p6 news Jan29 27/1/10 17:32 Page 6
news
ttglive.com
Elia ‘partner’
NCL picks Spain
lost £1 million
AN ex-business partner of E-Clear boss Elias Elia in Epic Med move
has claimed he lost £1 million after working with
him to establish the original version of the firm.
George Palaondas told TTG he invested the
Gary Noakes.
ferent product”, but added: “It gives people an
money over several years starting in 2000 to NCL is to operate its latest ship in the Mediter- opportunity to upgrade.”
help establish the online credit card payment ranean in summer 2011, offering departures Agents will get a sneak preview of the vessel
processing company with Elia. from Palma as well as the vessel’s base at later this year, when it operates a two-night inau-
He said Elia was given about 30% of the shares Barcelona. gural cruise from Southampton on June 22-24.
and a salary, but went on to take over the com- NCL’s Norwegian Epic, currently under con- NCL will reveal pricing in March and base
pany. Palaondas said he was left with virtually struction in France, will spend its inaugural promotions of the 4,200-passenger vessel on the
nothing of his investment. He is one of several winter season in the Caribbean sailing from attractions of its entertainment and dining
former colleagues and associates of Elia who Miami, but will move to Europe next year, offering options, including the first ice bar at sea.
have publicly criticised him this week. seven-day itineraries including Florence/Pisa, NCL has signed a deal with US entertainment
Reports in the Cypriot press quote former Rome and Naples plus two days at sea. company The Blue Man Group, which runs shows
colleagues as saying E-Clear managers had little Stephen Park, NCL UK general manager, said including Cirque Dreams and Dinner and the trib-
knowledge of its affairs, which were all person- allowing passengers from the UK to join at Palma ute show Legends in Concert, versions of which
ally handled by Elia. on Saturdays as well as at Barcelona the follow- will be performed on board.
It comes as administrators confirmed on ing day meant a host of flying options from the Park he expected “a high proportion of young
Wednesday E-Clear had no “immediate source” regions was available. singles” to sail, as Norwegian Epic has 128
of funds to cover the £100 million debts it owes The ship’s presence in Palma will allow it to studio cabins aimed at solo travellers.
to creditors including Globespan, Deutsche Bank compete with more mainstream brands, such as
and Canadian operator Sunwing. Thomson Cruises. Park said Epic was a “very dif- ■ More cruise news, p18
Administrators BDO met with Globespan and
Sunwing, along with the Serious Fraud Office and
the CAA this week.
Elia could not be contacted for comment.
Youtravel grows
portfolio by 700
YOUTRAVEL.COM is planning a 50%
expansion of its accommodation
portfolio as part of a move into long-
haul and new European destinations.
The bed bank has added a total of
500 hotels in Thailand and the US, and
nearly 200 in France and Italy, which
has already boosted its inventory by 30%. NCL will use onboard shows such as Cirque Dreams and Dinner, run by The Blue Man Group, to help sales for new ship Epic
Sales and marketing director Paul Riches
(pictured) said another 20% expansion was
planned over the next few months.
He said the expansion into the US was fuelled
by the recovery of the pound against the dollar,
BlueSky staff launch Cook lawsuit
which had encouraged more UK customers to
return to Florida after postponing Disney trips FORMER employees of collapsed company Thomas Cook, which bought up elements of the
last year. BlueSky Travel Systems have launched a class failed business.
It was also helped by British Airways’ new action lawsuit against Thomas Cook. The lawsuit is believed to relate to treatment
direct flight to Las Vegas, giving customers an The reservation software supplier, which of employees before, during and after the
alternative to Virgin Atlantic’s. was developing a product called iTour for Cook, collapse.
went under in September last year. Thomas Cook said it could not comment on
■ Youtravel targets £120m turnover, p14 Some of its employees went to work for legal matters.
06 29.01.2010
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