Travel Weekly (UK) articles from February 2007

Travel Weekly (UK) archives from February 2007

Playing the game.(Departures)
February 2, 2007... Themed safaris get

90a High Street, Bexleyheath.(Mystery Shopper)
February 2, 2007... 46% TOP 5 70% TIPS Although this agency looked plain, it was well lit and looked inviting. I was given a warm welcome and when I explained about the type of holiday I was looking for I was offered a seat and a coffee....

the goldstein RULE.(News)
February 2, 2007... In light of Royal Caribbean International's recent award-winning success, president Adam Goldstein gives Lee Hayhurst his views on how far the cruiseline has come, and his future plans after 20 years in the industry is there any other job...

Take the high and low road.(Departures)
February 2, 2007... Luxury offerings make motorhoming a grand way to see the islands. Jo Gardner tests one out I blamed the scenery. The angular snow-capped mountains in front of us were so magnificent I'd let my foot slip off the clutch just long enough to...

Departures.
February 2, 2007... hotel pass If the cosiness of a motorhome doesn't appeal, try selling car hire with a Flag Choice hotel pass - a pre-paid credit card for instant accommodation whenever the driving gets too much. Visitors don't need to call in advance,...

hoursin Auckland.(Departures)
February 2, 2007... Culture, food, water sports, and much more, all in just 24 hours. Ross Bentley reports Auckland, home to more than two million people, is New Zealand's biggest city and the first port of call for many international visitors. Those who...

Departures.
February 2, 2007... APT offers regional experiences APT Touring has added a number of regional experiences to its New Zealand portfolio with four or five-day private tours for up to 16 people. Prices start at [pounds sterling]540 per person, twin-share, for a...

Departures.
February 2, 2007... Tahiti Tourisme is planning a second series of roadshows following the success of last year's events. Designed to promote the new strapline - Tahiti for Everyone - launched in November, the roadshows will highlight the range of...

Hotel checkRoyal Madikwe, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa.(Departures)
February 2, 2007... It's not often I get eyeballed by a herd of zebras while I'm brushing my teeth, but that's how up-close and personal the safari experience gets for guests at Royal Madikwe. The experience at this five-star lodge is certainly a walk on the...

A Royal welcome in Madikwe.(Departures)
February 2, 2007... Luxury South African lodge pledges themed safaris, weddings and balloon rides. Megan Turner reports Luxury safari lodge Royal Madikwe plans to expand its game viewing programme this year. Located in South Africa's Madikwe Game Reserve, 13...

No...Florida wins outYes...Opt for Africa.(Departures)
February 2, 2007... question I want my children to see African wildlife in a wide open space. Will they appreciate an expensive safari, or should I just take them to Disney's Animal Kingdom? It's a tricky one. Going on safari is one of the ultimate...

who is liable?(News)
February 2, 2007... Dynamic packaging is changing the face of travel and the issue of accountability in the event of accidents is a much debated one. Kelly Ranson looks at the consequences for agents "The prudent thing for someone organising an event is to...

Mainstream move for Autobookers.(News)
February 2, 2007... Car hire broker Autobookers is planning to work with more travel agents and tour operators during 2007. The trade-only site predominantly works with car-hire specialist agents, but new commercial director Peter Traynor said the aim is for...

How to be an influential manager.(Workplace)
February 2, 2007... Building a loyal, hardworking team to achieve objectives is essential for any manager. But how do you get your team on side? Scott Beagrie finds out about the art of persuasion Making things happen within an organisation relies heavily on a...

Book car hire from mobile City booths.(News)
February 2, 2007... Europcar has developed a mobile outlet that has been designed to maximise the company's presence in the UK. The Europcar City facility can be installed at major tourist attractions, in city centres, bus and railway stations. The first...

Cruise Club members to see Carnival ship launch.(News)
February 2, 2007... Travel Weekly Cruise Club members will get the first chance to see the latest superliner launched by the world's largest cruise operator Carnival next month. All but one of the five members will attend the inaugural celebrations for the...

Specialist hopes digital Teletext will boost sales.(News)
February 2, 2007... Americas4u is hoping a new digital teletext page will boost sales while work continues to develop its website Click4cruise.co.uk. Director Andy Winstanley said the Teletext page, which went live on Monday, contains some dynamically packaged...

