Travel Weekly (UK) articles from January 2008

Travel Weekly (UK) archives from January 2008

Bug blights Queen Victoria sailing.(News)
January 4, 2008... Cunard's Queen Victoria was hit with Norovirus over Christmas on its second voyage. The ship, launched and named by the Duchess of Cornwall last month, had 11 passengers still suffering from the bug on Wednesday, but it was reported that...

Destination anywhere.(Comment)
January 4, 2008... Byline: Sarah LongbottomEditor "It is a well-known fact that the travelling public are a fickle lot" After all the hoo-ha over mergers, takeovers and the general shift of the travel market last year, now is the time to focus on...

News.
January 4, 2008... January e_SFlb* The Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform is due to release guidance to the trade on the definition of a package holiday.e_SFlb7 Government begins to relax single cabin-bag rule at selected airports, but...

News.
January 4, 2008... New Year flight searches Source: Travelsupermarket.co.uk for searches Dec 29-31 Amsterdam Malaga New York- all New York Alicante Dublin Bangkok Edinburgh Tenerife Barcelona Gran Canaria ...

News.
January 4, 2008... Top 10 New Year hotels Source: Travelsupermarket.co.uk searches for December 29-31 1. London 2. Edinburgh 3. Paris 4. Amsterdam 5. New York 6. Dublin 7. Lake District 8. Barcelona 9. Prague ...

News.
January 4, 2008... Top 10 destinations New Year 2007 Source: Cheapflights.co.uk for searches Tenerife New York Bangkok Sydney Johannesburg Lanzarote Goa Mumbai Cape Town Melbourne top 10 new year...

Discover colonial Bermuda.(Departures)
January 4, 2008... Caribbean Tourism Organisation UK and Europe director of marketing Julia Hendry brings you the first Caribbean update for 2008 This month I'm introducing you to Bermuda, renowned for its charming blend of British heritage, American comfort...

News.
January 4, 2008... my prediction The year ahead will present further challenges and excitement for cruise agents, with a number of new ships being launched and more choice than ever before in the UK market. More agents and customers will go online in...

Cruising grows at a rate of knots.(News)
January 4, 2008... Fleet additions and enhanced training are buoying sector Kelly Ranson kelly.ranson@rbi.co.uk Cruising proved to be a huge growth area for the travel industry during 2007 and the pace looks set to continue in 2008. More than 1.35...

News.
January 4, 2008... Predictions for 2008 show that the trend for growth continues, with anticipated numbers of cruisers reaching 1.55 million, a 14% rise on 2007. The main driver for this growth in 2008 is the capacity that will be brought in by a range of...

Departures.
January 4, 2008... Operator: Scenic Tours Brochure: Australia and New Zealand 2008/2009 What's new? Luxury coaches in Australia and New Zealand cruising. They say: "With our local experts you will gain a unique perspective into world-famous icons as...

Occupancy down, but profits up for London hotels.(News)(Financial report)
January 4, 2008... Despite an overall drop in occupancy of the UK's hotel market last month, London is still leading the market both in the UK and the whole of Europe. A survey of 462 hotels by TRI Hospitality Consulting has shown London occupancy rates fell...

Statistics suggest plenty of life in package sales.(News)
January 4, 2008... Exclusive Seven-night holidays look set to overtake 14-night trips as the most popular duration for families in summer 2008 and could be accompanied by a revival in the package holiday. Figures from Ascent-MI's Leisure Travel Monitor,...

East Med rides high.(News)
January 4, 2008... Exclusive Greece and Turkey climbed up the popularity ranks in summer 2007 Juliet Dennisjuliet.dennis@rbi.co.uk Eastern Mediterranean destinations Greece and Turkey overtook the popularity of the Balearic Islands and mainland Spain...

2008 could bring more failures.(News)
January 4, 2008... The collapse of Travelscope and MAXjet over the Christmas period has evoked mixed forecasts for 2008. White Hart Associates partner Chris Photi warned fuel prices and foreign exchange rates could create a tougher trading environment over...

News.
January 4, 2008... in brief Resorthoppa recruits Travel industry veteran Bill Maxwell is to join transfer company Resorthoppa as a consultant. It has also appointed Joanne Lynam and Kim Bradley to its sales and marketing team. The changes follow the...

