RECORD BREAKING YEAR FOR BARRHEAD TRAVEL CAMERON TOLL
Barrhead Travel Cameron Toll is set to close 2023 as its “best ever” trading year as demand for travel continues to soar.
The Glasgow-headquartered travel agency group has celebrated 11 consecutive record-breaking months since January 2023 and has forecast that the month of December will also conclude with record sales. Year to date bookings for the group are up by 26 percent, compared with 2019 sales which, before 2023, was the company’s best trading year.
Barrhead Travel’s performance is bucking the trend on the high street. Despite recent ONS figures indicating that October retail sales fell to the lowest levels since the 2021 lockdowns, the travel group says its retail network is “busier than ever” with sales in-store growing by more than 25 percent. The group attributes its strong retail performance to the continued demand for travel as well as consumers returning to reputable travel agents to book their holidays.
Forward bookings for 2024 are performing particularly well with the agency reporting that customers have been securing their annual holiday plans earlier than usual. Last-minute bookings for winter holidays remain a popular option with around 25 percent of new bookings travelling across the 2023/24 winter period.
Earlier this year, Barrhead Travel confirmed it would pursue further expansion during 2024 with multiple store openings planned for the year ahead. Investment will also be channelled into existing stores for refurbishments, additional full and part time roles, and new technology.
Victoria Dodds, Manager at Barrhead Travel Cameron Toll said:“Over the last year, we prioritised smart and sustainable growth, which has seen us deliver record breaking results. This year, we will have recorded our highest ever sales and we expect to continue that pace in 2024.
“Holidays remain a spending priority for consumers of all ages. The demand for a reputable travel agent is at an all-time high which is why we believe that now is the time to move ahead with further expansion throughout the UK.
“Retail travel is thriving, and communities across the country are benefiting from busy travel agency stores. Our commitment to investing in retail has never wavered and we’re excited to be bringing new jobs and opportunities as our expansion progresses over the coming 12 months.
“We are in the process of reviewing our new locations and we expect to announce details in the first quarter of 2024.”
Barrhead Travel has also announced the addition of a USA specialist division which will be launching in early 2024 as part of its wider plans for organic growth.
On brand new tours of Ireland, Rabbie’s takes its guests off the well-worn paths to discover the lively villages, ruined strongholds and unforgettable views that tell the real story of the Emerald Isle. For the first time, tours depart from Killarney, the best point from which to explore the wild and unforgettable southern coast.
In 2024, the small coach tour company will be offering three brand new tours of Ireland, with departures beginning in May and continuing until October. Tours range in length from one-day trips to weeklong Celtic adventures and are available to book now.
Rabbie’s brand new tours of Ireland include:
Portmagee & Skellig Ring one-day tour from Killarney
The Ring of Kerry is a world class road trip, and its winding roads are a haven for raw, wild scenery and dreamlike landscapes. A Rabbie’s tour of the ring visits the 1,400-year-old Cahergall Stone Fort, the thundering Torc Waterfall, and includes a stop at the beautiful fishing village of Portmagee for a spot of lunch.
The 18km Skellig Ring is a stretch of road often overlooked by travellers and too small for larger coach trips. Rabbie’s tours will enjoy the quiet roads and guests can indulge in the sweet treats at the Skellig Chocolate Factory as well as the views of St Finans Bay.
From April to October 2024, this one day tour departs several times a week and costs from €70 per adult.
The Wild Coast of Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head one-day tour from Killarney
Visit glorious Inch beach, popular with local anglers and surfers, before embarking on a road trip through Irish history. Embark on the Sea Head Drive and call at Ireland’s famous huts of Tóchar Maothaithe, built by prehistoric hermit monks, before visiting Gallarus Oratory, and an ancient church built from rocks by Ireland’s earliest Christians.
A leisurely afternoon is best spent exploring the bustling town of Dingle. Several Irish pubs provide cool drinks and good company, while local distilleries offer visitors the chance to learn the secrets of Irish whiskey.
Join this one-day tour on any departure between April and October 2024, with prices starting at €70 per adult.