Costa ups ante with Argos.(News)
February 2, 2007... Cruiseline teams up with catalogue shop to offer incentives for agents booking on its website Lee Hayhurst Costa Cruises has more than doubled its UK marketing budget for 2007 and hopes to increase UK sales by 67% with an innovative...

Agent launches cruising ad campaign.(News)
February 2, 2007... Future Travel homeworker Andrew Fox will test the demand for cruise in his area next week with an advertising campaign in his local newspaper, The Easingwold Advertiser. The York-based agent has put together four cruise deals ranging from...

Bag a bargain a week from Island Cruises.(News)
February 2, 2007... Island Cruises is to offer travel agents weekly deals tailored to specific UK regions. The collaboration between Royal Caribbean International and First Choice has installed its first customer relationship management system and is...

Agency seeks celeb tie-up.(News)
February 2, 2007... Shop boss hopes former football star David Seaman will promote cruise to clients Lee Hayhurst Chorleywood high-street travel agency and Travel Weekly Cruise Club member Ultimate Destinations is hoping to use a local sporting celebrity...

News.
February 2, 2007... Less on Princess Princess Cruises is offering special deals for Greek island and Mediterranean cruises on its new ship Emerald Princess this summer. The cruiseline has reduced fares by [pounds sterling]150 per person on selected departures...

Saga Pearl to sail again with Voyages of Discovery.(News)
February 2, 2007... Swan Hellenic customers upset about the demise of the brand will be able to cruise on a ship it once operated after Voyages of Discovery secured a long-term lease for Saga Pearl, formerly Minerva. Although All Leisure Group-owned Voyages of...

Taking with both hands.(Comment)
February 2, 2007... Byline: Martin CouzinsActing editor Money grabbing on this scale from BA and the Government is deplorable This week it's all take, take, take from the trade. Yesterday the new air passenger duty came into force - doubling the...

Are your staff being bullied?(Workplace)
February 2, 2007... Sarah-Marie Williams, solicitor in the employment team at Clyde & Co, answers questions on harassment in the workplace How are bullying and harassment defined by law? Bullying and harassment are generally considered to be unwelcome and...

News.
February 2, 2007... Mark Harrington, chief executive Check Safety First Concern for the environment is increasingly being added to the corporate social responsibility agendas of airlines, tour operators and hoteliers. But, to make real progress the travel...

Austria goes football crazy.(News)
February 2, 2007... Huge promotional blitz planned to boost UK agent knowledge in run-up to European championships Ross Bentley UK agents can expect to be bombarded with promotional information for Austria as the destination gears up to co-host the...

Discounts rule the day.(News)
February 2, 2007... Majors pile on tactical deals in package market, while agents slash cruise prices Juliet Dennisjuliet.dennis@rbi.co.uk Heavy discounting in the peak sales period is forcing agents to look beyond mainstream operators for business...

News.
February 2, 2007... LATE NEWS Stress on the high street More than 37% of travel agents think their jobs are stressful and 41% of retailers are more stressed than a year ago, according to a survey by Barclaycard Business. Reis de Mallorca courts trade...

SeaDream cuts short Brazilian adventure.(News)
February 2, 2007... Luxury cruise operator SeaDream Yacht Club has pulled out of operating in South America blaming problems with red tape and crime in Brazil. From February 21 the mega yacht SeaDream II will be repositioned in the West Indies. A change...

Fertility doc helps Triton 'evolve'.(News)
February 2, 2007... The UK's leading fertility doctor Lord Robert Winston heads the line-up at this year's Triton conference that will be themed 'Evolution'. He will draw parallels between the evolution of species and the travel industry in a keynote speech...

Lights, camera, action.(News)
February 2, 2007... The BBC is filming its last series of Holiday. Matthew Hampton joins the team in Tokyo for a behind-the-scenes look at the show None of us is sure whether it's legal in Japan to film out the back of a moving van Director and star are...

Events to go green too?(News)
February 2, 2007... A poll in Travel Weekly last week suggests future corporate travel may be reduced because it contributes to global warming. Such an argument may soon affect the conference sector, too. It is not far-fetched to predict the question: 'Is that...

