What's on in Portugal
Posted: Thursday 2nd September 2010
The World Heritage List includes 13 properties in Portugal
The UNESCO World Heritage List includes 13 properties in Portugal forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. Portugal list includes 12 cultural sites and 1 natural site: - Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores
- Convent of Christ in Tomar
- Monastery of Batalha
- Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon
- Historic Centre of Évora
- Monastery of Alcobaça
- Cultural Landscape of Sintra
- Historic Centre of Oporto
- Prehistoric Rock-Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde * 19
- Laurisilva of Madeira
- Alto Douro Wine Region
- Historic Centre of Guimarães
- Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture
More information: whc.unesco.org/en/list
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Posted: Thursday 2nd September 2010
FIFA delegation assesses Portugal's proposed World Cup venues
A FIFA delegation is examining locations in northern Portugal which are part of the country's joint bid with Spain to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup. Officials are touring a congress centre near Porto where the qualifying draw would be held and visiting FC Porto's Stadium of the Dragon, one of the proposed match venues, on Wednesday. The delegation is due to travel to Lisbon on Thursday to view Benfica's Stadium of Light and Sporting's Jose Alvalade Stadium. All three stadiums were built to host the 2004 European Championship.
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Posted: Thursday 2nd September 2010
The Madeira Islands amongst the preferred choices of the British market
Recently a study carried out in June and July of 2010 was published by the respected British newsletter "Travel Daily News", which Madeira Island came on the 5th place in the ranking of islands around the world most sought after by the English. The Autonomous Region of Madeira (RAM) was positioned between the Jersey islands (United Kingdom) and Key West island in Florida (USA), remaining a particular preference of the British in relation to their choice of destination to enjoy their holidays.
More information: madeira.discoverportugal.org.uk/
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Posted: Wednesday 28th July 2010
Norwich Flights Sell Out!
Recently introduced flights from Norwich International to Madeira by Atlantic Holidays, for the summer period have sold out. Dino Toouli Sales & Marketing Manager said “sales from Norwich have exceeded everyone’s expectations. We knew all along that Madeira as a destination fitted the profile of the consumer in Norfolk & Suffolk, but at no time did we expect to sell out the entire 6 week series before the first flight on Monday 26th July”. Pictured in the photo is the Viking Airlines cabin crew along with Dino Toouli Atlantic Holidays 2nd from left on the back row and Deanna Auker Commercial & Marketing Manager Norwich International standing at the bottom of the stairs.
More information: www.atlanticholidays.net
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Posted: Wednesday 28th July 2010
Posted: Friday 2nd July 2010
Classic Collection Brochure
Classic Collection Holidays Winter 2010/11 Brochure out now!
Call freephone 0800 008 7299 on request your brochure online
More information: www.classic-collection.co.uk
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Posted: Thursday 1st July 2010
Commemorations of Bussaco Battle
On September 27th 2010, Bussaco Battle will be remembered!
