March 21 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,865 | www.travelbulletin.co.

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Operators highlight new itineraries that take guests off-the-beaten-track

Cultural Tours

find out what's in store for Aries this month

this week agent bulletin 9

hotel bulletin free & fast Wi-Fi with no strings becomes a reality for guests of one hotel group

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iceland

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Promote Iceland welcomes record growth in UK visitors

dynamic packaging ideas to boost your commission with DIY packages

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hotelbulletin
Free and fast Wi-Fi with no strings becomes a reality for guests of one hotel group
by PAUL SCUDAMORE
GLH HOTELS, which claims to be the largest owneroperator hotel company in London with more than 4,000 rooms, or more than 10% of the city's fully functioning hotel rooms, has announced the launch, with BT, of full, fast and free Wi-Fi at all of its 36 UK properties with no requirement to register. It means the service is available throughout the hotels - from the lobby to the bathroom - with a single click to gain access. It also means that anyone - a guest or not - can use the free service. The company maintains that the major investment of close to 2m will see its appeal to all guests such as business travellers, groups and individuals surpass that of rival hotel groups, and has already seen a 13% increase in business. The group's 15 London properties include the Charing Cross Hotel, Cumberland Hotel at Marble Arch, Grosvenor at Victoria, Tower Hotel at Tower Bridge and Royal Horseguards Hotel on the Embankment. Its national brand is Thistle Hotels, which recently carried out a survey of 2,000 people and discovered "surfing" was one of the most popular holiday pastimes for Brits, but that having to pay for Wi-Fi was one of the top "holiday hates". The survey also found that when booking a holiday, fast, free and reliable Wi-Fi was a more important consideration that the hotel having a swimming pool or being close to local attractions. The CEO of glh Mike DeNoma said: "It's crazy to think that in 2014 hotel chains are still charging up to 20 a day for Wi-Fi. Our research shows that free and fast WiFi is very important, which is why we partnered with BT Wi-Fi to upgrade our existing free internet access with no registration, no limitations and no fine print so that customers can simply click and connect without fuss or fee. And most importantly, they don't have to sign up to memberships or earn loyalty points to qualify."

VILLA MALY, a boutique hotel in Laos' Luang Prabang, is marking Songkran (Lao New Year) with a three-night package from April 13-16 that leads in at US$452 for two or $367 for one. It includes breakfast, airport transfers, a spa treatment and a dinner cruise on the Mekong River on the Nava Mekong. For details email info@villa-maly.com

EMG expands portfolio with launch of new luxury resort in Vietnam

EMERALDA MANAGEMENT Group (EMG) has announced a portfolio expansion with the launch of its latest luxury hotel, the Emeralda Resort, Ninh Binh. Located in Northern Vietnam, the new five-star property sits within the primeval tropical-forest of the Van Long Nature Reserve and offers an ideal base for exploring Vietnam's ancient Royal Capital including Cuc Phuong National Park, Tam Coc - Bich Dong and the Kenh Ga floating village. The company's chief commercial officer, Luong Trac Duc, said: "We are delighted to launch Emeralda Resort to the UK market, which is an important market for us and we're keen to support it with sales initiatives and training that educate and offer a full explanation of key USPs for each property." For more information visit www.emeraldaresort.com

G RELAIS & Chteaux has announced the addition of six new

members as it approaches its 60th anniversary. They include Maison dUzs in Gard, France; Hotel Restaurant Mammertsberg in Freidorf overlooking Lake Constance, Switzerland; Chasa Montana Hotel & Spa in Samnaun, Switzerland; Myconian Utopia Resort on the Greek island of Mykonos; Mihir Garh in Jodhpur, India; and Brilliant Resort & Spa in Kunming next to Yangzong Lake in Chinas Yunnan province. G THE FAIRMONT Hamilton Princess in Bermuda is undertaking a $70m renovation and restoration project that will maintain the historic character of the hotel, while adding luxury and contemporary features. It includes the renovation and restoration of the guestrooms and suites in the Poinciana Wing of the hotel, a new resort pool, the development of a new marina and harbour side restaurant, plus enhancements to the infrastructure. G SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, At The Shard, London has opened its reservation lines for rooms, events and Tng the signature

restaurant and lounge on level 35. The hotel will open on May 6 with room rates starting from 450 per room, per night, including VAT. For details see www.shangri-la.com/london G MOROCCO'S MAZAGAN Beach & Golf Resort is promoting a special Easter offer which is valid from April 1-30. Rates start from 1300 MAD (approximately 95) per night in a Pool View Room, including breakfast and airport transfers. The offer includes dinner for two adults and two kids under 12; 50% off childrens rooms (under 12 years); two-for-one spa treatments per room; five rounds of mini karting per child; free access to leisure and wellness activities throughout the stay including biking, fitness and tennis; free access to the casino and nightclub (for parents) including a 250 MAD casino bonus play per person; and free access to all kids clubs. The offer is subject to tourist taxes (MAD 49.50 per person, per day). For details email reservations@mazaganbeachresort.com or see www.mazaganbeachresort.com

InBrief

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March 21 2014

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