Thursday, 19 April 2012
Newyddion Cymru: A celebration of wild food and woodland is on the ...
Newyddion Cymru: A celebration of wild food and woodland is on the ...: Wild Garlic Festival Two captivating forests in the Black Mountains near Abergavenny, Wales, are to host a celebration of wood...
Newyddion Cymru: Stay in Style on the New Wales Coastal Path
Newyddion Cymru: Stay in Style on the New Wales Coastal Path: Walkers exploring the new Wales coastal path can choose from eco-cabins, yurts and boutique B & B...
Dream of Summer 2013 with Thomson
Dreamliner routes announced, more “Only From Thomson” holidays, New Sensatori Hotel
Thomson is excited to announce the launch of its Summer 2013 programme, with the latest editions of Thomson’s Florida, Summer Collection, and Faraway Shores brochures. The new brochures showcase the launch of the Thomson Airways 787 Dreamliner, more hotels offering exclusivity and unique holiday experiences, than ever before, plus new Sensatori and Thomson Couples hotels and new destination of Costa Almeria. Summer 2013 holidays will go on sale as of Thursday 26 April.“Summer 2013 is shaping up to be one of our most exciting launches ever,” says Garry Wilson, Purchasing and Product Director for Thomson.
“We are thrilled that our customers are going to be able to experience the benefits of travelling on the Dreamliner on our most popular long haul routes. We know that this addition to our fleet will set us apart from our competition and we’ll be able to give our customers the best possible start to their holidays.”
“In line with our strategy of offering customers holidays they cannot get elsewhere, we’ve been working to ensure that more hotels than ever are being offer exclusively by Thomson to our customers in the UK. This is the way the business has been taking for a few years, as we have found that when we are able to work more closely with hoteliers, we are able to tailor the hotels around our customers. I am confident that our customers will really appreciate this move, as it will mean that their hotels are more in tune with their needs and wants.”
NEW: THOMSON 787 DREAMLINER
Thomson Airways, the airline for Thomson and First Choice, is the UK’s first airline to take delivery of Boeing’s new 787 aircraft – the Dreamliner. From 1st May 2013, holidaymakers heading to Cancun, Mexico and Sanford, Florida from Manchester, London Gatwick, East Midlands and Glasgow will have the opportunity to travel on the brand-new aircraft.
Hailed as the greatest advance in air travel for passengers in recent years, the Dreamliner will revolutionise air travel for Thomson Airways customers through significant advances in in-flight comfort and wellbeing. The new Dreamliner routes will be included in the Florida and Faraway Shores brochures.
NEW: HOLIDAYS ONLY FROM THOMSON
From May 2013, 90% of Thomson’s holidays will be available Only from Thomson to UK customers. By increasing the number of properties offered exclusively by Thomson in the UK, we hope to be able to offer customers the best holidays in the market. The hotels have been handpicked by our product and purchasing teams, further to customer feedback, and Thomson will be working with hoteliers to ensure that all of our hotels are tailored exactly to our customers needs.
NEW: SENSATORI AND THOMSON COUPLES HOTELS
Due to popular demand Thomson can announce the latest addition to the Sensatori Collection, with the launch of Sensatori Turkey located in Sorgun. The brand-new beachfront hotel will have five a la carte restaurants, including a traditional Turkish restaurant and fine dining options, specially zoned adults and family zones, a beachside location and a world class spa. Prices start from £649pp
Thomson Couples is introducing six new hotels to its collection for Summer 2013. Thomson Couples has proved very popular amongst customers looking for adult only holidays, staying in chic, beachfront locations and offering real relaxation. The 4T Vilamendhoo Couples Resort & Spa, in the Maldives and the 5T RIU Palace Macao, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic will be the long haul additions to the programme. These properties will feature in the Faraway Shores brochure.
Closer to home, the 4T+ Iberotel Palace in Sharm el Sheikh, the 4T Los Gigantes in Tenerife, the 4T Medulin in Croatia, and 5T Atlantic Kalliston in Crete, have also become part of the Thomson Couples collection, due to their top dining scenes, contemporary style and great settings. Another first for Thomson Couples is the Couples Cruise, onboard the 4T Nile Legacy in Luxor. The luxury ship sails past the Niles iconic sights and will be bookable on a full board basis.