This battle took place in September 27th 1810 with the defeat of Napoleonic troops, confronting the best military strategists of that epoch: Junot, Massena and Wellington. This historical reconstitution can not be missed! Programme highlights:
12th June to 4th July - Exhibition at Cine-Teatro Municipal Messias
25th September - Battle reenactment
29th to 31st October - International meeting about the Bussaco Battle
Highlights of Peninsular War historical event:
1st Invasion 1807 / 1808
17 Nov. 1807 – Napoleon sends French troops under the command of Junot taking hold of the government in Lisbon
23 Jun. 1808 – Coimbra insurrection
23 Jul. 1808 – Coimbra Academic Battalion occupies Forte de Santa Catarina – Figueira da Foz
01. Aug. 1808 – Disembark of British army under Wellesley leadership
- Wellesley meets with Bernardim Freire in Montermor-o-Velho, in order to draw an opposition strategy to fight Junot
- Wellesley arrives at Coimbra, being accommodated in Quinta das Lágrimas
17 Aug. 1808 – Roliça Fighting
21 Aug. 1808 – Vimeiro Battle 2nd Invasion 1809
02 Apr. 1809 – Wellesley is nominated commander-in-chief of British Army
22 Apr. 1809 – Wellesley disembarks in Lisbon
02 May. 1809 – British Army arrives at Coimbra 3rd Invasion 1810 / 1811
26 Ago. 1810 – Almeida Siege
20 Sep. 1810 – Wellesley sends missives from Convento de Lorvão
27 Set. 1810 – Bussaco Battle
21 a 28 Sep. 1810 – Wellesley sends several missives from Convento do Bussaco
October – several meetings take place between Portuguese and British of Portuguese origin
03 Apr. 1811 – Sabugal Fighting – Wellesley forces Massena to leave Portugal 4th Invasion 1812
08 a 19 Jan. 1812 – British Army under Wellesley enters Ciudad Rodrigo
17 Jun. 1812 – Wellesley enters Salamanca
More information: centro.discoverportugal.org.uk
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Posted: Wednesday 2nd June 2010
Madeira launches international campaign in London
The new international Madeira Tourism campaign, "Madeira as Beautiful as Ever", was recently launched in London. It is a tactical campaign that aims to show that the island's natural beauty and the kindness and spirit of the Madeiran people remain intact. This forms part of the promotional campaign for the tourist destination and has been adapted into a variety of languages for the principal tourist markets of interest to the regional economy, namely Austria, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Norway, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Switzerland. The campaign will make use of a variety of media such as television, radio, cinema, the press, the Internet, and billboards.
Consequently, the images of this campaign will be visible in 580 panels distributed throughout the London Underground, as well as in a 30-second television advert to be broadcast on Sky News and the Travel Channel, among other mediums. In this advert the people of Madeira express, with an "Obrigado", their gratitude to the visitors from around the world for continuing to visit the Madeira Islands, as this is the best way for them to help the destination.
The campaign was produced entirely free of charge by the Youmix communications agency and the advert was produced by Trix Film and directed by Gideon Nel, with graphic and audio production support from Smiling and Frog Animation. The photographer Henrique Seruca accompanied the filming of the advert and provided the images for billboards and the press.
Watch the 30 second spot "Madeira, as beautiful as ever"
More information: www.madeiraislands.travel
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Posted: Wednesday 26th May 2010
Atlantic Holidays - Free Half Board Offer extended to Porto Santo
Atlantic Holidays has extended its free half board offer to include the 5* Pestana Porto Santo Hotel on Madeira’s neighbouring island of Porto Santo. Dino Toouli Sales & Marketing Manager said “It’s great news for the consumer who will save over £200pp on the HB supplement and is in direct response to consumers looking for added value. The free half board at the 5* Pestana Casino Park & Carlton Madeira hotels has seen a dramatic surge in bookings and we anticipate it will have the same affect on Porto Santo”
The offer applies to all departures in 2010 on Atlantic Holidays exclusive Gatwick service to Porto Santo. To book please call 01452 381 888 or online at www.atlanticholidays.net
More information: www.atlanticholidays.net
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Posted: Wednesday 26th May 2010
Atlantic Holidays introduces 10 & 11 night holidays
Atlantic Holidays has introduced 10 & 11 night holidays to Madeira for the remaining of the summer season. Dino Toouli Sales & Marketing Manager said “Feedback from our customers showed that 7 nights sometimes was not long enough and 14 nights was sometimes too long. By having both Monday & Friday flights from Gatwick & Manchester has allowed us to offer 10 & 11 night durations.” Toouli added, 10 & 11 night prices at the 5* Pestana Casino Park hotel with free upgrade to half board, lead in at £619pp & £659pp respectively between 7th June – 12th July. The 5* Quinta Da Bela Vista has also extended a FREE Half board offer saving up to £390pp for 10 nights and £434 for 11 nights. To book please call 01452 381 888 or visit www.atlanticholidays.net/agents
More information: www.atlanticholidays.net/agents
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Posted: Monday 10th May 2010
A Walk in Portugal’s Lush ‘Emerald Coast’
There’s still time to book a 1 week walking holiday on Portugal’s glorious ‘Emerald Coast’ if you’re quick ! A gem of a tour in the verdant Costa Verde – famed for its mountains, lush green countryside and fabulous beaches all complemented by chilled ‘Vinho Verde’! Based in the coastal town of Praia e Ancora, this is superb walking country with highlights including, the Serra de Agra Mountains with old tracks and ancient villages and the luxuriant Ancora Valley with its streams. Price £658 per person, includes return flights, transfers, one week half-board accommodation and the services of a dedicated tour leader.
