Travel Weekly (UK) articles from May 2007

Travel Weekly (UK) archives from May 2007

Letters.(Letter to the editor)
May 4, 2007... Letterlarge I am writing in response to Maureen's deeply offensive comments about overweight people in her artical in the 27.04.07 issue, to suggest that because 2 people take up more room in a seat than a thinner person, they must have...

News.
May 4, 2007... Karma and Fitness complex: the 14,000 sq ft two-deck spa is at the top of the ship, with floor-to-ceiling ocean views from most treatment rooms. Above are the gym and treatment rooms, offering all the usual massages, facials, manicures and...

News.
May 4, 2007... pg21 Facts Box Ocean Village Two - facts Number of passenger: 2,014 Cabins: 854 cabins, of which 642 are outside and 198 have balconies. Dining: Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in the Waterfront Restaurant on...

News.
May 4, 2007... pg100 Rear View The arrival of the worlds's largest cruise ship in Southampton last week prompted plenty of open-jawed commentary in the media about the sort of facilities you can find on board these monsters of the seas. 'Don't forget...

News.
May 4, 2007... pg10 Week To Come Saturday May 5 -Flo has one for Saturday - Sunday May 6 Start of the ACTE Global Education Conference in Miami, Florida. Visit www.acte.org Monday May 7 The 2007 Wellness, Health & International Spa...

News.
May 4, 2007... pg12 Barometer Top ten hotels - London 1. The Cumberland, Marble Arch 2. The Grand at Trafalgar Square 3. Corus Hotel, Hyde Park 4. Grosvenor Kensington Hotel 5. Thistle, Marble Arch 6. Gresham Hotel, Bloomsbury...

News.
May 4, 2007... Top ten search terms 1. Expedia 2. Thomas Cook 3. Cheap Flights 4. First Choice 5. Holidays 6. Thomson Holidays 7. Cheap Holidays 8. Thomson 9. Flights 10. Direct Holidays Source:...

Departures.
May 4, 2007... M4-departures-2007 PAGE ONE News of the World Praise the LordOne of the year's biggest theatre events starts in London this week, as The Lord of the Rings takes to the stage at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The three hour production...

Departures.
May 4, 2007... M4-dubai-newspage1 By Dominic Ellis Elite The Dubai family market is on the wane due to a lack of special deals for children and ongoing construction work, a premium operator has claimed. Elite Vacations has seen its family...

News.
May 4, 2007... Xxyxyxyxyxyxyxyxyx Future Travel staff joined thousands of other runner on the streets of London last week and raised [pounds sterling]3,000 for charity in the process. Brand development manager Amanda Taylor and personal travel...

News.
May 4, 2007... pg7 downpage A decision on the Thomas Cook/MyTravel merger was due today (Friday). However, the European Commission could refer the matter to UK competition authorities or announce a more in-depth investigation itself. One...

News.
May 4, 2007... pg3 add quote A CAA spokesman said does work to highlight the benefits of ATOL but it is concerned many people travel thinking they are protected when they are not. "We are educating consumers through a range of activities including...

Letters.(Letter to the editor)
May 4, 2007... M4-letterwihheld As ever I read the 'Mystery Shopper' article eagerly (27th April edition for Walt Disney World) because as a trainer in the travel industry it often highlights some very useful information. I have trained many staff on...

Letters.(Letter to the editor)
May 4, 2007... M4-letteryirrell Following my son Harry's death from malaria two years ago, I have become an ambassador for the Malaria Awareness Campaign and join celebrities such as John Craven and Simon Reeve in helping to raise awareness of the...

News.
May 4, 2007... M4-opinioncarrick Richard carrick, chief executive, Hoseasons One of my local travel agents recently put a simple poster in their window outlining the benefits of booking with them as opposed to buying online. It struck me that very...

News.
May 4, 2007... pg26 downpage Delegates at the Travel Technology Initiative (TTI) Spring Conference were urged to adopt Web 2.0 technology to gain a competitive edge and drive repeat business. TTI chairman Tony Allen told last week's Travel in a Web...

News.
May 4, 2007... pg10 Week in Pics pic: 'pg10 Greece' Suzanne Brown (centre) of Handforth in Cheshire celebrated after winning a 14-night, self-catering holiday for two to Santorini, Greece, in a competition organised by Co-operative Travel. She is...

