Tuesday 19 July 2016 Issue 3353

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

6 Pages This IssueNews.......................... p1, p2, p4, p5, p6Cruising Today................................. p3

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The introduction of competition on regional routes by Jetstar ap-pears to have contributed to a double-digit drop in the average domestic airfare.According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Jun 2016 quarter, the average domestic fare in New Zealand has fallen 14% since the Dec 2015 quarter—around the time JQ launched the first of its new regional services.Domestic fares have fallen 9.9% since the first quarter of this year;

and they’re down 6.9% on the same quarter last year.“It’s great to see the very positive impact that Jetstar’s new regional services have had on domestic air fare affordability,” says JQ head of New Zealand Grant Kerr.“We’ve always been confident that our new regional network would stimulate the overall market by providing more competition and helping more Kiwis to fly more of-ten. We look forward to a continued boost to regional travel and tourism in the upcoming summer holiday season.”

. . . And InternationalThe average international airfare too has fallen year-on-year—they’re down 3.8% on the Jun 2015 quar-ter, although compared to the first quarter of this year, they’ve actually increased by 2.3%.The average price of a package holi-day has in turn fallen 9.3% com-pared to the Jun 2015 quarter; and is down 3.7% on the Mar 2016 quarter.Lower oil prices, and increased competition on international routes, are said to have contributed to the falling cost of airfares.Industry sources have previously said the lower travel prices are a double-edged sword for the trade, as while they drive interest among consumers, they make it harder for retail chains to reach targets.

Domestic Fares Down 14% Since Dec

Hurricane In A Teacup?Hurricanes players have reportedly had a telling off after their coach admitted that they watched the Lions game on their phone while on a flight home from Christchurch over the weekend. “Probably broke airplane protocol but somebody was watching it [the game] on their phone till three minutes to the end and we lost reception somewhere up in the air,” coach Chris Boyd told media waiting at Wellington Airport.A Hurricanes spokesman has since said it will be ‘issuing a reminder to all of our players and staff saying they need to put their phones on in-flight mode’.

New Fiji Boss Start DateTourism Fiji has advised that its new chief executive, Matthew Stoeckel, of-ficially starts with the tourism body on 25 Jul. The chief executive role has been vacant since Rick Hamilton departed in 2014.

NZ Bluetooth ExpansionAir New Zealand will now allow customers to use Bluetooth devices ‘gate to gate’ across its entire fleet, a move it says is a first for airlines in the South Pacific. From Thu, cus-tomers on any service across NZ’s domestic and international network will be able to operate Bluetooth de-vices from the departure gate to the arrival gate, provided their devices are set to flight mode. This means they can stay connected with devices like their Fitbit, Apple watch and Bluetooth headsets.

SIN’s $2 Million MealCe La Vi restaurant at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands is reportedly of-fering an SGD2 million ‘meal’ op-tion that also includes a 45-minute helicopter ride over the city, a luxury cruise around town, 10,000 roses, an 18-course meal (to be eaten with diamond-encrusted chopsticks) and, finally, a two-karat blue diamond ring.

TVNZ executive Jeremy O’Brien has been named as Air New Zealand’s new regional general manager direct and market develop-ment for sales and com-mercial. In announcing the appoint-ment NZ chief sales and commercial officer Cam Wallace says O’Brien has significant senior leadership experience across in-dustries such as financial services, telco and most recently media and

entertainment. O’Brien is expected to start in Oct and is currently T VNZ’s commercial director leading the company’s sales, mar-keting, data, research a n d i n s i g h t s , a n d TVNZ Blacksand cre-

ative and production unit. Once at NZ Wallace says O’Brien will work closely with Leanne Geraghty, (NZ’s rgm distribution and corpo-rate) to operate its new dual rgm leadership model for the New Zea-land/Pacific Island region. He will head up the core functional pillars in the NZ sales group including market development, Grabaseat, the con-tact centre, Tandem, strategic sales projects and new markets segments. O’Brien will be responsible for $1 billion dollars of revenue, with clear growth targets.

NZ Wholesale HNLAir New Zealand has released new economy wholesale fares to Hono-lulu, for sales to 25 Jul. Wholesalers have details.

