Leisure Travel e-Newsletter - Summer 2007

The Langkawi archipelago

The Langkawi archipelago off the north-western coastline of peninsular Malaysia is becoming an increasingly popular resort destination that has holidaymakers taking notice. The bulk of the forests that blanket its 99 islands remain untouched wilderness, and long may it remain so.

The statistics speak for themselves: 99 islands (maybe 104, depending upon the prevailing tides), of which only three have any settlement to boast of; Southeast Asia's oldest rock formations; a total of just 50,000 inhabitants; extensive untouched forests and vast wetlands; some unique wildlife and picture-postcard scenery, which avid film-goers will recognise as the backdrop to Anna and the King.

The closest beach to Kuala Lumpur, and several hundred kilometres to the south (50 minutes' flying time), Langkawi is within convenient weekend-break distance for residents of several regional capitals – a feature that could spell disaster for many eco-lovely destinations, but seems to work here. What makes Langkawi special is that island authorities clearly realise the island's natural beauty, as seen in their efforts to protect it. This is no Phuket or Bali, but a destination that remains, for the most part, untouched – and its inhabitants are keen to keep it that way.

Langkawi is basically a community of farmers and fishermen who have seen the benefits that accrue from tourism. This development has happened over the past decade, and while Langkawi could be considered regionally to be a late developer, it has superb infrastructure, from an international airport capable of handling 747s, to an extensive array of resorts, none of which dominates the natural landscape. This is where Langkawi sets itself apart from other regional tropical resort islands.

At the Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa for example, they have set about incorporating eco-friendly technology into all renovations, such as microbe treatment of the waste water so that it can be safely recycled as irrigation water for their extensive gardens. The resort hopes soon to become a regional resource for other hotels to model themselves upon.

Venezuela - The Lost World And Angel Falls

 

When Arthur Conan Doyle wrote ‘The Lost World’, he was inspired by the Table Mountains of South East Venezuela. This series of mysterious mountain tops, almost inaccessible from the surrounding jungle, captured the imagination of a generation of armchair travellers.

Why not allow yourself to be similarly inspired? You can travel to this remote corner of Venezuela to combine an ascent to the summit plateau of Auyan Tepui, followed by a river journey by dugout canoe to the base of Angel Falls – the highest waterfall in the world. From your jungle base, you can follow trails through tropical forest before gradually ascending a series of boulders (requiring fixed rope in places) to the summit plateau of Auyan Tepui. You cannot help but marvel at the views of the vast jungle canopy as you undertake day-walks to appreciate the rich diversity of flora and fauna that would have staggered early explorers. After your foray you can then enjoy a memorable river journey to Angel Falls and visit a number of remote Indian communities along the way.

Try Africa for White Water and Rainbows

Africa's huge rivers have a soul and character of their own. Rising and ebbing with the waters from their tributaries, sometimes so shallow you can wade in them (minding the crocs!) and at other times a torrent of fierce water rushing past taking huge trees and debris.

One of Africa's most spectacular rivers is the Zambezi, especially at Victoria Falls where it tumbles over the cliffs into a cauldron of water aptly named The Boiling Pot. From here it cuts through millennia old gorges to end up eventually in the Indian Ocean.

Due to the unprecedented rainfall in Western Zambia and Eastern Angola, the water level of the Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls, has been running higher than normal, recently setting a record last hit in 1970.
Victoria Falls, however, is truly magnificent - "awesome" is probably the better word for this incredible sight of white water thrashing it's way into the gorge below. The rain forest is thick and lush, the rainbows tumbling over each other through the spray. The waters usually reach their peak mid-April then start dropping again, so why not time your visit to see it at its most peak?

Those who have been to the Dabula Jetty will know the elegant stone steps down to the jetty to board the sunset cruise – a truly unforgettable experience!

Worth a visit? We would certainly say so! You can of course, also combine this phenomenal sight with a wildlife safari, or move on to South Africa, so let our leisure travel specialists research your holiday to Africa and combine your various dreams into one really amazing holiday.

