Tourism campaign to stimulate your dog

VISIT Victoria is putting your next short-break in the paws of your dog with the world’s first tourism campaign optimised for dogs. The campaign, developed by Clemenger BBDO, highlights how dogs love the quality experiences of regional Victoria as much as much as their pet owners and non-pet owners alike. It is the first digital tourism campaign optimised to stimulate dogs’ sight and sound, featuring content curated by local pet-fluencers @MyAussieTribe, @Tomandcaptain, @ChandlerThePug and @HuckAndCo.

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Christmas market cruises in demand

A huge demand for Christmas market cruises in 2017 has prompted European river cruise line, Riviera Travel, to expand its yuletide cruise offering in 2018 by 167 per cent and add a new and longer festive season cruise in eastern Europe. 

As one of Europe’s major river cruise operators, Riviera Travel increased the number of its first-ever Christmas market cruises in December, 2017, from six to nine to meet burgeoning demand but will offer a total of 16 sailings across four of its five-star river ships in December, 2018.

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Haunted Castles and Spooky Family Fun in Denmark

#DENMARK is famed worldwide for its cosy, warm and friendly atmosphere – and the ‘hygge’ is at its best during the chilly Danish autumn and winter, making it the perfect time to visit. But at Halloween, the cosiest country in the world transforms for frights and fun. 

Valdemar’s Castle, a stunning palace on the island of Tåsinge near Svendborg, in southern Denmark, will have a series of spooky Horror Nights from 29 September until 4 November. With several ‘horror zones’ to explore – everything from a war zone to a horrific hospital and mysterious dark forest – be prepared to be scared! There is also ‘The Mind-Blowing Horror Show’ starring Martin Castor, an international show hypnotist with a scarily sharp ability for modern psychological entertainment, mentalism and mind reading.

Esrum Kloster, north of Copenhagen, is hosting an All Saints Evening on 4 November, where guests will be transported to the dark Middle Ages. The darkened monastery will be filled with vivid lights and eerie soundscapes. Enjoy snacks and nibbles while you explore the monastery and walk alongside the souls of the dead. Perhaps even encourage them to let go of this world and move to the ‘other side’.

From 14 October to 22 October, Egeskov Castle, between Odense and Svendborg, will be hosting fun and spooky treasure hunts for children aged 6–12. Meet mysterious creatures and witches as you make your way through a quest to help Count Dracula find his way back to the crypt where he belongs. Egeskov will be decorated for Halloween with pumpkins all over the gardens. The castle grounds also offer holiday cottages for rent and a free campsite.

On 31 October, enjoy All Saints’ Eve at Gammel Estrup – the Old Estrup Manor House Museum located in beautiful natural surroundings 40km from Aarhus. This special night will feature ghost stories by candlelight, atmospheric tours of the dark cellars and the chance to walk through beautifully illuminated paths in the Baroque garden.


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London is the go to place

TOURISM numbers in #London are set to rise sharply, with more than 40 million people expected to visit the city by 2025, an increase of 30 per cent on the 31.2 million visitors who came to the capital in 2016 says a report ‘A Tourism Vision for London’, published 1 September 2017.

According to Google, London leads worldwide searches for city and short breaks ahead of Barcelona, Rome, Paris and Amsterdam, with the overall number of searches up by 17 per cent year-on-year. London also tops Google’s search rankings for global cities to fly to.

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Leipzig Christmas market a family event

LEIPZIG Christmas market dates all the way back to 1458. Open from November 28 through December 23, its six areas are set in chime with the fascinating historical scenery of the Leipzig city centre. With more than 250 twinkling stalls embedded harmoniously in the historic centre, #Leipzig #Christmas market is not only one of the oldest but also one of the most popular and largest Christmas markets in #Germany. Visitors are offered a multitude of festive delights; they can indulge in numerous culinary specialties or explore the city’s traditional medieval market.

Traditionally, the main area of the Christmas market is Marktplatz (market square) where visitors can marvel at a Saxon spruce Christmas tree of at least 20 metres height, and enjoy a wide variety of performances at the market square stage. On Augustusplatz square a 38-metre-high Ferris wheel offers seasonal views from a lofty height. The Finnish village on Augustusplatz has become a classic over the years. The enticing scent of smoked salmon and fruity Glögi – a mulled wine made from berries – draws visitors to the Scandinavian tents and stalls.

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Destination Denmark: Food & Drink Delights

THE lure of world-class #gastronomy, liveable cities, cutting-edge design and architecture and gripping crime fiction sees UK visitor numbers continuing to climb for overnight stays in #Denmark.  Here is just a taster of what is on offer to tantalise your tastebuds . . .

