months of
2017 suggest that 4.2 nights is the average
length of stay, but we are expecting that
to extend to seven days this summer. More
importantly, we are now getting people
visiting Jersey outside of the summer. That
means our hotels and restaurants can become
SEE DOLPHINS ON A REEF VISIT
more sustainable over the longer term.
15 minutes by a rib vessel. On the way, you will
likely see dolphins. You can have a barbecue
and swim. Secondly, there is walking. Jersey is
a great place for it. We have green lanes where
the speed limit is 15 miles an hour and horses
and pedestrians have right of way. Visitors can
be very comfortable and confident walking
around our island. And, before I go, the food is
outstanding across the island. visitjersey.com 

sellingtravel.co.uk

Jersey In Person.indd 48 7/19/17 06:56 PM

 island profile 49

Jersey
Rich heritage and seaside charm

Animal Magic
Founded by world-famous
author and naturalist
Gerald Durrell, whose
childhood featured in the
hit ITV drama The Durrells,
Jersey Zoo is committed
to saving endangered
species from extinction.
Capture the Castle
Well-preserved Mont
Orgueil Castle was built
in the 13th century to
protect Jersey against
a French invasion. The
dramatic fortress towers
over the harbour at
Gorey.
I
f your clients are searching for the simple bucket and
spade home holidays of their childhood, but with slightly
more reliable weather, then Jersey could be perfect.
Jeannine Williamson looks at the Channel Island’s unique
Anglo-French charm
“A piece of France fallen into the sea and
grabbed up by the English” was how French
writer Victor Hugo described Jersey, the largest
and most southerly of the Channel Islands.
Lying 14 miles off the coast of France,
Jersey has a special character and continental
feel with a fascinating cultural heritage and
extraordinary natural diversity packed into a
mere nine by five miles.

Go underground
The Jersey War Tunnels BEAUTY AND HERITAGE
tell the story of the
islanders and foreign The island is renowned for its stunning
JERSEYWARTUNNELS.COM

prisoners involved in gardens, including the Eric Young Orchid

the construction of the
concealed labyrinth that
housed a Second World
War hospital.
Past times
Uncover stories of the
island’s colourful history,
from the Ice Age to the
German occupation, at
JERSEYHERITAGE.ORG
Foundation, and has an interesting World War
Two legacy: the Nazis attempted to turn Jersey
into an impregnable fortress, and left bunkers,
towers, batteries and gun casements strewn
across the island.
The UK is its largest source market, and with
the aim of achieving one million visitors a year
by 2030 Visit Jersey has launched a new four-
JERSEY CAN REVITALISE AND RE-ENERGISE
demand year-round. Clare Dudley, from Ponders
Travel, says: There are so many wonderful
things to say about this delightful island. Being
so small you can easily drive everywhere, there’s
a great bus service and a bike is a wonderful
way to enjoy the island’s hidden beauty spots.”

the Jersey Museum &
Art Gallery Merchant’s
House in the capital, St
Helier.
Step out
The island is a walker’s
paradise with themed
trails, guided walks and
a spring and autumn
Walking Week featuring
rambles and walking
events for all ages and
abilities.
BOOK IT WITH
PREMIER HOLIDAYS
The seven-night Discovery Break
starts from £489pp, for two adults
(August 19-September 8). It includes
travel, accommodation and admission
to the War Tunnels and La Mare Wine
Estate. trade.premierholidays.co.uk
pronged social media and website initiative,
Find Your Freedom (jersey.com/find-your-freedom),
showcasing the diversity of the island.
Adam Caerlewy-Smith, Head of Marketing at
Visit Jersey, said: “The four-part content series
is an example of the steps we are taking to
encourage Brits to rethink the way they see
Jersey and consider their next escape to our
beautiful island.”
APPEALING TO ALL
Featuring a foodie fire-fighter, hiking hipster,
cycling cabbie and surfing grandpa, the
campaign challenges perceptions of the island
and shows it offers many
experiences that appeal
to all ages and interests. A
new trade-facing website
(business.jersey.com) reinforces
the message and
is aimed at
stimulating
customer
New developments include Saga Holidays
introducing a five-night break in St Helier
in its July brochure, while Premier Holidays
has launched a selection of new packages,
including seven-night Discovery Breaks, plus
gourmet food and spa breaks.
Premier also has a late deals incentive for
agents selling last-minute summer deals, which
includes free meals, afternoon tea and wine for
clients. The promotion runs until the end of July.
A 91-bedroom Premier Inn in St Helier is
due for completion in November. Bedroom
refurbishments and upgrades have been
completed at Longueville Manor, and a
Bushcraft for Kids programme has been
launched at the hotel in partnership with Wild
Adventures Jersey.
A new airline, Waves, now runs services
between the Channel Islands that can be
booked at just 30 minutes notice by using
an Uber-style app. It has plans to extend to
Southampton by 2018.
The Casual Dining Group is investing
£1million in food outlets at Jersey Airport. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

Island Profile_Jersey.indd 49 26/07/2017 12:40

 GDS | TRAINING | REWARDS Working in partnership

Training, competitions, events

THIS MONTH'S TOP STORIES July/August 2017

New Jewel Resort

opens in Jamaica
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THE NEW Jewel Montego
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TUNI_July-August.indd 38 7/19/17 06:57 PM

 Training courses to help travel agents and advisers sell more!

COURSE LIST

Puerto Rico summer A-Z of available

courses
NEWS ABTA
Alaska
THIS Summer in Puerto Rico Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
is a seasonal campaign to Aruba
promote summer offers to the Beachcomber Tours
destination. Beaches Resorts
A multitude of tour operators Boucan Hotel
Chocolat
have already submitted UK offers
Bourne Leisure
as part of the campaign including Butlins
Barrhead Travel. In addition, agent Caribbean Tourism
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Heritage Resorts
Insider Journeys

Qatar positions as
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Jumeirah Hotels &
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Kenya
Macao
Las Vegas
Tawash Qatar I Modules: 5 Miami
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New York State
QATAR is offering a number of new initiatives to promote Namibia
Newmarket Holidays
itself as a stopover destination including a new free Ontario

Win with Seychelles transit visa launched by the Qatar Tourism Authority in Puerto Rico
Qatar
partnership with Qatar Airways. SAGA
INCENTIVE The visa allows transiting Saint Lucia
Sandals Resorts
TRAVEL 2'S latest agent passengers of all nationalities to Serenity Holidays

incentive offers five places enter Qatar for up to 96 hours Seychelles
on a Seychelles fam trip to brush between flights.
Simon Malls
St Kitts
up on the island destination.
To be in with a chance of
Over the summer months, Qatar Tenerife
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the Seychelles module on the tour Doha stopover for all Qatar Travel 2
operator's online training portal, Turks & Caicos
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Only agents who have not visited Virgin Limited Edition
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are eligible for a fam place. of Doha’s finest hotels and Windjammer Landing
Sign up to the training programme includes opportunities Hotel
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improve your destination
to explore Doha with traveluni.com
knowledge further. a range of tours.
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powered by

TUNI_July-August.indd 39 7/19/17 06:58 PM

Untitled-7
Untitled-1 1 7/17/17 05:04
12/07/2017 PM
10:00

S
ingapore’s dynamic
culinary, arts and
culture scenes will suit
visitors of all ages
Lying just one degree (137km) north of the
equator, Singapore’s humidity starts to cloy the
moment you leave the airport.
But it’s not just the climate that’s hotting up:
there is much to indulge the senses in a city
where gastronomy, culture, art, architecture and
nature work in total synergy.
The Lion City is nicknamed the ‘little red
dot’ on the map, but what it lacks in size it
compensates for by flexing its financial muscle
as one of Asia’s bonafide economic ‘tigers’ and
the third-richest nation in the world, per capita.
Cultural & culinary hotpot
Visitors are lured by Singapore’s exciting
culinary scene, including hawker stalls, trendy
cafés and fine-dining establishments, serving
up Malaysian, Indian, Chinese and Peranakan
specialities.
Chinatown sizzles with energy, while Little
CURRY NOODLE SOUP
Singapore Essentials
TIME: +8 GMT. BOOK IT
FLIGHT TIME: 14 hours Audley Travel offers a 10-night
VISAS: Not needed for stays of Datai and Singapore itinerary,
up to 30 days with three nights in the city
CURRENCY: SGD$1 = £0.56 before heading for the jungle.
LANGUAGE: English is an official Accommodation in Singapore
language along with Mandarin includes Raffles Hotel Singapore.
Chinese, Malay and Tamil audleytravel.com
HTS Singapore.indd 53
Singapore
by Rowena Marella-Daw
GARDENS BY THE BAY
India dazzles with colourful temples and
regional delicacies. Savour the best of South
East Asian cuisine at Makansutra Gluttons Bay, or
hop over to Maxwell Food Centre, renowned for
its Hainanese chicken rice.
In the up-and-coming Jalan Besar and Balestier
districts, hip cafes and patisseries occupy old
shophouses restored to reflect original Art
Deco and Chinese baroque features.
A growing appetite for upscale dining
options has spawned gastronomic ventures
like Chef Justin Quek’s modern Franco-
Asian restaurant, Sky on 57, at the Marina
Bay Sands Hotel, while local talent Chef
Willin Low brings ‘Mon Sin’ or modern
Singaporean to Wild Rocket in Mount
Emily Park.
Not to be missed is Raffles Hotel, where
the famous and influential fraternised while
sipping Singapore Slings at the Long Bar.
OTHER TOUR OPERATORS
premierholidays.co.uk
wendywutours.com.au
abercrombiekent.co.uk
GETTING THERE
batraveltrade.com
virginatlantic.com
singaporeair.com
sellingtravel.co.uk
how to sell 53
THE MERLION
LOCAL WILDLIFE
Gardens of the future
Singapore is a haven for green spaces, with 300
parks and four nature reserves. Gardens by the
Bay is a 250-acre super-park featuring futuristic
pavilions and gardens with views of the Marina
Bay and city skyline. Enormous glass biodomes
nurture two cooled conservatories.
The Cloud Forest’s mist-shrouded 35m-high
mountain is blanketed in dense vegetation
typical of the tropical highlands and has
the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, while
the Flower Dome features flora from the
Mediterranean and semi-arid regions.
Supertree Grove is an other-worldly vertical
garden showcasing a spectacular Garden
Rhapsody light and sound show.
Secret islands
Beyond the city lies a quieter, rural setting
known as Pulau Ubin, one of Singapore’s 62
islets and the last remaining ‘kampong’ or
traditional farming and fishing village.
Day-trippers can catch a water taxi to this
island untouched by time, strolling or cycling
through coconut palm tree-lined lanes.
Or head for Chek Jawa, a wetland nature
reserve rich in marine wildlife, mangrove
swamps and nature trails.
The remote Sisters’ Islands has been declared
Singapore’s first marine park, while the not-
so-secret Sentosa island resort has everything
from family beaches to leisure and nightlife.�
7/19/17 06:59 PM
 54 my journey

A jo󰇻󰇶󰈡󰈥y 󰇹o...

Nic 󰇧 󰇶 󰈜 󰈪 u 󰇧 !
󰇱󰈜x o󰇳
Slo󰇹󰇭s 󰇶󰇪 󰇭e
t󰇬e 󰈤l󰈢󰇴󰈥󰈤
of
󰈥󰈦 s a󰇶 󰇪 󰈣󰈡 t󰇬 e 󰇧󰈪 󰈥n 󰈧a 󰈆󰈢r K󰈜󰇶󰇱 󰈉us󰇬󰇮󰈡g 󰈜󰇷
󰈝r󰇧󰇹
Col󰈢󰇼󰇶, c󰇬a󰈦󰇧c󰇹󰈥󰈦 an󰈧 ke󰇷 󰇧󰈡d V󰈣󰇰󰈝an󰈢󰈥󰇷’
󰈣
Mom󰇨󰇧󰈝h L󰈜
󰈡 󰈣 󰈜r 󰇲 󰈤 of 󰇹󰇭 󰇪 ‘L an 󰈧 󰈢󰈆
fa󰇰󰇱s 󰈇󰈢󰈦 t󰇬󰈥 󰇾ib󰇶󰇧󰈡t 󰈛󰇭
V o l󰈛 󰇧

I
am looking to find ‘the chosen one’ for the
volcano visit,” announces my guide, Edgar,
ominously. All eyes fall on his potential
sacrifice, who has the audacity to correctly answer
a question based on our introductory talk. So
begins my March visit to Nicaragua.
The Central American country’s climate is
governed largely by its Central Highlands, which
ensure the eastern Caribbean side is wetter than
the western Pacific side. Meanwhile
the lush, lofty north has gained
an enviable reputation for
León’s colourful streets and cathedral are laid
out before me on a walking tour. The city was
also home to the poet Ruben Dario, Nicaragua’s
most celebrated writer. His former house, now a
museum, is well worth a visit.
But it’s Granada, a short drive from León or
Managua, that is the country’s undisputed colonial
gem. Founded in 1524, it’s also one of the country’s
best-supported touristic centres and home to
a good spread of boutique hotels.
As evening falls on Calle de
Calzada, the street of bars

I ma󰈫󰇪
coffee cultivation. and restaurants leading
Following a brief up to the cathedral come
exploration of the capital,
m󰈂 o󰈟n 󰈛󰇭󰈢c󰈣󰇰a󰇺󰇪 b󰈜󰇶 alive with enterprising

󰇧
- a f󰇪󰇯󰇷󰇺y 󰈛󰇭il󰇰󰇮 󰈜󰈡d 󰇷e
Managua, I am soon food stallholders serving
hotfooting it to the Coffee the crowds gathering in
Route around Matagalpa.
The area abounds with sa󰇰󰇺 n󰇻󰇲󰇩󰈥r the cathedral square.
Personal highlights include
trails and waterfalls, and visiting the Granada cigar
the higher altitude assures ‘factory’ of Doña Elba where,
refreshingly cooler temperatures. My somehow, my ham-fisted attempt
hotel, the basic, eco-style Selva Negra (selvanegra. at rolling a cigar is transformed into something
com), sits on a plantation estate that can be explored recognisable by the staff. Then, over at Mansion
on foot, jeep or on horseback. Touring the estate de Chocolate, my fun walk through the world of all
Gre󰇳󰇧󰈨󰈜 is 󰇴󰇧󰈝k I learn all about the coffee production process. things cocoa is topped off by getting to produce my
󰈥󰈧 Also in the area is the city of Esteli, home of the own bar – a feisty chilli and sea salt dark chocolate
wi󰇹󰇭 c󰈢󰇰󰈣󰈡i󰇧l
country’s famed cigar industry, and the Miraflor number. Later, a tasting tour at Flor de Caña’s
ar󰈛󰇭󰇮t󰈥󰈛󰇺ur󰇪
natural reserve, which offers great birdwatching Chichigalpa distillery provides a squiffy glimpse
and hiking amid cloud and rainforest. into another of Nicaragua’s major exports – rum.

