may 2015 – dedicated to those who love selling travel – INDUSTRY COMMENT
“Several new operators are releasing Korea programmes, including
welcome A
Different Snow's new ski and tour programme. Our new marketing slogan is ‘Imagine Your Korea’ and we are using it as the title for a day of cultural celebration in London’s Trafalgar Square on August 9. Agents who complete the new online training course at
gokoreatraining.com will be
invited to attend with incentives.” Michael Michael, Marketing Manager, KNTO
“We want to continue increasing awareness around the sustainability and eco-friendliness of Malta and encourage outdoor-specific travel to the islands. Other marketing areas include the gastronomic aspects of the islands and the many distinct regions,
including Gozo and Comino.” Alex Incorvaja, UK & Ireland Director, Malta Tourism Authority
Steve Hartridge Editor
s we go to press this month, the General Election is just days away and speculation is rife as to what the future holds for the UK. The outcome seems far from certain but one thing the campaign has repeatedly shown is the public desire for authenticity and the massive role being played by technology in our always-connected digital world.
ocean apart
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The travel industry reflects these truisms too. Product is increasingly about authentic experiences with culturally immersive touches now ranging from eco retreats in Brunei, to culinary schools in Italy, home-stays in India and ‘meet the locals’ programmes in the Caribbean. While technology is being used to enhance our travel experience too. These days, a celebrity chef alliance, high-profile brand tie-up or pillow menu isn't enough to differentiate. As well as top-notch inflight entertainment and wifi (practically a human right these days), last month at the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo we heard of airlines introducing smart blankets and apps that provide onboard wellbeing advice as they detect passenger mood changes throughout the flight, as well as technology that will help your client sleep, adapts service and meal choices to their bespoke requirements and even uses virtual reality technology to personalise their seat space! Hotels are onto this trend too. The new Virgin Hotels brand (page 48) has launched alongside a smartphone app which enables users to make reservations, check in and out, adjust their room temperature, control and stream content to their TVs, and make room service and housekeeping requests - all from their phone. You can read all about authentic and experiential travel products throughout this issue and be sure to check out our technology feature (page 54) too to see how you can ensure your business keeps up. It may not have been elected by us directly, but the technology in our pockets is undoubtedly gaining power. It's here to stay and with luck it's going to start adding to the experience and adding value to the travel propositon too.
luxury indian ocean 57
Attractive offers, a burgeoning luxury sector and more family-friendly options continue to make the Indian Ocean popular, says Kathryn Liston
T
he very different nations of the Indian Ocean look set for another good year: Maldives once again topped
Kuoni’s 2015 Long Haul Report with Sri Lanka in fourth place and Mauritius sixth. Elegant Resorts is one operator that has seen a ‘strong start’ for Indian Ocean bookings, particularly the Maldives. Julie Sturzy, Marketing Manager, says: “The
combination of great offers, plenty of air access plus a tremendous collection of luxury, branded resorts has made it a popular destination. The Seychelles is fi rmly back on people’s dream list.” Elegant Resorts is offering savings of £4,835 per family at Niyama Maldives, while Carrier currently has savings of £5010 per family at Soneva Fushi during the May half term. Demand for all-inclusive is also strong.
Caribtours, which has now spread its wings beyond the Caribbean, has a seven-night all-inclusive holiday for the price of fi ve at Lux Maldives, priced from £2,525. Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef, Maldives, says its enhanced all-inclusive plan saves 15- 20% on normal à la carte dining. Atmosphere Kanifushi is another Maldives property offering a ‘premium all-inclusive plan’ which gives guests a fi ve-star resort experience with fi ne dining and an array of activities. Alison Scott, Commercial Director at Simpson Exclusive says luxury self-catering accommodation is becoming a good value way to experience ‘superb destinations in some style’. Children are well catered for by the region’s luxury hotels. Soneva Fushi, Maldives, which opens this summer, offers a playground, cinema, library, mocktail bar and Lego room. Kids on Niyama Maldives’ new island,
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Publisher: Sally Parker Editorial Director: Steve Hartridge Group Editor: Jo Austin Journalists: Andy Hoskins, Julie Baxter & Laura Gelder Associate Publisher: Steve Thompson Advertisement Manager: Lisa Merrigan Business Development Manager: Craig McQuinn Creative Director: Matt Bonner Art Director: Dan Franklin Senior Designer: Tina-Lee McDougall Junior Designer: Louisa Horton Production Manager: Clare Hunter Circulation Manager: Cheryl Staniforth Managing Director: Martin Steady Members of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, Visit USA Association, LATA, PATA, MENATA, SATOA, the Foreign Airlines Association and the Institute of Travel & Tourism. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, BMI Publishing cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. © 2015. ISSN: 2056-9319. Cruise cover image: Seabourn Cruise Line. Cover image of Chicago skyline: Curioso Travel Photography.
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