The airline industry looks set to be forced to offer financial protection for its passengers after the European Parliament voted in favour of new regulations recently. Like tour operators and agents, airlines will have to protect their customers in light of a company failure.

They will also be forced to provide fares inclusive of taxes, fees and charges and give equal access to fares across the whole of Europe.

Before being officially put into place, the regulations have to be ratified by the European Council, which is set to meet on October 1.

It is then likely to be another two to three months before the new regulations come into force.

A spokesman for ABTA said it was a major step in the right direction. "We have been lobbying on these issues for a number of years but with lack of success with the UK Government. This cannot be anything other than a step in the right direction," he said.

"The transparent pricing issue basically supports steps already taken by ourselves and the Office of Fair Trading, although there are certain amendments that were rejected and we need to sit and look at these in more detail.

"With regards to the opening up of access to fares, the fact that we have amongst the most competitive prices in Europe means agents will be presented with a great commercial opportunity."

We at Medway Travel, also welcome this news. At last there is the real possibility that unscrupulous competitors will be forced to do business on our terms, and artificial head-line prices that attract customers on a false basis, will become illegal.

French railway company, SNCF, has reported a sparkling series of numbers for its newly-opened TGV Est Europeen services.

One month after opening the new high-speed network that links Paris to eastern France, as well as Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg, SNCF says that more than a million passengers have now used the system.

Some 100 TGV trains carrying 33,000 passengers ply the route between the French capital and the new routes every day, with an impressive load factor of 88% in standard and 75% in first class.

Extra services are now in place to Reims and Strasbourg using new track, with the latter destination benefiting from a 15% increase in capacity by 5 September this year.

An SNCF statement said: “We underline that TGV Est Europeen is the first train in the world to run at speeds of 320kmh (198mph) on the 300km of new high speed track between Vaires and Baudrecourt.

If you wish to sample this record-breaking service, contact us for further details and we will gladly set up your travel arrangements.

Some readers may already know that we have on our website a page entitled "Worldwide Leisure Events", to give surfers information about some of the most famous, interesting and fun events happening in the coming 6 to 9 months, one or more of which you may wish to incorporate into your next holiday.

We have extracted the following examples to give you a flavour, but strongly suggest you click here to see much more!

Jazz in Marciac, France                                              31st July to 15th August

Every year this small town in the south – west of France becomes home to one of the world’s finest jazz festivals. With free concerts held in the main square during the day, exhibitions, and evening performances, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Edinburgh International Festival                              10th August To 2nd September

Why not take a short break and visit one of the world’s greatest arts festivals. For 3 weeks, Edinburgh is filled with classical music, opera, theatre and dance, making it one of the most exciting cities to visit this Summer.  

White Night, Rome                                                 8th September

Spend a night on the town in Rome, with this annual event. Over 100 events take place across the city, with 22 film theatres, 28 theatres, 24 museums, 51 art galleries and 9 cultural institutes staying open all night. Shops and food outlets are also open for the night, and free transport provided after 10pm.

 

Oktoberfest, Munich                                              22nd September - 7th October

Drawing visitors from across the globe, this German beer lovers extravaganza, is now the biggest public festival in the world. Main highlights, besides the beer, is the Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen's Parade, held this year on September 19th, the Parade of Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, and this year an agricultural festival.

Perugia Eurochocolate Festival                                13th – 21st October

Love chocolate, you’ll love Perugia. For 9 days, this beautiful city hosts its annual Festival celebrating this confectionary delight. The city’s promenades are filled with vendors, and the many events include cooking classes, banquets, chocolate theatre and a chocolate cooking competition by top chefs. Join over a million visitors, and see the spectacle for yourself.

