SPAA Associate News

AF / KL WINS AT BUSINESS TRAVEL AWARDS

2012-01-27T03:04:00.000-08:00

The AIR FRANCE KLM Group has won the accolade of Business Airline of the Year at the 2012 Business Travel Awards. The Group beat off stiff competition from British Airways, Flybe, Lufthansa and Qatar, to win the category.

AIR FRANCE KLM was awarded the title of Business Airline of the Year at a gala dinner held at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 23 January 2012. The award was won based on a number of key criteria which clearly demonstrated the Group’s commitment to the business community and the support it offers corporate travel buyers. The award looked at corporate client retention, product innovation, CSR policies, specific corporate products, training, route network and more.

The Judges felt that AIR FRANCE KLM, the winner of this important category, had been listening to what customers want, and was delivering. The Judges were impressed with AIR FRANCE KLM’s excellent feeder network, including a number of new links, and with its truly worldwide coverage.

Says Henri Hourcade, General Manager, AIR FRANCE KLM UK & Ireland, 'This is a real feather in our cap, particularly for our sales and commercial teams who have worked tirelessly over the last 12 months to ensure that we’ve offered the best possible pricing structures, bespoke contracts, innovative products and customer support to our key corporate and business customers. We’re thrilled to have won this award which has set a high benchmark for us to work towards for the coming year and which I know will encourage us to strive for more BTA accolades next year.’

The AIR FRANCE KLM Group was also shortlisted for Best Long-Haul Airline and Best Short-Haul Airline in the 2012 Awards line up.

MTB 27/01/2012

ABERDEEN AIRPORT UNVEILS MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT

2012-01-27T03:01:00.000-08:00

Millions of pounds are set to be invested this year upgrading the busy Aberdeen Airport terminal building to improve passenger facilities and provide more capacity. This year alone, the airport plans to spend £4.25 million on capital projects, with £45 million earmarked in total through to 2021.

Highlights include the start of a £5m major expansion of the airport’s international arrivals area, set to be carried out between now and 2019, a two year plan to boost capacity within the terminal and expand the security search area at a cost of £3 million, and the opening of a £750,000 car rental facility.

The investment boost comes against the backdrop of a significant increase in demand at Aberdeen Airport, with passenger numbers up by 11.5% in 2011, making it, officially, the fastest growing airport in the UK for the whole of 2011, according to latest figures from the CAA.

Announcing the investment boost, airport managing director Derek Provan said: “Our aim is to continue to provide high standards of service. To achieve this, we plan to increase our capacity to take account of forecast passenger growth, and modernise our facilities to deliver a better service to passengers, airlines and other airport users.

“Aberdeen Airport has enjoyed sustained growth over the past 12 months and our longer term forecasts suggest that this trend will continue. It is vital that we continue to invest in our facilities to create an airport that befits Aberdeen’s status as the energy capital of Europe.”

More than £50 million has been invested in Aberdeen Airport over the past five years, including £10 million on a new runway extension, completed eight months ahead of schedule. A study commissioned by Aberdeen Airport suggests that the new runway extension will generate an additional 205,000 passengers by 2015, contribute an additional £20.3 million for the city and shire economy, and create an extra £110 jobs locally by 2015.

Mr Provan added: “Every penny we invest at Aberdeen Airport is an investment for the future, creating a legacy that delivers long term benefits for the city and shire economy. We are determined to do everything we can to improve the experience of our passengers, and to maximise the contribution Aberdeen Airport makes to the economy of the north-east.”

The details of the capital investment plan are now the subject of a consultation with airlines and other airport partners.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen Airport is due to publish its revised Master Plan at the end of February. The document will set out the future development framework for the airport up to 2040, and updates an earlier Master Plan published in 2006, before the worldwide downturn in aviation. The revised document will be the subject of a three month public consultation after its launch.

Derick Murray, director of Nestrans, said: “Studies have shown the importance of the airport to the Aberdeen City and Shire economy. It is therefore important that the airport provides the facilities required to meet the needs of travellers from the area and gives a good first impression for visitors and inward investors. So it is welcome that this investment, building on other recent improvements, continues the airports upgrading programme to meet these needs and is further evidence of the strength of the region’s economy.”

Bob Keiller, CEO of Wood Group PSN and a business ambassador for Aberdeen Airport said: “I am particularly keen to see an expansion to the international arrivals area as this is the first impression of our city for many international visitors. Upgrades to enable higher capacity within the terminal will also help to meet the growing demands of the energy industry and other business sectors operating in and out of Aberdeen. The investment is welcome news for the business community and demonstrates further commitment by Aberdeen Airport to provide vital transport infrastructure to the North East.”

MTB 27/01/2012

NEW BARCELONA SERVICE FOR EDINBURGH AIRPORT

2012-01-20T07:05:00.000-08:00

Edinburgh Airport has announced the launch of a new service for Summer 2012.

VUELING will be operating the new flights between EDINBURGH and BARCELONA, three times per week, on a SATURDAY, TUESDAY and THURSDAY. The new service will operate from 23 JUNE to 15 SEPTEMBER.

Further details of flights can be found at www.vueling.com

MTB 20/01/2012

bmi TREASURE HUNT FOR 150 PAIRS OF FREE TICKETS

2012-01-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

bmi, British Midland International, has announced the launch of a seat sale with huge discounts available on bmi routes from London, Manchester, Dublin and Belfast.

To celebrate the sale, the airline is giving away 150 pairs of flights so customers can explore the destinations on offer. The 150 lucky envelopes, each offering a pair of free flights to be used on any bmi route, will be hidden in central London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast on the following dates:

Manchester – 19 January

Edinburgh and Belfast – 20 January

London – 23 January

Clues will be given out on bmi’s Twitter and Facebook profiles to direct fans to the whereabouts of the flights. Fans should follow bmi on Twitter @flybmi or Facebook at facebook.com/flybmi to get involved and find out more. Clues will also be available on Foursquare.com/flybmi – a Foursquare account is not needed to view these clues.

Any customer who is not lucky enough to find a free flight envelope can still pick up a bargain of their own. The January sale has thousands of seats available, for travel up to 31 May 2012.

bmi’s fares are available for both one way and return flights, giving customers great savings plus real flexibility to their travel plans.

Flights are available to book until midnight on 23 January at flybmi.com

or on a smart phone at http://mobile.flybmi.com

MTB 20/01/2012

EMIRATES TO GO DOUBLE-DAILY FROM GLASGOW!

2012-01-13T05:32:00.001-08:00

EMIRATES AIRLINE INVESTS IN SCOTLAND BY DOUBLING GLASGOW SERVICE

- New second daily service -

- Increase in seat capacity of 47 per cent -

- Introduction of First Class cabin on both daily flights for first time -

- Cargo capacity increases by 59 per cent -

Emirates Airline has announced a continued commitment to its Scottish route connection with plans to introduce a second daily non-stop flight from Glasgow to Dubai, commencing 1^st June 2012.

The announcement comes as a result of continued growth in demand for Emirates’ service between Glasgow and Dubai. It will generate up to 12 new direct jobs and indirectly support many others with Emirates’ contracted suppliers, as well as generating millions in visitor revenue, contributing to the overall Scottish economy.

Since its commencement in 2004, the Dubai-based international airline’s Glasgow service has carried over 1.7 million passengers and over 46 million kilos of cargo to and from the Middle East and beyond.

The additional flight, coupled with an aircraft upgrade on the existing service, will increase Emirates’ capacity to and from Glasgow by 47 per cent, an extra 398 seats per day (199 each way). It will also see the introduction of a First Class cabin onto both daily services, the first time this has been offered by a commercial airline from Scotland. It will also provide an additional 13 tonnes of daily cargo capacity - a 59 per cent uplift on existing volumes.

“This announcement illustrates our commitment to Scotland and to our wider UK route network in difficult economic times,” said Laurie Berryman, Emirates’ Vice President UK & Ireland. “Our Glasgow route has been a real success story, and we are extremely confident that there is the demand for additional services flying east to Dubai and onward to our global network of over 115 destinations. The service brings real benefits to Scotland’s economy and its international competitiveness.”

“The introduction of a First Class cabin on both daily flights also means greater choice for passengers, and increased cargo capacity means more export business opportunities for cargo shippers in Scotland,” added Berryman.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, stated that this new flight would be a significant boost to Glasgow’s economy, connectivity and competitiveness.

He said: “I am delighted that our discussions with Emirates and BAA over the past two years have borne success. This is fantastic news for Glasgow, which strongly reflects Emirates’ long-term commitment to the city and our airport.

“From a starting point in 2004 Emirates’ Dubai route has proved a huge success, generating over £164 million to date for the local economy and bringing more than 687,000 inbound passengers to Glasgow.

“The operation of a double daily service is a major step forward in terms of forging greater business links and increasing access between Glasgow and key Asian economic decision centres such as Hong Kong and Singapore as well as emerging markets in China and India.

“The introduction of a second daily flight from Dubai – one of the world’s largest hub airports – significantly increases Glasgow’s global connectivity, particularly through Emirates’ worldwide route network, and will generate considerable in-bound tourism in the years ahead.

“It is estimated that the twice-daily service will deliver local economic benefit of £33 million with almost 140,000 inbound passengers in 2012 alone. Over the next five years the route will be worth more than £200m to the city, bringing more than 846,000 inbound passengers to Glasgow through to 2016.

“Today’s announcement not only reinforces Glasgow Airport’s position as Scotland’s principal long-haul gateway, but demonstrates the continued importance of the city council’s Air Route Development activity.”

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “As part of our strategy to support economic growth, the Scottish Government is determined to improve our international air connections. The announcement of this new expanded service cements our growing business, education and cultural links with Dubai and provides an additional link to this key gateway through which to boost trade and tourism opportunities with key global markets such as south and south-east Asia, Africa and Australasia.

“Despite challenging economic circumstances, since it began in 2004 the Emirates’ Glasgow to Dubai service has continued to develop. This announcement of the new expanded service today underlines Emirates’ confidence in the Scottish market’s ability to sustain and grow. As a government we believe that good quality air services must continue to increase if Scotland is to maintain its competitive advantage and we will continue to promote our aviation sector in a bid to further boost inbound tourism and the business connectivity.”

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “Since its launch in 2004, Emirates’ Dubai route has proved hugely successful with business and leisure passengers and its decision to introduce a second daily service is fantastic news for both Glasgow Airport and Scotland as a whole.

“The ability of Scotland to maintain and increase its global competitiveness is dependent on having air links with established and emerging markets and not only will Emirates’ new service considerably strengthen our long-haul route network, it will play a crucial role in allowing companies from across Scotland to access and trade with markets such as China, south-east Asia and India.”

With Emirates’ rapidly expanding global network, travellers from Scotland can connect to over 115 destinations worldwide via Dubai. The most popular routes for Scottish passengers include Dubai, the airline’s four Australian gateways – Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane – along with New Zealand (Auckland and Christchurch), Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Singapore, Cochin and the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and the Maldives.

Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland said: “Access is hugely important for both leisure and business tourism and this double daily service not only opens up the Middle East market but more importantly the diaspora markets of Australia and New Zealand where some 2.5million people are of Scots origin. The opening of this new service couldn’t have come at a better time as Scotland is set to benefit from the tourism opportunity of a lifetime over the next three years - with eight milestones - from Year of Creative Scotland to Homecoming Scotland - attracting international visitors from all over the world. We have worked with Emirates for many years and plan to invest in a joint marketing campaign in the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand to promote this new service.”

Cargo shippers across Scotland have also taken advantage of Emirates’ excellent flight connections. The main commodities being shipped include Scottish produce such as whisky, smoked salmon and oysters, as well as items including oil-well equipment, helicopter and aircraft parts, and medical equipment. There has also been an increase in demand for transporting live animals, particularly pets such as cats and dogs moving to Australia.

The new scheduled evening service will be operated by a three-class Airbus A340-300 aircraft, carrying 12 First Class passengers, 42 in Business Class and 213 in Economy Class. The aircraft also possesses a cargo capacity of 13 tonnes. Flight EK26 will depart daily from Glasgow at 2130hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0800hrs (next day); with the EK25 return service departing from Dubai at 1450hrs, arriving in Glasgow at 2000hrs.

The existing daytime flight EK27/EK28 is being upgraded to a three-class Boeing 777-300ER with eight Private Suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 310 seats in Economy Class. It also has 22 tonnes of cargo capacity.

In addition to Glasgow, Emirates operates flights to Dubai from Heathrow (five times daily), London Gatwick and Manchester (three times daily), Birmingham (twice daily) and Newcastle (daily).

For more information, visit www.emirates.com/uk

MTB 11/01/2012

Flybe UPDATE ON VOIDED E-TICKETS

2012-01-07T00:47:00.000-08:00

Flybe has announced, following feedback from its travel sector partners, that e-tickets issued via a GDS may be voided without penalty.

The e-ticket must be issued and voided in the same day, for the new ruling to be applicable.

More details are to be found at www.flybe.com/trade.

MTB 06/01/2012

travelcube TO SELL CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW TICKETS ONLINE

2012-01-07T00:42:00.000-08:00

Travelcube has announced that it is to offer Chelsea Flower Show Tickets online.

“The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is,” it says, “the beating heart of horticulture, showcasing the very best the gardening world has to offer.”

Eagerly anticipated, the spectacular extravaganza bursts at the seams with cutting-edge show gardens, inspirational plant and floral displays and leading experts in every field. Visitors will be the first to admire exquisite new plants, buy the latest garden innovations, tools and accessories while soaking up the atmosphere at this prestigious, world-class flower show.

The Flower Show is the main event of the horticultural calendar in the UK and over 150,000 people visit it each year. Situated at the Royal Hospital, London between 22^nd and 26^th May, the show will be open to the general public 24^th, 25^th and 26^th May (22^nd&23rd are exclusively for RHS members).

Tickets must be pre-booked as the show is a sell out each year and no tickets are available on the day.

Travel agents should visit www.travelcube.com/uk ; click Sightseeing and Activities and run a search for London for more information. Prices are from £63.50 per ticket, which is valid all day.

MTB 06/01/2012

ABERDEEN AIRPORT FLYING HIGH IN 2011

2011-12-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

Aberdeen Airport is the fastest growing airport in the UK – according to new data.

The figures come from official CAA passenger data, and are calculated when comparing percentage change on the same period last year.* It shows 9.5% growth on last year, 3% more than the nearest rivals.

The latest figures were revealed by Airport MD Derek Provan, who has been speaking as the end of 2011 fast approaches, reflecting on the successes of the year.

Discussing the airport performance he highlighted some major projects, such as the runway extension, plus strong growth in passenger numbers, as contributing to what was a successful year for the wider airport community. Latest projections suggest that the airport will exceed three million passengers in 2011.

Mr Provan said: “The major project of the year was, of course, the runway extension, which came in on budget and 8 months ahead of schedule. According to a recent report the £10 million investment will contribute £20 million back into the City and Shire economy, creating 110 jobs and attract up to 30,000 tourists to the North-East, spending up to £6.4 million by 2015.

“With 2012 moving closer, one of the main aims for Aberdeen Airport next year will be to address the issue of leisure route options for our passengers. Far from sitting back and watching passengers leak to other airports, there is a team working hard behind the scenes to attract new routes. To assist with that process the airport has launched a new online holiday destination survey, to allow the people of the North-East to share their views on the destinations they would like to see from Aberdeen Airport. I encourage all of our passengers to provide us with this valuable feedback by going to www.aberdeenairport.com/survey**

“At a national level, a major issue which needs to be tackled in the immediate future is that of APD (Air Passenger Duty). We spent much of our time lobbying on this issue this year, in the hope of changing legislation to the benefit of the passengers. Air Passenger Duty in its current form will damage tourism and weaken Scotland’s competitiveness. It is growing in the UK at a time when other European countries have abandoned the tax entirely because of its damaging effects. Despite our best efforts, it would seem the government is pushing ahead with APD as originally intended. We call for the tax to be devolved to the Scottish Government where we feel any revenues raised would be pushed back into helping support the aviation industry and attract new routes.

“At a local level I would also like to see progress on the AWPR, which would bring with it major benefits for the airport, and more importantly for our passengers and visitors. I would like to see and end to the legal issues and for progress on the road to begin.

“Finally, and in summary, 2011 has been a very good year for Aberdeen Airport, but we realise that we have a challenging year ahead and we are now putting our focus into delivering a strong performance in 2012.”

MTB 23/12/2011

SILVERSEA RELOCATES TO NEW LONDON OFFICES

2011-12-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

Following Silversea’s organisational changes during 2011 which included the relocation of the European reservations team to the UK, Silversea is ending a successful year with a new London office in Westminster on Level 3 of the Asticus Building, at 21 Palmer Street SW1H OAD.

Mike Bonner, Silversea’s General Manager comments “Moving to new offices in a prestigious location allows us to start 2012 with new impetus and build on the successes of 2011 in a new environment. As well as providing the additional space we need for the new UK and European reservations department, it also demonstrates Silversea’s continued commitment to the UK market.”

Silversea Cruises is recognised as an innovator in the luxury cruise line industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the regal expedition ship Silver Explorer, Silversea Cruises' itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, both Polar Regions and over 400 fascinating destinations in between.

MTB 23/12/2011

TRAVEL 2 ONLINE BOOKINGS SHIFT TO GALILEO

2011-12-09T03:50:00.000-08:00

As part of Travel 2's continued drive towards improving efficiency and performance, the company has announced that air bookings made online via www.travel2.com are now made in Galileo, effective from 7pm on December 07.

From that date, the key change is that agents receive a Galileo locator instead of a Worldspan locator when they make a booking online. All bookings made with Travel 2, can be retrieved from the Travel 2 reference in www.travel2.com by selecting the 'Agent Admin' tab and choosing the 'My Bookings' option.

Alternatively all Galileo PNRs can be retrieved in www.viewtrip.com.

Agents will still be able to call the Travel 2 online team on 0800 458 6355. and by selecting the appropriate option thebooking will be handled by an experienced member of the team. Instant Messenger will not be available for historical bookings - however it will be for all Galileo created bookings going forward.

MTB 09/12/2011

NEW NORWEGIAN AIR LINK UNDERLINE'S EDI'S ATTRACTIONS

2011-12-09T03:45:00.000-08:00

Norwegian Airlines has announced its fourth direct route from Edinburgh to Scandinavia.

The airline will start flights twice weekly to Bergen in Norway from March 2012. This new service will allow Scots to enjoy affordable and direct flights to one of the most charming cities in Norway and importantly will see Norwegians travel to Scotland’s capital which is continuing to attract visitors from across the globe.

Edinburgh is an increasingly attractive destination for Scandinavians both for leisure and business and this new route is seen as another indicator of the city’s continued attractiveness and resilience in these difficult times.

"We are continuously expanding our route network and are pleased to be able to offer our Scottish passengers a direct route to the Norwegian west coast at a low price. Bergen is a great starting point if you want to discover the west coast of Norway, considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines.” says Daniel Skjeldam, Norwegian’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Jim O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Edinburgh Airport, said: “We’re delighted with this addition to our network and we’re sure it’ll be a very popular route. It’s sustainable, built on excellent passenger flows in both ways. Edinburgh’s strength is that people want to come here and that is good news for the city and the airlines that serve it.”

Bergen is a city on the west coast of Norway, surrounded by one of the world's most spectacular tourist attractions - the Norwegian Fjords - which have been included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. It is situated between the longest fjord Sognefjord north of Bergen and the beautiful Hardangerfjord in the south.

Tickets are on sale at www.norwegian.com from £38 including taxes and fees.

MTB 09/12/2011

EDINBURGH AIRPORT ANNOUNCES NEW SERVICES FOR SUMMER

2011-11-25T08:28:00.000-08:00

Edinburgh Airport has announced the launch of a new destination and a new service for Summer 2012.

Ryanair will be operating a new services between EDI and Verona, operating twice weekly on a Tuesday and Saturdy between 27 March and 27 October 2012. Further details of the service can be found at http://www.ryanair.com/.

Thomas Cook will be operating a new Summer 2012 High Season service between EDI and Faro, on Saturdays from 09 June through 15 September 2012 (last inbound, 22 September). Further details can be found on the Thomas Cook website at http://www.thomascook.com/.

MTB 25/11/2011

AIRLINES AND SPAA IN TUNE ON PUNITIVE APD TAX

2011-11-18T02:39:00.000-08:00

SPAA President Kevin Thom has expressed the Association's strong support for the guiding principles of the Axe The Tax campaign, launched this week by British Airways parent IAG, Virgin Atlantic, Easyjet and Ryanair. Commenting following extensive media coverage of statements by Willie Walsh and Michael O'Leary, the President said, "We strongly endorse the Axe The Tax protaganists' views that APD is punitive and damaging, and that it needs to be scrapped, as a matter of urgency. Whilst we don't believe that adjustments to the taxation levels - for example, VS's suggestion that short-haul APD should be increased to 'subsidise' a reduction in long-haul APD, we do also strongly endorse the regional overview so well expounded by Flybe's Jim French. Undoubtedly, domestic APD needs to be scrapped, with immediate effect - and it seems clear that on APD, the UK travel sector - including major airlines - is united."

