Best Holiday Lettings

Category: Holidays

  • Middle earth top spot for tourists

    The famous ‘filmscapes’ of Middle-earth which feature in Sir Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey have played a number one role in boosting tourism to New Zealand, in line with new figures.

    A 10 per cent increase in international visitors from January through to April compared with the identical period last year shows the impact The Hobbit is having on increased motivation and arrivals, says Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler.

    Survey results show 8.5 per cent of tourists cited The Hobbit as a explanation for their visit and 13 per cent took part in some sort of hobbit-themed tourism corresponding to visiting a movie set.

    100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand
    Tourism New Zealand’s investment in marketing New Zealand’s association with The Hobbit Trilogy was paying off, said Bowler.
    “Information gathered from three separate research sources is de facto beginning to present a favorable picture for the rustic because of The Hobbit Trilogy and our 100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand campaign.

    The results coincide with the discharge of the trailer for Film 2 – The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – which features additional New Zealand landscapes and holds some surprises for fans, in accordance with filmmakers. The movie will premiere in L. a. this coming December.

    The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
    When the primary instalment within the trilogy, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey premiered in Wellington on 28 November last year, the eyes of the movie world were on New Zealand.

    Around 100,000 fans turned out to work out the film stars walk the red carpet and greater than 200 international media covered the highly-anticipated event. Film one earned just a little over $1 billion on the box office. The DVD of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which included a unique feature of the solid on location in New Zealand during filming, sold nearly 1000000 copies throughout the first week on sale.

    Filming passed off over 10 weeks in 40 locations throughout New Zealand for The Hobbit Trilogy and visitors can experience the fact of the locations through numerous different experiences – from visiting the particular film set of Hobbiton to canoeing down the river where the ‘dwarves in barrels’ scene was shot.

    Middle-earth monitoring
    Fan interest in Middle-earth was monitored by Tourism New Zealand because the launch of the 100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand campaign in August 2012.

    Tourism New Zealand questioned ‘Active Considerers’ in seven key markets and 82 per cent of these who responded said the center-earth campaign increased their interest in New Zealand, and 73 per cent stated it improved their opinions of recent Zealand.

    As well because the 10% increase in overall visitors, holiday arrivals from america, a key target audience for the center-earth campaign, were up 23 per cent at the same period last year, said Bowler.

    “This increase in holiday arrivals perfectly coincides with the discharge of the primary Hobbit film and a major increase in our efforts to advertise New Zealand as a vacation destination off the back of it.”

    He said the target of Tourism New Zealand’s Middle-earth marketing was to offer additional motivation and reason to transform potential travellers’ interest in New Zealand, into a real booking. “And it’s working!” says Bowler.

    Spectacular landscapes and scenery
    The most dominant reason to think of a trip to New Zealand remains “spectacular landscapes and scenery” which was referenced by 46.7 per cent of surveyed visitors. The Hobbit rates alongside ‘getting lots on flights’ at 8.8 per cent, demonstrating the flexibility of the relationship between New Zealand and Middle Earth.

    13.2 per cent of international visitors over January to March took in a Hobbit experience while in New Zealand, including group tours specifically visiting film sites or visiting the Hobbiton movie set.

    Bowler says leveraging The Hobbit Trilogy continues to add heavily in Tourism New Zealand’s new three-year business plan with the continued use of the 100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand campaign with significant events being planned for the international premieres of flicks two and 3.

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  • Brand USA announces new agent training platform

    Brand USA, the official tourism marketing organisation for america of America, today announced the launch of a brand new online agent training program for the united kingdom and Ireland. The united states Discovery Program is an internet learning tool to enable the travel industry within the UK and Ireland to sell this land like never before.

    Housed at www.USADiscoveryProgram.co.uk, agents can find straightforward information on regions and U.S. states and territories, in addition to experiences and holiday themes to offer an holistic overview of the us as a destination and to enable cross-selling on all aspects of sales to the usa of America.

    Agents can take interactive quizzes to become USA Specialists, and receive award badges as a recognised qualification of experience. America Discovery Program aims to aid agents learn more in regards to the USA as a vacation destination, both relating to this vast and sundry country and it’s regions, states and territories, in addition to specialist holiday experiences, akin to winter sport, fly-drive and family holidays.

    The online learning environment allows agents complete flexibility within the course, learning of their own time, at their very own pace. There are five regional tests that must be completed before moving onto the specialist modules, that are more experience based. It’s when agents pass these quizzes that they become a USA Specialist, which includes a USA Fly-Drive Specialist or a USA Great Outdoors Specialist. This system has launched with three Specialist experience modules – Big City Buzz, the nice Outdoors and Winter Sports; over the arrival months further modules, including Foods and drinks, Music/Heritage/Culture, Fly-Drive, Coastal Escapes and Family can be added.

