Thursday 09 February 2017 Issue 3477

I n c o r p o r a t i n g Ta b s o n Tr a v e l

News.................... p1, p2, p4, p5, p6, p8Cruising Today................................. p3Business Travel Today ..................... p7Jetstar ............................................... p9

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New Niue Famil DateT h e N i u e I s l a n d s e l f - f a m i l programme, offered in conjunction with Air New Zealand, is valid for sales through to 20 Feb. Local Niue tour-ism GSA Hogan & Associates says it is delighted by the agent response to the programme launched earlier this month. For details see niueselffamil.com, password TakeMeToNiue.

JQ’s Jan PerformanceA n ave r a g e 8 9 % of Je t s t a r ’s domestic A320 flights arrived on-time in Jan, and the carrier operated 99.6% of its scheduled flights. For peak flights, on-time performance averaged 95% on Auckland-Christchurch, 87% on Auckland-Wellington and 84% on Wellington-Christchurch.

P&O Cruises has launched its 2017 Flagship Achievers incentive pro-gramme, following a successful run in 2016 with agents across both New Zealand and Australia earning more than AUD300,000 in incentive payments. However, P&O expects this year to be even bigger, with the refurbishment of Pacific Dawn, the debut of Pacific Ex-plorer and the launch of Pacific Jewel’s new season in Auckland giving agents more opportunities to lock in sales. Under the programme, qualifying agents will earn Flagship Points based on net agent revenue for every cruise they sell over a 12-month period, with $1 of net agent revenue equalling one Flagship Point. Plus, those who book more than $50,000 in net revenue sales qualify for a bonus payment of up to AUD500.In addition, 20 agents who earn the most points during the year will

qualify for a Top Achievers Trip on Pacific Explorer. Valued at AUD6000 each, the prize includes a cruise for two on the ship’s three-night Australia Day cruise, an AUD1500 visa gift card for flights and trans-fers, AUD300 onboard spending money, dinner at Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill and overnight accom-modation, dinner and breakfast in Sydney. The programme is valid for book-ings made between 01 Dec 2016 and 30 Nov via Polar Online. For details, see flagship.pocruises.co.nz/ flagship-achievers

Junk Food BanVanuatu’s northern Torba province has pledged to ban foreign junk food from hotels and bungalows, in a bid to ensure local residents aren’t plagued with illnesses ‘that come with a western junk food diet’. Reports say Torba’s head of tourism and community leader, Father Luc Dini, has ordered the province’s tourism bungalows to start serving guests only locally grown, organic food—and has plans to pass a law that will see all foreign food banned within the next two years.

P&O Launches New Agent Incentive

EY’s Fitness VideoEtihad has recruited Manchester City Football Club players to create a new inflight fitness video, to help passen-gers arrive at their destination match-fit. Check it out HERE

Finger Jam LawsuitAn Australian neurosurgeon is reportedly suing Austrian Airlines af-ter he got his pinkie finger stuck in his tray table. The doctor says crew didn’t retract his table for him after his meal, so he tried to do it himself, at which point it snapped back suddenly and jammed his finger. The lawsuit says the doctor passed out briefly from the pain of the injury, which left him with a permanent disability and means he can’t work as a neurosurgeon.

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New air routes coupled with a fall in average return fares helped to make travel even more accessible in 2016, with a record 3.7 billion travellers flying safely to their des-tination, according to the Interna-tional Air Transport Association. Full-year global passenger traffic results for 2016 show demand rose 6.3% compared to 2015—ahead of the 10-year average annual growth rate of 5.5%, says IATA. Capacity rose 6.2%, pushing the load factor up 0.1 percentage points to record a full-year average high of 80.5%, it adds. “Demand for air travel is still ex-panding,” says IATA boss Alexandre de Juniac. “The challenge for govern-

ments is to work with the industry to meet that demand with infra-structure that can accommodate the growth, regulation that facilitates growth and taxes that don’t choke growth. If we can achieve that, there is plenty of potential for a safe, se-cure and sustainable aviation indus-try to create more jobs and increase prosperity,” he adds.