Flybe Chairman and Chief Executive, Jim French, reiterated his previous-raised concerns by backing the views voiced by of other airlines highlighting the troubling impact of APD and the very real damage it is doing to the UK economy and to hard-pressed families.

He said, “Domestic air travel has been hammered hard over the past four years. In 2007, APD was £5, a sum in line with that now being charged by several other European countries. Today, UK APD is £12 one way. The result? Four million less domestic air passengers travelling, equating to a 21% decrease in passenger numbers passing through the country’s regional airports.*

I cannot stress enough that the success of regional aviation is crucial to regional development. In supporting commerce, industry and social mobility – not to mention much-needed employment.

The Scottish Office has recognised this for years in the Highlands and Islands. And indeed the UK Government itself has actually acknowledged that this harmful tax restricts air travel by lowering APD for the Continental airline service from Belfast International to Newark!

It is absolutely scandalous that the domestic passenger is being hit hardest in what Flybe has coined the ‘double-dip’ with UK, with domestic flyers being penalised by having to pay APD twice. This is because APD only applies to outbound flights from the UK so those flying abroad pay just once.

How can this Government be serious about developing regional economies when they are taxing the industry out of existence? On the one hand they claim to be promoting regional airports by restricting the development of runways in the South East whilst at the same time penalising the industry through taxation the next.

Unlike every other form of transport, excepting bicycles, air travel is not subsidised; rail and bus travel is heavily subsidised. The aviation industry does not ask for billions of pounds of subsidy to buy new planes or build new airports. It pays for this itself. Air travel costs the UK tax payer nothing.

Once again the Government is failing to appreciate the importance of regional transport links rather making ill-judged decisions to concentrate on a privileged rail system radiating out from London. What about the communities and business in those areas of the country where air travel is the only viable form of transport to go between A and B?

At a time when the country can ill afford to compromise economic growth, it is quite simply nonsensical for the Government to ignore the facts and not to publicly acknowledge that APD is severely impacting the viability of much-needed regional development.”

*Domestic Air travel CAA 2007 v 2011 (to Sep ’11)

MTB 18/11/11

A NEW DAWN FOR VIRGIN GALACTIC ...

2011-11-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

October 17th, 2011 saw passage of a major milestone in the fast-developing arena of commercial space operations. Fledgling space line Virgin Galactic held a dedication ceremony for their newly completed Terminal Hangar Facility.

As the anchor tenants at Spaceport America, the company worked closely with the New Mexico Spaceport Authority to design and build a truly unique structure for their new base of operations. The LEED Gold certified building was designed by renowned architects Foster + Partners, who went to great lengths to ensure the structure blended in to its natural surroundings while still evoking the new space age. Those attending the event agreed these objectives have been achieved.

Hundreds of Virgin Galactic customers, dignitaries and international media gathered at the gleaming new facility to witness another historic stop along the road to commercial space tourism. The group was welcomed by Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson. During his remarks he spoke about the imperative behind the cause and the need to be pioneers at the dawn of a new phase in human achievement. The customers in attendance were acknowledged for their crucial role in paving the way for a future of affordable space tourism and transport.

During the ceremony, it was announced that new flight reservations have been made by research and education institutions to support research initiatives and inspire students. Purdue University, Space Florida, The Challenger Center for Space Education and Southwest Research Institute were recognized as the most recent participants in this new growth area for Virgin Galactic.

During the ceremonies, Richard Branson invited the group to enjoy a performance by two very special guests at which point WhiteKnightTwo carrying SpaceShipTwo taxied out to take off from Spaceport America for a stunning flight demonstration. To conclude the events of the day and as part of the ceremony to formally name the new building 'Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space', Richard and his children Holly and Sam, who will be the first commercial passengers on SpaceShipTwo rappelled together from the balcony of the striking new building, bringing the event to a spectacular conclusion.

To find out more about Virgin Galactic and how you can become a part of history, contact your Virgin Galactic Accredited Space Agent...

Seasons : E: spacetravel@seasons.co.uk W: www.seasons.co.uk/virgingalactic

MTB 16/11/2011

HOLIDAY TAXIS GETS BACK TO BUSINESS (TAXIS)

2011-11-09T04:19:00.000-08:00

The global airport transfer specialist has decided to invest in its corporate offering following detailed customer consultation. Chris Oakes, general manager of Business Taxis, said: “We have re-engineered the Business Taxis website and restructured our offline support team. We asked our corporate partners to tell us exactly what they wanted. As such, we have made a significant investment to offer an innovative online booking tool, bolstered by even more competitive pricing and routes. The entire proposition will continue to be supported by our UK customer support team.”

www.businesstaxis.com offers corporate and business travellers a range of quality meet and greet private transfer services, both overseas and in the UK. There is the simple door-to–door service, airport to meeting venue or hotel and the compilation of bespoke itineraries for conferences or events bookable via the Business Taxis Tailor Made department. The website functionality has been developed and enhanced to give our corporate partners to ability to make cancellations or amendments to their bookings. The booking path and user experience have also been streamlined to deliver much quicker search results.

Peter Hilton, Business Taxis’ managing director, said: "We offer the option of an executive service, but our real differentiator is that our standard, high-quality meet and greet service is highly cost competitive, and being used by business travellers across junior, mid and senior management positions, travelling individually or as groups. In these times of austerity, it is our belief that highly reliable and comfortable services such as ours will render expensive peak-capped chauffeur services less relevant to modern businesses.”

The relaunch of Business Taxis will also provide the potential for a valuable new revenue stream for TMCs and travel agencies, as approximately 40% of business travel journeys involve a taxi journey. Business Taxis offers a centralised-billing system, including the ability to pre-pay fares, which creates operational efficiencies for intermediaries and corporates.

From a CO2 emission perspective www.businesstaxis.com works mainly as a paperless organisation. The carbon-offset policy is detailed on the website and the company continues to expand its fleet of hybrid vehicles.

For more information email admin@businesstaxis.com or call Business Taxi’s general manager Chris Oakes on 07891 451996.

MTB 09/11/11

SILVERSEA ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS

2011-11-09T04:16:00.000-08:00

Silversea Cruises has announced two new appointments to its corporate and incentive sales team.

Maarten Tromp, who served from 2000 to 2008 as Silversea's director of corporate and incentive sales for the U.K. and director of sales and marketing for new markets, returns as director of corporate and incentive sales for the U.K., Europe, Middle East and Africa markets. He re-joins Silversea from Compagnie du Ponant, where he was vice president of international sales. Maarten will be based in the company's London office.

Alexandra Stahl, who has been an account manager in corporate and incentive sales since 2007, is promoted to the position of corporate and incentive sales manager for parts of Europe, including France, Spain and Italy. Stahl will remain based in the company's Monaco office.

"These new appointments will strengthen our relationship with corporate and incentive clients and bolster our push for increased business in these key markets," said Sean J. Mahoney, Silversea's global vice president of corporate and incentive sales.

Both Tromp and Stahl will be representing Silversea at the upcoming global meetings and events exhibition (EIBTM) in Barcelona, 29 November to 1 December.

MTB 09/11/2011

SILVERSEA LAUNCHEST BIGGEST BRIDGE CRUISE PROGRAMME

2011-11-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

In 2012, ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises will offer its most expansive collection of Bridge Sailings ever. Spanning the world from Auckland and Shanghai to Rio and Monte Carlo, 56 voyages will feature a bridge enrichment programme.

Though guests are welcome to play bridge on any Silversea cruise, a Bridge Sailing features a formal programme of contract and duplicate bridge, which is supervised by instructors who are certified ACBL (American Contract Bridge League) Life Masters. All Bridge Sailing activities are completely complimentary and guests can enjoy daily bridge sessions (twice daily on sea days), bridge lectures for both beginning and intermediate-level players, and even opportunities to earn ACBL Master Points. Silversea supplies all bridge materials and hosts the programme in a dedicated Card Room on board.

"Our Bridge Sailings are a great way for players to hone their skills and meet other bridge enthusiasts from around the world - all while enjoying a luxury cruise vacation," said Mike Bonner, Silversea's Director, Sales & Marketing & General Manager UK.

Following below is a small selection of the Bridge Sailings offered in 2012:

AFRICA & ARABIA

Voyage 2203: Silver Wind departs January 24 on a 10-day roundtrip journey from Cape Town with calls in Port Elizabeth, Maputo, Richards Bay, Durban and East London. Fares start at £3,428, including complimentary air.

Voyage 2237: Silver Wind departs Dubai December 5 on a 17-day sailing to Port Louis, Mauritius, with calls in Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Mumbai, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, and Male. Fares start at £4,408.

ASIA

Voyage 4208: Silver Whisper departs Bangkok March 26 on an 18-day sailing to Dubai (a segment of World Cruise 2012) with calls in Ko Samui, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Cochin, Mormugao, Mumbai and Fujairah. Fares start at £5,948 including complimentary air.

Voyage 3211: Silver Shadow departs Tokyo April 25 on an 11-day sailing to Shanghai with calls in Hiroshima, Busan, Jeju, Dalian and Tianjin (Beijing). Fares start at £4,478 including complimentary air.

MEDITERRANEAN

Voyage 4210: Silver Whisper departs Monte Carlo May 1 on a 12-day sailing to Southampton with calls in Palma de Mallorca, Cadiz, Portimao, La Coruña, Bilbao, Bordeaux and Le Verdon. Fares start at £3,934 including complimentary air.

Voyage 5211A: Silver Spirit departs May 5 on a 12-day roundtrip journey from Monte Carlo with calls in Valletta, Crete, Rhodes, Bodrum, Santorini, Taormina, Sorrento and Portoferraio (Elba). Fares start at £4,283 including complimentary air.

Voyage 1213: Silver Cloud departs Monte Carlo May 8 on a 12-day sailing to Rouen with calls in Cartagena, Malaga, Portimao, Lisbon, Santander, Bordeaux and Guernsey. Fares start at £3,934 including complimentary air.

SOUTH AMERICA

Voyage 5204: Silver Spirit departs Buenos Aires February 12 on a 7-day sailing to Rio de Janeiro with calls in Punta del Este, Rio Grande do Sul, Santos (Sao Paulo), Parati and Buzios. Fares start at £3,008 including complimentary air.

Voyage 5205: Silver Spirit departs Rio de Janeiro February 19 on a 15-day sailing to Barbados with calls in Salvador de Bahia, Recife, Fortaleza, Belém, Tobago and Grenada. Fares start at £7,085 including complimentary air.

TRANSOCEANIC

Voyage 3227: Silver Shadow departs Vancouver September 6 on a 16-day sailing to Tokyo with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Kodiak, Kamchatka, Hakodate and Sendai. Fares start at £4,828.

With its expanded schedule of Bridge Sailings in 2012, the company's website now features a section dedicated to these special voyages. Visit www.silversea.com/life-onboard/enrichment/bridge-sailings.

Fares listed above are per person, based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite, are a capacity-controlled programme and subject to availability.

MTB 02/11/11

BAA TO SELL EDINBURGH AIRPORT

2011-10-20T04:43:00.000-07:00

Following the Competition Commission’s decision requiring BAA to sell either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport, BAA is today announcing that it has decided to sell Edinburgh airport.

BAA is now commencing preparations for a sale and expects to formally approach the market in the New Year with a view to agreeing a sale by Summer 2012.

BAA Chief Executive, Colin Matthews said: “Edinburgh is a great airport with a great team and a great future and we will be very sorry to see it leave BAA. We remain committed to Scotland and we will continue our long-term investment to improve passenger and airline experience at Aberdeen and Glasgow, as well as at Edinburgh until the sale is complete.

Choosing which airport to sell has been a difficult decision. Edinburgh Airport has shown itself to be a strong and resilient asset throughout the economic downturn. Passenger numbers at Edinburgh have grown by more than 6% over the past year and in an uncertain market we expect it to be an attractive asset to prospective buyers. Glasgow Airport has great opportunities for future growth and development and we think BAA is well-placed to build on its recent success. Both airports are of national importance and have a bright future.”

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland’s largest airport with approximately 9.2m passengers passing through it every year and with over 100,000 flights. 2011 has seen the airport named Best European Airport (5-10m Passengers) by ACI Europe and consolidate its position as the fifth largest airport in the UK with the best passenger numbers in its history. Passenger numbers have grown by 6.1% over the last 12 months and by 9.5% since the start of 2011. Around 40 airlines connect Edinburgh to over 120 destinations. The airport is also a burgeoning cargo hub with 10,200 tonnes of cargo in the past year.

Edinburgh Airport directly employs 485 staff and supports 7,500 jobs across Scotland.

A £42m investment in 2010 in the departure lounge and security hall has improved the customer experience and provided the airport with the platform to develop and attract further long haul and short haul routes.

As well as winning awards in 2011, Edinburgh Airport has attracted nearly 20 new routes. Easyjet has recently based a new aircraft at the airport, opening up several new destinations.

MTB 20/10/11

SECOND CELEBRITY SHIP TO OPERATE FROM SOUTHAMPTON IN 2012

2011-10-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

Inspired by guest interest, Celebrity Constellation will be based in Southampton from September 2012 for a series of wine and food themed cruises. Joining sister ship Celebrity Eclipse for the first time, the seven food and wine themed sailings takes Celebrity Cruises UK fleet deployment to two ships. Open for booking from 14 October, Celebrity Cruises has also announced a number of overnight and extended stay to ensure guests can immerse themselves in this world-renowned region.

Throughout the 2012 harvest season, 7 September – 18 November 2012, Celebrity Constellation, which recently completed a $40 million renovation, will sail from the UK to some of the top-producing wine regions in France, Spain and Portugal. The new itineraries feature overnight stays in Le Havre (for Paris/Normandy) and Le Verdon (for Bordeaux), France, as well as Bilbao, Spain. Guests also have the opportunity to enjoy tours and tastings at some of the region’s most renowned wineries, experience grape harvesting for themselves and learn how Port is blended and aged.

Celebrity’s onboard experience will reflect the flair and flavour of the region too with partnerships with local wineries, including Rioja tastings, Champagne brunches, Bordeaux samplings, Port and food pairing dinners and more, including special events in the ship’s Cellar Masters bar. A seasonal wine package featuring special selections from the region also will be added to the onboard drinks packages available.

Dominic Paul, vice president and group managing director, UK, Ireland and Northern Europe, RCL Cruises Ltd, commented: “ We are delighted to see the newly revitalised Celebrity Constellation return to the UK and join Celebrity Eclipse in Southampton. Our new wine and food itineraries are in response to customer demand and the overnight stay will really enable our guests to immerse themselves in the experience. There is no other cruise line that offers such an enormous breadth and depth of experiences in this highly rated region during harvest season”.

After departing from Southampton, Celebrity Constellation’s new wine-themed itineraries begin with three consecutive overnight stays: one each in Paris (Le Havre) and Bordeaux (Le Verdon), France, and Bilbao, Spain, and also feature visits to Vigo, Spain and Porto, Portugal. The sailings from Southampton depart on 7 and 19 September; 1, 13 and 25 October; and 6 and 18 November 2012. The ship’s 15-night transatlantic voyage from Europe to the U.S. will depart Southampton on 30 November 2012, with visits to Paris/Normandy (LeHavre), France; Lisbon, Portugal, and Tenerife, Canary Islands, ending in Miami, Florida.

Further information may be sourced from Andrew Bolton, Major Account Manager - Scotland & North for Celebrity Cruises, at abolton@rccl.com.

MTB 20/10/11

GLASGOW AIRPORT LAUNCHES NEWSLETTER

2011-10-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

Glasgow Airport has launched a new newsletter for the travel sector, and the first edition was published during September :

'It has been a busy few months at Glasgow Airport in terms of route development and passenger numbers so we thought we would take the time to update you on some of the recent highlights.

Passenger numbers on the rise

Glasgow Airport reported an increase in passenger numbers for the eighth consecutive month with almost 700,000 people passing through the airport in August 2011.

A strong demand for long haul and EU scheduled flights ensured passenger numbers rose by 5.5% in August 2011 compared to the same period last year, and numbers were also boosted by events such as the World Pipe Band Championships which attracted tens of thousands of visitors and competitors to Glasgow.

New routes from Jet2.com

Jet2.com announced it would be adding the wonderful cities of Rome and Barcelona to its growing list of destinations from Glasgow Airport.

From March 2012, the low fares airline will operate three flights a week to both Rome and Barcelona.

Since landing at Glasgow Airport earlier this year, the popular airline has increased its choice of destination from seven to sixteen.

For more information visit www.jet2.com

Glasgow Airport’s maiden Stavanger flight takes-off

Eastern Airways’ maiden flight from Glasgow to the Norwegian city of Stavanger took off on Monday 12 September. Glasgow Airport’s commercial director Francoise Bourienne was joined by Tom Rice of the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and Kay Ryan of Easter Airways to mark the launch of the direct flight which will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fares start from £99 one way, including taxes and charges.

Monday and Wednesday flights leave Stavanger at 9.20am and arrive in Glasgow at 9.50am local time. Services on Mondays and Wednesdays depart Glasgow at 10.20am and arrive in Stavanger at 1.20pm local time.

On Fridays, flights will depart Stavanger at 10am and arrive in Glasgow at 10.30am local time. Friday services take off from Glasgow at 11am and land in Stavanger at 1.30pm local time.

For further information visit www.easternairways.com.

Direct flight to Madrid to take off in November

Glasgow Airport has added one of Europe’s most popular capital cities to its list of destinations after Spanish airline Iberia Regional confirmed it will introduce direct flights to Madrid.

The new route, which will operate a twice weekly service between the two cities from Tuesday 1 November 2011, is expected to prove popular with both business and leisure travellers.

For further information visit www.iberia.com

easyJet goes Dutch

Low-fares airline easyJet will launch its daily flight to Amsterdam's Schipol Airport from Glasgow Airport on 31 October 2011, and with fares starting from £25.99 (one way including taxes) the route is expected to attract strong demand.

The new service, which is the airline’s 15th route from Glasgow Airport, clearly demonstrates easyJet’s commitment to the City and the region.

For further information visit www.easyjet.com.

We’ve got London covered

Glasgow Airport has further strengthened its connectivity with London after a number of airlines confirmed they are to increase capacity on existing routes to the city.

In November easyJet will introduce a fourth daily flight to Gatwick, while British Airways will increase its daily flights to Heathrow to nine on weekdays, six on Saturdays and eight on Sundays.

During peak periods, British Airways will also operate a larger aircraft (B767) on the popular Heathrow route.

These recent announcements take the number of flights between Glasgow and London’s five airports to 31 per day.

For further information visit www.easyjet.com and www.britishairways.com.

Flybe adds capacity

Not to be outdone, Flybe has also added extra capacity at Glasgow Airport with the introduction in November of additional daily flights to both Exeter and Southampton.

For further information visit www.flybe.com.

It’s now easier to fly from Glasgow Airport

Following the completion of the M74 and M80 motorway upgrades, journey times to and from Glasgow Airport has significantly improved.

The new roads, which both connect to the M8 motorway, reduce the volume of peak time traffic on the M8 by over 20,000 movements a day.

Since opening, the M74 the average journey time between Hamilton, in South Lanarkshire, and Glasgow Airport has been cut from around 30 minutes to nearer 18 minutes.

Hopefully this update has given you an overview of some of the main developments at Glasgow Airport and if you would like more detail visit our website www.glasgowairport.com or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GLA_Airport.'

MTB 121011

EDINBURGH AIRPORT ANNOUNCES NEW WINTER SERVICE

2011-10-12T06:06:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh Airport's business development manager for airlines - Judith Duffy - has announced two new ski-market services for this Winter on behalf of EDI.

Inghams Ski will be operating the flights - new services from EDINBURGH to INNSBRUCK and SALZBURG, and the schedule in brief is :

INNSBRUCK : the flight will operate on a Saturday, from mid December 2011 – April 2012

SALZBURG : the flight will operate on a Saturday from mid December 2011 – April 2012

Further details can be found on the Inghams website at http://www.inghams.co.uk/.

MTB 121011

BRITISH AIRWAYS LAUNCHES 'JIGSAW LATINO'

2011-10-05T04:14:00.000-07:00

British Airways has launched a new Online Game - 'Jigsaw Latino' - returning, with the promotion, to
its focus on providing its trade partners and their customers with essential information about British Airways in 'a fun and interactive way'.