MAUREEN.(Maureen)
February 2, 2007... In my experience, after enough wine, most restaurants revolve Model agents Icy roads, snow, rain, low cloud and gusty winds - it seems nothing will deter the reps from doing their rounds, and this week was a busy one for our shop. ...

News.
February 2, 2007... late news WTTC forecasts growth Global travel and tourism will grow at an annual rate of 4.2% over the next decade, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. The growth, and the industry's ability to manage it, will be the...

Departures.
February 2, 2007... now is the time to... fly to prague If you live in the southeast you're well served with a raft of low-cost carriers flying all over Europe, but spare a though for other parts of the country. Regional airports are fast catching up with...

Columnists.
February 2, 2007... Byline: Daniela Wagner Let some luxury fall in your lap I'll admit it! I'm in love. In love with luxury. I've enjoyed every minute of the 20 years I've spent in the travel business - as a courier on educational tours to political...

News.
February 2, 2007... London calling Superbreak owner Holidaybreak has bought London theatre ticket agent West End Theatre Bookings in a [pounds sterling]3.2 million deal to bolster its London theatre-inclusive breaks. The ticket agent sells through its call...

He'll be walking in Memphise_SLps.(News)
February 2, 2007... Like every true Elvis fan, Harvey World Travel UK managing director John Donnelly won't be missing the chance to mark the 30th anniversary of the rock star's death. So, like many other rockers nationwide, Donnelly will be paying a special...

How about some Chief and cheerful PR?(News)
February 2, 2007... For a start-up airline, there's nothing like one of the UK's most famous indie bands travelling on board and then talking about it on national radio to give your publicity a boost. And that's exactly what happened when Kaiser Chiefs...

Departures.
February 2, 2007... Operator: Amathus Holidays. Brochure: Faraway Places 2007/08. What's new? Egypt, Jordan and Thailand are included in the programme for the first time. Price panels now include room-per-night prices as well as package prices. They...

Record it to prove it.(Workplace)
February 2, 2007... Joanna McLachlan, travel solicitor at ASB Law, advises on how to avert legal action if natural disaster strikes Operators need to prepare for the worst in the event of freak weather Will last month's gales be talked about in the same...

Your weekly Guide to sales, business and careers advice.(Workplace)
February 2, 2007... Fact or

News.
February 2, 2007... What was your first job? I was an electrical goods salesman (I was terrible at it). What was your first job in travel? Tour leader. How did you climb the career ladder? I started Intrepid with a friend - there were just...

News.
February 2, 2007... MOvers and Shakers Jo Springford has been appointed environmental director at Apex Hotels, where she will promote the group's green policies and revenue-generating opportunities. Chris Quinn-Waugh has been appointed general...

A fresh image and a new direction.(News)
February 2, 2007... Hoping to create a 'retail experience' for its clients, Greenstar Travel embarked on a [pounds sterling]22,000 refit to take the agency forward. Kelly Ranson reports "If customers are coming in to spend [pounds sterling]5,000 we want them...

Departures.
February 2, 2007... F2-tw2-2007 SUBS: use couples logo in TWQPS and candle to be bought in to be photographed Pics of hotel rooms in TWQPS - Hilton on way. BMI USE bmi logo AhValentine's Day. Anonymous admirers, furtive glances, clandestine...

Leeds Met takes a lead on environment.(News)
February 2, 2007... London eye gets in a spin for red nose day Also backing Comic Relief is the British Airways London Eye. The popular attraction will take on a red theme for the six weeks running up to Red Nose Day on March 16. A host of...

Home flights take off.(News)
February 2, 2007... Growth in UK domestic services overtakes increase in international flights Edward Robertsoned.robertson@rbi.co.uk The UK's aviation market saw larger growth in domestic flights than in the international market during last month. ...

News.
February 2, 2007... Gulf Air is offering 18 duty free products exclusively through its flights following the launch of a new edition of its duty free magazine Priceless. The new additions include Molton Brown bath products, Helena Rubinstein treatments and...

NetJets announces expansion.(News)
February 2, 2007... Private jet operator NetJets Europe is expanding thanks to continued high levels of busines travel. Chief executive and chairman Mark Booth said following 30% growth in UK customers last year, the airline is opening a new crew gateway in...