News.
May 4, 2007... Homeworking network Holiday Now has been contacted by 50 agents interested in joining since it started offering part-time flexible working two weeks ago. Holiday Now, part of Future Travel, is hoping to attract around 100 agents in its...

News.
May 4, 2007... pg6 pic cap pic: 'pg3-HallofFame' left-right: Alan Parker, Trevor Harding, Peter McHugh, Manny Fontenla-Novoa, Joseph Gaggero The travel industry Hall of Fame welcomed four new entrants this week: Thomas Cook group chief executive...

News.
May 4, 2007... p4/5 downpage The merger of the big four could hit salaries and skew the market in favour of employers. However, it is unlikely salaries will fall as a result of the consolidation, said AA Appointments managing director John Tolmie....

News.
May 4, 2007... pg9 downpage Crystal Ski is increasing airlift to North America for 2007/08 by around 20% to meet growing demand. Marketing and product director Gareth Crump said the strong pound is fuelling demand as well as good snowfall this year...

News.
May 4, 2007... pic: "helgi" Helgi Mar Bjorgvinsson has been appointed Icelandair general manager UK and Ireland as of May 1. Bjorgvinsson, 36, takes over from Stephen Brown, who has held the position since 2002. Bjorgvinsson has worked for Icelandair...

News.
May 4, 2007... p48-49 downpage Thomas Cook's top five tips to raise money for a corporate charity 1. It's vital staff identify with the charity and understand what benefit their fundraising will deliver. That way they will be willing to come up with...

frosty reception.(News)
May 11, 2007... As adventurous holidaymakers warm towards the Arctic and Antarctic regions, operators cashing in on the trend face an icy response from environmentalists. Lee Hayhurst reports "You are emitting carbon right at the point of environmental...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... This month I will be introducing you to the 700 islands of the Bahamas, 30 of which are inhabited and boast their own personality and appeal. The many attractions on offer draw travellers to multiple visits or island-hopping breaks. ...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... Fred Olsen set for debut Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is to launch its first Caribbean cruises from Miami next year when it takes delivery of Balmoral. The vessel will sail eastern and western Caribbean itineraries from February to June,...

P&O celebrates sales 'frenzy'.(News)
May 11, 2007... Operator claims staggered launch of 2008 programme was ideal way to introduce extra capacity Lee Hayhurst P&O Cruises says the launch of its full 2008 programme last week was a success, allaying fears of a slow start following the...

News.
May 11, 2007... HWT swells PSARA to new high Harvey World Travel has joined the Passenger Shipping Association Retail Agents Scheme taking the total number of members to almost 6,000 and making it the largest UK travel agent association. Pictured are,...

Royal Caribbean on slide.(News)
May 11, 2007... Continuing weak demand for Caribbean cruises and the purchase of Spanish operator Pullmantur has been blamed for a 93% drop in Royal Caribbean International profits in the first quarter of 2007. Net profit for the period was $8.8 million,...

News.
May 11, 2007... India uncovered Niche operator Indian Ocean Cruises has opened up bookings for its second season of cruises covering the period October 2007 to April 2008. The operator is running a programme of six, eight and 14-night cruises on its only...

Leger gets singled out.(Departures)
May 11, 2007... Operator launches brochure for lone travellers. Jane Archer reports Leger Holidays has launched its first stand-alone singles holiday brochure after seeing an 88% increase in sales on its single traveller option in the main programme last...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... in brief Take a Dertour to Germany Dertour is offering short-break packages to coincide with Germany's bi-annual garden festival, held in Thuringia between April 27 and October 14. Three-night packages start at [pounds sterling]379...

Rome is still on the march.(Departures)
May 11, 2007... When it comes to competing with the rest of Europe, the Eternal City still rules. Jo Gardner reports Rome is the European destination of choice for the second year running according to accommodation-only specialist HotelConnect. The...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... in brief Avalon addition to Gothenburg The new Avalon Hotel will open in the centre of Gothenburg next month with 101 rooms, a restaurant, bar, wine cellar, conference area and penthouse pool. For further details and prices visit...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... Expo does Don Carlos Catalan-owned hotel group Expo Hotels and Resorts has purchased the newly renovated five-star hotel Don Carlos Beach and Golf Resort in Marbella which has a new kids' club and spa as well as recently revamped villas....