News.
January 4, 2008... in brief Cruiseline's ad push Ocean Village has launched its first TV advertising campaign and is partnering with The Co-operative Travel Group to boost summer 2008 sales. The [pounds sterling]400,000 campaign will feature on the...

There may be mergers ahead.(News)
January 4, 2008... Byline: Chris Photisenior partner, White Hart Associates 2007 was a fairly turbulent year for the industry and certainly the indicators for 2008 are not good. The cost of fuel and the exchange rates at the outset of 2008 do not look...

Oops, they did it again.(News)
January 4, 2008... Hit the Alternative Awards one more time to see some of travel's best musical talent Folk in the travel industry have some guts. This year's Alternative Awards included The Y Factor, an opportunity for the trade's would-be singers to...

Treating clients with kid gloves.(Departures)
January 4, 2008... Parents taking their children skiing for the first time will have some concerns. Thankfully, there's plenty of family-friendly product available. Linda Fox reveals what to look out for The decision to take young children on their first...

Smart skiers are using their noodle.(Departures)
January 4, 2008... Good snow, developed resorts and falling prices make Japan a viable option for winter sports enthusiasts. Linsey McNeill reports Until recently Japan seemed an unlikely choice for a winter sports holiday. Crystal and Inghams raised a few...

How did I get here?Paula Turner, recruitment manager, Future Travel.(Skillzone)
January 4, 2008... What was your first job? I worked as a weddings co-ordinator for a large hotel chain. What was your first job in travel? Portland Holidays, selling to the public face to face and on the phone. How did you climb the career...

Skillzone.
January 4, 2008... Call centre sales manager Salary: [pounds sterling]30,000- [pounds sterling]35,000 plus bonus and benefits. Location: Southeast What the ad says: "This leading long-haul tour operator is seeking an experienced person to manage...

Get some direction in 2008.(Skillzone)
January 4, 2008... If you're looking for a new start in the new year and that means a change of job, check out the opportunites available. Linsey McNeill reports If your New Year's resolution is to get a new job, you might be surprised at the number of roles...

Cruising to victory.(Skillzone)
January 4, 2008... Emily Ashwell talks to Alison Westall of Cumbria Cruises, the winner of the Agent Excellence Award for Best Cruise Agency in the North at the Travel Weekly Northern Travel Trade Ball With 25 years' solid reputation behind you, it would be...

Effect of open skies deal is up in the air.(News)
January 4, 2008... Airlines will soon fly freely between the EU and US - but fare savings are in doubt The fanfare that greets the onset of 'open skies' between the European Union and the US at the end of March may leave most people wondering: 'Why the...

Airlines face more pressure to cut CO2.(News)
January 4, 2008... The aviation sector faces a challenging year. Ian Taylor considers what is in prospect Pressure on airlines to reduce emissions can only grow this year. The Government has pledged to cut CO2 emissions by up to 32% by 2020 and at least 60%...

Queue up for some answers.(Analysis)
January 4, 2008... Check-in delays have been a trade headache. Don't expect things to improve quickly, writes Ian Taylor The Government will begin to relax the one cabin-bag rule at UK airports from Monday, but the restriction will not end at many airports...

Join the 24 hour party peoplee_SLps.(Departures)
January 4, 2008... Jeannine Williamson takes a look at what the Caribbean has to offer for those looking for hedonistic heights or sporting sensation in 2008 facts The Dominican Rebublic carnival originated in colonial times, when people in Santo Domingo...

Bag rule lifts for some.(News)
January 4, 2008... Airports prepare for confusion over partial ending to hand luggage restrictions "Passengers should check with their airlines" Ian Taylor ian.taylor@rbi.co.uk The one cabin-bag rule will be lifted at some UK airports from Monday -...

It's business as usualdespite Kenyan riots.(News)
January 4, 2008... Operators still offering country after FCO issues warning Edward Robertsoned.robertson@rbi.co.uk Tour operators are continuing to offer holidays to Kenya despite the death of about 300 people as a result of riots in the country. As...

MAXjet demise could be start of a downturn.(News)
January 4, 2008... The collapse of MAXjet Airways on Christmas Eve may signal a developing downturn but not the end of business-class-only airlines. The US-owned business-class carrier ceased flying from Stansted after failing in a bid to raise fresh capital,...

Virgin crew stand firm over strike.(News)
January 4, 2008... Strikes by firefighters and security staff that would have closed Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and other airports on Monday have been called off, but the first ever strike at Virgin Atlantic appears set to go ahead on Wednesday. Unions and...