Col󰈢󰇳󰇯a󰇱 g󰇪󰇲󰈤
M󰈘 󰉃AG Descending to the colonial city of
󰈎󰈉󰈷󰉂 MO León the air changes to hot and dry,
• Pe󰇪r󰇯󰇳󰈪 󰉄󰈺󰉅T󰉍
do󰇿󰈡 󰇮n󰇹 the land from lush to parched. León is

ce󰇳󰇺r󰇪 󰈣󰈇 󰈣 󰇺he fi󰇪󰇶 the country’s intellectual, revolutionary

Ma󰈤󰇧y󰈜 󰈠 r󰈥󰈧 and religious heartland. It’s also home
• Dis󰈛󰈢󰇾󰈥 󰇽 o󰇱c󰇧󰇳󰈣 to my charming hotel, El Convento, and
s󰇴󰇱en󰈧󰈢󰇼󰈦 ri󰇳󰈪 t󰇬󰇪 󰈝󰈣lo󰇳󰇮󰈜󰇱 the restaurant Al Carbon which delivered
of
• Spo󰇹󰇺󰇮n G󰇶󰇧󰈡󰈜da 󰇧󰇳󰈨 L󰈥ó
up a delicious steak and chimichuri dinner
washed down with lashings of ‘Vitamin T’,
󰇫󰈜󰈤 n
ar󰈢󰇼󰇳󰈨 M lo󰇹󰇭 󰈢n 󰇹󰇭󰈥 hi󰈫󰇪 the local beer named Tonya. León also sports
om󰇨󰇧󰈝h󰈣 some eye-catching political murals, a legacy of
󰇽o󰇱c󰇧󰇳󰈣 the Sandinista revolution of the 1960s and 70s.

sellingtravel.co.uk

MtJourney_Nicaragua.indd 54 7/19/17 07:01 PM

 my journey 55

󰇮󰇹󰇭
󰈣 󰈪ri󰇴󰈤 w
Get󰇹󰇮󰈡g 󰇹 󰇮󰈡g 󰈜󰇹
󰈫
ci󰇫󰇧󰈦-ma 󰇧
Doñ El󰇨
a

Ome󰇹󰇪󰇵󰈥 Is󰇰a󰈡d

Vol󰈛󰇧󰈡󰈣es
Of Nicaragua’s panoply of volcanoes, 17 are still
active – one destroyed the capital Managua in 1972.
Boarding down the Cerro Negro volcano has become
a must-do activity for thrill-seekers, as has hiking
the active Concepción cone, one of two on Ometepe
Island in Lake Nicaragua.
I opt for a trip to Masaya volcano, where you can
drive up to the lip of the crater. The panoramic
views are startling and even in the daytime the fiery
red molten lava can be seen swirling below, albeit
through a curtain of steamy fumes.
Car󰇶󰇮󰈜󰈪e r󰇮󰈧󰈥󰈤
My hike on the crater trail around the bio-diverse ex󰇴󰇱󰈢r󰈥 G󰇶e󰇧󰈨󰈜
Mombacho volcano produces further impressive
vistas, including distant Granada and its nearby islets
fanning out into Lake Nicaragua, a haven for boat
tours and kayakers. There is also the crater lake of
Laguna Apoyo, where I enjoy a swim at Apoyo Resort.
Stealing the show, however, is the two-toed sloth I
spot chilling and scratching in a treetop just metres
into the trail.
Me󰇪t󰇯󰇳󰈪
Mar󰈫 󰈓󰈟󰇧󰇯n
Co󰇧s󰇹󰇯󰈡g
Two of the country’s favoured options for beach
breaks are the beguiling Corn Islands, off the Jes󰇻󰇷 󰈤t󰈜󰇹u󰇪
Caribbean coast, and my choice, San Juan del Sur. inS󰇧󰇳 󰈏󰇼a󰈡
Located on the Pacific coast, down near the border
de󰇰 S󰇻󰈦
with Costa Rica, San Juan is prime surfing country
and local operators offer trips to nearby surf beaches
such as Playa Maderas. I choose an enjoyable fishing
tour, where frigate birds buzz around the boat as
patient pelicans slot in alongside.
More famous visitors to San Juan have included the
󰈑󰈷󰈯KA󰈌󰈺
author Mark Twain, who chronicled his experiences SA󰉄󰉉L󰈺
in his book Travels with Mr Brown. Finding the
d a 󰈂 H 󰇮󰈪 h 󰇰󰇯󰈪h󰇹󰈤 of
Mark Twain Suite in my charming Victoriano hotel A 13- 󰇪 󰈨 t󰈣u󰇶 󰈟󰇮t󰇬
󰇧 g 󰇼 i󰈧
Nic󰇧󰇶󰈜󰈪u £2,199p󰇴
,
occupied, I have to make do with a snatched snap on
a beachside bench bookended by statues of Twain
󰇷 󰇺 s 󰈇 󰈦 o m
chatting with Ruben Dario.
Exo󰈧󰇻󰈤 c󰈣 flig󰇬󰇺s 󰇧󰇳󰈨
in󰈛󰇱󰇻d󰇯󰇳󰈪 t󰇯󰇳󰈪 Mar󰈛󰇭
Come the trip’s end I am assured of the validity

(de󰇴󰇧󰈦
of the tourism board’s slogan, ‘Nicaragua – Unique
and Original’. Personally though, I prefer my
t󰇶a󰈡s󰈇󰇪󰈦s . ex󰈢󰈧󰇼󰈤.co.uk ul L󰇪ón
) Col󰈢󰇼󰇶󰈆 󰇶a󰈡t
11, 2018
guide Edgar’s verdict, based on the local slang for
󰇯b
extremely cool. “Nicaragua – es deacachimba!” ha󰇷 󰇧 󰇾 t
ma󰇶󰈬󰇪

sellingtravel.co.uk

MtJourney_Nicaragua.indd 55 7/19/17 07:03 PM

 56 costa rica
party
green
Cemented as the most popular
Central American country for
Brits, eco-haven Costa Rica
is a destination well worth
discovering, says Nigel Tisdall
W
hat’s the most dangerous thing
about whitewater rafting?” asks our
gung-ho guide, Max. Surprisingly, it’s
not the raging waters or those nasty-looking
rocks. “Most injuries result from being whacked
with a paddle by your neighbour,” he explains,
prompting us to look warily at one other.
As we set off on our 17-mile rollercoaster
ride down the Pacuare, Costa Rica’s
most scenic river, it seems inevitable
there will be thrills and spills.
My 14-foot-long, six-passenger inflatable
raft feels woefully small for this three-day
adventure paddling in and out of Pacuare Lodge,
a remote eco-hotel buried in the rainforest near
Bajo del Tigre. Pinball, Rodeo, Cemetery – the
names of the Class I-IV rapids – say it all, but I’m
far too busy to be scared as the waves smash
sellingtravel.co.uk
Costa Rica.indd 56
into us and we learn how to crouch down like
a rugby scrum when the big drops come.
Spliced between these adrenaline moments
are interludes of astonishing serenity as we
glide through 300ft-tall forests. Blue morpho
butterflies flutter by in the thick heat.
Yellow-throated toucans flap past,
weighed down by their magnificent beaks.
A machaca fish jumps, grabbing a quick
and easy lunch of purple orchid blooms
floating on the tea-coloured water.
I feel like an explorer dreamily floating
through an enchanted canyon of emerald
trees and silvery waterfalls – until Max
suddenly cries “Paddle now!” and we’re off
again, bouncing around like a sock in a
washing machine as the Pacuare roars and
pours its way down to the Caribbean Sea.
7/19/17 11:11 AM
 costa rica 57

Really wild committed to sustainability. There’s

It’s little surprise that this Central American also a ban on swimming with dolphins
country is increasingly popular with British and whales. Wherever you look, this is a
travellers. Over 70,000 of us went there in destination where nature comes first.
2016, a boom encouraged by the introduction
of direct flights from Gatwick. In November Perfect ten
2015 Thomson launched a weekly service from Capital idea: Flight times can require
London to Liberia, in the north-west province an overnight in San José, which has its
of Guanacaste, then in April last year British charms despite appalling traffic and a
Airways followed with twice-weekly (three dishevelled appearance. The Mercado Central
in winter) flights to the capital, San José. and 1897 Teatro Nacional are worth a visit and
The appeal of this tiny nation devoted to Hotel Grano de Oro (hotelgranodeoro.com) is a high-
‘Pura Vida’ (best translated as ‘full of life’) is class heritage property.
instant. English is widely spoken, U.S. are dollars Fired up: Costa Rica has 129 volcanoes
commonly accepted and the country feels safe including Volcán Arenal, which erupted
and welcoming – in 1948 Costa Rica disbanded unexpectedly in 1968 creating a spectacular
its army and put the money into education 5,480ft peak that is now one of the country’s
and healthcare. most visited attractions.
It may not have the It’s been quiet since
Mayan ruins, Spanish “Don’t discount the rainy 2010, but others are
colonial architecture active. As the Foreign
or rich ethnic culture
season from May to November Office puts it: “the
that awaits in Mexico – it can be quieter and possibility of eruptions
or Guatemala, but its cheaper and the countryside is always exists”.
flora and fauna are Hot spot:
world-beating. There
green with the rivers full and Thermal springs
are more species of whales passing by in October” are a happy spin-off of
birds here than in AMANDA MARKS, DIRECTOR, this volcanic action.
COSTA RICA SPECIALISTS
the whole of Europe, After an exhilarating
and its 26 national day of adrenaline
parks guarantee memorable encounters activities and engaging encounters with nature,
with wildlife ranging from howler monkeys there’s nothing like relaxing in a 43°C pool with
and sloths to crimson-fronted parakeets a tico sour (the country’s answer to the
and over 50 species of hummingbird. caipirinha) from the swim-up bar.
Crucially, travellers can see and do a lot Loved up: Costa Rica is ideal for the
quickly and easily. Similar in size to Denmark, adventurous honeymooners. At the
Costa Rica’s location on an isthmus where adults-only Nayara Springs (nayarasprings.com)
two continents meet has created a carnival resort in Arenal all the suites come with a
of bio-diversity. You can drive between four-poster bed, wraparound balcony and
the Pacific and Caribbean coasts in three private plunge pool framed in lush foliage. On
hours, and in a week go from exploring the the Pacific Coast, Arenas del Mar (arenasdelmar.com)
rainforest to admiring volcanoes to surfing is a relaxing clifftop oasis overlooking the
off golden beaches. Hotels and eco-lodges mile-long Playa Espadilla Norte.
are high-quality, guides are well-trained. Hanging on: Ziplining is big business
Over a quarter of the land is protected and with over 300 places to do it. At the
green thinking is a reality: recycling bins Ecoglide Park (arenalecoglide.com) in Arenal you can
are everywhere and hotels are genuinely whizz along 13 aerial cables then face your
fears on a scream-inducing Tarzan Swing.
Be happy: Costa Rica is the happiest
country in the world according to the
2016 Happy Planet Index which looks at
wellbeing, life expectancy and ecological
footprint. (The UK came 34th!).
Golden bean: Coffee is the best
souvenir to bring home and there are
plenty of opportunities to visit farms and learn
about the considerable effort that goes into
making our daily fix.
Eat well: Yes, there’s lots of gallo pinto
(rice and beans), but also ample supplies Main picture, opposite page: A green spiny lizard. Above,
of fresh fish and luscious tropical fruits. from top: white-water rafting on the Pacuare River; a
traditional Costa Rican dance; mussels cling to driftwood on
Pineapples, bananas, mangoes, papayas, a Pacific beach. Left: A farmer’s market in downtown San Jose

sellingtravel.co.uk

Costa Rica.indd 57 7/19/17 11:11 AM

 58 costa rica
Above, clockwise from top left: Relaxing at Tabacon Grand
Spa & Thermal Resort; the active crater of Poas Volcano; a
family enjoy a yacht excursion; a dangling sloth
Costa Rica.indd 58
avocados – welcome to
juicing heaven.
Wet and wild: The
Osa peninsula in the
south-west is the best place for a wilderness
adventure – the Parque Nacional Corcovado is
the country’s largest park and has luxury lodge,
such as Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge
(casacorcovado.com), offering high-class comforts.
Open road: Self-drive is an option as
distances are short and roads good –
Geodyssey (geodyssey.co.uk) offers five itineraries
while Journey Latin America (journeylatinamerica.co.uk)
has a coast-to-coast adventure.
What’s new
 Airlines: Airlines: KLM Royal Dutch
Airlines (klm.com) launch a twice weekly flight
from Amsterdam to San José in October.
 Accommodation: In Arenal, the luxurious
and much-lauded Nayara Springs (nayarasprings.
com) has added 19 villas plus a new pool,
yoga pavilion and rainforest trail.
Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas
(casachameleonhotels.com) is a new 21-villa
resort in the car-free beach town
of Las Catalinas, Guanacaste.
 Tours: Packages combining Costa Rica with
its southern neighbour Panama are popular.
KE Adventures (keadventures.com) has a new
15 day ‘Natural Wonders of Costa Rica and
Panama’ group tour that visits both Caribbean
and Pacific coasts with an emphasis on
spotting wildlife from turtles and sloths to
crocodiles and the resplendent quetzal bird.
Great Rail Journeys (greatrail.com) is offering
£150 discount on its 15 day ‘Enchanting
Costa Rica and Panama’ tour, which includes
a ride on the Panama Canal Railway, valid for
2018 bookings made by 15 August 2017.
Tourism talk
“We've seen a huge interest in Costa Rica
from both the UK travel trade and
consumers. We think this is being fuelled
by the thirst in the marketplace for off-the-beaten
track, adventure options, as well as the unrivalled
wildlife that Costa Rica offers.
“In the first quarter of 2017, 3,384 Brits
travelled to Costa Rica, a 12.7% increase in UK
visitor numbers on the same period for 2016.
“This year has been a busy year one to date.
We ran a significant advertising campaign that
included stunning out-of-home digital screens
at train stations across London. We also ran a
booking incentive for sales staff to win a place
on a fam trip to Costa Rica and have these
taking place in June, July and September.
“Finally, we're planning a sales mission,
with around 20 partners from Costa Rica
signed up to visit the UK in the week after
World Travel Market in November.”
Rob Wilson, Head of Sales & Marketing,
Travel & Tourism at Four Communications
Where to book it
 COSTA RICA SPECIALISTS – 01473 890499
A 13-day tailor-made ‘Active Costa Rica’
package costs from £2,660pp including
canyoning at Rio Perdido and rafting at
Pacuare Lodge. International flights are extra.
costaricaspecialists.co.uk
 EXODUS TRAVELS – 0203 811 3276
A nine-day guided group tour,‘Natural Highlights
of Costa Rica’, costs from £1,939pp including
international flights, breakfast and some
meals. Stand-out experiences are a boat
trip through the Tortugero National Park, a
dip in the hot springs at Arenal and a hike
in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
exodus.co.uk 
7/19/17 11:11 AM
 falklands 59

wild
R
oaming Sealion Island’s tussocky
moorland I’m royally entertained by
an abundant fearless wildlife. Comedic
rockhopper penguins sporting Mohawk quiffs
hurl themselves off high cliffs and when I settle
down for sandwiches on a golden sandy beach
nosey gentoo penguins congregate around me.
I photograph elegant albatrosses whizzing

things past on strafing winds and laugh at sealions

irritated by their fidgety pups. Yet topping the
blubber stakes at 3.5 tonnes are the gargantuan
elephant seals that groan and belch and
belly barge each other with the panache of

The isolated Falklands sumo wrestlers. I return later to the cosy 11-
room Sealion Island Lodge for a British roast

boast pristine wildlife and lamb dinner fully convinced the Falklands
are the Galapagos of the South Atlantic.

homely hospitality for hardy There’s a faraway edge of the earth feel
about the Falklands’ 776 subantarctic

travellers and cruisers islands located in the South Atlantic. On East

Falkland Island the capital Stanley exudes

alike, says Mark Stratton

Britishness with Union Jacks aplenty, fish
‘n’ chip pubs, and red telephone boxes.
Yet outside Stanley, the ‘camp’, as it is
locally called, is a wild collage of wind-
whipped islands, moorland, mountains, and
steely-cold fjords that scarcely experience
temperatures above 10-15ºC during summer’s
peak tourism sea-son (September to March).
Clients may not be rushing here for a
suntan but the abundant wildlife simply
takes the breath away, with a million nesting
penguins, huge colonies of cormorants and
albatrosses, sealions and elephant seals, and
killer whales patrolling the offshore waters.

End of the line

Above: a parade of king penguins. Next page, from left:
Bleaker Island’s gentoo penguins at Sandy Bay; an elephant
seal on Carcass Island; spotting the striated caracara, a bird
of prey, on Carcass Island
The Falklands welcomed 55,000 cruise ship
passengers last year season, most combining their
voyage with a visit to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Meanwhile, land-based visitors typically
tour the Falklands’ outer islands by the local
government’s small light aircraft service
(FIGAS). A sample itinerary out of Stanley
could include flying to Bleaker Island to see
its penguins; transferring to Sealion Island to
marvel at elephant seals; then Carcass Island
for albatrosses, and back to East Falkland
for Volunteer Point’s King Penguins. Each
island offers rustic full-board accommodation
and hearty home-cooked meals.
Visitors stay on average 10 days to marry
in with a limited airlift of three flights per
week. The Chilean carrier, LATAM, arrives at
Falklands’ Mount Pleasant airbase once weekly
from Santiago. The route received a boost this
year with British Airways’ first direct flight to
Chile’s capital from Heathrow. Alternatively
the MOD operates a twice-weekly more direct
‘air-bridge’ from RAF Brize Nor-ton. Yet at
£2,200pp it’s a more expensive option than
flying via Santiago (roughly £1500).

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Falklands.indd 59 7/19/17 07:02 PM

 60 falklands

Perfect ten
Smoko’ Delight: The moreish wiles of a
‘smoko’ boasts mid-morning or afternoon
tea with homemade cakes and diddle-dee jam.
Albatross city: Visiting West Point
Island’s nesting black-browed albatross
is one of the world’s best birding adventures.
Walking Weddell: Hikers will adore the
Falklands’ largest off-shore island,
Weddell, for its penguins and moody landscapes.
Heavens Above: Flying has never been
more scenic than experiencing the
archipelago’s light aircraft F.I.G.A.S for island
hopping by air.
Lest We Forget: Military historians can
relive 1982’s Argentinian conflict at
numerous sites such as Mt. Harriet’s memorial.
Killer Whales: Sit on Sealion Island’s
cliffs spotting the ocean’s great-est
predators intelligently stalking their prey.
Hail the Kings: During nesting season
a thousand pairs of King Penguins
produce fluffy chicks on a long beach at
Volunteer Point.
Bleating Brilliant: With a reputed 167
sheep per inhabitant, organical-ly
farmed Falklands lamb melts in the mouth.
Falklands Cheer: Peaty notes burst out
of the local craft beer, Rock Hopper,
served in Stanley’s homely British pubs.
Fishy Fun: Cast your line into fertile seas
reel in sea trout from September to April.
“Let clients know this is the
ultimate getaway destination
away from the crowds. Imagine
an area the size of Devon and
Cornwall that receives just
1,600 visitors per year”
KEVIN MILLINGTON, MARKETING MANAGER,
FALKLAND ISLANDS TOURIST BOARD ( FITB )
Tourism talk
“Numbers of land-based leisure visitors
are increasing about 4% per annum but
the market remains small, around 1,600
visitors per year. The weekly LATAM flight is about
to increase capacity by switching from A320s to
A321s and there is rumour of a second weekly
scheduled flight from Santiago or Brazil.
“The peak season is November to January
when the birds nest and the chicks hatch, but
with just one lodge per island they can be a
bottleneck and are always at full occupancy.
However, bed capacity in Stanley is growing.
The Malvina Hotel will open 37 new double-
rooms by October and the Waterfront Hotel has
rebranded as the Falklands’ first boutique hotel
with six rooms including free wifi and mini-bar”.
“With the smaller island lodges shutting down
off-season (April-September) we are trying to
boost the winter season by promoting travel to the
more accessible East and West Falkland Islands
for walking, fishing, and war-based tourism.”
Kevin Milligan, Marketing Manager,
Falkland Islands Tourist Board (FITB)
Where to book it
 FALKLAND ISLANDS
HOLIDAYS – + 500 22622
A week’s itinerary starting in Darwin, flying to
Pebble Island, Sea Lion Island and back to Stanley
includes penguins, birds, marine mammals,
history and culture. From £1,600pp excluding
international flights.
falklandislandsholidays.com 

Tailor-made itineraries
Wildlife, Walking, Photography, Fishing, Battlefield and General Interest.

