Travel Weekly (UK) articles from February 2008

Travel Weekly (UK) archives from February 2008

No surprises at TUI Travel.(Comment)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Sarah LongbottomEditor "Such a sizeable merger is bound to have some casualties" It is never easy when shop closures are announced, but TUI Travel's announcement this week that 100 stores are to go should come as little...

20ways to sell New Zealand and the South Pacific.(Departures)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Janine Kelso If you think New Zealand is just an adventure playground for bungee-jumping backpackers, think again. It's not all sweeping landscapes and adrenalin sports. Here, operators and tourist offices share their knowledge and...

On the right road.(Departures)
February 1, 2008... Adam Shardlow discovers the wild natural beauty of New Zealand's North Island facts It's not just The Lord of the Rings that was filmed in New Zealand: Jane Campion's The Piano started the trend in 1993, followed by Lee Tamahori's...

Going back for seconds.(Departures)
February 1, 2008... Although South Africa continues to hold its popularity, returning clients to Africa may wish to see what the rest of the continent has to offer. Dinah Hatch reports If they've dived with sharks in Mossel Bay, drunk pinotage as the sun sets...

Prospects look bleak as trouble rages.(Departures)
February 1, 2008... Continent sees bookings down as violence in Kenya deters customers. Dinah Hatch reports The timing of the violence that broke out in Kenya at the end of last year could not have been worse for the country's tourism prospects - and will...

Want to be a park ranger?(Departures)
February 1, 2008... If you've ever fancied working on a game reserve, a place at Safari School will give you an opportunity to show off your animal skills The Mantis Collection, Virgin Holidays and Travel Weekly have joined forces to offer you the chance of a...

News.
February 1, 2008... Top 10 UK car hire searches Source: Travelsupermarket.com, Jan 14 2008 1. London 2. Manchester 3. Edinburgh 4. Glasgow 5. Belfast 6. Heathrow 7. Gatwick 8. Birmingham 9. Stansted 10. Bristol...

News.
February 1, 2008... 1. Tenerife 2. Bangkok 3. Orlando 4. Dubai 5. Lanzarote 6. Cape Town 7. Goa 8. GranCanaria 9. Barbados 10. Sharmel-Sheikh Top 10 winter sun destinations for 2008

News.
February 1, 2008... 1. Nanford Guest House, Oxford 2. Manor Court Hotel, Notting Hill, London 3. Britannia Hotel, Dialstone Lane, Stockport 4. Europa Gatwick, Maidenbower, Crawley 5. Whiteleaf Hotel, Inverness Terrace, London 6. Park Hotel,...

News.
February 1, 2008... 1. Los Altos De Eros, Tamarindo, Costa Rica 2. Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta, Thailand 3. The Ritz-Carlton Berlin, Berlin, Germany 4. Mykonos Grand Hotel and Resort, Mykonos, Greece 5. Hotel Le Palais, Prague, Czech Republic...

News.
February 1, 2008... Alicante s 64 18 Amsterdam r 41 5 Auckland s 75 24 Bahamas c 75 24 Bangkok sh 91 33 Beijing s 37 3 Budapest r 33 1 Buenos Aires sh 80 27 Cairo s 62 17 Cape Town s 82 28 Casablanca r 59 15 ...

NCL strategy boosts sales.(News)
February 1, 2008... Exclusive Cruiseline's European deployment Kelly Ranson Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed the company's increased European deployment has been central to its boost in new year sales. The cruiseline's year-on-year sales are 50% up...

News.
February 1, 2008... Zilli fishes around new eatery Celebrity chef Aldo Zilli made a quick stop on board Thomson Cruises' Celebration last month to check his new restaurant was running smoothly. The 40-seater Zilli eatery was launched in October last year.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines puts off Balmoral maiden voyage.(News)
February 1, 2008... Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has cancelled the inaugural sailing of its latest ship Balmoral, which was due to depart for the Canary Islands on January 30. The ship, which was previously Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Crown, has just...

News.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Chris Photisenior partner, White Hart Associates How will you tackle this year's trio of trials? This year promises to bring with it very difficult and turbulent times for the travel industry. If I were managing a travel...

Bonding set to remain for 600 ATOL holders.(News)
February 1, 2008... Former ABTA legal head says firms 'causing concern' will need to bolster [pounds sterling]1 APC Kelly Ransonkelly.ranson@rbi.co.uk About 600 ATOL holders will have to continue to bond when the new financial protection changes come into...

