We have also updated our website, which we believe you will find easy to navigate and full of useful information to help you get the best for your clients from their Ionian & Aegean Island Holidays experience. The website enables you to check live availability, with the latest prices and the added ease to book on line, plus order brochures.

Travel Agent Visits
I have had the pleasure to meet many of you during my various visits to Agents shops and also at the AITO Conference in Cyprus in June and then at Warwick in January of this year, it was great to get an insight to your needs and requirements from us as Tour Operators, such as good brochure supplies, good customer service in addition to knowledgeable staff.

Testimony - “Just returned from a fabulous trip courtesy of Aegean Island Holidays hosted by the lovely Bernadette Askouni. Everywhere we went was beautiful – a taste of the “real Greece” – but Bernadette definitely saved the best to last! Pounda Paou is everything she says about it and more – can’t wait to go back. A big thank you to Bernadette, Aegean/Ionian Island Holidays and all the people “on the ground” who helped to make it such a successful, informative and enjoyable trip.” Irene Holmes, The Travel Desk (West Sussex)

Our successful agent educational trips to both the Ionian Islands in April and then to the Aegean Islands in May. On the Ionian trip we were based on Kefalonia, staying at the spacious and conveniently located Kalokeri Apartments just outside Fiskardo. The Greek Gods were definitely shining down on us as we were blessed with some fantastic weather good enough for a swim and some sunbathing (when we had time of course) making the trip a real delight, dining al fresco for both lunch and evenings although cardigans and light jackets were required for the evenings. The trips included a visit to all the properties on Kefalonia, Ithaka and as many as we could fit in on Lefkada. On days off, agents went off exploring the island or took time out to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

The Aegean educational was based at the fabulous child free hotel Pounda Paou on the Pelion Peninsula, a 12-room hotel located in rural Greece. Using this superb location as our base, we visited the various properties on the Pelion, had a trip to Skopelos and stayed overnight on Alonissos, before heading back to Volos and the Pelion. On one of the free days during the week long trip, we were given tuition on the boats with the ever tanned Yan and off we went, and a great day was had by all. Loula, the owner, prepared a fantastic buffet breakfast which varied daily. The evening meals were what I can only describe as exquisite, the diverse cuisine made from local produce was some of the best meals I personally had ever the delight to experience. Oh yes, and how can I forget to mention the delightful “Harry” the dog, (German Shepherd) we all fell in love with – He had an eventful summer as he was lost for three weeks, only to be found as far away as Athens!

Both trips were as unique as the places we visited and it was a real pleasure and great opportunity for me to meet Agents who were interesting, knowledgeable and great fun to be with.

Click here to view my blog of the latest Aegean Agent Trip in May 2008!

Travel Agents Concessions
For Agents who would like to sample one of our holidays, we offer a 25% discount on the brochure price. Exceptions are selected hotels and no bookings can be accepted during peak season, school holidays and half term. Should you wish to travel with us, please email me your requirements. bernadette@ionianislandholidays.com This offer is subject to availability and certain properties are not included on specific dates. We will do our best to accommodate your needs

"Mamma Mia the Movie"
July saw the release of "Mamma Mia the Movie" and if you haven't seen it yet, its well worth a visit to your local cinema. Filming took place on Skiathos, Skopelos and the Pelion. The film is perfect for this summer in particular with all the doom and gloom surrounding the credit crunch. With a fantastic cast, simple story line combined with the music of ABBA and the magnificent scenery and deep blue waters of the Aegean how could it not be a hit! One of the most stunning scenes is the shot of the small church Agios Ioannis on Skopelos, on the back page of our brochure. Well worth seeing.

Activities
Please keep me posted on any events you may be hosting, we are always looking for ways to promote our Ionian & Aegean programmes around the country.

Whilst, I am not able to get to see as many of you as I would like, I am available for an informal chat regarding our product, services and operation. Remember, this is your page and I want to hear from you about what information you need to know. On a final note, we would like to say a huge “Thank you” for your continued support and look forward to a closer working relationship with you in 2009.

Bernadette Askouni
Agency Sales