More information: www.ramblersholidays.co.uk
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Posted: Monday 10th May 2010
Travel Agent Wins FREE Holiday to Porto Santo
Atlantic Holidays recently held a travel agents promotional evening at the Residency of the Ambassador of Portugal in London, to promote its new direct flight from London Gatwick this summer, to the small idyllic island of Porto Santo. The evening consisted of a short presentation by Dino Toouli on the island followed by drinks and canapés before the winner was announced.
The lucky winner of a 7 night holiday for 2 at the 5* Pestana Porto Santo Hotel was won by travel agent Jackie Bulmer from Ian Allan Travel in Sherpaton. Presenting her with her prize is Joao Camacho, Managing Director of Atlantic Holidays.
Also pictured is Dino Toouli (left) Sales & Marketing Manager at Atlantic Holidays along with Lam Sim, Relliance Tours, Rosemary, John & Catherine all from Wolsey Worldchoice Travel.
More information: www.atlanticholidays.net
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Posted: Friday 23rd April 2010
Select Resorts’ Algarve iPhone Travel Guide
ATOP Member Select Resorts introduce to you… the ‘Algarve Golden Triangle’ - Discover all the gems of this fantastic region. Get Algarve travel information on-the-go with the new Algarve Golden Triangle application for the iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad. The app is newly available to download from the Apple App Store for free! The Algarve Golden Triangle iphone travel guide will lead you straight to the best attractions this exclusive region has to offer, being the perfect gateway for all things Algarve. Whether you are looking for the liveliest nightlife in the Algarve, to experience authentic Portuguese cuisine or to enjoy a round of golf on one of the Algarve’s Championship golf courses, this electronic travel guide is packed full with useful information, to help you make the most of your holiday. This up-to-date, authoritative and user-friendly guide to the charming region is accessible from the palm of your hand and provides insider knowledge and inspiration every visitor needs to know to make a good holiday great. You will find accurate information on the Golden Triangles wealth of attractions from the main resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo to exhilarating adventure tours, boat trips and cultural experiences. The guide also features up-to-date listings of the most exclusive places to stay, eat, drink, club and shop to suit all budgets. The application has four main functions: Plan your meals, Embark on Adventure and Activities, Direct Dial, Find Accommodation. The Algarve Golden Triangle application also includes: Search feature, Bookmarking for listings, Maps* & photos, Website links*. *Internet connection is not required unless you want to use the Google Maps feature or visit a listed website.
More information: blog.selectresorts.co.uk/
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Posted: Monday 19th April 2010
Disruption due to Icelandic volcano
Following the eruption of a volcano in Iceland, NATS (National Air Traffic Service) have indicated that a cloud of volcanic dust continues to move around and change shape over the UK, at least 0100 (local) on Tuesday 20th April. Consequently there is considerable disruption to flights and to customers’ holiday arrangements. If you are concerned about your holiday, please contact your travel agent/tour operator.
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Posted: Monday 19th April 2010
Posted: Thursday 1st April 2010
TAP nominated in "Best European Airline" category
For the second year running, TAP is on the shortlist for best European airline, for the small group of finalists chosen by professionals in the tourism sector around the world, to win the World Travel Award 2010 in this category. Online voting on www.worldtravelawards.com/vote, is already open and both professionals and consumers can vote.
It’s also worth remembering that, within these prestigious awards, the most ambitious in the tourism industry worldwide, TAP is now recognised as the "World's Leading Airline to South America".
More information: www.worldtravelawards.com/vote
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Posted: Thursday 1st April 2010
TAP, SATA and Azores Tourist Office/Associação Turismo dos Açores nominated for Marketeer magazine 2010 Award
The renowned magazine Marketeer is sponsoring the second edition of the Marketeer Awards this year.
