DESTINATIONS November 2013
Always updating - keep revisiting
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Visit Phoenix - Six Short Videos
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NITB CEO receives Honorary Fellowship
for outstanding contribution to tourism
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Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) Chief Executive Alan Clarke receives the prestigious Honorary Fellowship Award for his outstanding contribution to tourism from Marie-Therese McGivern, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Metropolitan College. At its annual higher education graduation ceremony, Mr Clarke was one of three industry leaders in Northern Ireland to receive the College’s first ever Honorary Fellowship Award.
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Surely no one anywhere in Ireland can have failed to see the strong and convincing ni2012‘Our Time, Our Place’ advertising campaign run by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. It was all over the place. Well, it appears to have worked, overnight trips from the Republic of Ireland increased by 16% to 430,000 during 2012. Holiday trips from the Republic of Ireland grew by whopping 70% during the year.
Alan Clarke, Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Chief Executive has received from Belfast Metropolitan College, their highest accolade, the Honorary Fellowship Award for his outstanding contribution to tourism - steering NITB through a significant period of change and investment, culminating in the ni2012 ‘Our Time, Our Place’ campaign advertising campaign
Alan has led the launch of a significant number of new tourism facilities, attractions and events throughout Northern Ireland, helping NITB to secure a number of huge international events including the 2011 MTV Europe Awards, last year’s record-breaking Irish Open, the world famous Giro D’Italia 2014 cycle race which launches in Belfast next May, and the current Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture celebrations.
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Spend Christmas
at Someone Else’s House!
at Someone Else’s House!
Stena Line is tempting us to think about the fast approaching Christmas - forget the cooking, the table settings and the unexpected visitors and instead spend it at someone else’s house.
And to help Stena Line have released great-value festive fares to entice you across the Irish Sea in comfort, in style and inexpensively where you can put your feet up and enjoy Christmas with loved ones away from home. They are offering you a Ferry Merry Christmas…get it?! but book early and take advantage of the best Stena Line fares and sailing times.
Diane Poole OBE, Head of PR and Communications at Stena Line, said: “Everyone deserves a break this Christmas and taking a journey across the Irish Sea to spend a stress-free Christmas in Britain will be a real adventure. We have the biggest choice of routes and sailings offering value for money and a quality travel experience for passengers ensuring they arrive refreshed and full of the joys of Christmas.”
Diane adds: “Our seasonal fares start at just €109* single car and driver and if it snows well that’s snow problem! A white Christmas won’t affect our services so passengers can have real peace of mind when booking and more time to enjoy our first class customer service and festive atmosphere once onboard. As well as that our ships are winter wonderlands bursting with great-value offers, delicious food and drink, great savings and amazing discounts - not to mention the free movies, free WiFi, kids play areas and festive entertainment."
Christmas shopping
Diane continued: “For those who haven’t started their Christmas shopping then fear not as our bigger and better onboard shop is offering up to 40% savings compared to the high street on fragrances, jewellery, food, toys, spirits and wine and much, much more. Plus we have some amazing onboard dining offers for under £5 each.”
Snow kidding( ..sorry) Some of the star offers include – Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Moisturiser 100ml, £10 (save an unbelievable £50); Victor & Rolf Spicebomb EDT spray 90ml + shower gel 50ml + body lotion 50ml, £49 (save £19); Beats Pill Speaker, £129 (save £40); Storm London Gents watch, £45 (save £44) and Ladies £45 (save £34).
For details of their latest great-value fares: check their low fares finder online at www.stenaline.ie/christmas,
call 01 204 7777
or visit your local travel agent or Stena Line office.
*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.
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Dublin Showcases
Northern Ireland Tourism
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Winner of The Voice UK, Andrea Begley who hails from Co. Tyrone was the surprise performer
at the Northern Ireland Showcase which was held at Dublin’s Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board highlighted the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer visitors from the Republic of Ireland at a major tourism event this November at the Dublins’s Royal Hospital Kilmainham – was attended by around 120 travel representatives and Republic of Ireland media, including HOLIDAYezine.
Attending were best prospect tour operators, ITOA members, professional conference organisers, destination management companies, as well as selected press and Northern Ireland tourism industry representatives.
It provided a significant platform to promote the success of the UK City of Culture, the G8 Summit, the World Police & Fire Games and other major tourism events in 2013. The NITB also used the occasion to highlight new products within Northern Ireland’s nine key tourism destinations and the ‘Big Start’ of the Giro d’Italia in May 2014.
