We have also created a new look 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.

During 2007, I had the pleasure to meet many of you during my various visits to Agents shops and also at the AITO Conference in Spain last June and then at the 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.

In 2007, we operated our first two very 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.

Our next trips, planned for early May 2008 will also be posted on this page and this time I will put up some agent comments and photos.

What’s New for 2008 from the Greek Island Specialists
By now most of you will have seen our new look 2008 brochures and as usual we have handpicked more properties with our client’s holiday requirements in mind and added more hotels, villas and apartments in both brochures.
Kefalonia
• Erissos Pavilion a 12-room hotel, located just outside Fiskardo
• Peristera’s House, a fabulous three bedroom villa with private pool
• Villa Pelagos, a three bedroom villa located in Assos
Paxos
• Villa Ita, a two bedroom property with pool, perfect hideaway for couples
• Villa Athina, a 3 bed villa with pool perfectly located to explore the delights of Paxos
• Pano’s House, a 2 bedroom villa set amongst the olive groves near the popular resort of Loggos.
Corfu
• Villa Antigone, two bedroom villa with pool with the most magnificent views of eastern Corfu
• Villa Helena a perfect four bedroom family villa with pool
The Aegean brochure has the fantastic new additions of:
Skopelos
• Faros Town House with 1 and 3 bed apts are perfectfor those wanting to stay in town.
• Villa Rania a three bedroom property with pool located close to Skopelos town.
Skiathos
• Villa Dimitrios a two bedroom villa with pool on this ever popular island.
• Skiathos Princess Hotel, a fantastic spa hotel with private beach.
• Kassandra Bay Hotel, renovated in 2007 and perfect for families.
• Kivotos Hotel, a stylish boutique hotel located on the hilltops with views of Skiathos town.
Pelion Peninsula
A rare find in this beautiful unspoilt area of Greece we have found some villas with pools:
• The Olive Grove Villas, a choice of two two bedroom villas and one one bedroom, all with their own pools built in the traditional Pelion style.
• Villa Rodia a two bedroom villa with pool located in the pretty village of Neochori.
• Villa Galanos, a 3 bed villa with pool located close to the wonderful village of Afissos.

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

Property of the Month
Each month, I will feature a property from our brochure and write from my own personal experience. This month the feature is on Pounda Paou:

Stop Sales:
We presently have stop sales on the following properties:
• Emelisse Art Hotel 17th & 24th May
• Skopelos Village 25th July – 15th August inclusive
• Milia Bay Hotel (Alonissos) 25th July – 15th August inclusive
• Damouchari Hotel (Pelion) 25th July – 15th August inclusive
• Kivotos Hotel is presently being refurbished and will open for departures beginning 23rd May 2008

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 2008.

Bernadette Askouni
Agency Sales