Abu Simbel Festival, Egypt                                     22nd October

When placing his temple, Ramses II, angled it so precisely that the statues of the inner sanctum would light up naturally from the sun twice a year, once on the anniversary of his rise to the throne and once on his birthday. A daily sound and light show which takes place at Abu Simbel is a sight to be seen - the natural lighting of the temple twice a year, is a once in a lifetime experience.  

New York Marathon                                               4th November

With over 34,000 competitors, the New York Marathon has become the largest in the world, Spectators can view the energetic, as they run through each of the city's 5 boroughs, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhatten. Why not take a seat by the finishing line, at the Tavern on the Green, in Central Park, and watch the winners come home.

Surin Elephant Round -Up                                     17th November

Highly respected and central to Thai culture, the elephant is celebrated in this annual event. Many visitors are attracted to the Si Narong Stadium in this northern area of Surin to see around 100 trained elephants as they are gathered to play football, display their log pulling skills and parade in costume fit for medieval warfare.

Christmas Markets                                                 November / December

Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to one of the beautiful European Christmas markets. Choose from France, Begium, Germany or Eastern Europe, and combine a few days away with some early Christmas souvenirs!

Christmas Shopping  US style                             November / December                                                                        

See the festive lights and the seasonal sights of Boston or New York, and combine with the favourable exchange rate to grab some Christmas bargain

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We have not listed travel arrangements as there are often countless options available. If you are interested in any of the above events, please contact us on 01622 608265 and we will research the most suitable for your requirements.

Princess plans record six ship deployment in Europe in 2008

Princess Cruises has copied its US rival, Royal Caribbean International, by announcing its largest ever ship deployment in Europe for 2008.

The line is to have six ships in the region next summer, including both Sea Princess and Grand Princess operating from Southampton to give a combined capacity of 4,550 beds.

Newly launched superliner Emerald Princess and sister ship Crown Princess plus more intimate 'boutique-style' Royal Princess and Pacific Princess will also sail in European waters next year.

Prices start at £649 for a seven-night cruise on Sea Princess from Southampton. Early booking discounts of up to 45% apply for cruises booked by August 31 in addition to free places for children on selected Sea Princess sailings from Southampton. Free coach transfers or car parking in Southampton apply to all 14-night Mediterranean cruises on Sea Princess and 12-night 'Fire & Ice' cruises on Grand Princess for bookings also made by the end of August.

With the deployment of six ships – including the brand new, 3,110 passenger, Emerald Princess and Crown Princess in Europe for the first time – the line offers really diverse itinerary choices for discovering the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Canada and New England.

Following its maiden season this year, 3,110-passenger Emerald Princess returns as the company's newest ship in the Mediterranean in 2008 operating 12-night Mediterranean and Greek Island fly-cruises. Charter flights from London and Manchester to Barcelona, Venice and Rome will feature extra legroom, leather seats and healthy menu. Prices start at £1,389 per person.

Crown Princess will join sister ship Emerald Princess in Europe for its first ever season of 10- night cruises from Copenhagen, visiting the capitals of the Baltic region, including a two-day visit to St. Petersburg. The 3,110 passenger Crown Princess will be the biggest cruise ship to sail in the Baltic Sea, the company claims. Prices start at £1,099 per person.

A series of new 'Classical Europe' cruises taking in many major cities in both the Mediterranean and Scandinavia as well as St Petersburg in Russia are on offer on 670-passenger Royal Princess - formerly Swan Hellenic's Minerva II - after its maiden season this year. Itineraries include Princess's series of regular transits of the Kiel Canal as the ship sails from Rome to Stockholm on a 16-night return itinerary from £1,699 per person.

Similarly-sized Pacific Princess will offer more 'off-the-beaten-track' cruising, visiting Ravenna (Italy), Split (Croatia), Kotor (Montenegro) and Canakkale (Turkey); all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as the Holyland, Egypt, the Black Sea and other destinations in its first season of Mediterranean cruising.