Departures.
May 11, 2007... botanical gardens, mineral baths and, of course, beer. Jo Gardner reports stuttgart is for... When it comes to holiday destinations, Germany isn't always top of the pops. Why, though, remains a mystery. Aside from beautiful lakes...

tale of two islandsRHODES v KOS.(Departures)
May 11, 2007... Which island is famed for its nightlife and beaches and which is more suited to those looking for some relaxation and calm? Linsey McNeill finds out Rhodes and Kos are the two largest of the Dodecanese chain of islands and share the same...

Is it safe to visit Jerusalem?(Departures)
May 11, 2007... Byline: Jane Archer the big No one can visit Israel and not spend at least a day in Jerusalem, the city sacred to the Jewish, Muslim and Christian religions. This is the place to see the Western Wall, where religious Jews pray,...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... What's the alternative? Clients still not sure about Jerusalem and not tempted by Galilee can still have a fantastic holiday in Israel. For something really different, suggest a few days in the desert, by the Dead Sea, 13,000ft below...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... facts The Dead Sea is the Earth's lowest point not covered by ice, at 418 metres below sea level and falling. It is the deepest hypersaline lake in the world, at 330 metres and the second saltiest body of water on Earth

Departures.
May 11, 2007... forget it...i'm going to galilee Longwood Holidays has seven nights' bed and breakfast at the Sheraton Tiberias from [pounds sterling]799 per person including flights, transfers. Superstar Holidays has seven nights' bed and breakfast...

News.
May 11, 2007... Maureen is not big on manners I am writing in response to Maureen's comments about overweight people in her article (Travel Weekly, April 27). Suggesting that larger people take up more room in a seat than a thinner person and therefore...

Self-catering comes of ageSuperbreak increases options to meet demand.(News)
May 11, 2007... Exclusive Booming second-home market and growth of online sales means clients more likely to go it alone Karl Cushing The self-catering holiday market will continue to outstrip growth in the general overseas holiday market and will...

Coach winner on new road.(News)
May 11, 2007... Coachtrips.com invigorates sector with VoIP link and user-generated content " You've got to keep evolving your website... it doesn't cost megabucks" Karl Cushing The winner of the firstTravolution Sm@rt Agent of the Year award...

Jetnav maps out the future.(News)
May 11, 2007... Flight information provider Jetnav has introduced an interactive mapping system based on Google Maps to help it cross-sell bedstock. The new system developed by Netizen Digital integrates directly with Jetnav's partner accommodation...

Rothwell's big bid for pirates' booty.(News)
May 11, 2007... Last weekend saw some travel industry bigwigs dig deep for a good cause at the Pirates Adventure Charity Premiere 2007 in Majorca in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. The evening got off to a great start thanks to the...

'Merger could save high street'.(News)
May 11, 2007... Trade union gives backing to Thomas Cook/MyTravel venture Karl Cushingkarl.cushing@rbi.co.uk The merger of Thomas Cook and MyTravel could be the saviour of high-street travel retail, according to trade union the Transport Salaried...

News.
May 11, 2007... pg12 Brometer Travel search terms 1. Easyjet 2. Ryanair 3. multimap 4. aa route planner 5. train times 6. Google Earth 7. Expedia 8. cheap flights 9. Thomas Cook 10. aa 11. aa...

Barometer.
May 11, 2007... top 10 travel hot spots 1) Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic 2) Breaux Bridge, Louisiana 3) Seminyak, Bali 4) Los Suenos, Costa Rica 5) Pula, Croatia 6) Ko Lanta, Thailand 7) Sayulita, Mexico 8) Puerto...

News.
May 11, 2007... top 10 multi-category travel sites 1 Expedia 2 Virgin Travel and Tourism 3 Lastminute.com network 4 TUI 5 TripAdvisor 6 Cheapflights 7 Orbitz Worldwide network 8 Thomas Cook 9 TravelSupermarket.com ...