. . . Regional ReviewIn terms of regions, Asia Pacific demand was up 8.3% compared to 2015—the second-fastest increase among the regions.Capacity rose 7.7%, pushing up the load factor 0.4 percentage points to 78.6%. European carriers’ interna-tional traffic climbed 4.8% in 2016, while capacity rose 5%, and despite a decline of 0.1 percentage points to 82.8%, the load factor remains the highest among the regions. North American airlines saw a 2.6% increase in demand with most of the growth occurring in the second quarter. Traffic was the strongest on Pacific routes while the North Atlantic, by contrast, has been fairly flat, says IATA. Also interesting to note is that Middle East carriers had the strongest regional annual traffic growth for the fifth year in a row, with demand up 118%. In addition, African airlines had their best growth performance since 2012, says IATA, up 7.4%. It adds that the growth is being under-pinned by strong demand on routes to/from Asia and the Middle East. Capacity exactly matched demand, with the result that the load factor remained flat at 67.7%.

HNL Saver FaresAir New Zealand has released short-life economy class fares to Hono-lulu, effectively immediately for sales to 13 Feb. Seat + Bag one-way ex Auckland is from $459 or add $50 one-way for travel ex all other Air NZ serviced ports.

Another Strong Year For Air Travel

SEE PAGE 9

D e l t a a n d C o c a - C o l a h a v e commissioned artists from around the world to transform 12 DL tray tables into works of art. The tables, which feature on one of the airline’s 767 aircraft, are each inspired by destinations on the DL network. The original artworks will be on display in Concourse A between gates A15 and A11 at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jack-son International Airport.

AC Fee Code ChangeEffective immediately, the Air Canada change fee coding on all AC reissued tickets is CP and no other code can be used, advises local GSA Airline Marketing. The YR code is not per-mitted, it adds.

AA Value Outranks EKEmirates has lost its title of the world’s most valuable airline brand, with American Airlines overtaking the carrier in the annual Brand Fi-nance Global 500 list.For the last five years EK has ranked as the most valuable airline brand in the report, but this year it has fallen from number 167 on the list to 264. Last year, the carrier’s half-year prof-its fell 75%, and as a result its brand value is down 21% to USD6.1 billion, Brand Finance says. Despite this, EK has retained its AAA rating.Meanwhile US carriers have been climbing the list, with United’s value climbing 60%, Delta’s up 47% and American’s up 59%. AA is now the most valuable airline brand, coming in at 142 (up from 225 in 2016).

TN’s Outrigger EventAir Tahiti Nui has signed on as the official carrier of the inaugural IVF Va’a World Championships, taking place in Tahiti in Jun. The event will see Tahitians take on the best distance paddlers from around the world, including New Zealand. One of TN’s ambassadors, Tupuria King, is also looking promising to compete in the events.

DL’s Arty Tables

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New Site For Agents Voyages to Antiquity has launched an online training website for agents, VTA Expert. The website is complete with information about the ship, the travel experience on offer and tools to help with sales. Agents who com-plete the online training will become a Luminary agent and have access to exclusive offers, new and updates. To register, CLICK HERE

With Cuba’s popularity growing steadily, many operators have warned that accommodation is limited—and cruise lines are capi-talising on the deficit, releasing new itineraries and extending seasons. Norwegian Cruise Line has this week announced that it will extend its offer-ing of weekly roundtrip cruises from Miami to Cuba aboard Norwegian Sky, moving from five sailings this year to 30, in response to ‘great demand’ from travellers. Royal Caribbean International is also making its mark, this week expanding Empress of the Seas’ Caribbean itiner-aries sailing ex Tampa to include new four- and five-night cruises with day and overnight visits to Havana, avail-able through to Nov. And clients are catching on, says House of Travel’s head of cruise Vaughan Kitchener, with the ‘exponen-

tial’ growth in Cuba as a destination now extending to the cruise market. “Cuba continues to be a bit of a ‘now or never’ destination, and its increased popularity has put pressure on accom-modation,” he says. As a result, says Kitchener, more people are enquiring about cruising to parts or all of Cuba, and he anticipates this will only con-tinue as Kiwis learn more about the different options available. “As more cruise lines jump on the Cuba bandwagon, the different types of itineraries and the lack of accom-modation are targeting travellers who may not have cruised before,” he adds. Chris D’Anvers, Norwegian’s national sales manager, agrees, saying agent feedback indicates that the cruise industry is set to benefit from the limited hotel inventory. Although a lot of people still aren’t entirely aware of what’s on offer, he says he is ‘confident’ that there will be plenty of enquiries during this weekend’s Flight Centre expos. “We have had a bit of interest so far, but the expos will be a really good gauge,” he says. “When the informa-tion is right in front of them, I’m confident we will have plenty of en-quiries.” And this, he says, is largely due to the fact there’s plenty of options for clients, with voyages from seven to 58 days in length, and ships to suit all kinds of travellers.