Fri 15 May 15 P3Tue 19 Jul 16 p2

News & Product

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VS Fleet ModernisationVirgin Atlantic has put through a USD4.4 billion order for 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft as part of a fleet modernisation programme which will see 50% of its planes replaced in a six-year period. The first A350-1000 is expected to be delivered in early 2019 and will be fitted with three class cabins—Up-per Class, Premium Economy and Economy—and comes with larger panoramic windows, an illuminated dome ceiling, cleaner air with an advanced filtration system and more space for storing luggage in the larger overhead bins. The aircraft will also reduce the noise footprint at airports that VS flies by more than 52%; while its engines generate 30% lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to the airline’s current 747-400 aircraft.

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Turkey Airports OpenAirports in Istanbul and Ankara have resumed operations following the attempted coup over the weekend, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade—however, it’s continuing to advise New Zealanders to avoid all tourist and other non-essential travel to the country. Meanwhile the US FAA has lifted a ban it placed on flights between Turkey and the US.

EK Strategy AwardEmirates has won the inaugural Network Strategy award in the 15th annual Airline Strategy Awards, which are selected by an indepen-dent panel of industry experts. The Network Strategy award recognises EK’s management team for showing leadership in the ‘design and imple-mentation of leading-edge concepts and systems in the area of network planning and revenue management in an airline context’. “Through a network and fleet strat-egy which, at times, has defied con-vention, Emirates has positioned itself as a ubiquitous operation, akin to a modern day Pan Am, in the space of a single generation,” FlightGlobal’s David Kaminski-Morrow.

QF Australia SaleQantas has flights to Australia on sale to 20 Jul, starting at $199 in economy and $599 in business. See GDS for details.

Anaheim Famil CompVisit Anaheim and Air New Zealand are giving agents the chance to win a place on a famil to Anaheim in Nov, by watching a series of videos on the destination and answering a short quiz.Visit Anaheim brought some local suppliers to New Zealand late last year but was disappointed they could only meet with agents in Auckland, so was keen to spread their messages to the rest of the country. The suppli-ers’ presentations have been turned into video clips, and agents who watch them and answer the quizzes by 31 Aug will be in to win a place on the Anaheim famil (18-24 Nov). For details, CLICK HERE

EK Thailand SaleEmirates has flights to Thailand on sale until 25 Jul. Flights ex Auckland are from $899 to Bangkok, $949 to Phuket and $999 to Chiang Mai; or ex Christchurch, Bangkok is from $1099 and Phuket from $1149. See GDS for details or emiratesagents.com/nz

SQ Extends WLG SaleSingapore Airlines has extended its Wellington to the World Special Fares for sales to 08 Aug. Inventory may be very limited on some 2016 travel dates, it notes.

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Tue 19 Jul Page 3

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Considered a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many, cruising to Ant-arctica just got easier thanks to Chimu Adventures, with depar-tures ex New Zealand (Invercargill or Bluff ) and Australia (Hobart) on offer. Chimu’s Rachel Williams says it will then take around seven days to arrive to the white continent, which can be broken up by visits to Macquarie, Snares, Auckland and Campbell Is-lands, all rich in wildlife and nature, while once in Antarctica, clients will spend time around Common-wealth Bay or the Ross Sea region.

“A cruise to Antarctica from New Zealand or Australia offers the op-portunity to witness the immense natural landscapes and seascapes of this remote yet ruggedly beauti-ful part of Antarctica and the best chance to see the emperor and king penguins as well as Ross seals,” she says. Available this season is the In the wake of Ross, Amundsen & Scott itinerary, departing 09 Feb 2017 and priced from $36,927; while the Spectacular Ross Sea itinerary de-parts 15 Feb 2017 and is priced from $38,203pp.

Antarctica From Invercargill, Bluff

Azamara To KaikouraAzamara Club Cruises is set to sail to Kaikoura as part of its forthcom-ing 2016/17 season in New Zealand, following interest and demand from international guests. There will be plenty of shore excursions on offer, in-cluding a cycling tour, a whale watch-ing boat cruise, the chance to swim with dolphins and more.