News.
May 11, 2007... 12 million - the number of additional low-cost seats available since May 2006e_SFlb 16% - the proportion of airline flights the low-cost sector accounts for. One in five airline seats are now low cost 114,00 - the number of extra...

Vouch for Harlequin.(Departures)
May 11, 2007... Upmarket operator to repeat Marks and Spencer incentive and roll out improved programme of training and fams to boost trade bookings. Jane Archer reports Harlequin is to repeat its Marks and Spencer Caribbean incentive for agents this year...

More under the sun.(Departures)
May 11, 2007... Thomas Cook Signature has expanded its Caribbean range to offertwin-centre breaks and more for repeat visitors. Jane Archer reports Grenada's Spice Island Resort is yards from Grand Anse beach Thomas Cook Signature has added Spice...

Bowled over? Not really...(Departures)
May 11, 2007... The ICC Cricket World Cup was promoted as a major benefit to the Caribbean. Now the event is over - with a predictable Aussie win - Emily Ashwell asks if the competition lived up to all the hype facts High prices and security...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... gold medal lays on luxury Gold Medal Travel has launched a luxury brochure, backed by a team of travel ambassadors to provide a bespoke bookings service. Bookings through the Pure Luxury brochure will also earn agents up to 15%...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... Paul Sutton, 50, and wife Gillian, 51, from Bottesford near Scunthorpe, set sail on an 11-night southern Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Pearl in March. They booked the holiday through Teletext. Why did you choose the holiday and how did the...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... in brief Rex Resorts offers holiday prize Caribbean hotel operator Rex Resorts is offering agents booking a holiday to any one of its nine properties the chance to win seven nights at the Grenadian by Rex Resorts in Grenada with...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... Sandals recreates golden age at Bay Roc Sandals and Beaches Resorts has opened 59 refurbished rooms and suites at its Montego Bay property. Designed with a flavour of the 1950s, they recall an era when only well-heeled couples could afford...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... SuperClubs get in training SuperClubs has launched a training programme for its top 1,500 agents. The hotelier will be providing training on its Grand Lido, Breezes and Hedonism brands. Agents can collect points towards their own free...

ways to sell Trinidad and Tobago.(Departures)
May 11, 2007... Byline: Linsey McNeill facts The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic state in the southern Caribbean. As well as the two main islands, there are 21 smaller islands. Tobago is the smallest, comprising about 6% of the...

It takes innovation, and not money, to think Sm@rt.(News)
May 11, 2007... Kevin MayTravolution editor Almost a year since we first spoke, I finally met Tony Radstone, managing of Coachtrips.com, when he picked up his Travolution Sm@rt Agent Award in London. His story is a fascinating one [see above] and...

Charging towards the abyss.(News)
May 11, 2007... Byline: Martin Couzins Acting editor The solution is in the hands of firms that adopt these pricing strategies Anyone who has ever used the Internet to research holidays will understand what Thomson is talking about when it says it is...

Cunard gets decked out online.(News)
May 11, 2007... Cunard has introduced new facilities on its website designed to make it easier for agents to sell cruises. Online videos, e-brochures and a while-label site giving access to information including interactive deck plans and virtual tours are...

Big gains for Americas4u.(News)
May 11, 2007... Call centre Americas4u has seen more than [pounds sterling]170,000 of revenue from cruise this year ahead of the launch of a dedicated website Click4cruise.co.uk. Last year cruise accounted for just 8% of the agency's [pounds...

News.
May 11, 2007... Travel Weekly cruise club selling tips * Market to groups. Facilities such as a cinema, an ice skating rink and a climbing wall could appeal to specific groups. * e_SIhtScan your local paper for leads. A recent example was a scout...

Local adverts key to specialist success.(News)
May 11, 2007... Homeworker Andrew Fox is starting to see the benefits of a local advertising campaign as he looks to establish himself as a cruise specialist. Fox, who is a personal travel adviser for Future Travel, said he has seen a 50% increase on his...

Excellence programme will be more interactive.(News)
May 11, 2007... Royal Caribbean International will relaunch its online training programme, Cruising for Excellence, to become more interactive following its first successful year. In May last year, training managers David Chidley and Michelle Russell...

