My Holiday Expert

Duration: 7 nights

Costa Cruises’ newest ship, Costa Deliziosa, was launched in Dubai this week, and tourism chiefs hope it will propel the emirate’s cruising arrivals to over 500,000 in the next few years.

The ceremony (pictured) took place in front of 3,000 guests, including members of Dubai’s royal family and the ship’s 2,200 passengers. It coincided with the opening of the emirate’s new cruise terminal, which will handle 125 cruise ship calls and 325,000 passengers this year.

Hamad bin Mejren, executive director of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, described Costa’s decision to base two of its ships at Dubai this winter as a “shot in the arm” for the regional cruise industry.

With Royal Caribbean International also basing a ship there this winter, the emirate’s cruise industry is set to continue its growth.

“In 2001, we had 7,000 cruise passengers,” said bin Mejren. “Last year, we had 263,000 passengers and 80 cruise ship calls. By 2015, we expect more than 195 cruise ship calls with 575,000 passengers.”

Costa chairman and chief executive Pier Luigi Foschi underlined the company’s own growth. “We were the first company in the world to offer regular cruises from Dubai in 2006, when we carried 44,000 people. This year, it will be 150,000,” he said.

He also highlighted Costa’s new Red Sea cruises next year and its first world cruise for many years, which is planned for December 2011 and is already more than 30% sold.

Duration: 14 Nights 

Fancy a trip with a difference, at the moment this will only be available to millionaires, but in the future you could be joining them!

Self-catering tour operator Hoseasons has been sold to the parent of rival Holiday Cottages Group Wyndham Exchange and Rentals for £51 million.

The deal ends months of speculation about a buyer for Hoseasons which was put up for sale by its owner HgCapital last year.

The agreement is subject to agreement by the Financial Services Authority

Roger Mountford, chairman of HgCapital Trust, the listed investment vehicle of HgCapital, said: "This is another successful investment by HgCapital that has created value for our shareholders.

"The team at HgCapital has worked closely with Hoseasons’ talented management, led by its chief executive Richard Carrick, to transform this long-established business, with excellent results. We wish the company well with its new owners.”

Carrick added: “I would like to thank HgCapital for the help and support they have given Hoseasons over a number of years. We very much look forward to taking our business forward with Wyndham."

Hoseasons said last year the company sold more than 300,000 self-catering holidays to one million customers.

HgCapital Trust’s holding in Hoseasons had a book value at 31 December 2009 of £2.5 million, based on the directors’ valuation.

On completion of the sale, the Trust will realise estimated cash proceeds of £5.1 million, a multiple in excess of 2 times the book value of the investment and 2.3 times original cost.

source: http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/

From £1489

0182 347 8305

Eurostar trains between the UK and Brussels will be delayed for at least another week.

The service was suspended after 18 people died in a crash near Brussels last week, and will not reopen until March 2 at the earliest.

Eurostar is exploring alternative routes that could see passengers travelling on suburban commuter lines.

They are also running a coach shuttle service between Lille and Brussels.

Trains between London and Paris are still running normally, although there is a reduced timetable between the UK and Lille.

News of the disruption comes after the latest breakdown for the cross-channel service left hundreds of people stranded in darkness.

The Paris to London service broke down near Ashford at 10.45pm on Sunday after a “major technical problem.”

A rescue train carrying the 740 passengers arrived at St Pancras just after 2.30am, a delay of almost five hours.

Investigations are continuing into the cause of the breakdown.

Sue has always been such a pleasure to deal with, from booking our first trip to Venice with her to our latest holiday in Turkey, the details have been perfect. Sue has always spent the time making sure that she matches us with the best hotel for our tastes, so thank you Sue!

-Mr and Mrs Murawicki, Somerset

Jordan has enjoyed a boom in UK visitors so far this year with January arrivals up by around 77% compared to the same month in 2009.

The destination welcomed 6,300 visitors from the UK last month compared to 3,500 in January 2009. This increase comes on the back of a successful 2009 when UK numbers rose by 3% to 63,000 despite the recession.

The growth is reward for the proactive approach of Jordan Tourism Board’s UK office which ran a series of fam trips, agent training and marketing initiatives during 2009.

Earlier this month the tourist board took six luxury agents on the ttgluxury Experience to Jordan, to discover the best the country has to offer. The agents stayed in three hotels and visited Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. You can read the full coverage of the trip in the Spring issue of ttgluxury, out in March.

JTB country manager for UK and Ireland David Symes said: “We have considerably increased our travel trade budget this year to drive business to Jordan through tour operators and travel agents.

“With such promising figures so early in the year, we are confident that visitor numbers to Jordan will show a month on month increase over 2009 figures throughout 2010.”

Rating: 3 star

Manchester airport has beefed up the security team that operates its body scanners following the government’s decision to make the safety procedure mandatory.