The TAP brand has been nominated in three different categories: “Social Commitment Marketeer”, “Transport and Logistics” and “Media Marketeer", a category in which TAP’s on-board magazine UP is a contender. Sata has also been nominated for the “Transportation and Logistics” category represents a recognition of the marketing, advertising and communications work performed by the SATA Group. And another ATOP member, Azores Tourist Office/Associação de Turismo dos Açores (ATA) is also nominated in the "Turism" category. Voting is conducted online at www.marketeer.pt until April 15th and is open to all of the magazine’s readers.
More information: www.marketeer.pt
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Posted: Wednesday 31st March 2010
Price cuts from Norwich Airport
Atlantic Holidays who will exclusively fly from Norwich Airport to Madeira during July & August has released some great value for money Clients wishing to book the 3* Estrelicia Hotel can upgrade FREE to half board making an instant saving of £224 per couple.
A reduction of £100 per couple can be saved at the 4* Pestana Bay hotel and a £200 saving per couple for those wishing to stay at the 5* Pestana Casino Park Hotel.
Dino Toouli, Sales & marketing Manager at Atlantic Holidays said “Our commitment to Norwich is evident with these offers that will continue to help stimulate sales to Madeira”.
More information: www.atlanticholidays.net
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Posted: Wednesday 24th March 2010
Time to learn about Portugal's best kept secret
Atlantic Holidays in conjunction with the Portuguese Embassy is holding a promotional evening for travel agents on Thursday 15th April to formally launch its dedicated programme to Porto Santo. Dino Toouli Sales & Marketing Manager said “We were the first Tour Operator to launch an exclusive direct flight from the UK to Porto Santo in 2008 and we have re introduced the flight for 2010”. Travel agents who attend the evening will have the chance to learn about this little gem in the Atlantic as well as the opportunity to win a holidays for 2 at the 5* Pestana Porto Santo Hotel.
For further details on the event, please contact The Network on 0208 742 4077 or e-mail Atlantic.holidays@thenetwork-uk.com
More information: www.atlanticholidays.net
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Posted: Thursday 25th February 2010
ALLGARVE`10: Lifetime Experiences!
From February to December, the Allgarve programme will be in its fourth year, offering an ever more ambitious and wider range of events linked to culture, entertainment and sport. The aim is to promote the Algarve as a quality tourist destination, associated with glamour and sophistication. Besides its beautiful beaches, this region has unique and ideal characteristics for all kinds of sports, as well as for organizing cultural events and entertainment.
Allgarve Gastronomy offers a blend of sophistication and tradition at the the Cataplana Experience and Gastronomy Festivals, where leading chefs provide you with the chance to savour some of the best regional products.
Sport is a major activity in the Algarve, where you will find unique conditions, as well as pleasant spaces for a round of golf, water sports and many other activities. The aims of the Allgarve programme continue to be to diversify the leisure supply by creating a new concept of summer tourism with different attractions that meet the expectations of the most demanding tourists, generating a new reputation and attracting larger tourist flows to the Algarve in the medium and long term. Allgarve’10 therefore seeks to continue to provide you with the chance to enjoy lifetime experiences.
More information: www.allgarve.pt/v2/sound/on/en/default.aspx
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Posted: Tuesday 23rd February 2010
Madeira
Following flash floods and mud slides during Friday night and Saturday morning on the island of Madeira, the islanders have been working round the clock to get back to normal. As at Monday 22 February, all Classic Collection Holidays’ hotels are unaffected, the road to the airport is clear, and Funchal Airport is functioning normally, although work is continuing in central Funchal to clear the areas affected. We are pleased to confirm that all our customers in Madeira are continuing with their holidays. The Foreign Office advice for travel to Madeira suggests that holiday makers contact their airline or travel company and, in this regard, we are pleased to confirm that future holiday arrangements to the island are unaffected. However, if you wish to contact us about your holiday to Madeira, or if you are concerned about a family member currently on holiday with us, please don’t hesitate to call on freephone 0800 008 7299. We enjoy a long established relationship with Madeira and offer our sympathies to those who have been affected by the events over the weekend. We will do all we can to help our hoteliers and friends on this beautiful island as they work to ensure normality as soon as possible. In this regard, we have pledged a substantial donation towards a recovery fund and will continue to encourage customers to book Madeira as we know and love the island and understand the importance that tourism plays in its economy.