Cuba Hotel Limits Benefitting Cruise

Scuba Certs At SeaClients can now become certified scuba divers while they cruise, as Roy-al Caribbean has unveiled on-board PADI Five Star Diver Centres. Avai lable on 10 ships across its international fleet, the dive centres are complete with educa-tional programmes and profes-sional instructors, while there is also a range of equipment for hire. Courses range from a 30-minute Try Dive programme for beginners just earning their fins (from USD29), through to PADI’s Reactive Pro-gramme for certified divers looking to refresh their skills (from USD59). Plus, those hoping to earn their complete scuba certification can also do so.

New Sailing RecordPrivate residential ship, The World, has broken the record for the most southerly naviga-tion after reaching 78°43·997’S and 163°41·421’W at the Bay of Whales in Antarctica’s Ross Sea, during a journey that was two years in the making. The World is a 43,188-ton private yacht, which is equipped to carry 145 guests and 272 crew. See aboardtheworld.com

Pic: Andrew Peacock

Vow RenewalsBlue Lagoon Cruises has revised its Yalayala Renewal of Vows package. Clients who book a four- or seven-night cruise for two adults sharing a cabin will receive a complimentary renewal of vows package, along with Champagne on arrival, valued at FJD2900 per couple.

Norwegian Coastal OfferBentours, in par tnership w ith Hurtigruten, is waiving the single supplement on its 11-day Classic Norwegian Discovery and 12-day Classic Round Voyage. Prices start from $2150 and $2000, respectively, per single traveller, for bookings to 15 Mar. Select departure dates apply.

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News & Product

all about opportunity... as part of our exciting growth & evolution, atlas are on the look out for exceptional individuals to join the team in our modern & friendly auckland officeopportunities are available for the following positions:

senior consultant - corporate this is an exciting role for someone who has the ability to manage travel for new & existing clients. we are looking for one of those very experienced, extraordinary consultants who pride themselves on being one of the best in the corporate market, with clients who have been with them ‘forever’ because of the service they give. to be that person you will need: - extensive knowledge of international destinations, products and fares- minimum of five years international experience working directly with clients via phone and email- a passion & proven track record in customer satisfaction - exceptional time management, file accounting and documentation skills- to enjoy working in a high paced co-operative team environment

intermediate consultant - corporatewe are known for our quality boutique services to our corporate clients and we require a reliable consultant who takes pride in delivering consistently outstanding customer service. we are seeking an individual with:- a good level of fares and product knowledge in domestic and shorthaul travel- some groups experience would be useful - experience of working directly with clients via phone and email- a proven passion & track record in customer satisfaction - good time management, file accounting and documentation skills

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if you are excited by either role, please send your CV and covering letter to recruit@atlastravel.co.nz by fri 10 feb 17

Tempo Cuba DealsTempo Holidays has 25% off Cuba tours for sales to 28 Feb and travel in 2017. There’s $200 off its Celestyal Cruise Cuba eight-day tour along the coast-line which is priced from $1870 and includes meals, compulsory shore excursions and an unlimited bar and beverage package. There is also enter-tainment on board and theme nights.

Trav Corp FacebookThe Travel Corporation has created an agents-only Facebook group for its Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, AAT Kings and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises brands. Agents who join will have access to updates, travel information, inspiration, competi-tions, famils and promotions. See facebook.com/groups/thetravelcor-porationnzThere’s also an existing Contiki agent page at facebook.com/groups/ contikiagentsnz

Bridge To Angkor WatA temporary bridge is to be con-structed over the moat leading into Angkor Wat, says Active Asia. The floating bridge will be built to the south of the original structure, and will allow restoration work on the original bridge while ensuring visi-tors can still enter the temple safely.