Ireland’s South−East five-day tour from Dublin
The full magic of Ireland can only really be experienced on an extended adventure. Rabbie’s guests embark on the ultimate tour of southern Ireland travelling south from Dublin, calling at Viking landing sites at the Rock of Dunamase, the eerie Drombeg Stone Circle, and Blarney Castle for a chance to kiss the fabled Blarney Stone.
At Mizen Head, Ireland’s southernmost point, those brave enough can cross the bridge to view the iconic cliff view and visit the Signal Station. Every bottle of the famous Jameson Whiskey hails from the town of Midleton, and guests will tour the remarkable distillery.
Evenings on this tour are spent in some of Ireland’s most charming fishing villages and seaport towns, all offering hearty meals and bustling pubs, allowing all guests to truly experience a flavour of Ireland.
Join this five-day tour throughout 2024, with prices starting from €581 per adult.
In addition to its regular guided tours, this winter Rabbie’s is offering a special offer on Private Tours departing from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, or Aberdeen.
A 16-seat mini-coach can be secured for £560 per day, when quoting ‘Winter Offer’ at time of booking and travelling before 29 February 2024*.
For more information about Rabbie’s and to book, visit www.rabbies.com.
Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks put Summer 25 City Breaks programme on sale from Edinburgh Airport
Summer 25 City Breaks programme goes on sale from Edinburgh Airport – meaning total of 35 sun and city destinations now on sale
Customers and independent travel agents can book city breaks to Rome and Prague
Flights and city breaks have gone on sale today in response to strong demand from holidaymakers wanting to book in advance
Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks are today announcing further good news for Summer 25, after putting their City Breaks programme on sale from Edinburgh Airport and providing holidaymakers in Scotland with the chance to book ahead and get a date in the diary now.
The UK’s largest operator of European City Breaks and leading leisure airline will operate up to two weekly services (Monday and Friday) to Rome and up to two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) to Prague in Summer 25 from Edinburgh Airport.
With flights and city breaks on sale to these world-famous capitals, cultural centres and historical gems, customers and independent travel agents have plenty of opportunity to enjoy a city break escape.
The announcement comes just weeks after the companies put their Summer Sun programme on sale for 2025 and comes in response to strong demand for city breaks, as well as a desire from customers and independent travel agents looking ahead to book a much-needed holiday in the diary.
Package options with Jet2CityBreaks include flights with Jet2.com including 22kg hold luggage and a choice of 2-5 star hotels in central locations, providing the perfect base from which to explore and experience the best city break destinations in Europe.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Since putting our Summer 25 Sun programme on sale, we have received a very positive response from customers and independent travel agents in Scotland.
“Holidaymakers are wanting to book in advance and get a date in the diary now, and we are allowing them to do just that with the launch of our Summer 25 City Breaks programme today from Edinburgh Airport.
“Whether customers want a weekend away to these cultural hotspots or something longer, our Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks collection for Summer 25 offers something for everyone.”
Kate Sherry, Chief Commercial Officer (Aero), at Edinburgh Airport, added: “These new flights with Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks offer passengers more opportunity to visit two of Europe’s most iconic cities, and even more time to plan that trip.
“Much like Edinburgh, Rome and Prague are in-demand destinations which feature high on many city break wish lists, so the addition of these services for Summer ’25 – along with Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks’ fantastic summer sun programme – means passengers can get that date in the diary early.”
The two city break destinations announced today are in addition to the Summer Sun destinations already on sale for Summer 25 from Edinburgh Airport. These are as follows:
– Explore the most magical Christmas market destinations in Europe this winter, with the leading leisure airline and UK’s largest operator of European city breaks
– Seven magical Christmas market destinations on sale for Winter 23/24 from ten UK airports
– Popular programme of scheduled festive flights and once-in-a-lifetime trips take off this month!
It is Christmas next month and holidaymakers looking to get into the festive spirit should look no further than Jet2.com andJet2CityBreaks, as the leading leisure airline and UK’s largest operator of European city breaks has a fantastic selection of Christmas market destinations on sale for Winter 23.
The companies will start operating scheduled services and dedicated once-in-a-lifetime trips to seven of Europe’s best Christmas market destinations in Europe – Vienna, Copenhagen, Berlin, Budapest, Cologne, Prague and Krakow this month.
