generalnews Beyond the Czech jewel
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By Alan Orbell UK visitors to the Czech Republic increased by 10% in 2011 although hotel overnights fell by 7%, according to Jan Mlcák, Director of Czech Tourism. “This reflects the fact that tourists are looking for cheap apartment accommodation, although hotel prices in Prague are already low. A three-star room can cost €30/35 and a four-star room €60/70. “Tourism beyond Prague is getting better; one reason is the Czech beer revolution with people visiting the many new small breweries. Brno in South Moravia, close to the Austrian border, is also popular and both Ryanair and Wizz Air now fly into the city from the UK.” Mlcák believes that Brits are interested
in exploring new territories but contends 'many don’t want to spend too much money'.
He adds; “in many cases the Czech countryside is similar to western Europe but we are five times cheaper than the South of France, for example.
“Our jewel in the crown will always be Prague – it’s the focus of our global campaign – but we always need to explore new niche markets such as cycling, weddings and honeymoons and Czech beer culture. Whatever we
Portugal has culture in mind in 2012
Guimarães – located to to the north of Porto – in Portugal is a 2012 European Capital of Culture and is planning a huge range of year-long creative arts events in the fields of music, photography, architecture, literature, thought, theatre, dance, and street art and performance. Located in the district of Braga, Guimarães was settled in the ninth century and is one of Portugal’s most important historical and tourism cities. Guimarães’ historical centre is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and its many historical attractions include Guimarães Castle; The Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, which in medieval times was one of the most important religious centres on the Iberian Peninsula; and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, which dates from the first half of the 15th century and is one of the official residences of the President of Portugul.
www.visitportugal.com
promote, the travel trade is more and more important.” Looking ahead, Pilzen, just 60 minutes
from Prague Airport, will be a European Capital of Culture in 2015.
www.CzechTourism.co.uk
Superbreak just loves London
Superbreak has launched its first- edition London-dedicated brochure. Graham Balmforth, National Sales Manager at Superbreak said at the launch: “What with the two London 2012 Olympic games in August and the Jubilee celebrations all year, there’s never been a better time for agents to capitalise on the number one destination for short breaks.’’
The brochure lists 130 hotels in London, with a dedicated Hilton page. New shows featured include Singing in the Rain and Sweeny Todd. Agents can sell royal-themed tours of Buckingham Palace or private tours of Hampton Court. New attractions include a shark encounter at the London Aquarium and the Harry Potter studio tour.
www.superbreak.com/agents
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ENew airline WOW Air will start flying to Iceland from London three times a week
from June 1. The low-cost airline will fly from Stansted to Iceland’s main airport of Keflavik, operating on 168-seat Airbus A320s.
www.wowair.com
ESwissotel will open the Swissôtel
Dresden Am Schloss this April. Situated opposite the Residence Castle, the hotel has 214 Swiss Advantage and 16 Grand rooms, plus five suites, all with free internet access. The restaurant Wohnstube serves Swiss cuisine and guests can also relax in the roof garden or in the Pürovel Spa & Sport.
www.swissotel.com/dresden
ETitan Travel has launched its first
dedicated UK brochure, selling trade-friendly short breaks. Destinations include Cornwall, the Lake District, Scotland and London. A five- day UK short break starts from just £535pp and includes Titan's VIP Home Departure Service®.
www.titantravel.co.uk
EThe Berlin Pass has added new attractions and special offers. Highlights
include the Museum for Film and TV; Historiale Berlin Museum; the Humboldt-Box and its design and science exhibitions; and the Stasi Museum. Offers include a free sundae with every two main courses at the Hard Rock Café. Costs from €69 for adults and €34 for children.
www.theberlinpass.com
ETunisair is laying on additional regional flights for Summer 2012, including a second
weekly flight from Manchester to Tunis on Wednesdays from April 4, in addition to its Saturday service. Tunis Air will also have a charter flight by tour operator Justsunshine from Glasgow and Newcastle in the summer and a Sunway charter flight from Dublin.
www.tunisair.com
wE2011 was a record year for Tenerife,
ith UK visitor numbers up 10.6% compared to 2010. The 1,658,315 UK visitors was the highest annual figure since the peak of 2008. The largest hike was in September, with a 34% growth year-on-year. In terms of accommodation choices, the hotel sector was up most, with 14% more tourists staying in hotels, compared to 7.6% more in non-hotels.
4 March/April 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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