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Traveleads E News Bulletin, Issue 53

Welcome to the first Traveleads newsletter of 2015, and may we wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

2015 is going to bring a lot of exciting changes, not least in our Leeds location as we are moving out of the city centre (after 43 years!) and heading to lovely offices on the Ring Road near the White Rose Centre and, as ever, our doors will remain open for all of our clients to come and see us whenever they may be in the area - which is also easier now as we have free on-site car parking right outside the door! We look forward to welcoming you!

There will also be new technology coming out during Q1 in 2015, as integrated booking tools are starting to "mature" and provide wider functionality which will have some interesting benefits for those clients wanting to import a level of travel technology in-house, but backed up by skilled professionals - so watch this space!

We hope that all of you enjoy good health, take time for friends and family and earn well-deserved success in all of your endeavours in 2015, and our best wishes to you all!

The Traveleads Team

The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh

With dramatic views of Edinburgh Castle, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, together with the vibrant One Square bar & restaurant and award-winning One Spa, is an inspirational gathering place in the heart of the city's financial district.

Blending contemporary comfort and subtly Scottish materials, the hotel's 269 stylish bedrooms feature innovative media hubs, mood lighting, spacious glass-walled bathrooms and the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Beds™, with many overlooking the city's iconic skyline. Guests on the Club Level can enjoy continental breakfast and, evening drinks and canapés in the exclusive Club Lounge.

And after a busy day, what better way to re-energise than a work out with Sheraton Fitness, a soothing spa treatment, followed by a swim in the 19m swimming pool? Enjoy the unique experience, 'Escape at One', with the iconic rooftop Hydropool and soothing Thermal Suite.

The restaurant and bar, One Square, serves a deliciously inventive range of classic British dishes all day long, from hearty full Scottish breakfast, laid-back brunch and indulgent afternoon tea to relaxed late-night dining. Thanks to its tempting drinks list, featuring an impressive 60 plus varieties of gin - not to mention the modern interior and welcoming glass frontage, the bar at One Square is all about enjoying quality time in stylish surroundings.

The Sheraton Grand is home to 14 flexible function rooms, each with integrated AV technology and natural daylight, while Link@sheraton™ makes it easy to catch up with friends or connect with the world outside.

The hotel's dedicated meeting and events complex is the largest of any hotel in Edinburgh and is capable of hosting everything from an informal team meeting to a lavish reception for a thousand guests.

Be in with a chance to win a luxurious overnight stay with breakfast and a visit to One Spa for an 'Escape at One' spa experience for two. To enter this competition, just answer the following question: What is the name of the largest function room in the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa? Please send your answer to [email protected] along with your name and email address.

Ashorne Hill's Unique Conferencing Venue

Ashorne Hill is a Grade II listed manor house situated in the Warwickshire countryside set in 35 acres of landscaped grounds, perfect for teambuilding events and outdoor functions, and ideal for business travellers' requirements with its central location close to the Midlands motorway network.

A member of Conference Centres of Excellence, Ashorne Hill is a dedicated conference centre conducive for training, meetings, events and special occasions. With 15 main meeting rooms, 22 syndicate rooms, 112 bedrooms Ashorne Hill can offer a truly flexible space for any event.

Ashorne Hill has recently undergone a refurbishment of its executive accommodation which now boasts spacious bedrooms and luxurious monsoon showers. To relax after your event the hotel's facilities include tennis courts, squash courts, a gym, a football pitch, a hydro-pool and a sauna.

A special day delegate rate from £35 and a 24 hour rate from £135 is currently available between the 16th and 20th February 2015. To book or for enquiries please contact us for more information.

Village Urban Resort Edinburgh: Everything you Need Under One Roof

Work is well underway on the Village Urban Resort Edinburgh due to open its doors on the 19th January 2015. With 120 bedrooms, Starbucks Coffee Shop, health and fitness facilities as well as complimentary Wi-Fi and parking, you really do have everything you need under one roof.

You can eat in style in the Urban Bar & Grill, serving up all your favourites in relaxed surroundings. Test your fitness in the brand new Velocity Health & Fitness Club, featuring the latest synergy, Technogym and MYZONE equipment, a 20-metre pool and a great range of classes.

