Thursday 28 May 2015 Issue 3083

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

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Why wait until December?Your clients can fly to South America now. Daily flights from Auckland to Santiago with onward connections to 5 codeshare destinations. Find out more at qantas.co.nz/agents

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The Intrepid Group globally contin-ues to go from strength to strength, but locally the adventure travel pioneer is reporting record sales—as its product evolves to meet the growing mainstream demand for experiential travel.The company now has three BDMs servicing the Kiwi market, and the new structure of its team is pay-ing dividends, says visiting Intrep-id Group managing director James Thornton. “Great relationships with our key partners are yielding some healthy results—agents are the life-blood of the organisation; the major-ity of our sales are through the trade.”In fact, in the New Zealand mar-ket Thornton says sales through the trade are outpacing the growth of its direct business. “It’s testament to the

strength of the trade in this market—and we can now offer a style of travel to suit all types of travellers that come through an agents’ door.”In addition to the Geckos, Intrepid and Peregrine product, Thornton says its higher end Reserve product too is ‘get-ting some traction and crazy growth’ albeit of a small base. Urban Adven-tures (day tours with an experiential twist) is currently its fastest growing travel brand, he adds.

. . . Changing MarketWhile the business continues to grow, the Intrepid boss points out that the group has faced challenges due to political and geological instabil-ity around the globe. For example, the company’s Egypt operation is now much smaller than it has been in the past, and the tragic Nepal earth-quake has had a devastating effect on Intrepid’s ability to operate in the region. However, Thornton stresses that Intrepid is committed to Nepal, the Nepalese people and its staff there. On the flipside, Thornton says the group’s sales to Latin America and Antarctica are showing strong double digit growth year-on-year. And it’s a region which he is expecting to realise further growth, particularly thanks to Air New Zealand’s new Buenos Aries services from Dec. Further growth to Central America is also tipped once NZ launches its new Houston services, he adds.

Intrepid Trade Sales Outpace Direct

Kiwis Go Long-HaulThe vast majority of New Zealanders who get on a plane are flying inter-nationally, and most of those are to long-haul destinations, according to new Flight Centre research based on surveying 618 New Zealanders.Some 83% of Kiwis flying in the last two years flew internationally, and two thirds of those were to long haul destinations such as Europe, Africa, The Middle East, Asia and North and South America, says Flight Centre.Australia and the South Pacific remain popular, with 59% saying they had travelled short-haul in the past two years; and respondents in the 55+ age bracket tended to travel short-haul more frequently.“What’s really evident is that as New Zealanders have access to more air-line carriers, routes, better deals and strong exchange rates the frequency in which they are travelling to all of these destinations continues to grow,” says Sue Matson, Flight Centre gm retail.

Kiwis Top Per CapitaNew Zealand is around about 7%-8% of Intrepid’s overall business, ‘but we’re almost seeing disproportionate growth from this market—actu-ally, we sell more per capita in New Zealand than in any other country’, says Intrepid Group managing direc-tor James Thornton, pictured (right) with Intrepid’s Pete Rawley and Leah Johnson.

Fri 15 May 15 P3Thu 28 May 15 P2

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MH Bounces BackMalaysia Airlines sales increased 31% year-on-year in New Zealand for the first quarter, growth which the carrier attributes to industry support and ‘great fare deals’ for Kiwis.Malaysia Airlines regional senior vice president PK Lee says while there is still work to do to continue growing the market in New Zealand, it’s ‘encouraging to see Kiwis regain-ing faith in the airline as a world class operation’.“The New Zealand and Australia market is our major market outside of Malaysia and connecting our continents is our ultimate goal,” says Lee. “We have been flying in and out of Australia for 40 years, and New Zealand for more than 25 years now, and we are committed to helping this region build closer ties with Asia for mutual benefit.” QF USA On Sale

Qantas has flights to the USA on sale to 08 Jun, including Los Angeles from $1199 in economy, $2599 in premi-um economy and $6199 in business. Dallas is from $1375 in economy, valid on flights QF7 and QF8 only. See qantas.co.nz/agents