Speaking at Dublin event, NITB Chairman Howard Hastings said: “Northern Ireland’s people, its places, its world-class attractions, food, stories and experiences are all fantastic tourism products abounding with opportunity for the people of the South. It is a priority for the NITB to grow visitor numbers in the Republic of Ireland market, so connecting with the travel trade and the media to showcase what we have to offer and keep the industry updated with what is happening in Northern Ireland is therefore very important.”
In 2012, visitors from the Republic took some 430,000 overnight trips into Northern Ireland– over a fifth of all out of state trips taken.
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Visit Phoenix - Six Short Videos
Visit Phoenix in Arizona, USA have sent us six short videos that highlight some of their destination’s best attributes. Each video is about a minute long. Five are themed by category, while the sixth is a One-Minute Visual Tour of Phoenix.
You’ll find this on Visit Phoenix’s YouTube page.
You also can watch and share each video using these links:
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| Visit Phoenix’s YouTube page |
Some Concorde Travel
offers for stays at the
5 star Sheraton Algarve Resort
Concorde Travel are offering a luxury holiday at the 5 star Sheraton Algarve Resort in the Pine Cliffs Resort near Albufeira, where one of the longest sandy beaches in Portugal.
The Sheraton Algarve Resort is a 5 star haven for everybody, but especially for those with an interest in golf. The Algarve was recently awarded the prestigious title of 2014 Best Golf Destination in Europe by the International Association of Golf Tour Tours. The 168 acre Pine Cliffs Golf Course is a jewel in the golfing circles, sitting 200 feet above the soft sand and the blue Atlantic. Breathtaking views as you tee off through the tree lined fairways Concorde Travel are offering these great prices:
• Pine Cliffs Green Fee supplement - Play 9 holes for €30 - €43
• Pine Cliffs Green Fee supplement - Play 18 holes for €52 - €65
• For a 7 night stay, you can play unlimited Golf for €131
And for those enjoy a bit of pampering there are spa packages available at the Wellness and Beauty centre at the Sheraton Algarve Resort - massages, facials, body scrubs to body wraps - a thoroughly relaxing experience.
The Sheraton Algarve Resort also have some really reputable restaurants serving local and international cuisines.
These are Concorde Travel's current offers for the Sheraton Algarve Resort:
• Spend 3 nights from only €336pp
• Spend 7 nights from only €516pp
• Spend 10 nights from only €696pp
• Spend 14 nights from only €936pp
Price includes: Flights, accommodation on a b&b basis and return airport transfers.
Offers are valid from November 2013 until March 2014 (except Christmas and New Year).
Subject to availability.
For more information on the above offers visit www.concordetravel.ie
email info@concordetravel.ie
or phone one of Concorde Travels' representatives at (01) 775 9300
Concorde Travel on Twitter: @ConcordeIreland
Concorde Travel on Facebook: Facebook.com/concordetravel
For your peace of mind, Concorde Travel is a fully bonded Tour Operator,
Concorde Travel on Facebook: Facebook.com/concordetravel
For your peace of mind, Concorde Travel is a fully bonded Tour Operator,
part of Joe Walsh Tours group, the longest established Tour Operator in Ireland (1961).
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The Navarino Icons
philosophy spreads round the world
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| Visit Costa Navarino website: www.costanavarino.com/ |
Costa Navarino the prime sustainable destination in Messinia, southwest Peloponnese, Greece, has launched its range of high quality Greek inspired products Navarino Icons in 64 UK Marks & Spencer stores, in London’s largest luxury department store Harrods, Dean&DeLuca in the USA & Internationally, Julius Meinl am Graben in Vienna, CitySuper Hong Kong, Wynn and Encore in Las Vegas and other select locations both in Greece and around the world.
The Navarino Icons range is aligned with the destination’s overall philosophy to promote the region whilst protecting, preserving and promoting its natural beauty and heritage. The food products, including both sweet and savoury tastes, are created using culinary traditions and authentic recipes which date back over 3,000 years. They have stood the test of time to be passed down through generations, whilst being adapted to suit today’s environment.
Further products in the collection include extra virgin olive oil produced from the world-famous local Kalamata olives, to pasteli (sesame seed bar with finest quality honey) and petimezi (a natural sweetener, made from boiling the must of grapes to a thick consistency). Many items were basic sustenance of the ancient Greek diet and today, are carefully crafted from the highest quality ingredients without preservatives, additives or artificial colourings.
The ingredients are locally sourced and by working with small local businesses, these products not only contribute to a healthy diet, but also boost the local economy.
Visitors to Costa Navarino can gain further insight into Messinia’s culinary customs through engaging in cookery lessons and learning firsthand about traditional recipes by local women, alongside other cultural activities that showcase the region’s age-long and well-kept customs.