The 'Jigsaw Latino' game aims to drive awareness of BA's merger with Iberia, particularly focusing on the new opportunities now available on South American routes. As well as the main prize draws, the airline will also be giving away 'instant win' prizes throught the game.

The promotion runs from 03 October 2011 (except HRG, which starts 10 October 2011) through 28 October 2011, and batraveltrade.com pages will host the promotion. Agents should visit
http://www.batraveltrade.com/trade/trade-welcome/public/en or click on the homepage banner 'Jigsaw Latino' on http://www.batraveltrade.com/.

Participants will be required to answer the questions, complete a tie-breaker question and submit their details to qualify for a chance to win one of the prizes.

Questions should be referred to Ken Bryan on 07789 612527.

MTB 05/10/11

EXPEDITION CRUISING SEMINARS FOR SILVERSEA AGENTS

2011-10-05T04:05:00.000-07:00

Silversea Cruises is offering UK travel agents the opportunity to meet and gain first hand product knowledge on expedition cruising from its Director of Expeditions, Conrad Combrink, when he conducts a series of seminars in London, Manchester and Glasgow.

The regional seminars will take place in:

London - Monday 17th October at 8:30am, One Great George Street

Manchester - Wednesday 26th October at 8:30am, The Radisson Edwardian

Glasgow - Thursday 27th October at 8:30am, The Corinthian Club

Combrink is responsible for creating and co-ordinating the Silversea Expeditions cruise programme. He is in charge of strategic planning for all expedition itineraries, involving intensive ground work to add new destinations. He also has an active role on many Silversea Expeditions as Senior Expedition Leader.

Steve Odell, Senior Vice President UK, Europe & Asia Pacific said: “We value the support of the travel trade and feel that specific training on Expedition cruising is invaluable in order to maximise such a niche market. With the higher yields available in the expedition sector the earning potential for agents is greater than the regular cruise market”

Combrink has worked in worldwide cruise expedition programmes for more than 10 years and has travelled to some of the world’s most remote destinations such as Antarctica, the South Pacific, Russia’s Far East and Alaska.

Agents who wish to join, should email eventreply@silversea.com. For further details on Silversea visit http://www.silversea.com/

MTB 05/10/2011

SPAA TRAVEL AWARDS 2011 - EXCITING NEW CATEGORIES!

2011-09-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

The voting papers are out, and the SPAA's Travel Awards event this year promises to be an extra special evening, with a number of new Awards for suppliers, including :
Best Specialist Cruise Company and Best Cruise Representative

Best Suppplier Advertising Campaign

Best Service Support Team

Best Mainstream and Specialist Tour Operators for Short Haul and Long Haul

Best Leisure Representative

For SPAA Members, there are more catgories too, including :

Best Multiple Leisure Agency

Best Independent Leisure Agency

Best National Travel Management Company

Best Scottish Independent Travel Management Company

Competition is predicted to be, as always, intense and places at the Awards Dinner, scheduled for 3rd November in the Glasgow Thistle Hotel, are already selling well.

This event is sponsored by Travel Weekly, Travel 2, bmi, Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports, and Amadeus.

Enquiries should be directed to SPAA Secretary Janice Hogarth at jhogarth@spaa.org.

MTB 22/09/2011

VIRGIN TRAINS IN WEST COAST MAINLINE RE-BID PROCESS

2011-09-22T05:19:00.000-07:00

I promised to send you an update on the franchise for the West Coast.

The current West Coast train operator franchise expires on 9 December 2012, and the open competition to run the next franchise is now underway. SPAA Associate Virgin Trains is one of four operators shortlisted by the Department for Transport to submit a full bid.

The timetable for the process is as follows:

17 January 2012 : DfT (Department for Transport) publishes its final Invitation to Tender

01 May 2012 : Short-listed operators submit bids to the DfT

13 August 2012 : Franchise awarded

09 December 2012 : 2012 – 2026 franchise begins

During Virgin Trains' tenure of the West Coast it has introduced two fleets of state-of-the-art trains and used them to deliver faster and more frequent services. The combination of modern trains and the best staff in the industry has led to levels of customer satisfaction which, at 90%, lead the industry sector. This, in turn, has given Virgin growth rates that others can only aspire to, with the number of people choosing to travel on a Virgin Trains service doubling to 28 million in only six years. The TOC (train operating company) believes that the economies of the areas it serves have benefited from the distinctive Virgin approach to rail, and it has signalled its intention to 'put in a strong and imaginative bid to run services in the next franchise'.

MTB 22/09/2011

WENDY WU COMES TO SCOTLAND / SCOTLAND WELCOMES ICELANDAIR

2011-09-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

THE WU CREW IS COMING TO SCOTLAND!

SPAA Associate tour operator Wendy Wu Tours is bringing its Roadshow to Scotland, and agents are invited to celebrate the launch of the company's brand new 2012 brochures at events in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

In Glasgow, the Roadshow rolls up to the Ramada City Hotel on 11 October 2011, for a presentation featuring China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Onwards to Edinburgh, where the event will take place in the Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor Hotel on 12 October - with 'delicious food and fantastic prizes', both evenings.

Places at the events can be reserved by contacting francesca@mosaicevents.co.uk

SCOTLAND WELCOMES NEW ICELANDAIR SERVICES TO NORTH AMERICA!

To celebrate its new, direct, three times weekly services to North America from Scotland, commencing 20 September 2011, Icelandair is offering agents the opportunity to win a citybreak in Iceland or air tickets to the USA.

Teaming up with Glasgow Airport, Icelandair is asking agents to book any flight with the carrier, for the travel period through to October 2012, to earn an entry to the competition, which runs through to 03 November 2011.

More details from competitionuk@icelandair.is

MTB 15/09/2011

SILVERSEA SHOWCASES SHIPS + EXPANDS LONDON OFFICE OPERATIONS

2011-09-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

Two ships in Silversea’s fleet – Silver Whisper and Silver Cloud - were berthed together in Southampton recently, giving agents the opportunity to see both ships in one day.

As this was the first ever visit of two Silversea vessels simultaneously in a UK port, Silversea used the opportunity to host 60 agents to learn more about the brand and enjoy a first-hand experience onboard both ships, plus meet Silversea’s new Senior Vice President for UK, Europe & Asia Pacific, Steve Odell.

Agents attended an exclusive presentation showcasing the latest developments at Silversea, including advice on how to sell luxury cruising and information on the relaunch of its online training programme, Silversea Academy. Changes to the revamped Silversea Academy include:

· · Three new modules - Silversea Website, World Cruise and Grand Voyages and a Guide to Luxury Cruising

· · Agents can now graduate the academy in two tiers - Silver and Platinum levels

· · A new rewards programme:

o o A monthly 'lucky dip' prize draw. All Agents who have passed the training programme will automatically be entered into a prize draw

o o Book and win. Agents who register and make a Silversea booking within three months of completing the Academy are guaranteed a prize which range from Bvlgari products or Capital Bond vouchers to an iPod Shuffle or a Nintendo DSi. The more bookings agents make, the better the prize

o o A yearly grand prize. All agents who have passed the online training programme will automatically be entered into the grand draw of a complimentary Silversea cruise for two

Steve Odell, Senior Vice President for UK, Europe & Asia Pacific commented:

“Silversea sells 95% of business through the trade, so it is imperative that we keep agents fully up to date and give them the opportunity to experience the luxury product that they are selling. Having both ships in the UK is one of our ways of showing our commitment to the UK market and to continue the momentum of our recent successful year. ”

Meanwhile Silversea has also announced that its London office will once again handle reservation calls for the UK, Europe & Middle East markets, effective early January.

Silversea is seeing exceptionally strong growth potential in the European markets but recognises that the fast pace of expansion presents challenges as well as opportunities. To better leverage its infrastructure and drive business in the region, the ultra-luxury cruise company now considers it essential to co-ordinate its sales, marketing and reservation functions within the same time zone and working day.

Silversea has decided that moving its local reservations to London will be a better fit operationally and bring it closer to agents and guests in these markets. Reservations for the US, Canada, and South America markets will continue to be handled by Silversea’s office in Fort Lauderdale.

"By being able to service calls in London where our sales, marketing and administrative teams for the region are already based, it will be easier for us to react and respond more quickly to our callers' needs and queries," said Kenneth W. Watson, Silversea's chief operating officer. "The addition of a reservation workforce in London will also provide needed back-up support for routing reservation calls in case of severe weather or a power outage affecting our operations in Fort Lauderdale. Similarly, the Fort Lauderdale office can act as necessary back-up for London."

As a result of this change, Silversea has commenced recruiting for the specialist skills required in London.

For more information call Silversea Sales support on 0844 770 9050 or email salesuk@silversea.com.

Agents wishing to brush up on their product knowledge can complete the Silversea online training programme at http://www.silverseaacademy.com/.

MTB 15/09/2011

HAPAG LLOYD BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF EUROPA 2

2011-09-07T05:55:00.000-07:00

The first steel cut on September 5, 2011 marked the official beginning of the construction of the MS EUROPA 2, the new addition to the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet. Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director of the cruise operator, officially gave the start signal at the STX shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. With the MS EUROPA 2, the company will enhance its pioneering role in the luxury segment, introducing the new ship into service in the spring of 2013.

A total of 835 shipyard workers are involved in the project, dedicating an estimated 2.5 million hours of labour until its completion in the spring of 2013. “After an intense planning stage, we are very pleased to be taking this decisive step towards the extension of our fleet with the first steel cut,“ stated Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

The individual parts of the ship will be manufactured in different shipyard halls over the coming months. Keel laying is scheduled for the spring of 2012, and commissioning for the spring of 2013.

The EUROPA 2 will enhance the luxury segment of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, offering a modern and informal interpretation of the EUROPA, the only cruise ship to be awarded with the highest 5-stars plus ranking in the Berlitz Cruise Guide. The EUROPA 2 will have a total of eleven decks and 258 suites. It will have a maximum capacity of 516 passengers and will boast more space per passenger than any other cruise ship in the industry. The ship’s veranda suites will be a minimum of 301 feet. Spa Suites, Penthouse Suites and family suites will complement the range of accommodations to choose from on board. Seven restaurants including a sushi bar, two lounges and four bars will enhance the culinary diversity offered. Guests will also enjoy a diverse range of on board entertainment, a large wellness and spa area, and numerous sports and health-oriented offerings.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries visit http://www.hl-cruises.com/.

MTB 07/09/2011

TRAVELPORT RECRUITS FERGUSON AS REGIONAL DIRECTOR

2011-09-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

SPAA Associate Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry, has named Simon Ferguson, a high profile leader in the UK travel industry, as its new regional director for the UK and Ireland. With effect from 12 September, Ferguson will be responsible for continuing Travelport’s success in the region where it has recently grown its share of the GDS sector. He will report into Jason Clarke, Travelport’s president and managing director for Europe and Brazil.

Ferguson joins Travelport from Travelzoo where he is currently general manager for its Destinations and Network business. Before joining Travelzoo, Ferguson was chief executive of the Travel Weekly Group, one of the UK’s leading travel trade media groups. In this role, which he held for 7 years, he led a management buy-out from former owner Reed Business Information (RBI) and was also responsible for launching online travel technology publication, Travolution. Prior to this, he held a number of senior general management, sales and marketing roles in several high profile organisations in the UK media sector.

“Simon is a highly experienced general manager with an impressive track record in achieving the goals he sets his sights on,” commented Jason Clarke, president and managing director, Europe and Brazil for Travelport.

“I am certain that with his extensive knowledge of the UK travel industry and travel technology sector, combined with his business acumen and customer-centric approach, Simon will be able to take the Travelport business from strength to strength in this region. We are delighted to have been able to recruit such a high calibre successor to this important role," added Clarke.

Ferguson, who is to be based in the company’s GDS headquarters in Langley, Berkshire, commented: “Travelport is a dynamic organisation, and one which has played a pivotal role in shaping the travel distribution landscape. It is fantastic to be joining at a time when Travelport is reinforcing its leadership position in the UK and Ireland and launching some very innovative and leading-edge technology.”

The appointment follows the decision by current job holder, Jerome Moisan, to leave the business and pursue a career opportunity outside of the travel industry later in the year.

MTB 07/09/2011

IF ONLY ... OFFERS ALL-INCLUSIVE MAURITIUS!

2011-08-31T03:05:00.000-07:00

SPAA Associate member If Only ... has launched a limited-time offer - book by 20 September - based on the Heritage Awali Mauritius, a 5 star, all-inclusive resort.

The price of £1,669 per person from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen on British Airways services includes a saving of 'more than £500 per couple', and the package comprises flights, private transfers, a deluxe room on an all-inclusive basis, and unlimited green fees at Golf du Chateau.

MTB 31/08/2011

LAST TWO TICKETS FOR RIHANNA UP FOR GRABS FROM DFDS!

2011-08-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

A reminder from Allison Graham, that the final draw entries for the last 2 tickets to see Rihanna need to be in to DFDS Seaways by Friday 2nd September. Supporting Rihanna will be none other than Calvin Harris, and the final draw will take place, 5th September.

Booking entry numbers can be submitted either online at www.dfds.co.uk/agent or by email to resource.admin@dfds.com .

Rihanna is in concert at Glasgow SECC, 10 October 2011, and 6 lucky agents will be there, with their prize including a pre-show meal at Glasgow’s award-winning Brian Maule at Chardon d’Or Restaurant, and seats in Glasgow’s SECC Main Arena.

MTB 31/08/2011

... AND A NEW SERVICE TO MADRID FROM GLASGOW, TOO!

2011-08-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

British Airways, on behalf of IAG partner Iberia, has announced that Iberia Regional - Air Nostrum -will be operating a new service from Glasgow to Madrid on a twice weekly basis from 30^th October.

The service will operate, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the aircraft departing Madrid at 10.40 and 13.35 respectively, arriving Glasgow at 12.35 and 15.50 respectively.

Tuesdays, the Glasgow-Madrid service will depart at 13.05, arriving Madrid at 17.00; and Thursdays, the aircraft will leave Glasgow at 16.35, arriving Madrid at 20.30.

Fares will be announced shortly, according to the announcement.

MTB 26/08/2011

NEW SERVICE TO NORWAY FOR GLASGOW AIRPORT

2011-08-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

Eastern Airways is launching its first service from Glasgow Airport, and the route - to Stavanger in Norway -will open on 12 September 2011, with three flights per week. The announcement came in the same week Eastern confirmed it was increasing frequency on its Aberdeen to Stavanger route.

Kay Ryan, commercial director of Eastern Airways, said: "A new convenient route to Stavanger from Glasgow will not only benefit offshore workers who live in central Scotland, but also Norwegian contractors and businesses with links in Glasgow and the surrounding region. We will monitor the service and look to increase frequency if there's high demand for more flights."

Amanda McMillan, managing director at Glasgow Airport, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Eastern Airways to Glasgow and are delighted they will be introducing a frequent service to and from Stavanger. The new route is fantastic news for leisure travellers who would like to visit Norway's spectacular fjords and waterfalls and for business travellers who want easier access to Stavanger, one of Europe's most famous oil and gas capitals."

MTB 26/08/2011

SCOTTISH AIRPORTS PASSENGER NUMBERS GROW IN JULY

2011-08-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

All three Scottish airports in BAA's portfolio recorded passenger increases in July 2011 - although the overall picture for BAA was a mixed one.

Heathrow handled a record 6.9 million passengers (up 2.5% on last year) in July. The airport saw its busiest day on record on Sunday 31 July, and seven of Heathrow’s top ten days for passenger numbers were recorded during the month. Furthermore, at 84.7%, the proportion of available aircraft seats filled was the most efficient ever achieved. The total number of passengers at Heathrow during the last 12 months exceeded 68.5 million for the first time.

BAA’s six airports handled 11 million passengers in July, an increase of 0.8% on July 2010. Across the Group, the strongest performing market was North America, with passenger numbers up 5.6% on last July. Other long-haul routes recorded a collective increase of 3.9% and European scheduled services rose by 0.9%. In contrast, there was a 7.2% drop in domestic traffic.

At Heathrow alone, the drop in domestic traffic was 13.3% as carriers reduced seat capacity by 16.0%. However, increases in North Atlantic (up 5.3%), other long-haul (up 3.2%) and European scheduled (up 3.1%) markets more than compensated for this reduction. The most notable individual country market was Brazil, which experienced an 80.0% year-on-year increase in passengers travelling to and from the country.

Stansted handled 1.9 million passengers, a drop of 7.2%. It achieved its most efficient ever load factor of 88.5%. In addition, Southampton returned to growth with a 2.4% increase versus July 2010.

All three Scottish airports recorded increases in July, with Edinburgh rising 3.3% to just short of one million passengers. Glasgow was up by 0.5% overall, due largely to a 45.7% increase in traffic on scheduled European services. Aberdeen saw growth in domestic traffic and even faster growth in international traffic, which helped it to reach an overall increase of 8.7%.

Across the Group the number of air transport movements was down by 1.8%, with only Heathrow (up 0.4%) and Aberdeen (up 0.3%) recording increases. Cargo tonnage was also lower across the Group (down 2.3%), reflecting global trends.

MTB 19/08/2011

SILVERSEA PUBLISHES 2012 VOYAGES BROCHURE

2011-08-19T05:17:00.000-07:00

Silversea has unveiled its new full-colour, 200-page 2012 Voyages brochure. The visually captivating picture-book details over 200 itineraries exploring seven continents, over 100 countries, and more than 450 destinations.

Plus, for the first time, the brochure features a Microsoft Tag 2D bar code on its back cover that enables smartphone users to view The World of Silversea, the company's exciting new video that invites travellers to step aboard and experience the award-winning luxury and pampering ambiance of Silversea.

"We're delighted to be able to offer travellers an engaging interactive experience by incorporating the latest mobile tagging technology in our new brochure," said Steve Odell, Silversea's Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, UK, Europe & Asia. "Not only will you be able to read about the unique rewards of an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise holiday, but by accessing our new video from your mobile phone, you'll get to see the experience come to life."

The 2012 Voyages brochure opens with an easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary followed by a section revealing the hallmarks of Silversea's unique luxury lifestyle. The balance of the brochure provides detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including highlights of shore excursions, descriptions of land programmes, deck plans and general information.

And new for 2012 is a pricing summary booklet inserted into the back cover pocket.

2012 HIGHLIGHTS:

Passport to Luxury

The company's popular "Passport to Luxury" promotion is available on all voyages in 2012, with the exception of Silver Explorer expedition cruises. The multi-tiered programme provides an Onboard Spending Credit of up to $1,500 per suite ($750 per person).

World Cruise 2012

Silver Whisper will embark 6th January from Fort Lauderdale on her first-ever World Cruise, a remarkable 115-day journey that concludes in glamorous Monte Carlo. On this magnificent odyssey, her guests will visit 45 ports in 27 countries stretching from the Caribbean and South America to Africa, the Far East, Arabia and Europe. Along the way, they will enjoy multi-day stays in 13 major cities and exclusive insider access to seldom-seen global treasures.

Grand Voyages

Created for the sophisticated traveller who has the time and passion to indulge in travel on a grand scale, this special collection offers extended voyages from 24 to 61 days. These unique odysseys combine the luxury of sailing aboard the line's elite, all-suite ships with expanded journeys to diverse regions of the world, featuring visits to must-see traditional ports, as well as exotic destinations that are off the beaten path - all on one cruise.

West Africa Expeditions

Silversea has created three new West Africa expedition itineraries for 2012 that visit the once colonised northwest countries, travel along coastlines infamous for their historic role in the slave trade, and explore the southern waters where vast seabird colonies are sustained by the nutrient-rich upwelling of the icy Benguela current.

A copy of the 2012 Voyages brochure can be obtained by visiting www.silversea.com and clicking on the "ORDER A BROCHURE" tab or by calling 0844 251 0834.

MTB 19/08/2011

bmi 'PUTS KIDS ON SALE' DURING AUGUST

2011-08-10T04:47:00.000-07:00

bmi British Midland International is offering a series of fixed-price fares for children (aged 2 - 11 inclusive), accompanying adults who are travelling on a published fare ticket.

The list of destinations comprises Bergen, Casablanca, Marrakech and Stavanger, with flights from and to London Heathrow Airport, and the fixed price child fares start from £48 return, with a maximum of £52 return.

The special chid fares (one child per fare-paying adult) are available for booking now, and for booking and travel through 31 August 2011, with outbound and inbound travel to be completed by 31 August 2011.

Full details may be sourced, and bookings may be made on GDS or through bmi's travel trade helpline - 0871 2244 224.

MTB 10/08/2011

Jet2 TO LAUNCH NEW DIRECT GLASGOW >< ROME SERVICE

2011-08-10T04:38:00.000-07:00

Jet2.com has launched Glasgow’s only direct scheduled flight to the Italian capital of Rome. Prices start from less than the price of an Italian meal for two at just £29.99 one way including taxes.