    The social side of the innovative platform can be of benefit to agents. America Discovery Program’s social functionality integrates with Facebook and Twitter, in addition to being a web forum where agents can become a part of a community, sharing knowledge, asking questions and interacting with their peers. Members may also be ready to enjoy exclusive live events and webinars with partners direct from the us. From video training sessions to live Q&As, there’ll always be something new to verify agents are kept modern with the most recent from the usa of America. Other perks of this system for agents include receiving invitations to wait exclusive events, roadshows and chances to take part in familiarisation trips to the us, equivalent to the logo USA Megafam.

    Through this system, Brand USA aims to boost awareness of the united states to frontline staff and to spotlight the range of holiday experiences, ensuring America is top of mind when speaking with customers. Brand USA’s objective in-market is to rekindle the holidaymakers’ love affair with America – reclaiming the USA’s share of the market and positioning the rustic as a various destination with near limitless experiences still to be explored. By highlighting the rustic as a fresh and unexpected destination, with welcoming and friendly locals, Brand USA’s intention is to advertise the U.S. because the world’s leading tourism destination for UK and Irish visitors.

    “We are incredibly excited to be launching this innovative and interactive online training course. We are hoping america Discovery Program will provide agents with the data and abilities had to sell the us more effectively to their customers,” said Chris Thompson, President and CEO, Brand USA. “By making a platform that permits Brand USA to chat on to the agents we are hoping to offer them a voice to deliver feedback on what they might find useful in future modules. This ever-evolving and developing program has vast opportunities for both agents and U.S. partners to have interaction, and we glance forward to working with them to give the support and tools they have to sell this land, like never before.”

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  • Brand USA launches new train program for UK & Ireland agents

    Brand USA, the official tourism marketing organization for the usa of America, announced the launch of a brand new online agent training program for the united kingdom & Ireland.

    The USA Discovery Program is a web learning tool to enable the travel industry within the UK & Ireland to sell this land like never before.

    Housed at USADiscoveryProgram.co.uk, agents can find straightforward information on regions and US states and territories, in addition to experiences and holiday themes to supply a holistic overview of america as a destination and to enable cross-selling on all aspects of sales to the united states.

    Agents can take interactive quizzes to become USA Specialists, and receive award badges as a recognized qualification of experience.

    The USA Discovery Program aims to assist agents learn more concerning the USA as a vacation destination, both relating to this vast and sundry country and it’s regions, states and territories, in addition to specialist holiday experiences, reminiscent of winter sport, fly-drive and family holidays.

    The online learning environment allows agents complete flexibility in the course of the course, learning of their own time, at their very own pace.

    There are five regional tests that should be completed before moving onto the specialist modules, that are more experience based.

    It is when agents pass these quizzes that they become a USA Specialist, which include a USA Fly-Drive Specialist or a USA Great Outdoors Specialist.

    The Program has launched with three Specialist experience modules – Big City Buzz, the comprehensive Outdoors and Winter Sports; over the approaching months further modules, including Foods and drinks, Music/Heritage/Culture, Fly-Drive, Coastal Escapes and Family can be added.

    The social side of the innovative platform can be of benefit to agents.

    The USA Discovery Program’s social functionality integrates with Facebook and Twitter, in addition to being a web-based forum where agents can become portion of a community, sharing knowledge, asking questions and interacting with their peers.

    Members may also be in a position to enjoy exclusive live events and webinars with partners direct from america. From video training sessions to live Q&As, there’ll always be something new to make certain agents are kept recent with the newest from the U.S. of America.

    Other perks of this system for agents include receiving invitations to wait exclusive events, roadshows and chances to take part in familiarization trips to the united states, including the emblem USA Megafam.

    Through this system, Brand USA aims to elevate awareness of the us to frontline staff and to focus on the variety of holiday experiences, ensuring America is top of mind when speaking with customers.

    Brand USA’s objective in-market is to rekindle the holidaymakers’ love affair with America – reclaiming the USA’s share of the market and positioning the rustic as a various destination with near limitless experiences still to be explored.

    By highlighting the rustic as a fresh and unexpected destination, with welcoming and friendly locals, Brand USA’s intention is to advertise the U.S. because the world’s leading tourism destination for UK and Irish visitors.