With a programme of scheduled flights and dedicated trips on sale to these Christmas hotspots, customers have plenty of opportunity to enjoy a festive jaunt this winter. This year marks the first time that the companies have operated scheduled services and trips to Christmas market destinations from Bristol and London Stansted Airports.
The unrivalled programme features eight new routes – Birmingham to Cologne, Bristol to Prague, Bristol to Vienna, Edinburgh to Vienna, Edinburgh to Prague, Leeds Bradford to Copenhagen, London Stansted to Prague and London Stansted to Vienna.
With multiple weekly services on sale and friendly flight times, customers have complete choice and flexibility when it comes to visiting the most charming Christmas markets in Europe – whether it is for a weekend, long weekend or longer.
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Prague operating from 1st to 18th December with Monday and Friday services available for Winter 23.
Birmingham Airport:
Mini-series of flights and breaks to BRAND-NEW Cologne with up to three-weekly services operating between 6th December and 22nd December.
Two weekly services (Monday and Friday) to Vienna operating during winter.
Two weekly services (Monday and Friday) operating during the winter to Budapest and Krakow, on top of four-weekly services (Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday) to Prague.
Bristol Airport:
BRAND-NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Prague with Thursday and Sunday services available from 30th November to 17th December.
BRAND-NEW mini-series of flights and city breaks to Vienna too with Monday and Friday services operating from 24th November to 18th December.
Edinburgh Airport:
NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna with two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
· NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Prague with two weekly service from 30th November to 17th December.
East Midlands:
Twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) operating to Krakow throughout the winter.
Two weekly flights (Monday and Friday) also available to Prague during the winter.
Glasgow Airport:
Two weekly services (Monday and Friday) to Krakow available from Glasgow Airport during Winter 23.
Scheduled services also operating twice-weekly (Thursday and Sunday) to Prague.
Leeds Bradford Airport:
NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Copenhagen with up to twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Berlin with up to twice-weekly services (Monday and Friday) from 24th November to 18th December.
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna with up to twice-weekly services (Monday and Friday) from 24th November to 18th December.
In addition, there are also two weekly services operating to Budapest and Krakow and four weekly services to Prague for Winter 23.
London Stansted Airport:
BRAND-NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Prague with up to twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 30th November to 17th December.
Also NEW for Winter 23 is a mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna with up to twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
Manchester Airport:
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Cologne with up to three-weekly flights from 24th November to 2nd January.
In addition, there are also two weekly services to Vienna, five weekly services to Krakow and Prague and six weekly services to Budapest this winter, offering plenty of opportunity for customers to experience a Christmas market in one of these destinations.
Newcastle International Airport:
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Berlin with up to twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
Also available is a mini-series of flights and breaks to Budapest, thanks to Thursday and Sunday services operating from 23rd November to 17th December.
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Cologne with up to twice-weekly services (Monday and Friday) from 24th November to 11th December.
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Copenhagen also available with two-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
A mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna means up to two-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
More opportunity for customers to visit the Christmas markets in Krakow and Prague with two weekly services to the European Christmas market destinations for Winter 23.
When booking a Christmas Market trip, customers can choose from a flight-only option with Jet2.com or an ATOL protected package holiday with Jet2CityBreaks, available for a low £60 per person deposit.
Package options with Jet2CityBreaks include flights with Jet2.com including 22kg hold luggage, as well as a choice of 2-5 star hotels in central locations, providing the perfect base from which to explore and experience the best Christmas market destinations in Europe.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks said: “With 25th December just around the corner, thoughts are turning to Christmas and people are looking to get into the festive spirit.
“There is no better way to countdown to Christmas, than by visiting a Christmas market in one of Europe’s most magical destinations in Europe. Every year, our Christmas Markets programme proves extremely popular, and this year is no different, with us seeing strong demand once again.
“Our first flights take off this month, however it is not too late to secure a festive getaway. With so much choice and flexibility, Europe’s most magical Christmas destinations are easy to reach with Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks.”
Sample packages:
Jet2CityBreaks – Germany, Cologne City, 4+ star Hilton Cologne, 3 nights room-only departing from Birmingham on 14th December 2023.
Price: £579 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Hungary, Budapest City, 4+ star Continental Hotel Budapest, 3 nights room-only departing from Birmingham on 18 December 2023.