Silversea’s All Inclusive Value

Silversea is a world apart from all other luxury holidays providing the ultimate travel experience. The four elegant, yacht-like ships provide guests with the highest standards of accommodation and service that is both refined and relaxed. Everything you could possibly ask for is included in the fare, ensuring we always exceed our guests’ expectations.

• All ocean-view suite accommodation, 80% with a private teak veranda
• Complimentary beverages served throughout the ship
• Gratuities included
• Open-seating dining, all the time
• In-suite beverage cabinet
• In-suite dining and 24-hour complimentary room service
• Complimentary in-suite movie channels
• Complimentary transportation into town in many ports
• Wide repertoire of entertainment


GOLF
Silversea's 2007 Silver Links programme offers golf enthusiasts the chance to combine their love of luxury travel with their passion for golf. They offer 15 diverse itineraries aboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper and feature over 45 challenging courses in more than 25 locations throughout Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico.

The Silver Links voyages offer optional golfing excursions arranged and escorted by the ship's golf pro. From the gently rolling fairways at the elegant Fairmont Pierre Marques Golf Club on Acapulco's Revocadero Beach, to the hairpin turns and swirling mountain winds of Montego Bay's White Witch Golf Club, Guests have a chance to perfect their game at some of the world's most challenging and revered courses.

On each of these golf voyages guests will also have the opportunity to improve their game aboard ship. Complimentary lessons, contests and clinics are available with the onboard ‘PGA classed’ golf professional. Golfers also have the option to further improve their game aboard ship with private swing analysis utilising the most advanced V1 digital coaching system.

The following is an example of the Silver Links programme: Silver Shadow departs 26 October 2007 on a 10-day "Caribbean Kaleidoscope" voyage (3728) from Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale with optional golf excursions to Wyndham el Conquistador Golf and Resort (San Juan, Puerto Rico); Teeth of the Dog Golf Club (La Romana, Dominican Republic); White Witch Golf Club (Montego Bay, Jamaica); Links at SafeHaven Golf Club (Grand Cayman); and Key West Golf Club (Key West, Florida). Cruise only fares start at £3,065 per person including all port charges and taxes.

WI-FI COVERAGE ONBOARD
Silversea has now expanded wireless internet access to 100% coverage throughout its four ships, enabling guests with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs to surf the internet and check e-mails from the comfort of their suites as well as from public areas. Each Silversea ship also features internet centres with state-of-the-art desktop computers and 17-inch flat screen monitors. Pricing for internet use on the ship's computers is the same as for using personal laptops and includes a variety of convenient rate plans.

WINE RESTAURANT
Guests can now enjoy an incomparable new dining experience at Le Champagne (onboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper) and Saletta (onboard Silver Cloud and Silver Wind). Guests will dine in an intimate atmosphere with internationally renowned wine selections. The Head Sommelier will be on hand to recommend outstanding vintages paired with each course. Only for-purchase selections from Silversea’s Epicurean List will be offered. Advance reservations may be made onboard.

So if you want to combine a golfing holiday with a truly luxurious cruise, do contact Astra (our cruise specialist) for advice and details

It's all happening spa-wise along Bangkok's River of Kings. There have been a number of new spa openings/renovations and they're all well worth visiting for a rub down – or holistic wellness session. For example:

Ayurvedic Penthouse, Oriental Hotel Bangkok

This superb riverside penthouse above the famed Oriental Spa, has not only centuries of good karma, but also offers accommodation for Bangkok's first Ayurvedic Centre. Today, these bright, airy quarters with river views and mature landscaping are graced with Indian antiques and elaborate wall hangings.

But beauty is more than skin deep here: each of the four very large suites contains an authentic Ayurvedic set-up. There is the wooden Ayurvedic bed carved from a single plank (in other words, no rickety joints) taken from a tree at least one hundred years old. There is the fabulous wooden steam cabinet for post-oil massage treatment, which keeps the head cool while steaming the essential oils further into the skin. And there is the spacious shower for a therapist-administered snana (scrub-down) of ground beans, and the copper (i.e., bacteria-resistant) bathtub for a clean soak.