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Global DMC Event In AKLAgents, tour operators and MICE specialists are invited to the Ex-plotravel Marketing Down Under Roadshow in Auckland tomorrow afternoon (10 Feb).Destination management compa-nies from Peru, Uganda, Mada-gascar, Italy, Greece, Mongolia and China will be represented at the event—and there are prizes up for grabs. Attendees will be hosted in style, say the event organisers, and can meet with the DMC representa-tives 1600-1900 before networking drinks and canapes.The event is being held at Rydges Auckland with registrations from 1530. For more details and to RSVP e-mail wilna@eventsmart.co.nz

Travel agents remain the top channel for the Gold Coast’s Vil-lage Roadshow Theme Park sales in New Zealand—despite in-creased competition from OTAs and group buying sites.“New Zealand is still our highest yielding market—Kiwis stay longer,” says visiting Village head of sales and corporate partnerships Tony Cullen. “The trade is still strong [in New Zealand] and sales are growing—I think the Kiwi market is respectful of travel agents and seek their advice. We still see the trade as the dominant channel.”Cullen concedes that sales from group buying sites continue to climb, and predicts that such websites will be ‘a force to reckon with in the fu-ture’.

. . . No Kiwi Sales ImpactVillage Roadshow Theme Parks say it has seen no impact on its sales from New Zealand in the wake of the tragic Dreamworld accident.“[The event] hasn’t affected out sales from the New Zealand market at all.

We’ve had a great season and we’re expecting our forwards to be strong too,” Cullen. “It’s the Gold Coast right, people come to the Gold Coast for the theme parks—and we’re all open for business.”Cullen says the Village parks (which include Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild and Paradise Country) continue to attract Kiwi visitors from a wide range of demographic groups. A number of new attractions to be rolled out across the parks means there’s always new reasons to visit, he adds.

Trade Still Top Says GC’s Village Parks

ZQN Hotel AwardQueenstown Park Boutique Hotel (QPBH) has been chosen as one of New Zealand’s Best Hotels by read-ers of DestinAsia, with the property coming in sixth in the top 10 list.

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Visit California will enter its 12th year of representation in the Australia and New Zealand market with a new structure and additions to the market-ing team of its representative agency, Gate 7. Melanie Mayer has been ap-pointed as dedicated trade manager, replacing Phil Haines who departed the team at the end of 2016. Mayer brings eight years of travel trade ex-perience to the role from US and Aus-tralian marketing roles. Completing Visit California’s Australasian team is managing director Jo Palmer, ac-count director Kristy Meudell, public relations manager Abbie Wheeler and content manager Kat Wanoa. Pictured is: Kat Wanoa, Abbie Wheeler, Kristy Meudell and Melanie Mayer.

Disney Pirate AccoladeThe Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure attraction at Shanghai Disneyland has won an award for outstanding visual effects from the Visual Effects Society (VES). The ride, which is only at the Shanghai park, involves technology that’s never been used before in a theme park at-traction.

Scandi, Russia SavingsBentours has up to $560pp off a range of 2017 Scandinavia and Rus-sia coach tours for new bookings made and deposited by 28 Feb. See bentours.co.nz/coach-tour-sale

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Sinalei’s Birthday CelebrationsSamoa’s Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa is celebrating its 21st birthday with a Birthday Beach Bash and 21 days of giveaways. Resort guests are invited to the beach bash, which will be held at Manninoa Beach 17 Feb, complete with music, giveaways and $2 drinks —plus those who attend will be in the running to win a complimentary night in the resort’s two-bedroom beachfront villa. In addition, the resort is hosting 21 days of giveaways on its Facebook page. See facebook.com/sinaleiresort

Insight Vacations has released its Seasons 2017-18 Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean Collection ahead of schedule, to catch the demand for Europe travel.The programme features autumn, winter and spring itineraries, with

departures from Oct-Mar, meaning visitors escape the summer crowds.“A resurgence in earlier planning by our guests, travel agent feedback to release our itineraries sooner and a booming Europe travel market are all factors in launching our programme early this year,” says Insight boss John Boulding.New for 2017-18, Insight will offer its eight-day Easy Pace Russia itinerary (from $2650pp) for the first time in winter, meaning it will take in the Christmas Markets of St Petersburg and Moscow.The seven-day Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights itinerary (from $4175pp) will again join the line-up, and agents are advised to urge guests to book early and secure their spot.Early payment discounts of 7.5% per person are available for bookings and payments made by 24 Aug.

