NEW FORMAT FOR SUPERBREAK OFFERS

Wendy Cameron's weekly offers have been given a new  look - see this week's edition of SPAA Today - and she is asking for feedback  on  the  look  and  feel  of the update.

For the best idea, the prize will be a BOX OF CHOCOLATES or a BOTTLE OF WINE.

Superbreak also turns 30 this year and, says Wendy, "... we have been supporting the travel trade for each of those 30 years!"


LOVE SUPERBREAK? Join Superbreak on Facebook 'Superbreak for Travel Agents' to Win Prizes.

ALSO ON TWITTER! Follow Superbreak now @superbreakagent for exclusive Twitter competitions.

MTB 25/01/2013

NEW PASSENGER SALES STRUCTURE FOR DFDS

DFDS Seaways has introduced a new UK passenger organisation that will be responsible for all passenger sales for DFDS Seaways’ four ferry routes on the English Channel, as well as the passenger routes from Newcastle to Amsterdam and Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark).

The new UK sales organisation will be headed by Max Foster, who has previously been heading DFDS Seaways’ joint passenger sales organisation in Germany.

The management restructure will mean that DFDS Seaways will be represented by one single UK sales organisation for all six UK routes, instead of the two organisations that previously existed.

Max Foster, Passenger Director: “The purpose of merging the two current organisations into one is to achieve stronger visibility and make it easier for our customers to find us, and from a trade perspective, make it easier for trade accounts to book with us and work with us. Trade accounts will now just have one contact point at DFDS Seaways covering all 6 routes in the UK.”

Long serving passenger shipping directors John Crummie (Newcastle) and Chris Newey (Dover) have left the company to pursue opportunities outside the group.

Peder Gellert Pedersen, Executive Vice President and head of DFDS’ Shipping Division said:  “Chris and John’s contribution to DFDS Seaways can hardly be overrated. We are grateful for their extremely important contribution to the success on our Channel and North Sea routes and naturally we respect their decision and wish them all the best in their future careers.”

DFDS Seaways was named the World Travel Awards’ ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ in late 2012, as well as Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator a few months prior to that. The company also launched a new cross-channel ferry service from Dover-Calais in partnership with LD lines in July last year.

MTB 19/01/2013

AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS LAUNCHES GUERNSEY FROM GLASGOW

Guernsey is now within hopping distance from Glasgow, thanks to a new weekly flight from Airways Holidays, part of the Channel Islands Travel Group.

Stepping off the plane 2 hour’s after take-off, things are immediately different. No airport chaos, no queues. There are no exchange rates to worry about ensuring value for money with a range of accommodation and dining opportunities to suit all budgets.

Guernsey has a rich heritage to explore ranging from Neolithic tombs to 17th century privateering and more recently five years of occupation during World War II by Nazi Forces. The island offers fascinating museums all within easy travelling distance, a picturesque capital town, beautiful beaches, stunning cliff and coastal views as well as plenty of walking, cycling and outdoor activity opportunities.

Measuring 24 square miles, Guernsey is located 75 miles south of mainland Britain and 27 miles from the north coast of France, yet feels a million miles from home – in more ways than one. A stylish fusion of French and British yet its own ruling government, traditional values and ancient customs (many still preserved today), Guernsey has its priorities in check and this is palpable wherever you go. The island issues its own bank notes but currency is sterling so visitors can make the most of the pound for pound situation.

There is a wealth of things to see and do for your customers and Two Centre Holidays are a great option from Guernsey as the other islands easily accessible. Day trips or longer stays can be taken to the sister islands of Herm, Sark and Alderney – all offering different scenery and experiences.

Airways Holidays have operated Channel Island flights for many years from Scotland and are keen to work with the trade to promote this new route. Agent incentives, marketing support and Travel Agent Discount Codes are in place to help support local trade.

To check availability or book visit www.airwaysholidays.com or call 0844 415 6651

For Guernsey destination information visit www.visitguernsey.com

MTB 19/01/2013

SILVERSEA INTRODUCES NEW SAMPLER CRUISES

Silversea Cruises, the leading cruise operator renowned for its ultra-luxurious ships and exotic destinations, has announced 8 new short voyage cruises for 2013.

Ranging from 4 to 7 days, these shorter cruises start from £1,040 and are the ideal sampler cruise for those wishing to experience either cruising or Silversea for the first time. The cruises include highlights of the Mediterranean and Northern Europe and are available to book now via the Silversea website (www.silversea.com).

The short voyage cruises include:

Voyage 2307 B – 11th March for 5 days sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona. Full voyage calls at Lisbon, Malaga, Cartagena, Valencia and Barcelona. Prices start from £1,190 per person based on cruise only.

Voyage 2307 C – 16th March for 4 days sailing from Barcelona to Civitavecchia, (Rome). Full voyage calls at Barcelona, Monte Carlo (overnight), Livorno and Civitavecchia (Rome). Prices start from £1,040 per person based on cruise only.

Voyage 5309 B – 16th April for 7 days sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona. Full voyage calls at Lisbon, Portimao, Cadiz, Malaga, Ibiza, Valencia and Barcelona. Prices start from £1,960 per person based on cruise only.

Voyage 2314 A – 14th May for 4 days sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Monte Carlo. Full voyage calls at Civitavecchia (Rome), Bonifacio, Calvi, Livorno and Monte Carlo. Prices start from £1,150 per person based on cruise only.