Individual and group travel

The longest established tour Internal flights, transfers, accommodation, guided tours and excursions.
operator in the Falklands
Offering a wealth of local knowledge of the Falkland Islands along with a personal,
professional and friendly service, every step of the journey.

For more information E: info@falklandislandsholidays.com

Photographs by Allan White and Joe Lange T: (00500) 22622 - F: (00500) 22623 - W: falklandislandsholidays.com

Falklands.indd 60 7/19/17 07:02 PM

 the review 61

O N LY T H E T R AV E L N E W S T H AT R E AL LY M AT T E R S

63
H O M E F R O M H O M E : Jet2 and Solmar Villas join forces

69 70 72

DANCING IN THE AISLES OUT & ABOUT SHOW REPORT

Advantage Conference Experience Latin America Thailand Travel Mart

GET ONLINE – R E A D A L L O U R M A G A Z I N E S A N D C H E C K O U T O U R D A I LY S E L L I N G T I P S AT S E L L I N G T RAV E L.C O.U K

sellingtravel.co.uk

News-JulyAugust.indd 61 7/19/17 07:05 PM

 62 the review
Tourism Update
CAROL HAY
UK Manager,
Caribbean Tourism
Organization
THE Caribbean Tourism Organization
(CTO) would like to thank those agents
who attended our London and Bristol
roadshows – events with great prizes
including bottles of rum, fam trip places,
accommodation stays courtesy of Le
Grand Courlan Spa Resort and Grafton
Beach Resort in Tobago and tickets with
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
We’re coming to Manchester and
Peterborough on September 13 and 14
respectively for more networking fun
and prize hand-outs. The trade media
partner will be Selling Travel. Find out
more at caribbeantravelguru.com.
Jo Plummer of Tropic Breeze and Tony
Gajic from The Holiday Place were both
lucky winners of a pair of tickets to the
CTO’s Caribbean Summer Ball this
summer and Jo was also the June
winner of £100 Amazon Vouchers for
making the most Caribbean bookings!
Look out for the CTO’s new Wedding
& Honeymoon Guide. It is packed full of
useful information to share with clients.
Contact us if you want copies of this or
Guide to the Caribbean, Caribbean Dive
Guide, or Meeting and Incentive Guide.
Contact Ann-Marie Brooks at
abrooks@caribtourism.com. Or call her
on 020 8948 0057.
Caribbean Tourism Organization
22 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey,
TW9 1BP Tel: 020 8948 0057
Fax: 020 8948 0067
caribbean.co.uk
News-JulyAugust.indd 62
Wendy Wu online for trade
BY LAURA GELDER
WENDY Wu Tours has launched a new
website for the trade, designed to enable
agents to book its escorted tours online.
The Asia specialist’s new booking portal
allows agents to book Wendy Wu’s tours 24
hours a day – and in less than two minutes.
The home-grown website does not
replace the company’s reservations team,
who remain on hand to talk agents through
Wendy Wu’s programme, but is intended to
help busy agents manage bookings more
quickly and easily.
Agents can find all the latest prices, tour
information and campaigns from Wendy
Wu, as well as managing their Bambu points
(the company’s agent reward scheme) and
seeing individual commissions for each
tour at the point of sale.
The company plans to add more features
Funway and AMresorts join forces for Caribbean special
sellingtravel.co.uk
to the mobile responsive website in the
future, including add-ons such as flights,
transfers and cruises for agents putting
dynamic packages together.
Speaking at the trade launch event in
London, the company’s founder Wendy Wu
commented: “We want to be the one-stop
shop for Asia and with our own technology
we can achieve this.”
Wendy Wu recently reported a rise in
bookings for India of over 70% in the
last 12 months. To meet this demand, the
operator has launched the new 14-day
Inspiring India classic tour which stretches
from Delhi to Jaipur and Udaipur to Agra.
It is the operator’s first two-week India
offering and is set to become its flagship
tour of Northern India.
wendywutours.co.uk
FUNWAY Holidays and AMResorts
have a new joint sales and marketing
campaign, starting with a dedicated
mini-brochure released in June.
The 24-page brochure includes
savings of up to 50% on holidays to
the Caribbean, Mexico and Dominican
Republic.
Nick Talbot, Marketing Director for
Funway Holidays said: “We are delighted
to be partnering with AMResorts and
the deals brochure is one of many joint
Atta plans showcase
BY LUCY ALLEN
THE African Travel and Tourism
Association (Atta) is to stage its first
dedicated trade-networking showcase.
Experience Africa 2018, a three-day
event planned for June, will follow
the successful format of the well-
established Experience Latin America .
Announced at the first-ever Avis
Atta Media Awards night on June
27, the event will comprise an
awards evening with networking
opportunities, meetings and seminars.
Formed in 1975, Atta’s works to
create platforms for business specific
to the continent. It now has nearly 600
members in 22 African countries.
BBC World News presenter, Peter
Okwoche, who was moderator at the
Avis Atta Media Awards evening, said
“Atta has always been about telling
the African story, not just stories of
corruption and struggle, but stories of
success.”
Pictured is Brian Jackman, who was
recognised for his “contribution to
understanding African tourism”.
atta.travel
projects planned. It includes amazing
savings on holidays to the Caribbean.
Funway is a leading North American
specialist but is now also recognised as
an established Caribbean operator too.
Working more closely with AMResorts
will further strengthen our position.”
Funway offers seven nights in Jamaica,
staying at the all-Inclusive, adults-only
five-star Secrets Wild Orchid Montego
Bay, priced from £1,249pp with flights.
funway4agents.co.uk
7/19/17 07:06 PM
 the review 63

Eurostar ski tickets

lead to slippery slopes
CMV launches fifth ship jet2 offers villas

EUROSTAR has put on sale tickets for

its winter 2017/18 ‘ski train’ services from
both London and Ashford direct to the
French Alps.
The ski train services from St Pancras
International and Ashford International
stop at Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and
Bourg-St-Maurice, making it easy to
access many of Europe’s top resorts such
as Courcheval, La Plagne, Tignes, Meribel,
and Les Arcs.
The seasonal ski services will run weekly
from December 22 2017 until April 7 2018,
with fares starting from £75 each way.
Trains depart on either Friday night
(arriving in the Alps on Saturday morning),-
Saturday morning (arriving Saturday
evening), or Saturday night (arriving
Sunday morning).
Returning trains depart the Alps
Saturday morning, Saturday night and
Sunday morning.
The ski train’s luggage allowance means
travellers can take their skis or snowboard
as well as two suitcases at no extra charge.
eurostar.com
BY JOHN GORE
CRUISE and Maritime Voyages welcomed
new flagship, Columbus, to the fleet this
June, with her ‘godmother’ Angela Rippon
CBE officiating at the naming ceremony in
TIlbury, Essex.
Columbus, with 775 cabins
accommodating 1400 passengers, has
five dining options, seven lounge bars
(including a British pub), six entertainment
venues (with an outdoor cinema), two
pools, a wellness centre and gym, a
maritime-themed observation lounge,
bridge and card room, a library and a
‘crafters studio’.
The fifth member of the fleet makes
CMV Britain’s fastest growing independent
cruise line, with a projection of 100,000
guests in 2018. Next year they will be
sailing from nine British ports, with Marco
Polo visiting The North Cape, Murmansk,
The White Sea and Artic Greenland;
Magellan on a Mediterranean Odyssey
Voyage, and Columbus embarking on
a 121-night Grand Round the World in
January 2018.
New for 2017, Columbus and Magellann
are offering eight ‘multi-generational
cruise’s which gives guests the
chancebto cruise with their children and
grandchildren.
An eight night Majestic Fjordland cruise
on Columbus in a standard twin cabin costs
from £610pp, based on two guests sharing.
An upgrade to a junior balcony suite on the
same voyage costs £1890pp. The voyage
leaves from Dundee or Newcastle and visits
Bergen, Flåm, Eidfjord and Ulvik in Norway.
cruiseandmaritime.com
JET2HOLIDAYS and Solmar Villas
have joined forces, making hundreds
of European properties available
under a new brand called Jet2Villas.
Under the new trading agreement,
Solmar’s range of villas across
a number of popular holiday
destinations, including mainland
Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Canary
Islands, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus,
Turkey and Croatia, is now being
marketed through Jet2Villas.com.
Solmar’s range of villa rentals
include family-friendly properties,
luxury villas, remote hideaways and
villas within hotel grounds. Solmar
has seen its sales increase by more
than 32% in the last two years.
It is the first time that the package
holiday specialist has offered a
dedicated villa rental proposition.
Customers booking villas will also
be able to take advantage of package
benefits like flights and car hire.
Julie Blake, Managing Director of
Solmar Villas said: “We have over 20
years’ experience in this marketplace.
All of our villas are hand-picked.”
jet2villas.com

Distinctive Africa unveils brochure
TRAVEL retailers can now request
Distinctive Africa’s new brochure. Packed
with itineraries across Africa, the itineraries
cover destinations thst include South
Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia,
Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania and more.
The Explore Tanzania itinerary
combines a safari and a stay in Zanzibar.
It is priced from £2940pp. The Explore
Botswana option start from £3100pp.
distinctiveafrica.co.uk
December start for Sandals’ Barbados luxury
SANDALS Resorts International is
to open the luxury-oriented Sandals
Royal Barbados open on December 20.
The resort, the group’s second property
on the island, which will bring Sandals’
rooms on the island up to 502, will offer
222 all-concierge and butler-level suites.
Situated next to Sandals Barbados, the
new resort is set to be a “game changer”
for Sandals, says Chairman Butch
Stewart. It will feature Sandals’ first-
ever rooftop infinity pool, a beachfront
glass infinity pool, gentlemen’s only
barber shop, Red Lane Spa, four bars,
and five international restaurants. There
will also be an entertainment pavilion
with a bowling alley, living room and
games room.
Those staying in the top suites will be
able to take advantage of chauffeured
Rolls-Royce airport transfers.
sellingsandals.co.uk

sellingtravel.co.uk

News-JulyAugust.indd 63 7/19/17 07:06 PM

 64 the review

New tours from Riviera

EXCLUSIVE
SUMMER
OFFERS

ANANTARA DHIGU
MALDIVES
Stay under 6 nights and receive
25% Discount
Stay 7 nights or more and receive
30% Discount
PLUS FREE Upgrade to HB
Valid for stays between now and 27 Dec 17

BY LAURA GELDER
FURAVERI ISLAND
RESORT MALDIVES RIVIERA Travel’s new European and
AMAZING SUMMER OFFER – Worldwide Collection for 2017/18 includes
45% Discount on Room Rate new tours covering Thailand, Burma, Costa
45% Discount on Half Board + Full Board Rica and a new Nile cruise.
Reduced All Inclusive Supplement
The 16-day Burma, River Kwai and
Valid for stays between now – 23 Dec 17
Thai Beach trip is priced from £2,399pp
and visits Rangoon, Mandalay, Bagan and
Inle Lake in Burma before guests take an
excursion out to The Bridge over the River
BANYAN TREE Kwai in central Thailand before enjoying
VABBINFARU a three-day beach stay in the Gulf of
SPECIAL REDUCED ROOM RATES Thailand at an Anantara resort.
PLUS Complimentary Transfers Costa Rica – from the Caribbean to the
AND 60 Mins Spa Treatment
Pacific, is a 13-day trip that leads in at
Valid for stays between now - 30 Sept 17
£2,539pp. It visits Costa Rica’s Caribbean
coastline in Tortuguero National Park; the
still-active Arenal Volcano; the remote
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, renowned
for its incredible birdlife; the Monteverde
Cloud Forest and a coffee estate tour. It
ends with three nights at a five-star resort
overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
A new 14-day Thailand-only tour splits
its time between Chiang Mai, Bangkok and
the Andaman beach resort of Khao Lak. it
starts from £1,799pp.
The Nile cruise comes in two packages:
11 days from the Pyramids to Luxor, for
£1,895pp, and 15 days from the Pyramids
to Aswan, for £2,469pp. Each starts out
from Cairo and takes in the Pyramids.
rivieratravel.co.uk

COCO BODU HITHI

MADLIVES NEWS TO USE IN BRIEF
FREE NIGHTS Stay 7 Pay 5
PLUS Book 45 days in advance METROPOLIS AVANI Residences is set
Receive 7% Discount on Rates to launch in Auckland, New Zealand this
PLUS Complimentary Meal Upgrade
October. The 40-storey hotel is centrally
From BB to Half Board
situated amidst extensive dining, shopping
Valid for stays between now – 31 Oct 17
and entertainment options with Auckland
Art Gallery and Waterfront both within
walking distance. The 370-room hotel will
ALSO FIND EXCLUSIVE DEALS FOR TRAVEL TRADE offer a mix of one- and two-bedroom
PERSONNEL ONLY ON OUR WEBSITE modern apartments with impressive skyline
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OVER 200 HOTELS AND A SELECTION OF TOURS AVAILABLE
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MALDIVES - SRI LANKA - MAURITIUS - SEYCHELLES
INDIA - UAE – CARIBBEAN- GREECE- NEW CRUISING AND SAILING. LOW - COST airline Norwegian is to
INCLUDING EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR SUMMER 2017
launch a new direct flight from Gatwick to
WINTER 2017/18 RATES AND SUMMER 2018 ARE NOW ONLINE
Buenos Aires in February 2018. The airline
will offer year-round four weekly flights on
its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Ezeiza
International Airport, with fares starting at
£299 one-way.
norwegian.com/uk
CAPE TOWN’S newest hotel has opened
on the V&A Waterfront. The Manor House is
tucked away as an annex to the Queen
Victoria Hotel, with butler-serviced and
executive suites that feature views of Table
Mountain from a private patio or balcony.
Features include a private dining service
from the Queen Victoria’s top-rated
restaurant, Dash, and a gym and spa.
newmarkhotels.com

osborneandebel.com
All above offers are subject to availability. Terms & Conditions Apply

sellingtravel.co.uk
OE-JulyAugust.indd 1 7/19/17 03:44 PM

News-JulyAugust.indd 64 7/19/17 07:06 PM

Untitled-7 1 7/19/17 12:10 PM
 66 the review: checking out
Checking out...
S T A Y : DI AMON D S DR E AM OF AF R IC A – Malindi, Kenya
BY BENJAMIN COREN
THE BACKGROUND: A member of Small
Luxury Hotels, the boutique beachside
property has an Indo-Arab styled villa feel
to it and draws inspiration from Malindi’s
colonial Italian influences. The hotel has 35
rooms, the majority of which are junior suites.
THE LOCATION: The resort is on a stretch
of beach in Malindi, a two-hour drive from
Mombasa Airport and 10 minutes from
Malindi town.
THE ROOM: I stayed in a Junior Suite with
its own outside terrace and a garden view.
Inside was a comfortable king-size bed, a
sitting area, flat screen TV and desk. There
was a well-stocked mini-bar and fresh fruit
in the room on arrival was a nice touch. The
large bathroom had a Jacuzzi bathtub, walk-
in shower and double wash basins. Wifi is
available throughout the hotel (a seemingly
uncommon luxury in Kenya) and I could
access it from my room).
KEY FACILITIES: The hotel has a
swimming pool and gym facilities, not to
S T A Y : W E S T HOU S E HO T E L – New York City, USA
BY BENJAMIN COREN
THE BACKGROUND: The Art Deco-style
boutique hotel has 172 deluxe bedrooms and
suites in the upmarket heart of Manhattan.
THE LOCATION: The WestHouse hotel is
located on 55th Street West in Midtown. The
57th Street and 7th Avenue Subway stations
are a quick stroll away. JFK International
Checking out FINAL_July-August.indd 66
©R.PATTI
mention easy access to the beach from the
terrace. The Myua African Rain Spa is on-site
and available at an extra cost. Numerous
tours and excursions can be arranged from
the hotel including safari, watersports and
cultural tours.
RESTAURANTS/BARS: The main
restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and
dinner at set times throughout the day. The
property is all-inclusive. Dishes on offer
Airport is a 45-minute train journey.
THE ROOM: I stayed in a twin room, which
had two double beds. The mid-sized room
was bright with a large window offering city
views. The room was divided into the main
bedroom area and the bathroom. In-room
amenities include a desk, large TV, chair and
an entrance hall with cupboards and drawers.
sellingtravel.co.uk
HOTELS / RESORTS / TRAIN
JOURNEYS / CRUISES /
include freshly-caught seafood as well as a
menu fusing local ingredients and styles with
traditional Italian influences. There is also an
a la carte restaurant and pool bar. The main
bar serves some premium spirits at a charge
alongside all-inclusive drinks.
Casaurina Road, Malindi, Kenya
 dreamofafrica.diamondsresorts.com
 +254 720 607075
 info.doa@diamonds-resorts.com
The bathroom had a marble finish, with a
glassfront rain shower.
KEY FACILITIES: Guests are required to
pay a nightly resident’s fee of $42 plus tax
to cover hotel services and amenities. The
breakfast lounge features a barista bar and
tea is served during the afternoons. The tariff
also includes light food and snacks in the
evenings served in the downstairs bar as
well as covering some alcoholic drinks. There
is high-speed wifi throughout the hotel. A
small fitness centre on the third floor is open
around the clock.
RESTAURANTS/BARS: The hotel lacks
a traditional restaurant although there is
a breakfast buffet served every morning
covered by the resident’s fee in The Terrace
on the 23rd floor. There is a fully-stocked bar
in the lobby.
WestHouse Hotel, 201 W 55th St, New York,
 westhousehotelnewyork.com
 welcome@westhousehotelnewyork.com
AIRPORT REVIEWS
THE VERDICT
"The villa-style feel to the
hotel was refreshing and
relaxing after the safaris
and several internal flights.
The welcome drinks upon
arrival were greatly
appreciated. The spacious
and private rooms are very
luxurious and the slower
pace of things here makes
it a great place to recharge
the batteries."
RATES: Low season all
inclusive per room per night
rates are $230. Half-board
is $173. During the high
season, all-inclusive is $380
per night and half-board is
$285.
T H E V E R D I CT
The hotel’s central location,
with good connections to the
city and surrounding
boroughs, is excellent for
travellers wanting to stay in
Manhattan. The casual
breakfast and evening snacks
covered by the resident’s fee
gives the hotel a more
informal, relaxed feel. With
New York City on the doorstep
guests are spoilt for choice
with dining and
entertainment options.
RATES: From around £276
per night, along with a daily
$42 resident’s fee.
7/19/17 07:24 PM
 “From one citizen you gather the idea that Mauritius was made first,
and then heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.”
Mark Twain, April 1896

Our island boasts luxurious beaches,

pristine landscapes, a sunny climate,a
rich heritage and the cultural wealth of
its warm-hearted people. Offering an
amazing combination of relaxation and
exhilarating activities, Mauritius indeed
defines perfection all year round. Discover
for yourself new horizons brimming with
unforgettable experiences and an uplifting
sense of the sweetness and joy of living.

