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    Throughout his life, Joel M. Abels, Travel Trade's editor and publisher, made it his mission to keep travel agents from going it alone in business... (more)

    England

     

    Travel Agent Professional April 2012

     

    feb 2012 Issue

     

    Issue

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    America's Vacation Center/Avoya Travel

     

     

     

    Birmingham England —
    The Ultimate Shopper's Paradise


    By Paull Tickner

    Airside Kerbside in less than 30 minutes... Fantastic weekend rates at fabulous 4 star hotels... Amazing shopping... Welcome to Birmingham, Britain's second city and recently named as one of the world's top 20 places to visit in 2012 alongside the likes of Florence, Tokyo and San Diego.

    The influential New York Times newspaper placed the city 19th on its list of must see destinations, highlighting a recent quote that Birmingham is the UK's 'foodiest town'.

    In its write up the New York Times says: ''The chefs are building on an already rich dining scene. Birmingham is famous in Britain for its Balti Triangle, an area of town that is home to a beloved Pakistani-Kashmiri curry dish invented here.''

    With this ease of access and the high quality of its hotels to work with, Birmingham is THE place to go to for Girls Getaway shopping trips.

    Whether you want designer labels, the latest high street trends, unique one off bargain brands, the city's got it all.  With thousands of shops to choose from, it's the ultimate shopper's paradise.  No purse is safe from Birmingham's inspiring retail outlets from the uber-cool Mailbox and the iconic Selfridge building to its selection of quirky independent stores the city is an unparalleled world class shopping destination.

    Shopaholics will love browsing around the vast choice of shopping malls.  At the heart of this capital of retail lies the award winning Bullring  www.bullring.co.uk  which is home to a vibrant mix of over 160 shops and 25 restaurants.

    The Mailbox www.mailboxlife.com houses some of the top designer names such as Harvey Nichols, Hugo Boss and Emporio Armani alongside contemporary arts and fine furnishing shops, exclusive eateries, top salons and spas.

    Birmingham's wealth of shopping centres continues with the Pavilions, City Plaza, the House of Fraser, the Pallasades, the Great Western Arcade and Martineau Place.

    If you're looking for something that dazzles, head for the world famous 250 year old Jewellery Quarter www.jewelleryquarter.net/shopping.  It's where an estimated 40% of all the UK jewellery originates and it's the place to go for something that sparkles especially if you're looking for hand crafted jewellery, clock and watches, at unbelievable prices. 

    Finally, Birmingham is famous for its outdoor markets that are jam packed with bargains, character and bumper choice.
    A typical Girls Getaway day can include:
    • A behind the scenes tour of the Jewellery Quarter.
    • Some insider tips at Harvey Nichols.
    • English Afternoon Tea in the Edwardian Tea Rooms at the City Museum and Art Gallery (home to a wonderful collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings)
    • A pampering session from a top expert at Selfridges before kicking back with a glass of champagne at the Moet Bar and Gallery Restaurant.
    • Cocktails and dinner at Gingers, an exquisite bar and restaurant.

    The New York Times isn't wrong about many things and if you take a closer look, you'll find that their judgement about Birmingham is spot on.  As travel planners, if we look beyond the obvious eg London, we'll discover that Birmingham is a place to be taken very seriously indeed.  If you think otherwise, I'm afraid your information is very much out of date.  Check their website and you'll see exactly what I mean at www.visitbirmingham.com


    Paull Tickner, creator of Special Interest Britain, is affiliated with the Greatdays Travel Group. For over 30 years, he has been developing and operating customized niche travel programs for the United Kingdom and Ireland. For more information, visit his Web site at www.greatdays.co.uk and E-mail him at pjtickner@yahoo.co.uk

    Comments

     

    Kenny G.

     

    Great Deal! Don't miss out!

     

    Sunshine Travel is pleased to announce 2012 China Leisure Tour Packages for any of following destinations (Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou & Guilin)

     

    7 Days/6 Nights Tour Package is for

    $299 (per person double)
    Guaranteed departure based on 2 passengers on any of date you choose.

     

    Package service includes:

    • Private round trip airport/hotel transfers with guide & vehicle service. 6 nights high-end resort hotel accommodation with daily buffet breakfast. Morning Tai-Chi class lessons.
    • Optional daily sightseeing tour transfer with guide & vehicle service. (Entry ticket to site visit & lunch is not included and optional.) 

