generalnews the travel news that's turning heads Morocco seeking inquisitive Brits
by Alan Orbell The UK continues to be one of Morocco’s strongest markets and remains a highly important source of visitors in spite of the economic crisis in Europe, asserts Dr Lahcen Haddad, Morocco’s Minister of Tourism. The country also managed a 1% increase in tourism arrivals in 2011. “Tourism is the second biggest provider of employment in Morocco and the single main provider of foreign currency, which is why we have such strong representation in London and work with so many tour operators and travel agents. “We’d like more UK visitors, however. They’re savvy travellers, want to learn about other cultures as well as have a good time but are also looking for value for money. Morocco is perfect for them and provides a diversity of offerings with the best beaches and landscape – from mountains to desert – in North Africa.” Dr Haddad is proud that Morocco has proved to be alone in the Arab world
Tunisia figures up
UK visitors to Tunisia have more than doubled this year, with figures for January to July 53.8% higher than the same period in 2011. Over 180,000 UK and Irish tourists have travelled to Tunisia this year, boosted by new developments such as national carrier Tunisair adding Manchester to its UK airports alongside London Gatwick and London Heathrow and a connecting Tunis to Djerba flight. The Bardo museum in Tunis reopened in May after years of expansion and renovation. The exhibition showcases ancient mosaics and historical artefacts. Wahida Jaiet, UK & Ireland Director, TNTO said: "Tunisia is spoilt with luxury hotels, world-class thalassotherapy centres, beautiful beaches and thousands of years of history."
www.cometotunisia.co.uk See feature on page 26
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theround-up ELisbon Airport is now even closer to
the city's centre with the completion of a direct link downtown via the red line of the metro system. The works extend the line further east, connecting the airport to Lisbon’s Orient Station. This new section of the red line has a length of 3.6 km and takes travellers just five minutes from Orient Station (currently the last stop on the red line). The project has also included the opening of two additional stations of Moscavide and Encarnação.
www.visitlisboa.com
EInghams has a September deal on a
in implementing democratic reform during the Arab Spring without the upheaval elsewhere. “Morocco is the only country in the region to accommodate tradition and modernity, old and new. That’s what we can offer the British traveller and that’s important to them.” The Minister hopes to attract more UK visitors by talking to opinion leaders and to travel agents and to bring them
to Morocco. He is also talking to airlines about securing more flights. “We’re running a campaign in the UK to tell people that Morocco is a country that travels within you. In Morocco we want you to have a good time and a learning experience.” Morocco’s ambitious Vision 2020 plan is targetting one million tourists by 2020
www.visitmorocco.com
Cheap Christmas market breaks from DFDS
spa break on the scenic shores of Riva, Lake Garda, Italy. Seven nights half-board at the four-star Villa Nicolli, a centrally-located hotel with poolside terraces and a new indoor pool, spa and wellness centre, start from £569pp, representing a saving of £220pp. The deal for a trip departing September 29 includes flights between Gatwick and Verona, resort transfers, a daily lunch buffet, a massage, a 20% discount on beauty treatments and a wine-tasting class.
www.inghams.co.uk/agents
and Northern Soul will spin tracks from the 60s, 70s and 80s for passengers on a special P&O Ferries mini cruise in January. The DJs will perform on-board during a two-night round trip on P&O’s overnight service between Hull and Rotterdam, departing on January 16 2013. Prices for the mini-cruise are from £44pp based on two people sharing an inside cabin and coach transfers for a day’s sightseeing in Rotterdam or Amsterdam.
www.POferries.com
ETop DJs from the worlds of Motown EPortuguese city Elvas has been
by Alan Orbell DFDS is offering four-night Christmas Market Breaks from Newcastle to Bruges or Brussels from £189pp. Departing from Newcastle, cruises are overnight with a choice of three restaurants, live band, casino, bars and themed entertainment. Departures are on December 1, 8 and 15. The lead-in price includes two nights in an en-suite cabin, coach transfers
to the hotel and two nights in the three-star hotel Ibis Brussels Centre STE Catherine, including breakfast. The four-night Christmas Market Break to Bruges is from £219pp, departing December 7, again with two nights aboard, coach transfers and two nights in the three-star hotel Novotel Bruges Centrum with breakfast. See feature on page 18
www.dfds.co.uk
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing the country's total to 13. The garrison border town is one of the most heavily fortified frontier towns in Europe and contains remains dating back to the 10th century AD as well as an aqueduct with 843 arches.
www.visitportugal.com
ECity Cruises is offering a 20% discount
on its Showboat cruise on Wednesdays and Thursdays until September 31. Over the course of the three-and-a-half hour show guests receive a welcome drink, show tunes, dinner, half a bottle of wine and coffee.
www.citycruises.com
4 September/October 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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