Download our mobile app for free ! www.tourism-mauritius.mu

Untitled-7
Untitled-4 1 7/19/17 12:12
18/07/2017 PM
17:29
 10 REASONS
To recommend our river cruises to your customers...
More customers from the UK UK regional rail connections on
choose Riviera Travel for their many Eurostar departures.
European River Cruises than
any of our competitors. No discounting - everyone enjoys
the same great value.
Four brand new five-star ships in
the last four years with another
five brand new five-star ships Best prices in the premium river
in 2017. cruise sector.

Relaxed itineraries - more time High repeat booking ratio.

in each destination.

Tea and Coffee making facilities in
all cabins.
Direct flights from many regional
airports.
Don't just take our word for it!
Which? Magazine awarded us best
River Cruise Operator as well as
receiving their prestigious Which?
Recommended Provider for cruise
operators in February 2017.

Please vote for us as your winner in the 2017 Agent Choice Awards.

Book online, or call: 01283 744370

For agency sales support, email: agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk
Riviera Travel booking terms and conditions apply.

Untitled-7
Untitled-1 1 7/19/17 12:12
17/07/2017 PM
09:27

Man and machine
The future of travel tech is in the spotlight, reports Benjamin Coren
What is Advantage?
WE sat down with
Advantage’s head of
Business Development,
David Moon, to discuss The Advantage
Travel Partnership and what it does for
leisure travel companies.
The Advantage Partnership is the
UK’s largest independent travel
agent group, made up of leisure and
business agents.
“The partnership is member owned,
this means all of our members are
shareholders in the business. So, in
terms of driving profits, it benefits the
members and that’s quite unique. Our
members have their destiny in their
own hands.”
Advantage provides numerous
benefits to its members. David
added: “Most members have to tick
the commercial boxes, we find out
what make them more profitable.
This means people joining from
other consortia can be confident the
commercial terms are strong.
“We offer huge assistance in
marketing and engaging with customer
for our partners and we provide
support in terms of business planning
and review, we are able to work with
our members in a lot of different ways.”
Advantage offers two forms
of membership; the standard
membership encompasses the
previously addressed points. The other
is Advantage Managed Services, which
is a bit like a franchise scheme.
“We provide agents with an
infrastructure with our managed
services and we manage supply
payments on their behalf so they
can concentrate on sales and
marketing. ”
To join the consortia, members
can get in touch with Advantage
who will in turn go through their
business with them and highlight
growth points. advantagemembers.com
Advantage.indd 69
the review: show report
 FRANCE – MAY 12-15, 2017
Agents must embrace tech
BY BENJAMIN COREN
RAPID technological change new tech as travellers look for greater
is afoot and will continue to central and seamless connectivity.”
impact on the travel industry – and travel Pritchard also demonstrated to delegates
agents need to embrace it rather than the risks of being hit by a cyber-attack by
ignore or fear it, Deloitte’s Alistair Pritchard showing a short film showing the risk
told the Advantage Conference. and potential damage businesses face.
Pritchard said: “Travel agents need to However, he said specialist advice and up-
evolve faster to keep pace with the changing to-date anti-virus software are satisfactory
face of business and consumer preferences.” preventative measures.
He added that technology would disrupt “Travel agents need to be experts in not
the way travel is planned and executed: only providing inspirational offerings but
“Technology is evolving and travel also in providing up-to-date and real-time
companies are ever-experimenting with travel advice.” advantagemembers.com
Princess Cruises’ Medallion has personality
PRINCESS Cruises’s new wearable
Ocean Medallion disc is to debut on Regal
Princess in November and will replace the
current key cards. The 10pence-sized disc
is sent to passengers pre-trip and allows
access to rooms, shopping, food and
drink ordering and will create a far more
personalised experience for customers.
princess.com
sellingtravel.co.uk
69
IN BRIEF
VOICE recognition technology is still
a long way from having the ‘common
sense’ to deal with complex bookings,
Clearleft’s User Experience Strategist
Ben Sauer, told delegates.
“From a customer service perspective,
voice AI will be capable of dealing with
people’s basic requests.
“However, you would still need
someone to deal with more complex
requests. While voice search is getting
better, it is not good at presenting
people with choices.”
PA D DY Power’s Féilim Mac An
Iomaire advised independent travel
agents on how risk taking can benefit
marketing efforts.
“Being different in your approach to
marketing can pay off, find your own
brand purpose and remain true to it.
Search the news agenda for daily
opportunities”, he said. “Choose your
targets wisely and don’t be afraid to fail.
If there’s something travel-related or
scandalous, you can piggyback that.”
DELEGATES seemed delighted to
discover that the 2018 Advantage
Conference will be held in Miami,
Florida. The event, to be held on May
10-13, will be hosted at the Trump
National Doral Miami Hotel.
“Exponential growth
will see technology
advance hugely over
the next decade.
We are going to see
1,000 years worth of
innovation”
JASON BRADBURY, KEYNOTE
SPEAKER
7/19/17 11:14 AM
 70 the review: show report

 LONDON, JUNE 12-14

For the Latin lovers

Julie Baxter checks out all the news from Experience Latin America

Inkaterra Amazon UK market remains strong Air lift on the up

move
INKATERRA announced the launch of a
new hotel in the heart of the Tampobata
National Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon
called the Inkaterra Guides Field Station.
Guests will have the option of staying
in one of four ‘cabanas’ (small cabins) or,
one of two large ‘pavilions’ featuring eight
rooms that sleep up to four guests.
The Inkaterra Guides Field Station
includes a restaurant serving local
delicacies and an eco-centre designed to
educate guests on the local flora and fauna.
One night’s stay is priced from £60pp.
inkaterra.com/guides-field-station
LATA successes
LATA Achievement Awards went to
the Nicaragua Tourist Board, Aqua
Expeditions, Belize Tourist Board and
Darius Morgan Jr of Crillon Tours.
Announced at Experience Latin
America, the awards recognised
sustainable and responsible tourism in
Nicaragua; Aqua Expeditions’ customer
service levels; an innovative virtual expo
being run by Belize (June 29-30) and
promotional activities by Crillon Tours,
particularly for its focus on Bolivia.
CEO of LATA, Tony Mason says: “Latin
America has had an outstanding year
SALES to Latin America are holding up well
with over 80% of tour operators reporting
growth in bookings to the region in the
first quarter of 2017, compared to the same
period in 2016.
Despite political and economic
uncertainty in the UK, a LATA survey of travel
professionals and consumers revealed
that more than 62% of tour operator
respondents reported a growth in bookings
in 2016 (vs 2015) – although worryingly for
agents 76% of bookings were made direct
The most popular type of bookings were
multi-destination trips, tailor-made holidays
and highlights tours, with wildlife and
nature, culture, history and heritage and
luxury products most in demand. The over-
55s accounted for a significant 43% or those
travelling from the UK.
The survey details were unveiled at
Experience Latin America in London where
130 exhibitors, including tourist boards,
airlines, operators, local DMCs, cruise and
transportation companies, met key suppliers.
INCREASED air access to Latin
America is helping to raise the
destination’s profile and build sales.
Aeromexico increased flights
between Heathrow and Mexico City to
daily non-stop service in May. Air Europa
has launched services from Madrid to
San Pedro Sula in Honduras departing
weekly (from £405 from London).
Iberia has confirmed that it will raise
capacity on its Madrid–Lima route
this July and August, offering three
additional flights each week. The extra
overnight flights will take place on
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,
facilitating connections at both ends.
In September, LATAM will launch a
new direct flight from Lima, Peru, to
Tucumán, Argentina, and in October
will also start operating a direct
service from Santiago, Chile, to three
cities in Argentina – San Juan, Neuquén
and Tucumán – opening up the region
further for international visitors.
United Airlines has announced a
new year-round daily, non-stop service
between New York and Buenos Aires,
Argentina, starting in October.
In addition, the airline has increased
its year-round, daily service to Bogota,
Colombia, from New York, with an
additional daily flight until August 14.
iberia.com; aireuropa.com; latam.com;

in terms of tourism growth from the UK with operators. experiencelatinamerica.travel united.com

and Europe and this has been in part

thanks to the commitment, innovation
and enthusiasm of these teams and
businesses.” lata.travel
CATA pulls together for growth
THE Central American Tourism Association is “Latin America has
targeting growth in multi-centre travel. had an outstanding
A third of UK visitors already take multi-
centre trips and this is predicted to rise to
year in terms of
75% of all trips by 2020. The seven countries tourism growth from
of the region will focus on promoting their the UK and Europe”
shared Mayan culture, wildlife credentials,
TONY MASON, CEO, LATA
UNESCO sites, volcanoes, lakes and
adventure activities. visitcentroamerica.com

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ELA Show report.indd 70 7/19/17 08:30 PM


U.S. puts on a show
Steve Hartridge hears encouraging sounds from the nation’s capital
D.C. shows many sides
THE nation’s capital expects a tourism
boom after hosting IPW for the first
time in the event’s 49-year history.
Washington D.C., which showed
off its new ‘MyDCcool’ brand to
delegates, expects to attract more
than one million additional visitors to
the region over the next three years,
Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO,
Destination DC, told Selling Travel.
“IPW is a five-day advertisement
of Washington, D.C.,” he added.
“Delegates got to see what we offer
beyond our iconic buildings like the
White House, the Capitol Building and
the Lincoln Memorial... such as our
diverse neighbourhoods, our thriving
arts and restaurant scenes, how the
city looks from the water and the
many museums and monuments that
tell our country’s history.”
D.C. has plenty that is new: last
September saw the opening of the
Smithsonian’s National Museum of
African American History and Culture,
a $2-billion wharf development in the
city’s southwest district is taking shape,
and 2018 will see the opening of the
Museum of the Bible.
Added Ferguson: “Our #MyDCcool
campaign shows the personal
connection visitors and locals have
with our city, whether that’s sharing
a meal, shopping or simply a sunset
photo from an iconic landmark.”
washington.org
IPW_ShowReport.indd 71
 WASHINGTON D.C. USA, JUNE 3-7
Welcome mat out for tourists
THE U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA
offered ‘One Big Welcome’ to all guests
attending IPW in Washington, D.C.
The annual travel trade show took place
against a backdrop of President Trump’s
proposed ‘travel ban’ and his threat to
eliminate Brand USA, the body charged with
promoting the country overseas – but
organisers were keen to strike positive notes.
“Our message is that the U.S. is open to
business from the rest of the world and
remains as welcoming as it has always been,
said Roger Dow, President and CEO of the
U.S. Travel Association.
Dow noted that the perception that the
U.S. is limiting entry to travellers (since
Trump took office) doesn’t match the reality:.
Increased airlift should see Sacramento get the trip
SACRAMENTO, California’s capital,
expects to feature on the radar of more
visitors after both Virgin Atlantic and
British Airways started new services into
the Bay Area in March – from Manchester
to San Francisco and Gatwick to Oakland
respectively – and Thomas Cook launched
a new flight between Manchester and San
Francisco on May 14.
sellingtravel.co.uk
the review: show report
“There has been little change in travel
policy and we are busy communicating
this,” he said.
On the threat to Brand USA’s existence,
Dow told delegates: “I promise you, Brand
USA is here to stay. With all that’s going on
in the world, unilaterally disarming the
marketing of the U.S. as a travel destination
would be to surrender market share at the
worst possible time.”
Visitor numbers to the US were up 4%
year on year in April, surprising those who
thought tourists would be deterred by
President Donald Trump’s attempted travel
bans. However, numbers from the UK
are down 6% over the last year.
ustravel.org
The state capital, an easy 90-minute drive
from the Bay City, “is San Francisco’s edgy,
cool little brother,” said Lucy Steffans of
the Sacramento CVB.
“With its exciting gastronomy offerings,
hip city centre and gold rush history,
Sacramento is a destination that does not
feature on everyone’s California trip, but it
should do!” she added. visitsacramento.com
71
SHOW SNIPPETS
A NEW high-speed rail service will
link Miami’s downtown with Orlando by
2019. The first phase, which will connect
Miami and West Palm Beach (one hour),
with a stop in Fort Lauderdale (30
minutes), is expected to start running
this summer. The plan is to add Orlando
in 2019. The Miami-Orlando journey will
take around three hours.
gobrightine.com
THE Cave of the Winds, an attraction
at Niagara Falls in New York State that
sees visitors get up close (and wet) with
the spectacular cataract, will be open
year round from this autumn. In previous
years the attraction has been shut
during autumn and winter.
caveofthewinds.com
THE 50th IPW will be held in Denver,
Colorado, from May 19-23, 2018. The city
has pencilled in after-hours events at
the Denver Performing Arts Complex
and Mile High Stadium. The final-night
party will be held at Red Rocks Park and
Ampitheatre, where U2 recorded Under A
Blood Red Sky in 1983.
denver.org; colorado.com;
NEW York City welcomed 60.7 million
visitors in 2016, the City’s seventh
consecutive year for record-breaking
tourism numbers. nyc.gov
7/19/17 04:48 PM
 72 the review: show report
Northern exposure
Steve Hartridge rounds up the news from TTM in Thailand’s hill country
Talking TTM
CHRIS LEE,
TOURISM THAILAND,
UK
How was Thai Travel Mart this year?
I think this TTM was probably our
best ever. The group of UK and Irish
tour operators we had here from the
UK and Ireland was exceptional. Not
just the biggest and best-producers
– although we had some of those
with us – but also a nice range of
specialist operators as well. The
contracting, from what I understand,
went extremely well, and I think
there is a very positive feel about
Thailand going forward this year.
What did you think about what your
Minister of Tourism and Sports,
Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, said at
the show?
I have had the pleasure of meeting
the minister on several occasions
and during my time with TAT she is
by far the most passionate Minister
of Tourism we have had. She has
an obvious commitment and a
genuine wish to help the people of
Thailand achieve better lives and
believes tourism can help with that.
One particular statement struck
me: when she talked about tourism
being the bridge that closes the gap
between the rich getting richer and
the poor getting poorer.
Several UK tour operators at TTM
told Selling Travel that TAT lends
them some of the best support of
any tourist board. How do you work
to achieve this?
Well, that is good for me to hear!
I am passionate about the trade
and its part of my own background.
Tour operators are right at the
centre of our campaign strategy.
Despite being competitors, they
come together to help me plan
activities as a group rather than
in isolation.
Thai Travel Report.indd 72
 CHIANG MAI, THAILAND, JUNE 14-17
Chiang Mai ends on a high
THAILAND Travel Mart ended a two-year Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Among
run in Chiang Mai last month, with tourism a large delegation of UK tour operators was
officials and buyers hailing the tourism Gavin Dixon, from Freedom Destinations,
show as one of the best in recent years. who commented: “Tourism Thailand is the
The annual showcase of the country’s most active tourist board of any of the
tourism products saw over 15,000 business destinations we work with. It pushes the
appointments staged between 419 buyers boat out to get all the main tour operators,
from 56 countries and 360 sellers from and many smaller ones, out to the country
Thailand plus neighbouring countries for Thailand Travel Mart, and provides all the
Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. necessary support in terms of sponsorship.
The number of buyers was up over 21% “It was a great show this year and has
on 2016, the best turn-out in over six years. become an essential mark in the diary
An estimated 1.441 million baht ($41.2 for any product manager as it keeps our
million) worth of business transactions knowledge fresh and bang up to date.”
were made, according to a survey by the tourismthailand.co.uk
Five countries join forces for a regional edge
UNDER the banner ‘Moving Towards
Shared Prosperity’ five regional neighbours
– Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and
Thailand (the ‘CLMVT’ nations) shared the
TTM stage to promote common tourism
experiences, shared cultural attractions
and values, cruises that venture through
two or more of their countries and growing
opportunities for cross-border travel.
sellingtravel.co.uk
IN BRIEF
THAILAND is to grow the number of
villages qualified to become members of
a nationwide tourism scheme designed
to ensure a more equal spread of
tourism income. Currently the country
has 264 community-based tourism
projects but will be adding another 99
over the next year.
THAILAND is targeting ‘niche’ tourists
with an interest in wellness, spa and
health breaks. Muay Thai (Thai boxing) is
another growing sector with one UK
operator, with Muay Thai Holidays already
taking up to 800 clients out for this
activity, said TAT’s Chris Lee.
A M I C H E L I N guide coming to
Thailand later this year will increase the
culinary appeal of the country and its
reputation as a place for great food
experiences, ranging from fine dining to
street food, Mason Florence, Chairman of
the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Academy,
told TTM delegates.
THAILAND recorded international
visitor arrivals of 14.6 million in
January-May 2017, up 3.2% over the
same period in 2016.
THE next Thailand Travel Mart will
take place in Pattaya, June 13-15 2018.
“Our aim is to tempt
more tourists out to
our regions, to see
Thai people in their
communities and in
their places of work”
PATARAPORN SITHIVANICH,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TOURISM
AUTHORITY OF THAILAND
7/19/17 08:16 PM
Untitled-2 1 10/07/2017 09:24