EUROPEAN Region of Gastronomy for 2017, Aarhus and the surrounding region of Central Denmark is a mecca for foodies. With outstanding fresh produce and new restaurants, bars and food markets adding to its culinary prowess, the region continues to gather international acclaim for its Michelin star restaurants and annual Aarhus Food Festival, which has grown to become the largest in the Nordics. As part of ‘Rethinking Good Food’ in 2017, chefs, producers and world leaders in sustainable thinking will come together to host a programme of events that not only pays tribute to gourmet food and local ingredients but addresses the need to rethink a more sustainable food culture. One of the highlights of the programme will be The People’s Feast, a communal dinner where 500 people will be able to sample different menus from all over the world, including a menu of the future born out of much scientific, culinary and forward-thinking discussion.

RANKED as the world’s best restaurant 4 times in the last 6 years, Chef René Redzepi’s Copenhagen restaurant Noma will leave its current location in Christianshavn and reopen in 2017 on the border of the special Danish community, Christiania, with a new mission and a new menu. Excelling in locally sourced and foraged Scandinavian cuisine and with two Michelin stars to his name, Redzepi plans to take a revolutionary approach to the new graffiti covered derelict space by transforming it into a thriving urban farm and restaurant, with a green house on the roof and fresh soil covered grounds. Focusing on a seasonal menu, the aim is for the majority of ingredients to come from noma’s own farm. 

WITH Carlsberg turning 170 in 2017, it only seems fitting that #Copenhagen has introduced a beer walk that takes thirsty visitors around the trendy areas of Vesterbro and Nørrebro in search of a refreshing ale. Exploring some of the city’s tucked away watering holes, the Copenhagen Beer Walk offers a choice of 12 bars to be taken at leisure. Costing 199 DKK (approx. £24), the package includes a tasting glass, a map and six beer tokens.

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Stay at Ireland's Best B&B

SPRINGVIEW Farmhouse has been named ‘B&B of the Year’ by B&B Ireland, the representative body for the Irish bed and breakfast sector. The Kilkenny farmhouse features in Irish Ferries’ B&B programme, and can be packaged with ferry crossings for a great-value short break or as part of a touring holiday.

“It may only have three guest bedrooms, but Eileen Joyce has given hundreds of our travellers a warm welcome over the years and we congratulate her on the award,” says Ann Pye, holidays manager at Irish Ferries.

Springview Farmhouse is at the heart of the family’s mixed farm in beautiful, rural County Kilkenny. Bedrooms are furnished in traditional style, as befits the house’s early 19th century origins. Eileen welcomes guests with fresh-baked scones on arrival and serves a ‘full Irish’ breakfast each morning.

The B&B is no more than half an hour’s drive from fabulous Kilkenny city to the east – with its castle and cobbled streets as well as a host of good cafes and restaurants – and the same distance from medieval Fethard and the impressive Rock of Cashel.

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A Danish Way of Life

DENMARK'S stunning capital city, #Copenhagen, embodies the effortless style and warm hospitality that has made the world fall in love with the Danish way of life. With a vibrant food scene, outstanding fresh ingredients and new restaurants, bars and food markets adding to the city’s incredible array of gastronomic delights, Copenhagen is a firm favourite for fans of the Nordic food scene.

RyanAir has expanded its range of flights from Stansted to Copenhagen, with a new three-per-day year-round service now operating offering one-way fares from just £9.99. In addition, RyanAir is introducing a four-times-weekly service from Liverpool to Copenhagen, with the first flight scheduled from the end of October 2017.

With more choice of departures, budget-friendly fares and a new route to Denmark from across the UK, there has never been a better time to visit Copenhagen on a budget.

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Manchester to New York

STAY at the W Hotel New York this June for 3 nights, from just £545 per person. 

Standing tall in the heart of New York City, this inviting hotel is nestled amidst some of the New York City’s best dining, shopping and entertainment. 

Based on two adults on a room-only basis with direct Thomas Cook with a 15th June 2017 departure, flying from Manchester. 

Offer must be booked by 26th March 2017 

www.myamericaholiday.co.uk

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Time of your Life with Brittany Ferries

IN her latest film, Dame Joan Collins sails with Brittany Ferries to #France looking for adventure. Now, to celebrate the launch of the #TheTimeofTheirLives, the company has put together a sail-and-stay break that replicates her character’s voyage of discovery. It includes two nights on the glamorous Ȋle de Ré where she and co-star Pauline Collins find love, adventure and true friendship.