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  • UKTourism.co.uk reveals top destinations

    UKTourism.co.uk Reveals Top Destinations because it Confirms Two Thirds of Families Will ‘Staycation’ in 2013

    The ‘staycation’ is becoming an ever more popular option to enjoy the cheap-friendly holiday inside the UK, with two out of 3 families opting to explore the wonders of the British Isles as opposed to head for sunnier climes based on new research by UK Tourism. With rolling hills so far as the attention can see, pristine white beaches, dramatic cliffs and picturesque villages, Britain has something to supply to fit every family, and the pinnacle destinations are ever-fluctuating as families explore everything the united kingdom has to present.

    The Cotswolds are an enduringly popular visitor destination for those inside the UK who’ve never experienced the honey-coloured villages and the traditional stone of the hamlets dotted round the typical British countryside. The traditional cities of Gloucester, Cirencester, Stroud and Tewkesbury are renowned for being historic market towns, with quaint cobbled streets and country pubs, and there are quite a few historic houses, award-winning museums and a few of the leading wildlife attractions within the UK. Festival events and fetes occur in the course of the summer months, and with many of the most lovely and immaculately maintained cycling and walking routes within the country, the Cotswolds is without doubt one of the premier ‘staycation’ destinations for all families.

    The north coast of Wales is home to a few of Britain’s preferred holiday resorts. Sea views, fish and chip dinners and striped deck chairs take over the coastline in summer months, but there are a plethora of alternative activities to enjoy. Visit the Welsh Mountain Zoo for a wildlife experience like no other, or head to Conwy Castle for a dose of local history. The coastal towns of Llandudno, Rhyl and Colwyn Bay offer a quintessential British coast holiday that the teens are certain to love, and avid walkers should head inland to enjoy a mess of cycling paths, walking routes and outdoor pursuits in a number of the most picturesque countryside within the UK.

    Scenic rural Dorset is traditional England at its very finest, with hidden villages, miles of footpaths to enjoy and stunning cliff-side panoramas. Fans of nature and wildlife will find rare plants and butterflies here which can be seldom present in other regions, and history buffs can experience the various oldest fort ruins in England. Events just like the Great Dorset Steam Fair and the Wimborne Food Festival ensue each year and attract thousands of tourists, and the realm has a thriving arts and crafts community, with events occurring most weekends of the year.

    Ginna Clark CEO of UK Tourism said, “Our research shows that an increasing number of families are shunning sunshine breaks overseas this year in favour of exploring beautiful Great Britain. With a lot to present from gorgeous beaches and historic market towns to rolling countryside and bustling cities, there’s something for every person. Opting to holiday inside the UK also offers incredible value for money and there really is something for every person come rain or shine!”

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  • Madame Zingara’s electrifying season extended in Cape Town

    Madame Zingara have been charming audiences along with her Miracle Tour since her much anticipated return to the Cape in January this year.

    The unique show has continually evolved, introducing several new local and international acts through the run, making a re-energised body of labor.

    In the words of Richard Griffin, producer and managing director of Madame Zingara: “the Miracle Tour is possibly our greatest yet”.

    The experience begins from the instant guests speak with the girls in box-office who’re renowned for his or her exceptional service.

    On arrival on the tent, explore Victoria’s playground, snap an image with Miss Guided, have your tarot cards read, your face painted theatrically or adorn yourself on the Bijoux Boutique which offers a wild array of feather boas, masks, hats or jewellery.

    Once you could have transformed yourself prepare for an evening of glitzy escapism.

    A bouquet of talent choreographed by the formidable trio of Richard Griffin, Craig Leo and Valentina Love, lead guests to an international where they’re encouraged to go away their worries on the door for the night.

    Be enchanted by aerial trapeze acts, the seductive flexibility of contortionism and the hypnotic boleadora by brawny Argentinean’s and the disciplined art of high adrenaline juggling.

    Not to say The Specifics, the beautiful and dynamic vocal quartet with their energetic stage presence, who get both old and young on their feet.

    David Green, chief executive, V&A Waterfront said: “The central purpose of the V&A Waterfront has always been to give visitors a way of life experience, and a measure of our success on this regard was when the favored Madame Zingara chose to pitch their enchanting tent on our property.

    “Not only has the vibrant Theatre of Dreams added a thrilling new entertainment dimension to our after-dark offering, it has also attracted new footfall to our property, while thoroughly entertaining our existing visitors.

    “We are delighted that Madame Zingara has chosen to maintain their tent firmly pegged on the V&A Waterfront this winter.”

    Guests are served an equally astounding meal prepared lovingly by gourmet chefs.

    Madame Zingara has earned her stripes within the field of entertainment, captivating both national and international audiences.

    More Information

    The show runs nightly from Tuesday to Sunday.

    Tickets range from R385-1,250 per person, counting on seating area and packages. 

    For additional information visit the official website.