The new destination has been launched following research carried out with Jet2.com’s Glasgow customers who voted Rome as the destination they would most like to visit from Glasgow in 2012. Jet2.com has responded to this customer research by putting flights on sale today which will operate up to three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursday and Sundays with the first flight commencing from 29 March 2012.

Those looking for great value city breaks to Rome can also take advantage of offers from sister company Jet2holidays – with ATOL protected breaks to the historic city starting from just £299 per person for return flights and three nights bed and breakfast at the stunning three star Aurora Hotel.

Fiumicino Airport is Italy’s premier airport and has great facilities, shops and transport links. Fiumicino is the ideal gateway for visitors from Scotland to access this great city, the cruise port of Civitavecchia and the Lazio region.

Rome’s well preserved Forum, Coliseum and Pantheon provide a fascinating insight into the ancient civilisation and are at the heart of this thriving city; the Vatican City, with its stunning Sistine Chapel is fascinating from both a spiritual and artistic point of view. These sites, as well as the love of ‘La Dolce Vita’, are why Rome is one of the world’s most popular destinations.

Steve Heapy, Chief Commercial Officer of Jet2.com, commented: “We’re delighted to make such an important destination accessible direct from Glasgow Airport. Rome is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and it’s great to be able to offer the people of Scotland the opportunity to travel to Rome’s leading airport at low flight prices with Jet2.com and on great value breaks with Jet2holidays. All of our customers can enjoy our generous 22kg baggage allowance, allocated seating and friendly flight times and can secure a package break for just £60 deposit per person – so they can book now and pay the balance 10 weeks before they travel.

“Glasgow is a very important base for us – as we’ve demonstrated by announcing an additional seven destinations since we started flying from Glasgow just over four months ago so customers can now choose from 14 exciting destinations. The new Rome route should also open up more opportunities for tourists looking to travel from Italy to Scotland, bringing with it important investment into the area.”

As well as the sights Rome is a great city for shopping, dining or partying with friends. Rome is also popular for its many events, music and theatre. Jet2.com’s flights times are perfectly planned to enable people to take weekend or midweek breaks.

Francois Bourienne, Commercial Director of Glasgow Airport, said: “We’ve had considerable success in expanding our route network in recent months and Jet2.com’s decision to add one of Europe’s major capital cities to our list of destinations is tremendous news for the airport and our customers.

“Jet2.com has continued to grow since its arrival at Glasgow Airport in March this year and I’m delighted it has responded to demand from passengers with the introduction of Rome. The direct flight to the Italian capital will undoubtedly prove popular with business and leisure travellers alike.”

Since Jet2.com’s first flight took off from Glasgow, and in addition to the new route announced today, the airline has announced flights to Geneva, Barcelona, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Malaga, and even a Christmas shopping break to New York.

For more information or to book a flight please log on to www.Jet2.com or for great value package holidays visit http://www.jet2holidays.com/

MTB 10/08/2011

ROYAL CARIBBEAN LAUNCHES ‘PACK MORE INTO YOUR HOLIDAY’ CAMPAIGN

2011-08-03T03:19:00.001-07:00

Royal Caribbean International has announced a new campaign - Pack More Into Your Holiday – designed to highlight the ‘incredible’ range of options offered on a Royal Caribbean International cruise. From the onboard experience—packed with bigger and better features than ever before—to the range of stunning destinations, says the cruise line, guests have more choice with RCI than on any other holiday experience.

‘There's one word for Dubai in December – dazzling!’ RCI has teamed up with Virgin Atlantic, Etihad Airways and Dubai Tourism to give agents the chance to win a place on a VIP trip to Dubai from 1-6 December this year. There are 20 places to be won, and details can be found at www.cruisingpower.co.uk.

www.cruisingpower.co.uk is also the information source for the latest up-to-the-minute offers. On European and Dubai sailings, customers can enjoy $100 onboard spend to be used on anything they like. And to make the travel arrangements ultra convenient, the line is offering £99pp regional flights to Southampton for all Independence of the Seas sailings.

MTB 03/08/2011

Jet2holidays OFFERS 'TREATS + GOODIES'

2011-07-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

Jet2holidays is offering travel agents the opportunity to win a hamper of 'treats and goodies' in a promotion taking place 25 July through 01 August.

The agency that makes the most Jet2holidays bookings which include ancillaries added at time of booking between these dates will win a goodies hamper; and the agency will of course earn commission on the ancillaries booked at the same time.

MTB 27/07/2011

SILVERSEA REVEALS 20 'GRAND VOYAGES' FOR 2012

2011-07-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

Those who yearn for the days when travel was an adventure to be savoured will be pleased to learn that Silversea is offering a new series of 20 "Grand Voyages" in 2012.

Designed exclusively for the traveller who relishes a more leisurely pace, this special collection offers extended voyages from 24 to 64 days. These unique odysseys combine the luxury of sailing aboard intimate, elegant ships with expanded journeys to diverse regions of the world, featuring visits to must see traditional ports, as well as exotic destinations that are off the beaten path.

"Our Grand Voyages are perfectly suited to the traveller who has the time and passion to indulge in travel on a grand scale," said Steve Odell, Silversea's Senior Vice President, UK, Europe and Asia Pacific. "You can explore the most desirable ports of the Mediterranean for 27 days or visit Rio in time for Carnival on a 64 day circumnavigation of South America and unpack only once."

Highlighting the Grand Voyages are generous savings incentives and a $1,500 per suite "Passport to Luxury" Onboard Spending Credit. Some of the voyages also include roundtrip economy air (from select gateway cities) and transfers between airport and pier on embarkation and disembarkation days.

Listed below is a small sampling of the Grand Voyages for 2012:

AFRICA & MEDITERRANEAN: Silver Wind departs 3 February on a 53 day "Safaris & Mediterranean Sun Coasts" voyage from Cape Town to Istanbul, sailing around the southern tip of Africa and northward along the continent's Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean with calls in 15 countries, including exotic Mozambique and Morocco. Guests will also enjoy such marquee cities as Monte Carlo, Rome and Athens. Other highlights include a three day, two night stay in Barcelona and overnight visits in Richards Bay, Walvis Bay and Livorno (Florence). Fares from £14,261, with complimentary economy class air.

ASIA & AUSTRALIA: Silver Shadow departs 11 December on a 24 day "Grand Asia & Australia" voyage from Hong Kong to Sydney with calls in Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. Highlights include an overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Fares from £6,566. Economy class air from £1,774.

MEDITERRANEAN & NORTHERN EUROPE: Silver Whisper departs 1 May on a 34 day "Springtime Grand Europe" voyage from Monte Carlo to Copenhagen with calls in Spain, Portugal, France, U.K., Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Finland, Russia and Estonia. Highlights include a three day, two night stopover in St. Petersburg and an overnight in Bordeaux. Fares from £11,863, with complimentary economy class air.

SOUTH AMERICA: Silver Spirit departs 10 January on an exciting 64 day "South America & Rio Carnival" voyage. Sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Silver Spirit will circumnavigate South America, first heading southward along the Pacific coast, then passing through the Strait of Magellan and on to the Falkland Islands, before voyaging up the east coast to the Caribbean. In total, 18 countries will be visited. Highlights include a 2 night stay in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival and overnight stays in Callao (Lima), Punta Arenas and Buenos Aires. Fares from £20,902

WORLD CRUISE 2012

The grandest of all voyages, and in a class all its own, is Silversea's World Cruise 2012. On 6 January Silver Whisper will embark guests in Fort Lauderdale for a remarkable 115 day World Cruise that concludes in glamorous Monte Carlo. On this magnificent odyssey, her guests will visit 45 ports in 27 countries stretching from the Caribbean and South America to Africa, the Far East, Arabia and Europe. Along the way, they will enjoy 13 overnight visits and exclusive insider access to seldom seen global treasures. Fares from £36,883

Guests sailing aboard the full 115 day World Cruise will enjoy these exclusive amenities:

--Included roundtrip Business Class air and private car transfers (airport/ship/airport)

--5% Extended Voyage Savings

--$2,000 Onboard Spending Credit per double occupancy suite

--$1,500 "Passport to Luxury" Onboard Spending Credit per double-occupancy suite

--Gala Bon Voyage reception and dinner with overnight accommodations aboard

Silver Whisper

--5 exclusive World Cruise events

--3 Silversea Experiences ashore

--Special commemorative gift

--Silver Shore Baggage Valet between guest's home and ship in Fort Lauderdale and

Monte Carlo

--Complimentary laundry service

--4 hours of Internet service per voyage segment

All fares listed above are cruise only, per person based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite and may include Extended Voyage Savings of 5% and Venetian Society savings of 5%. All fares are capacity controlled, subject to availability and are likely to increase as the sailing date approaches.

For a full list of itineraries, please visit www.silversea.com/destinations/grand-voyages.

MTB 27/07/2011

GLASGOW SECURES DIRECT FLIGHT TO MADRID

2011-07-20T02:01:00.000-07:00

Glasgow Airport has added one of Europe’s most popular capital cities to its list of destinations after Spanish regional airline Air Nostrum confirmed it will introduce direct flights to Madrid.

Air Nostrum, a franchisee partner of Iberia, will launch a twice weekly service between the two cities on Tuesday 1 November 2011 and the route is expected to prove popular with both business and leisure travellers.

Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, said: “This is fantastic news for the airport and the city of Glasgow. We are continually working to expand our route network and not only will the new Madrid route further strengthen our connectivity with Europe’s major cities, it has huge potential to generate significant in-bound tourism for Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

“It is important for Glasgow to have regular, direct links with European markets and while the introduction of this service is in part a response to demand from the local business community, Madrid is one of Europe’s most popular city-break destinations and will be a big draw for leisure travellers.”

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Spain represents the fourth largest international market for Glasgow with 46,900 trips being made annually to the city by Spanish visitors who generate £15.5 million in economic benefit.

“Air Nostrum’s new service to Glasgow from the Spanish capital presents us with a significant opportunity to increase short break visitors from Spain. It also opens up the real possibility of growing international conference delegate numbers from South America through Iberia’s hub at Madrid Barajas airport.”

Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is great news for Glasgow and demonstrates that the team at Glasgow Airport are working hard to build up direct flight options.

“The twice-weekly flight will benefit tourists as well as building business links between Glasgow and Madrid, which is home to ScottishPower’s parent company, Iberdrola, as well as the headquarters for many of Spain’s biggest businesses. It’s a great boost for Glasgow and Scotland as a whole.”

Carlos Bertomeu, Chief Executive of Air Nostrum, added: “We are confident of the positive reception in Scotland of Iberia Regional – Air Nostrum’s new route, which offers the advantage of allowing multiple connections from Madrid to the main airports in Spain and Latin America”

Air Nostrum’s direct flights to Madrid are currently on sale at http://www.iberia.com/

MTB 20/07/2011

SPAA MEMBERS VIEW 'THE WORLD'S BEST GRUISE SHIP' IN EDINBURGH

2011-07-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

A dozen SPAA Members joined Associate Member Hapag Lloyd's UK Representative, Mike Flanagan, aboard MS Europa - the line's flagship and according to the Berlitz Cruise Guide for the past 12 years, the world's best cruise ship - when she visited the Port of Leith during a UK & Ireland cruise recently.

Whilst many of the ship's 300+ guests were enjoying the sights of Edinburgh, and in some cases the golf course at Dalmahoy, the Members took the opportunity to explore this highly impressive - albeit fairly small by today's standards, at just under 30,000 tonnes - vessel, which enjoys repeat business of up to an incredible 90% on some cruises. Something of an unrecognised gem amongst 5 star plus ships, the enviable reputation of Europa - as the world's best in it's category - stems from, according to Berlitz Guide author Douglas Ward, the 'attention to detail'.

Hamburg-based Hapag Lloyd's fleet currently comprises three ships - two luxury expedition vessels, Bremen and Hanseatic and cruise 'yacht' Europa. In the short term, the line's original 4th, 3 star+ vessel - Columbus - is to be replaced by a ship on charter from Oceania Cruises. Meanwhile, a new 5 star+ ship - Europa 2 - is under construction, and it will join the fleet in 2013. Hapag Lloyd is deep into a project to develop its international, English-speaking market, and progress is most evident with considerable success with the expedition programmes of Bremen and Hanseatic. UK Representative Mike Flanagan - a well-known and respected veteran of the ocean and river cruising sectors here - is working hard to build the line's visibility in what is an increasingly crowded cruise marketplace.

Undoubtedly, the demand and appetite amongst frequent cruisers for new ships, new ports and new experiences is on the increase, and the arrival of Europa 2 in the international 5 star+ market will hopefully see Hapag Lloyd firmly established with British clients. As for Europa - a combination of intimate atmosphere and understated elegance makes the ship very welcoming; beautifully appointed staterooms have walk-in wardrobes and good-sized bathrooms with full bathtub, and all in all the ambience is one of calm, and service is impeccable.

Mike can be contacted at mike.flanagan@hlkf.de, or on 07921 223176

Matt Bates 17/07/11

Flybe. UPDATE ON CHANGE FEES

2011-07-14T02:09:00.000-07:00

With effect from Wednesday 13th July itinerary change fees will be as follows, advises Flybe's Dave Paterson ;

£37.50 via your GDS or our customer call centre

£32.50 online

The name change fee remains unchanged at £40.00 per person per sector.

Please remember when changing tickets the change fee must be collected on an MCO and any additional collection put onto the ticket when reissuing.

Loganair Highlands & Islands services remain unchanged

AMADEUS NAME CHANGES

With immediate effect Amadeus users can now make name changes in their own system and will no longer need to contact the call centre.

SABRE VIRTUALLY THERE TOOL

With immediate effect passengers using the Sabre Virtually There Tool may now check in for Flybe flights using the link from Virtually There.

UNACCOMPANIED MINORS

With immediate effect Flybe will accept children booked to travel as unaccompanied minors from the age of 5 years

Please note on Air France operated services children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

MTB 13/07/2011

HAPAG LLOYD ANNOUNCES FAMILY-FRIENDLY POLICY

2011-07-14T02:06:00.000-07:00

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced that it will, in future, offer parents a new service to facilitate carefree travelling with babies and toddlers – the Baby Welcome Package, which is free of charge. With the latter and select family cruises, the Hamburg-based cruise operator is taking into account the constantly rising proportion of families on its voyages.

As of the four-day family introductory cruise “Sailing across the North Sea“ beginning on 20 July, a free Baby Welcome Package will be available for parents and young seafarers aboard the EUROPA. With this new service, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is enhancing its offers for families, facilitating travel planning for parents and enabling them to travel to the cruise departure point without excess luggage due to baby items. The package includes care products such as nappies and washing lotion, changing mats for the cruise and bibs. Every family can compile their personal Baby Welcome Package prior to the beginning of the cruise. By filling in a form, they can simply order items like nappies in the required size and quantity as well as the desired type of baby food, if preferred organically grown. The suite will also be furnished as requested, for instance with a babyphone, Maxi-Cosi, baby travel cot, high chair or bathtub for babies.

On the EUROPA, children up to three years of age sharing a cabin with their (grand)parents travel at no cost; for children aged four to 15 is charged 65 Euros per night. Family cruises and cruises with at least four children on board include a special programme with meals, drinks and customised children’s excursions for the little cruise passengers.

Further information is available online at http://www.hl-cruises.com/.

MTB 13/07/2011

RCI, CELEBRITY, AZAMARA HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT NAMES

2011-07-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises have issued a strong reminder of a very important policy for guests to be aware of, in relation to boarding their ships for a cruise :

States the Company, 'It is a mandatory requirement that all guests who intend travelling with us, must have the same name on their booking as they have on their passport. Any guest who has difference between any name listed for them on the booking to that on their passport may be denied boarding.

We understand that some guest's may not use the same name they have on their passport in their normal day to day lives, i.e. some James go by Jim, Robert may use Bob, Timothy can be Tim. What must happen in those circumstances is that the name on the passport must be added in this format to the booking. Passport names are required for all mandatory flight, immigration and security purposes.

Example: Bob Wall never uses Robert, but it is the name listed on his passport. Therefore on his booking he must be Robert Wall.

Often you may have a newly married guest travelling on their honeymoon and they may not have changed the name on their passport to their new married surname as yet. Again, in these circumstances, the surname on the booking should be their maiden name as listed on the passport they will travel on.

Example: Laura Thomas marries Mr Watkins but she will not have the chance to change her passport until after their honeymoon cruise. Therefore on the booking she should be Laura Thomas

Please ensure that when you are asking your guests for their names in order to make a booking, that you are asking for their names as they are listed on the passport they will travel on. Any middle names as listed on a passport must also be provided, as we require these for the mandatory APIS and SecureFlight information which we must supply carriers, immigration and security in advance of travel, so please obtain these at the same time.'

The line concludes by reminding travel agents to ensure that all required information is accurately collected in order to minimise any delay or issues when guests are checking in for their cruise.

MTB 06/07/2011

FLYBE ACQUIRES FINNISH COMMUTER AIRLINES

2011-07-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline, has announced the acquisition of Finnish Commuter Airlines ("FCA"), Finland's largest domestic air carrier in terms of number of flights, in a newly formed joint venture with Finnair, Finland's flag carrier, for a total consideration of €25 million plus net cash in the acquired business at completion. Completion is expected to take place within the next four to six weeks, and is subject to competition clearance.

Consideration and Terms

Under the terms of the joint venture, Flybe will pay €12 million cash and Finnair €13 million on completion. Flybe will take a 60% stake in the joint venture, to be known as Flybe Nordic AB ('Flybe Nordic'), while Finnair will hold the remaining 40%. Flybe Nordic's holding company board will comprise three representatives from Flybe, and two from Finnair.

In addition to acquiring 100% of FCA including 57% of Finncomm Training Centre ('FTC') as well as small IT and charter businesses, Flybe will also make a direct purchase acquisition of 46% of Finnish Aircraft Maintenance ('FAM').

Flybe's total investment will be up to €23.6 million (up to £21.3 million), including net cash and loan repayment. Return on investment is expected to exceed 15% by the second full year post acquisition.

Information on FCA

FCA is Finland's largest domestic airline by operations, flying around 900,000 passengers per annum in the Finnish domestic and Nordic and Baltic regional markets. It currently has 15 regional aircraft and an annual turnover of approximately €90 million. At present the business carries an estimated 34% of Finnish domestic air traffic (through a mix of scheduled and contract flying) and Flybe Nordic has identified exciting growth opportunities throughout the Nordic and Baltic states.

Flybe Nordic will take over FCA's existing domestic routes under the Flybe brand, using the 15 aircraft which will be leased from Finnair or from the existing owners of Finncom OY, the private investment vehicle which currently owns FCA. Working with Finnair, the acquisition also provides Flybe Nordic with a codeshare feed, existing routes, a developed infrastructure and strong distribution assets to reduce the cost of Flybe's entry into the market. Flybe will bring its market-leading expertise in building large and successful regional airline businesses. Under the terms of transaction, 8 of the aircraft flown will be on a contract flying basis under a cost-plus arrangement with Finnair.

The joint venture will undertake a major marketing campaign to promote the Flybe brand to business and leisure customers in Finland, as well as leveraging Flybe's ancillary revenue model with promotions, loyalty schemes and special offers.

Strategic Rationale

The acquisition of FCA is in line with, and key to, Flybe's stated strategy: to export its robust and unique UK business model to Europe and to drive expansion in the European regional airlines market, in part by means of new strategic arrangements with legacy carriers to provide economic feed from the regions into primary hubs and supporting the development of new regional point-to-point flying.

At the time of its IPO in December 2010, Flybe outlined compelling opportunities for further expansion into Europe by means of organic growth, relationships with other major partners and acquisitions.

Flybe identified the Nordic region as offering particularly strong growth opportunities due to favourable market conditions, namely, a fragmented regional airlines marketplace, the weakness of certain flag carriers in this area and the stimulus of growing competition from low cost carriers, which helps legitimise Flybe's ancillary revenue model. Furthermore, in the absence of alternative viable transportation options, there is a high propensity in Finland and the wider Nordic region to fly point-to-point and accordingly, the market enjoys high yields compared with the rest of Europe.

Jim French, Chairman and CEO of Flybe Group plc, said "Partnerships and acquisitions are at the core of our European growth strategy, which is to export our strong and proven UK business model to become Europe's leading and most profitable regional airline. Selective acquisitions offer the fastest and most visible route to profitability in the regional airline sector, whilst partnership with Finnair allows us to provide feeder traffic services under an agreed contract, reducing new route risk. This deal not only meets our stated strategic objectives but is a perfect example of the successful execution of our strategy.