Galapagos SavingsClients who book an Adventure World M/Y La Pinta, M/V Santa Cruz II or M/Y Isabela II cruise departing in 2016 through the Galapagos Islands will receive a free night at the luxury Casa Gangotena Hotel in Quito for bookings prior to Nov. A four-day package aboard La Pinta is priced from $5325pp t/s.

Portugal, Spain EarlybirdTempo Hol idays has an ear ly booking bonus on its Portraits of the Douro cruise which travels through the UNESCO River of Gold in both Portugal and Spain. Clients who book and pay in full by 31 Aug will receive a 10% discount. Prices start at $1605pp t/s.

Fiordland BookingsIsland Escape Cruises advises agents it has an average of only three cabins left available on each of its 12 Fiordland cruises operating Jan-Mar 2017. It ad-vises clients to book in now to secure their place on the eight-night cruise, complete with pre/post accommodation in Queenstown, transfers, and a helicopter and scenic plane flight. See islandescapecruises.com for more.

Fri 15 May 15 P3Tue 19 Jul 16 p4

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Causeway Foodie ToursIreland’s new Causeway Coast Foodie Tours is offering a series of six-hour guided food tours, advises Tourism Ireland, complete with exclusive tast-ing sessions and behind-the-scenes access. Highlights include a Coast and Country tour, priced at GBP55pp, which features five stops along the Causeway Coastal Route, includ-ing a coffee brewing demonstration and tasting, a sit down breakfast at a riverside location, tasting at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery and a stop at a local farm. The tours start in Coleraine, however pick-ups/drop-offs can be arranged. See causewayfoodietours.com

ADL Cycle EventThe 2017 Santos Tour Down Under race routes have been unveiled, ad-vises the South Australian Tourism Commission, with some new ad-ditions. To be held 14-22 Jan 2017, the cycling event, which in 2016 at-tracted a record 795,000 spectators, includes a new 13km finishing circuit in Victor Harbor; a suburban start and finish for Bupa Stage 4 to coin-cide with the Bupa Challenge Tour; while for the first time Hostworks Stage 1 will start in Unley and head north through the heart of the city along King William St past the Tour Village and along O’Connell St to Prospect Rd. To see all of the routes visit tourdownunder.com.au

The Tourism Author-ity of Thailand is shak-ing up its approach in a bid to lure in both new and repeat visitors, with plans in place to push authentic, cultural experiences; while spe-cifically for Kiwis, it’s looking to target female travellers, as the majority (60%) of New Zealand visitors to the country are men. Thailand’s v isit ing Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Wat-tanavrangkul (pictured) says going forward TAT is looking to push the country’s culture, experiences and way of life as its main tourism drawcard; and it’s a move she be-lieves will be popular with the Kiwi market, ‘who appreciate the nature, the sincerity of the people and the heritage, and finding more of those lesser-known places’.

In addition, a major part of the campaign will be encouraging more women to visit the country, with a new Women’s Journey to Thailand campaign set to launch 01 Aug. It will feature a number of health and wellness related ser-vices and activities, such

as beauty treatments, Muay Thai classes, healthy cooking classes and shopping at local markets, as well as specials offers and discounts. Wattanavrangkul adds that with an ever-increasing range of air connec-tivity options for Kiwis, and more and more destinations and activities on offer globally, TAT’s change of direction is needed for Thailand to continue to be a top travel choice.

Eurostar Ski ServiceEurostar will open sales for its popular ski service from London St Pancras and Ashford International to the heart of the French Alps 20 Jul. The day and night services allow each passenger to take two suitcases plus hand luggage and skis or snow-boards at no extra cost. It will run weekly from 17 Dec-08 Apr with re-turn fares from GBP149. Top resorts such as Courchevel, Meribel, Tignes, Les Arcs and Aime-la-Plagne are all just a short journey from the station. See eurostar.com

Le Meridien’s SoireesLe Meridien Hotels & Resorts has launched Summer Soirees, a global series of events to celebrate summer and the brand’s French heritage for both guests and locals. From Palm Springs to Piccadilly and Manhattan to Mauritius, travellers staying at Le Meridien hotels will be transported to the Cote d’Azur with styled spac-es, summer playlists and a modern twist to the game of Petanque. See lemeridien.com/summer for further details.