The conventional spa menu becomes superfluous; after all, how would the layperson ever know how to balance a dosha? Above and beyond the one-off treatments are three- to four-day long-stay programmes (or repeat visits, for the local Bangkok set) encompassing spa treatments, consultancy sessions with the Ayurvedic doctor and yoga trainer – an entire lifestyle overhaul, if you wish to go that far.

The Spa, Millennium Hilton Bangkok

Those tickled by the celebration of sophisticated fun will appreciate The Spa, a sleek, sexy and not-too-serious bamboo-fringed compound next to the main building. Less medical or philosophical than its riverside neighbours, The Spa promotes the 'four Rs' – Refresh, Relax, Rejuvenate and Rebalance – through a menu based on four elements: Fire, Water, Air, Earth. After informing you how the menu 'works', the therapist gives you a consultation to determine which treatment suits you best, and then customises it accordingly.

This is not unusual practice in a spa, but quite necessary here: some of the treatments sound complex, delicious and unusual all at once, and a helping hand is appreciated. It also makes use of the well-trained therapists.

In terms of ingredients, The Spa spares no expense, offering a menu bolstered by brand-name spa products Thalgo (France) and Pevonia (USA). Expect to see some science-defying treatments, such as Luminier Face by Pevonia, which uses light therapy to regenerate cells – very Ray Bradbury. Natural, indigenous ingredients also make an appearance in a few East-meets-West treatments, and here The Spa does a fantastic job at seamlessly blending two or more traditions.

If you fancy a “Health” holiday or short break, or to include a course of treatment in another holiday, do contact our consultants who will be happy to advise on suitable alternatives to suit both your plans and budget.

LEADING members of the Federation of Tour Operators today begin a challenge in the High Court to the government through a Judicial Review of the legality of Air Passenger Duty and the way the recent increase in the tax has impacted on them.

A verdict is expected by the end of July.

APD was first introduced by the Conservative government and has been collected since 1994. In December 2006 the then Chancellor, Gordon Brown, announced that APD would double with effect from 01 Feb 07.

The lack of notice given to tour operators – just seven weeks – is what has triggered the legal action from leading FTO members. Tour operators work on long lead times and, unlike airlines, are largely precluded by law from passing on surcharges for unexpected new costs to
passengers who have already booked.

This lack of adequate notice – always given to the industry in the past – has cost the sector an estimated £50 million. There are three main strands to the tour operators’ challenge to the government.

• First, that it is an illegal tax as it is in breach of Article 15 of the Chicago Convention which effectively says taxes can only be levied on flights if they are in return for cost based services provided – security, air traffic control etc. APD is not related to any such services.
• Secondly, that it breaches the human rights of tour operators by failing to give sufficient notice of the change, forcing them to absorb substantial, unplanned costs.
• And lastly that APD is in breach of the Treaty of Rome which enshrines the right to the free movement of goods and services across the EU.
  

FTO members stress that the action is in no way a move to avoid the urgent need for all sectors, aviation included, to reduce their impact on the environment.

We wish them success in their efforts to correct this unfair and unreasonably applied tax increase!

On the back of our survey into our corporate clients’ views on the quality of our Travel Management services, we asked them to say what they thought of our Leisure travel services.

The results were very satisfying and we thought those of you who have not yet approached us would be interested in the following summary of the results.

Having asked some 250 clients to complete the report, those who have used our Leisure department gave us an score of over 9 (out of 10) on 13 features of the overall service, with the only other feature – Prices are competitive and good value – being scored at just on 8.0 out of 10. For the purposes of this survey, we defined for the recipients that 1 = unacceptable, 5 = good and 10 = excellent.

Amongst the kind comments responders made, was a typical one about the new website we launched in March, from Val Chantry of Intier Automotive UK, Warwick, which read:

Exellent. Extremely informative and easy to use.