Polaris plugs GAP to take Explorer's place.(News)
February 1, 2008... GAP Adventures is running its Antarctica programme with a replacement ship two months after its own ship Explorer sank after hitting an iceberg. The Canadian-based adventure specialist has taken on another expedition ship, Polaris, to...

Hays Travel to branch out in East Midlands.(News)
February 1, 2008... Exclusive John Hays and Chris Smith join forces to open 30 retail shops Kelly Ranson kelly.ranson@rbi.co.uk Hays Travel is launching a network of up to 30 travel agencies across the East Midlands in a joint venture with ex-Ilkeston...

News.
February 1, 2008... Sales no mystery to Claire Travelcare Tamworth staff have been celebrating after scoring 99% in Travel Weekly's Mystery Shopper. Agent Claire Wood was tasked with finding an all-inclusive holiday to the Caribbean. Claire is pictured with...

Departures.
February 1, 2008... Q&A Richard Gamber, sales and marketing manager, Belleair Holidays Q. How is Malta changing as a holiday destination? A. There's been a lot of investment in the past five years and you can see the difference in the hotels that have...

Top choice for Brits.(Departures)
February 1, 2008... Malta is a must for those in search of diving, history and culture. Janine Kelso reports The locals speak English, drive on the left and drink pints - so it's little wonder Malta is such a hit with the Brits. Add a generous helping of...

News.
February 1, 2008... in brief Nobu sparkles for Crystal World-class chef Nobuyuki 'Nobu' Matsuhisa will be on board Crystal Cruises' Crystal Symphony in March. Nobu will oversee the launch of new restaurants Silk Road and The Sushi Bar at the start of the...

Independent knowledge will shine through.(News)
February 1, 2008... Byline: John McEwanchief executive Advantage It has never been a better time to be an independent travel agent - 2008 could be the year they demonstrate their value to discerning consumers. The consolidation of the big four offers...

Holidaybreak eyes further expansion.(News)
February 1, 2008... Group seeks acquisitions after [pounds sterling]145m spend in last 15 months Juliet Dennis Holidaybreak is to continue on the acquisition trail and has not ruled out setting up a fifth division. The group has spent more than...

How did I get here?Stuart Cowell, agency sales key account manager, Bourne Leisure Agency.(Skillzone)
February 1, 2008... What was your first job in travel? YTS trainee Lunn Poly. How did you climb the career ladder? It's important to grab any opportunity that's presented to you and gain as much experience as possible. It's also important to be...

Skillzone.
February 1, 2008... Aviareps has made various changes in personnel. Mitchell Hawes (left) has joined as UK and Ireland sales and marketing manager for Air Seychelles. Hawes has worked for Gulf Air and Air Namibia. Antje Voss has been appointed market development...

It's the earning question.(Skillzone)
February 1, 2008... Linsey McNeill highlights the pros and cons of the pay structures on offer to travel agents You might think two agents selling the same holidays, working the same hours in the same town, would earn roughly the same amount, but not...

Travel 2/4 leap year giveaway.(News)
February 1, 2008... Travel agents can win prizes in a leap year giveaway from specialist Travel 2/4 this month. For each of the 29 days in February, the trade-only operator is giving away three prizes - an iPod Nano, a Nintendo DS and [pounds sterling]290 in...

News.
February 1, 2008... The Week to ComeWhere to be and what you need to know for the week ahead Saturday February 2 Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show, Earl's Court. destinationsshow.com Sunday February 3 International Tourism...

News.
February 1, 2008... Group's profits at [pounds sterling]7m ABTA has produced one million leaflets reminding the public of the benefits of booking their breaks with its members. Some 150 copies of the leaflet, which can be found in this edition of Travel...

Atlantis risesin Dubai.(News)
February 1, 2008... Brett Armitage, senior vice-president sales at Atlantis the Palm, Dubai tells Kathi Everden "Our opening coincides with the delivery of the Airbus A380 to Emirates" What does Atlantis the Palm have to offer? The resort has an...

ITT announces conferences.(News)(Conference news)
February 1, 2008... The Institute of Travel and Tourism is to co-host two one-day conferences for lecturers and academics this year. The lecturers' events will take place at De Vere West One in London on March 17, and the Copthorne in Birmingham on June 30....