More information: www.classic-collection.co.uk
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Posted: Tuesday 23rd February 2010
Madeira - Official Statements
Official Statement of the Regional Secretariat of Tourism and Transports -22/02/2010 "- The hotel industry of Madeira was not affected by the storms of the past Saturday, February 20th, and maintains all operating conditions safely. Hotel establishments, in general, are operational and, according to contacts made today by the SRTT, there were not reported any difficulties or problems.
- The Madeira International Airport is operational.
- According to the Portuguese Institute of Meteorology, weather forecasts are favourable for the next 24 hours, which will facilitate all the cleaning and removal of debris yet registered.
- The main concern and priority of the regional authorities currently is to support the people and the replacement of all the land accessibilities safely and to the most remote locations. The cleaning and restoration works are taking place at an accelerated pace, with two of the three rivers that overflowed in Funchal already running in their normal bed.
- The port of Funchal is operational.
- The public transport links are being gradually restored in and around Funchal. The municipalities of the eastern part of the island were always accessible and there are now only some difficulties with access to the municipalities of Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol.
- Bearing in mind an average occupancy rate of around 55%, Madeira had last weekend about 17,000 tourists, of which we mourn the death of a British tourist.
- To facilitate reporting tools, the Regional Government of Madeira is to provide official information on the situation through press conferences, held twice a day, one at 12 o’clock and another at 18:30, until the situation is considered outdated and standardized, which is expected as soon as possible. These official statements will be released through the official website of the Madeira Tourist Board (www.madeiraislands.travel)"
Official Report from Regional Government of Madeira - 22/02/2010
" (...) Tourists Situation:
- The hotels are operating normaly.
- The calendar of events will be maintained and we are already preparing the Flower Festival that will occur from 15th until 18th of April. So please do come to Madeira, enjoy your stay and celebrate with us. (...)"
More information: www.madeiraislands.travel
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Posted: Monday 22nd February 2010
Madeira needs your support more than ever now
Following the devastating floods over the weekend in Madeira, Dino Toouli Sales & Marketing Manager of Atlantic Holidays made the following plea to the travel trade not to stop supporting tourism to the island: “The floods were due to the unprecedented amount of rain fall over the past few days. As many will know Madeira heavily relies on tourism for its economy and the last thing we want now is for people to stop visiting the island. Today’s flights to Madeira operated as normal and all the hotels we feature have not been affected by the floods” To help stimulate the market, Atlantic Holidays has reduced the prices of many of its holiday’s in the coming weeks with savings of up to £189 per person.
The 5* Quinta das Vistas has reduced it prices by £150 per person leading in at £619 for departures in March.
The 5* Pestana Carlton Madeira is offering all arrivals until 3oth June a FREE upgrade to sea view with savings of up to £186.50 for arrivals in March.
The 3* Estrelicia Hotel is offering FREE HB for all arrivals until 22nd March, saving up to £189 per person. Toouli added “it is vital we continue to promote the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira and help re build the economy that the islanders heavily rely on.
More information: www.atlanticholidays.net
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Posted: Friday 29th January 2010
Keytel International new contact details
From 1st February 2010 you will find Keytel International new office near Waterloo Station at the following address and contact details: Keytel International
The Foundry
156 Blackfriars Road,
London SE1 8EN Tel: 020 7953 3020
Fax: 020 7953 3025
General email: info@keytel.co.uk
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Posted: Monday 25th January 2010
Two trading names merged
On 20th January 2010, EHS TRAVEL and DESTINATION PORTUGAL merged, and are now known simply as DESTINATION PORTUGAL. The new offices are located at Madeira House, High St, Hook Norton, Oxon OX15 5NH, Tel: 01608 738286, www.destination-portugal.co.uk DESTINATION PORTUGAL specialises in holidays and accommodation, both to the Portuguese Mainland and to all the Islands. Bookings can be made on an accommodation only basis, or as an “inclusive package”. Amongst the variety of villas, apartments and hotels on offer, there are also special set itineraries to The Azores, and boat hire on the Alqueva lake, at the Amieira Marina in the Alentejo, which is the largest inland waterway in Europe. Destination Portugal sell both direct to the public and through Travel Agents. DESTINATION PORTUGAL is a fully bonded ABTA & ATOL tour operator, offering clients full financial protection.
