Travel Agent - December 8, 2008 - (Page 21)

The famed Brig O’Doon, the bridge over which Tam O’Shanter escaped from the witches in the classic Robert Burns poem, at Alloway, Ayrshire planned throughout the country will now feature a Homecoming “slant,” as Russell describes it, making them ideal additions for people traveling for one of the other activities. “With a yearlong program of events to choose from,” she says, “we hope that visitors gain an exciting, memorable experience during their vacation to Scotland.” Ancestral Scots can connect with their heritage by attending The Gathering (www.clangathering.org), the largest clan gathering on Scottish soil in modern times, July 25-26. Approximately 30,000 people are expected over two days, and attendees will enjoy a Clan Pageant down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the Highland Games in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park and a selection of Scottish textiles, food and drink to experience. Fans of Scottish music will have plenty to appreciate throughout Homecoming, particularly in Glasgow. They can listen to the massed pipers at the World Pipe Band Championships in August. In January, the Celtic Connections festival will showcase the best in both traditional and contemporary Scottish music. A specific Homecoming-themed weekend is planned, which will showcase how Burns has inspired musicians throughout the years. The Edinburgh Summer Festivals take place throughout August and include the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Festival Fringe and the International Book Festival—all of which will incorporate a Homecoming Scotland them. “The Tattoo are also running satellite events throughout Scotland,” Russell adds, “so there is an even greater opportunity to see them, and in different areas of the country.” website, www.bookingscotland.com, where they can register for the company’s bi-weekly e-newsletter that will keep them up to date on upcoming events and developments in the program. VisitScotland recommends Hotelbeds www.hotelbeds.com to book rooms throughout Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland for travelers looking to make a journey to the British Isles. “One avenue [for agents] is to take their current popular tours to Scotland, see what events are happening over that time, and add it to the program” suggests Russell. “Also, if they do a whiskey, golf, heritage or Burns tour, they are able to incorporate the Homecoming Scotland message, as it complements the themes extremely well.” Agents should also focus on what events are key for their client base, Russell adds. Events focusing on Scottish ancestry are of particular interest to North American visitors, such as CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 TOURING SCOTLAND DISCOVER TRAVEL AND TOURS (www.discovertravelandtours.com) is offering a “Taste of Homecoming” escorted eight-day/sevennight tour on selected dates from May to August 2009, with three guaranteed departures. Prices start from $877 per person. The tour includes accommodations in three- or four-star hotels; daily Scottish breakfast; four dinners in the hotel; ferry and bridge crossings to and from the Isle of Skye; a boat trip on Loch Ness; a traditional ceilidh (Celtic dance) with dinner; and a sheepdog farm demonstration. Admissions are included to Edinburgh, Stirling, Inveraray and Armadale; Glamis and Urquhart Castles; Culloden Battlefield; Glasgow Cathedral; and Strathspey Railway. For more information, call 011-44-870-290-1010 or e-mail sales@discovertravelandtours.com. Selling Scotland To help agents market Homecoming to their clients, VisitScotland and the other sponsors have created an online toolkit at www. homecomingscotland.com/toolkit. This website allows all travel-trade businesses to access official logos and images that will help them brand their products for the Homecoming year of celebration. Agents can also go to www. scotsagent.com, a free educational website that will teach them more about Scotland. There are five online seminars as part of the program, and upon completion agents can enjoy various business benefits, including an invitation to visit Scotland on a fam trip during April. Agents can also visit VisitScotland’s dedicated travel-trade world,” says Susan Russell, international PR executive with VisitScotland. Scotland, she continues, is famous for Burns, whiskey, golf, “great minds and innovations” and as the ancestral homeland of millions around the world. Around 200 events are planned throughout the year—commencing with Burns Day (his birthday, January 25) and lasting until St. Andrews Day (November 30)—that will focus on those five key themes. Other events that were already December 8, 2008 TravelAgent | 21 http://www.bookingscotland.com http://www.hotelbeds.com http://www.clangathering.org http://www.discovertravelandtours.com http://www.homecomingscotland.com/toolkit http://www.homecomingscotland.com/toolkit http://www.scotsagent.com http://www.scotsagent.com

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Travel Agent - December 8, 2008 Reality Check On the Web Contents Contributors From the Editor Europe: Scotland Begins a Yearlong Heritage Celebration Pacific/Asia: Singapore’s Hotel Scene is Vibrant, Inventive and Luxe Egypt: Building Tourism was the Key Topic at the ATS Fall Conference in Cairo Hawaii: Oahu’s North Shore has a Gentle, Laid-Back Ambiance Special Insert: US Airways Vacations—Universal Orlando Master Specialist Canada: The Hotel Le St-James Offers a Taste of Elegance Las Vegas: Sin City May Not See Deals this Good for a Long Time Florida: The Eden Roc Hotel Re-Emerges after a Major Overhaul Central & South America: Chile is an Emerging Hot Spot Caribbean, The Bahamas & Bermuda: Barbados Hotel Undergoes Major Renovation A Jamaica Tourism Official Shares the Island’s Plans Two Little-Known Caribbean Properties are Worth a Look Cruises: 10 Reasons to Love the Ruby Princess Cover Story: Religious Tourism - Faith-Based Vacations are a Growing Niche, and Are Taking Off in Surprising Ways Delta Takes Off: The Delta/Northwest Merger canReshape the Aviation Industry Tours: Traveling in Style with NWA WorldVacations Agent Profile: This Full-Service Agency Turns personalized Service into an Art New Web Trends: Services Aim to Increase Agent Sales Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Celebrity Solstice Hosts Forum for Economic Discussion Cap Juluca to Reopen in Anguilla Hawaii Seeks New Tourism Angles IWV: Scam or Opportunity? In the Spotlight Agent Access Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Special Supplement: South Africa: Your Journey Begins Here

Travel Agent - December 8, 2008

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