Thomson Family Resorts is also adding to its programme, introducing three new hotels. They include the 4T Golden Taurus Resort in Costa Brava which has non-stop activities and fantastic family facilities; the 4T Sirenis Club Aura in Ibiza, which is close to the beach and has its own splash park; and the 4T Coral Sea Aqua Club that has three swimming pools and an on-site waterpark. These mid and short haul properties will all feature in the Summer Collection brochure.
NEW DESTINATION: COSTA ALMERIA
Finally Thomson will be introducing the Mainland Spain destination of Costa Almeria to its Summer 2013 programme. Costa Almeria was chosen as destination thanks to its fantastic beaches, ideal for families. Thomson Airways will operate weekly flights from Manchester Airport throughout the summer season. The Costa Almeria programme will be featured in the Summer Collection brochure. Holidays will start from £485pp.
Thomson is excited to announce the launch of its Summer 2013 programme, with the latest editions of Thomson’s Florida, Summer Collection, and Faraway Shores brochures. The new brochures showcase the launch of the Thomson Airways 787 Dreamliner, more hotels offering exclusivity and unique holiday experiences, than ever before, plus new Sensatori and Thomson Couples hotels and new destination of Costa Almeria. Summer 2013 holidays will go on sale as of Thursday 26 April.“Summer 2013 is shaping up to be one of our most exciting launches ever,” says Garry Wilson, Purchasing and Product Director for Thomson.
“We are thrilled that our customers are going to be able to experience the benefits of travelling on the Dreamliner on our most popular long haul routes. We know that this addition to our fleet will set us apart from our competition and we’ll be able to give our customers the best possible start to their holidays.”
“In line with our strategy of offering customers holidays they cannot get elsewhere, we’ve been working to ensure that more hotels than ever are being offer exclusively by Thomson to our customers in the UK. This is the way the business has been taking for a few years, as we have found that when we are able to work more closely with hoteliers, we are able to tailor the hotels around our customers. I am confident that our customers will really appreciate this move, as it will mean that their hotels are more in tune with their needs and wants.”
NEW: THOMSON 787 DREAMLINER
Thomson Airways, the airline for Thomson and First Choice, is the UK’s first airline to take delivery of Boeing’s new 787 aircraft – the Dreamliner. From 1st May 2013, holidaymakers heading to Cancun, Mexico and Sanford, Florida from Manchester, London Gatwick, East Midlands and Glasgow will have the opportunity to travel on the brand-new aircraft.
Hailed as the greatest advance in air travel for passengers in recent years, the Dreamliner will revolutionise air travel for Thomson Airways customers through significant advances in in-flight comfort and wellbeing. The new Dreamliner routes will be included in the Florida and Faraway Shores brochures.
NEW: HOLIDAYS ONLY FROM THOMSON
From May 2013, 90% of Thomson’s holidays will be available Only from Thomson to UK customers. By increasing the number of properties offered exclusively by Thomson in the UK, we hope to be able to offer customers the best holidays in the market. The hotels have been handpicked by our product and purchasing teams, further to customer feedback, and Thomson will be working with hoteliers to ensure that all of our hotels are tailored exactly to our customers needs.
NEW: SENSATORI AND THOMSON COUPLES HOTELS
Due to popular demand Thomson can announce the latest addition to the Sensatori Collection, with the launch of Sensatori Turkey located in Sorgun. The brand-new beachfront hotel will have five a la carte restaurants, including a traditional Turkish restaurant and fine dining options, specially zoned adults and family zones, a beachside location and a world class spa. Prices start from £649pp
Thomson Couples is introducing six new hotels to its collection for Summer 2013. Thomson Couples has proved very popular amongst customers looking for adult only holidays, staying in chic, beachfront locations and offering real relaxation. The 4T Vilamendhoo Couples Resort & Spa, in the Maldives and the 5T RIU Palace Macao, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic will be the long haul additions to the programme. These properties will feature in the Faraway Shores brochure.
Closer to home, the 4T+ Iberotel Palace in Sharm el Sheikh, the 4T Los Gigantes in Tenerife, the 4T Medulin in Croatia, and 5T Atlantic Kalliston in Crete, have also become part of the Thomson Couples collection, due to their top dining scenes, contemporary style and great settings. Another first for Thomson Couples is the Couples Cruise, onboard the 4T Nile Legacy in Luxor. The luxury ship sails past the Niles iconic sights and will be bookable on a full board basis.
