news to use GENERAL KZN looks for new trade partners
BY STEVE HARTRIDGE KwaZulu-Natal, one of South Africa’s
nine provinces, sees the UK trade as pivotal to increasing visitors to a destination known for its wildlife, battlefields and year-round sunshine. “The UK is a very important market
but the onus is firmly on us to ensure tour operators and travel agents have a full understanding of what we offer as a destination,” said Michael Mabuyakhulu, MEC of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority. “We are a very unique destination with our own attractions and experiences and we think we can win our share of UK travellers.” Currently there is no direct flight
between the UK and the province – most travellers fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town and catch a domestic flight to Durban – but Mabuyakhulu said the trade could expect an announcement regarding a service from London-Gatwick. “We have reached an agreement with
an airline for a direct flight. We are just wrapping up the licensing issues and
Rock for sun
and snow Rock Resorts is calling on agents to
mix and match its resorts to land both winter ski and summer sun sales. The group is owned by Vail Resorts
– renowned for its ski resorts in North America – and has properties in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. John MacMullen director of sales and
marketing for the Coastal Collection said: “We target Vail clients to ski in winter and also take a warm coastal holiday."
www.rockresorts.com
IN BRIEF
Quick kiosk access for the US A new pilot programme allows trusted British travellers to the US – who have been screened and approved for entry – to skip the main immigration queues and go to a ‘quick kiosk.’ Improving the welcome for visitors and cutting arrival waiting times are key goals for the new Brand USA organisation.
www.discoveramerica.com
14 December 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
The Smart way to Select Smart Destinations, which offers commissionable tourist passes in nine US cities (Boston, New York, Orlando, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Oahu in Hawaii) has a new product called Go Select which allows users to build a customised pass, which is emailed.
www.smartdestinations.com
Antigua's new terminal Work has started on the site of
Antigua's major new air terminal. The expansion to the VC Bird International Airport will help grow visitor numbers – up 11 per cent from the UK in 2011 – said tourism minister John Maginley. British Airways will increase Gatwick- Antigua fights to seven a week in 2012.
www.antigua-barbuda.org
after an announcement is made we will support them (the airline) in marketing and cooperative partnerships and will fully engage the trade.” Durban’s beachfront was revamped
and ‘reclaimed’ before last year's FIFA World Cup and is again a major draw for tourists, said Mabuyakhulu.
“It’s a stunning attraction, one of the
best beachfronts in the world, with a growing range of things to do," he said. KZN is partnering with Selling Long
Haul on an agents' fam trip in December. A special 16-page trip report will be distributed early next year.
www.kzn.org.za
Abu Dhabi tees up golf tourism Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
unveiled its new ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ initiative at last month’s International Golf Travel Market in Turkey. Developed in partnership with golf
clubs and relevant stakeholders including hotels and destination management companies, ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ (GIAD) aims to up the emirate’s ante in the global golf tourism market. The initiative kicked off by offering exclusive rates at three championship- ready courses: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (pictured), Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Yas Links Golf Club. It includes ancillary
Carnival in Canada with
Cosmos Cosmos Tours & Cruises is
offering two dedicated departures to Québec’s Winter Carnival – one of the biggest winter carnivals in the world – on January 25 and February 8 next year. Priced from £1375pp the seven-day option includes three nights in Montréal and four nights in Québec City, return flights to Montréal, all transfers and a professional tour director throughout. Highlights include guided sightseeing
of multicultural Montréal, return transfers on board VIA Rail’s Montréal to Québec city train, sightseeing around Québec City, and a ‘Winter Experience passport’ which allows access to the many carnival activities which take place in the city over two days. Carnaval de Québec has been celebrated since 1894 and includes snow sculptures, snow and ice slides, rides on a dog sled or a sleigh or even snow rafting. Culinary highlights include the outdoor BBQ and the 'Sugar Shack'. Also new for 2012 is a range of
charter flights from Gatwick to Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto which have been introduced into the programme to complement the scheduled flights currently offered. Examples include the operator’s most popular Canadian tour – the 11-day ‘Heart of the Canadian Rockies’ from £1595pp and 10-day ‘Rocky Mountaineer’ from £1815pp. New Canadian itineraries introduced
add-ons, such as hotels and on-the- ground transportation. Average hotel rates in Abu Dhabi
dropped 14 per cent in the first nine months of this year compared to 2010.
www.abudhabitourism.ae
for 2012 include the ‘Bears, Whales & Vancouver Island’ itinerary, 11 days in British Columbia from £2165. Also included for 2012 is a selection
of tours with special departures to include the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede.
www.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk.
Looking for inspiration? Every day the Selling Long Haul website offers a brand new selling tip. And while you're there, check out the latest competitions!
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