May we suggest that with recommendations like these, you need have no concerns about the quality of old fashioned personal and professional advice and support you will receive, if you entrust your holidays to our dedicated consultants in future. Take a look at the Leisure section of our website and see examples of the variety of “Holidays with a Difference” we can offer you.

More than a third of all UK travellers are unable to switch off completely when on holiday, and regularly use the internet whilst abroad, according to a new survey.

Forty per cent of UK travellers admitted to going online at least twice during their trip abroad.

The key users of the internet when abroad is the 21-35 year age group, stating that the main purpose for both sexes logging on, is to check and send personal emails.

However, a greater number of men than women tend to check their work emails while on holiday, with women tending to use the internet to book day trips and research the destination.

The survey identified a growing trend among over-50s to get connected to the internet.

The 'silver surfer' generation emerged as the age group who used the internet abroad more on a daily basis than any other age group, logging on to stay in touch with loved ones: checking and sending personal emails and uploading photos and 'blogs'.

Whether you want to stay connected, need other facilities or wish really to cut yourself off from civilisation when on holiday, our consultants will take all your preferences and requirements into account, when we tailor a holiday specifically to suit you. So do contact us and we will be delighted to discuss your plans and meet your holiday ambitions.

According to research, one in four tour operators are now consistently making losses each year. This compares with about one in five a year ago and one in six two or three years before that.

Often firms will make a one-off strategic decision to lose money, for example because they are on the acquisition trail.

But if a company keeps on making losses, the writing will be on the wall because sooner or later, the banks will pull the plug.

We've seen numerous companies fail in recent years, including industry favourites like Tapestry that many thought would always have a niche.

The evidence seems to suggest that we are going to see a lot more, particularly in the short-haul market where good agents (such as Medway Travel!) can often improve on a package, by linking a no-frills flight with accommodation, exactly to match the client’s preferences.

The standard margin on mainstream tours used to be four per cent of turnover; for those able to make anything, the average these days is more like two per cent.

The consolidation of the big four tour operators is a bonus for us, because it reduces the choice obtainable from the High Street multiples, whereas, having the best technology, we are able to research an almost infinite number of possibilities totally without bias.

There are therefore several good reasons to contact our specialist leisure consultants before booking your holiday with a conventional tour operator, namely: flexibility, price, the security of your booking and having the personal attention of consultants who care about making your holiday really special.

Special offers for those seeking ideas

In this section we bring you some of our outstanding offers that are currently available. If any of these are of interest, or have given you food for thought, please do contact our specialist consultants. They will be delighted to assist you and have a vast selection of other tempting alternatives to help you to choose from.

Two night mini cruise – Amsterdam

Interested in taking a cruise – why not sample the ocean with this Autumn break,

Dover / Amsterdam / Dover - 6th October 2007

Join this liner in its inaugural season. 15 bars and lounges to explore, 10 restaurants plus a 4 lane, mood lit bowling alley.

Stateroom with balcony from £289 per person.

Suites and courtyard villas are also available.

Ever thought of an American Ranch Holiday?

Montana – September Offer

Depart any day in September, and enjoy a 7 night stay at Lonesome Spur Guest Ranch from £1595 per person.

Oklahoma – 2 free nights

Learn the history, meet Native Americans and Indians at Tiger Mountain Ranch.
Prices from £1250 per person.

Both the above include return flights and transfers, 7 nights Full Board accommodation, ranch activities and gratuities.


September in Cyprus

Stay in Paphos at our selected hotels and receive upgrades during your stay.

5th September – 4* Pioneer Hotel
Price £859
Stay for 11 nights and receive free upgrade to Half Board.

19th September – 5* Azia Blue Hotel
Price £849
Stay for 7 nights Half Board and receive free upgrade to a Seaview room.

Prices based on 2 sharing, and include flights and transfers.


London Getaways

Something to celebrate. Just want a weekend away?

Why not take a London Theatre Break?