Soskin slams APD hike.(News)
February 1, 2008... Cheapflights.co.uk chief executive criticises Government for penalising industry over green issues Michelle Perrett The Government's targeting of the travel industry over green issues is "the big lie", according to Cheapflights.co.uk...

Charlotte rules the waves.(Skillzone)
February 1, 2008... This week Emily Ashwell talks to Charlotte Brown of Ideal Cruising in Camberley, Surrey, winner of Best Sales Consultant, Small Agency, at the Southeast Agent Excellence Awards When a customer in Hong Kong wanted to book a cruise last year,...

Operators and Agents.
February 1, 2008... Baggage British Airways believes the automated baggage system at Terminal 5 will end the nightmare of mislaid luggage. Rather than place your bag on a belt at check-in, luggage goes into a lift and is lowered to the luggage system....

Operators and Agents.
February 1, 2008... the facts: terminal 5 * Is five times the size of Terminal 4. * Has 9,000 public seats. * Cost [pounds sterling]4.3 billion, of which BA contributed [pounds sterling]330 million. * Has 112 shops and restaurants. * Will be...

News.
February 1, 2008... ba services from T5 * All domestic flights move to T5 from March 27. * Almost all European flights move from March 27. * Most intercontinental flights move on April 30. * Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Tripoli,...

BA prepares to spread its wings in T5.(News)
February 1, 2008... British Airways believes the opening of Terminal 5 will transform its operations at Heathrow. Ian Taylor reports on the development Heathrow's new Terminal 5 is a hymn to light and space. The tree-lined entrance and soaring faAs.ade...

Departures.
February 1, 2008... Operator: Kirker Brochure: Short Breaks December 2007-December 2008 What's new? 12 destinations, including Havana, Cologne, Kiev and the Hague. They say: "The convenience of Kirker's one-stop shopping service, together with our...

News.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Kevin MayTravolution editor Capture the experience to rival online travel players When was the last time you used a high street travel agent? This is a question members of the Travolution team are asked frequently. So, a...

News.
February 1, 2008... More stars shine for Disney Celebrities have been transformed into Disney characters in a new set of images by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz. As part of Disney's Year of a Million Dreams celebration to promote events at its...

BA check-in times at T5 will not be reduced.(News)
February 1, 2008... British Airways will impose a 45-minute cut-off time for check-in at Heathrow's new Terminal 5 despite having state-of-the-art security and luggage-handling systems. The deadline will apply across the board - including business-class...

OFT approves easyJet's GB takeover.(News)
February 1, 2008... The Office of Fair Trading has given the go-ahead for EasyJet's takeover of former British Airways franchise carrier GB Airways, despite concern at the concentration of leading leisure routes in a single carrier's hands. The OFT ruled...

Homeworker has site to sing about.(News)
February 1, 2008... Explorer Travel franchisee rakes in [pounds sterling]25,000 a month after launch of opera website "These niche websites allow our franchisees to compete with Expedia and lastminute.com" Edward Robertsoned.robertson@rbi.co.uk A...

Package spending up by 6% in 2007.(News)
February 1, 2008... UK spending on traditional package holidays increased by 6% last year, raising total revenues of [pounds sterling]11 billion, according to a new study. Market research company Market and Business Development has released its UK Tour...

CAA rejects package guidance misgivings.(News)
February 1, 2008... Regulator says agents rarely sell anything that does not require ATOL protection Ian Taylor ian.taylor@rbi.co.uk The Civil Aviation Authority will treat the sale of two or more holiday items as a package that requires ATOL cover...

No-frills airlines stifle UK tourism.(News)
February 1, 2008... Cheap flights have caused tourism trade deficit of [pounds sterling]18 billion Edward Robertsoned.robertson@rbi.co.uk A House of Commons select committee has been urged to start charging budget airlines VAT to safeguard the future of...

News.
February 1, 2008... In brief Brit tourists flock east The Singapore Tourism Board has reported receiving 496,000 UK visitors to the country last year. The figure equates to a 1.5% increase for 2006. TourCAT scaled down Technology firm Southfield...

Travel giant will save [pounds sterling]150m a year from 2010.(News)
February 1, 2008... The 100-day review by TUI Travel boss Peter Long has identified an extra [pounds sterling]50 million a year in savings from combining the TUI and First Choice businesses, taking savings to [pounds sterling]150 million a year from 2010. The...

Worldchoice decision delayed.(News)
February 1, 2008... Worldchoice has delayed a decision on whether to join Stella Travel Services or accept a bid from the Travel Trust Association. The consortium's board had promised a decision by the end of January following prolonged merger talks with the...