DWC ExpansionDubai Airports says construction is expected to begin later this year on the expansion of Al Maktoum In-ternational at Dubai World Central’s existing passenger terminal. The expansion will see the current capac-ity of six million passengers per year boosted to 26 million. As Dubai International nears its ca-pacity limit due to the rapid growth of passenger traffic, DWC will play a role in absorbing the additional traf-fic. As part of the existing passenger terminal expansion, the check-in area, baggage and immigration halls, as well as security screening areas, will be substantially expanded while the forecourt will be improved to en-sure easier access to the parking and drop-off areas. Once complete, the passenger termi-nal will provide a total of 24 boarding gates, seven baggage reclaim carou-sels and an increase to 104 check-in desks. Construction is currently expected to be completed by the end of Q1 2017 with the expanded facility opening shortly afterwards following the successful completion of a testing and trial programme.

Singapore Airlines has revealed details of its new premium econo-my product, including seats, food service and amenities.The new premium economy seats offer a seat width of 18.5-19.5”, with an 8” recline and seat pitch of 38”, and feature full leather finishing, calf-rest and foot-bar for every seat, in-seat power supply, two USB ports and more stowage. There’s also a 13.3” full HD monitor, the largest in its class, and noise-cancelling head-phones.Clients will be offered an extensive range of food and beverage, priority check-in and baggage handling, 35kg baggage allowance and 10% more KrisFlyer miles.“Many of our customers have been asking for a premium economy of-fering and we are confident that what we are delivering will exceed their

expectations,” says SQ executive VP commercial Mak Swee Wah.Premium economy will be intro-duced on 19 A380s, 19 B777-300ERs and the first 20 A350s, and will launch from 09 Aug on the Sydney route, with other destinations includ-ing Auckland to follow. There is no launch date for Auckland yet.

EK To BolognaEmirates has announced plans to start a daily service to Bologna from 03 Nov, its fourth Italian gateway. The flights will be operated by B777-300ER in a three-class configuration and will depart Dubai 0845, arriving at 1220. The return flight departs Bo-logna 1440, returning 2330 in Dubai.

SQ Unveils New Premium Economy

New Rotorua BossRotorua Airport has appointed a new chief executive, Nicole Brewer, who will take up the role from 01 Jul. She has extensive aviation, business and planning experience, including eight years at Air New Zealand. Brewer has the ‘experience, contacts and passion to capitalise on the work achieved by management over recent years and to take the airport forward into its next growth phase,’ says airport chairman Peter Stubbs.

Sustainable AirbusAirbus has launched the ‘Sustainable Aviation Engagement Programme’, offering services and expertise to help airlines reduce their environ-mental footprint. The programme is based on four pillars (aircraft technology, aircraft operations, air traffic management and sustainable aviation fuels) and is currently in a phase of developing pi-lot projects. Airbus will work closely with Cathay Pacific, British Airways and KLM before the programme is extended to operators worldwide from 2016.

NZ Raro WholesaleAir New Zealand has released new wholesale fares to Rarotonga, for sales to 02 Jun. Wholesalers have details.

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Scenic Info SessionsScenic is inviting agents to bring their clients along to an Ever Wondered session, showcasing its 2016 Europe River Cruising programme. The ses-sions will focus on new elements of the programme, with experts on hand to answer questions. There will also be special offers available and guests will be encouraged to book with their agent. “Our new look Ever Wondered sessions are the perfect sales opportu-nity for agents to close their sales with their clients,” says Scenic’s Michelle Black. “We host the event so there is no cost to the agent and the conver-sion rate on the day is very high.” For details and to RSVP see scenic.com.au/events/nz-info-sessions

Oceania Cruises Expansion Ahead

Carnival Vista With A Family FocusCarnival Cruise Line’s new ship Carnival Vista has a range of features designed specifically with families in mind, advises Francis Travel Marketing. From a suspended cycling experience called SkyRide, Family Harbour staterooms and suites featuring a ‘family concierge’ to an IMAX Theatre and a SportSqaure with a suspended ropes course, a two-level miniature golf course and jogging track, Carnival Vista is perfect for a family holiday, says FTM. Vitsa also features a WaterWorks with slides and water spray toys; a premium ice cream parlour; Punchliner Comedy Club; Dr. Seuss Bookville; a family reading and play venue and more. Vista is scheduled to enter service in Europe from 01 May 2016, then reposition to New York for a series of voyages in Nov 2016, followed by the launch of year-round Caribbean service from Miami later that month. Contact FTM for the new Carnival Vista brochure.

