Sunway heads west

SUNWAY HOLIDAYS will charter a new course next summer by operating a weekly charter flight from Dublin to Sao Miquel Island in the Azores.

The Azores, comprising nine islands, are Europe’s most western points. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, they’re a four hour air trip from Ireland.

The capital of Sao Miquel, Ponta Delgada, just a short 15 minute hop from the airport, has a variety of shops, bars and restaurants and good quality modern hotels. Just don’t expect the nightlife to be buzzing; therefore it’s a destination more suited for couples or sporting enthusiasts.

The Oceanic group have recently taken over the two main high quality golf courses in the Azores, and the area has been voted as one of the top undiscovered golf destinations in the world.

Prices start at €559 for seven nights in a three star hotel. Check out at www.sunway.ie or telephone [phone].

AER LINGUS, maybe getting a dig in at Ryanair, reminds us that they’re celebrating 70 years of serving Ireland.

To celebrate they’re offering fantastic value for travel to the UK, Europe, USA and Middle East in a huge seat sale.

Over half a million seats are on sale, with fares to the UK on offer for as little as €24 including taxes and charges, to Europe from €39 and to the USA and Dubai from €189.

Glad to see, at least, they’re marketing all-inclusive fares rather than announcing “fantastic” sale deals that then turn out to be not so fantastic once the additional charges are factored in.

The fares are for travel between January 6 and March 14 — the end date is just in time for the airline to pump up the fares before St. Patrick’s Day.

In addition to the flight deals, aerlingus.com offers discounts on over 23,000 hotels worldwide with rates starting from €10 per person per night sharing, as well as Hertz car hire from €16 per day.

NOVEMBER was another successful month for Jamaica, as latest Irish visitor arrival figures increased by more than 26% year on last year, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board.

The Island welcomed 250 visitors from Ireland during November representing the increasing interest in Jamaica as a destination here in Ireland.

Jamaica Tourist Board’s Regional Director for UK, Ireland and Northern Europe, Elizabeth Fox, welcomed the news and added that this has been underpinned by the JTB’s Ireland-focused campaign and ongoing commitment to this market.

“We have executed a targeted campaign in Ireland to promote the diversity of Jamaica’s tourism product. A significant element of our efforts has focused on educating travel professionals about Jamaica’s wide choice of quality accommodation and the diverse range of activities and attractions available to visitors.”

There’s likely to be a further Irish boost for Jamaica in March for the Cricket World Cup. Over 500 Irish travellers have booked holidays to coincide with the event.