Thomson Family Resorts is also adding to its programme, introducing three new hotels. They include the 4T Golden Taurus Resort in Costa Brava which has non-stop activities and fantastic family facilities; the 4T Sirenis Club Aura in Ibiza, which is close to the beach and has its own splash park; and the 4T Coral Sea Aqua Club that has three swimming pools and an on-site waterpark. These mid and short haul properties will all feature in the Summer Collection brochure.
NEW DESTINATION: COSTA ALMERIA
Finally Thomson will be introducing the Mainland Spain destination of Costa Almeria to its Summer 2013 programme. Costa Almeria was chosen as destination thanks to its fantastic beaches, ideal for families. Thomson Airways will operate weekly flights from Manchester Airport throughout the summer season. The Costa Almeria programme will be featured in the Summer Collection brochure. Holidays will start from £485pp.
Make over for Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town
All Standard rooms will be receiving a make-over that will result in them having newly designed bathrooms and new bedroom furnishings. With pure, clean lines brought from a Scandinavian Minimalistic background, all the furnishings will present a definite look of effortless sophistication.
The Radisson Blu hotel Cape Town takes pride in providing a stay for guests that is both relaxing and outstanding. This includes having rooms that are sophisticated, yet simple and peaceful, that provide an environment that contributes to a relaxing and well-rested stay for guests. The renovations form part of the hotel's goal and attribute to provide that very environment. Guests can look forward to brand new rooms that allow for a truly spectacular stay that will have them coming back every time they visit Cape Town.
In an effort to show its eternal appreciation for guests' loyal support, all Standard room bookings that are made at the hotel will be automatically upgraded, at no extra charge, to their sea facing Business Class rooms. This special offer will only be valid for the duration of the renovations.
The refurbishment will begin on the 1st of May and will end on the 15 August 2012. The Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town would like to thank all of its guests for their support and they look forward to inviting them to enjoy the special on offer.
The hotel also offers dining options for guests looking for beautifully situated restaurants, with its own Tobago's Restuarant on-site, featuring a fine choice of menus, boasting local and international cuisine. Patrons may also indulge in South African wine, available in a wide selection.
For more information, or to make a booking, interested parties can contact the Radisson Blu Hotel on 021 441 3000.
Emirates Tours announces competition to win designer travel bags
Emirates Tours, a top travel operator specialising in luxury holidays, has announced a new competition to win a travel bag made by designer luggage brand, Aspinal of London. The tour operator has teamed up with the luggage brand which shares its belief in high-quality products, in order to give back to its loyal customers through this unique opportunity.
"We are proud to be offering customers the chance to own an Aspinal of London Weekender Bag. When you are passionate about travel like we are, then arriving at your destination with stylish, top quality luggage makes your holiday even more special." said Beth Alcorn, Product and Marketing Manager, Emirates Tours.
Sharing a similar ethos to Emirates Tours, Aspinal of London strives to achieve the highest standards of quality in all of its products. Thus, though the two companies operate in different sectors of the travel industry, the promotion is a natural partnership.
The Aspinal of London bags offered in the competition feature a classic 18th Century aesthetic and are aimed at those who enjoy travelling in style. The handcrafted bags are comprised of full-grain Cognac English Bridle Leather and high-quality Navy canvas. For optimum protection, the base of each bag is made entirely of thick leather. They also feature a Swiss-made, pure brass zipper, as well as gold finish decorative rivets. The prize bag is called the 'Weekender', since it's the ideal size for a short two or three day break (13" height x 21.1" width x 8.5" depth). The bag also comes with a leather luggage tag, an interior zip pocket and an adjustable shoulder strap for additional convenience.
Competition entrants are simply required to sign up to receive emails on special luxury holiday deals from Emirates Tours while also recommending a friend to do the same. Entry is complete once the entrant's friend has also signed up to receive the offers. Winners of the competition will receive a Weekender travel bag for themselves and one for their recommended friend as well. There will be twelve pairs of winners, bringing the total number of bag-recipients to twenty four.
Those who want to win an Aspinal of London Weekender travel bag must be at least 18-years-old and the friend they recommend cannot have the same postal address. The last day to enter the competition is 31 May 2012, and the winners will be randomly drawn on 30 June 2012. People can enter the competition via the Emirates Tours website.
FACTFILE:
Emirates Tours is part of the prestigious Emirates Group, and specialises in offering tailor-made luxury holidays in Dubai, Oman, the Indian Ocean, Far East, China, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
As a subsidiary of award-winning airline Emirates, Emirates Tours benefits from the extensive network, resources and renowned quality associated with one of the world’s leading airlines.