Oceania Cruises is gearing up for the launch of its new ship, Sirena, which will sail her inaugural voy-age on 27 Apr next year.Because of the introduction of Si-rena, the cruise line has expanded its itineraries and introduced a number of new ports, including the likes of South America’s Amazon River as well as new ports in Scandinavia, Asia and off-the-beaten track in the Mediterranean. Cruise Holidays business develop-ment manager Tracey Brennan says while the fleet remains small, their ability to ‘stretch out and immerse into new destinations’, with unique itineraries, will be a major draw card for Kiwi travellers. Oceania has had a lot of last minute bookings for Aug and Sep, whilst other travellers are

enquiring about their 2016, 2017 and even 2018 itineraries, she adds.

. . . Sirena ItinerariesOceania Cruises has released an Advance Preview 2016 Collection brochure, which features a number of itineraries on-board Sirena and sav-ings for bookings by 30 Jun. Featured is the 11-day Idyllic Ionian cruise ex Venice to Rome 11 May 2016, now from $4940pp with up to $1810pp in bonus savings. The 14-day Old World to New World cruise ex Barce-lona to New York 04 Oct 2016, is now from $4505pp; and the 28-day Flora, Fauna & Falls cruise ex New York to Miami 28 Oct 2016, with bonus savings of up to $3320pp, is priced from $11,575pp. T&C’s apply, see cruiseholidays.co.nz

Allure’s Drydock RefurbRoyal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas has emerged from an 18-day dry-dock refurbishment. The world’s largest cruise ship now features suite-class offerings like 10 new suites, a Suite Lounge exclusive area for suite guests, the Sun Deck with lounge furniture and private service, and Coastal Kitchen full-service restaurant. There’s also new specialty restaurants, including Japanese and Mexican, and duty-free boutiques. Through Oct, Allure will home-port at Barcelona for the first full Oasis-class Europe season. In Nov she will return to Fort Lauderdale, alternat-ing seven-night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries every Sun.

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Intermediate/Senior ConsultantUnited Travel New Lynn

Please send your CV with a covering letter to kjameson@unitedtravel.co.nzAll applications will be treated in confidence.

United Travel New Lynn is searching for a new team member with a passion for travel and exceptional customer service skills.

If you can tick all these boxes then I’d like to hear from you:• A minimum 3-4 years proven retail consulting experience• Accuracy and attention to detail• Great time management skills and self motivation• A working knowledge of Sabre & Travelog (preferable)• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal• A sense of humour (compulsory!)

Castaway Summer DealCastaway Island Fiji has launched a Summer Feast deal including five nights accommodation for two adults and two children, and an all-inclusive meal package. Priced from $3795 for a family of four, the package also includes a Sunset Cruise with cham-pagne and canapes for two adults. The Summer Feast deal is available for sale to 30 Jun, for travel 20 Oct-22 Dec and 24 Jan-27 Mar.