FCA is a great base to build on, with excellent routes and a talented team of employees. It also has compelling growth opportunities. Everyone at Flybe is looking forward to working with Finnair and FCA, to drive forward our strategy of creating the largest and most profitable regional airline in the Nordic and Baltic States."

MTB 06/07/2011

SILVERSEA ANNOUNCES GLOBAL MANAGEMENT REORGANISATION

2011-06-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

Silversea Cruises has announced changes to its global management structure to 'better respond to market requirements and facilitate its desired international growth'.

The changes include the appointment of key executive, Steve Odell, as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific and the departure of senior executive, Trudy Redfern, Managing Director U.K.

Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea's chairman and chairman of the European Cruise Council, said: "Today we are seeing new geographic regions and countries that are disproportionately contributing to the cruise industry's development, particularly in Europe. This evolution poses challenges for commercial organisations that wish to benefit from this growth. Adapting the teams to accept the challenge is of fundamental importance and this is why Silversea is now announcing changes to its organisation which will better respond to market requirements."

Trudy Redfern, senior vice president for UK, Ireland and Middle East markets, has decided to leave Silversea as of 30 June, after more than seven years with the company. Redfern was instrumental in developing business in the UK, which is the company's second largest market.

Steve Odell has been responsible for Silversea’s Asia Pacific region since 2001 and opened the office in Sydney in 2008. Odell will relocate to the company's London office at the beginning of July, where he will take on his new responsibilities for the extended geographical region. He will continue to report to Kenneth Watson, the company's chief operating officer.

At the company's office in Fort Lauderdale, Kenneth Watson will maintain global marketing and sales responsibility while heading up sales for the Americas.

MTB 30/06/11

EDINBURGH AIRPORT VOTED 'BEST IN EUROPE'

2011-06-30T03:58:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh Airport has been voted “Best European Airport: 5m -10m Passengers” at the 7th Annual ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards in Lisbon.

Scotland’s largest airport was singled out by judges for the “dedication of its management and staff” whilst also noting that Edinburgh Airport “excels in all the key areas of operations”.

This award, following a previous ACI award which saw the airport rated as one of Europe’s top 5 airports for customer service, sees Edinburgh cement its position as one of the leading airports of its size.

Edinburgh Airport’s Managing Director, Kevin Brown, said: “This is a fantastic boost for Edinburgh Airport and all those that work here. The past year has been challenging to say the least and I’m particularly pleased that the team was singled as being the factor that secured us this prestigious award.

“As a team across the airport, we’ve dealt with snow, ash, strikes, whilst all the time attracting more airlines and routes and developing our customer experience. We’ll continue to do just that as we work with our airlines and partners to grow Edinburgh into a truly leading European Airport.”

The ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards cover 4 categories of airport and aim to recognise achievement in core activities such as customer service, retail, security and environmental awareness.

This year’s judging panel was drawn from a well-respected group of independent experts including ACI WORLD, EUROCONTROL, ECAC and the Disabled People’s Association (Denmark). ACI EUROPE counts around 400 airports in 46 European countries among its membership and this year’s competition saw a high level of entries in each of the four categories.

ACI EUROPE is the European division of Airports Council International (ACI), the only worldwide professional association of airport operators. Member airports handle 90% of commercial air traffic in Europe, welcoming nearly a billion and a half passengers each year.

Other airports in Edinburgh’s size group include Cologne, Birmingham, Luton, Nice, Marseille and Milan.

MTB 30/06/11

HAPAG LLOYD'S REFURB OF MS HANSEATIC COMPLETED

2011-06-23T01:44:00.000-07:00

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is visually unifying the appearance of its fleet. After a 13-day-ship yard stay at Blohm & Voss in Hamburg/ Germany, the HANSEATIC now features the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ characteristic colors, an orange and blue band, as well as an orange funnel with the cruise lines logo. The comprehensive shipyard stay consisted of more than 780 items, among them, the renovation and modernization of two cabin decks, the buffet restaurant, and the sauna and pool area. The ship returns into service on June 10, 2011.

“With the charter contract for the HANSEATIC extended until 2018, we opted to add the visual unification of the fleet. Nevertheless, the legendary former logo of the HANSEATIC will be retained as a product logo on board“, says Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, explaining the decision.

More than 400 shipyard employees worked in three shifts in order to implement the comprehensive modernisation plan, which included the fundamental renovation of the cabins on Deck 5 and Deck 6. Plenty of wood, new fabrics, furniture and carpeting helped to create a warm atmosphere, and now present a contemporary design for the HANSEATIC. The buffet restaurant Columbus Lounge also sparkles in a new color design and will now be called the “Bistro Lemaire.” Further items include the modernization of the pool and sauna area, with a new steam sauna, as well as a multi-mode shower. In total, more than 11,482 sq. ft. of carpet, 621 gallons of paint and 3,937 sq. ft. of fabric were deployed in the context of the shipyard renovations.

New service options now available on the HANSEATIC include: worldwide mobile phone reception via OnAir, Wi-Fi in all cabins, an extended selection of international newspapers in full editions, as well as headsets for passengers during the excursions for better clarity for the experts to be heard.

HANSEATIC will set sail on 10 June for a four-day cruise from Hamburg via List/Sylt and Binz/Ruegen to Travemuende/ Germany, and upcoming 2011 Expedition Cruises on the ship include :

NORTHWEST PASSAGE– A SHORTER ROUTE : For the first time ever, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is offering guests the opportunity to discover the fascination of the Arctic and the Northwest Passage on a shorter, 19-day cruise with MS HANSEATIC. Sailing through a smaller portion of the Northwest Passage, guests will follow the traces of Amundsen and Franklin and explore the ice coast of Greenland as well as the untouched island world in the north of Canada. The short itinerary departs from Kangerlussuaq/Greenland on August 14, 2011 and ends in Reykjavik/Iceland on September 2nd.

MAIDEN CALL – THE INDIAN OCEAN : Guests will experience the heavenly and exotic island world between the Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius onboard the HANSEATIC in November/December 2011, making a new stop in Nosy Lakandava/Madagascar. This 14-day itinerary departs from Victoria/Mahe on November 22, 2011, and ends in Port Louis/Mauritius on December 5th.

MS HANSEATIC is Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ small and beautifully appointed expedition ship, and the world’s only 5-star expedition ship according to Berlitz Cruise Guide, created to provide intensive exploration in the most elegant surroundings for a maximum of 184 passengers. The HANSEATIC is known worldwide for its unsurpassed abilities to navigate and explore difficult waters of the Arctic and Antarctic due to its highest ice class for passenger vessels (E4). The HANSEATIC cruises the world year round, landing in unusual and remote destinations. A shallow draft and high manoeuvrability allow the ship to enter waters larger cruise vessels cannot reach.

Further Information and pictures can be downloaded at www.hl-cruises.com/photos. For bookings, inquiries or to request a brochure, please look for your nearest sales agent in your country at www.hl-cruises.com, link customer service.

MTB 23/06/11

bmi INTRODUCE NEW SERVICE TO AMRITSAR, INDIA

2011-06-23T01:39:00.000-07:00

bmi has announced the launch of a new route from London Heathrow to Amritsar, India starting from 13 October 2011.

Flights will operate three times a week, via Almaty, on Monday, Thursday and Saturday from London Heathrow, returning Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. bmi will be the only airline to offer a direct route to Amritsar from the UK .

Amritsar is located in the state of Punjab in north-western India and is the home to the Sikh shrine Harminder Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple , which attracts more visitors each year than the Taj Mahal.

Amritsar will be operated using a wide-bodied Airbus A330 with 232 seats, 36 in Business Class and 196 in Economy.

Business Class service will comprise :

Complimentary Chauffeur Drive on eligible Business Class fares (C, D, J) from UK departure points

Premium Check-in, priority boarding and baggage delivery

Two pieces of hand baggage, plus one personal item

Unlimited pieces of hold baggage up to 46kg

Access to bmi's flagship lounge at London Heathrow, The Great British Lounge

A welcoming glass of champagne or orange juice

60 inches seat pitch and 17 inches recline with electronic seat controls, in a 2:2:2 configuration

15 inches personal in arm inflight entertainment screen, noise cancelling headsets, in seat power and individual telephone

Choice of options from a three course menu developed using seasonal British food

A complimentary amenity kit with a Miller Harris gift

Selection of newspapers and magazines

London Heathrow Arrivals Lounge invites (available to customers flying into Heathrow before midday)

Children’s amenity kits for ages 3+, 6+ and 9+

Choice of 16 special meals to pre-order.

Meanwhile, passengers travelling in Economy can expect :

32 inches seat pitch and 6 inches recline in a 2:4:2 configuration

One piece of cabin baggage, plus one personal item

Unlimited pieces of hold baggage up to 23kg

15 inches personal in seat back inflight entertainment screens

Complimentary three course menu and bar service

Complimentary newspaper from London Heathrow

Children’s amenity kits for ages 3+, 6+ and 9+

Choice of 16 special meals to pre-order.

The announcement comes hard on the heels of bmi's increase in the frequency of its Marrakech service.

MTB 23/06/11

SILVERSEA CRUISES ADD MORE UK VOYAGES FOR 2012

2011-05-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

Recognising the demand in cruising from the UK, Silversea Cruises has expanded its product by adding more voyages to its 2012 programme. Silversea Cruises now offer a total of 20 voyages, either embarking or disembarking from UK ports, making it the largest Silversea UK programme to date.

Silver Spirit, Silver Whisper, Silver Cloud and Silver Explorer will dock at Southampton, Portsmouth, Greenock and London (Tower Bridge) allowing guests to depart from more UK ports to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, New York and more.

Comments Trudy Redfern, UK and Ireland Managing Director: ‘Silversea is pleased to offer its largest UK programme to date. With four out of six all suite ships either embarking or disembarking UK ports during 2011/2012, we invite guests to relax completely and allow us to transport themu hassle-free as the luxurious possibilities of Silversea are offered at their convenience’

Sample 2011 itineraries include:

Southampton to Barcelona (Spain) - from only £397 per day all-inclusive

Silversea Cruises offer a seven-day Mediterranean voyage (5111) from £2,778 per person, on an all-inclusive basis with $1000 onboard spending credit per suite. Departing 19th May 2011 from Southampton, Silver Spirit calls at La Coruña (Spain), Vigo (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal) and Alicante (Spain) before arriving at Barcelona (Spain). Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a Vista Suite and include one-way complimentary economy class air, port charges, government fees and taxes.

Southampton to Copenhagen (Denmark) - from only £337 per day all-inclusive

Silversea Cruises offer a 10-day Northern European voyage (1120) from £3,373 per person, on an all-inclusive basis with $1000 onboard spending credit per suite. Departing 20th July 2011 from Southampton, Silver Cloud calls at Plymouth (UK); St. Helier (Jersey, Channel Islands); Rouen (France); Honfleur (France); Oostende (Belgium) and Antwerp (Belgium) before arriving at Copenhagen (Denmark). Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a Vista Suite and include one-way complimentary economy class air, port charges, government fees and taxes.

Sample 2012 itineraries include:

Monte Carlo to Southampton - from only £359 per day all-inclusive

Silversea Cruises offer a 12-day Medittaranean voyage (4210) from £4,303 per person, on an all-inclusive basis with $1000 onboard spending credit per suite. Departing 1st May 2012 from Monte Carlo, Silver Whisper calls at Palma De Mallorca (Spain), Cadiz (Spain), Portimao (Portugal), La Coruña (Spain), Bilbao (Spain), Bordeaux (France) and Le Verdon (France) before arriving at Southampton (UK). Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a Vista Suite and include one-way complimentary economy class air, port charges, government fees and taxes.

Stockholm (Sweden) to Southampton – from only £437 per day all-inclusive

Silversea Cruises offer a 10-day Northern European voyage (4219) from £4,373 per person, on an all-inclusive basis with $1000 onboard spending credit per suite. Departing 16th July 2012 from Stockholm, Silver Whisper calls at Tallinn (Estonia), St. Petersburg (Russia) for a two night stay onboard, Helsinki (Finland) and Warnemunde (Rostock, Germany) before arriving at Southampton (UK). Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a Vista Suite and include one-way complimentary economy class air, port charges, government fees and taxes.

More information on UK voyages can be found by visiting www.silversea.com or calling 0844 251 0833. Terms and conditions apply.

MTB 04/05/2011

THOMSON / FIRST CHOICE ADDS EX EDI CAPACITY FOR 2012

2011-05-04T06:02:00.000-07:00

Thomson and First Choice have announced some new long haul air capacity from Edinburgh for the school holidays in Summer 2012. Services will operate between Edinburgh and Cancun, 30 June through 14 July, on 7 and 14 night rotations. In addition, services will operate between Edinburgh and Orlando Sanford, 01 July through 15 July, on 7 and 14 night rotations.

The Cancun flights will operate for both Thomson and First Choice clients, whilst the Orlando capacity will be wholly Thomson Holidays', since First Choice will be an all-inclusive product, and there is no all-inclusive operation in Florida..

MTB 04/05/2011

FIRST CHOICE TO BECOME THE UK ’S FIRST MAINSTREAM ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY COMPANY

2011-04-08T01:50:00.000-07:00

Leading holiday company First Choice (part of TUI UK & Ireland) will today mark a major travel industry milestone as it announces it will become the UK’s first mainstream holiday company to offer 100% of its hotel and resorts on an All Inclusive basis – including flights, in-resort transfers, hotel accommodation, three meals a day and unlimited local drinks as standard.

Launching in Summer 2012, but available to book in advance at your local travel agent, First Choice’s new All Inclusive offer has been created in direct response to the needs of today’s consumers who want more control over their holiday spend, and the growing demand for All Inclusive holidays. In five years (2004-2009) the All Inclusive holiday market has grown by 32%*, and is expected to account for 65% of all First Choice sales this year.

Johan Lundgren, Managing Director of TUI UK & Ireland , believes that today’s announcement will build further on the reputation of First Choice as one of the most innovative, yet accessible holiday companies in the UK . Commenting on the move to a wholly All Inclusive proposition, he says:

"This is a major milestone for the UK travel industry and an exciting and timely transformation for the First Choice brand. All Inclusive is becoming the holiday of choice for many British consumers, offering them great value for money, yet there is no mainstream holiday company currently offering a completely All Inclusive portfolio."

“We believe that this move will play a vital role in differentiating First Choice from Thomson and our competitors. With strong, distinctive brands and clearly differentiated product we will move further away from customers choosing tour operators based on cost alone, which is unsustainable.

“First Choice will become the home of All Inclusive, offering the best of both worlds – a unique feeling of indulgence combined with practical control over their holiday spending – whatever your budget. Well-earned breaks will be even more enjoyable because people can leave their wallets at home and relax: they won’t have to worry about spending money when they’re abroad. We know that nearly two-thirds say they would relax more on an All Inclusive holiday**.”

Research has shown that two-thirds of Brits on non-All Inclusive holidays tend to overspend, a quarter of them by over 20%. Yet a family of four can save £511 by going All Inclusive rather than on a B&B basis***. Evening meals are the most likely area where people overspend (40%), and can cost around £100 in the Canary Islands for a family of four. Even small treats like ice creams can add nearly £65 to the overall cost of a trip and a couple of beers in the evening can add around £60****. This would be included in the total price of an All Inclusive to the same destination.

* Mintel All Inclusive Holidays Report – UK 2009

**Research carried out by Opinion Matters between 17 and 22 March 2011 based on a sample of 1,343 UK adults who holiday abroad.

*** Figure quoted refers to the total difference in holiday spend including holiday costs such as flight and accommodation, and spending money while abroad.

First Choice sent a family of four to a 4* First Choice All Inclusive resort in Tenerife between 28th March and 4th April 2011. Another family of four was sent to a similar standard hotel offered by another travel company on a B&B basis for the same period and the average spending costs of the two families were recorded and analysed.

**** An ice cream in a supermarket abroad costs around £2.20, if a family of four had an ice cream a day during their one week holiday it would cost £61.60

MTB 08/04/11

ICELANDAIR TO FLY NONSTOP FROM GLASGOW TO ICELAND

2011-04-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

Icelandair has announced new nonstop flights from Glasgow and Manchester to Iceland starting 20th September 2011. These flights will replace the current Reykjavik – Manchester- Glasgow - Reykjavik “triangle route” and connect to Icelandair’s North American destinations.

The Glasgow flights will operate three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays as follows :-

FI430 departs KEF 07:35 arrives GLA 10:40
FI431 departs GLA 14:10 arrives KEF 15:30

The Manchester flights will operate up to three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as follows :-

FI440 departs KEF 08:00 arrives MAN 11:35
FI441 departs MAN 13:25 arrives KEF 15:00

All above times are local.

The result will be additional capacity from both Glasgow and Manchester, as well as quicker elapsed flying times to Icelandair’s North American destinations like Boston, New York City and Seattle. With the new flights, Icelandair will become the carrier with the fastest elapsed flying time on the Glasgow/Boston route.

MTB 06/04/11

Jet2.com INAUGURAL FLIGHT TAKES OFF AT GLASGOW AIRPORT

2011-04-06T05:21:00.000-07:00

Jet2.com, which has recently joined the SPAA as an Associate Member, made its landmark first flight from Glasgow Airport, 01 April. The departure of flight LS177 to Alicante signalled further investment into Scotland by the airline, which went on to announce a new direct route from Glasgow to the ski gateway Geneva, Switzerland, future expansion plans and an update on the new local recruits.

The airline’s full inaugural flight from Glasgow demonstrated the demand Jet2.com has seen for its leisure flights and package holidays with sister company Jet2holidays, since going on sale in September last year. 148 passengers jetted off to the Costa Blanca on the Jet2Scotland branded aircraft - which was launched for the first flight in the presence of local dignitaries including the Deputy First Minister for Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon. The branded aircraft will provide a great profile for Scotland in Jet2.com’s destination airports across Europe and is part of the airline’s strategy to encourage inbound passengers to visit Glasgow.

The departure led the way for further good news for local travellers – the launch of a brand new winter route to Geneva, bringing the total number of destinations offered by the airline from Glasgow to a total of eight. The ski route is already on sale, for departures from 23 December 2011 to 15 April 2012, with starting fares from £31.99 one way including taxes.

Jet2.com is already reporting very strong demand with 300,000 passengers expected to travel in the first year. The sunshine destinations of Alicante, Majorca and Faro are proving the most popular with Scottish travellers and, as such, Jet2.com has increased capacity for flights and holidays to Spain and Portugal for the peak summer months of this year.

Since flights went on sale last September Jet2.com has also added winter flights from Glasgow to Alicante and Tenerife – people can book now for holidays through to March 2012. Jet2.com fares from Glasgow start from £29.99 one way including taxes, and package holidays with Jet2holidays, which include transfers and 22kg baggage allowance, start from £199 per person for seven nights.

Jet2.com received support from Scottish Enterprise – with a Regional Selective Assistance grant and a Training Plus grant – Renfrewshire Council and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, to help establish its new operation in Glasgow. This has led to the creation of 150 new jobs both direct with the airline and in support companies who provide handling, catering and cleaning services. The team of local recruits will provide Jet2.com’s friendly service to its local passengers. The new staff members that will take to the sky are 35 cabin crew and 22 pilots.

Ian Doubtfire, Managing Director of Jet2.com, said: “This is an exciting day for us, seeing our first flight take off from Glasgow Airport – our second base in Scotland and eighth in the UK. We’re thrilled with the positive response to date and, as a result, we have increased our capacity on our most popular sunshine routes. This really highlights there is a need for an airline which gives customers what they want – great value, choice and flexibility.

“The launch of our new ski route to Geneva, in addition to expanding our winter schedule to include flights to Alicante and Tenerife, demonstrates our commitment to providing an unrivalled choice of holiday destinations throughout the year, with the added benefit of our friendly service.

“We see Glasgow, and Scotland as a whole, as having huge growth potential for our leisure flights and look forward to working with the airport to further expand what we can offer the people of Glasgow and the west of Scotland for 2012 and beyond.”

Jet2.com will offer Glasgow’s only direct service to Nice, in addition to the direct low fare flights to Alicante, Dalaman, Faro, Majorca, Paphos and Tenerife. Jet2.com’s sister company, package holiday specialist, Jet2holidays, will also offer value package holidays to these destinations.

Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, said: “I’m delighted to be able to welcome Jet2.com to our airport and I’m thrilled the airline has selected Glasgow as its eighth UK base. Being able to secure an airline of Jet2.com’s calibre is a major coup for us and I’m confident it will prove extremely popular with our customers.

“We continually strive to offer customers greater choice and Jet2.com will play a significant role in further enhancing our already extensive route network. It will also provide a much needed boost for the local economy by helping to create 150 jobs and I’d like to wish Jet2.com every success for the future.”

Steve Heapy, Managing Director of Jet2holidays, added: “In the current economic climate people are looking for the best value holidays possible and because we deal directly with our accommodation providers we are confident we can offer Glasgow customers the very best price on their holidays.