At the end of a busy day seeing the sites of Scotland's incredible capital city, you can indulge your body and mind with the experienced and educated therapists who will enrich and revitalise you with a range of therapeutic and rejuvenating spa treatments and packages in the Viva Urban Spa.

In addition the dedicated meetings and conferencing facility is committed to giving its customers more, with fantastic facilities, great service and incredible levels of hospitality, The HUB is your perfect meeting destination. With everything under one roof, why go anywhere else?

Hospitality at the Best New Venue in the World

Looking for hospitality options for the new year? first direct arena, recently voted best new venue in the world 2014 at the Stadium Business Awards, boasts a wide variety of hospitality packages on both an annual basis and for individual shows. Whether it's for a party of 16 looking to hire a suite for a one-off show, or a couple looking to celebrate a special occasion with some pre show hospitality and premium seating, why not head over to www.firstdirectarena.com/hospitality/. You can also keep up to date with hospitality packages available at first direct arena, by signing up to their hospitality newsletter here.

Maiden Voyage: Connecting Female Business Travellers

A free social network for women business travellers, Maiden Voyage, was masterminded by Leeds based Carolyn Pearson after one too many lonely business trips. The site allows you to connect with professional women whilst you are away on business travel around the world, to discover female friendly hotels, connect with a like-minded dining companion and ensure your business trip is safe and social.

Maiden-voyage.com provides:

A secure and personal network: New members are contacted to give a personal introduction to the service and ensure gender.
Secure networking: Log-in and register your travel dates to connect with other women for coffee, dinner or to explore the city in like-minded company.
Travel safety tips and advice.
A global network of women City Ambassadors: Professional women who have written city guides with a focus on female travellers.
Recommended female-friendly hotels: All listed hotels have been physically inspected to ensure that they meet essential safety criteria and provide appropriate amenities.
Exclusive member offers at selected female-friendly hotels including upgrades, a welcome glass of champagne and spa treatments.
Interesting travel blogs and interviews.
Other benefits include events, competitions, exclusive fashion, beauty and travel offers.

Cathay Pacific Manchester to Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific now fly from Manchester Airport to Hong Kong four times weekly. The route which beagn in December is the first non-stop direct route from the UK to China from outside London. The new route will be a major boost to the region's economy providing new opportunities for businesses across the north-west and, leisure travellers will benefit from direct access to Hong Kong or onwards to many fantastic Chinese destinations. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will carry 340 passengers in Business, Premium Economy or Economy Class every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Turkish Airlines have announced an increase in the frequency of their Istanbul to Manchester route. Currently Turkish Airlines fly 14 times per week but this will increase to 18 flights per week from the 22nd May 2015 and again to 21 flights per week from the 22nd June 2015 due to high customer demand for the leisure route during the summer months.

British Airways will strengthen its leisure network from London City Airport with the launch of two new summer only services to the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini in 2015. The four-times weekly flights to Mykonos and twice weekly flights to Santorini will operate during the peak summer season from the 29th June until the 6th September 2015.

Heathrow Rewards loyalty card holders can kick off the New Year in style with exclusive lounge entry into the No.1 Traveller Lounge in Terminal 3 including a glass of Champagne for just £20 when you visit before 28 February 2015. As a Heathrow Rewards members you'll also receive 20% off products and treatments in the spa. To join the Heathrow Rewards programme click here.

Due to the popularity of Virgin Atlantic's Glasgow to Orlando service they will be offering a third weekly service over June, July, September and October 2015, with the additional flight operating on a Sunday. The route will be flown on one of Virgin's new Boeing 747s, which features a new upper class bar, infinity mood lighting and the comfiest seats in the sky.

Air India has played host to the first ever Star Alliance Chief Executive Board Meeting held in India to reflect on a busy 2014 and set priorities for 2015. The national carrier joined the world's leading global airline network in July 2014. Air India hope the membership along with fleet renewal and network optimisation will help increase passengers numbers.

For further details on any of the items featured please contact your friendly Traveleads teams on 0113 245 7745 or 0131 718 4000.