Price: £429 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 3 star Ibis Praha Mala Strana, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from Bristol on 14th December 2023.
Price: £349 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Austria, Vienna City, 3 star Ibis Wien Mariahilf, 3 nights room-only departing from Bristol on 15 December 2023.
Price: £499 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 4 star Hotel Galileo, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from Edinburgh on 14th December 2023.
Price: £479 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Austria, Vienna City, 4 star Hotel Mercure Wien Westbahnhof, 3 nights room-only departing from Edinburgh on 14th December 2023.
Price: £419 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 3 star Prague Centre Superior, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from East Midlands on 15th December 2023.
Price: £399 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Poland, Krakow City, 3 star Hotel Wyspianski, 3 nights room-only departing from East Midlands on 21 December 2023.
Price: £299 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 3 star Ibis Praha Mala Strana, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from Glasgow on 14 December 2023.
Price: £419 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Poland, Krakow City, 4 star MR67 Mayera Rapaporta, 3 nights room-only departing from Glasgow on 15th December 2023.
Price: £399 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Germany, Berlin City, 3 star Best Western Hotel Am Spittelmarkt, 3 nights room-only departing from Leeds Bradford on 15th December 2023.
Price: £519 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Denmark, Copenhagen City, 4 star Andersen Boutique Hotel, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from Leeds Bradford on 14 December 2023.
Price: £569 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Germany, Cologne City, 4 star Pullman Cologne, 3 nights room-only departing from Manchester on 05 December 2023.
Price: £689 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Hungary, Budapest City, 3+ star The Three Corners Hotel Anna, 3 nights Bed & Breakfast departing from Manchester on 19 December 2023.
Price: £419 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Germany, Berlin City, 4+ star Eurostars Berlin, 3 nights room-only departing from Newcastle International on 14th December 2023.
Price: £589 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Denmark, Copenhagen City, 4 star Copenhagen Admiral Hotel, 3 nights room-only departing from Newcastle International on 14th December 2023.
Price: £519 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 3 star Prague Centre Superior, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from London Stansted on 14 December 2023.
Price: £359 per person based on 2 Adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Austria, Vienna City, 3 star Boutique Hotel Donauwalzer, 3 nights room-only departing from London Stansted on 07 December 2023.
Price: £619 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
All prices and availability correct at the time of issue.
VisitScotland and DFDS unveil latest partnership marketing campaign to help encourage year-round travel
The beauty and benefits of a holiday in Scotland during autumn, winter and spring are being showcased to visitors from the Netherlands and Germany, as part of a new marketing partnership between VisitScotland and DFDS Seaways.
The new digital campaign aims to inspire potential visitors to Scotland by ferry, using DFDS Seaways routes connecting mainland Europe to the UK, by highlighting the unique sights and experiences on offer at this time of year.
Visitors travelling during the traditional off-season months can enjoy a stunning array of colours as the seasons change, clear dark skies and cosying up by the fireside after a long day exploring.
The campaign plays on a sense of adventure, appealing to those thinking of Scotland for a touring holiday with their car, motorbike or motorhome with the call to action to travel to Scotland with DFDS on their Amsterdam to Newcastle service.
Inspirational videos have been running across social media platforms Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram since the end of August. The campaign is taking advantage of automated technology media buying platforms Quantcast and Dentsu Programmatic to target and reach potential consumers more effectively with relevant online display advertising. The aim is to ensure Scotland and DFDS are front of mind with those booking a last-minute trip in 2023 and those thinking ahead to spring 2024.
The campaign has included regional imagery from across Scotland, including the South of Scotland, Edinburgh & the Lothians, Aberdeenshire, Arran, and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, based on insights that show German and Dutch visitors like to tour far and wide when they travel to Scotland.
The initial campaign came to an end on 22 October. It will be followed up by two additional campaigns, delivered in partnership with Visit East Lothian and the South of Scotland Destination Alliance that will run until November.
These smaller campaigns will take advantage of the warmed-up audience to drive further regional spread off the earlier activity.
This latest activity continues a decade-long partnership with DFDS Seaways and aims to build on the success of previous joint campaigns to help support the continued and responsible recovery of the industry.
