Travel Bulletin

Travel Bulletin

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Imagine the tranquillity of a beach holiday combined with the excitement of a destination like South Africa.

KwaZulu-Natal, on the east coast of South Africa, is known as the ?Zulu Kingdom? and has a distinctive mix of cultures reflected in its language, art and cuisine. With a year-round climate and a rich diversity of activities, there's no doubt that the region will leave you with an unforgettable holiday experience.

Where to stay

The Blue Marlin Hotel is idyllically situated overlooking the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and an unspoilt beach - the perfect base to relax or explore. Activities include watching dolphins frolic in the sea, learn to scuba dive (and visit the renowned Aliwal Shoal dive site), play golf on one of many excellent courses nearby and challenge the local bowls club, which welcomes overseas visitors.

The newly renovated 122-room Blue Marlin Hotel, now a four-star standard resort, is situated on the bay of Scottburgh just 40 minutes south of Durban, and exudes a warm, family-oriented ambiance.

The lighthouse restaurant serves first class food all day, while the Ibis bar and pool bar are both great places to unwind. There is also a children?s playground, soft play area and trampoline , which will keep children busy for hours.

The games room, lounge, spa and pool area are ideal for adult leisure time, while the evening entertainment is when guests really have the chance to get to know their fellow residents and often make new friends.

What sets the Blue Marlin apart is the attention to service, known in Zulu as ?ubuntu?, a term which describes the boundless hospitality extended to guests by management and staff, whose aim is to exceed expectations, who just want to spoil you.

Where to explore

The four-star Blue Marlin offers tours to various places of interest or alternatively, you can hire a car. Approximately an hour from the hotel there is game viewing, Zulu cultural experiences, Ushaka Marine World and the Sharks Board, along with the vibrant city of Durban and excellent shopping, especially at the current exchange rate - a selling point for your clients.

Further afield, discover the history which led to a period of British rule, and the events surrounding the Battlefield sites, such as Rorke?s drift and take in the daily lives of traditional people, letting the pulsating beat of the African drum touch your heart. This virtually undiscovered destination is the perfect introduction to an African experience at a very competitive price.

Get to know the destination

I believe that the only way to really appreciate the hospitality, natural beauty and cultural riches of a destination is to experience it first hand. So, until November 30, we're giving the trade the opportunity to experience a seven-night, all-inclusive fam trip for ?395 per person.

The price is based on two sharing and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner; an open bar from 11.00-23:00; airport transfers; evening entertainment; a half day tour to Crocworld; a half day tour to a rural project; and a full day tour to a game reserve, which includes lunch and a game drive.

Other optional tours, along with golf, diving, car hire and extra nights can be arranged at competitive prices, due to the current exchange. In addition, children up to the age of 18 can stay for free - even in school holidays, just paying for the tours, food and beverages.

Due to the sub-tropical climate, this could make a fantastic August family holiday; and there are some good deals with Qatar and Emirates, which both fly into Durban.

There is a similar seven-night package which can be marked up and sold to the general public, plus golf and bowls packages, for those who have clients looking for a new destination to play their sport.

Boost your sales

There is a window of opportunity to increase sales by offering a relatively new destination like KwaZulu-Natal, especially whilst many other popular areas are now out of bounds. The exchange rate, coupled with the Blue Marlin?s introductory offer, makes this long-haul holiday as affordable as Europe.

For more information on the hotel, the destination and the fam trip package, agents can contact Sandie Curtis who is one of the owners of the hotel, and who is now based in the UK.

Email sandiecurtis2@gmail.com or call 01344-627940 or 07913-556496.

Image Source: karomatisch and spiritofamerica via fotolia

Travel Bulletin

Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd
University House,
11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place,
London, SW1W 0EX, UK

T: +44 (0) 20 7973 0136

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