Friday 03 February 2017 Issue 3474

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Barcelona’s Hotel BanBarcelona’s city council has passed a new law which limits the construc-tion of new hotels and stops licenses being issued to accommodation providers, until tourist numbers are driven down. Reports say new hotels are banned in the city centre and outside the inner city, new hotels will only be allowed under strict condi-tions. The move is in response to ris-ing rent and property prices, which have left many locals priced out of living in the city centre—which many believe is a result of rising tourist numbers.

Hotel Keys HackedA s m a l l E u r o p e a n h o t e l i s reportedly planning to re-introduce old fashioned locks and keys, af-ter its key-card system was hacked by cybercriminals who demanded EUR1500 before they would unfreeze the system. The hotel has said it’s constantly being targeted by hackers.

The Sheraton Resort a n d S p a To k o r i k i Island will re-open on Tue following a FJD25 million upgrade and the property has its sights set on growing its business from New Zealand.The resort was forced to close last Feb due to damage sustained dur-ing Cyclone Winston and the exten-sive refurbishment has taken the resort ‘to the next level’, says Star-wood Fiji’s Loretta Ooms. “We’re excited to offer a true five-star ex-perience in the Mamanuca Islands. We’re the only five-star international branded resort in the island group and we’re hoping to see an increase in bookings from New Zealand.”The new-look, 101-room beachfront property now offers more amenities such as The Reef poolside, café-style restaurant, a Fijian cultural centre (which has a twice-weekly cultural eventing and a buffet dinner), a games room and a mini-golf course. There’s 30 luxe adults-only Tokoriki retreats (each with their own private deck, plunge pool and ocean views), located on the other side of the re-sort from the family-friendly rooms and activities.Industry rates are available for the new resort, starting at FJD399pn, or FJD750pn for an ‘all in’ offer includ-

ing return transfers, meals for two, and SPG bonus points. Use promo code Industry.The property has also launched three reopening value-add offers and pack-ages combining the Sheraton Fiji and Sheraton Tokoriki. Contact wholesal-ers for details.

. . . Kiwi ActivityRepresentatives from the resort will spend three weeks in New Zea-land from late Mar, attending agent events around the country in a bid to grow its presence here. “We’re hoping to see an increase in New Zealand travellers so we’re looking to update agents on the true five-star look and feel of the resort,” says Ooms. New Zealanders made up 14% of the resort’s business in 2015.The property’s dive programme, which was said to be very popular when it launched in Jan ’16, pre-Cyclone Winston, is also expected to be popular with Kiwi travellers.

Tokoriki Sets Eyes On Kiwi Growth

P&O’s Local SeasonM o r e t h a n 1 7 0 0 N i n e s supporters have sailed into Auckland this morning on P&O’s Pacific Pearl, marking the start of a four-month season of cruises from New Zealand. The four-night cruise, which has arrived in time for the two-day Downer NRL Auckland Nines event, was joined by famous past players who hosted footy-themed activities, meet and greets and Q&A sessions. Pacific Pearl will be based in Auck-land until 27 Mar for her final sea-son of cruises from New Zealand before leaving the P&O fleet. Then in Sep, the 2000-guest Pacific Jewel will arrive in Auckland to offer the line’s first ever season of spring cruising, sailing on eight roundtrip itineraries from the city until 31 Oct. Between them, the two ships will carry about 30,000 Kiwis on cruise holidays.

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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.nzadsales@traveltoday.co.nz

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LATAM On SaleLATAM has launched a low season sale campaign, featuring a range of South American destinations on sale to 27 Feb for travel 01 May-30 Nov. Fares start from $1099 to Santiago (or $3999 in business class); Buenos Aires from $1229 or $4049 in busi-ness class; Lima from $1319 or $4319 business class; Bogota from $1529 or $4529 in business; and Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro from $1299 or $4299 in business class.

NZ Fiji UpdateAir New Zealand advises agents that fare levels have decreased across all economy booking classes on its longterm fares to Fiji ex Christchurch and Wellington on non-stop ser-vices effective 23 Jan. Your GDS and airnzagent.co.nz will be updated in due course.

SQ Extends TTLSingapore Airlines has announced the permanent extension of its K class ticketing time limit to three days after PNR creation, for bookings created more than 60 days in ad-vance. The change is effective imme-diately and applies to all destinations on the SQ network for travel sold in New Zealand.

HKG Cable Car UpdateThe Hong Kong Tourism Board advises agents that the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car service is currently suspended for a rope replacement project. It will reopen in Jun. The Ngong Ping Village is still open dur-ing this time. See np360.com.hk for further details.

New airberlin BossThomas Winkelmann has taken on the role of chief executive officer for the airberlin group. Winkelmann was appointed in Dec and aims to suc-cessfully complete the repositioning of the company.

QF Euro FaresQantas has released short term economy fares to select European destinations for sale until 17 Feb. London is from $1792; Amsterdam is from $1656; Paris is from $1700; and Zurich is from $1840.