Deadline looms for ailing Travelscope.(News)
January 4, 2008... Operator's prospective buyers have until lunchtime today to put offers forward "It's never easy to sell a business at this time of year, but I'm hopeful of three or four sensible offers" Juliet Dennisjuliet.dennis@rbi.co.uk A...

Maureen.
January 4, 2008... I could become aggressive, bolshy or just downright rudebut the kid is only seven Let's playtravel agents So, Christmas came and went in a flurry of wrapping paper and champagne, we're facing 2008 and my house is still littered with...

Skillzone.
January 4, 2008... Jean De Durfort is the new head of hotel distribution for technology company Amadeus. De Durfort previously managed Amadeus's relationships with third-party technology providers and other travel companies selling its online booking systems. ...

Thomas CookFirst ChoiceTravelcare Thomson.(Mystery Shopper)
January 4, 2008... George Street, Tamworth This Thomas Cook store was clean, tidy and well-stocked with brochures. There was a queue of five people waiting for foreign exchange, but I was immediately greeted by a consultant who asked how she could help....

Agents urged to book British.(News)
January 4, 2008... Exclusive Enjoy England launches trade campaign to raise awareness of the domestic market Chloe Bermanchloe.berman@rbi.co.uk Enjoy England is encouraging travel agents to sell British ina new campaign. The tourist board has teamed...

Budget sector is big business.(News)
January 4, 2008... Travel industry figures predict further growth as more no-frills hotel brands enter the market "The budget hotel sector is going to be the major driver of the industry" Chloe Bermanchloe.berman@rbi.co.uk The growth of the budget...

Say hello to new ways of meeting.(News)
January 4, 2008... Innovative distribution comes to fore, writes Kevin May Typically for every 100 visits to a travel website only one or two result in a booking.Companies cannot allow this situation to continue, especially when part of the solution is...

News.
January 4, 2008... my prediction Opinions seem divided as to whether 2008 will see a recession either way it will not be a boom year. Shorter breaks will be the norm thanks to the low-cost carriers route expansion. Even skiing will see a growth in...

News.
January 4, 2008... my prediction Tour operators continue to face a series of competitive and regulatory pressures that are unlikely to go away. So what does 2008 hold? The no-frills carriers continue to expand, and both Ryanair and easyJet have more...

Big two at heart of market puzzle.(News)
January 4, 2008... Market leaders continue their development in niche areas Edward Robertsoned.robertson@rbi.co.uk When former Kuoni managing director Sue Biggs predicted consolidation among the big four at the start of last year, even she couldn't have...

News.
January 4, 2008... my prediction No one needs a crystal ball to predict that 2008 will see pressure continuing to build on high-street travel agents. There will be more talk of the web, dynamic packaging and other factors that the doom-merchants claim...

Sir Michael is stuck Midway to nowhere.(News)
January 4, 2008... BMI chairman Sir Michael Bishop maintained a dignified bearing throughout the ceremonies in China in mid-December to mark Air China and Shanghai Airlines joining the Star Alliance group of carriers. The chief executives of all 19 member...

When Christmas is really ho-ho-horrid.(News)
January 4, 2008... With Christmas and its associated stresses kicked into touch, Rear View prefers not to dwell on the festive period. While here at Travel Weekly Towers we are quietly brushing the whole event under the carpet, we thought we would share this...

Departures.
January 4, 2008... agent offers Touchdown offers a wide selection of holidays throughout the Caribbean, with flights from just [pounds sterling]219 return including all taxes and surcharges. All-inclusive accommodation is available from [pounds sterling]18...

Columnists.
January 4, 2008... "A perfect daywould be filled with exciting, life-enhancing experiences" How many holidays do you take a year? As many as I can. I love travelling - my workload as a broadcast journalist prevented me from going away asoften as I...

News.
January 11, 2008... in brief Bennett is cruise boss Thomas Cook director of commercial relations Marc Bennett has added the role of cruise director to his responsibilities. He takes over from James Cole who has left the company. The rest of the cruise...

It's all about satisfaction.(Comment)
January 11, 2008... Byline: Sarah LongbottomEditor "Even regular travellers could be forgiven for not keeping up to date with the changes" Not being the greatest packer in the world, I was delighted to hear that airports are relaxing the one-bag rule for...