APT has added new ships and journeys, special events cruising, new and rebranded sightseeing and special booking offers to its just-released 2015 Europe River Cruising programme.In 2016 APT will introduce two new Concerto class ships, the MS AmaS-tella and MS AmaViola, each hold-ing up to 158 passengers. Guests on the MS AmaStella can choose from up to seven dining experiences, and the ship features a heated pool with

swim-up bar, massage and hair sa-lon, fitness centre and free in-room Wi-Fi. There’s also a fleet of bicycles on board.New journeys for 2016 include Bor-deaux river cruising, rail journeys aboard the privately chartered Dan-ube Express which connect seam-lessly with the Magnificent Europe river cruise, and new Switzerland Rail options travelling on a combi-nation of Swiss trains.Special event cruises include Cel-ebration of Wine, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Family Christmas in Eu-rope, Cycling and gourmet-themed cruises; and there’s also new Grand Europe itineraries, with guests able to combine popular itineraries.APT’s popular Signature Experi-ences will be renamed Signature Invitations from 2016, with new experiences like a traditional Hun-garian farm and the chance to visit the Schlagkamp Winery and Wine Museum in the Moselle Valley. Free-dom of Choice additions include visiting the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam or the Faber-Castell Old Lead Factory in Nuremberg.

. . . SuperDealsAPT will continue to offer Super-Deals for 2016, including Fly Free, Companion Fly Free and Solo Trav-eller deals. It is also introducing a new early payment discount where guests can save $200pp on tours between 8-14 days and $400pp on tours of 15 days or longer that are paid in full 10 months prior to departure. There’s also a new Travel with Friends & Save offer of $400pp off for guests who travel with five friends on the same date. Both new offers are combinable with all APT SuperDeal 1 Offers, which are valid until 31 Jul 2015.

Snapshots Of CubaAdventure World advises of its 10-day Cuba itinerary which fea-tures smartphone photography lessons with world-famous photog-rapher Benjamin Lowy and his wife Marvi, an award-winning photo journalist. For a limited time Adven-ture World will also offer free Cuban tourist cards to those that book this trip. Priced from $7744pp including hotel accommodation, many meals, sightseeing, entrance fees, some activities, transfers and the photog-raphy guiding.

New Additions To APT Europe 2016

A Taste Of AustraliaTourism Australia recreated a slice of Australia in Auckland last night for a select group of MICE special-ists. Australian chef Sean Connolly showcased the diversity of produce available in Australia complemented by wines from the Barossa’s Charles Melton Winery. Both Connolly and Melton were passionate about the genuine food and wine experience on offer for visitors to Australia, and shared the stories of artisan operators from across the country. Pictured up close to the action at Connelly’s Gusto restaurant kitchen is Tourism Australia’s Jenny Aitken with Connolly and Melton; and 4PR’s Louise Sneddon and Tracey Mehrtens with Connolly.

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We have a greatline up on showCelebrate our proud history at Air New Zealand’s 75th anniversary exhibition at Te Papa. Free entry.

For anniversary merchandise visit merchandise.airnewzealand.co.nz

SHOW US YOUR

Aloha Spirit!Hawaiian Airlines has 50 double passes to an advanced screening of the new Hollywood blockbuster ‘Aloha’ at cinemas across New Zealand.

To enter agents need to show their aloha spirit, and photos must include the agent, the Hawaiian Airlines logo and showcase the aloha spirit.

E-mail entries to: lindsey.morgan@hawaiianair.com including your DX or postal address

by Friday 29 May

Nadi Bay Resort SoldNadi Bay Resort Hotel has been sold to Fiji-based Wesram Investments Ltd, and former Warwick Hotel man-ager Jack Stark has been appointed as the new general manager. Saimoni Vunisa, also formerly with Warwick, has been appointed front office man-ager. The new owners are under-taking improvements to the hotel including upgrading all rooms and apartments with furnishings, bed-ding, lighting and curtains.

Taylors Lakes WinTaylors Lakes, a Melbourne-based property of Choice Hotels Austral-asia, has taken out the 2015 Inter-national Quality Hotel of the Year at an award ceremony in Las Vegas, in equal first with Quality Hotel Curi-tiba in Brazil.