“We are thrilled with the bookings to date, which show that the people of Glasgow and surrounding areas are already taking advantage of our great value package deals. Jet2holidays’ low deposit deals of £60 per person are proving particularly popular, as is the fact we are ABTA and ATOL protected – giving our customers complete peace of mind when booking.”

Initially, one 757 and the Scotland branded 737 aircraft will be based at Glasgow. Both will feature Jet2.com’s brand new interiors and ergonomically designed seating which has been specially commissioned to make the in-seat experience more comfortable and accommodating, whilst saving weight and therefore using less fuel. All Jet2.com and Jet2holidays passengers enjoy allocated seating – making boarding the flight a more relaxed start to a trip.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said, “I am delighted to be at Glasgow Airport for Jet2.com’s inaugural flight and the fact that today’s plane is completely full underpins the airline’s decision to choose Glasgow as its newest base. Jet2.com’s arrival will create over 150 jobs, generate 200,000 passenger journeys per annum and improve access to Glasgow from seven international destinations including Nice in the South of France and Faro in Portugal.”

“We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Glasgow Airport and Jet2 to support the airline’s new in-bound services to Glasgow and maximise local economic benefit opportunities, which are estimated to be worth £2.2 million in the first year of operation.”

In addition to a great choice of holiday destinations and leading low fares, Jet2.com also offers a generous 22kg baggage allowance, myJet2 loyalty scheme with points for free flights, allocated seating and convenient flight times.

Flights and starting fares from Glasgow Airport:

• Nice – from 1st April 2011 – flights from £29.99 one way including taxes, or a package holiday from £299 per person for 3 nights bed and breakfast on the French Riviera.

• Alicante – from 31st March 2011 – flights from £36.99 one way including taxes, or a package holiday from £229 per person for 7 nights self catering in the popular resort of Benidorm.

• Majorca – from 31st March 2011 – flights from £36.99 one way including taxes or a package holiday from £219 for 7 nights self catering in the family favourite resort of Alcudia.

• Faro – from 1st April 2011 – flights from £36.99 one way including taxes or a package holiday from £199 per person for 7 nights self catering in the golf lovers resort of Vilamoura.

• Tenerife – from 1st April 2011 – flights from £49.99 one way including taxes or a package holiday from £329 per person for 7 nights half board in lively Playa de las Americas.

• Paphos – from 3rd April 2011 – flights from £59.99 one way including taxes or a package holiday from £299 per person for 7 nights self catering in the historical resort of Paphos.

• Dalaman – from 7th May 2011 – flights from £69.99 one way including taxes, or a package holiday from £329 per person for 7 nights all inclusive in the much loved resort of Marmaris.

And the new ski route:

• Geneva – from 23rd December 2011 – flights from £31.99 one way including taxes.

MTB 06/04/11

TC LISTEN TO FEEDBACK - EXTEND BOOKING CHANGE PERIOD

2011-03-02T04:17:00.000-08:00

With immediate effect, Thomas Cook have extended the previous '3 month' deadline on amending bookings - to 6 months.

Confirming they had listened to agents' feedback, the operator announced that if customers wish to amend their holiday within 6 months of their original travel date then they can now do, so but the applicable administration fees will apply. The new rule only applies to bookings outside the normal cancellation period of 70 days.

The new 6 month amendment policy will provide greater flexibility for customers, whilst ensuring the operator protects against customers repeatedly extending their departure dates. Amendments can now be made across seasons provided the departure date remains within 6 months of the original departure date.

MTB 02/03/2011

THOMAS COOK LAUNCHES NEW HOTEL FINDER

2011-02-02T03:58:00.000-08:00

The Thomas Cook Hotel finder - an easy way to find the accommodation for clients' package holidays - will enable agents to quickly browse all the accommodation featured - by destination, resort, board basis or product line - to help find the exact match for the customer, according to the SPAA Associate operator. It will also allow agents to show customers the brochure page and photographs of the property on screen.

The Hotel Finder will assist in searches for hotels with free child places, late check out rooms, and even hotels with adult appeal.

This can all be found on the homepage of http://www.thomascookworld.com/.

MTB 02/02/2011

FLYBE SCOOPS TOP AWARD AT BUSINESS TRAVEL AWARDS

2011-01-26T11:16:00.000-08:00

Leading regional airline sees off major opposition to win Best Short-Haul Airline and in Top 5 for Best Airline Worldwide ...

Flybe has been named Best Short-Haul Airline for the second consecutive year at the 2011 Business Travel Awards held in London. The awards are judged by top industry professionals and as such are not only regarded as the highest recognition given by the UK travel industry but also considered to be amongst the most valued recognition in the business travel sector worldwide.

In securing the Best Short-Haul Airline award, Flybe beat off tough competition from legacy carriers British Airways, Lufthansa and Finnair, clearly proving, it says, that the business model it adopted on formation in 2002 with value pricing and a strong commitment to customer service, continues to be favoured by business travellers for short haul flights.

For the first time, Flybe was the also shortlisted in the Top 5 for the Best Airline Worldwide award in the company of British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer says: “We are delighted to receive such high profile recognition and, of course, to receive the Best Short-Haul Airline award for the second year in a row makes it particularly special for our staff and for our passengers.

“We were also pleased to have been amongst the airline giants nominated for the Best Airline Worldwide. It is clear validation that we are now firmly positioned as an industry leader with a successful business model committed to connecting communities and providing an affordable high-quality regional service for our business travellers. Our challenge now is to make it a triple next year!”

MTB 26/01/11

DFDS SEAWAYS OFFER VIP TICKETS TO 'TAKE THAT'

2011-01-26T10:54:00.000-08:00

DFDS Seaways have taken a VIP table at the Stadium of Light for the Take That concert on the 27 May, and they offering 8 lucky agents a chance to win a place at the event.

They will be giving away 2 VIP tickets to 2 agents each month, from January to April, and the prize includes Champagne and strawberries on arrival; a pre-show three-course meal; a complimentary souvenir programme; some of the best seats in the house for the performance, and a post-show party and disco.

More details can be found in SPAA Today, 26 January 2011 edition, which can be downloaded by clicking above, or online at WWW.DFDS.CO.UK/AGENT

MTB 26/01/11

SILVERSEA LAUNCHES 8 NEW COOK SCHOOL VOYAGES

2011-01-19T05:28:00.000-08:00

SILVERSEA ROLLS OUT EIGHT NEW VOYAGES FEATURING THE
'RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX L'ÉCOLE DES CHEFS' COOKING SCHOOL

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has announced that eight voyages this year will feature the popular Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs interactive cooking school.

"Our new L'École des Chefs cooking school has generated such great feedback from guests that we're pleased to expand the programme into 2011," said Rudi Scholdis, Silversea's Director of Culinary Development. "This is a really fun enrichment programme that lets guests discover new cooking techniques and sample dishes that highlight the culinary traditions of the ship's itinerary."

Through its exclusive partnership with Relais & Châteaux, the distinguished international association of charming properties and gourmet restaurants, Silversea enjoys the privilege of featuring the only Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs cooking school at sea. The innovative programme offers guests a special culinary curriculum and entertaining events hosted by Silversea culinary trainer David Bilsland. Educated in classic French cooking, Bilsland's career includes several years as a chef instructor at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in London. He presents a programme developed in collaboration with Jacques Thorel, the owner of L'Auberge Bretonne and a consulting Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.

The curriculum for each of these cruises is carefully designed to celebrate the cultural flavour of the ship's itinerary. Highlights include specialised workshops covering a range of topics from basic knife skills and kitchen terminology to sauces and baking; cooking demonstrations with wine pairings and interactive Q&A sessions; lively cooking competitions between Chef Bilsland and the ship's own culinary team; a "Lunch and Learn" event offering small groups of guests a chance to sample a delicious meal of specially prepared dishes; and inspired "Take It Home" recipes that will give guests an edge when entertaining at home.

Also offered on certain voyages, when the itinerary permits, is a "Market to the Plate" experience that provides an escorted tour of a local market followed by a cooking class, and a "Culinary Outing," an instructor-escorted excursion to a local restaurant, hotel or other venue where guests can enjoy a unique culinary exploration.

Following below is a list of the L'École des Chefs voyages for 2011:

AFRICA, ARABIA & INDIAN OCEAN

Voyage 2132: Silver Wind departs Athens November 11 on a 16-day sailing to Dubai with calls in Alexandria, Sharm el Sheikh, Aqaba, Safaga, Muscat and Fujairah. Price starts from £5,048.

Voyage 2134: Silver Wind departs Dubai December 4 on a 17-day sailing to Mahe with calls in Fujairah, Muscat, Mumbai, Cochin, Colombo, Male, Curieuse, La Digue and Praslin. Price starts from £4,033.

CARIBBEAN, PANAMA CANAL & MEXICO

Voyage 1110: Silver Cloud departs Fort Lauderdale March 24 on a 16-day sailing to San Diego with a crossing of the Panama Canal and calls in Cartagena, San Blas Island, Puntarenas, Puerto Quetzal, Acapulco, Zihuatanejo and Cabo San Lucas. Price starts from £3,548.

Voyage 1111: Silver Cloud departs San Diego April 9 on a 16-day sailing to Fort Lauderdale with a crossing of the Panama Canal and calls in Cabo San Lucas, Zihuatanejo, Acapulco, Puerto Quetzal, Puntarenas, San Blas Island and Cartagena. Price starts from £3,548.

MEDITERRANEAN

Voyage 5110: Silver Spirit departs Athens May 3 on a 16-day sailing to Southampton with calls in Taormina, Sorrento, Rome, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Malaga, Lisbon, Bilbao and Guernsey. Price starts from £6,528 for this World Cruise segment.

TRANSOCEANIC

Voyage 4115: Silver Whisper departs New York May 17 on a 14-day transatlantic voyage to Southampton with calls in Newport, Halifax, Sydney, St. John's, Cork, Waterford and Fowey. Price starts from £3,643.

Voyage 3125: Silver Shadow departs Seward September 8 on a 14-day sailing to Tokyo with calls in Homer, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor, Kamchatka, Kushiro and Hakodate. Price starts from 3,793.

Voyage 5132: Silver Spirit departs Lisbon October 21 on a 15-day sailing to Barbados with calls in Funchal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas, La Gomera, Antigua, Guadeloupe and St. Lucia. Price starts from £3,523.

Prices listed above are cruise only per person, based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite and include port charges and handling fees.

In the U.K., Silversea has been voted "Number One" small-ship line in the Readers' Choice survey conducted by Britain's Condé Nast Traveller magazine (nine times), Best Cruise Line by The Guardian and The Observer Travel Awards (2009, 2010), Best Luxury Cruise Line according to UK’s Travel Weekly Globe Awards (2010) and "World's Leading Luxury Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2010) ...

... and the line has just been awarded Best Luxury Cruise Line status again, at the TW Globe Awards 2011

MTB 19/01/11

WIN A STAY AT ATLANTIS THE PALM, DUBAI WITH TRAVEL 2

2011-01-19T05:19:00.000-08:00

Long haul tour operator and SPAA Associate Travel 2 is reinforcing its support for Dubai as a key destination in 2011 with a three month marketing campaign in conjunction with the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. The dynamic city is a destination of focus in 2011 for Travel 2 following a surge of interest and a year on year increase in sales of over 50%.

The campaign has now kicked off with an agent incentive, offering double T2 Rewards points on all Dubai bookings confirmed in January that are already eligible for reward points. Two lucky agents will also have the opportunity to win five nights accommodation at the exclusive 5 star Atlantis The Palm hotel for themselves and a guest.

All agents have to do to be in with a chance is confirm a booking with a minimum of 3 nights’ accommodation at Atlantis The Palm via Travel 2 between 10th January and 11th February 2011. The two agents with the largest number of bookings will win.

Deals for holidays at Atlantis the Palm include:

Return Emirates flights, 5 nights at 5* Atlantis the Palm, FREE Half Board for £939 per person based on 2 Adults sharing, £2,199 for 2 Adults and one child, and £2,529 for 2 adults and 2 children. All these offers include free access to Aquaventure and Lost Chambers.

Agents can also download a selection of window posters online at Travel2.com, and for further information and bookings, the advice is to visit www.travel2.com or call 0800 0224 182.

MTB 19/01/11

CELEBRITY TO PRESENT MORE INDUSTRY FIRSTS ON SHIPS

2011-01-10T09:15:00.000-08:00

Posing the question, 'How do you make the best even better?', Celebrity Cruises has announced 'distinctive, luxurious, vacation-enhancing venues' to be introduced on the fourth and fifth ships in its award-winning Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection.

'We recognize that consumers’ vacation time is precious, and that’s what drives us to continually create new and unique experiences that enhance their rare time away,' says Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. 'The host of honours our Solstice Class and Millennium Class have won have been incredible validation of that commitment, and on Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection, we’re capitalising on the opportunity to further elevate our onboard offerings, particularly in our Solstice Class’ iconic Lawn Club, and with our wildly popular AquaClass category of accommodations and its exclusive specialty restaurant, Blu.'

He continues, 'Initially, we planned to introduce these exciting new enhancements only on Celebrity Reflection, but to our delight, our outstanding partners at Meyer Werft were able to also deliver every new feature with the exception of AquaClass Suites on Celebrity Silhouette.'

To read more, click here ...

MTB 10/01/11

DFDS OFFERS AGENTS SPECIAL MINI-CRUISE RATE

2010-12-13T03:40:00.000-08:00

DFDS Seaways is offering travel agents a trip to Amsterdam - with up to three friends - at a reduced rate of £20 per person for an inside cabin and £26 per person for an outside cabin.

The rates are available on Sunday through Thursday departures between 05 January and 31 March 2011, excluding the February half term holiday.

The offer is subject to availability, terms and conditions and agents should call 0871 522 9978 for more details and to make a booking.

MTB 13/12/10

FLYBE UPDATE ON CALL CENTRE POLICIES

2010-12-13T03:33:00.000-08:00

Given the increased workload in Flybe's Call Centre due to recent weather disruption, the airline has updated travel agents on some of its Call Centre policies which require no Flybe intervention, yet amount to a high number of queries received.

Flybe Policies

Duplicate Bookings – Flybe consider a genuine duplicate booking to be one with identical name and itinerary booked within 24 hours of each other. The bookings do not necessarily need to have been made on the same system. If you have a duplicate booking please e mail the details to refunds@flybe.com who will verify the duplication and action.

Passengers No Longer Requiring Sector One – If your passenger no longer requires his/her outbound sector please ensure you cancel this sector in your own system and update the e ticket to ensure the booking is not a no show as this would automatically cancel the inbound sector. There is no charge to do this.

Name Changes – If you need to change the name on a GDS booking this can be done in all GDS except Amadeus. Simply amend the name, collect the change fee and re issue the e ticket. Name changes must be made before the outbound sector is due to fly.

Spelling Errors – In the event of mis-spelling a passenger name please be advised that Flybe will allow up to two characters of a name to be changed at no charge. Please action this change in your GDS and update the e ticket.

Re-issue Of Tickets – Flybe will not update or re-issue travel agent tickets. If you make a change to a booking you must update the e ticket otherwise check-in will be restricted.

Special Assistance – If you have a passenger requiring assistance please email the details to specialassistance@flybe.com. If your passenger requires a wheelchair please provide us with information with regards to the extent of assistance i.e to the gate / from the gate to the aircraft steps / to their seat. Please include the passenger name and locator in your e mail.

Voiding Tickets – We do not allow e tickets to be voided.

Further information on all of Flybe’s policies can be found online at www.flybe.com/trade

MTB 13/12/10

ASSOCIATE SALES BYTES : 13 DECEMBER 2010

2010-12-13T02:50:00.001-08:00

You may have missed it, or you may want to refer back to it, or you may just want to print a copy; whatever, simply click on the SPAA Associate Member below to view your selected communication from the past couple of weeks!

CLASSIC COLLECTION

DFDS SEAWAYS

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES

holiday autos

IF ONLY ...

NCL

NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

SEASONS IN STYLE

SILVERSEA CRUISES

SUPERBREAK

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

ASSOCIATE SALES BYTES : 23 NOVEMBER 2010

2010-11-22T06:40:00.001-08:00

DFDS Seaways
Let's Go Dutch, click here

East Coast Main LineBig Savings For Small Groups, click here

holiday autosBag Yourself A Bargain, click here

If Only ...
New Destination - Bali, click here
Mauritius Offer, click here

NCL
Europe Sale Coming, click here

Superbreak
Offers Of The Week, click here

TCTO
Bodrum Summer 2011 Deals, click here

Travel 2
Download Travel Talk, click here

TravelCube
Florida Theme Parks, click here
Orlando Hotel Deals, click here

Visit http://www.spaa.org/ / Associate News often, to view this regular Associate Round-Up and pick up on communications you may have missed!

MTB 23/11/10

SUPERBREAK LAUNCHES WINDOW DISPLAY PRIZES

2010-11-22T05:47:00.000-08:00

Superbreak is offering travel agents the chance to Cadbury's Hampers in a new window display competition. From now through Friday 17 December 2010 the operator wants to see which agents in the UK display the BEST Superbreak windows promoting their offers each week.

Agents should simply take a photo of their shop window and forward it with contact details to sales@superbreak.com, under the header "GIVE US YOUR WINDOW COMPETITION".

There will be 5 weekly winners who will each win a £50 Cadbury's Hamper, then each of the 5 winners will then be entered into a draw to win the top prize of a short break of their choice with Superbreak, up to the value of £600, or 2 Night Eurostar Break for 2 to Paris or Belgium, or a 2 Night London Theatre Break – 5 Star Hotel – First Class Rail and Best Seats to the Show of their choice.

MTB 22/11/10

FRED. OLSEN WINS CRUISE CRITIC AWARD

2010-11-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has triumphed in the Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards. The SPAA Associate cruise line – with its Norwegian heritage, and fleet of four smaller, traditional ships – has been voted Best for Seeing the World by the influential cruise website.

Fred. Olsen operates cruises all over the world, most of which are ex-UK and sail from a number of convenient regional ports. They range from 2-3 night mini-cruises, to long epic voyages, ‘Around the World’ and ‘Around South America’.

Fred. Olsen’s Marketing Director, Nigel Lingard, said, "We are delighted to win this prestigious award from Cruise Critic, as their editors really know cruising. The human scale of our ships appeals to many people, who enjoy an informal and friendly experience and, of course, as the judges have recognised, smaller ships have access to some of the more remote and fascinating ports around the world - places that larger ships cannot reach.”

This is what the Cruise Critic judges had to say – "Wherever in the world you want to go, Fred. Olsen likely has a ship that'll take you there. Its fleet’s small-to-mid-size ships can also visit exotic ports that the cruise ‘behemoths’ can’t fit into. Even better? Many are ex-UK, at least one way."

Find out more about Fred. Olsen’s cruises worldwide by visiting http://www.fredolsencruises.co.uk/

MTB 22/11/10

ASSOCIATE SALES BYTES : 05 NOVEMBER 2010

2010-11-04T05:12:00.001-07:00

East Coast Main Line

AUTUMN OFFERS

Flybe
BAGGAGE POLICY

Superbreak
NEW WEEKLY OFFERS

TCTO
4 FOR 3 OFFER

Travel 2
NEW ZEALAND

Visit http://www.spaa.org/ / Associate News often, to view this regular Associate Round-Up and pick up on communications you may have missed!

MTB 05/11/10

ASSOCIATE SALES BYTES : 18 OCTOBER 2010

2010-10-18T02:19:00.000-07:00

You may have missed it, or you may want to refer back to it, or you may just want to print a copy; whatever, simply click on the title below to view your selected SPAA Associate communication from the past couple of weeks!
Air France / KLM
NEW CDG TRANSFER GUIDE

Classic Collection
GLASGOW DEPARTURES

Club 18 - 30
SUMMER 2011 GUIDE OUT NOW

Cresta
REYKJAVIK FROM ONLY £299

DFDS Seaways
BOXING DAY MINI-CRUISE

East Coast Main Line
CHRISTMAS TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Flybe
SCOTTISH SUMMER 2011 FLIGHTS ON SALE

holiday autos
SAVE TIME WITH USA QUEUE JUMP

Hotel Connect
LATEST NEWS

If Only ...
THAILAND SPECIAL FROM SCOTLAND

Neilson
50% OFF WINTER SALE
NEILSON ADVENTURES - ON SALE NOW

NCL
FREESTYLE NEWS

Superbreak
NEW 'DO LONDON' PACKAGE

TCTO
NEW FLIGHT-ONLY BAGGAGE PRICES

Travel 2
WIN A HOLIDAY TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA

TravelCube
APEX HOTELS IN EDINBURGH

Visit http://www.spaa.org/ / Associate News often, to view this regular Associate Round-Up and pick up on communications you may have missed!