"We are proud to be offering customers the chance to own an Aspinal of London Weekender Bag. When you are passionate about travel like we are, then arriving at your destination with stylish, top quality luggage makes your holiday even more special." said Beth Alcorn, Product and Marketing Manager, Emirates Tours.
Sharing a similar ethos to Emirates Tours, Aspinal of London strives to achieve the highest standards of quality in all of its products. Thus, though the two companies operate in different sectors of the travel industry, the promotion is a natural partnership.
The Aspinal of London bags offered in the competition feature a classic 18th Century aesthetic and are aimed at those who enjoy travelling in style. The handcrafted bags are comprised of full-grain Cognac English Bridle Leather and high-quality Navy canvas. For optimum protection, the base of each bag is made entirely of thick leather. They also feature a Swiss-made, pure brass zipper, as well as gold finish decorative rivets. The prize bag is called the 'Weekender', since it's the ideal size for a short two or three day break (13" height x 21.1" width x 8.5" depth). The bag also comes with a leather luggage tag, an interior zip pocket and an adjustable shoulder strap for additional convenience.
Competition entrants are simply required to sign up to receive emails on special luxury holiday deals from Emirates Tours while also recommending a friend to do the same. Entry is complete once the entrant's friend has also signed up to receive the offers. Winners of the competition will receive a Weekender travel bag for themselves and one for their recommended friend as well. There will be twelve pairs of winners, bringing the total number of bag-recipients to twenty four.
Those who want to win an Aspinal of London Weekender travel bag must be at least 18-years-old and the friend they recommend cannot have the same postal address. The last day to enter the competition is 31 May 2012, and the winners will be randomly drawn on 30 June 2012. People can enter the competition via the Emirates Tours website.
FACTFILE:
Emirates Tours is part of the prestigious Emirates Group, and specialises in offering tailor-made luxury holidays in Dubai, Oman, the Indian Ocean, Far East, China, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
As a subsidiary of award-winning airline Emirates, Emirates Tours benefits from the extensive network, resources and renowned quality associated with one of the world’s leading airlines.
Brits dream of holidaying with Branson not Clooney
Virgin boss Richard Branson has pipped both George Clooney and Johnny Depp to the post in a survey that asked British holiday makers who they’d most like to stay with!
British travellers were asked who they would most like to stay with in a poll carried out by UK based holiday rentals specialist Owners Direct and Britain’s favourite entrepreneur came out top.
Sir Richard achieved a third of the votes with chef Jamie Oliver coming a close second with just over 23 per cent of the votes – maybe because people were hoping for a catered break! Surprisingly, only 11 per cent of British holidaymakers said they wanted to holiday with George Clooney. Other big names who made it in the top ten were Elton John, Bradley Cooper, Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie and Pippa Middleton, who still only managed to achieve just 9% of the votes between them. Historian David Starkey just managed to scrape into the top 10 with 0.3% of the votes – but beat Oprah Winfrey.
One holidaymaker gave her reason for choosing Richard Branson over George Clooney: “Because it would probably be a spacious place in the country with good books and nice food and George Clooney wouldn’t fancy me, let’s face it.”
The survey also revealed the number one country people would most like to visit in their lifetime is Australia which beat tropical destinations such as the Maldives and Hawaii. New Zealand came second and India third.
Getting back down to earth, most British holidaymakers revealed that they would be spending their annual summer break in Spain. This is closely followed by other Mediterranean destinations including The Canary Islands, Greece, Portugal and France.
“We were encouraged to see Greece in the top five countries to visit after the economic struggles they are currently having. Tourism is a vital part of their economy so it’s reassuring to see this trend” says Marketing Manager Angela Southall.
Owners Direct also found via its Facebook page that holidaymakers would choose the Med over a holiday in outer space, with cosmic trips on the cards from 2013.
When it comes to destinations of a lifetime, many Brits are up for an adventure and want to travel to places like Antarctica, Madagascar and Machu Picchu, Borneo. Some opted to holiday closer to home, choosing Scunthorpe as their dream destination!
The survey also revealed that Brits are opting to take just as many holidays this year, preferring to cut back on spending rather than the number of trips they plan to take. In 2011 just under 80 per cent of people took two or more holidays and are planning to take the same amount this year.
