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  • Focus: Oasis of the Seas is coming to Europe and Southampton!

    The world’s biggest cruise ship is coming to The Med in 2014, and you may now pre book your amazing Med cruise on Oasis of the Seas with Cruise1st.co.uk.

    On sale from Tuesday 9th April to Crown and Anchor members and on general sale on Thursday 11th April you’re able to pick from the ensuing cruise only prices:

    ‘Maiden’ sailing to the Mediterranean – 1st September 2014; 12nights – From £739pp
    Embark Oasis of the Seas in Fort Lauderdale and revel in the vast sort of facilities onboard before visiting Malaga, Spain then being welcomed to her ‘first’ European port Barcelona.

    ‘Maiden’ Western Mediterranean Delight – 13th ,18th September 2014; 5nights – From £599pp
    Sailing on 13th or 18th September, Embark Oasis of the Seas in Barcelona as she commences her ‘First Ever’ European sailings visiting Rome (Civitavecchia) and Naples before returning to Barcelona.

    ‘Maiden’ Spanish Medley – 23rd September 2014; 7nights – From £699pp
    Embark Oasis of the Seas in Barcelona as she bids farewell to this spectacular city then makes her maiden calls to the ports of Malaga and Vigo before arriving Rotterdam.

    Spectacular Southampton send off to the Caribbean – 15th October 2014; 12nights – From £729pp
    Embarking Oasis of the Seas in Southampton, you’re certain to be overwhelmed by the numerous people wishing her farewell as she sets sail on her ‘Maiden voyage’ voyage from Southampton as she sets sails for the hotter climes of the Caribbean.  Enroute she will be able to visit Nassau, Bahamas and Cozumel before arriving at her home port of Fort Lauderdale .

    Many of those sailings are expected to sell out with 72hrs, so don’t delay. For additional info or to book your cruise, visit: www.cruise1st.co.uk/cruises/oasis_of_the_seas.phtml

  • 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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  • DoubleTree by Hilton opens first hotel in South Africa

    Hilton Worldwide today announced the official opening of the primary DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in South Africa – the 183-room DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside.  Owned and operated by Upper Eastside Hotel (Pty) Ltd under a franchise license agreement, the newly renovated, upscale full-service property is found in Cape Town’s upcoming district of Woodstock, a dynamic area that is home to an abundance of stylish art galleries, boutiques, music bars and classy restaurants. The hotel becomes the fifth Hilton Worldwide property in South Africa and the third DoubleTree by Hilton in Africa.

    John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton said, “I am delighted we’re making our debut in South Africa in such an inspiring location and with a property in order to both impress and enjoyment.  The newly upgraded DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside offers superb facilities in a city so as to help to increase our commitment to welcome the world’s travellers to key destinations.”

    Accommodation ranges from executive rooms and suites to luxury, two-storey duplex loft rooms located at the penthouse floor with panoramic views of the city’s best known landmarks. With both business and leisure guests in mind, DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside offers a variety of amenities, including nine meeting rooms, a 350 -capacity function room and 24-hour fitness and business centres. Discerning guests could also enjoy Liberty’s Restaurant with its seasonal á la carte fusion-style menu created by executive chef Simon Kemp. Kemp is renowned for his professional creativity and a focus to detail. Guests and locals who like to unwind can visit the eStreet Bar and Lounge, that’s open for cocktails and drinks every evening until 1am, with live entertainment on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa said, “Today’s opening is an important milestone for Hilton Worldwide as we underline our commitment to tourism development in South Africa and broaden visitor choice by bringing our third brand and our fifth hotel to this growing market.  Cape Town, particularly, is an award winning city of adventure, gastronomy and cultural attractions and currently one of the popular destination resorts in Africa.”

    Guests of DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside will benefit from the characteristic features of greater than 330 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 28 countries all over the world including a warm welcome for each guest at check-in with the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie, an array of upscale amenities and guest services, rewards from the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme, and a special and committed culture of care. Gold and Diamond HHonors members also will receive complimentary breakfast and high speed internet access.

    Mike Flax, chairman of higher Eastside Hotel (Pty) Ltd, owners and operators of the converted hotel said: “The city’s status as a pretty tourism and events hub is becoming globally recognised and the hole of DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside might help meet the growing demand for first-class, branded accommodation.”

    Positioned on the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is among the greatest tourist destinations for travellers to the Continent.  Often known as the ‘Mother City’, Cape Town is a celebrated wine-making region and boasts world famous landmarks equivalent to Table Mountain and Cape Point.  Town also is a prime MICE destination playing host to various festivals and events including high profile conventions along with the arena Economic Forum in May 2013 and the Design Capital Exhibition in 2014.  Leisure travellers will note the distinguished 2012 World Travel honour awarded to town as Africa’s Leading Beach Destination.

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  • News: Marriott’s Autograph Collection makes UK debut

    The Autograph Collection, Marriott International’s portfolio of upscale, independent hotels is expanding in Europe with the introduction of 2 new travel experiences this spring. Threadneedles, within the heart of London’s financial district, and The Glasshouse in central Edinburgh, Scotland, will represent the Autograph Collection’s first hotels within the Uk.

    The additions are set to expand the exclusive portfolio of upscale, independent lifestyle hotels to incorporate greater than 40 hotel experiences within the America, Europe, Caribbean, and South America.

    “This is a thrilling time for the Autograph Collection in Europe as we add experiences in two of the United Kingdom’s primary destinations,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe. “Autograph Collection offers an enviable range of artistic, culinary and cultural adventures for our guests and these two iconic hotels might be valuable additions. “

    The Autograph Collection currently offers lots of passionately independent hotel experiences throughout Europe, including the spectacular Fontecruz Lisboa Hotel in Portugal, Hotel De Bourgtheroulde inside the historic city of Rouen and the Hotel L’Hermitage Gantois in Lille. Last month, the Autograph Collection revealed its entree into Germany with the hole later this year of the Hotel am Steinplatz, routinely recognized as considered one of Berlin’s most iconic gathering places.

    The vision behind the Autograph Collection is to present an evolving group of independent, upscale hotels that every fall under distinct categories of travel experience including Culinary Delight, Artistic Getaway, Historic Exploration or Sporting Adventure.

    Each independent hotel is thoughtfully chosen for its quality, originality, bold character and capacity to provide guests more than a few unique and unexpected experiences suited for their individual sense of fashion and adventure.

  • 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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