A bit of domestic support.(Letters)
February 1, 2008... Third runway will improve safety The miraculous escape from danger of the British Airways flight from Beijing triggered a knee-jerk reaction from the usual green lobbyists as well as the main mayoral candidates for London. Rather...

Departures.
February 1, 2008... Competition We've teamed up with Air Malta to offer one lucky fan the chance to win a football shirt signed by Gary Neville, one of the most successful English players in the Premier League. Manchester United star Neville is a regular...

Departures.
February 1, 2008... Sample product Belleair offers seven nights' bed and breakfast at the five-star Excelsior Grand in Valletta, Malta, for [pounds sterling]635 per person, including flights and transfers. Guests arriving between March 27 and June 30 will...

Maureen.
February 1, 2008... Next time you crack a joke with clients, don't let the boss's raised eyebrows intimidate you New York kinda girl Natalie returned from a week's trip to a freezing New York. She'd travelled with her brother, Darren, to enjoy a flavour...

Co-op TravelThomas CookThomson First Choice.(Mystery Shopper)
February 1, 2008... Newport Street, Swindon The presentation of this store was a real letdown. Although the front was clean, there were few offers displayed, and inside was a mess - little bits of paper on the carpet, a calculator under a desk, books and...

Reservations on the move.(News)
February 1, 2008... Hotels4u and The Handy Group to create mobile hotel booking and search service Linda Fox Bedbank hotels4u.com has teamed up with The Handy Group to create an accommodation search and booking service for mobile phones. Hotels4u...

Leger adds podcasts to online brochures.(News)
February 1, 2008... Escorted tour operator Leger Holidays has added video podcasts to some of its online brochures to help agents and customers find out more about its tours. The company has worked with the History Channel to add videos to its battlefields...

Cheapflights backs networking site Trivago.(News)
February 1, 2008... "Trivago is already cash-flow positive at the operational level" Cheapflights.co.uk chief executive David Soskin and vice-chairman Hugo Burge have thrown their weight behind hotel search and social networking site trivago.co.uk. This...

China Holidays eyes UK trade.(News)
February 1, 2008... UK-facing brochure launches as specialist group Edward Robertson A Chinese specialist tour operator in Australia has launched its first UK-facing programme. China Holidays Travel Group has been in business for 10 years and started...

News.
February 1, 2008... See Paris from a CitroA'n 2CV A French specialist tour operator is offering customers the chance to cruise the streets of Paris in a customised CitroA'n 2CV. Allo France director Laurie Pruvost said the cars are being used in a 90-minute...

News.
February 1, 2008... TRAVEL WEEKLY ONLINE POLL Who is most in need of a 'wellness' break? Amy Winehouse e_SFlbPete Doherty Britney Spears 44% 2% 54% This week's poll: Is the Government using travel as a scapegoat in the...

Peas in a pod? Or 'polls' apart?(News)(Conference notes)
February 1, 2008... When not working as the chairman of the Association of Independent Tour Operators Specialist Travel Agents or running his own Traveltime agency, it seems Barry Moxley is managing to find time to contest the Republican preliminaries for the US...

The voice of an angel...(News)(Conference notes)
February 1, 2008... Rowdon or Robbie? With the talents of agents these days it can be hard to tell the difference We all know travel agents are a talented bunch but even Rear View can be left surprised by when and where they decide to unveil their...

TUI Travel plans to close 100 agencies.(News)
February 1, 2008... Up to 1,000 staff could be hit by closures, says union following 100-day review Ian Taylorian.taylor@rbi.co.uk TUI Travel is to close 100 shops in the UK following a review of the business formed from the merger of TUI and First Choice...

News.
February 1, 2008... our TOp five web stories Most-read stories on www.travelweekly.co.uk this week: 1. TUI to close 100 agencies 2. Travelscope sold to former managers 3. Hotels4u.com appoints head of new product development 4. Stella Travel...

A smart move with south africa.(Week in pictures)
February 1, 2008... Midlands Co-op Travel general manager Ken Smith swapped the office for the shop floor when he spent a day in the High Street branch in Solihull, West Midlands. From stocking brochure racks to serving customers, Ken was in the shop all day to...

Skillzone.
February 1, 2008... kuoni About the employer Kuoni is one of the best-known and most-established names in long-haul tour operations. It is now branching into retail travel. Where will I be working?You'll be working in Kuoni's new concept flagship...