The airport now employs six staff instead of four to operate the machine in Terminal Two. The move is designed to ensure any passengers who are concerned about the technology can be reassured of its safety and their privacy.

Spokesman Russell Craig said up to 500 passengers — about 5% of the terminal’s total daily footfall — were now screened each day, after the government made the safety measure mandatory at both Manchester and Heathrow airports on February 1.

“To date we’ve had no refusals from passengers,” said Craig.

“We’ve had the additional staff helping out so when people say they’re a bit worried, rather than just march them out of the building we can talk to them about it, show them the process and allay a lot of their fears.

A singles specialist tour operator is launching its first stand-alone all-inclusive programme for 2010.

Just You head of sales Colin Wilson said the new programme features properties in 10 countries, including Cuba, Greece, Kenya and Turkey.

Eight-day all-inclusive breaks include a tour manager and at least one excursion, with prices leading in at £599 for holidays in either Kusadi, Turkey, or the Black Sea Riviera in Bulgaria.

Wilson said: “The number of single travellers is increasing rapidly every year, as is the demand for all-inclusive holidays. However, there has never before been a stand-alone brochure that successfully combines the two markets.

"We have a very high rate of loyal customers who, having experienced a Just You holiday, tend to come back year after year. Therefore there is a need to develop and expand the destinations and types of tours that we sell.”

source: http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/

 

0182 347 8305

A cruise in the Caribbean islands is a picture-perfect paradise combining white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, sparkling turquoise waters, tropical climates, and breathtaking sunsets. Popular destinations for Caribbean cruises include: the pretty coral island of Barbados with its British-style seaside towns, cricket games and colonial architecture; the verdant island of St Lucia with its lush mountains and dense rainforests; the stunning 870-mile golden coastline of the Dominican Republic; the 365 beaches of Antigua with its world-class scuba diving and evening entertainment; and the natural beauty of Tobago with its abundance of wildlife and traditional fishing villages.

Caribbean cruises offer an abundance of activities. Scuba diving and snorkelling are particularly popular, as the warm, crystal-clear waters are home to untouched coral reefs teeming with marine life. Swimming with dolphins is something most people only dream of, but a Caribbean cruise offers this experience of a lifetime. The islands also boast world-class championship golf courses. Sailing is massively popular, and tourists can hire sailboats and catamarans.

Caribbean cruises also feature a range of on-land excursions, including exploring ancient cities and busy ports, browsing local markets for souvenirs, and visiting an abundance of historic museums and monuments. Caribbean cuisine features curried meat dishes, freshly caught seafood, and delicious desserts with coconut, vanilla and fruit. Nightlife in the Caribbean offers something for everyone, with numerous chilled-out beach bars, rum punch, breathtaking sunsets, relaxing reggae rhythms, live shows, glitzy casinos and late night drinking and dancing.

Description:

Gatwick chairman Sir David Rowlands has denied the airport will build a second runway, the BBC has reported.

He made the pledge in a meeting with members of the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, saying there was “not a shred of interest” in the controversial proposal.

He argued it was neither part of the government or the airport’s policy plans while it could cost up to £200 million to make the planning application, which is not guaranteed to succeed.

Gatwick is now owned by US investment fund Global Infrastructure Partners after it was acquired from BAA in December 2009.

After a £100 million investment, British Airways put its new First cabin into service this week on a Boeing 777 flight to Chicago.

The introduction of personal electronic blinds is a first for a commercial airline. In general, its design dates back to 1920s luxury travel with features including leather-bound writing desks and personal wardrobes.

British Airways’ head of customer experience Mark Hassell, said: “We have contemporised First and created an intimate private jet experience onboard.”

The bed is 60% wider at shoulder-height than the old model and can be adjusted by precision controls. Each suite includes a buddy seat so that couples may dine together as well as a 15” inflight entertainment screen.

Adjustable mood lighting works in connection with the new cabin crew service style that gives passengers freedom to eat, sleep, or work when they want.

source: http://www.ttglive.com/

 

Duration: 14 nights

 

From £78

0182 347 8305

" I have booked many holidays through Sue and always been happy with the service, prices and the extra mile that she always goes. I don't hesitate to recommend her to friends for their holidays and always find it a pleasure dealing with her"

Hays Travel offers thousands of discount hotels in leading destinations around the world. We have a wide choice of hotel deals to choose from, including luxurious five-star properties, all-inclusive resorts, self-catering apartments, as well as full board and half board options.

Or if  cannot find what you need or need help and suggestions then contact me where I can offer you friendly advice and deals.

Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast

Reference No: 428117-HAY

Deal Ref: 177722

Depart: Heathrow

Destination: Sri Lanka

Dates / Times: Departing 04/03/2010

Returning 17/03/2010

Duration: 13 nights

Rating: 4 Star

Room Type: Twin

Staying In: The Blue Water

Board Basis: 4* All Inclusive

Description: A terracotta-topped hotel that hugs the coastline, this place couldn't be in a better spot. Set beneath lofty palms, it serves up great sea views and puts you just footsteps from the sands.