Starting from £199 per person, Brittany Ferries Time of Their Lives tour is a three-night break, including two nights bed and breakfast in a hotel on the Ȋle de Ré. The price includes overnight crossing from Portsmouth to Caen with cabin on board and return daytime sailing.

Film fans can choose an extra night or sail from an alternative port, like Poole or Plymouth. For a little additional glamour, they may also choose a luxurious 5-star hotel option for a £50 per person supplement.

The offer is available up until 30 June 2017. For more details, including terms and conditions, or to book a trip visit the website here: http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/offers/the-time-of-their-lives-film

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Acoustic Isle Festival

FOR those seeking a laid-back, relaxed festival vibe, Acoustic Isle Festival is the perfect reason to visit the Isle of Wight this winter from February 24 - March 6.

Spread in venues across the Island, Acoustic Isle also enables visitors to explore and relax, as they watch live music in cosy village pubs serving the best in delicious local food and drink, and often offering accommodation as well.

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Top 10 reasons to visit Valencia

#VALENCIA is one of the most vibrant short break destinations in Europe, and with new direct flights from the UK starting in 2017, it will also be more accessible. Easyjet will add direct flights from London Luton from February 3 and Ryanair will start flying to Valencia from Glasgow on March 27.

1.  First Heritage Fallas: The renowned Fallas Festival will be more special than ever this year, as it celebrates its new status as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity awarded by UNESCO in November. From 15 to 19 March the streets and squares of the city will fill with huge papier-mache sculptures, offering in many cases a satirical review of the past year. The fallas will be burnt at midnight on 19 March, after a few days of concerts, fireworks, parades and other special events.

2.  World Food Capital: Valencia has been named the World’s Food Capital 2017 by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) and will be at the centre of the debate about feeding the world in a sustainable and healthy way this year. This accolade recognises the important role of the Valencian huerta, the well-preserved 10,000-hectare market garden that surrounds the city.

3.  New gastro-cultural hubs: Bombas Gens, an old hydraulic pumps factory in the outskirts of the city, will reopen as a new gastro-cultural centre expected in spring this year. The striking example of industrial architecture from the 1930s will feature a new Art Centre which will house exhibitions, workshops and social activities, and will also be the new home to Ricard Camarena’s Michelin starred restaurant.

4.  New hotels: One of the most awaited new openings this year is the Marques House, a new luxury hotel in the city centre, next to the baroque Marques de Dos Aguas palace that houses the Ceramics Museum (renowned for its spectacular façade).

5.  City of Running: Valencia will host the Half Marathon World Championship in 2018 and many local athletes will be preparing for that but running enthusiasts will be able to join various races this year, including the Marathon on 19 November, or simply enjoy jogging along the Turia Gardens or by the seafront.

6.  New cycling ring road: Cycling is also a delight in Valencia, with many streets in the historic city centre restricted to normal traffic and a wide network of cycle lanes, which will be expanded this year with the completion of the cycling ring road. A cycle lane of more than 20 kilometres alongside the main traffic lanes of Valencia’s inner ring road will connect all the different boroughs.

7.  Silk Trail: Valencia was City of Silk in 2016 and will host a meeting of the Silk Road Task Force this year, proof of the city’s important role in the global silk trade in the 15th century. Visitors can learn about it in the Museum of Silk and the new Silk Trail, a guided tour that takes them through the historic borough of Velluters, where the traders flourished, and into some of the most representative buildings of the period such as La Lonja (Silk Exchange), a World Heritage site.

8.  Sustainable tourism: 2017 is the Year of Sustainable Tourism and Valencia is a great place to celebrate it. Visitors can reduce their carbon footprint exploring the city on foot or by bike.

9.  Discover Valencia’s greatest artists: While not so well known internationally, Valencia has produced several great painters like Joaquin Sorolla or Ignacio Pinazo, whose works are celebrated in various exhibitions throughout the city this year.

10. Paella: Spain’s most international dish, paella, is always a good reason to visit Valencia, where it originates. Now there is even a new paella emoji available on Whatsapp to invite friends for a meal, whilst those who really impress their friends and relatives can learn to cook paella at Valencia’s School of Rice Dishes and Paellas.

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Picture Credit: ElleFlorio 91423413@N02/31346832440 [ V A L E N C I A ] via photopin, By Sento from Valencia, Spain - DSC06754, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50822109, Father Alex 16202437@N02/28939778135 IMG_4683 via photopin