Thomsonfly fleet gets its first 'green' aircraft.(News)
February 2, 2007... Thomsonfly's first step along its green fleet renewal programme took place with the arrival of its first Boeing 737-800. The aircraft will replace a B767 and with 12% greater fuel efficiency, it will help reduce carbon emissions. ...

News.
February 2, 2007... in brief Three for all at SAS SAS is introducing a third daily flight from London City to Copenhagen. The additional flight will launch on March 26 and complement the carrier's six daily flights from Heathrow. It will take the number...

News.
February 2, 2007... top 10 most expensive hotel rooms Moscow [pounds sterling]221.75 New York [pounds sterling]186.23 Bangalore [pounds sterling]167.45 Paris [pounds sterling]158.74 Hong Kong [pounds sterling]155.81 Milan ...

News.
February 2, 2007... january in numbers e_SFlb100,000 extra flights timetabled compared to January 2006 15% more low-cost seats sold than in January 2006. That's almost million seats One million: the number of extra seats airlines laid...

News.
February 2, 2007... 1 Thomson 2 Thomas Cook 3 Sunset 4 Cosmos 5 Airtours 6 Kuoni 7 First Choice 8 JMC Holidays 9 Libra Holidays 10 Gold Medal Holidays Top 10 tOUR OPERATORS

News.
February 2, 2007... Top 10 package holiday destinations 1 Egypt 2 Austria (ski) 3 Morocco 4 Spain 5 Maldives6 Gambia 7 Portugal 8 Tunisia 9 France (ski) 10 India

Member pins hopes on Teletext.(Cruising)
February 2, 2007... Cruise Club member Travel and More is considering advertising cruises on Teletext after promotions on local radio failed to increase bookings. The Peterborough-based agency, which is hoping to launch a new website in April after rebranding...

Departures.
February 2, 2007... feeling lucky? Would-be Shakespeares can pen a 100-word soliloquy about their love for Jamaica and the best one will win a luxury hamper in a special Valentine competition. Three runners-up will receive chocolates and champagne. Visit...

News.
February 2, 2007... Iraq fam trip opens up new business front Page 14

Departures.
February 2, 2007... HAVE YOU READ? Great Journeys A series of 20 books from Penguin [pounds sterling]4.99 each Whether its Ernest Shackleton's crossing of the Southern Ocean, or Ryszard Kapuscinski's account of Idi Amin's Uganda, Penguin's Great...

First carbon-free hotel.(News)
February 2, 2007... Per Aquum property will offer guests a novel incentive for working hard in the gym Paul Nelson The trade will soon be able to sell holidays at the world's first carbon-neutral five-star hotel, set to be built in Nungwi, Zanzibar. ...

Dead-tree press is finally coming of age.(News)
February 2, 2007... Byline: Kevin MayTravolution editor We are often asked at Travolution who or what will be the next big thing in the online travel business. In fact, there appears to be a general perception that only the start-ups have the ability to...

Agents in action as BA suffers.(News)
February 2, 2007... British Airways flew a normal service on Tuesday and Wednesday after cabin crew called off a strike, but did so with flights two-thirds empty. The airline said about 24,000 of the 77,000 originally booked to travel on Tuesday did so after...

Brown criticised for tax chaos.(News)
February 2, 2007... Chancellor Gordon Brown has had his knuckles rapped over the rise in Air Passenger Duty. The Treasury select committee, a cross-party group of MPs, has criticised the Chancellor for introducing the rise at such short notice thatit requires...

Operators threaten court action on APD.(News)
February 2, 2007... Tax hikes 'illegal and a breach of human rights' warns FTO Ian Taylor ian.taylor@rbi.co.uk Trade leaders have threatened the Treasury with legal action over the increase in Air Passenger Duty, with confusion predicted at airports as...

BA digs its heels in over GDS deal.(News)
February 2, 2007... Airline threatens to quit talks, leaving agents to pick up tab Paul Nelsonpaul.nelson@rbi.co.uk British Airways is taking a hard line in negotiations with the global distribution systems and is threatening to walk away from new deals...

Fewer charter delays in summer 2006.(News)
February 2, 2007... Charter passengers suffered fewer delays last summer than in the previous two years, but punctuality was not up to the standard of 2003. The annual report on charter delays by the Air Transport Users Council ranked MyTravel Airways the best...