But it'll probably be the pool that catches your eye first. It's a huge affair that sweeps round the hotel. Add sunloungers, parasols and manicured lawns and it's a great alternative to The Beach.

As for the hotel itself, it's a contemporary affair. Water plays a big part, with stepping stones across shallow waters outside, and small ponds and water features inside.

Bedrooms have a Zen-like feel with cool whitewashed walls. And they're all kitted out with big, comfy beds, chunky wooden furniture and rugs on tiled floors. Add mod-cons like satellite TVs and air-conditioning plus your own balcony or terrace and they're great little hideaways.

Location:

About 65km and a 2 hour 15min/3 hour drive, to Katunayake and Bandaranaike International Airport.

Facilities:

A La Carte Meals, Air Conditioning, Badminton, Bath, Beauty Salon, Billiards, Ceiling Fan, Cocktail Party, Coffee Shop, Daytime/Evening Entertainment, Dining Area, Direct Dial Telephone, Disco, Double bed, Entertainment Programme, Fitness Center, Fridge, Gift Shop, Golf Course, Gym, Hair Dressing Salon, Hair Dryer, Kayaking, King Size Bed, Live Entertainment, Lounge Area, Mini-Bar, Pool Bar, Restaurant, Safety Deposit Box, Sailing, Satellite TV, Sauna, Sea View, Shops, Snorkelling, Soft Drinks, Spa, Squash, Swimming Pool, Table Tennis, Tea & Coffee making facilities, Tennis Courts, Terrace, Themed Nights, TV, Whirlpool, Wi-Fi, Wind Surfing. 

Based on 2 sharing

Prices quoted are per person and based on maximum occupancy...

To book this offer, note reference number and call...

0182 347 8305

Offers are subject to availability.

29th April 2010, Queen Victoria

4 nights, full board, Sailing from Southampton to Le Havre, Rotterdam, Bruges or Brussels, Southampton

About Queen Victoria

December 2007 saw a new Queen join the Cunard fleet, Queen Victoria, the second largest Cunarder ever built. For the first time in 168 years, three Queens sail together under the Cunard banner.

Distinguished by her red and black livery, Queen Victoria is a true Cunarder proudly upholding our famous heritage and traditions. She was ceremoniously named, by royalty, in her home port of Southampton on 10 December 2007.

Her interiors are warmly reminiscent of a more gracious era, with a dramatic three-tiered Grand Lobby and sumptuous marble, wood, plush carpets, rich fabrics and soft furnishings that simply exude elegance.

Prices quoted are per person and based on maximum occupancy...

To book this offer, note reference number and call...

01823 478305

Offers are subject to availability.

The travel trade may have rescued Britain’s medal hopes for the Winter Olympics after raising over £5,000 for urgently-needed snow sports coaching in Vancouver.

Norfolkline Ferries and Crystal Ski were among the operators to donate money when the collapse of the British Ski and Snowboard Federation earlier this month meant skier Chemmy Alcott, 16th in the world, would be without her trainer for the competition next weekend.

Peter Stratton, commercial director of Snowsport England, said: “We couldn’t stand by and see one of the most impressive British squads for many years having to prepare and compete without the support of their coaches”.

Erna Low, Peak Retreats, Ski Verbier, and Holiday Extras all contributed when called upon.

The British Olympic Association has confirmed that two coaches will now meet Alcott and her thirteen teammates in Vancouver.

source: http://www.ttglive.com/

Eurostar has been criticised for its handling of the transport chaos caused by the breakdown of five trains in the Channel Tunnel.

The breakdown of six Eurostar trains because of snow in December left 2,500 passengers stuck in the Channel Tunnel. Passengers had to endure overflowing toilets on trains and cold and darkness for hours on end. A further 100,000 passengers were stranded because of delays.

An independent report accused the train operator of poor maintenance and not being prepared to cope with breakdowns. It said the high-speed train operator had to improvise and its “provision of information to customers was inadequate”.

The report’s authors, former GNER East Coast Main Line rail boss Christopher Garnett and French transport expert Claude Gressie, made 20 recommendations.

They said: “This incident caused some passengers distress and others enormous disruption to their holiday plans at a critical time. We believe there are three lessons to be learned.

“First, passengers need to be assured that the Eurostar trains are reliable, and so improvements need to be made in this area as a priority.

“Second, if a train breaks down and passengers have to be rescued or evacuated, this must be done with greater speed and consideration, and more comprehensive emergency plans should be put in place.

“Third, in an emergency, passengers need to have prompt information and regular updates. Eurostar must improve the way it communicates with passengers and put in place new systems and practices to achieve that.”

Eurostar said it accepted the conclusions and was sorry for letting customers down.

Source: http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/

Prices quoted are per person and based on maximum occupancy...