In 2022, Scotland welcomed 236,000 German visitors, who generated £171m tourism spend that year, as well as 212,000 Dutch visitors who generated £135m spend that year.
VisitScotland Director of Marketing & Digital Vicki Miller said: “Last year record numbers of international visitors chose the October to December period to travel to Scotland, so we know the appetite for our lochs, glens and historic landmarks is strong right across the year.
“Partnership working is at the heart of what we do and our collaboration with DFDS Seaways will help drive international tourism from these key European markets.
“Our marketing aims to connect with visitors, drawing on their emotions and showing them what a visit to Scotland’s diverse regions can feel like year-round. We want all destinations to benefit from tourism and this is reflected in our marketing activity promoting responsible travel in Scotland, including practical information and advice to visitors travelling by caravan and motorhome.”
“International visitors are absolutely key to bringing in revenue for businesses during the remainder of 2023 and into 2024, helping to build on the shoots of recovery in tourism and events, one of Scotland’s most valuable industries.”
Philipp Päper, DFDS Seaways Head of Route Marketing North Sea said: “Our partnership with VisitScotland is a perfect match thanks to DFDS’ presence in the Netherlands and Germany, and VisitScotland’s expertise on Scotland’s beautiful destinations.
“The Amsterdam-Newcastle route provides continental travellers the ideal way to get to their Scottish travel destinations stress-free year-round. Passengers are set to benefit greatly from our partnership campaign, as welcoming them to our DFDS ferries means that they can start their holiday the moment they step aboard.
“They can count on a best-in-class service, with a variety of restaurants, entertainment options and even Duty Free shopping onboard”
David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), said: “The South of Scotland is an unmissable destination 365 days a year and we’re really eager to get the word out about how much there is to see, do and experience in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway in every season.
“The SSDA is delighted to be working with VisitScotland and DFDS Seaways on this collaboration to highlight our incredible region to overseas visitors and show them that Scotland really does start here.”
Elaine Carmichael, on behalf of Visit East Lothian said: “East Lothian is ideally placed for visitors arriving by DFDS Seaways to the North of England and, as well as being a base for holidays, makes the ideal start or end point for their trip to Scotland.
” This campaign sits well with our key markets, and we know from attending trade shows and our work with the travel trade industry that there is a real appetite from German and Dutch visitors for all that East Lothian has to offer.
“We are delighted to be taking part in this initiative in partnership with VisitScotland and the South of Scotland Destination Alliance to showcase our regions and bring benefits to our businesses over the autumn and winter months.”
The adverts drive traffic to custom in-language landing pages on:
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a new campaign outlining how their 175 years of experience in sailing goes into making every single day count.
With new guest bookings rising significantly, the brand has now tapped into the talents of a multi-award-winning documentary maker and creative team to deliver “175 Years in Every Single Day”.
Along with a television advert, the campaign includes marketing materials and an extensive social media presence giving prospective and returning guests a unique perspective into what makes the brand stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Peter Deer, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “On a Fred. Olsen cruise, every single thing we’ve learned over 175 years, goes into every single day of sailing with us.
“This dynamic advert celebrates everything that makes sailing with us special and unique – our smaller ships, our hand-crafted itineraries, an on board experience which is designed to enhance each journey and of course, our people.
“Our smaller ships allow our guests to travel into the furthest reaches of Norway’s lesser-known fjords, through narrow waterways and canals and to the very heart of some of the world’s most beautiful cities.
“The team who deliver our hand-crafted itineraries take us to the world’s most wonderful destinations at the very best possible times to experience them and our emphasis on the joy of the journey ensures every single day on board is as stimulating and enjoyable as possible.
“As for our people – they are at the heart of everything we do, and this comes across in this new campaign which shows our pride in the special way we work.”
To create the advert, the marketing team at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines employed support from Nick Bell and Walter Campbell, two of the most awarded advertising creatives of the last 30 years who have created campaigns in the past for famous brands like Guinness and Cadbury.
The TV advert was directed by Kit Lynch-Robinson who has worked on The Grand Tour, Top Gear and Clarkson’s Farm and was Series Director for the Chris Hemsworth hit TV show Limitless. The advert is set to an orchestral, Cinematic Pop version of Sail! by AWOL Nation.