You can also sample the destination’s culinary philosophy through the “Omega” cuisine peppered throughout the restaurants at Navarino Dunes, Costa Navarino’s first resort area. The Omega diet, is closely related to the Mediterranean healthy way of eating and incorporates dishes which are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, ingredients such as fresh vegetables from heirloom seeds, extra virgin olive oil, fruits and nuts, grass-fed lamb, rabbit and beef, fresh fish and seafood found in the traditional diet of the Greeks.
The full Navarino Icons range includes marmalades, spoon sweets from different fruits, honey, sesame seed bars and several other food items. In addition to the food products, the collection also consists of art objects and toys inspired by the history and culture of the Peloponnese.
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| Visit Navarino Icons website: http://www.navarinoicons.com/index.aspx |
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| Visit Costa Navarino website: www.costanavarino.com/ |
Tel Aviv’s International Airport
Opens New Passenger Hall in Terminal One
for International Budget Airlines
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The Whole Family (includes the dog)
The Whole Family (includes the dog)
on Holiday with Natural Retreats
in Castlemartyr Co.Cork
A recent survey reveals that over 50%* of holidaymakers plan breaks with their pets in mind to ensure they aren’t left behind, luxury self-catering holiday provider Natural Retreats has a solution - for people and their dogs in Ireland this autumn from only €37.50* per person, per night.
Natural Retreats Castlemartyr in Co Cork boasts pet-friendly accommodation with luxurious self-catering residences that have been decorated and furnished to the highest standards offering a stunning home-from-home for the whole family.
Kayley Pearce, Natural Retreats European Marketing Manager told us: “At Natural Retreats, we understand that a family holiday isn’t really a family holiday if the much loved pooch is left behind.
“A recent survey showed that as many as 40%* of people have called or texted from holiday to check how their dog is, but at Natural Retreats Castlemartyr, we invite people to bring their dogs with them.
Guests have the best of both worlds with full access to the five-star hotel facilities which includes a spa, restaurants and championship golf course." Kayley added that "guests also receive a complimentary welcome hamper filled with delicious local produce such as bread, cheese and wine.
There are walking trails within the estate, and if you would like company for your dog, Kaylry says "you can even take Earl and Countess, the resort Irish Setters with you on your walk. In addition, there are lots of walks in the surrounding countryside, including the Ballycotton Cliff tail, Castlemartyr Wood or Marlouge Wood.
For further information
or to book a Natural Retreats self-catering break to Castlemartyr with your dog,
go to www.naturalretreats.ie
or call 01 685 3013.
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Upcoming Cruises
with American Holidays
Offering Upgrades and Extras
American Holidays have announced some interesting good value cruise holidays and also some great extras and upgrades on selected ships. Here are a few:
Royal Caribbean
New York and the Bahamas
Spend 2 nights in the 3* Wellington hotel, New York, and take a 7 night cruise on-board the Explorer of the Seas, from only €1155pp.
Price includes: Return flights, 2 nights accommodation, 7 nights aboard the Explorer of the Seas, taxes and charges.
Avail of the Ocean View Upgrade from only €180 extra per person
or a Balcony Upgrade from only €190 extra per person.
Travel: 7th February 2014, Ref no: 869819
Orlando and Caribbean
Spend 3 nights in the 3* Enclave Suites, Orlando, and take a 7 night cruise on-board the Freedom of The Seas, from only €1425pp.
Price includes: Return flights, 3 nights accommodation, 7 nights aboard the Freedom of The Seas, taxes and charges.
Avail of the Ocean View Upgrade from only €107 extra per person
or a Balcony Upgrade from only €200 extra per person.
Travel: 1st May 2014, Ref no: 869803
Miami and Caribbean
Spend 3 nights in the 3* Miami Beach Resort and Spa and take a 7 night cruise on-board the Allure of The Seas, from only €1545pp.
Price includes: Return flights, 3 nights accommodation, 7 nights aboard the Allure of The Seas, taxes and charges.
Avail of the Ocean View Upgrade from only €315 extra per person
or SPECIAL OFFER Balcony Upgrade from only €315 extra per person.
Travel: 23rd January 2014, Ref no: 869809
Book your Royal Caribbean cruise holiday by the 30th of November 2013 and get up to $300 free on-board spending money on selected sailings.
Celebrity Cruises
Southern Caribbean
Spend 1 night in the 4* Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and take a 7 night cruise on-board the Celebrity Summit, from only €1399pp.
Price includes: Return flights, 1 nights accommodation, 7 nights aboard the Celebrity Summit, taxes and charges.
Avail of the Ocean View Upgrade from only €45 extra per person
or a Balcony Upgrade from only €388 extra per person.