News.
February 1, 2008... "Everyone who appears in this column should be booking through a travel agent" How many holidays do you take a year? I like to take two to three holidays a year. I also go abroad for business trips. Do you book your holiday online...

Multicom to launch best property deal finder.(News)
February 1, 2008... Travel technology company Multicom has developed an aggregator tool soagents can find the best deals from accommodation-only suppliers. The Accommodation Viewerallows agents to search on criteria such as distance from the beach and number...

News.
February 1, 2008... in brief Royal sales move Royal Caribbean Cruise Line will be creating a dedicated sales teams for its major brands. Managing director Jo Rzymowska said it will now have teams for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and...

XL homes in on Egypt.(News)
February 8, 2008... Operator launches new brochure for the remainder of the winter season following programme expansion Juliet Dennis XL Holidays is to launch a dedicated Egypt brochure after expanding its programme to the destination this winter. ...

A good deal is in sight.(Comment)
February 8, 2008... Byline: Sarah LongbottomEditor "It is difficult to see why the TTA deal would be rejected" What a relief: it looks like the long wait is almost over. After months of negotiation, originally with Global Travel - subsequently bought by...

News.
February 8, 2008... Top 10 US flight searches 1. New York 2. Florida 3. Las Vegas 4. Los Angeles 5. Miami 6. San Francisco 7. Boston 8. Chicago 9. Atlanta 10. Colorado

News.
February 8, 2008... Top 10 package holiday searches in Europe 1. Majorca 2. Cyprus 3. Gran Canaria 4. Costa del Sol 5. Algarve 6. Tenerife 7. Lanzarote 8. Costa Blanca 9. Ibiza 10. Costa Brava

News.
February 8, 2008... Top 20 travel search terms 1. EasyJet 2. Ryanair 3. Thomas Cook 4. First Choice 5. Multimap 6. Expedia 7. Google Earth 8. Train times 9. AA route planner 10. Cheap flights 11. Holidays ...

News.
February 8, 2008... World weather Midday readings A*F A*C Alicante s 64 18 Amsterdam c 50 10 Auckland s 78 26 Bahamas s 77 25 Bangkok s 93 34 Beijing c 35 2 Budapest s 44 7 Buenos Aires sh 75 24 Cairo sh 66 19...

News.
February 8, 2008... backpacking in statistics [pounds sterling]450 is the amount the average backpack and its contents are worth 75% of backpackers classed a mobile phone as essential 72% wouldn't travel without a digital camera 57% of...

filling inthe Gap.(News)
February 8, 2008... GAP Adventures sales and marketing director EMEA John Warner talks to Kelly Ranson about mourning the loss of Explorer and future plans for e-learning and fam trips for agents "Frontline staff need to see the product to sell it. We will be...

Fulfil their dreams and fly high.(News)
February 8, 2008... Byline: Colin Wilsonhead of agency sales, Page and Moy Less is more. That's how we should be thinking when discussing the economy and it's the way we should be selling to capitalise on opportunities. You will have heard the saying: 'we...

Don't miss the Fab Four.(Departures)
February 8, 2008... While cities such as Prague and Cracow are drawing in the visitors, German cities are becoming ever more popular. Liz Moscrop reports on four places to sell to your clients Since the football World Cup in 2006, a host of unsung German...

Agents and operators, united at last.(News)
February 8, 2008... Byline: Daniele Broccolipartner, Britaly Travel and director, Typical Italian Holidays In recent weeks I've been visiting agents to promote our tour operator product. But with my 24-year background as a retail agent, who still works on the...

There are multiple problems.(News)
February 8, 2008... TTA offer is great deal for members The announcement this week that the Worldchoice board is recommending that members go with the Travel Trust Association offer has to be a win-win situation for members and shareholders of the consortium...

Get a star for satisfied staff.(Skillzone)
February 8, 2008... If your employees are happy in their work, the Best Companies scheme could give you some credit for it. Linsey McNeill reports Five travel companies can claim to be among the best employers in the country after gaining accreditation under a...

She's a super Nova.(Skillzone)
February 8, 2008... Emily Ashwell talks to Nova Lautman of First Choice Barkingside, winner of Travel Weekly's Agent Excellence Award for Best Sales Consultant, Large Agency, at the Southeast ceremony "I like tailor-making and I love selling cruises" ...