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Insight Europe Seasons 2017-18

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New Mooloolaba Luxury ResortThe first new luxury resort accommodation in Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in over a decade has opened in time for the summer holidays. Breeze is home to 57 luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments over 10 lev-els, and is complete with a pool, spa and recreational area. The apartments have ‘generous’ outdoor balcony and living areas, along with fully equipped kitchens and bathroom, while clients can enjoy free Wi-Fi, complimentary video-on-de-mand and a wide selection of Foxtel channels. The property is within a 20 minute taxi ride from Sunshine Coast Airport and in close proximity to a range of restau-rants, cafes and retail outlets. It has a min two-night stay in off-peak periods and a five-night min stay during 23 Dec-17 Jan. See breezemooloolaba.com.au

MEL’s $300 DessertCouples who want to extend their romance in Melbourne this Valen-tine’s Day can opt for an AUD300 dessert option which includes an overnight stay at the QT Melbourne. The Room for Dessert will be includ-ed on the menu at the Pascale Bar and Grill 10-15 Feb, and once ordered it automatically checks the diners in for the night at the hotel. The dessert itself features an almond-pistachio madeleine biscuit with wild straw-berry marmalade on Valrhona white chocolate, vanilla buttermilk mousse, and topped with a Swarovski gift. It also includes a stay in the hotel, and a bottle of Perrier Jouët.

Cycling Vietnam A HitAn increase in Kiwi travellers to Viet-nam combined with a trend in trav-ellers seeking more active holidays has led to an increase in inquiry for Exodus’ Cycling Vietnam itinerary, advises Adventure World. The 14-day trip combines a number of cycling routes in Vietnam with time to explore beaches, paddy fields and mountains and travels from Ho Chi Minh to Ha-noi. It is priced from $2535pp.

TrekAmerica this year launches new tours to South America, offer-ing small groups of 18-38 year olds another option to discover Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, Ar-gentina and Brazil.The tours include a host of excursions, and range from 12-49 days. They include the 12-day Argentina to Brazil BOLT (from $2939 including hotels and sleeper bus), which uses public transport and includes hikes, waterfalls and nightlife.T h e 2 8 - d ay A n d e s t o R i o —Overland (from $3429) takes in highlights including the world’s largest salt flats, Argentina’s wine countr y and the Iguazu Fal ls.

There’s also the 21-day Inca Explorer —Overland (from $2159), taking in the highlights of Peru with activities like sand-boarding in the desert, flying over the Nazca Lines and an overnight homestay on the islands of Lake Titicaca.

Trek South America WeHo Design DistrictWeHo’s Design District is said to have the highest concentration of design businesses on the West Coast. It’s home to the only Moschino and Al-berta Ferretti stores in the US, the flagship ateliers of Stella McCartney and Alexandra von Fürstenberg, and more. See visitwesthollywood.com

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Canberra Lights UpF o r c l i e n t s h e a d i n g t o Canberra from 03-12 Mar, the capital’s Parliamentary Trian-gle will be transformed into an arts precinct for Enlighten 2017. Over 10 nights, many of the city’s national attractions open their doors after hours to host a range of events; and the festival will also include the famous Night Noodle Markets. For details, see enlightencanberra.com.au

JQ’s FlexiBiz For $1With Kiwi business travellers the biggest buyers of Jetstar’s FlexiBiz, the carrier is giving them the chance to sample the new product for $1.“New Zealand business travellers have been the biggest purchasers of the new FlexiBiz product across all countries where it has been recently launched (Australia, Singapore and New Zealand),” says JQ’s sales man-ager for New Zealand Mick Cottrell.FlexiBiz allows travellers to move their flight forward or back on the day of travel, or cancel their flight and receive a travel voucher to be used in the next six month. It in-cludes unlimited date, time and name changes, seat selection, an ex-tra carry-on item and a $10 in-flight food and drink voucher for flights of 60 minutes or more.Business travellers can try out the FlexiBiz bundle for $1 (usually $21) for bookings made between 08-14 Feb.For more information CLICK HERE

Crowne ZQN RevampThe Crowne Plaza Queenstown has unveiled the results of a re-furbishment which included its rooms, public areas and meeting spaces. There’s new carpet in public areas; new furniture in the lobby, threesixty restaurant and The Atrium; and new balcony furniture for the rooms, most of which have large balconies. Up-grades also include new carpets fitted in all conference and meet-ing rooms.“From mid-sized conferences to incentive groups and intimate meetings in the boardroom, we host a diverse range of events each year,” says sales and marketing manager Kylie Walker. “As market leaders we’re always looking at ways of improving our services and the quality of conference and events rooms and public spaces.”