MTB 18/10/10

SILVERSEA REDUCES 'SOLO’ FARES; EXTENDS $500 OBC

2010-10-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has reduced the single supplement on more than 20 sailings in 2011 to just 10% - 25% (above the per-person, double-occupancy fare) for Vista, Veranda and Midship Veranda suites.

Initially launched last summer on select 2010 voyages, the line's specially reduced Solo Traveller fares proved such a popular incentive with independent travellers that the company is extending the offer to select 2011 itineraries.

"With special fares like these -- which can be combined with Silver Savings, Free Air and $250 Shipboard Credit offers -- there's no excuse for single travellers to stay at home," said Trudy Redfern, Managing Director of UK & Ireland. "If you travel on your own, now is the ideal time to finalise your holiday plans for next year and treat yourself to the luxuries of a Silversea voyage."

Silversea's crew-to-guest ratio of nearly one to one ensures single guests will enjoy highly personalised service, warm hospitality, and an ambiance that makes them feel right at home. Also, on several voyages, Gentlemen Hosts will be on board, which is a real benefit for single female guests looking for a dining companion or a dance partner.

All-inclusive fares include a spacious, ocean-view suite (most suites feature a private veranda), attentive butler service, complimentary wines and spirits, fine dining, sophisticated enrichment and entertainment programmes, and all onboard gratuities.

The cruise line has also added 26 new voyages in 2011 offering a $500 per suite ($250 per person) Shipboard Credit. This enticing offer is available on new bookings made from 6 October, 2010 through 31 March, 2011.

The $500 Shipboard Credit may be used towards Silver Shore excursions, Land Adventures, spa treatments, premium selections from the Connoisseur's List of wines and spirits, specialty restaurant dining fees, and/or purchases in the Internet Café and onboard boutiques.

"Our $500 Shipboard Credit offer has been extended to dozens of sailings across the globe in 2011, including the Caribbean, South America, Far East and South Pacific," said Trudy Redfern, Managing Director for UK & Ireland "And depending on availability, the Shipboard Credit can be combined with a host of other incentives, such as Silver Savings and Free Air programmes -- making this the perfect time to firm up your travel plans for next year and enjoy substantial savings."

MTB 15/10/2010

ASSOCIATE ROUND-UP : 28 SEPTEMBER 2010

2010-09-28T02:52:00.001-07:00

Classic Collection

ORDER BROCHURES

DFDS Seaways
LATEST OFFERS FOR PROMOTION

Hilton Hotels
ENJOY HILTON GLASGOW'S WINTER WARMERS

Hotel Connect
LATEST NEWS

If Only ...
MALDIVES OFFER FROM GLASGOW

TCTO
IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILIES

TravelCube
FLORIDA OFFERS INTRO

FLORIDA THEME PARKS

ORLANDO HOT DEALS

Visit http://www.spaa.org/ / Associate News often, to view this regular Associate Round-Up and pick up on communications you may have missed!

bmi ABZ-BHX CANCELLATION - RE-ACCOMMODATION

2010-09-16T01:55:00.000-07:00

Due to commercial reasons, bmi services from Aberdeen to Birmingham are being suspended, effective for flights on or after 31 October 2010.

The airline's immediate priority is to re-accommodate passengers booked on these services with a minimum of disruption.

Click here for a briefing on re-accommodation procedures.

MTB 15/09/10

NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS FOR SPAA

2010-09-07T05:58:00.000-07:00

Two new partner companies have been welcomed by SPAA Council into Associate Membership - Global Distribution System (GDS) Amadeus, and Norwegian coastal shipping and cruise operator Hurtigruten (previously Norwegian Coastal Voyages).

Amadeus is also a co-sponsor of the SPAA Annual Travel Awards 2010, along with Travel Weekly and BAA Scotland.

Comments SPAA President Brian Potter,"We're delighted to welcome two such diverse and well-established organisations into Associate Membership, both having recognised the potential benefits of closer communication with travel agencies in general, and SPAA travel agent Members in particular. Amadeus already works with a number of our business and leisure-travel Members, and in Hurtigruten, we're bringing a very different, high quality product into sharp focus for Members."

MTB 07/09/10

ASSOCIATE ROUND-UP : 07 SEPTEMBER 2010

2010-09-07T05:01:00.001-07:00

You may have missed it, or you may want to refer back to it, or you may just want to print a copy ... whatever, simply click on the title below to view your selected SPAA Associate communication :

bmi
New Travel Trade Website

DFDS Seaways
Amsterdam Mini-Breaks
Amsterdam Mini-Breaks With Meals

Flybe
Hold Baggage Fees
Flying Schedule 2011

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Focus Update 02 September 2010

NCL
Autumn Sale Savings
Freestyle News 03 September 2010

Superbreak
October School Week Offers

TCTO
Free Kids' Places 2011
Summer 2011 Families Offers Extended

Visit http://www.spaa.org/ / Associate News often, to view this regular Associate Round-Up and pick up on communications you may have missed!

MTB 07 September 2010

OPERATOR RESPONSES IN WAKE OF KISS FAILURE

2010-08-18T01:45:00.001-07:00

Following up on the ebulletin sent to SPAA Members this morning, by Leisure Convenor Jo Dooey, the two communications from Cosmos / Avro on flight capacity available in the wake of the Kiss Flights failure may now be viewed, downloaded and printed online :

COSMOS / AVRO FLIGHT CAPACITY 18 AUGUST 2010 #1

(click to view)

COSMOS / AVRO FLIGHT CAPACITY 18 AUGUST 2010 #2

(click to view)

Also available to view, download and print is the latest response - from Thomas Cook Hotels and Flexibletrips :

THOMAS COOK HOTELS + FLEXIBLETRIPS 18 AUGUST 2010

(click to view)

MTB 18/08/2010

ASSOCIATE ROUND-UP : 13 AUGUST 2010

2010-08-13T04:09:00.000-07:00

BAA - GLASGOW AIRPORT
Moving Glasgow Airport Forward
Forecourt Map

BRITISH AIRWAYS
BA, American Airlines, Iberia Letter

DFDS SEAWAYS
halloween Mini Cruise Breaks

School Disco Mini Cruise To Amsterdam

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES
Focus Update - 05 August
Focus Update - 13 August

holiday autos

Spain Car Hire
E-Shot Issue 8

HotelConnect
Magical Christmas Markets

NCL
New England In The Fall

SUPERBREAK
Stay In The UK This Summer
Great Window Offers From Superbreak
Cameron House Hotel Offer

TCTO

New Flights Added
Your Seat Your Choice

Visit http://www.spaa.org / Associate News often, to view this regular Associate RoundUp and pick up on communications you may have missed!

MTB 13/08/2010

Flybe AND FINNAIR CONCLUDE MAJOR AGREEMENT

2010-08-13T02:25:00.000-07:00

Flybe, the UK’s largest domestic airline and Europe’s largest regional airline has announced that it has reached agreement with Finnair PLC to provide regional services in Scandinavian and Baltic Sea Areas.

This exciting co-operation will begin October 31st 2010 with Flybe commencing services to key Scandinavian and Baltic markets from Helsinki airport that will include Tampere, Turku and Tallinn. This service provision is expected to grow beyond three aircraft in the summer of 2011.

Flybe and Finnair have also agreed to begin discussions on a potential wider co-operation agreement, which could see Flybe providing a range of services across Nordic and Baltic Sea markets.

Jim French, Chairman and CEO commented: “This is an exciting time for Flybe and this is a further exciting development. Finnair is one of Europe’s oldest, most respected and dynamic airlines. We look forward to serving the Scandinavian and Baltic markets in partnership with Finnair. We also look forward to exploring deeper co-operation with Finnair to develop Nordic market entry strategies.”

Ville Iho, Finnair’s Senior Vice President Resources Management commented: “Flybe is highly suitable as a co-operation partner in our South and Central Finland traffic. The company’s fleet and production structure support the operation of short routes. Expanding our co-operation base will give us flexibility to modify our feeder traffic network according to needs. Flybe is a potential partner as we strengthen our position on our home market in Scandinavia and in the Baltic Sea area.”

Finnair is one of the world's oldest operating airlines, was established on 1st November, 1923. Its operations focus on transporting passengers between Europe and Asia, via Helsinki.

Finnair Group operations cover scheduled passenger traffic and leisure traffic, technical and ground handling operations, catering, travel agencies as well as travel information and reservation services. The subsidiaries provide air traffic support services or operate in closely related areas.

Finnair's major shareholder is the Finnish government with a 55.8% holding. Other shareholders include insurance companies, various companies and private individuals. Approximately 20 per cent of the shares are owned by foreign shareholders.

In recent years, Finnair has emerged as a major player in traffic between Europe and Asia. Finnair's intercontinental destinations in Asia include Seoul in South Korea, Delhi in India, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong in China, Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya in Japan and Bangkok in Thailand.

Finnair's European route network offers several daily frequencies to all major European cities. Timetables are built in such a way that the offer quick connections to the Asian flights.

Finnair also flies to 12 destinations within Finland. The domestic route network is one of the densest in the world in relation to population.

In addition to regular scheduled traffic, Finnair operates leisure flights to more than 60 destinations. Leisure traffic flies mainly to holiday resorts in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, South-East Asia as well in the Caribbean and South America.

The Finnair fleet comprises more than 60 aircraft. The long-haul fleet comprises Airbus A340, A330, and starting 2014, new technology Airbus A350XWB aircraft.

Finnair operates one of Europe's youngest and most eco-efficient narrow-body fleets. It comprises Airbus A320 family aircraft, Embraer 170s and Embraer 190s.

Finnair is operating only three types of aircraft in scheduled traffic as the wide-bodied Airbus serves long-haul destinations. Leisure flights are operated with Boeing 757s.

During the calendar year 2009 Finnair carried a total of 7 433 000 passengers.

MTB 13/08/2010

bmi ALIGNS FARE STRUCTURE WITH NEW PARENT LUFTHANSA

2010-08-13T02:19:00.000-07:00

bmi, having become part of the Lufthansa Group, has aligned the structure of its fares (not the actual fares) and format in the GDS. The changes became effective from the 5th August 2010.

As a consequence the airline will be able to offer a largely automated data tracking system for contracted corporate flown revenue via an OSI entry. The current process of tracking corporate fares will continue until further notice, and agents should ensure that their MIS Department continues to submit monthly ticketed data as normal until advised otherwise.

Revised ticketing instructions for all bmi contracted clients will be forwarded to agents and corporate clients shortly. These corporate ticketing instructions will note a new corporate fare basis for every contracted corporate fare and a new OSI remark which needs to be noted in every PNR by staff.

Any queries regarding this change should be discussed with the bmi Account Manager.

MTB 13/08/2010

holiday autos OFFER TRAINING + SALES GUIDES

2010-08-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

holiday autos has reminded travel agents that it is making available a full range of training guides and sales aides, to assist staff to not only make more holiday autos bookings, but also to make it much easier and quicker for them to do so.

The range of guides includes a Useful Contacts Form; How To Book holiday autos Guide; Driving Sales Guide (how to sell more car hire); Pre-paid Extras Guide; FAQs Digest, and a Trade Margin Management Guide.

Agents who feel any or all of the Guides would benefit staff should contact Stephanie Hills of holiday autos for copies, at stephanie.hills@holidayautos.co.uk.

MTB 13/08/2010

TRAVEL 2 LAUNCH NEW WEBSITE

2010-08-04T03:49:00.000-07:00

Travel 2's new website will be launched to Scotland's travel sector at an evening event in Glasgow, 18 August.

The full walkthrough of the new site, and a Q + A session will be backed up by drinks and canapes, and a pair of Emirates tickets will be up for grabs in a competition during the evening, which will begin at 7.00pm.

Registration for the evening should be completed by contacting t2online@travel2.com .

MTB 04/08/2010

ASSOCIATE ROUND-UP : 20 JULY 2010

2010-07-20T05:14:00.000-07:00

CRESTA
Amstel Botel Returns

DFDS SEAWAYS
2 For 1 City Cruise Break Offer

FLYBE
Air France Codeshare Agreement

GOLD MEDAL

40th Birthday Celebrations

NEILSON SKI
2010 Winter 2nd Edition Brochure

SUPERBREAK
Stay Home This Summer

TCTO

New Late Search Available Thru 30 September

Visit http://www.spaa.org / Associate News often, to view this regular Associate RoundUp and pick up on communications you may have missed!

MTB 20/07/2010

DFDS SEAWAYS / NORFOLK LINE DEAL CONCLUDED!

2010-07-20T04:13:00.000-07:00

Following up on conclusion of the acquisition by DFDS Seaways of Norfolkline, DFDS Sales Manager Andrew Crowe has updated the UK travel sector on ploans for the future, confirming that 'we are now one company and in relation to shipping activities we will be operating under one brand DFDS Seaways.'

Referring to the 'practical issues and internal activities we will be involved with over the next few months merging the two companies into the new DFDS', Mr Crowe confirmed that 'in the short term, we (DFDS Seaways) will continue to service your account as we are now in the middle of our critical Q3 trading period. We do not want to disrupt the strong sales inflow we are currently experiencing across our passenger activities.'

He promised further formal contact in late September or October to detail how DFDS will manage and develop Norfolk Line accounts in the future. The new ‘Bigger and Better’ DFDS will, he asserted, create many exciting opportunities for all, and he looked forward to discussing 2011 plans with agency colleagues, and to working in partnership to leverage the potential from exploiting the new and comprehensive DFDS Seaways passenger-related route network, which now stretches from Lithuania to Ireland.

MTB 20/07/2010

FLYBE ORDERS UP TO 140 NEW JETS!

2010-07-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

Deal provides a platform for Flybe’s expansion into Continental Europe

Flybe has announced a $5bn order to purchase up to 140 Embraer jet aircraft. The initial firm order of 35 Embraer 175 jets, which will start to arrive into the Flybe fleet in 2011, will provide a platform for the SPAA Associate to grow and expand its route network; bringing more and more Flybe travel options to passengers in the future both in the UK and in Continental Europe.

Flybe has been flying the 175’s slightly bigger stablemate, the Embraer 195 jet aircraft, for 4 years, and been delighted with its reliability and performance. Feedback from passengers has confirmed they enjoy the comfort and onboard experience. The new aircraft will allow Flybe to maintain its commitment to delivering a product with 30” legroom and 2x2 seating configuration.

Equally the economic and environmental performance of the new 175 aircraft is in line with Flybe’s strategy of only buying A and B rated eco-label aircraft as part of the airline's strategy to invest in lower emission new technology aircraft.

This deal follows hot on the heels of last week's major agreement with global carrier Air France. It is also building and investing in the continued growth of what has already become one of Europe’s leading regional airlines and one that it hopes will offer 'more and more travel choices into the next decade'.

MTB 20/07/2010

ASSOCIATE ROUND-UP : 06 JULY 2010

2010-07-06T04:55:00.003-07:00

June / July Newsletter

CLUB 18:30
2011 Brochure Launch Competition Intro
Entry Form

flybe
Punctuality Performance - April 2010

Call Centre - Frequently Asked Questions

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES
Focus Update 01 July 2010

holiday autos
World Cup Fever Promotion

IATA BSP UK

Travel Agent Service Fee Briefing

PEOPLE 1ST

Training Funding Opportunity Briefing

SILVERSEA CRUISES

Single Travellers Promotion

SUPERBREAK

New Website / School Holiday Offers

Visit http://www.spaa.org/ / Associate News often, to view this regular Associate Round-up and pick up on communications you may have missed!

FLYBE REPORTS PUNCTUALITY / CLARIFIES POLICIES

2010-07-06T03:58:00.000-07:00

SPAA Associate flybe has reported improved punctuality in April 2010, despite the debilitating effects of the volcanic ash cloud, recording its strongest punctuality for 'at least 4 years'. 90% of the carrier's services departed within 15 minutes of their scheduled time - some 3% higher than April 2009 and 5% higher than March 2010.

For details of punctuality on specific routes, visit http://www.spaa.org/ / Associate News / Associate Round-up 06/07/10 and click on the featured link.

Flybe has also released answers to 'frequently asked questions' directed at its Call Centre, in a move to decrease call waiting times for travel agents with less common queries. The airline has publicised answers to questions involving duplicate bookings, names changes and spelling errors, together with a number of other issues.

For details, visit http://www.spaa.org/ / Associate News / Associate Round-up 06/07/10 and click on the featured link.

MTB 06/07/2010

AN 'EPIC JOURNEY' BEGINS ...

2010-06-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

SPAA Associate NCL Group introduced more than 2000 travel agents to 'the next level' of its unique Freestyle Cruising concept recently, aboard the cruise line's brand new 153,000 tonnes ship Norwegian Epic. During a two day Inaugural Cruise from Southampton, the travel agency representatives - from independents, multiples and consortia - joined travel and consumer journalists in experiencing the ship's innovative stateroom, studio and villa-style cabin product; her 21 different dining options (11 of which carry no supplement) and her new concept entertainment (including the Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams Dinner Show and Legends in Concert Shows).

Norwegian Epic, in addition to being one of the world's largest cruise ships (along with Cunard's QM2 and RCCL's Oasis of the Seas), boasts a number of travel sector 'firsts' - the largest Spa at sea, the first abseiling wall, the first and only tube slide at sea, and her famous Ice Bar. For families - an important market segment for NCL - from the flexibility of accommodation options to the fun offered by Nickelodeon at Sea, featuring SpongeBob SquarePants, the new ship has an enormous amount to offer.

The Inaugural Cruise guests enjoyed not only NCL's excellent hospitality, but also superb weather, during their two days aboard Norwegian Epic. NCL's senior Vice President Andy Stuart walked travel agents and media through the ship's winter 2010 Caribbean programme, and her Summer 2011 arrival in Europe, where she will offer a 7 night Western Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona - a brand new product for the UK fly-cruise market. NCL's UK General Manager Steven Park, and Director of Sales Nick Wilkinson pledged strong support to UK travel agents who want to work with NCL - from training, through point-of-sale and joint advertising, to customer-facing promotional activity.

In the case of SPAA Members, this will of course be delivered by well-known NCL Account Manager for Scotland Martin MacLaren, who reminds Members that Norwegian Epic will offer exceptional value for money in 2011, with per person, per day cruising costs as low as £64. Martin can be contacted on 07793 903459, and at mmaclaren@ncl.com.

MTB 28/06/10

ASSOCIATE ROUND-UP : 21 JUNE 2010

2010-06-21T09:05:00.001-07:00

Aberdeen - Heathrow Service Increase

DFDS SEAWAYS
Belgian Beer Festival

Tall Ships Promotion

Amsterdam Mini Cruise Offer

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES

Focus Update 10 June 2010

holiday autos

Travel Agent Promotion - June 2010

SILVERSEA CRUISES

'Sell To Sail' Incentive

SUPERBREAK

Hot New Offers

visit http://www.spaa.org/ / Associate News often, to view this regular Associate RoundUp and pick up on communications you may have missed!

ASSOCIATE ROUND-UP : 07 JUNE 2010

2010-06-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

Brand Essence Video Links

2011/12 Brochure Launch

DFDS SEAWAYS

Amsterdam Mini Cruise Offer - From £50 per person

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES

Focus Update 03 June 2010

NCL GROUP

Freestyle News 04 June 2010

2011/12 Brochure Launch

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE

2011/12 Brochure Launch

Visit http://www.spaa.org/ / Associate News often, to view this regular Associate RoundUp and pick up on communications you may have missed!

ASSOCIATE ROUND-UP 31 MAY 2010

2010-05-31T03:04:00.001-07:00

Great Superbreak Offers For Your Windows

bmi May Newsletter

Major New Holiday Taxis Promotion

Major New Holiday Taxis Promotion #2

holiday autos Car Hire From £14 A Day

News From TCTO - Scheduled Balance Collection Changes
News From TCTO - Scheduled Balance Collection Changes Q + A

Silversea Cruises' Silver Whisper Completes Refurbishment

Visit http://www.spaa.org/ Associate News often, to view this regular Associate RoundUp and pick up on communications you may have missed!

MTB 31/05/10

WILDLIFE WATCHING WITH DFDS SEAWAYS

2010-05-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

As a bonus for families and the eco-interested, passengers on m.s. King of Scandinavia will be able to enjoy a wildlife watching experience, led by guides from whale and dolphin charity ORCA. The ORCA Wildlife Officer will be giving lively presentations, organising deckwatches and pointing out any whales, dolphins, seals, animals and sea-birds found in the North Sea, as well as running children’s activities. DFDS Seaways is delighted to be supporting marine conservation charity ORCA by funding the position of Wildlife Officer. Includes time in Amsterdam.