84 Moo 5, Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320, Thailand

For reservation E-mail : reservation@tongsaibay.co.th
Tel: + 66 (0) 77 913 750 Fax: +66 (0) 77 425 462

Untitled-3 1 14/07/2017 11:33

Untitled-7 1 7/19/17 12:17 PM

 74 thailand

bright
spots
Thailand remains an enduring
favourite but operators are still
adding and combining ‘new
regions’, as Steve Hartridge
discovers on a tour of some of
the southern islands

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Thailand.indd 74 7/19/17 08:06 PM

 thailand 75

T
he sun is slowly sliding behind the sensory overload of sounds, fragrances and
shadowy limestone karsts that sprout sights in Bangkok one day, be trekking among
from the seabed like sentinels guarding dense foliage in the north of the country
entrance to Thailand’s southern islands. the next and be lying on the most idyllic
There are no signs of the dolphins that of deserted beaches a few days later.
are often spotted bouncing along in the David Kevan of Chic Locations enthused:
Andaman Sea, but some jumping fish are “Thailand is a great destination for repeat
doing their best to keep up with our luxury visitors and, for us, the easiest destination
speedboat as we hurry to get deep among the to build multi-centre, tailormade itineraries.
islands in time for our Champagne sunset. We customise everything and even for
There is not another sailing boat in sight clients who have been here five or six
as the uneven vertical shapes that surround times it is very easy to come up with
us – actually dissolved layers of ancient coral another new Thailand itinerary for them.”
bedrock that have been lifted out of the sea In northern Thailand, Chiang Mai, the host of
by plate movements and formed into cliffs this year’s Thailand Travel Mart, offers a wealth
and caves – take on their dramatic twilight of experiences inside its historic walls: you can
form of charcoal- browse touristy night
coloured silhouettes. markets, stroll among
This is Thailand
at its most dazzling,
“I went into a bar in Koh Lak more local food stalls
– sensitive Brits might
away from the night and there was a guy singing. want to turn a blind eye
spots, the beach The bar had a bandstand all to bags of live frogs, or,
parties and the
set up with five mikes and a as we did, buy the whole
‘Elvis bars’; Thailand ‘army’ and set them free
as it deserves to drum set. I asked ‘when do the in the nearby Ping River
be discovered; a band come on’ and the barmaid - explore gold-covered
place of spectacular
said: ‘high season’” temples with names
natural beauty. such as ‘The Temple with
DAVID KEVAN, CHIC LOCATIONS
I am on a twilight Important Buddha’ and
cruise offered by ‘The Huge Stupa,’ watch
Cape Kudu, a new property that opened earlier saffron-robed monks collecting alms from
this year on the island of Koh Yao Noi. This is passers-by and even fix any broken teeth in
one of a plethora of smaller islands that the one of the many excellent but bargain dentists
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pushing that seem to found in almost every ‘soi’ (road).
as an alternative to Phuket or paired with Along with Chiang Rai, the town is the starting
the popular island as a ‘twin-centre’ option. point for activities such as visits to hill tribe
Far too soon we are zipping back to our villages, jungle trekking, elephant interaction
hotel, and those ghostly limestone gargoyles experiences and rafting (on bamboo craft).
recede behind us. But our evening is far But it is the string of southern islands,
from over: as we arrive the hotel staff are and their greater accessibility after an
setting up the tables for our beach barbecue influx of new airlift into Phuket, that
– more fabulous lobster, prawns, Yam Woon attracted the attention of a group UK
Sen seafood soup and green curry.

Hopping to it
For the tourist – and for agents - Thailand
is a veritable land of plenty.
More than a million UK nationals visited in
2016 and despite some recent challenges – a
price-busting offer from Malaysian Airlines, with
fares as low as £299, saw consumer and trade
interest temporarily divert to other regional
destinations like Malaysia and Bali during the
key booking period last November, December
and January – the destination remains the
leading light for Asia-specialist tour operators.
Thailand can also point to a repeat
visitor rate of around 65% from the UK –
and it is not hard to understand why the
numbers of returning visitors are so high.
The diversity of destinations and experiences Main picture: Limestone-formed shapes rise from the sea
in Phng Ngay Bay; above: the spa at The Racha, a luxury
on offer means you can be soaking up the property on Ko Racha Yai

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Thailand.indd 75 7/19/17 08:06 PM

 76 thailand

Above: Cooling off at Paradise Koh Yao on Koh Yao Noi; .
kayaking is an activity offered by most island resorts
tour operators who zipped around consider some of these lesser-known islands.
several islands on TAT’s post-TTM fam, billed For example, I really liked Paradise Resort
‘Island Hopping by Design’, last month. on Ko Yao Noi, and we already feature it.”
These islands – perhaps still best known for These islands can easily be incorporated
the Leonardo Di Caprio movie The Beach and into one multi-centre trip, says Chic Locations’
James Bond’s The Man With The Golden Gun, Kevan. “We do a lot of business that takes in
which were filmed around Phang Nga Bay – are Bangkok, Chiang Mai and then down to Phuket
easily accessible from ever-popular Phuket for a couple of nights. Our clients are looking
and are a current focus for Premier Holidays, for something that gives them an authentic
which has added several (islands) to its 2018 feel. They want to be adventurous during the
programme, which was released in July. day but come back to a room that has the
Says the operator’s Head of Faraway Product,
David Carlaw: “We have introduced a spread
of island-hopping tours for the first time.
These feature Islands such as Koh Racha, Koh
Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. We have also added
boutique properties like Cape Kudu on Koh Yao
Noi and Santhiya on Koh Yao Yai. Also new are
combinations of Phuket, Phi Phi and Koh Yao
Yai and Koh Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Koh Tao.
According to Gavin Dixon of Freedom
Destinations the smaller southern
islands are helping to keep Thailand’s
product “fresh and moving forward’.
“Phuket has become really busy and Samui is
over-commercialised now…the time is right to

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08:07
12:25
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 thailand 77

look and feel of the destination rather than Phang Nga Bay. Both properties are reached
just anywhere in the world – and Thailand’s via a 55-minute speedboat ride from Phuket.
off-the-usual-track islands fit this bill.” New on Khao Lak, less than an hour north of
Along with promoting its lesser-known Phuket’s airport, is the new five-star La Vela.
islands, and beaches such as Kha Nom, Ranong Open since early July, the resort is ultra-sleek
and Chumphon, other ‘niche segments’ being and full of glass and modernistic angles. It has
pushed by TAT include Muay Thai (boxing), spa an enormous swimming pool with swim-up
and wellness, community-based tourism, luxury, areas almost up to the doors of the poolside
gastronomy and animal welfare experiences. villas. It’s beach-facing bar and restaurant might
just offer the best seafood barbecue in Thailand.
What’s new  Tour operators: Gold Medal/Travel 2
 Hotels and Resorts: Tongsai Bay (tongsaibay. (goldmedal.co.uk; travel2.com) is planning a Megafam
co.th) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year in November across the two brands, with 36
with a special offer. The Tongsai Bay Celebratory agents split into four groups visiting Phuket/
Package is a four-day, three-night deal priced Kao Lak, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Krabi
from THB 38,000 (£865, including 7% VAT & respectively. The emphasis of the fam will be
10% service charge). to show the agents the
For two people sharing, proximity of several
it includes three islands to Phuket and
nights in a Seafront “Stay on one of the smaller how easy it is to put
Cottage, a bottle of
islands like Koh Yao Noi and together a twin centre,
Iron Balls Gin, the 1 says Rebecca Turner,
Year One: ‘A Taste of take a speedboat to Phuket or Senior Product Manager
Yesteryear’ dinner for a ferry to Krabi to see more of for both brands.
two, a complimentary
the local area” Travel 2 had added
cocktail per person per Cape Kudu, on Koh Yao
DAVID CARLAW, PREMIER HOLIDAYS
stay, daily breakfast Noi, to its programme.
and round-trip Travel agents can
airport transfers. For offer customers
reservations, email: reservation@tongsaibay.co.th free room upgrades to a pool villa
Layana Resort Koh Lanta (layanaresort.com) in for stays until October 31 2017.
Krabi province is an adults-only resort that is Turquoise Holidays (turquoiseholidays.co.uk) and
undergoing some refurbishment work until TAT have published a children’s storybook about
September. Three Ocean Deluxe Villas are a child who falls asleep and dreams of meeting
being converted into two-storey Jacuzzi villas, an elephant and embarking on a journey
with 100 sqm living space on two levels and through Thailand. Around 25,000 copies will
featuring newly built en-suite bathrooms. be distributed to Turquoise clients, with Family
Also planned is a new modern lounge area. Traveller magazine and elsewhere. Designed
Paradise Koh Yao (themccollection.co.uk) on Koh to highlight family travel to Thailand and the
Yao Noi is building a sister property. Located destination’s suitability for children of all ages,
on the same stretch of beach but high in the proceeds from the book will go to a Thai charity.
rainforest, Treehouse Villas will consist of  Airlines: Middle East carriers Etihad
25 units, each with their own infinity plunge (etihad.com), Emirates (emirates.com) and Qatar
Clockwise from top: Tree House Villas will open on the
pools and accessed via their own private (qatarairways.com) now all fly to Phuket, which tropical island of Koh Yao Noi later this year; cooking
suspension bridge. Due to open later in the has opened up more options for travellers classes and demonstrations are offered by many resorts;
breathtaking views are aplenty in Thailand’s islands; Infinity
year they will offer uninterrupted views of to Southern Thailand. Turkish Airlines pool at Paradise Koh Yao; A UK fam at Zeavola, Phi Phi Island

sellingtravel.co.uk

11:35
17 12:25 Thailand.indd 77 7/19/17 08:07 PM
 78 thailand
TRAVEL ADVICE FOR OCTOBER
Tourists should look out for any official
travel advisories for October 25-29, during
the royal cremation ceremony of King
Bhumibol Adulyadej. Tourism Minister
Kobkarn Wattanavrangul has already
advised tourists to stay outside Bangkok
during the cremation period “to alleviate
traffic congestion”. It will mostly be
business as usual in other areas of
Bangkok. Tourists have also been requested
to wear ‘polite clothing’ during this time.
Clockwise: Sign up for a yoga or Thai boxing class, offered at
many resorts; a speedboat, catamaran or luxury yacht tour is
the best why to see the islands; colourful boats at Zeavola
Thailand.indd 78
(turkishairlines.com) also started a four-times-weekly Yai to the New England seaside village-style décor
direct flight (from Istanbul) to Phuket on July 17. of Cape Kudu on Koh Yao Noi, we really have got
 Tourist board: TAT UK (tourismthailand.co.uk) is such a range now – that is great for us and great
planning up to 10 agent fam trips this year and for the product managers too.”
next. A series of Friends of Thailand roadshows, Chris Lee, Head of Marketing,
involving agents and operators, is scheduled Tourism Authority of Thailand
for early next year, taking in cities that include
Belfast, Cork, York, Sheffield and Cardiff. Where to book it
 PREMIER HOLIDAYS – 08444 937 444
Tourism talk The operator has a new island-hopping package
“This was the second year TAT ran an priced from £1,495pp for 13 nights, including
Island Hopping by Design itinerary. It is four nights in Phuket (Centara Villas), five nights
one way we can show the incredible in Phi Phi (Holiday Inn Resort) and four nights
diversity that we have got. Obviously, Phuket and in Koh Yao Yai (Koh Yao Yai Village), with the
Koh Samui will continue option to extend with
to dominate in terms of a stay in Bangkok. The
the numbers they attract, deal includes four-star
but I believe the smaller
“The more complex and accommodation with
islands hold one of the complicated the logistics of a breakfast, transfers and
keys to keeping things multi-island destination are return flights. The deal
new and exciting. is valid for travel in
“We are seeing a trend
the more likely it is the client October 2017.
where even those clients will book through the trade” trade.premierholidays.co.uk
who want a beach- CHRIS LEE, HEAD OF MARKETING  TRAVEL 2 –
TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND
centric holiday do not 0800 0224 182
want to stay in just one Seven nights at the
resort for two weeks. five-star Cape Kudu
“The smaller islands, which are less crowded and on Koh Yao Noi, staying in a pool villa on
very authentic, combine very well with the larger a B&B basis, is priced from £929pp. Return
islands. Also, the hotels we looked at this week fights are from Gatwick and the deal
(on the fam) are very different from each other. includes land and sea transfers. Valid for
“There was a time when I had a concern that travel September 1 and October 22 2017.
each new hotel that opened was not really travel2.com
distinguishing itself from the others; they were all  RIVIERA TRAVEL – 08444 937 444
beautiful Thai-style hotels. But that is changing A new 14-day Thailand-only tour splits
– from the barefoot luxury of Zeavola on Phi Phi its time between Chiang Mai, Bangkok
Island to the stunningly chic The Racha on Ko and the Andaman beach resort of Khao
Racha Yai; from the ultimate in Thai traditional Lak. It is priced from £1,799pp.
wood-dominated suites at Santhiya, on Koh Yao rivieratravel.co.uk 
sellingtravel.co.uk
7/19/17 08:07 PM 12269_C
 thailand 79

DISCOVER THE BEST

THAI HOSPITALITY
IN EXOTIC DESTINATIONS

#BookCentara
Centara’s gracious Thai hospitality is ever present in all of our hotels and resorts
in Thailand including Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Phuket, Samui,
Krabi and beyond in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Your clients can choose
from our city hotels with rooftop bars or luxurious beachfront resorts in top
tropical destinations. Whether looking to party, relax on the beach or uncover
a little culture, at Centara Hotels & Resorts, we bring ‘the land of smiles’ to
all our destinations, along with divine dining, award-winning spas
and a thousand ways to enjoy city or sea.

The brand new Centara Muscat Hotel, in Al Ghala, the Oman capital’s business
district is now open and will be followed by the luxurious Centara Grand Hotel Doha
later this year, set in the city’s West Bay Area.