Belmond 50% OffBelmond is offering 50% off its luxury hotels in Peru, for new book-ings until 26 Jul and travel 01 Sep-30 Apr, says Viva Expeditions. The offer includes the Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima; Cusco’s Plaza Nazare-nas and Hotel Monasterio; Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge; and Hotel Rio Sagrado, Sacred Valley. The offer is valid for all room types, subject to availability. Viva has details.

Thailand Tourism To Change Focus

No Sunset WeddingsSu ns e t Res or t R arotonga ha s decided not to host any more weddings, say ing they’re often d i s r u p t i v e t o o t h e r g u e s t s ’ experience at the small beach resort. The new policy is effective immediately for new bookings—existing reservations and confirmed weddings will be honoured.

Fri 15 May 15 P3Tue 19 Jul 16 p5

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IndustryDiaryJULY Globus family of brands, Rocky Mountaineer, 2017 “The Americas” Season Tauranga: Tue 19, Macau, 1745.Napier: The Crown Hotel, 1745.

AUGUSTSPANTO roadshowPalmerston North: Tue 09, The Distinction Hotel. 1730.New Plymouth: Wed 10, Novotel Hobson Hotel, 1730.

SEPTEMBERBula Marau Fiji Roadshow - Couples & LuxuryTauranga: Mon 05, Mills Reef Winery, 0700-0930.Hamilton: Mon 05, Ferrybank Reception Centre, 1730-2015.Christchurch: Tue 06, Peppers Clearwater Resort, 1730-2015.Wellington: Wed 07, InterContinental Hotel, 1730-2015.Auckland: Thu 08, Pullman Hotel, 1730-2015.Auckland North Shore: Fri 09, QBE Stadium, 0700-0930.

New Boston CityPassBoston Harbor Cruises has joined the Boston CityPass programme. The 90-minute sightseeing cruise incorporates tales of the Revolu-tionary War, legends of the sea, the Boston Light lighthouse, and Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. Boston CityPASS also includes New England Aquar-ium, Museum of Science, Skywalk Observatory, and a choice between the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, or a Boston Harbor Cruise. They’re from USD55 for adults and USD42 for children, see citypass.com

The excitement in the industry around increased airlift to the US was noted by a visiting delegation from the US east coast yesterday.The group from New England, New York City, New York State, Philadel-phia and Washington DC met with wholesalers and media in Auckland yesterday, before hosting agents at an event last night to update them on the region’s latest offering. They’re reporting increased interest in the east coast from Kiwi travel-lers, helped by more flights, record low airfares and a desire to explore beyond the west coast.Pictured: 1 Corey Marshall and Lori Harnois, Discover New England.

2 Kerie Dixon, Travel Directions; Andree Sabourin, Travel Market-ing; and Cherryl Browne, Cruise Wo r l d . 3 G av i n L a n d r y a n d Karen Morris, New York State. 4 Christina Ross, Charlotte Webb and Geoff Hebditch of House of Travel Browns Bay. 5 Ann Tok and Brendan Said, Philadelphia C V B. 6 C a rol i n e D on a l d s on -Sinclair, Vermont Department of

East Coast On Show To Agents

Tourism, with Victoria Cimino, New Hampshire Office of Travel a n d To u r i s m D e v e l o p m e n t . 7 Mario Santander, American Air-lines with Wayne Mitcham, Brand USA. 8 NYC & Company’s Makiko Matsuda Healy and Fred Dixon. 9 Daniel Bloomfield, Target Travel; Peter Moore, Target Travel; Michael Fernandes, Beyond 2000 Travel; and Bob Devereux, The Travel Brokers.

1 2 3 4

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NYC Photo CentreWith the Bowery now one of New York City’s most bustling thorough-fares, the International Center of Photography’s new museum fea-tures a glass-walled public space at street level, inviting pedestrians to free exhibitions and events outside the ticket-required galleries, says NYC & Company. The inaugural show Public, Private, Secret explores the ever-expanding domain of the image in the digital era. See icp.org

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

© All contents are copyright, and must not be transmitted or copied without specific approval.PO Box 305-167, Triton Plaza, Auckland 0757, New Zealand.Bld F, 14-22 Triton Dr, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand.