Marriott App RevampedMarriott has upgraded its mobile app, which will now personalise to each user’s experience and display content based on what services they are most likely to need at each point in their journey. New features in the app include the ability to request room upgrades and a late check-out, and to chat di-rectly with hotel staff before, during and after a stay. Mobile Key is also being expanded, and will roll out to around 500 more hotels around the world. It allows members to skip the front desk and go straight to their room, using their smartphone to open the door.

Conditional approval has been given for the Crown Melbourne to go ahead w ith its six-star Queensbridge Hotel Tower devel-opment—which will see the city become home to Australia’s tall-est tower.The government has given planning approval for the Southbank develop-

ment, which includes a 90-storey tower (known as One Queensbridge) home to 388 hotel rooms as well as 708 residential apartments. There will also be a publicly accessible restaurant and lounge at the top of the tower.Crown’s three current Southbank hotels operate at nearly full capac-ity with over 90% occupancy, so the extra rooms are a welcome addition to the city, says the company.As a condition of the development, Crown and the Schiavello Group have also agreed to invest up to AUD100 million in ‘significant tour-ism and public realm amenities that will benefit the Southbank precinct’.The project remains subject to fi-nancing and long-form agreements between Crown and Schiavello. No timeline was given for the tower.

Aloft Taipei DealThe Aloft Taipei Beitou Hotel is offering a Snackaholic Room Package which includes an NTD1000 (around $44) allowance at Re:fuel, offering 24/7 light meals, snacks, coffee and more. The package, offered through 31 Mar, also includes daily breakfast for two, use of the Re:charge fitness centre, free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking. It’s priced from NTD4500 (around $200) for two people.

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News & Product

FEBRUARY2017 Adventure World USA RoadshowChristchurch: Thu 09, Christchurch RSA, 1730.

Gold Coast Tourism RoadshowChristchurch: Thu 09, Dux Central, 1730.

Wendy Wu Tours Movie NightChristchurch: Thu 16, Hoyts Northlands, 1815. Wellington: Thu 23, Embassy Cinemas, 1800.

Canada Roadshow 2016: Adventure World, Rocky Mountaineer, Air New Zealand & Francis Travel MarketingAuckland, North Shore: Mon 20, The Postman’s Leg, Glenfield, 1800.Tauranga: Wed 22, Alimento Café, 0730. Hamilton: Wed 22 Feb, Joe’s Garage, 1600. Palmerston North: Thu 23, Joe’s Garage, 1800.

Brand USA’s Discover America Trade ExposWellington: Mon 27, Shed 6, Queens Wharf, 1700-2130.Auckland: Tue 28, ANZ Viaduct Events Centre, 1700-2130.

MARCH2017 Adventure World Roadshow Auckland: Mon 06.Bay of Plenty: Tue 07.Wellington: Wed 08.Christchurch: Thu 09.Venues, times tba.

JAWS Roadshow 2017Dunedin: Mon 06, Kingsgate Hotel, 1700-2000. Christchurch: Tue 07, Rydges Latimer Hotel, 1700-2000. Nelson: Wed 08, Rutherford Hotel, 1700-2000. Whangarei: Tue 14, Forum North, 1700-2000. Auckland North: Wed 15, Spencer on Byron, Takapuna, 1700-2000. Napier: Mon 20, Napier Sailing Club, 1700-2000. Wellington: Tue 21, Rydges Wellington, 1700-2000.

Palmerston North: Wed 22, Distinction Hotel, 1700-2000. New Plymouth: Thu 23, Novotel Hotel, 1700-2000. Tauranga: Tue 28, Tauranga Yacht Club, 1700-2000. Hamilton: Wed 29, Novotel Tainui, 1700-2000.