Travel: 14th March 2014, Ref no: 869823
Western Caribbean
Spend two nights in the 3* Miami Beach Resort and Spa and take 7 night cruise on-board the Celebrity Reflection, from only €1560pp.
Price includes: Return flights, 2 nights accommodation, 7 nights aboard the Celebrity Reflection, taxes and charges.
Avail of the Ocean View Upgrade from only €115 extra per person
or a Balcony Upgrade from only €195 extra per person.
Travel: 27th February 2014,. Ref no: 869828
Book your Celebrity Cruise holiday by the 30th of November 2013 and avail of the winter discounts for 2014. Exclusively with American Holidays for 2014.
Norwegian Cruiseline
New York Gem
Spend 3 nights in the 3* Wellington, New York, and take a 9 night cruise on-board the Norwegian Gem, from only €1520pp.
Price includes: Return flights, 3 nights accommodation, 9 nights aboard the Norwegian Gem, taxes and charges.
Avail of the Ocean View Upgrade from only €70 extra per person
or a Balcony Upgrade from only €350 extra per person.
Travel: 23rd March 2014, Ref no: 869836
Epic Sail Away
Spend 1 night in the 3* Mimosa Hotel Miami Beach and take a 8 night cruise on-board the Norwegian Epic, from only €1499pp.
Price includes: Return flights, 1 nights accommodation, 8 nights aboard the Norwegian Epic, taxes and charges.
Avail of the Ocean View Upgrade from only €455 extra per person
or a Balcony Upgrade from only €290 extra per person.
Travel: 24th January 2014, Ref no: 869840
Book your Norwegian Cruiseline holiday by the 18th of November 2013 and get up to $200 free on-board spending money on selected sailings.
American Holidays is fully licensed and bonded by Commission for Aviation Regulation (TO 029). Call American Holidays to book on 01 673 3804
or drop into their office just off Grafton Street at 18-19 Duke Street, Dublin 2
For more information visit www.americanholidays.com.
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Cycling Ireland Annual Awards
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| Cycling legends Sean Kelly, Daniel Martin, Nicholas Roche and Stephen Roche joined Fiona Cunningham from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) at the recent Cycling Ireland Annual Awards which were held in the O’Callaghan Alexandra Hotel in Dublin. |
NITB are promoting the Giro d’Italia cycle race in 2014 which will see more than 200 of the
world’s best cyclists from over 30 countries arriving in Belfast for what’s known as the Grande Partenza (Big
Start) on Friday May 9. Racing will continue on Saturday in
the Greater Belfast area and takes in the scenic North Antrim Coast
(May 10) before concluding on the Sunday (May 11) with a road stage from
Armagh to Dublin.
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Unique bottling of Irish Single Grain Whiskey is Launched
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The Teeling Whiskey Company, an award winning independent Irish whiskey company, has released a new bottling of Single Grain Irish whiskey, one of only a handful of such expressions in the world.
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The Teeling Whiskey Company, an award winning independent Irish whiskey company, has released a new bottling of Single Grain Irish whiskey, one of only a handful of such expressions in the world.
Single Grain bottlings are very rare as it is typically blended with heavier styles of Irish whiskey to create many of the well-known brands on the market today. Grain whiskey is made through the combination of unique ingredients, predominately maize/corn which is distilled through a modern technique of column distillation. This produces an exceptionally clean, smooth and sweet Irish whiskey. The smooth, sweet nature of Grain whiskey provides a natural canvas which allows the Teeling Whiskey Company to create a very unique style of Irish whiskey.
To add a depth of character, Teeling Single Grain is exclusively fully matured in Californian Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels. This creates a very distinctive rich amber colour while imparting strong spicy notes, lush red berry and grape flavours. This proprietary maturation technique produces a very unique Irish whiskey of distinctive character while still being remarkably easy to drink. Like all the Teeling whiskeys it is bottled at 46% with no chill filtration allowing for all the natural flavours of the whiskey to be retained.
Jack Teeling, founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company, commented, “It’s a little known fact that the majority of Irish whiskey sold is actually Grain whiskey so we feel it is interesting to have expressions of Single Grain whiskey in its own right. Our new Teeling Single Grain is representative of our aim to help drive the expansion of the Irish whiskey category through unique bottlings and expressions.”
The Teeling family whiskey heritage in distilling dates back to 1782 in Dublin when Walter Teeling set up a distillery in Marrowbone Lane in the Liberties. Today, Jack and his brother Stephen, Sales & Marketing Director, are the latest generation of Teelings involved in the Irish whiskey industry. While initially starting out as an independent bottler, their aim is to bring Teeling Whiskey home by establishing the first new whiskey distillery in Dublin in over 125 years.
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