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Finding Serenity During Peak Times

Your clients will thank you forever for sending them to where happiness lives.

25.7°C Today in Tavenui

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New Hyatt For RioHyatt has opened its first hotel in Rio De Janeiro—a beachfront property in the exclusive Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood. Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro offers 436 guestrooms including 40 suites, two Presidential Suites and a Pent-house Suite with a lounge area and plunge pool. All guestrooms have views of Atlantic Ocean or Marapendi Lagoon that surrounds the hotel. The property also offers a Marapendi Lounge area due to the destination’s late airport de-partures and early arrivals, which offers shower and changing room facilities. There’s three signature restaurants and extensive lagoon-view event facilities.

tures and amenities) overlooking the beach club for around an additional FJD120-150 a night. The higher rate includes daily admission to the Wait-uui Beach Club which features a host of value-adds.A one of a kind in Fiji, the beach club is a serene retreat by day and a re-laxed pool club by night—and highly recommended.Day passes are available, but urge cli-ents to get there early or pre-book as capacity at the club is limited. Agents can recommend the day passes with confidence as clients can easily re-coup the initial outlay via the area of inclusions offered.

Available from the Waitui check-in area at the hotel reception, a day pass is FJD99 (or FJD89 for LeClub or Accor Plus members). Admission includes entry to the sprawling pool-side area which is dotted with ca-banas, loungers and day beds. There’s a 25m lap pool, a lounge area sunken into the pool as well as a beachside massage cabana—and incredibly attentive pool butlers (who will even clean your sunglasses and ensure you’re as shaded as you wish).Club guests receive a welcome pack

The Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa has got its family offering down pat. There’s a giant freeform pool, a wide range of free and changing activities as well as the waterslide, kids club and babysitting services.But just a two-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of the pool lies the answer for those travelling without children—or parents looking to escape them.The purpose-built Waitui Club is a poolside, beachfront sanctuary which is strictly adults-only.Clients can opt to stay in one of the 74 adults-only Waitui rooms (which come with upgraded fea-

including goodies such as Pure Fiji sunscreen and a scented towel. There’s light snacks served throughout the day and an evening happy hour (1700-1800) serving complimentary cocktails and canapes. Clients can eas-ily recoup the cost of the club admis-sion on the cocktails alone.

Day Passes For The Adults Only Waitui Beach Club

Movies like Eddie the Eagle and television shows like The Night Manager are continuing to drive Kiwi travellers’ interest in Europe and an associated growth in rail bookings, says Rail Europe.The company has noted spikes in bookings to certain destinations following their direct involvement in major blockbuster movies or TV series, says Australasia manager Ingrid Kocijan. “While film-induced tourism con-siderably influences our booking numbers, when combined with the increased accessibility and afford-ability to travel to Europe, numbers can skyrocket,” she says. “This year, for example, we can re-port that countries including Spain, Austria and Switzerland, al l of which have been involved in major motion pictures recently, enjoyed a healthy increase in the number of train travellers from Australia

and New Zealand in the first half of 2016.”Year-on-year, bookings for Spain increased by 15% from Jan-May, while Austria bookings went up by just over 10%. The biggest increase, however, came from rail package bookings for Switzerland, up almost 80%. Austria featured in Spectre, Swit-zerland in Eddie the Eagle and The Night Manager, and Spain had a starring role in Game of Thrones and Jason Bourne. “Often, film tourism can help put lesser known destinations on the radar for travellers, while increas-ing visitor numbers to major urban hubs,” says Kocijan.Australasia continues to deliver impressive sales numbers, she adds, and is one of Rail Europe’s top three regions for ticket sales globally.Rail Europe tickets are distributed by Rail Plus and GO Holidays.

Big Screen Prompts Rail Europe Growth

Sofitel SYD ApptsAccorHotels has today named Greg Brady as general manager and Ma-rie-Cecile Heritage as director of sales and marketing for the new Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, due for completion in the third quarter of 2017. Brady comes to the Sofitel brand with more than 27 years of ex-perience in the hospitality industry; while Heritage has 15 years of hotel industry experience both in Australia and France. The 600 room hotel is set to become Sydney’s first, major new-build five-star hotel in 15 years.