News.
February 2, 2007... Bookings stable despite Eilat blast Operators have reported no ill-effects to bookings or enquiries for Israel, despite the suicide bombing in Eilat on Monday that killed three people. Longwood Holidays managing director Rafi Caplin...

Flying into the fray.(News)
February 2, 2007... Jet2.com and On Holiday Group team up to launch mainstream package operation Paul Nelsonpaul.nelson@rbi.co.uk Jet2.com and On Holiday Group have joined forces to launch Jet2holidays.com, claiming it will undercut mainstream package...

Airlines join Stansted protest.(News)
February 2, 2007... The two biggest airlines at Stansted have joined local campaigners and environmental groups against plans for a second runway. But while campaigners are worried about the environmental impact, Ryanair and EasyJet criticised the cost. ...

Triton tough on bed banks.(News)
February 2, 2007... Super-consortium warns room-only suppliers: "Become principals in four weeks or you're dumped" "I don't want the waters to be muddied so bed banks must become principals" Paul Nelsonpaul.nelson@rbi.co.uk Triton will dump...

Departures.
February 2, 2007... Everything you need to know for the week ahead The news of the world Grab a hold... Holders Season kicked off last night in London with a glitzy dinner. The main part of the annual performing arts festival takes place in Barbados. Log...

News.
February 2, 2007... LATE NEWS Going, going, gone... MyTravel has put the last 40 of its 110 Going Places shops closed in November 2005 up for sale. The company has instructed retail property experts Churston Heard to disposeof the units, located...

Florida's the key for Continental vacations.(News)
February 2, 2007... Continental Airlines Vacations is hoping to cash in on the enduring popularity of Florida with the launch of its second programme, and is using its bargaining power to access as many properties as possible. Sales director Gerry Boyle said...

Elegant gets agent-friendly.(News)
February 2, 2007... Luxury tour operator focuses on increasing business through the trade after reshuffling its board last year Edward Robertson Luxury tour operator Elegant Resorts has pledged to work more closely with agents after seeing the benefits of...

Royal Lancaster praised for green effort.(News)
February 2, 2007... The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London has been praised for its commitment to protecting the environment. The hotel has reduced its landfill waste by more than 50% per guest per night and won the title of the most considerate hotelier of 2006...

Safety of visitors still top priority.(News)
February 2, 2007... Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice says the area controlled by the Kurdistan Regional Government is one of the safer places to visit in Iraq. While the Kurdish controlled area is not covered by such stringent warnings as other parts of...

Austrian shows faith with return to Erbil.(News)
February 2, 2007... Austrian Airlines was the first European national carrier to resume flights to the Kurdish region of Iraq after a break of around 17 years. The twice-weekly service, which departs on Mondays and Fridays, resumed in December. Flights operate...

No cover for trip's willing clients.(News)
February 2, 2007... An insurer has claimed any operators or agents taking holidaymakers to Iraq would not be able to provide any legal protection for customers. Campbell Irvine managing director Anthony Kaye said it would be unlikely that a Lloyd's underwriter...

Agent on a mission torestore Iraq's tourism.(News)
February 2, 2007... Exclusive Pioneering packages to Kurdistan will take in war-torn nation Edward Robertson A UK travel agent returned safely to the UK this week after attending a four-day fam trip in war-torn Iraq where heintends to start organising...

Minister backs UK visitor plan.(News)
February 2, 2007... Following the trip to Erbil, IKB Travel owner Saad al-Khafaji has been appointed the Kurdistan Regional Government's UK tourism representative. During the four-day fam trip, he had two meetings with the state's minister for tourism Namrud...

Midconsort flies ahead.(News)
February 2, 2007... Midconsort Elite has announced details of a first long-haul conference, marking its 30th anniversary. The conference will be held at the five-star Beachcomber Shandrani Hotel in Mauritius on July 7-8 after a deal was struck with Air...

South Africa with Travel 2.(News)
February 2, 2007... Travel 2 has launched a new mini brochure focusing on South Africa Travel 2 is capitalising on the success of its South African programme with the launch of a special-edition mini brochure. The brochure, created in conjunction with...