The new 2010 brochure is now available. For a copy, please call the office or Email: map@destination-portugal.co.uk
More information: www.destination-portugal.co.uk
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Posted: Wednesday 20th January 2010
ATOP members awarded - Turismo de Portugal Awards
The 5th Turismo de Portugal awards took place at the BTL Lisbon Travel show. The judges were: business leader André Jordan; Luís Patrão, President Turismo de Portugal; José Carlos Pinto Coelho, Presidente of the Confederação do Turismo Português; and António Perez Metelo, journalist. TAP’s in-flight magazine UP received the Turismo de Portugal Award in Lisbon, 13 January, in the category of 'Best Service: In-flight publication' in recognition of its contribution to improving the country's image around the world. The Special Turismo de Portugal award went to the New Pousada do Palácio de Estoi (Faro, Algarve)
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Posted: Wednesday 20th January 2010
Grupo SATA grows in last quarter of 2009
In the last quarter of 2009, Grupo SATA saw consolidated growth (SATA Air Açores and SATA Internacional) of 5.3% in the number of passengers transported and 5.26% in the number of flights compared to the same period in 2008. From October to December 2009, SATA Internacional transported 170,288 passengers, 6.3% more than in the previous year. There were also 78 more flights, corresponding to 5.7% growth, compared to the same period in 2008.
More information: www.sata.pt/en/press-releases/grupo-sata-grows-last-quarter-2009
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Posted: Tuesday 12th January 2010
Posted: Thursday 7th January 2010
TAP presented with the "Iype Award" by UNESCO
TAP Portugal was distinguished by UNESCO and by the International Union of Geological Sciences with the IYPE “Planet Earth Award 2010”, in the category of “Most Innovative Sustainable Product”, thus recognizing the achievements of the company’s Carbon Offset Programme. TAP was the first airline worldwide to launch, on the World Environment Day (June 5th 2009), its Carbon Offset Programme with IATA (International Air Transport Association). This programme is available at TAP webpage www.flytap.com and allows customers the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions (CO2) from their flights, on a voluntary basis, thereby contributing to emissions reduction projects in developing countries and supported by TAP.
More information: www.flytap.com
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Posted: Thursday 7th January 2010
Ramblers voted amongst top five UK operators
Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, has been ranked amongst the top five tour operators in the UK in a Which? Holiday Survey released this week. Ramblers Worldwide Holidays received a Customer Score of 87% compared to an average of 77%. The leading companies in the survey were largely specialists and direct-sale only operators. The survey which named 29 companies featured 4,507 Which? online panel members who marked various aspects of their holidays including, journey, accommodation, customer service and value for money. Commenting on the results, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays Joint Managing Director, Kathy Cook said, “We are absolutely delighted to rank so highly in this very authoritative and much respected survey. What is particularly pleasing is the contribution our tour leaders have made to the outcome. They came up trumps with our clients, winning five stars for the service given by their company representatives.” Ramblers Worldwide Holidays also won five stars within the organisational journey and accommodation categories.
More information: www.ramblersholidays.co.uk
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Posted: Thursday 7th January 2010
New brochure launched
Atlantic Holidays has today launched its new 64 page summer 2010 brochure to Madeira, Porto Santo. New for 2010 is the introduction of self catering apartments in Madeira by the Pestana Hotels & Resorts Group. Prices start from just £529 studio apartment at the 4* Pestana Village, Pestana Miramar, and Pestana Promenade Hotels. Prices for Madeira start from £563 per person for 7 nights at the 5* Pestana Casino Park Hotel, on BB basis, during the month of June. £472 per person at the 4* Pestana Bay and £432 per person at the 3* Dom Pedro Garajau hotel, during the same period. On the island of Porto Santo, prices start from £499 per person 7 nights BB in June. All prices are based on Gatwick flights.