Maureen.
January 11, 2008... He's not used to flimsy satin and the lace chafed his thighs as the knickers were a bit tight A brief complaint Remember how it felt on the first day back at school for a new term? That's how it's been in the office, with clients...

Site has it mapped out.(News)
January 11, 2008... Holiday Brokers plans to allow agents to view hotels' local amenities online Juliet Dennis Holiday Brokers has revealed plans for a customised mapping service on its trade website after revamping online search facilities for agents....

the rise ofrzymowska.(News)
January 11, 2008... Royal Caribbean International managing director UK and Ireland Jo Rzymowska has come a long way since her days of being the youngest holiday rep in Majorca. Juliet Dennis gets the lowdown "[As a rep in Majorca] I had to deal with a murder,...

Sail away in 2008.(Departures)
January 11, 2008... Make it your resolution to reel in more cruise customers - this is the year to do it, says Jane Archer There has never been a better year for agents to make money from cruising, with eight new ships launching and forecasts of another 12...

Ceremony was a real Gem.(News)
January 11, 2008... Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem was named in New York City in front of 2,000 travel industry professionals and media. The ship's godmother - 31-year-old Cindy Cardella from New Jersey was chosen from more than 500 past NCL guests who...

Run away with the circus on Ventura.(News)
January 11, 2008... P&O Cruises is adding the first circus school at sea to its latest superliner Ventura. When the ship launches in April it will feature Cirque Ventura, which will include a bungee trampoline and a flying trapeze area. Skilled performers...

NCL gets $1bn cash injection.(News)
January 11, 2008... Apollo Management investment will lead to enhancements to cabins, amenities and restaurants "We will focus ona significant enhancement to the guest experience" Emily Bamber in New York Norwegian Cruise Line has announced...

Time to spring into action.(Departures)
January 11, 2008... As the shoulder season approaches, Linsey McNeill recommends mainland Greece for a spot of hiking and biking, history and spas Spring can be the best time to visit Greece, before the hordes of package holidaymakers take over the beach...

ABTA denies office sell-off.(News)
January 11, 2008... ABTA has denied it plans to sell its Newman Street premises despite a recent approach by an interested buyer. But chief executive Mark Tanzer admitted that ensuring ABTA was in the right offices in the right location was an "ongoing issue"...

Thomas Cook steps up bank holiday campaign.(News)
January 11, 2008... Public flocks to travel giant's shops to sign its petition as PM is questioned on TV Juliet Dennis juliet.dennis@rbi.co.uk Thomas Cook's petition for an extra UK bank holiday has attracted 100,000 signatures since it launched on Boxing...

Independents top service poll.(News)
January 11, 2008... Holiday Which? survey suggests big two operators are trailing behind in customer satisfaction stakes Kelly Ransonkelly.ranson@rbi.co.uk Customers are more satisfied with the service of independent tour operators than they are with the...

Commission goes monthly at Travel Counsellors.(News)
January 11, 2008... Exclusive Travel Counsellors has announced that it will now pay commission to its agents fortnightly rather than each month. The company, which employs more than 860 home-based agents, has said it is giving its travel counsellors their...

Travelsphere makes play for Travelscope.(News)
January 11, 2008... Exclusive Travelsphere is understood to have bought failed tour operator Travelscope. Travelscope's administrators have been in talks with several interested parties about selling the business since it collapsed on December 21. The...

News.
January 11, 2008... Keep home fires burning at BTTF It seems that the new year's headlines are being dominated with announcements about rising interest rates and higher mortgage repayments. As everyone attempts to make a new year's resolution to tighten their...

News.
January 11, 2008... in brief New role for Vaughan Thomas Cook UK and Ireland has appointed Stephen Vaughan as the new general manager of Club 18-30. The former head of sales and distribution for the Thomas Cook independent division replaces Paul Little....

Kylie tickets? We should be so lucky.(News)
January 11, 2008... When the opportunity arose to bid for tickets to see Kylie Minogue live at the O2, a team of staff at Travel Weekly thought they were in with a chance. During an auction at the recent Alternative Travel Awards, the 20 staff each put...

How did I get here?Paul Coates, training manager, Hillgate Travel.(Skillzone)
January 11, 2008... What was your first job in travel? An accounts clerk at Thomas Cook. My responsibilities were to reconcile accounts on the transfer of currency between head office and branches and inter-branch. How did you climb the career ladder? ...