For more information visit our dedicated trade website

centarahotelsresorts.com/b2b
rsouk@chr.co.th
01474 872727

THAILAND • MALDIVES • OMAN • QATAR • SRI LANKA • VIETNAM

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7/6/2560 08:07 PM
17:20

80 six of the best
Farm to table
From fine-dining restaurants to colourful beach shacks
there are numerous ways visitors can sample organic and
just-picked or caught local flavours in St. Kitts
The Kitchen at
Belle Mont
Farm
With a passion for
sustainable living, The
Kitchen at Belle Mont
Farm truly embraces
farm to table dining
using only the freshest and seasonal ingredients grown
on its extensive farms. Here, guests are encouraged to
forage from the edible landscape and, later, enjoy an
authentic culinary experience enhanced by the
imagination of the chefs.
Arthur’s Bar
& Restaurant
Dieppe Bay Beach, in the
island’s north, is the
home of this addition to
Belle Mont Farm’s
culinary offerings. At
Arthur’s, diners enjoy a
Sea to Fork at the Beach’ experience where local fishermen
show off their catch before it’s paired with produce from
the farm. Expect mahi mahi, snapper, ceviche and lobster.
ST KITTS_v5.indd 80
ADVERTORIAL
Spice Mill . Spratnet
Restaurant ‘We only eat the ones
Food, people and we catch’ is the motto
culture meet at this at Spratnet where
beachside restaurant at fishermen brothers
Cockleshell Bay where Mark and Jack have
owner Roger Brisbane brought the sea to
personally selects the table concept to this
‘catch of the day’ at the local fish market. Freshly-caught island hot spot. This no-fuss restaurant offers freshly-
fish prepared with local flavours and spices are the caught lobsters and snapper – one of the Caribbean’s
hallmarks of the Spice Mill’s seasonal menus, which favourites – served up with Johnny Cakes, potatoes and
feature dishes such as mahi mahi and coconut rice corn. And visitors can expect a dash of live Caribbean
washed down with exotic cocktails. music on the side.
Ital Creations Reggae Beach
at Fari Bar & Grill
Organic Farm Popular for seafood
With an ethos on clean favourites and fruit
eating and yoga, Ital punches, Reggae Beach
Creations, run by Judah Bar’s family- run
and Yaya, has put Coconut Farm produces
vegetarianism on the tropical fruits, seasonal
map in St. Kitts. At this roadside shack, under a mango tree, produce, organic eggs and rich amber-coloured honey
enjoy a legendary moringa shake and fire-roasted breadfruit (available from Summer 2017). On Fridays, all roads
and lentils from its organic farm. Then take a farm tour. lead to this lively beach spot for the weekly Lobster Fest.
GET TING THERE
British Airways operates a twice-weekly (Saturday and
Wednesday) Gatwick-St. Kitts service. Although ‘direct’, the
flight makes a brief stop in Antigua. batraveltrade.com
sellingtravel.co.uk
7/19/17 07:11 PM
 Y O U R G U I D E T O

Selling Canada

RUPERT PETERS, MD EUROPE

FOR DESTINATION CANADA
SPEAKING AT RVC2017:
“AS Canada celebrates its 150th
anniversary throughout 2017 it is very in
vogue in the UK market – and that feels
good. Demand has never been stronger but
we know we are in a very competitive
market so intend to work smarter and
more closely with regional partners to do
all we can to ensure we stand out from
other destinations.
“We have seen huge, unprecedented
growth of 17% in the past year and while we
are targetting a modest 4% in the coming
year we will actually be disappointed
if we don’t achieve nearer to 9%.
“Some 70% of our UK leisure business
comes through the trade. Brits want to deal
with those who have expert knowledge and
it is our role to ensure they understand our
‘wow’ factors and actively sell on our behalf.
“The UK has unrivalled air access to
cities across Canada and it is exciting to
see that increasingly our cities are being
viewed as cool, standalone destinations.
“We have also seen growing demand
for the fantastic food tours offered
across Canada and believe our
somewhat untold food story will gain
growing profile in the months ahead.
“Our strongest market is the good
old Baby Boomers (43%) but interest
Pictured: Let the celebrations begin! Canada kicks off
celebrations for its 150th anniversary in Ottawa from UK Millennials is also rising.”

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FINAL Restored.indd 81 7/19/17 11:47 AM


82 canada
Rendez-vous 2017
Canada’s stock is rising and it’s planning ahead for growth, reports Julie Baxter
Canada shows vision
THE Canadian Government and Destination
Canada’s new ‘Tourism Vision’ aims to see
international overnight visitor numbers climb
by 30% by 2021 and place Canada as a top 10
international destination by 2025.
Speaking at Rendez-vous 2017 in Calgary,
Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister
of Small Business and Tourism, unveiled
a plan backed by a significant increase
in government funding and focused on
marketing, access and products.
Destination Canada will receive CAN$95.5
million a year to promote the destination
globally, but with a specific focus on the
neighbouring American and millennial
markets. The emphasis will be on digital
technologies and partnerships with regional
partners. Improved and expanded air, cruise
and disability access will all be targetted
and specific product support will be given
to developing indigenous tourism, LGBTQ2
tourism activities and product suited to the
burgeoning Chinese market.
National Parks, culinary attractions,
Francophone heritage and Canada’s arts and
culture communities are at the heart of the
strategy as key tourism assets with strong
potential pulling power.
Minister Cheggars said: “Tourism is a key
driver for our economy and after our best
year for visitors yet we know the world
is watching us. We have a tendancy to be
modest but we must be more proud, share
our success with the world and be sure
it notices. We know they have identified
Canada as the place to visit in 2017 and our
Tourism Vision is designed to keep them
coming back for years beyond.”
canada.ca/tourism
FINAL Restored.indd 82
Canada
Royals kick off 150 fun
BY JULIE BAXTER
A YEAR of celebrations kicked off on July 1
as Canada started a year marking the 150th
anniversary of its confederation with a royal
visit by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of
Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall and the
launch of a nationwide programme of events.
The royal tour took in Canada’s capital
region, with the eyes of the world turned to
the capital Ottawa, for the opening festivities
on Canada Day.
World leaders, A-List celebrities, rovk band
U2 and vast crowds joined the festivities
across Ottawa, with the focus on the historic
Parliament Hill and live music from some of
Canada’s top performing artists.
Air Transat ups its trade support
sellingtravel.co.uk
Ottawa has used the anniversary year to
host a once-in-a-generation, year-long
programme of big, bold, immersive and
moving experiences, events and festivals.
The 150th celebrations are being marked
around the nation with special events and
commemorative investments
infrastructure which will all add interest and
opportunities for tourists too. Among
initiatives supporting the celebrations is free
entry to National Parks throughout 2017.
The royal visit also took in Iqaluit, Nunavut,
close to the Arctic Circle, where they met
local communities.
ottawatourism.ca; canada150.ca
AIR TRANSAT has appointed two sales
managers and a team member dedicated
to travel trade sales support.
Malcolm Aldcroft has joined as Sales
Manager for Southern England, with a key
focus on the London market, and Gail Kerr
joins as Sales Manager for Northern
England, Scotland and Ireland. Both have
extensive airline experience, and will
be supported by Tony McSorley, appointed
Rocky rolls
out a feast
ROCKY Mountaineer has combined its
best-selling routes with new culinary
experiences and soft adventures for its
2018 itineraries.
Two new packages are available to
book now. Both include the luxury train
journey through the Canadian Rockies,
with three-course dining and free-
flowing Okanagan Valley wines, but
now there are additional activities
beyond the train based on two new
themes. The Journey through the Clouds
Outdoor Adventures package takes in
water and mountain activities such as
guided hiking in Jasper and voyageur
canoeing on Lake Louise. Foodies and
wine connoisseurs are targeted with
culinary walking tours in Vancouver and
pairing menus on the First Passage to
the West Culinary Exploration package.
The train tours can be combined
with a post- or pre-trip cruises.
rockymountaineer.com
in
as Travel Trade Sales Support for UK
and Ireland.
Lesley Kane, Sales Director for UK
and Ireland at Air Transat, says:
“Our relationships with the travel trade
sector are incredibly important, and
we understand the integral role their
support plays in driving Air Transat’s long-
term growth plans.”
airtransat.com
7/19/17 11:48 AM

Yellow Dog looks up
YELLOW Dog Lodge, a Canadian
Signature Experience, is pushing the
Northwest Territories as Canada’s secret
destination, ideal for soft adventures
and a true escape experience.
Close to seven well-stocked lakes,
the lodge has traditionally offered
fishing tours but is now broadening its
reach to offer aurora borealis
(Northern Lights) viewing tours.
A two-and-a-half-hour flight from
Calgary and a 20-minute charter flight
northeast of Yellowknife, Yellow Dog
Lodge sleeps up to 24 people in three
cabins and a main lodge building.
The move comes as the Science of
the Aurora project has shown
Yellowknife is a key destination for
aurora viewing opportunities. Other
activities at the lodge include sport
fishing and various outdoor adventures
guided by knowledgeable and friendly
staff. The lakes and streams offer the
finest lake trout, northern pike,
walleye, whitefish and arctic grayling
in the region.
yellowdoglodge.ca
Canada
Signature Experiences
start to make their mark
NEWS FROM RVC2017
DESTINATION CANADA has added
two new members to its Canadian
Signature Experiences collection.
The first is the Agawa Canyon Tour Train
which sees visitors board a heritage train
for a tour of Ontario. The second is the
Canyon Sainte-Anne in Québec, explored
by Air Canyon and a via ferrata.
The train tour follows in the footsteps of
seven iconic Canadian artists. During a
two-day trip it takes in the landscapes
that inspired them during an immersive
trip which includes galleries and live
theatre events, historic sites and some
hands on art instruction and practise.
Visitors to Canyon Sainte-Anne in
Québec get to explore the Giant’s Pothole
geological feature and take in the rock
and water panoramas as they ride the
Air Canyon. At times the ride sees them
dangling 90 metres above the canyon’s
gorge and its raging waters. After the ride,
participants are put on a harness
to follow the via ferrata to explore the
canyon’s sheer rock walls.
The Canadian Signature Experience
collection now includes 199 members, all
offering authentic and typical Canadian
experiences.
keepexploring.ca
canada 83
NEWS TO USE IN BRIEF
V I CTO R I A CO N N E CT I O N: Those
seeking a more leisurely point-to-point
sea trip between Vancouver and
Victoria can now consider bookings on
the V2V Empress, British Columbia’s
newest marine transportation service.
the 254-seat luxury catamaaran now
offers daily departures and the crossing
takes about three hours.
v2vvacations.com
ELK PA R K D I N I N G: Chef
entrepreneur Brad Smoliak, known for
his culinary tours and cooking school in
Calgary and Edmonton, has added
dinner experiences in Elk Island
National Park. Some 45 minutes from
Edmonton, Elk Island NP offers hiking,
biking, canoeing and golf opportunities.
The new dinner options run every three
weeks for up to 24 people and can
be combined with a day visit
to the park.
kitchenbybrad.ca
I C E LA N DA I R A D D I T I O N: In
response to demand for Vancouver,
Icelandair will increase its current
seasonal service to the city to a full
year-round schedule starting
this winter.
icelandair.co.uk
E D M O N TO N CO N N E CT S: A new
funicular will improve connections
between Edmonton city centre and
the River Valley parklands area
from November this year.
rivervalleyadventure.com

84 canada
NEWS TO USE IN BRIEF
BIG FIVE A DV E N T U R E S:
Manitoba Tourism is working with a
new operator to promote tours to see
the caribou migrations in the north of
the province. The high-end operator
takes clients to a cool lodge close to
the Nunavut border.
travelmanitoba.com
G R E E N G A B L E S U PG RA D E: Work
is underway to dramatically upgrade
facilities at Prince Edward Island’s
iconic attraction, Green Gables Heritage
Place National Park. Some CAN$95m
will be spent on the park in the next
three years including a new visitor/
interpretive centre.
tourismpei.com
H A L I F AX S P LA S H: The new
Halifax SPLASHDOME is a state-of-the
art 4D cinema set on the Halifax
Waterfront, neighbouring the Maritime
Museum of the Atlantic. It takes visitors
on an adrenaline-charged 360°
immersive experience called Bluenose:
The Legend Lives. The 15-minute film
includes special effects to showcase
the coastline and maritime heritage.
splashdome.ca
N OVA S COT I A reports record
visitor numbers for a third successive
year. Of the 2.2 million visitors to the
province, 56,400 travelled from Europe.
Growing UK figures are partly thanks to
direct flights from London and Glasgow
to the capital, Halifax (six-hour flight).
novascotia.com
VISIT US AT NIAGARAPARKSTRAVELTRADE.COM
Untitled-3
FINAL 1
Restored.indd 84
Canada
UNESCO ranking for
Newfoundland’s Mistaken
NEWS FROM RVC2017
MISTAKEN POINT, a fossil site on south-
eastern tip of Newfoundland, has become
Canada’s latest UNESCO ranked site.
The wilderness site consists of a narrow,
17 km-long strip of rugged coastal cliffs
dating to the Ediacaran Period (580-560
million years ago), and represents the
oldest-known large fossils area anywhere.
These fossils tell tales of the earth’s early
history when large, biologically complex
organisms first began to appear after
almost three billion years of micro-
dominated evolution.
Mistaken Point is located about a 90-
minute drive from St. John’s and there are
several small hotels in the towns of
Trepassey, Biscay Bay, and Portugal Cove
South nearby. It is also possible to visit
Mistaken Point on a day trip from St. John’s.
As the region’s profile starts
to grow, access is also improving. St John’s
International Airport will double
in size and significantly extend its
facilities through a $40-million
investment programme in the coming year.
Westjet has added Gatwick and
Dublin departures to the province and
the tourism authority has made it
a top priority to encourage more capacity.
Its goal is to see a daily flight from the UK
year round (there are currently three
a week. newfoundlandlabrador.com
New itineraries for
Jacques-Cartier
THE newly-refurbished M/S Jacques-
Cartier has unveiled three new Quebec
itineraries.
The newly refitted vessel will offer
adventure cruising combined with
state-of-the-art amenities following
investments of $6.6m.
The new itineraries will include
Lighthouse Hopping, focused on the
maritime stories of the St Lawrence
river; St. Lawrence Islands and
Saguenay Fjord taking in local wildlife
and plant life, accompanied by
specialists; and Majestic St. Lawrence,
a sightseeing itinerary joining the St.
Lawrence and Lake Ontario via, a
systems of locks.
The ship overhaul is designed to
ensure the 68-passenger vessel offers
34 top class cabins and onboard
activities include introductory
workshops, awareness-raising
presentations, culinary tastings
featuring regional products and
specialist insights.
msjacquescartier.com
13/03/2017
7/19/17 13:29
11:48 AM

Owl Rafting adds
new options
OWL RAFTING has added two new
accommodation options to its Canadian
Canoe Route touring itinerary in the Ontario
Highlands area.
The paddling experience follows
heritage canoe routes and explains the
significance of the canoe to Canadian
history. For those looking for a touch of
comfort as they go, the company has
partnered with Calabogie Luxury Lodge
and has also added two ensuite private
wood cabins at its own Madawaska Kanu
Centre resort site.
It is also now possible to pair the canoe
route with motorhome hire and pre-
booked camping sites. Owl Rafting’s owner
Claudia Van Wijk says: “The RV itinerary
allows those independent travellers to tap
into our soft adventure route at their own
pace and in their own way. By partnering
with Ontario Parks, OWASCO RV rentals is
able to pre-book campsites, which is
particularly important now Canada is such
a hot destination and the risk campgrounds
being full if not pre-booked is more of
an issue.” owlrafting.com
17 13:29 FINAL Restored.indd 85
Canada
Inuvik gets connected
NEWS FROM RVC2017
A NEW road is set to open up the tourism
potential of Canada’s Northwest
Territories and bring new travel
opportunities to the province.
The Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway will
open in November this year, making it
possible for the first time in history to
drive to the top of Canada’s mainland all
year round.
It will allow travellers to drive from the
border to the coast, or coast to coast, as it
connects Inuvik, which is the end of the
famous Dempster Highway, with
Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean.
The Dempster Highway is already
recognised as one of North America’s most
adventurous road trips but previously
A view to thrill
Niagara Helicopters Flightseeing Tours
tourists could only reach the Arctic Ocean
by taking an onward flight.
The community of Tuktoyaktuk has
approximately 800 predominantly Inuit/
Inuvialuit residents and the driving route’s
attractions include spectacular jagged
peaks scenery, crowds of caribou, the Arctic
Circle line, Aboriginal communities and
the supersized Mackenzie River.
The gravel road will cost around
CAN$300 million to complete but is
expected to generate strong economic
value as well as making life make
considerably easier for residents with
access to goods and services guaranteed
all year round.
spectacularnwt.com
Niagara Helicopters
905 357 5672
niagarahelicopters.com
canada 85
Manitoba gets
crafty with its beer
WINNIPEG’S brew scene is booming
with new breweries opening and new
tasting rooms for visitors added to
existing favourites.
The PEG Beer Co. in Winnipeg’s
Exchange District now offers free weekly
brewery tours where visitors sample six
full-flavoured brews. Meanwhile, the
newly-opened Little Brown Jug Brewing
Company offers a 1919 Belgian Pale Ale
speciality.
Barn Hammer Brewing offers five
signature beers along with an
experimental and seasonal brew that
changes frequently. And the Torque
Brewing Co. has won the “Best New
Brewer” in Manitoba title. Half Pints
Brewery is an independent micro-
breweries with Saturday tours, while
Winnipeg’s oldest microbrewery, Fort
Garry Brewing Company, highlights the
nine-step brewing process whilst also
acting as the departure point for the
Winnipeg Trolley Ale Trails, a tasting tour
that explores different neighbourhoods.
manitobahot.com
7/19/17 11:48 AM
 Canada
86 six of the best

Open doors
New hotel options are opening across Canada, offering
diverse styles and opportunities. Julie Baxter discovers a
handful worth watching