Star wood held its f irst New Zealand expo in Auckland this week, with around 130 agents turn-ing up to hear the latest from Star-wood properties in Asia, the US, Australia and the Pacific.Ashley Hansen, regional director of sales and marketing and direc-tor of Starwood Sales Organisation Pacific, said Starwood now oper-ates more than 1200 hotels in 106 countries, with 10 brands includ-ing the new Tribute Portfolio which features ‘exceptional independent

hotels’ from around the world. Agents were also updated on new developments including the opening of Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey Hotel & Bungalows at the end of the year, redevelopment of a new tower at the Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour Sydney (featuring 934 rooms and 4800 sqm of conference space), an AUD40 million refurbishment programme which has just started at Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, and the refurbishment of the Le Meridien Noumea, New Caledonia, which is almost complete. Future openings in-clude the Aloft Sydney Pitt Street, Aloft Perth, The Westin Perth, Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands and W Brisbane.

. . . PrizesThe winners of the prizes on the night were Alicia McGregor from Air New Zealand Holidays, who won China Airlines flights to Sydney and two nights at the Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour; Fleur Williams from House of Travel won Aircalin flights to Noumea and two nights at the Shera-ton New Caledonia Resort & Spa; Lou-ise Sutton, Flight Centre Product won Hawaiian Airlines flights to Hawaii and right nights at Starwood Waikiki resorts; Wendy Jack, The Travel Bro-kers won Air New Zealand flights to Bali and three nights accommodation; and Greg Birbeck, All Blacks Tours won NZ flights to Los Angeles and two nights at the SLS, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills.

New DriveAway SystemDriveAway Holidays has launched a new motorhome quoting/booking system designed to offer a more user-friendly experience.Changes include agents can now see upfront and estimated total costs, applicable one-way fees, local fees and add-on costs; and save multiple quotes online which show detailed pricing.For quoting, booking requests can be made through the system, and the motorhome team will check avail-ability of the rental and advise the required deposit amount.Quotes can be customised online by adding value packs or turning the ba-sic rate into an all-inclusive package, and amendments can be made online to quote and booking requests.Documentation can be downloaded, including directions to the depot.See driveaway.co.nz

Starwood’s First New Zealand Expo

ISSN 1176-5275Travel Today (incorporating Tabs on Travel) is published by Tabs on Travel Ltd, New Zealand. Ph +64-9-415 8111.news@traveltoday.co.nz tony@traveltoday.co.nz

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Unbeatable East AfricaWorld Journeys’ Fly Around East Af-rica safari has been extended for travel in Jun and enhanced with the addition of a complimentary hot air balloon sa-fari. Guests will experience a six-star safari with AndBeyond through the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. Now priced from $7425pp s/t, including seven nights’ accommodation, light aircraft domestic flights between camps, all meals and house wines/beers/spirits and daily safari activities. The offer is valid on new bookings made and trav-elled between now and the end of Jun.

JUNEScenic Information SessionsHamilton: Mon 15, Hotel Novotel.Tauranga: Tue 16, Mills Reef Winery. Auckland East/South: Wed 17, Waipuna Hotel. Auckland North: Thu 18, The Spencer on Byron Hotel.Nelson: Mon 29, Rutherford Hotel.Timaru: Tue 30, Landing Services Building.

Globus Family of Brands and Rocky Mountaineer 2016 North America LaunchHamilton: Tue 23, Jukebox Diner, 11 Railside Place, 1745.Tauranga: Wed 24, Rye- American Kitchen, 19 Wharf Street, 1745. Napier: Thu 25, Hogs Breath Café, 49 Marine Parade, 1745.

Globus Family of Brands 2016 North America LaunchAuckland Central: Tue 23, MetroLanes, Level 3, 291-297 Queen Street, 1800. Auckland North: Wed 24, Xtreme Wairau Park, 10 Target Crescent, 1800.Auckland East: Thu 25, Xtreme Botany Park, 500a Ti Rakau Drive, North Park, 1800.

JULYScenic Information SessionsDunedin: Wed 01, Hotel St Clair.Invercargill: Thu 02, The Kelvin Hotel.

Nepal Fundraiser In conjunction with South African Airways and Adventure WorldAuckland: Wed 01, Sky City Convention Centre, 1730-1800 Drinks/Nibbles,1800-1930 Travel Quiz.