Throughout 2021 and 2022, Fred. Olsen refined their strategy for 2023 and beyond. With two new ships, they identified their target guests, added new cruises and on board experiences and have also reinvented their brand identity to appeal more to this target audience.
Jackie Martin, Marketing and Sales Director from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “After a tough few years for everyone in the travel industry, we are delighted to have a very clear view of how we will continue to build on this year’s successes.
“This bold campaign marks a significant step forward for a brand with such a proud maritime heritage. We have really enjoyed the slightly unconventional creative approach we took, working directly with Nick, Walter and Kit which delivered a campaign we are all very proud of. It is now time to showcase all that our experience has to offer.”
The company has won numerous awards and most recently has been shortlisted for Customers at the Heart of Everything, Best Customer-Centric Culture and Best Customer Service at the UK Customer Experience Awards 2023 and for Best Ocean Cruise Line, Best Specialist Cruise Line, Best for Solo Travellers, Best for Excursions and Best for Cuisine in the Wave Awards 2023.
This year, Fred. Olsen was also awarded a silver Investors in People accreditation.
For more information about Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, please visit www.fredolsencruises.com, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your local ABTA travel agent.
Significant expansion sees FOUR new routes go on sale in response to strong demand –Rome, Malta, Chambery, and Prague
Jet2.com and Jet2holidayshas today responded to continued strong demand from holidaymakers in Scotland, by announcing significant expansion at Edinburgh Airport. This growth includes four new routes, extra summer and winter capacity, as well as an additional aircraft coming into operation for Summer 24.
The UK’s largest tour operator and third largest airline has added a 7th based aircraft at Edinburgh Airport for Summer 24, enabling them to introduce two new routes for next summer. This gives customers and independent travel agents even more choice and flexibility when it comes to choosing some summer sunshine next year.
The two new routes added for Summer 24 are as follows:
Rome – new Monday and Friday services beginning from 8th March.
Malta – new Wednesday services starting from 1st May.
As well as summer demand, Jet2.com has also experienced strong demand for ski flights from local snow sports fans and has added new flights to Chambery from Edinburgh Airport for Winter 23/24 and Winter 24/25 in response. Chambery offers quick and easy access to world-famous ski resorts in France, including the Three Valleys. The popular ski areas of the Alpe d’Huez, Chamonix, La Plagne and Val d’Isère are also easily accessible from Chambery, providing memorable skiing whether you are a beginner or an expert.
This coming winter, weekly Saturday services will operate to Chambery between 10th February and 6th April 2024. In Winter 24/25, Saturday services will operate from 21st December 2024.
The good news does not stop there, as scheduled winter services and city breaks have also gone on sale to Prague from Edinburgh Airport for Winter 24/25 too.
Services will operate to Prague from the airport from 3rd October 2024 to 27th March 2025, with up to two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) operating during this time. With long-weekend and mid-week breaks available from Edinburgh Airport, the addition of this city break favourite offers fantastic choice and flexibility when it comes to visiting the Czech capital in winter.
In addition to this, the strong demand the companies are seeing for flights and great value ATOL protected package holidays means the companies have also added thousands of extra seats for Summer 24 to over ten of their most popular destinations across the Canary Islands, Mainland Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Croatia and Italy.
The destinations where additional flights and holidays have been added (peak weekly departures from Edinburgh Airport in brackets following the increases) are: Lanzarote (5), Malaga (5), Antalya (6), Bodrum (2), Larnaca (2), Gran Canaria (3), Naples (2), Split (2), Tenerife (8), Verona (2) and Zante (3).
This expansion means that Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will now operate up to 96 weekly flights during peak periods to 32 destinations from Edinburgh Airport in Summer 24, meaning unrivalled choice for holidaymakers departing from the airport. With nearly one million seats now on sale from Edinburgh Airport in Summer 24, this represents a capacity increase of more than 20% compared to Summer 23.