1 3
Skywatch Lodge & Spa
YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Canada’s first five-star aurora experience will be
nestled in the boreal forest beyond Yellowknife when t
opens in August next year. It will offer stylish
contemporary accommodation combined with immersive
cultural and nature-based activities. The property will
include a main lodge for dining, lake views and rooftop
aurora viewing around a fireplace; while guestrooms
include skylights and private screened-in porches for
skywatching. The spa will include indoor and outdoor
infinity pools. solsticedestinations.com
Azuridge Estate Hotel
ALBERTA
Some 20 minutes from Calgary, in the foothills
of the Rockies, this luxury boutique hotel claims to be
the only one in Canada with a team of butlers trained
by a guilded butler. The property design was inspired
by the historic architecture of the Canadian Pacific
Railway’s train stations and each of the hotel’s 12
guestrooms has floor-to-ceiling windows with great
views. It offers top-class dining, easy access to the city
and to the attractions of the Rockies.
azuridgehotel.com
5
Abbot Pass Hut
ROCKY MOUNTAINS
Said to be one of the most unique mountain
huts in North America, this property offers all hikers
need for a night-stop on a choice of classic Rockies
routes. The hut was first built in 1922 and sits at an
elevation 2,926 metres. Located near Lake Louise, on the
Continental Divide between Mts. Lefroy and Victoria, it is
open only in the summer, for $40 a night. It is a well-
equipped alternative to the campgrounds where hikers
can cook and eat in front of the fireplace before
continuing their hike the next day. alpineclubofcanada.ca

2 4
Ocean House
HAIDA GWAII, BRITISH COLUMBIA
This floating 12-room lodge overlooking
Peel Inlet is located on Haida Gwaii’s extremely remote
west coast and can only be accessed by helicopter from
Vancouver. Positioned as the ‘Galapagos of the North’
the surrounding area is made up of 450 islands and
offers natural beauty and cultural interest, with
the memorable sense of living on the edge of
the world. haidahouse.com
The Broadview Hotel
EAST END TORONTO
An historic 125-year-old iconic heritage
building in Toronto has been restored to create a
58-room boutique hotel. The Broadview Hotel features
a rooftop terrace and a lobby café and bar, and is set to
become a local gathering spot. It will “bring together the
contemporary culture of the community and the old
world grace of the building’s past”.
thebroadviewhotel.ca
6
Holiday Inn Express
SASKATOON
Now under construction on the grounds of
the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon is a new,
nine-storey development which will combine a Holiday
Inn Express and a Staybridge Suites in one building.
The 123-room Holiday Inn Express will target those
on shorter stays, while the 97-room Staybridge Suites
will offer kitchen facilities. It will be open by April 2018.
usask.ca 

5 6
3

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 Canada
aboriginal 87

assets
Aboriginal

Canada’s indigenous people

are moving into tourism with a
new confidence and significant
government backing. Julie
Baxter discovers how

E
ight First Nation chiefs take to the
stage. A powerful drum beats and the
distinctive chants of an indigenous song
fills the room. It’s a dramatic spectacle for sure,
but this is so much more. This is surely the
coming of age of aboriginal tourism in Canada.
As an array of tourism big guns stand back,
the imposing chiefs of the Blood, Siksika,
Piikani, Wesley, Chiniki, Bears Paw and Tsuut’ina
First Nations speak. Each one eloquent in his
wishes for a successfully Rendez-vous 2017
(RVC 17); each with his own invitation to the
travel trade to connect with his culture; each
with a clear message that they and their people
are engaged and ready to do business.
They are earnest, humorous and thought-
provoking and a symbolic visual statement that
shows something significant has shifted in the
way Canada’s tourism industry does business.
Five years ago inclusive, respectful engagement
with First Nation culture was on the ‘to do’ list
but was undeniably challenging. Some provinces,
notably British Columbia, had begun to see the
potential but in quiet conversations most in
tourism agreed that there were few aboriginal
tourism experiences that were ‘export ready’.
Aboriginals come of age
And then something changed. The Aboriginal
Tourism Association of Canada was formed
and slowly but surely the indigenous people of
Canada have found their tourism voice. Led by
Keith Henry, from the First Nation community,
they have organised themselves more coherently,
established codes of practice and reliability
standards, recognised their strengths and
weaknesses – in short, they made a plan.
It’s a highly-professional plan too and one that
has found favour with Destination Canada and
the Canadian government – to the combined
tune of $CAN13 million, for investment in the
marketing, partnerships, training and leadership.
RVC 2017 saw professional aboriginal tour
operators attend in their greatest numbers
yet - from those operating interpretative
tours to others running hotels and casinos.
The breadth of their offering is growing
fast and their commitment to a serious
role within Canada’s ambitious tourism
growth plans can no longer be doubted.
All credit to the current leaders in
Destination Canada who have helped bring
those chiefs to the Rendez-vous stage. It
has taken significant time and commitment
to build the necessary confidence and trust
between the established tourism hierarchy
and the indigenous communities.
A commitment which has seen Destination
Canada’s own CEO, David Goldstein, himself
learning the protocols of aboriginal culture,
sitting with them in their lands, hearing
their stories first hand and coming to fully
understand their anxieties – and their
potential – from the grassroots up.
Now it just remains for international markets,
including the UK trade, to give that aboriginal
product portfolio a try and help ensure
aboriginal insights become a must-do part of
any authentic Canadian holiday experience.

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v2 Canada_aboriginal feature.indd 87 7/19/17 11:22 AM

 Canada

Around the nation

Spirit Bear Lodge, Klemtu: Offers
guided, interpretive wildlife tours.
Horseback Adventures Ltd: Ride
traditional trails through the Rockies.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park: Tells the
stories of the Northern Plains people.
Manito Ahbee Festival: Join in
Winnipeg’s colourful native pow wow.
Great Spirit Circle Trail: Canoe
traditional routes learning bush craft.
Tourism Wendake: Visit a Huron
village set beside a chic luxury hotel.
Abadak Wilderness Adventures: Fish
for salmon and explore with a local.
Metepenagiag Redbank Lodge: Try
aboriginal fusion cuisine and see art.
Destination Membertou: Join a
Mi’kmaw guide on a personal history tour.
Micmac Productions: Explore local
ceramics and traditional designs.
Shakat Tun Adventures: Hands-on
experiences of aboriginal beading,
trapping, drum making, and camp cooking.
Tundra North Tours: Follow in the
footsteps of reindeer herds, see the
northern lights and stay the night in an igloo.
Arctic Bay Adventures: Learn the
nomadic ways of the Inuit at a fly-in
hamlet near orca waters and polar bear habitats.

What’s new
Learn more: The Aboriginal Tourism
Association of Canada has produced a new guide
to over 50 aboriginal tourism businesses
developed and ready to received international
visitors. Explore it at aboriginalcanada.ca/en 

v2 Canada_aboriginal feature.indd 88 7/19/17 11:22 AM


Alberta hiking
Year-round trails
Lake Agnes Teahouse
This famous teahouse
near Lake Louise has
been serving tea to
hikers since 1905. A
number of trails call here,
with a day forest hike to
the top of Big Beehive a
popular option.
Sentinel Pass
Skirt the vivid blue
waters of Moraine Lake
before hitting the gold
of Larch Valley on this
autumn trail. The view
towards Valley of the Ten
Peaks is famed as Banff
National Park’s best.
Jasper Skyline Trail
Renowned as a
backpacker’s dream,
this 47km route offers
majestic Rocky Mountain
views, with more than
half either at or above
the treeline. The full hike
takes two to four days.
Ha Ling Peak
Canmore
The three-kilometre hike
to the summit of Ha Ling
Peak rises a steep 737m
– it is a stiff challenge
but the effort is rewarded
with incredible views
over Canmore.
River Valley
Edmonton
Edmonton makes a
feature of its North
Saskatchewan River
Valley with extensive
trails offering the chance
to walk, skate, segway
or cycle.
“Hiking in Alberta is
the ultimate experiential
holiday activity, putting
visitors at the very heart
of the landscapes and
indulging all their senses”
JulyAugust_Alberta hiking.indd 89
Canada
provincial profile 89
W
hen it comes to putting your best foot forward,
visitors to the Canadian province of Alberta
are in hiking heaven with wide-open spaces
and trails to explore year round, says Neal Baldwin
If Alberta is a land of infinite skies,
it’s probably fair to say that it has
even more hiking options.
This spectacular landscape – forged over
millions of years – seems to have been
purpose-designed for discovery on foot and
pulling on the walking boots will give your
clients new insights into the destination.
Thousands of miles of trails criss-cross
the province’s protected parks, mountains,
alpine meadows and river valleys, with
everything from easy strolls, classic hikes and
more challenging multi-day treks offering
something for walkers of all abilities. GOLDEN DAYS
But it is perhaps Alberta’s year-
round appeal that really sets apart. only best appreciated on on foot is the
During the peak summer season, the glacier-fed Moraine Lake. As it fills the
landscape bursts into life, beckoning visitors lake takes on an incredible neon blue
with opportunities to get up close to colour – and that’s well worth the walk!
nature. Wildflowers and birdlife are in their
prime, and heading out into the national
BEYOND SUMMER
park areas offers the perfect opportunity
to spot Alberta’s ‘all-stars’: black bears, Shoulder-season hiking serves up a whole
moose, bison, elk and bighorn sheep. new world of delights. In the spring,
Head into the lofty heights of the the mountains are still fringed in white
mountains, perhaps around Jasper or Banff, as trumpeter swans arrive in force.
and you may even catch a glimpse of the The melting snow brings freshness and
elusive wolf, wolverine, cougar or bobcat. clarity to the many waterways, so this
Summer also offers the chance to explore is the perfect time for walks along river
landscapes rarely seen, as glaciers open up valleys and around the lake shores.
for the briefest of windows. Accompanied In the autumn, the trails offer a visual treat.
by a guide, hikers can don crampons Alberta’s famous larch trees get ready to
and ropes to pass by crevasses and look drop their needles, taking on a tremendous
on in awe at the towering shards of ice golden hue. It’s a spectacle loved by locals
that reach skywards. Another visual treat and rivals the more famous fall foliage
of New England. Head to Kananaskis
Country to appreciate the change without
the crowds – here the glistening Chester
Lake appears touched by Midas as it is
bathed in yellow from the trees beyond.
Outdoor pursuits continue in the winter,
with ice canyon walks showcasing the
landscape at its most raw. Suggest
the frozen waterfalls of Maligne
Canyon, Jasper. In winter many
of the hiking trails are used for
snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. 
sellingtravel.co.uk
7/19/17 07:14 PM
 Canada
90 introducing

Newfound adventure
UK representative extols the charms of St John's charms

I
'm super excited to be
working for Destination
St. John's in the UK and
Ireland. It’s crazy that you can
get there in less than five hours
– especially when you realise
what the destination has to
offer”, says Lyndsey Thomas.

Main appeal
"Who'd have known that a holiday in Canada
was so close? What I love is that there are so
many amazing experiences to be had there.
"First off, the scenery is on par with what you'd
expect to see in New Zealand. Nature lovers will
love the fact that the world's largest population
of humpback whales can be seen from the
shores of St. John's. And the enormous icebergs
always leave me speechless – and that takes a
lot! I'm talking icebergs the size of cruise ships.
"This is a great destination for a long
weekend away for those who want to combine
the city and the great outdoors.
"St. John's is perfect for a short break,
especially for those wanting somewhere with
lots going on in the evening. For those with
a little longer to spare, it's an ideal fly-drive
destination – easy driving with lots to cram in.
"I love the idea of a hike and fine-dining
weekend in St. John's. Among the many amazing
places to eat is Raymond’s, ranked as Canada's
best restaurant. Breathtaking coastal walks are
right on the city's doorstep.
Agent support
"We are trying to put the region into context and
explain how agents can sell it. St. John's is cool,
a bit like Reykjavik in Iceland, but a lot cheaper.
And Newfoundland and Labrador has the look
and feel of New Zealand, but is a lot nearer.
"St. John's is the provincial capital. It's a city,
but not in the New York or London sense of
the word. But it has all the key components of
a great city – amazing restaurants (the foodie
scene is bursting at the seams with all sorts of
great places to eat), and great nightlife (George
Street in downtown St. John's is a carbon copy
of Dublin's Temple Bar).
"The arts scene is apparent all over the city,
from the colourful rows of houses to the huge
murals on the sides of the city's buildings.
"There are buskers on street corners, live
music and some fantastic festivals and
events. It also goes against everything that
one associates with a city. You certainly can't
kayak with whales off the coast of New York or
hike 30 minutes from central London and be
surrounded by wilderness.
"I'm based in Leeds but more than happy to
travel if any Selling Travel reader wants some
training or would like to discuss product.
“The enormous icebergs
always leave me speechless –
and that takes a lot!
I'm talking icebergs the
size of cruise ships”
Hidden gems
"If money is no object and clients want some
true experiential luxury then Fogo Island Inn is
just fantastic!
"It is a five-hour drive from St. John’s and sits
on stilts over the Atlantic Ocean. The place
really is an architectural wonder and throws
everything that we usually associate with luxury
on its head. 
Lyndsey Thomas is Director, Travel Trade UK & Ireland
for Destination St John's, the marketing organisation
representing tourism operators in the capital of
Newfoundland and Labrador. She was previously
UK Account Director for Ontario Tourism Marketing.
Contact her by email on lyndsey@allaboutthestory.co.uk

sellingtravel.co.uk

Introducing-LynsdeyThomas.indd 90 7/19/17 11:24 AM

Untitled-7
Untitled-1 1 7/17/17 05:06
13/07/2017 PM
14:59
09:21
 Canada
92 how to sell

Early birds for skiing

by Benjamin Coren

M
ore skiers are
booking their
holidays earlier in
a bid to make a saving on their
holiday – and in Canada they
can take advantage of some
great early-booking deals and
experience some of the world’s
finest skiing.
Why sell it
Despite at the time of writing being in the throes
of a heatwave, now is the time to start thinking
about booking a break in the mountains. There
are numerous strong early-booking offers on
winter sport holidays running throughout
RED MOUNTAIN RESORT, BC
the summer, but most of these come to
an end towards the end of August.
Skiers in Canada have plenty What to sell Where to book it
of resort options to choose Banff and Lake Louise are both located around
Ski Independence – Ski Safari – 01273
from, each with stunning 90 minutes from Calgary, which is well served 0131 243 8097 224 060
views and vast pisted from the UK by flights from WestJet, Air Canada Seven nights at the four- Save up to 50% and
ski areas. and British Airways. star Panorama Upper get a double free
The high slopes of Keen skiers to these Alberta regions may want Village Premium Condos room upgrade at the
Alberta and British to consider purchasing the tri-area lift ticket start from £968pp, Fairmont Chateau
Columbia, with skiing in the that offers access to Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise based on four sharing, Whistler for 10
shadows of the Canadian Rockies, and Sunshine Village. Skiers have access to with Air Canada flights nights. From £1565pp,
are known for light powder almost 8,000 acres of terrain made for carving. and shared transfers. based on two sharing
snow and excellent back-country British Columbia is home to Whistler, which Six-day adult Panorama including British
opportunities as well as a fair is regularly voted as the best ski area in North lift tickets start from Airways flights and
share of luxury hotels and plenty America and hosted the 2010 Olympic and £149pp. Bookings by transfers. Book by
of activities on and off the piste. Paralympic Winter Games. Other top resorts in August 31 2017. August 31, 2017.
Elsewhere, Québec offers a touch of B.C. include Sun Peaks, Big White, Kicking Horse ski-i.com skisafari.com
French flair. and Revelstoke.
Ski-i Selling Canada Advert 2.qxp_Layout 1 05/06/2017 12:02 Page 1

Save up to 50% on Panorama

lodging, lift passes & transfers
Book by 31 August
0131 243 8097
www.ski-i.com

*T
S

SellingCanadaSection_EARLY BIRD SKIING_HTS.indd 92 7/19/17 07:15 PM

 Canada
how to sell 93

Skiing takes on a different feel in the

Laurentian mountains of Québec. The main
“Canada is the ideal resort of Lake Tremblant has been voted as one
choice for a ski holiday in of the best resorts in Eastern North America by
winter 2017/18, owing to Ski Magazine readers and its French-Canadian
charm and stunning views of the lake make it a
the excellent exchange truly memorable location in which to ski.
rate, super snow and Stoneham is located half an hour's drive from
friendly locals” Québec City; Mont Saint-Anne is 40 minutes and
Le Massif, which offers dramatic scenery across
NICK LAVER, NORTH AMERICA PRODUCT
MANAGER, SKI INDEPENDENCE the St Lawrence River, one-and-a-half hours.
Tailor-made specialist Ski Independence is
reporting strong forward sales to Canadian
ski resorts for the upcoming season, with DOWNTOWN WHISTLER

customers being able to take advantage of early

booking offers including up to 55% off lodging
in Whistler, 50% off lodging, lift tickets and
transfers to Panorama Mountain Resort, and
'kids ski free' offers in numerous destinations
including Banff Lake Louise, Sun Peaks,
Tremblant, Whistler and Panorama. Many offers
expire on August 31.
What’s new
Nick Laver, North America Product Manager,
LAKE LOUISE, ALBERTA
Ski Independence said: “Canada is the ideal
choice for a ski holiday in winter 2017/18,
owing to the excellent exchange rate, a
superb snow record, friendly locals and truly
amazing value for money. We have boosted our
capacity in Whistler, with a broader range of
accommodation, as well as exclusive availability
over certain dates, backed up by incredibly
strong early booking offers, which also apply to
many other resorts. For the most adventurous
clients we’re also promoting our heli-skiing
packages and multi-centre itineraries.” 

Take me to the top

2017

Enjoy the #1 ski resort in Eastern North America

Enjoy complimentary lodging privileges
Starting from • First Tracks
£
71
• Sliding Evenings
• Skate Loan
/night Available through
Double occupancy your favourite tour operator.