Phantom of the Opera – Top tickets and Hotel from £79 per person.

Billy Elliott – from £79 – save up to £30 per person
Lord of the Rings – Top tickets and hotel from £109 per person


Kenyan delights

3 delightful properties in South Mombasa

The Cove Luxury Tree House - 7 nights All Inclusive from £1212

Set in the baobab trees, the tree houses offer a breathtaking retreat within a natural setting – complete with butler to attend to clients needs,
Stay 10 nights and enjoy 1 night in the Shimba Hills and a bush walk.

Price valid for stays from 29th April and 7th July 2008.

New! Kinondo Beach Retreat- 7 nights All Inclusive from £899

A remote beach retreat, offering an intimate and tranquil haven. The 12 suites are air- conditioned and boast a bathroom with private shower, love couch and pool views.

Price valid for stays from 1st September – 8th December 2007

New! Tented Beach Retreat, 7 nights All Inclusive from £1099

Close to nature and the beach, this is a unique retreat offering barefoot luxury. The 12 luxury tents have bathroom, large shower area, air-conditioned bedroom and 4 poster bed. Perfect for honeymoons.

Price valid for stays from 1st September – 8th December 2007


These holidays offer just a snapshot of the vast range of holidays available around the world, so please contact Astra, James or Sue on 01622 608265 or email us at leisure@medwaytravel.co.uk for your own personal choice.

Virgin Atlantic is expanding its services to Jamaica later this year with the launch of flights between London Gatwick and Kingston.

Using Virgin's 451-seat Boeing 747-400 aircraft, the new twice-weekly service will start on October 30 and will run alongside Virgin's twice-weekly services between Gatwick and Montego Bay.

The new services will double Virgin's capacity between London and Jamaica to 190,000 seats a year.

The move comes after a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Air Jamaica and Virgin and follows Air Jamaica's decision to stop flying between the UKand Jamaica in order to concentrate on its core routes.

Virgin is also announcing a new codeshare agreement with Air Jamaica, in which the airline will place its code on Virgin flights operating to and from Kingston, as well as Montego Bay.

In turn, Virgin will add its VS code to internal, connecting Air Jamaica flights between Montego Bay and Kingston.

Virgin CEO Steve Ridgway said: "We look forward to working more closely with Air Jamaica to develop the routes between London and Jamaica.

"We intend to offer a comprehensive network of connections between our three UK airports - Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester - and Jamaica via our US and Caribbean gateways, and in future we will look to build up connecting traffic via Jamaica to other points in the Caribbean region.

"We also intend to increase the frequency to Montego Bay as soon as possible, as we take delivery of new aircraft including the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner which we recently ordered."

Medway Travel consultants are already able to book tickets for these new services, so do contact us for details and to make arrangements for you.

Zoom Airlines was due to start low cost Gatwick-New York JFK flights today with almost 10,000 advance bookings.

The carrier, already established in serving Canada from the UK, claims to be offering savings of between 42% and 71% on the fares being offered by traditional airlines.

Tickets for the daily flights lead-in at £129 one-way including taxes and are being marketed as an 'affordable alternative' to carriers such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Delta.

Co-owner John Boyle, former boss of Owners Abroad, said: "People have been forced to pay outrageously high fares to fly between London and New York for too long.

"The prices charged by BA, Virgin and the American carriers on the New York route are virtually inseparable and it is high time that passengers had a better deal. We are offering savings of up to 70% on these flights."

Zoom has operated full-service, low-cost flights from the UK to Canada for three years and has been granted permission to operate from Gatwick as an official UK carrier to the United States alongside British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

The airline is also to start additional services from Gatwick to Canada and Bermuda.

With the huge and increasing number of airlines and ticket options now available on the North Atlantic routes, it is well worth asking our consultants to research and arrange your trip. We will ensure you obtain best value, and probably save you a lot of time and expense – far outweighing the small charge we make for the unbiased expert service and advice.