Tourism Fiji RoadshowNelson: Mon 27, Grand Mercure Monaco Hotel, breakfast.Wellington: Mon 27, Rydges Wellington, evening.Christchurch: Tue 28, Addington Raceway & Events Centre, evening.Auckland, CBD: Wed 29, Pullman Hotel, evening.Hamilton: Thu 30, Ferrybank Reception & Conference Centre, evening.Auckland, North Shore: Fri 31, QBE Stadium Albany, breakfast.

APRILTourism Fiji RoadshowTauranga: Mon 03, Club Mt Maunganui, 1730-1930.Rotorua: Tue 04, Novotel Rotorua, 0700-0845.Taupo: Tue 04, Lonestar Taupo, anytime between 1200-1400.Napier: Tue 04, Crowne Hotel, 1730-1930.Palmerston North: Wed 05, Distinction Hotel, 1730-1930.Wanganui: Thu 06, Stellar Restaurant and Bar, anytime between 1200-1400.New Plymouth: Thu 06, Novotel New Plymouth, 1730-1930.

MAY2017 Amazing Thailand RoadshowAuckland: Mon 08, Sky City Convention Centre.

Asia Now RoadshowWellington: Wed 10.Christchurch: Thu 11. Tauranga: Mon 15.Hamilton: Tue 16. Auckland Central: Wed 17. Auckland North Shore: Thu 18. Venues, times tba.

Industry Diary

Century Plaza Refurb, ClosureFairmont Hotels & Resorts, now part of the AccorHotels Group, and Next Century Associates have announced the signing of agreements for the revit-alisation and management of the Century Plaza Hotel. Located in the heart of Century City in Los Angeles, the hotel has hosted generations of Hollywood celebrities, foreign dignitaries and every US President since its opening in 1966. The hotel is currently closed for a restoration and refurbishment and is slated to re-open as Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles in 2018. The approximately USD2.5 billion mixed-use redevelopment project includes around 394 guestrooms and 63 branded residences within the original iconic tower, along with two new 46-story luxury residential towers with 290 residences, plus 100,000 square feet of boutique high-street shopping and expanded parking facilities.

Rainbow Chopper ToursThe new local ly ow ned and operated Rainbow Beach Helicop-ters offers scenic flights and exclu-sive transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Rainbow Beach or Fra-ser Island (King Fisher), says Tour-ism Australia. The operator also offers packages with Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours, Epic Ocean Adventure and Rainbow Beach Horse Rides. Scenic flights start from AUD99 for 10 minutes. See rainbowbeachhelicopters.com.au

New Cairns AquariumCai r ns is s et to welcome t he second largest publically accessible aquarium in Australia in May 2017, featuring only local marine life and a unique Sleep with the Sharks experience, says Tourism Australia. The multi-million dollar aquarium aims to become the most visited land based attraction in the region, and will be within a few minutes’ walk from downtown hotels. At the shark experience, clients will learn about the reef at night and enjoy dinner before falling asleep while the sharks circle overhead. See cairnsaquarium.com.au

An i n it iat ive to develop an international convention on pro-tecting tourists is now in its final phase, says the United National World Tourism Organisation (UN-WTO).The continuous growth of the tour-ism sector, and its current trends and challenges (including around safety and security), mean the global legal framework needs adapting, says UN-WTO. It’s been working since 2011 on the issue, and has just wrapped

up the ninth meeting of the Working Group on the International Conven-tion on the ‘Protection of Tourists and the rights and obligations of Tourism Service Providers’.It covers areas such as protecting tourists in emergency situations, en-hancing cooperation among states, information sharing and the overall protection of tourists as consumers. A final working group meeting will take place in Mar, with the aim of finalising the draft convention for submission at the UNWTO General Assembly in Sep.

Valentines In SYD

UNWTO’s Tourist Protection Pledge

Pandora On-lineDisney has released a new website around its Pandora—the World of Avatar attraction opening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on 27 May. Visitors to the site can learn about the floating mountains, flying ban-shees and other flora and animals of Pandora, and ask questions from the experts about the experience. See visitpandora.com

The Supper Club at InterContinental Sydney will open the level 32 rooftop bar and terrace from 2000 on 14 Feb, offering views of Sydney Harbour, cocktails and champagne menus. The club is Sydney’s only hotel rooftop bar with an outdoor terrace spanning 270 degrees across Sydney Harbour, with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Eastern Har-bour. It’s usually only open Thu-Sat with reservations essential.

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Travel Today, Thursday 09 February 2017 Page 9