Voyage 2314 B – 18th May for 5 days sailing from Monte Carlo to Barcelona. Full voyage calls at Monte Carlo, Soller De Majorca, Ibiza, Valencia and Barcelona. Prices start from £1,570 per person based on cruise only.

Voyage 5314 B – 25th May for 7 days sailing from Piraeus, Athens to Civitavecchia, Rome. Full voyage calls at Piraeus (Athens), Katakolon (Olympia), Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Sorrento and Civitavecchia (Rome). Prices start from £1,960 per person based on cruise only.

Voyage 1318 A – 9th June for 6 days sailing from Southampton to Hamburg. Full voyage calls at Southampton, Honfleur, Ostende, Antwerp (overnight) and Hamburg. Prices start from £1,610 per person based on cruise only.

Voyage 1318 B – 15th June for 4 days sailing from Hamburg to Copenhagen. Full voyage calls at Hamburg (overnight), Kiel Canal, Warnemunde (Rostock), Helsingborg and Copenhagen (overnight). Prices start from £1,120 per person based on cruise only.

For more information visit www.silversea.com

MTB 12/01/13

GLASGOW AIRPORT ENJOYS BUSIEST YEAR SINCE 2009

Passenger numbers up 4.2% in 2012 / December traffic up 4.3%

Glasgow Airport enjoyed its busiest year since 2009 with almost 7.2 million passengers travelling through the airport in 2012, representing an annual increase of 4.2%.

Much of the growth can be attributed to the airport’s success in introducing a host of news routes and services including direct flights to Amsterdam, Barcelona and Rome, which contributed to a strong demand for international travel. Domestic and international traffic for 2012 was up 2.1% and 6.4% respectively.

The growth in the annual figure was mirrored in December’s performance which saw passenger numbers increase by 4.3% compared to the same month in 2011. Glasgow Airport served almost 440,000 passengers in December, with long haul services up a staggering 21%.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “We worked extremely hard throughout 2012 against a backdrop of continued economic uncertainty, to expand our route network and provide passengers with greater choice. We had considerable success in attracting services such as Emirates’ second daily flight to Dubai, which not only encouraged more people to fly to and from Glasgow but helped strengthen Scotland’s connectivity with important global markets.

“Whilst we are extremely encouraged at having exceeded the seven million mark, the current economic outlook is a cause for concern as are the planned increases in Air Passenger Duty (APD), which will come into effect following the budget in March. However, we remain committed to working with our city partners throughout 2013 to secure further routes and boost the in-bound tourism potential of Glasgow.”

MTB 12/01/2013

CLASSIC COLLECTION OFFERS AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS

Classic Collection Holidays has announced a new incentive for clients, on holidays booked during January 2013.

"Allow your customers to start their next holiday in style with a complimentary UK airport lounge pass from Classic Collection Holidays. A great way to avoid the crowds and relax with complimentary drinks and newspapers in an exclusive airport lounge, until it is time for their flight. Complimentary airport lounge passes for all passengers are included on all winter and summer 2013 holidays booked during January through Classic Collection Holidays.

All of our holidays automatically include either private transfers or car hire from the arrival airport to the hotel, allowing guests to arrive feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy their holiday.

To book call our knowledgeable reservations team on Freephone 0800 008 7299!"

MTB 06/01/2013

bmi Regional MARKS EXPANSION WITH SEAT SALE

bmi regional, the UK’s most punctual airline, has announced its first major seat sale since becoming independent by releasing over 100,000 seats priced from £39.99 across the carrier’s extensive UK and European network. The seats, which will be available for sale until January 18th, are available for travel from February 1.

Purchased from IAG in May 2012, bmi regional embarked on a six month programme of transition to establish itself as an independent airline and put in place all the necessary support structures which have seen the creation of over 40 additional jobs, the launch of four new routes and the establishment of a new call centre and headquarters at East Midlands Airport.

Chief Executive Cathal O'Connell said: “It has been a very busy time since the takeover with our focus firmly on ensuring it was as seamless a transition as possible for the organisation and our customers. We have invested significantly in the business with a view to positioning it for growth going forward. Not only have we retained the service levels that people expect from the iconic bmi regional name, but I am delighted that we are in the position of being able to thank our loyal customers – and introduce ourselves to many more - by committing to the biggest sale in the airline’s history.

“We have a super product to offer on our Embraer jet services - including a free 20kg baggage allowance and  complimentary on board catering – and with flights to major cities all included in the sale, we are sure customers who experience the bmi regional difference will be impressed with the convenience, product and service”.

Operating over 350 flights a week, the sale fares cover flights from Aberdeen, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford and Manchester to cities including Antwerp, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Lyon and Zurich. Prices for UK domestic routes start at £39.99 with international services from £49.99. All sale fares must be booked by 18 January 2013, and are valid for travel from 1 February until 31 December 2013.

bmi regional operates a fleet of 18 Embraer ERJ 145 and ERJ 135 jets. Operating over 350 flights a week, the company is committed to retaining the airline’s iconic brand values and high levels of service which include check-in up to 30 minutes prior to departure, check-in options plus seat selection, 20kg hold baggage allowance and complimentary catering onboard.

For more information visit www.bmiregional.com

MTB 06/01/2013