NEWS ROUND-UP
COMMENT: “We know from discussions that [the card charge ban] is a very significant challenge facing the industry” Luke Petherbridge, page 28
IN THE PICTURE: It’s showtime!
There was no checking in at the Heartbreak Hotel as Vegas showgirls, champagne and ‘Elvis’ greeted more than 100 customers at the opening of Pure Destinations’ second shop. The branch, in Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield, is the
agency’s second Kuoni partner store. The business also has a call centre, Honeymoon Dreams. Its first store opened in Edgbaston in 2010. Agency owner Lakh Hayer was joined at the
‘showbiz’ launch event by Cherie Richards, commercial director of The Global Travel Group. From left, with Vegas showgirls and Elvis
impersonator, are Simone Adams and Natasha Cooper, both Pure Destinations; Richards, Global Travel Group, and Hayer, Pure Destinations.
Designer Travel donates gifts for kids in Mauritius
Ben Ireland
ben.ireland@
travelweekly.co.uk
Designer Travel is sending 200 festively decorated shoeboxes full of Christmas presents to underprivileged children in Mauritius.
The Lancashire agency whisked 40 agents off to the Indian Ocean island for its conference earlier this year and has since launched a Share the Love campaign to provide sustained charitable support rather than one-off donations to good causes. It has started with the Mauritius Christmas Box appeal, which has seen the agency’s staff collect new clothes, toys, books, stationery and toiletries for Mauritian youngsters who would otherwise have no access to such items. Some of the children will write
letters of thanks in return and it is hoped that they will become pen pals with British children who helped put the shoeboxes together. Karen Pocock, co-owner of the Bury-based agency, said: “In the
GIFTS: Agency staff have filled shoeboxes for Mauritian children
UK we take so much for granted and for such a lucky society we do seem to moan quite a lot. “Travel definitely broadens the mind. It exposes you to new cultures and encourages adventure – something many will never be able to experience. Our Share the Love campaign helps us to take some of the adventures into the homes of the shoebox recipients.” Pocock added: “We love Christmas at Designer Travel. It’s a time for reflection, families, love and joy, and to remember that, ultimately, we are very lucky
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travelweekly.co.uk 23 November 2017
people to work in an industry where we get to share life dreams on a daily basis and, for many of us, we also get to travel the world. “We know the shoebox concept is nothing new, but our intentions with this campaign are different. “The aim was to put as many
children in the UK in touch with children in Mauritius with an aspiration that maybe some life- long friendships may blossom. “It is only when you wrap your
own box or boxes and write the letter that you are reminded about the true meaning of Christmas.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
P&O honours commission for cancelled Oriana cruise
P&O Cruises has cancelled a 50-night Oriana sailing due to the ship requiring “technical maintenance”. The vessel was due to depart Southampton on January 6 for a voyage to the Caribbean and US. Passengers are being offered refunds or advised to rebook on four similar sailings early next year. Agents will receive commission for cancelled bookings as well as for replacement bookings.
Dave Green joins JTA Travel as head of tour ops
Former Holiday Malta and Belleair director Dave Green is joining JTA Travel as head of tour operations. He will manage the brands including Medsun Holidays, JTA Faraway, Needacruise and USA by JTA.
MSC reveals Grandiosa as first Meraviglia-Plus ship
MSC Cruises’ first Meraviglia- Plus class ship will be named MSC Grandiosa when it enters service in November 2019. In addition to boasting the first fine art museum at sea, the 6,334-passenger ship will be one of four MSC ships to feature Cirque du Soleil at Sea in the custom-built Carousel Lounge.
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