*Taxes and royalty extra. Rate per person, per night, in double occupancy, in a hotel room at the Holiday Inn Express starting January 3, 2018. 1-bedroom condo also available starting at £85.
Source – Banque du Canada. Exchange for CAD to GBP on Jul 05, 2017: 0.5962. See you tour operator sellingtravel.co.uk
for more details.

SellingCanadaSection_EARLY BIRD SKIING_HTS.indd 93 7/19/17 07:15 PM

 Canada
94 introducing

Atlantic Canada goes wild

Animal attractions are the perfect sell

A
tlantic Canada is
home to a vast array of
wildlife – along with
a fantastic choice of operators
dedicated to promoting and
preserving its diversity.

Ask your typical British holidaymaker to name

something they love about Canada and you are
pretty much guaranteed the same answer – the
chance to get out in the great outdoors.
When it comes to using nature to nurture
client loyalty, the wildlife-spotting opportunities
available across Atlantic Canada are world-class.
And since New Brunswick, Newfoundland &
Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
are little more than a five- to six-hour flight away,
it’s easier than you think to get on the trail of
whales or walk in the paw prints of bears.
With over 43,000 km of coastline, it's no
surprise that sealife plays a significant part in
Atlantic Canada's tourism offering.
Quality whale-watching tours are available
across the region – in Newfoundland and
Labrador from June to early August; in the Bay
of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova
Scotia from July to September; off Cape Breton
Island in Nova Scotia between May and October;
and off the coast of Grand Manan Island in New
Brunswick from July to September.
These giants of the deep hold an enduring
appeal and there are a range of species to spot:
humpback, minke, fin, pilot and even rare North
Atlantic right whales.
Options for whale-watching include zodiacs, tall
ships, catamarans, yachts, converted fishing boats,
and even land-based trips. Guided tours often
yield other marine life too with sharks, dolphins,
seals and seabirds all on a spotter's tick-list.
From the land visitors can spot puffins among
many seabirds, moose, black and brown bears,
deer, caribou, polar bears (in Newfoundland and
Labrador) and more – all in their natural habitat.
All four provinces offer quality viewing excursions
– ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
New Brunswick
The black bear is one of North America's most
common native species, yet these elusive
creatures are happiest in their forest homes. Local
operator Little, Big Bear Safari (bearsafari.com) offers
visitors the chance to view and photograph them
from the safety of a treetop tower and learn from
the experts how the bears communicate.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Local specialist Bird The Rock (birdtherock.com) runs
bird-watching and nature tours ranging from
one day to a week. With more than 22 species
of marine mammals, North America’s largest
concentration of humpback whales and 400 bird
species, bespoke itineraries can be created to
take in the best sealife experiences, four UNESCO
World Heritage Sites and the 7culinary highlights!
Nova Scotia
Cape Breton's famous Cabot Trail and the Bay of
Fundy offer ample opportunity to join organised
whale-watching tours. Both areas are feeding
grounds for whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals
and seabirds, so trips typically are rich with
animal encounters. Listen to whales 'sing' via a
hydrophone, and learn what the sounds mean at
Pleasant Bay's Whale Interpretive Centre.
Prince Edward Island
Visitors can wade into the warm waters of
Tranquility Cove to search for lunch on a clam dig.
Here, they learn about and sample lobsters, rock
crabs and mussels and stop to admire the local
seals. Alternatively, a trip to Boughton Island in
Georgetown Harbour is a must-do. Uninhabited
for 60 years, the island has been reclaimed by
nature with bald eagles, seals, beavers and many
birds calling it home.
For more information on Atlantic Canada, visit:
AtlanticCanadaHoliday.co.uk 

sellingtravel.co.uk

Atlantic Canada v3.indd 94 7/19/17 11:34 AM

 Canada
in person 95

Celebrating Air Canada

Anniversary, new look and a commitment to growth

As Air Canada marks

its 80th anniversary,
we speak to Stephen
Gerrard, GM Sales UK &
Ireland
It’s an exciting year for Air Canada. Not only
are we celebrating our 80th birthday but
Canada is also marking its 150th anniversary of
confederation. To mark our evolution we have
introduced a new livery across our 300-strong
fleet and revitalised our uniforms. We are also
continuing the expansion of our global route
network with 11 new international routes
launched this summer and a further seven new
services already announced for later this year.

Q Tell us about the new livery?

A: Inspired by Canada’s proud national
heritage, vastness and contrasting seasons, we
have created a bold new black-and-white livery
with each aircraft now proudly displaying the
FLEET INVESTMENT IS ONGOING
Air Canada rondelle. And, in a nod to the facial
markings on Canada’s indigenous birds and early
wildlife representations in its native culture, all
our cockpits now display a distinct black ‘mask’. Q What are Canada's key sales' USPs?
A: Not only was Canada named Lonely Q How are UK sales performing?
A: Today the UK is Air Canada’s largest
Planet’s number one country to visit in 2017, international market. We have a robust

Q What about the passenger

experience?
A: We have completed the refit of our Boeing
777 and A330 aircraft and both now feature
the much-desired Premium Economy cabin.
We are going to continue to modernise our
international fleet and have 12 additional
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on order.
NEW UNIFORMS AND TAIL FIN
but Air Canada was honoured to receive the
prestigious Best Airline in North America award
at the 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards. We
are offering more choice and comfort than ever
before.
Q How does Air Canada differentiate
itself?
A: Air Canada has a proud history of serving the
UK. Our first ever transatlantic journey was to
Prestwick, Scotland, in 1943. From Heathrow we
operate more non-stop flights than anyone else
to Toronto and the only non-stop services to
Ottawa, Halifax and St. Johns.
Our leisure airline Air Canada Rouge also
offers seasonal services from Edinburgh,
Glasgow, Manchester and Gatwick to Toronto
and Gatwick to Vancouver.
From our hubs, we offer customers seamless
connections to our extensive route network. Our
Premium Economy service – with seating that
offers generous personal space, greater recline
and enhanced service – is now available on
services from Heathrow to Toronto, Montréal,
Calgary and Vancouver.
schedule from the UK and continue to perform
well in the market.
Q How do you support the UK trade?
A: Our UK Sales team has long-standing,
trusted working relationships with our travel
agency partners– in May alone the team visited
over 4,500 agents in Manchester and London. We
also share updates in our trade mag, Check In.
Q What are your growth expectations?
A: We have recently seen a great deal of
expansion at Air Canada including the launch of
Air Canada Rouge’s Gatwick- Vancouver service
this June. We continue to monitor demand in all
of the markets with a view to developing new
opportunities and providing greater choice.
Q What are the goals for the next 80
years?!
A: We have a proud history! We are known for
our innovation and great Canadian hospitality.
Customers can expect to see more of this as we
continue to aim higher and reach further as a
global customer-focused organisation. 

sellingtravel.co.uk

SellingCanada_Stephen Gerrard - Q&A.indd 95 7/19/17 07:17 PM


96 my journey
PEAKS
The Rocky Mountaineer train offers guests a luxurious route
through Canada’s wildest frontier, says Stuart Forster
T
ufts of vegetation sprout among
sparse grass on the sun-parched hills
close to Ashcroft, British Columbia,
one of the driest places in Canada. This is cattle
ranching country and from my shaded position
on the open vestibule at the back of the Rocky
Mountaineer the wind-eroded landscape
reminds me of the Badlands in Western movies.
A shrill whistle comes from the hillside to the
left. Of course, it’s not a masked bandit signalling
the onset of a horseback raid — though the
location would be ideal to film such a scene. The
shriek comes from a chubby groundhog standing
up on its hind legs, as if to get a better view of
the smart blue-and-gold livery on the glass-
domed, double-decker carriages.
As we sweep around a curve in the Thompson
River I spot a couple of bighorn sheep giving us
the once over from the copper-red rocks. The wild
animals look more like heavy-horned ibex than
the woolly coated farm animals I know from
fields back home. Added to the sighting
The Rocky Mountaineer.indd 96
Canada
Peeking at the
of a bald eagle soaring over the Fraser River,
where gold miners once panned, it’s been a good
day for viewing wildlife. Members of the train’s
guest experience team have already told me that
tomorrow will be the big day for spotting animals
– moose, elk and bears roam the mountainous
countryside approaching Banff National Park.
 How the west was won
I’m travelling on the First Passage of the
West, from Vancouver to Banff, one of four routes
covered by Rocky Mountaineer’s trains. The 375-
mile journey takes two days. We’ll disembark
to spend the night in the four-star Sandman
Signature Kamloops Hotel (sandmanhotels.com) then
roll on through the Selkirk Mountains into the
sellingtravel.co.uk
Canadian Rockies. This trip is about embracing a
first-class experience with outstanding scenery
rather than dashing to our destination.
Guests can opt between two classes of service,
SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. The latter means access
to double-decker carriages and attentive service.
Food and drink, including alcohol, are part of the
package. Even at six feet and four inches I have
ample legroom in my reclining seat. Breakfast
and lunch are served at tables downstairs.
Earlier, I took a quick peek inside the kitchen.
Despite the very limited space, the team of
chefs manage to create gourmet dishes with
ingredients drawn from across western Canada.
The taste, texture and presentation of my
lunchtime salmon fillet is exquisite.
7/19/17 04:49 PM

At points of interest, and when wildlife is
spotted, members of the guest experience team
provide well-delivered snippets of information.
They give us fair warning of sights such as Hell’s
Gate, where the Fraser River surges through its
narrowest point, and the Cisco Crossings, the
country’ s longest single-span railway bridge.
Railways played an important role in unifying
Canada. Confederation, 150 years ago, marked
the birth of the nation and the promise of a
railway link with the east helped persuade
British Columbia to become the country’s sixth
province. Tomorrow we’ll pass the memorial cairn
at Craigellachie, where in 1885 the final spike
was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway line.
That same year tourists started heading to
Banff, where railway workers had discovered
a geothermal spring on Sulphur Mountain.
Several of my fellow guests are combining this
journey with an Alaskan cruise but I’m looking
forward to spending a couple of days in Banff
National Park at the end of my trip. In the
meantime, I’ll continue enjoying the scenery.
 Celebratory drink
The Canada 150 Maple Leaf cocktail,
developed to mark the nation’s 150th birthday,
is being served in the Fairmont Vancouver’s
(fairmont.com) Notch 8 lobby bar (notch8-dining.com).
Made with bourbon, maple syrup, lime and
apple juice, it is priced at CAN$16 (£9.50).
 Tours Two new Rocky Mountaineer
(rockymountaineer.com/travel-trade) packages will
be available in 2018. The 10-night Journey
Through the Clouds Outdoor Adventures will
feature hiking in Jasper, canoeing on Lake
The Rocky Mountaineer.indd 97
Canada
my journey 97
Louise and give guests a choice between a
Zodiac tour of the Howe Sound or a cycling tour
of Vancouver. It includes four experience tours,
with a panoramic helicopter ride over Banff
National Park. The nine-night First Passage to
the West Culinary Exploration tour introduces
opportunities to sample the six-course tasting
menu at Eden Restaurant (banffeden.com) at Banff’s
Rimrock Resort Hotel and to participate in food
tours of Vancouver and Calgary.
Discover Banff Tours (banfftours.com) has
introduced Western Canada Explorer tours for
small groups, priced at CAN$699 (£405). Led
by guides in luxury mini-coaches, the two-day
tours depart Vancouver and Banff three times a Where to book it
week. Stops include the spiral railway tunnels PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS – 01502 567666
cutting through the mountains, Glacier National A tailor-made 14-night holiday is priced
Park and Fraser River gold rush sites. from £4,400pp, including GoldLeaf
ACT Ventures (actventures.com) has introduced travel on the Rocky Mountaineer’s First
themed evening walking tours in Kamloops. Passage to the West, car rental for seven
The Ales and Wines plus Arts and History tours days, three nights in Canmore plus two
combine heritage with sampling local flavours. in Field, Vancouver and Victoria, and
The tours cost CAN$75 plus tax (£49). international flights. prestigeholidays.co.uk

Transport:
A hop on, hop off summer
bus service now runs
FRONTIER TRAVEL – 020 8776 8709
A tailor-made 14-night holiday,
with SilverLeaf travel on the Rocky
between locations within Mountaineer is from £3,600pp,
Banff National Park, including accommodation in Banff,
including the town of Lake Louise, Jasper, Vancouver,
Banff, Johnston Canyon, Whistler and Victoria, with a floatplane
Samson Mall, the Lake transfer to Victoria, seven days’
Louise Gondola, Lake
Louise and Moraine Lake.
HopOnBanff (hoponbanff.com)
car hire and international flights.
frontier-canada.co.uk
tickets cost CAN$50 (£29)
Clockwise from left: Rocky Mountaineer
a day. The service runs until cutting through the Rockies, scenery on route,
October 2.  onboard staff and local colour along the way
sellingtravel.co.uk
7/19/17 04:51 PM
 98 the final word

the quirky side of travel

– Work experience - Tahiti - Converted beer kegs –

Put it down to experience

This summer beleaguered train operator
Southern finally gleaned some positive
publicity and it was all down to a 15-year-old
work experience lad called Eddie. He more
than doubled 'positive sentiment' towards the
operator, which has risen to 40% from around
16.9% since he was handed the reins on the
struggling train company's Twitter account.
In just two days he increased 'likes' by over
8,000% and retweets by over 1,000%, all by
responding to pivotal questions like: "Would
you rather fight one horse-sized duck or 100
duck-sized horses? And "Shall I have chicken
fajitas tonight or chicken Thai green curry?"
For posterity he went for 100 duck-sized
horses and fajitas. Good choices, Eddie! TOP 6…
southernrailway.com Wonders of the World
These are the main Wonders of the World,
according to Instagram hashtags. onthegotours.com
Embraced by Mana
Coming soon with Selling Travel will be a
Tahiti-dedicated supplement following
the adventures of seven travel agents and
Selling Travel's Laura Gelder (pictured left,
'working'). The group visited four islands:
Tahiti, Moorea, Tikehau and Rangiroa. They
swam with sharks, shopped for black pearls, Eiffel Tower Big Ben
1 2
fished for their lunch and searched for the Paris London
islands' elusive 'mana', the life force and
spirit that connects all living things. That's
'mana', Laura, not 'man'.

Number one use for kegs 3

Grand Canyon London Eye
4
The Atlas Brew Works in Washington D.C. Arizona London
has an imaginative use for its expired beer
kegs. A neighbourhood production brewery
located in the northeast of the capital, it
produces hand-crafted artisanal beers and is
a 100% solar-powered facility. Enjoy a pint,
flight or 'growler' of brews such as District
Common, Rowdy and Silent Neighbor and
then, well, just go with the flow. Empire State Building Golden Gate Bridge
5 6
atlasbrewworks.com New York City San Francisco

THE SEPTEMBER 2017 ISSUE OF SELLING TRAVEL WILL FEATURE: • Cape Verde & The Gambia • Falklands • Iceland • Korea • Malta
• Mauritius • Oman • Phuket • Seychelles • Southern Florida • Washington & Seattle • Touring Victoria, Australia • CONTACT US sales@bmipublishing.co.uk; editorial@
bmipublishing.co.uk PLUS ONLINE Daily Selling Tips • Destination Guides • Photo Galleries • Travel Uni

sellingtravel.co.uk

FinalWord_JulyAugust.indd 98 7/19/17 07:19 PM

 touchdown 91

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Amari Havodda £137 AI Based on a min 7nt stay, when booking with 45 days of arrival

OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli £146 AI The Ravenala Attitude £ 77 AI

Perfect resort for snorkelling & diving enthusiasts Valid for frontline Travel Agents only

Atmosphere Kanifushi £ 169 AI Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa £77 HB

£90 AI
Based on the Platinum Plus All-Inclusive
Ambre Resort & Spa
Constance Moofushi £ 219 AI Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort £99 AI
Bookable 6 weeks prior to arrival only
Rate based on a minimum 7nt stay
OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo £ 259 AI Constance Le Prince Maurice £ 145 HB
Based on The Atmosphere Indulgence
Bookable 6 weeks prior to arrival only
5* All-Inclusive Resorts

Endless Privileges®, Unlimited-Luxury® &

Unlimited-Fun® in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica,
Mexico, Panama & Costa Rica.
from
Sunscape Resorts & Spas
Available in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica & Mexico
£ 34 AI
Now Resorts & Spas £50 AI
Available in the Dominican Republic & Mexico

Dreams Resorts & Spas £50 AI

Available in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama
& Costa Rica

Breathless Resorts & Spas

Available in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica & Mexico
£ 72 AI
Secrets Resorts & Spas
Available in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico,
£ 81 AI
Panama & Costa Rica

Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts

Available in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica & Mexico
£ 98 AI
Call for more details and to book.
Grand Mirage Resort &
Thalasso; Bali
from 90 AI
£
FREE Room Upgrade & other benefits apply

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm; Sat 9.30am-1.30pm Book with confidence

Hotel prices are “from” per person per night and based on 2 adults sharing unless otherwise stated.
Terms & conditions apply. ACCREDITED
AGENT

www.touchdown.co.uk

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 Around here,

not all flights require boarding passes.

It’s 5 hours from London Heathrow to St. John’s direct. And you get 31/2 of them
back. Year-round flights. Visit aircanada.com, call 0871 220 1111, or contact
your travel agency.

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NLT2401 210mm x 297mm 1 PROOF