Dino Toouli Sales & Marketing Manager at Atlantic Holidays said “Atlantic Holidays continues to offer a wide range of accommodation and flights from the UK to Madeira and Porto Santo that truly makes us the leading independent specialist tour operator to those islands”.
More information: www.atlanticholidays.net
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Posted: Thursday 7th January 2010
Direct Porto Santo flight re-launched
Atlantic Holidays has reintroduced its direct flight from London Gatwick to the small Portuguese island of Porto Santo. The Viking Airlines flight will operate between 31st May – 19th July and from the 6th September – 25th October 2010. Porto Santo is situated about 25 miles to the northeast of Madeira. The island measures a mere 7 miles by 4 miles and supports an indigenous population of just 5,000 people.
Dino Toouli Sales & Marketing Manager at Atlantic Holidays said “We are delighted to re introduce exclusively the direct flight to Porto Santo that we operated in 2008. Porto Santo is a little gem and ideal for those looking for a great beach holiday in idyllic and unspoilt surroundings, yet to be discovered by the masses."
More information: www.atlanticholidays.net
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Posted: Thursday 7th January 2010
A walk around four beautiful islands in the Azores
Britain’s leading guided walking tours operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays has just added an exciting new tour to its extensive portfolio – a ‘quartet’ of beautiful islands in The Azores. The ‘jumping off point’ is Ponta Delgada on São Miguel – the largest of the islands which is 40 by 10 miles in size and consists largely of a volcanic spine rising to 1080m. From São Miguel one flies west to São Jorge in the north – an island with tree covered cliffs and famed for its cheese and wines. Next, one takes a ferry to the island of Pico which is dominated by a volcanic landscape the highest being 2351m and then by boat across to the island of Faial for a days walking tour. Finally, one flies back to São Miguel from Pico to savour the many delights of Ponta Delgada before heading home. Please visit The Charm of the Azores
More information: www.ramblersholidays.co.uk
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Posted: Thursday 7th January 2010
More flights to Madeira from Norwich International Airport
Atlantic Holidays has introduced its 8th UK regional airport to Madeira for summer 2010 by offering 6 direct flights from Norwich airport on Mondays from 26 July to 30 August 2010. Dino Toouli Sales & Marketing Manager at Atlantic Holidays said “We are delighted to add Norwich Airport to our portfolio and we are confident that Madeira will prove extremely popular to those living in East Anglia. We will exclusively be re positioning a Viking Airlines aircraft to operate this flight solely for Atlantic Holidays” Elliott Summers, the airport’s Managing Director commented: “Atlantic Holidays has made a real contribution to our charter programme for 2010 by offering Madeira to our customers. We hope local travellers will make the most of this limited opportunity to travel to such an exceptional destination.”
More information: www.atlanticholidays.net
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Posted: Monday 7th December 2009
Posted: Tuesday 1st December 2009
TAP and Sata expand code-share agreement
TAP and Sata have stepped up their commercial cooperation by expanding their joint offer in new markets, with the same objective in mind: to promote the Azores and increase tourist flows to the region. Through a proactive code-share policy, SATA and TAP have sought to capitalize on synergies by combining the flight networks of these domestic companies. With the code-share agreement, passenger trips with multiple flights are easier, since passengers can buy continuous tickets – as a rule with one convenient traveller and baggage check-in – regardless of the number of flights. Similarly, code sharing extends the flight sales network to the networks of both companies. Following this economic and sales rationale, code-share agreements have been put in place to offer SATA flights throughout TAP’s sales network, since SATA flights are also sold with the TAP code.
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Posted: Thursday 26th November 2009
Madeira - Events for 2010 and forthcoming years
The Tourist Entertainment Calendar covers the events under the responsibility of the Regional Secretariat for Tourism and Transport (Secretaria Regional do Turismo e Transportes - SRTT) as well as any other events of tourist interest with official support.