Skillzone.
January 11, 2008... Human resources adviser Salary: [pounds sterling]25,000-[pounds sterling]30,000 plus benefits Location: London What the ad says: "Reporting directly into the chief executive you will assist in the development and implementation of...

Skillzone.
January 11, 2008... Paul Tilling has left Jetlife and joined Funway Holidays International, where his new role is product development director. Andrea Lovering will now be looking after the Asia and Caribbean product at Jetlife. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group...

A reel way to communicate.(Skillzone)
January 11, 2008... Holidaysplease is enabling operators to use online videos to boost its homeworkers' product knowledge. Emily Ashwell reports A homeworking company and tour operator have joined forces to use online video as an innovative way to boost...

Currie is hot stuff.(Skillzone)
January 11, 2008... This week Emily Ashwell talks to Sarah Currie from Flight Centre who won the award for Best Manager, Large Agency, at Travel Weekly's Southeast Agent Excellence Awards "When I first took on the management role I was really excited, but it...

Departures.
January 11, 2008... City breaks are the fastest-growing holiday sector for the US. Kate Burgess Craddy from the Visit USA Association shows you how to make the most of short breaks Winter and the shoulder seasons are the perfect time to sell a city break....

The really wild show.(Departures)
January 11, 2008... Add an onshore experience to an Alaskan cruise to get a taste of the frontier. Paul Blaney reports Nobody can deny Alaska looks spectacular from the decks of a cruise ship, but passengers who walk straight down the gangplank and off to the...

Go for the Golden State.(Departures)
January 11, 2008... Will Gray explores California's cities and backcountry, and offers tips on what to see and where to stay Glitzy, glamorous, wild and remote, this Pacific state is one of the most diverse in the US. Legendary cities such as San Francisco,...

New website opens Gates to blogging.(News)(Website overview)
January 11, 2008... Gates Travel in Cumbria has launched a website that incorporates blogging and a carbon footprint calculator. Each agent contributes to a travel blog where they provide tips and share their own personal travel experiences. Managing...

NH Hoteles' portfolio goes into Orbitz.(News)
January 11, 2008... Orbitz has added the portfolio of European hotel chain NH Hoteles to its online brands. The move means 341 NH hotels - mainly in Europe but with several in South Africa and America - will be bookable on hotelclub.com, ebookers.com,...

Worldchoice agents' passport to nowhere.(News)
January 11, 2008... Exclusive Members set to lose revenue as application checking service is axed Chloe Bermanchloe.berman@rbi.co.uk Worldchoice members are no longer able to offer a passport application checking service from today, resulting in losses of...

Co-op plans job cuts.(News)
January 11, 2008... The Co-operative Travel is to close its Stockport call centre in a move that will affect 120 jobs. The group has blamed the growth of online flight bookings for the closure of Kingsgate House, which sells mainly worldwide flights. The call...

Things are not looking up.(News)
January 11, 2008... The spectre of an economic downturn has returned after years off the radar. Ian Taylor considers the outlook for the travel industry and what it could mean for struggling companies "The situation is a little unnerving. Holidays remain a...

US mergers now look likelyBA business travellers in it for long haule_SClBAir Berlin rebrands as airberlin.(News)
January 11, 2008... As recession fears increase across the Atlantic, airlines prepare for consolidation and schedule cuts Ian Taylor The growing threat of recession in the US is driving the country's major carriers towards consolidation, with Delta Air...

Barometer.
January 11, 2008... The 10 most expensive uk cities for hotel stays most common items left in travelodges IN 2007 hotel trends in stats 1. Mobile phones and chargers 2. Clothing 3. Adult toys 4. Books 5. Toiletries 6. Laptops...

News.
January 11, 2008... Hollywood is Buzz word for Disney Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has renamed Disney-MGM Studios as Disney's Hollywood Studios and announced new entertainment for 2008. Toy Story Mania! is an interactive ride opening this summer, while...

News.
January 11, 2008... Winner Rachel is set for Cyprus A travel agent has won a week's free stay at the Palm Beach Hotel and Bungalows in Larnaca, Cyprus. Rachel Nicolson from the Bolton branch of Althams Travel was presented with the prize last week, after...

Departures.
January 11, 2008... Everything you need to know for the week ahead Homepage: The opening page is slick and cool with black-and- white photographs of Abu Dhabi's big draws: camels and sand dunes. Information available: Everything from where and what to eat...