    Please visit our web for detail info: www.chinaasiatour.com

     
    Auto

    

    Auto Europe Car Rental Recommendations Before
    You Leave For Europe (part 3)

    April 19, 2012: Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, has compiled a set of recommendations that should be on your checklist for your next trip to Europe. These travel tips cover aspects for before, after and during your car rental experience. Below is the final set of suggestions for being prepared once you have arrived back from your trip. (continue)

     

    Auto Europe Car Rental Recommendations Before
    You Leave For Europe (part 2)

    Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, has compiled a set of recommendations that should be on your checklist for your next trip to Europe. These travel tips cover aspects for before, after and during your car rental experience. Below is the second set of suggestions for being prepared once you have arrived at the car rental location. (continue)

     

    Auto Europe Car Rental Recommendations Before

    You Leave For Europe

    Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, is compiling a set of recommendations that should be on your checklist for your next trip to Europe. These travel tips cover aspects for before, after and during your car rental experience. Below are the first suggestions on being prepared before you rent a car. (continue)

     

    Auto Europe: New mandatory ruling for automobiles in France

    Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, is prepared to service their clients with the new ruling in France requiring mandatory breathalyzers in all passenger vehicles. (continue)

     

    Host Agencies

    Amadeus and Expedia sign multi-year agreement in North America

    MADRID, April 19, 2012 – Amadeus, a leading travel technology provider and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, and Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), the world's largest online travel company, today announced they have signed a multi-year content and technology agreement for North America. (continue)

     

    Sales Tip #11:

    Build Your Professional Brand
    Create a Lasting Impression
    with These 3 Tips

    One of the best ways to maintain a customer database full of people who want to hear from you, book with you and send referrals to you is to build a strong and professional brand. Each travel agent has their own personal brand, and it's important to make sure that you take advantage of yours!: (continue)

     

    Travelsavers And Network Of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (Nest)
    Introduce New Customer Loyalty Program

    April 2012: Travel Club, a new complimentary customer loyalty program for clients of TRAVELSAVERS and NEST travel professionals has just launched. The benefits of the program are two fold: (continue)

     

    American Marketing Group

    Launches Family Lifestyle Campaign

    April 2012: American Marketing Group continues to expand upon its award-winning lifestyle direct mail program with a new family-themed campaign, available to licensed travel professionals of TRAVELSAVERS and NEST (continue)

     

    Steven Thompson, CEO
    Of Johns Hopkins Medicine International, Will Address "Well-Being And Medical Travel Conference"

    March 28, 2012 (Oyster Bay, NY) – It was announced today that Steven J. Thompson, MBA, Chief Executive Officer for Johns Hopkins Medicine International, will address the constituents at the "Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012." (wellbeingtravelconference). (continue)

     

    Patient Travelers Give Candid Recaps at "Well-Being & Medica Travel Conference 2012"

    A specially assembled panel of patient travelers will candidly discuss their experiences in traveling abroad for medical and dental procedures at the upcoming "Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012." (continue)

     

    Trafalgar and Virgin Atlantic Host
    The Sales and Service Team of American Marketing Group's

    Trafalgar and Virgin Atlantic recently hosted American Marketing Group's sales and service team on a four day FAM in London. The whirlwind tour of the world-class city incorporated all of the most renowned sites. (continue)

     

    "Best of the Best Globe Award"

    Avoya Travel™/American Express® has been awarded an American Express Vacations 2011 'Best of the Best Globe Award'... (continue)

     

    "Well-Being & Medica Travel Conference 2012" GIVEAWAY

    Any one who registers by April 15 will be entered to win an ultra-pampering personal spa package at the Centre for Well-Being at the 5-star Phoenician luxury resort. A $300 value, the prize-winning package includes a choice of two 50-minute spa services...(continue)


    20% Growth for ExpediaCruiseShipCenters

    Expedia CruiseShipCenters has entered its 25th year in business in good stride with 2011 sales figures showing a remarkable 20% growth over the previous year! (continue)

     

    "Well-Being & Medica Travel Conference 2012"

    The "Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012" -- which will take place on June 20-21, 2012 at The Phoenician luxury resort in Scottsdale, Arizona... (continue)


    Sandals honored Avoya Travel/ American Express

    'Best of the Best, Western' for the company's dedication to outstanding customer service and creating exceptional vacation experiences for Sandals Resorts' guests. (continue)

     

    NCL Honors Avoya Travel With Top Travel Award

    Avoya Travel™/American Express®, one of the leading travel companies in North America and beyond, today announced that Norwegian Cruise Line has presented the company with its 2011 'Home-Based Agency of the Year' award. (continue)

     

    OASIS Reports Record
    Growth in 2011

    OASIS, www.OasisAgent.com, a leader in the development of programs for home based independent travel agents, reports another year of record growth. (continue)

     

    TRAVELSAVERS Partner Services &
    Analog Analytics Team Up to Provide

    TRAVELSAVERS Partner Services, a new American Marketing Group company, has won the account as the exclusive travel provider for Analog Analytics' Bigger Better Deal™ solution. (continue)

     

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    This website is dedicated to the memory of Joel M. Abels
    "HE CREATED A VOICE, NOT JUST AN ECHO"