The events in the calendar include: the Carnival Festivities, Flower Festival, Atlantic Festival, Wine Festival, Columbus Festival in Porto Santo and New Year’s Eve Festivities.
More information: www.madeiraislands.travel
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Posted: Thursday 19th November 2009
Villa Plus unveils a fresh new rebrand
This week sees the independent direct-sell villa specialist Villa Plus rebrand itself with a new modern look, demonstrated by a vibrant and uplifting new colourful logo. Villa Plus has been providing great value, quality villa holidays for 23 years and was the pioneer in improving the standard of European villa holidays. And is today one of the travel industry's few true independent operators and is still owned and managed by Nick Cooper and his business partner Raj Mavani. Villa Plus's long standing in the overseas villa market has enabled it to cherry-pick the very best villas in the very best locations. The operator now has over 700 exclusively contracted villas, all with swimming pools and inclusive maid and linen service across nine popular destinations in Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Greece. As part of the re-brand Villa Plus will also adopt a new tag line: 'Villa holidays with a difference', to reinforce the fact that its villas come with many extras as standard and are among the best equipped rental villas in Europe. As the company rolls out its fresh new image Villa Plus looks forward to the future and to continue raising the standards of villa holidays for its customers old and new.
More information: www.villaplus.com
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Posted: Tuesday 27th October 2009
New Cruise & Walk brochure for 2010
Now one of the most successful programmes within its extensive portfolio, Britain‟s leading guided walks specialist operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, has just launched its 2010 „Cruise and Walk‟ brochure featuring many new holiday options. Please visit Ramblers Brochure 2010
More information: www.ramblersholidays.co.uk
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Posted: Tuesday 20th October 2009
Going Loco - A Rail and Walking Holiday in Portugal
Britain’s leading guided walking holiday specialist, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, has just launched an exciting choice of new holidays to Portugal.
They include an unusual 10 day rail and walk holiday which leisurely meanders through some of the country’s most stunning countryside and cities: Oporto, Espinho, Sernada do Vouga, Aveiro, Coimbra, Serra da Lousã, Caldas da Rainha and Lisbon.
The price for this 10 day, half board holiday is £849 per person with the first departure on 21 May 2010. Includes return flights, rail journeys and the services of a tour leader. Please visit Exploring Portugal by train
More information: www.ramblersholidays.co.uk
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Posted: Tuesday 22nd September 2009
Come to Madeira!
Are you looking for the ideal place to replenish your energies, look after your body and get ready for another year of work? In Portugal, we have the perfect destination for you… the archipelago of Madeira! Set in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira has features that are as healthy as they are natural. Its seawater, the scent of its flowers, its subtropical climate and exotic vegetation, all make this archipelago a genuinely natural spa! In order to really discover this paradise, you should climb to the top of the Pico do Areeiro and the Pico de Ruivo and take in the sheer beauty of the island’s landscape. Enjoy also the natural beauty of the Laurissilva Forest, recognised by UNESCO as a natural world heritage site, or go for a walk along one of the "levadas". Refresh yourself in one of the naturally formed swimming-pools at Porto Moniz and delight in the magnificent aerial views you can enjoy from a cable car, helicopter, or even a hot-air balloon. But, if you’re a golf lover, Madeira has greens that are suited to players of all handicaps. For those who are more romantic, we suggest sailing along the coast or taking a stroll through the island’s capital, Funchal. Walk around the streets of this city with over 500 years of history and choose what you would like to take away with you. How about some embroideries or a bottle of Madeira wine? Rest for a while on a café terrace or in a restaurant overlooking the sea and savour the delights of the Madeiran cuisine. And enjoy the fun! Madeira has a whole range of different shows, festivals and exhibitions just waiting for you! Finally, enjoy a well-deserved rest in one of the island’s several luxury hotels or at one of the Quintas da Madeira. But, to turn this into a genuine dream holiday, why not prolong your stay by popping over to the paradise island of Porto Santo and relaxing on its beach of fine, golden sand, stretching over 9 kilometres and famous for its healing properties. What are you waiting for? Come to Portugal and visit Madeira… a destination for all seasons!
More information: www.destination-portugal.co.uk
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