With Winter Sun also proving popular from Edinburgh Airport, today’s expansion sees Jet2.com and Jet2holidays add capacity to Lanzarote, Alicante, Antalya, Fuerteventura and Tenerife for Winter 23/24 and to Alicante, Madeira, Fuerteventura and Tenerife and for Winter 24/25. In addition, the companies will operate services to Malta in Winter 24/25, which is a continuation of their summer services.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Today’s announcement represents a significant investment at Edinburgh Airport and means we are massively expanding our Summer and Winter programmes.
“We are looking forward to our biggest ever Summer 24 from Edinburgh Airport, and this huge expansion to our programme is a demonstration of our continued commitment to investing in our operations at the base ahead of it.
“The demand we are seeing from customers and independent travel agents remains strong, so we have responded by expanding our operations at Edinburgh Airport with new routes, extra capacity and an additional 7th based aircraft for Summer 24.
“As a result, we are giving holidaymakers in the region even more choice to get away on our award-winning package holidays and flights whether that is in the summer or the winter.”
Kate Sherry, Chief Commercial Officer (Aero) at Edinburgh Airport said: “It’s always good news when we expand choice for our passengers, so having more destinations to jet to with Jet2.com next summer will allow people to already start thinking about that special holiday.
“We know there’s a strong market in Edinburgh and the addition of an extra based aircraft for summer 2024 is a real show of commitment from Jet2.com in Scotland’s capital and to delivering seamless travel and more opportunities to explore.”
Key Summer Sun facts for 2024 from Edinburgh Airport include:
32 sun and city destinations on sale (peak number of flights per week in brackets).
This summer, avoid the mercury-busting heatwave overseas and explore coasts that rival the world’s best right here in the UK and Ireland with a Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) small group tour.
Stunning South West Seaside
Escape to the beautiful counties of Dorset, Devon and Cornwall to enjoy tales of Arthurian legend and iconic natural wonders. There are few coastal locations more famous than Durdle Door in Lulworth, Dorset. The limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast is one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks and the coastline it calls home was designated England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Venture further west and discover Cornwall’s coast, from the clifftop castle of Tintagel where King Arthur is believed to have been born to the cobbled streets, cottages and sandy beaches of the idyllic fishing town of St Ives. Its neighbour, Devon, doesn’t disappoint either, and this tour isn’t complete without a visit to the picturesque coastal resort of Lynton for its incredible natural beauty and rich history. Join Rabbie’s four-day Cornwall, Devon & Stonehenge tour, departing from Bristol, from just £295 per person.
West Coast Exploring
Discover the soaring mountains, spectacular wildlife, and mystical history of Ireland’s West Coast. Take in the rugged beauty of one of the longest-defined coastal routes in the world, The Wild Atlantic Way. The 2,500km-long coastal road boasts historical spots, natural wonders and many of Ireland’s top attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher. Walk cliff-top trails boasting gorgeous views over the rugged Atlantic waves and watch rare seabirds swooping through the air.
At the picturesque, coastal market town of Clifden in County Galway, nestled between the Twelve Bens mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, take in the National Park, you’ll also enjoy the majesty of the Sky Road. Join Rabbie’s three-day West Coast Explorer tour, departing from Dublin, from just €389 per person.
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Vets are advising anyone planning to travel abroad this summer with their pets or assistance dogs to book an appointment with their vet practice well in advance to allow plenty of time to complete all the required health checks and paperwork.
With school summer holidays here, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling on owners to first carefully consider if it would be in their pets’ best interests to travel overseas with them.
For anyone choosing to holiday abroad with their pet, BVA has issued a handy checklist to remind owners about the checks their animal will need before travel. This includes trips from Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the European Union, as post-Brexit rules mean owners now have to get the more complex and time-consuming Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a vet trained to issue them no more than ten days before travel.
British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Justine Shotton said:“The countdown to summer break has begun. While we should all consider whether a holiday abroad is appropriate for our pets’ welfare or their carbon pawprint, if you are making plans that include travelling with your pet or assistance dog, now is the time to contact your local vet for information on pet travel requirements.
“Book an appointment as soon as possible to make sure your pet has all the necessary paperwork and is fully protected against diseases they may encounter in their travels.
“We’d like to remind owners that the post-Brexit requirements for travel to the EU are a significant change from the previous and much simpler ‘pet passport’ system, so they will take longer to complete and cost more. A pet travel consult at the vets can now take around an hour and even longer where there are multiple animals.