'Join the club' says shop boss.(News)
May 11, 2007... Royal Caribbean International and the Passenger Shipping Association Retail Agents Scheme gave TW Cruise Club agents a taste of life on board Navigator of the Seas last week. Kelly Ranson reports Thomas Cook shop manager Kate Fellows has...

Ultimate Destinations plans ship visits.(News)
May 11, 2007... Ultimate Destinations managing director Alan Haynes has organised two ship visits for customers as he continues to build his cruise business. The Chorleywood-based agent has arranged for 40 clients to see the Holland America Line-operated...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... Everything you need to know for the week ahead Packed the obligatory GHDs but forgotten an adaptor? Carefully chosen several chiffon summer tops but haven't left room in your case for an iron? Fear not: just pick up your Girlie Pink Travel...

BEST.(Departures)
May 11, 2007... Byline: Janine Kelso Boutique hotels in greece The boutique hotel is the essential crash-pad for travellers who want to combine A-list luxury with style and good taste. Usually small and design-led, a boutique property is a good choice...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... Ionian builds trade links A tour operator to Greece has launched a drive to boost trade bookings, after admitting it has focused too much on the direct-sell market. Ionian Island Holidays will today take out a second fam trip to the...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... Sunvil takes on Laskarina properties Sunvil Holidays has taken over 35 properties in the Greek islands previously run by Laskarina, which stopped trading last year. The operator has taken on houses and apartments on the islands of...

Vintage looks at something new.(Departures)
May 11, 2007... Demand prompts operator to add Greece to portfolio. Janine Kelso reports Vintage Travel has added Greece to its 2007 programme following a rise in demand. The family-owned company will offer houses sleeping two to eight people with...

Departures.
May 11, 2007... $400m hotel complex set to open in jerusalem in early 2008 The first major hotel to be built in Jerusalem for more than 10 years is scheduled to open in early 2008 after a three-decade battle with bureaucracy to get the project completed....

Departures.
May 11, 2007... Sample product Superstar Holidays has four nights at the four-star Sheraton Moriah Hotel in Tel Aviv from [pounds sterling]455 per person including flights and breakfast, departing this month. El Al Airways has return flights from...

in Tel Aviv.(Departures)
May 11, 2007... Use your time wisely as there are beaches, shopping, culture and food galore to get through. Jo Gardner reports You won't find many Mediterranean cities located slap-bang on the beach, but Tel Aviv is just that. With more than eight miles...

Extras... ABTAreads all about 'em.(News)(Website overview)
May 11, 2007... ABTA began checking members' websites on Thursday to ensure compliance with its code on pricing - but it will not demand the withdrawal of non-compliant brochures. A spokesman said: "There would be a problem with pulping brochures. We...

News.
May 11, 2007... First Choice stands up to Quark critics First Choice has defended its decision to buy polar expedition cruise operator Quark Expeditions amid criticism about its environmental impact. The cruiseline operates six icebreakers in the...

'We have to rethink our charges'.(News)
May 11, 2007... Thomson continues to add under-occupancy charges, flight supplements and ticket-on-departure charges as extras while admitting these should also be included in basic prices. Sales director Derek Jones said: "We recognise that if we want to...

Thomson takes a stand.(News)
May 11, 2007... Major demands de-racking of brochures that don't conform to extras price ruling Juliet Dennis and Ian Taylorjuliet.dennis@rbi.co.ukian.taylor@rbi.co.uk Thomson has demanded brochures of tour operators charging fuel supplements as...

News.
May 11, 2007... LATE NEWS BAA passengers fall Airports operator BAA reported a 1.6% decline in passengers in April compared with a year earlier, despite a 1.6% increase in flights. The biggest fall of 3.4% was at Stansted, possibly reflecting a fall...

Points fail to make a difference.(News)
May 11, 2007... Incentive scheme Agent Points has collapsed, leaving members with little hope of redeeming points they have collected. The programme blamed a lack of support from suppliers for its demise after it was forced to call in liquidators George...

TUI smears Thomas Cook bag rules.(News)
May 11, 2007... TUI took its protest over pricing public last week with a stunt at Gatwick to highlight the baggage charges of its biggest rival. Thomas Cook introduced a charge for bags weighing more than 15kg last summer if customers have not declared in...