There are departures from Newcastle every other day between May and September 2010, and the packages, priced from £89 per person, include 2 nights' cabin accommodation on board ship; an
introductory wildlife presentation; deck watch as you depart Newcastle (weather dependent);
activities for kids, information for adults, latest sightings & news; a short presentation in Sports Bar/ ORCA Centre, and coach transfers to and from Amsterdam with an optional sightseeing tour.

Prices are subject to availability and inclusive of fuel surcharge. Prices are based on2 people sharing a 2 berth inside cabin. Credit card & telephone booking fees apply. Calls cost up to 10p per minute plus network extras. Terms & conditions apply, for details visit www.dfds.co.uk/terms. The packages are bookable online at www.dfds.co.uk/agent or by calling 0871 522 9977.

MTB 21/05/10

ASSOCIATE ROUND-UP 21 MAY 2010

2010-05-21T04:25:00.001-07:00

You may have missed it; you may want to refer back to it, or you may just want to print a copy ... whatever, simply click on the title below to view your selected SPAA Associate communication from this week's inbox :

LUFTHANSA : Become an eXpert; you could win a weekend break in Dusseldorf

NCL : Freestyle News; 14 May 2010

SEASONS IN STYLE : Capital Bonds Incentive

SEASONS IN STYLE : Australia - Summer Incentive

SEASONS IN STYLE : Europe - Summer Incentive

SEASONS IN STYLE : Caribbean - Summer Incentive

SILVERSEA CRUISES : 2011 Voyage Atlas is on its way

SUPERBREAK : Bank Holiday Specials

Visit http://www.spaa.org/ / Associate News often, to view this regular Associate RoundUp and pick up on communications you may have missed!

ASSOCIATE ROUND-UP 08 MAY 2010

2010-05-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

You may have missed it; you may want to refer back to it, or you may just want to print a copy ... whatever, simply click on the title below to view your selected SPAA Associate communication from this week's inbox :

DFDS Seaways : Win a Mini Cruise Break to Amsterdam

hotelconnect : New Hotels

NCL : Freestyle News

Superbreak : Events & May Bank Holiday

Visit http://www.spaa.org/ / Associate News often, to view this regular Associate RoundUp and pick up on communications you may have missed!

LUFTHANSA ADDS SERVICES FROM EDI AND INV

2010-04-08T01:17:00.000-07:00

Frankfurt and Dusseldorf gain new flights in Lufthansa expansion ...

Lufthansa is boosting Summer services from Scotland to Germany with the addition of an extra daily EDI-FRA service, a new EDI-DUS service, and a new weekly rotation INV-DUS.

LH now flies twice a day non-stop from Edinburgh to Frankfurt, offering passengers more choice of connections to Europe and beyond.

The new summer service to Dusseldorf is daily (except Saturday) starting on 26 April. With a flight time of under 2 hours, the new service offers quick and easy access to Dusseldorf and the surrounding area of North Rhine Westphalia. A new Saturday service between Inverness and Dusseldorf starts 05 June, bringing a direct link from the Scottish Highlands during the peak summer months.

Fully inclusive fares start from £49.00 one way, including free baggage allowance and in-flight service, and no charges for check-in.

More information can be found at http://www.lufthansaexperts.com/.

MTB 08/04/2010

TRAIN ABOARD BOUDICCA WITH FRED. OLSEN

2010-03-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

Ship visit scheduled for Greenock in July ...

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering travel agents the opportunity to update their ship and product knowledge, with a series of onboard training seminars, later this year.

Scottish agents are invited to register for a ship visit and training aboard Boudicca, when she is berthed in Greenock, Tuesday 06 July :

9.45am    Check in with Fred. Olsen Sales team at Greenock Terminal
10.00am  Board Boudicca for ship tour
11.00am Training Workshop
12.30pm Buffet Lunch
1.15pm    Training Workshop continues
3.00pm    Disembark

Agents who are keen to view other ships in the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines fleet also have an opportunity to see :

Black Watch in Southampton, Wednesday 05 May; Friday 15 October + Friday 29 October
Braemar in Dover, Thursday 20 May; Thursday 29 July + Monday 18 October
Balmoral in Dover, Friday 02 July; Tuesday 21 September + Tuesday 12 October

To request a place, agents should email Holly Goddard, Trade Marketing Co-ordinator at
holly.goddard@fredolsen.co.uk

MTB 23/03/2010

AGENTS OFFERED A DAY IN THE 'NORWEGIAN SUN'

2010-03-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

NCL ship to welcome agents aboard in Greenock ...
SPAA Associate Mermber NCL has announced plans for travel agents to view Norwegian Sun, when she berths in Scotland and Ireland later in 2010. The dates are :

GREENOCK : Thursday 30th September 2010

BELFAST : Friday 1st October 2010

DUBLIN : Saturday 2nd October 2010

ACE Members should contact Natalie Budgen at natalie@psa-ace.org or on 020 7436 2449 to register for space, whilst others should register on NCL's online booking system at www.ncl.co.uk/shipvisit .

NCL reports that space is extremely limited, and agents are encouraged to register without delay. Places will be allocated on a first come - first served basis.

MTB 17/03/2010

SILVERSEA TO HOST 2010 WORLD LEADERS SYMPOSIUM

2010-02-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

Black Sea cruise on Silver Wind will feature Condi Rice in guest speaker role ...

The exclusive educational travel event from Moscow to Istanbul will also feature William J. Perry, Mikhail Gorbachev, luxurious accommodations, and customised excursions.

Building on the past success of World Leaders Symposium cruises in Asia and the Middle East, ultra-luxury Silversea will collaborate with San Francisco-based World Leaders Travel to host the 2010 Symposium.

The one-of-a-kind travel event from 30 August to 15 September, 2010, will include a 10-night cruise aboard the award-winning, all-suite Silver Wind and a range of specially arranged shore excursions in Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Turkey. In addition to former Secretary of State Rice, featured speakers include former Secretary of Defense William Perry, former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, and leading figures in fields ranging from technology and the U.S.-Russian space race to cultural history and global affairs.

Travel agents will be able to book through World Leaders Travel at their usual Silversea commission level -- just as if the agent booked directly with Silversea -- and the commission level will be applicable to the entire programme starting in Moscow and ending after the hotel stay in Istanbul.

Symposium sponsors include American Museum of Natural History Expeditions, Chautauqua Institution, Foreign Affairs magazine, Harvard Alumni Association Travels, Princeton Journeys, Alumnae Association of Smith College, Smithsonian Journeys, and Yale Educational Travel.

For pricing information, a detailed brochure, or to book, agents should World Leaders Travel at (800) 395-3288, or visit WorldLeadersTravel.com/Silversea.

MTB 22/02/2010

DFDS SEAWAYS PROMOTES GROUP FARES!

2010-02-22T06:50:00.000-08:00

Amsterdam Mini Cruises feature in special offer ...

Fares as low as £40.00 per person, plus one free place in ten, feature in the latest DFDS group offer. The prices include 2 nights onboard ship in a 4 berth inside Economy en suite cabin; coach transfers to/from Amsterdam city centre, and a free optional sightseeing tour during the 5 hour visit to the city.

Prices are subject to availability and inclusive of fuel surcharge. Credit card fee applies. Calls cost up to 10p per minute plus network extras. Terms & conditions apply, for details visit www.dfds.co.uk/terms

To book call the dedicated DFDS Groups team on 0871 882 0881.

MTB 22/02/2010

Flybe TAKES A DIRECT APPROACH TO EAST KENT!

2010-02-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

Airline introduces daily service between EDI and Manston Airport ...

SPAA Associates airline Flybe has announced another brand new route - namely a daily Edinburgh to Manston service that, apart from opening up the Garden of England to the Scottish market, also offers regional travellers the only scheduled flight currently to be operated out of Kent International Airport.

Tickets are on sale now from £24.99 one way including taxes and charges for travel effective May 27th through to 30th October. The new route, with a flight time of just 80 minutes, will be operated by Flybe’s fuel efficient 78- seat Bombardier Q-400 turboprop aircraft.

The announcement further reinforces Flybe’s commitment to offering an extensive choice of convenient, affordable regional travel.

Kent International Airport is located in east Kent, just a couple of miles from the popular seaside destinations of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate and within easy reach of picturesque Whitstable, historic Canterbury with its world famous cathedral and, of course, Dover’s iconic White Cliffs.

Flybe’s CCO Mike Rutter comments,“We expect our new route to be popular both with business travellers and with those planning their holidays or weekends away and wanting their budgets to go as far as possible and we’d advise people to book early to take advantage of the lowest possible fares.”

DAILY SCHEDULE:

Sundays and Monday – Friday

· Flight departs Edinburgh 1050 arrives Manston 1220

· Flight departs Manston 1245 arrives Edinburgh 1415

Saturday

· Flight departs Edinburgh 1450 arrives Manston 1620

· Flight departs Manston 1645 arrives Edinburgh 1815

MTB 22/02/2010

DFDS SEAWAYS PROMOTES GROUP FARES!

Amsterdam Mini Cruises feature in special offer ...

Fares as low as £40.00 per person, plus one free place in ten, feature in the latest DFDS group offer. The prices include 2 nights onboard ship in a 4 berth inside Economy en suite cabin; coach transfers to/from Amsterdam city centre, and a free optional sightseeing tour during the 5 hour visit to the city.

Prices are subject to availability and inclusive of fuel surcharge. Credit card fee applies. Calls cost up to 10p per minute plus network extras. Terms & conditions apply, for details visit www.dfds.co.uk/terms

To book call the dedicated DFDS Groups team on 0871 882 0881.

MTB 22/02/2010

SILVERSEA TO HOST 2010 WORLD LEADERS SYMPOSIUM

Black Sea cruise on Silver Wind will feature Condi Rice in guest speaker role ...

The exclusive educational travel event from Moscow to Istanbul will also feature William J. Perry, Mikhail Gorbachev, luxurious accommodations, and customised excursions.

Building on the past success of World Leaders Symposium cruises in Asia and the Middle East, ultra-luxury Silversea will collaborate with San Francisco-based World Leaders Travel to host the 2010 Symposium.

The one-of-a-kind travel event from 30 August to 15 September, 2010, will include a 10-night cruise aboard the award-winning, all-suite Silver Wind and a range of specially arranged shore excursions in Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Turkey. In addition to former Secretary of State Rice, featured speakers include former Secretary of Defense William Perry, former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, and leading figures in fields ranging from technology and the U.S.-Russian space race to cultural history and global affairs.

Travel agents will be able to book through World Leaders Travel at their usual Silversea commission level -- just as if the agent booked directly with Silversea -- and the commission level will be applicable to the entire programme starting in Moscow and ending after the hotel stay in Istanbul.

Symposium sponsors include American Museum of Natural History Expeditions, Chautauqua Institution, Foreign Affairs magazine, Harvard Alumni Association Travels, Princeton Journeys, Alumnae Association of Smith College, Smithsonian Journeys, and Yale Educational Travel.

For pricing information, a detailed brochure, or to book, agents should World Leaders Travel at (800) 395-3288, or visit WorldLeadersTravel.com/Silversea.

MTB 22/02/2010

FRED. OLSEN COUNTS DOWN TO BROCHURE LAUNCH!

2011 preview brochure out, 24 February ...

The countdown is under way to the launch of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 2011 Preview Brochure, which will include a wide selection of cruise durations and itineraries reaching ports of call far and wide, worldwide. The new programme also features less visited places, such as Korcula (Croatia), Sandane (Norway) and Ullapool in Scotland.

The programme will go on sale from 5.00pm on Wednesday 24 February, and all prices will be subject to availability and expiry upon the launch of the 1st edition 2011/12 brochure. File copies and bulk supplies of the preview programme are in the process of distribution and additional copies are available via www.tradegate.co.uk. The programme can also be downloaded via the Fred. Olsen Travel Agent Centre.

MTB 22/02/2010

IF ONLY ... AND EMIRATES PROMOTE £8000 EXTRAVAGANZA!

2010-02-08T04:13:00.000-08:00

Daily draw will see agents win up to £500 in Capital Bonds ...

For each booking made in February, If Only ... and Emirates are offering agents a daily chance to win a £100 Capital Bonds voucher; and each week there is a specially designated bonus day on which the prize is £500.

Terms and conditions apply, and any tax liability related to the draw lies with the recipient of the voucher. Bookings can be made with If Only ... on 0141 955 4000.

MTB 08/02/2010

Daily draw will see agents win up to £500 in Capital Bonds ...

For each booking made in February, If Only ... and Emirates are offering agents a daily chance to win a £100 Capital Bonds voucher; and each week there is a specially designated bonus day on which the prize is £500.

Terms and conditions apply, and any tax liability related to the draw lies with the recipient of the voucher. Bookings can be made with If Only ... on 0141 955 4000.

MTB 08/02/2010

SPAA Associate News

AF / KL WINS AT BUSINESS TRAVEL AWARDS

ABERDEEN AIRPORT UNVEILS MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT

NEW BARCELONA SERVICE FOR EDINBURGH AIRPORT

bmi TREASURE HUNT FOR 150 PAIRS OF FREE TICKETS

EMIRATES TO GO DOUBLE-DAILY FROM GLASGOW!

Flybe UPDATE ON VOIDED E-TICKETS

travelcube TO SELL CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW TICKETS ONLINE

ABERDEEN AIRPORT FLYING HIGH IN 2011

SILVERSEA RELOCATES TO NEW LONDON OFFICES

TRAVEL 2 ONLINE BOOKINGS SHIFT TO GALILEO

NEW NORWEGIAN AIR LINK UNDERLINE'S EDI'S ATTRACTIONS

EDINBURGH AIRPORT ANNOUNCES NEW SERVICES FOR SUMMER

AIRLINES AND SPAA IN TUNE ON PUNITIVE APD TAX

A NEW DAWN FOR VIRGIN GALACTIC ...

HOLIDAY TAXIS GETS BACK TO BUSINESS (TAXIS)

SILVERSEA ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS

SILVERSEA LAUNCHEST BIGGEST BRIDGE CRUISE PROGRAMME

BAA TO SELL EDINBURGH AIRPORT

SECOND CELEBRITY SHIP TO OPERATE FROM SOUTHAMPTON IN 2012

GLASGOW AIRPORT LAUNCHES NEWSLETTER

EDINBURGH AIRPORT ANNOUNCES NEW WINTER SERVICE

BRITISH AIRWAYS LAUNCHES 'JIGSAW LATINO'

EXPEDITION CRUISING SEMINARS FOR SILVERSEA AGENTS

SPAA TRAVEL AWARDS 2011 - EXCITING NEW CATEGORIES!

VIRGIN TRAINS IN WEST COAST MAINLINE RE-BID PROCESS

WENDY WU COMES TO SCOTLAND / SCOTLAND WELCOMES ICELANDAIR

SILVERSEA SHOWCASES SHIPS + EXPANDS LONDON OFFICE OPERATIONS

HAPAG LLOYD BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF EUROPA 2

TRAVELPORT RECRUITS FERGUSON AS REGIONAL DIRECTOR

IF ONLY ... OFFERS ALL-INCLUSIVE MAURITIUS!

LAST TWO TICKETS FOR RIHANNA UP FOR GRABS FROM DFDS!

... AND A NEW SERVICE TO MADRID FROM GLASGOW, TOO!

NEW SERVICE TO NORWAY FOR GLASGOW AIRPORT

SCOTTISH AIRPORTS PASSENGER NUMBERS GROW IN JULY

SILVERSEA PUBLISHES 2012 VOYAGES BROCHURE

bmi 'PUTS KIDS ON SALE' DURING AUGUST

Jet2 TO LAUNCH NEW DIRECT GLASGOW >< ROME SERVICE

ROYAL CARIBBEAN LAUNCHES ‘PACK MORE INTO YOUR HOLIDAY’ CAMPAIGN

Jet2holidays OFFERS 'TREATS + GOODIES'

SILVERSEA REVEALS 20 'GRAND VOYAGES' FOR 2012

GLASGOW SECURES DIRECT FLIGHT TO MADRID

SPAA MEMBERS VIEW 'THE WORLD'S BEST GRUISE SHIP' IN EDINBURGH

Flybe. UPDATE ON CHANGE FEES

HAPAG LLOYD ANNOUNCES FAMILY-FRIENDLY POLICY

RCI, CELEBRITY, AZAMARA HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT NAMES

FLYBE ACQUIRES FINNISH COMMUTER AIRLINES

SILVERSEA ANNOUNCES GLOBAL MANAGEMENT REORGANISATION

EDINBURGH AIRPORT VOTED 'BEST IN EUROPE'

HAPAG LLOYD'S REFURB OF MS HANSEATIC COMPLETED

bmi INTRODUCE NEW SERVICE TO AMRITSAR, INDIA

SILVERSEA CRUISES ADD MORE UK VOYAGES FOR 2012

THOMSON / FIRST CHOICE ADDS EX EDI CAPACITY FOR 2012

FIRST CHOICE TO BECOME THE UK ’S FIRST MAINSTREAM ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY COMPANY

ICELANDAIR TO FLY NONSTOP FROM GLASGOW TO ICELAND

Jet2.com INAUGURAL FLIGHT TAKES OFF AT GLASGOW AIRPORT

TC LISTEN TO FEEDBACK - EXTEND BOOKING CHANGE PERIOD

THOMAS COOK LAUNCHES NEW HOTEL FINDER

FLYBE SCOOPS TOP AWARD AT BUSINESS TRAVEL AWARDS

DFDS SEAWAYS OFFER VIP TICKETS TO 'TAKE THAT'

SILVERSEA LAUNCHES 8 NEW COOK SCHOOL VOYAGES

WIN A STAY AT ATLANTIS THE PALM, DUBAI WITH TRAVEL 2

CELEBRITY TO PRESENT MORE INDUSTRY FIRSTS ON SHIPS

DFDS OFFERS AGENTS SPECIAL MINI-CRUISE RATE

FLYBE UPDATE ON CALL CENTRE POLICIES

ASSOCIATE SALES BYTES : 13 DECEMBER 2010

You may have missed it, or you may want to refer back to it, or you may just want to print a copy; whatever, simply click on the SPAA Associate Member below to view your selected communication from the past couple of weeks!

CLASSIC COLLECTIONDFDS SEAWAYS FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES holiday autos IF ONLY ... NCL NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL SEASONS IN STYLESILVERSEA CRUISESSUPERBREAK THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

DFDS SEAWAYS FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES holiday autos IF ONLY ... NCL NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL SEASONS IN STYLESILVERSEA CRUISESSUPERBREAK THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES holiday autos IF ONLY ... NCL NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL SEASONS IN STYLESILVERSEA CRUISESSUPERBREAK THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

holiday autos IF ONLY ... NCL NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL SEASONS IN STYLESILVERSEA CRUISESSUPERBREAK THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

IF ONLY ... NCL NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL SEASONS IN STYLESILVERSEA CRUISESSUPERBREAK THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

NCL NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL SEASONS IN STYLESILVERSEA CRUISESSUPERBREAK THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL SEASONS IN STYLESILVERSEA CRUISESSUPERBREAK THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL SEASONS IN STYLESILVERSEA CRUISESSUPERBREAK THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

SEASONS IN STYLESILVERSEA CRUISESSUPERBREAK THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

SILVERSEA CRUISESSUPERBREAK THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

SUPERBREAK THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

THOMAS COOK TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

TRAVEL 2Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

CLASSIC COLLECTION

DFDS SEAWAYS

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES

holiday autos

IF ONLY ...

NCL

NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

SEASONS IN STYLE

SILVERSEA CRUISES

SUPERBREAK

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

DFDS SEAWAYS

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES

holiday autos

IF ONLY ...

NCL

NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

SEASONS IN STYLE

SILVERSEA CRUISES

SUPERBREAK

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES

holiday autos

IF ONLY ...

NCL

NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

SEASONS IN STYLE

SILVERSEA CRUISES

SUPERBREAK

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

holiday autos

IF ONLY ...

NCL

NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

SEASONS IN STYLE

SILVERSEA CRUISES

SUPERBREAK

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

IF ONLY ...

NCL

NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

SEASONS IN STYLE

SILVERSEA CRUISES

SUPERBREAK

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

NCL

NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

SEASONS IN STYLE

SILVERSEA CRUISES

SUPERBREAK

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

NEILSON SKI HOLIDAYS

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

SEASONS IN STYLE

SILVERSEA CRUISES

SUPERBREAK

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

SEASONS IN STYLE

SILVERSEA CRUISES

SUPERBREAK

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

SEASONS IN STYLE

SILVERSEA CRUISES

SUPERBREAK

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

SILVERSEA CRUISES

SUPERBREAK

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

SUPERBREAK

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

THOMAS COOK

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!

TRAVEL 2

Remember ... visit www.spaa.org Home Page often, for all the latest news!