“Vet practices are already under a huge workload pressure. To help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for yourself, your pet and your vet, we would urge you to contact your vet as early as you can ahead of travel to make sure there’s a vet available for this certification work and enough time to complete the required health checks and paperwork.”
Prior to Brexit, as many as 250,000 cats and dogs from the UK were taken to the EU on holiday every year.
BVA has prepared a seven-point checklist for to help pet owners:
Timings: Contact your vet well in advance to ensure that you can get an appointment at least three weeks before your planned travel. Dogs, cats and ferrets need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland. Unlike pet passports, AHCs are 9-12 pages long, which means a much more complex, time consuming and costly paperwork process. Some vaccinations, like rabies, are time-sensitive, so even a one-day delay could result in your papers being rejected at the border. As Northern Ireland remains part of the EU pet travel scheme, travellers from the country can use an EU pet passport as an alternative to an AHC. Contact your vet to update the pet passport.
Destination: Be clear about the countries you intend to travel to so that your vet can identify specific health risks your pet may be exposed to, such as ticks, sandflies, heartworm or tapeworm.
Rabies: Check that your pet’s rabies vaccination is up to date.
Microchip: Ensure your pet’s microchip is working and contact details are up to date.
Heat: Talk to your vet if going somewhere hot to discuss prevention of heatstroke and how to recognise symptoms in your dog.
Emergencies: Identify a local vet in the area where you will be holidaying in case of an emergency and to administer compulsory tapeworm treatment to dogs one to five days before arrival back into the UK.
Return: If your pet becomes ill after returning to the UK, it is very important to tell your vet that you have been abroad with your pet, even if it was some time ago.
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Edinburgh-based charity SuperTroop, which provides residential breaks for children with learning disabilities, will hold a summer holiday camp on the grounds of Fettes College thanks to the school’s generosity.
The event is a community effort, with students, teaching staff and the operational team involved throughout the week, meaning Fettes is much more than just a host for the holiday camp.
Around two dozen students will give up the first week of their summer break to volunteer with the holidaymakers and help give them support and friendship. Fettes teaching staff also volunteer to organise and support the holiday, with some taking the lead in activities throughout the week.
In just 24 hours, Dalmeny House – a boarding house on the Fettes campus – is transformed into the perfect accessible location for attendees to SuperTroop’s week-long camp.
Dalmeny House is a modern, accessible building with dorm bedrooms, shared bathrooms and lots of relaxation space. 16 children and young people with learning disabilities take part in the holiday week, receiving 24/7 one-to-one support. Many of the participants have never had a night away from home before.
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Student Louisa said:“The relationship between SuperTroop and Fettes has not only provided incredible holidays but also a transformative learning experience for us as Fettesians.
“We all hold SuperTroop dear to our hearts and hope that future Fettesians can continue to support this beautiful charity in the future.”
The holidaymakers stay on campus, sleep in dorm rooms with their peers and 1:1 helpers, and eat meals as a group in the dining hall. Fettes provides a high-quality and accessible residence, catering for the week, and facilities such as outdoor spaces, swimming pool and sports hall.
Sue Fletcher-Watson, Founder of SuperTroop said: “We are thrilled with the efforts from the students and staff at Fettes College towards SuperTroop’s residential break. Their generosity will make sure that this residential break is truly special for all involved and make for some very happy campers.
“SuperTroop’s goal is to provide extraordinary holidays, creating an environment in which holiday makers feel surrounded by friends. The support we have from Fettes, as fundraisers, hosts and volunteers, is vital to provide the best experience possible.”
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Mr Rhys Rowlands, Director of Service at Fettes College said: “The work that SuperTroop do to bring a fun break to these young people is truly remarkable. Fettes is proud to be able to support this charity in any way we can and help provide a fun summer for everyone taking part.”
£10,000 raised from a log-carrying challenge will allow SuperTroop to provide travel, admission to places such as Edinburgh Zoo, fun activities and art supplies for 16 young people.
In March, every Fettes College student took a turn carrying a 100kg metal log up and down the school’s drive for 24 hours, taking it in 15-minute shifts.
To find out how you can join the troop or lend your support, go to supertroop.org/