Over 80 per cent are opting for self-catering but many (75%) still plan to eat out over four times a week. 40% of respondents said the current economic climate is having an effect on their holiday plans for 2012 but only 10% said they would be taking fewer holidays this year. 70 per cent admitted they will be spending less on holiday whilst a tiny 1% said they would actually be paying more for holidays this year!
When asked about travelling habits, only a very small minority are prepared to go solo. Nearly 60 per cent of Brits are plumping for their partners over Richard Branson, 48 per cent with their families and just under 3% on their own.
As well as dreaming of exotic holiday destinations and celebrity companions, almost all Brits have aspirations of owning their own holiday home. The survey revealed the favourite places to own a holiday home would be France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal with the South Coast of England also proving popular.
One person even thought Birmingham would be the ideal location for their holiday hom. (EDITOR: And why not? Home to the sites that inspired Lord of the Rings, more miles of canals than Venice, Birmingham has much to be said for it, as a holiday destination!)
See Owners Direct infographic here: www.ownersdirect.co.uk/survey-infographic-lg.htm
British travellers were asked who they would most like to stay with in a poll carried out by UK based holiday rentals specialist Owners Direct and Britain’s favourite entrepreneur came out top.
Sir Richard achieved a third of the votes with chef Jamie Oliver coming a close second with just over 23 per cent of the votes – maybe because people were hoping for a catered break! Surprisingly, only 11 per cent of British holidaymakers said they wanted to holiday with George Clooney. Other big names who made it in the top ten were Elton John, Bradley Cooper, Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie and Pippa Middleton, who still only managed to achieve just 9% of the votes between them. Historian David Starkey just managed to scrape into the top 10 with 0.3% of the votes – but beat Oprah Winfrey.
One holidaymaker gave her reason for choosing Richard Branson over George Clooney: “Because it would probably be a spacious place in the country with good books and nice food and George Clooney wouldn’t fancy me, let’s face it.”
The survey also revealed the number one country people would most like to visit in their lifetime is Australia which beat tropical destinations such as the Maldives and Hawaii. New Zealand came second and India third.
Getting back down to earth, most British holidaymakers revealed that they would be spending their annual summer break in Spain. This is closely followed by other Mediterranean destinations including The Canary Islands, Greece, Portugal and France.
“We were encouraged to see Greece in the top five countries to visit after the economic struggles they are currently having. Tourism is a vital part of their economy so it’s reassuring to see this trend” says Marketing Manager Angela Southall.
Owners Direct also found via its Facebook page that holidaymakers would choose the Med over a holiday in outer space, with cosmic trips on the cards from 2013.
When it comes to destinations of a lifetime, many Brits are up for an adventure and want to travel to places like Antarctica, Madagascar and Machu Picchu, Borneo. Some opted to holiday closer to home, choosing Scunthorpe as their dream destination!
The survey also revealed that Brits are opting to take just as many holidays this year, preferring to cut back on spending rather than the number of trips they plan to take. In 2011 just under 80 per cent of people took two or more holidays and are planning to take the same amount this year.
Over 80 per cent are opting for self-catering but many (75%) still plan to eat out over four times a week. 40% of respondents said the current economic climate is having an effect on their holiday plans for 2012 but only 10% said they would be taking fewer holidays this year. 70 per cent admitted they will be spending less on holiday whilst a tiny 1% said they would actually be paying more for holidays this year!
When asked about travelling habits, only a very small minority are prepared to go solo. Nearly 60 per cent of Brits are plumping for their partners over Richard Branson, 48 per cent with their families and just under 3% on their own.
As well as dreaming of exotic holiday destinations and celebrity companions, almost all Brits have aspirations of owning their own holiday home. The survey revealed the favourite places to own a holiday home would be France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal with the South Coast of England also proving popular.
One person even thought Birmingham would be the ideal location for their holiday hom. (EDITOR: And why not? Home to the sites that inspired Lord of the Rings, more miles of canals than Venice, Birmingham has much to be said for it, as a holiday destination!)
See Owners Direct infographic here: www.ownersdirect.co.uk/survey-infographic-lg.htm
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
That's Food and Drink: Flavour Taster - May Bank Holiday Food Festival
That's Food and Drink: Flavour Taster - May Bank Holiday Food Festival: The full programme of events for the inaugural Flavour Taster food festival has been confirmed. Taking place over May Bank Holiday weeken...
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