Globus Family of Brands 2016 North America LaunchNelson: Wed 01, Action Indoor Sports Stadium, 30 McPherson Street, Richmond, 1745.Pukekohe: Tue 21, Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club - Ten Pin

Bowling Centre, 78 Nelson Street, 1745.

Globus Family of Brands and Rocky Mountaineer- 2016 North America LaunchLower Hutt: Mon 06, Strikenz, 399 Hutt Road, 1745.Palmerston North: Tue 07, Bowlarama Ten Pin Bowling Centre, 94 Cuba Street, 1745.Christchurch: Tue 21, Tequila Mockingbird, 98 Victoria Street, 1745.

Hawaii Tourism MCI RoadshowMon 27, Dates and venue tba.

AUGUSTBula Marau Fiji Roadshow – Around Viti LevuChristchurch: Mon 3, Novotel Christchurch, 1730-2030. Wellington: Tue 4, InterContinental, 1730-2030. Auckland: Wed 5, Stamford Hotel, 1730-2045. Hamilton: Thu 6, Novotel Tainui, 1730-2030.

Anaheim RoadshowAuckland: Mon 24, The Hilton, 1730.

OCTOBERAdventure World and Rocky Mountaineer BreakfastDunedin: Fri 02, , 0730-0830.Invercargill: Mon 05, 0730-0830.Queenstown: Mon 06, 0730-0830.Venues TBC.

Bula Marau Fiji Roadshow – Luxury & CouplesNelson: Mon 12, Grand Mercure Monaco Resort, 0730-0930. Christchurch: Mon 12, Peppers Clearwater, 1730-2130. Wellington: Tue 13, Amora Hotel, 1730-2030. Auckland: Wed 14, Pullman Hotel, 1730-2045. Hamilton: Thu 15, Novotel Tainui, 1730-2030.

Industry Diary

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Viwa Re-OpenedViwa Island Resort in Fiji has re-opened with a new look and feel after a month-long refurbishment, advises Pacific Pulse Marketing. The resort is located in Fiji’s Yasawa Is-lands and offers 11 Fijian beachfront bungalows.

New In Los CabosA 161-room beachfront hotel is set to open in Los Cabos in Jun. The Cape is part of Thompson Hotels’ portfolio. Accommodation includes one-, two- and three-bedroom guestrooms and bi-level suites with private rooftops. Facilities include poolside bar and grill and “the only rooftop lounge in Cabo San Lucas”.

Cathay Pacific Airways’ combined CX and Dragonair traffic figures for Mar 2015 show a double-digit passenger increase over Mar 2014. Between them the carriers shifted 2,887,106 passengers in Mar, up 11.% on the same month last year. At the same time passenger loads were up five percentage points to 87.3% while capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), increased by 5.7%.

For the first quarter of 2015, pas-senger traffic grew by 8.6% while capacity was up by 6.9%CX general manager revenue man-agement Patricia Hwang said that Mar is traditionally a shoulder sea-son between the Chinese New Year and Easter peak periods, but this year saw passenger demand for the month rising above expectations. She said demand was strong in all cabins, with high load factors to and from Southwest Pacific, Europe and the UK.

Double-Digit Increase In CX Pax

Airstream Adventures Launched In AussieThe recently launched Airstream Adventures offers luxury rentals of the latest Airstream caravan’s custom built for Australia, whilst also offering access to exclusive campsites, bespoke itineraries and pop-up glampsite packages. Visit airstreamadventures.com.au

CIT A321 OrderCIY Group Inc (CIT) has placed a firm order for five more A321ceo air-craft, bringing its total order for the A320 family to 205 aircraft.

ibis PLAY ibis Hotels has announced its partner-ship with Deezer, an international music streaming service, which will see its guests have access to an ex-clusive microsite. ibis Play will grant guests access to regularly updated geo-localised gig guides, tastemaker curated playlists, reviews, music com-munity news, artist interviews, photo galleries and more.

. . . Celebratory DealTo celebrate the release of ibis Play, ibis Hotels is offering stays from $109 per night and giving each guest 15% off the room rate to spend at the bar with their ‘Paint it Red’ package. The offer is valid to 19 Aug.