Accessible GondolasWheelchairs users are now able to ride through Venice’s famed canals in a gondola thanks to Gondolas4all. Conde Nast Traveler reports that the company has created wheelchair-friendly gondolas in a bid to make the city a little bit more accessible.

Hawaiian Airlines welcomed a record 11,050,911 guests in 2016, a 3.5% increase over the previous year. The record passenger count in 2016 marks 12 straight years of growth for the carrier, as it continues to expand its network and fleet. In Jul, HA launched daily non-stop service between Narita and Honolulu international airports and last month it inaugurated tri-weekly service be-tween Haneda and Kona international airports. Other highlights include that it add-ed one A330-200 aircraft this past

(northern) summer and took delivery of two B717-200s in Nov and Dec; while it has recently unveiled several product investments to enhance the flight experience, such as a new Pre-mium Cabin and additional Extra Comfort seating.

HA Sets New Records In 2016

SYD’s New EateryPlaza Premium Group has unveiled its new airport dining concept, Terrace Chinese Kitchen, at Sydney Interna-tional Airport. Located at Interna-tional Departures of Pier B, Terminal 1, the 50-seat casual eatery offers the likes of roasted pork belly bao buns, sweet and sour pork, steamed dump-lings, dim sums and more. It’s open 0600-2200 and there’s a 10% discount on all menu items until 28 Feb.

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HOT.CO.NZ/careers

ADVENTURE TEAM LEADERHOUSE OF TRAVEL PRODUCT – SHORTLAND STREET (FULL TIME, PERMANENT)

We are looking for a Team Leader to join our Adventure Team. Based at Shortland Street, Auckland CBD, you will be a vital part of the wholesale team providing a high level of leadership and professional standard of product knowledge ensuring that customer service levels are met and exceeded. You will ensure that processes are managed effectively whilst also focusing on actively creating and taking opportunities to increase sales and margin for HOT Product and the Retail Travel customer. In addition to this, implement continuous improvements to the way HOT Product operates.The key to your success in this role will be:• Experience in a leadership role or ideally 4 years as a Senior Travel Consultant or

Supervisor• Strong South America and Africa knowledge essential• Strong written and oral communication skills• A passion for travel and the desire to learn and develop your skills and

knowledge• Proven ability to provide high standards of customer service• The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines• Enjoy working in a fast-paced/changing environment• Excellent attention to detail, enjoy problem-solving and decision-making• Analytical in nature and a well-developed sense of initiative• Ability to think outside the square and look at the bigger picture• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholdersIf this role sounds like you, please apply with a cover letter and updated CV to Rose Fong-Anthony: rmfong@hot.co.nz.Applications close Friday 17 February 2017.

Guides App MilestoneTo mark its one-year milestone, Lonely Planet’s flagship app, Guides, has introduced its 100th city. Ini-tially released with 37 cities, the free travel app has had almost one million downloads since it launched 12 months ago. Both informative and inspirational, the app includes offline maps, ‘near-me’ search func-tionality, simple bookmarking and more, to be used both before and during travel. It is available for use on both Android and Apple phones. See lonelyplanet.com/guides for more.

W Hotel For MelbourneMarriott has announced plans to open a W Hotel in the heart of Melbourne in 2020. The hotel will be part of the AUD1 billion mixed-use luxury development Collins Arch on Collins St, and is the second W Hotel for Australia, with W Brisbane set to open in 2018.“Melbourne, with its vibrant mu-sic, emerging fashion and bold street art, is a destination made for the W brand,” says W Hotels global brand leader Anthony In-gham.The hotel will offer 294 guest-rooms, including 40 suites and an Extreme Wow Suite (the brand’s take on a Presidential Suite); a bar and restaurant; an AWAY spa; FIT state-of-the-art workout facility; and WET indoor heated swim-ming pool. It will also feature conference, ballroom and meet-ing space. Collins Arch is a mixed-use devel-opment comprised of two towers housing office, retail and com-mercial space, which are linked at the top by a bridge.

Sicily Two For OneTempo Holidays has released a two for one offer on its eight-day Discover Sicily coach tour, with prices start-ing at $820pp when two people are travelling. Highlights of the tour in-clude the chance to visit Mount Etna, Piazza Armerina, Cefalu and more. T&Cs apply.

Huge DXB Traffic SurgePassenger traffic at Dubai World Central, Dubai’s second international hub jumped 84.5% in 2016.A traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports says DWC welcomed a total of 850,633 passengers in 2016, up 84.5% compared to 461,063 pas-sengers recorded in 2015. During the fourth quarter, passenger traffic at DWC totalled 248,405 up 39.9% com-pared to 177,608 passengers recorded during the last three months of 2015. DWC handled a total of 38,671 aircraft movements in 2016, a contraction of 5.6% compared to 2015 when the airport recorded 40,947 movements. Aircraft movements during the fourth quarter of 2016 totalled 9,290, down 21% compared to 11,673 recorded in Q4 of 2015. An expansion project is currently underway at DWC that will more than quadruple its capacity to 26 million passengers by next year.

T h i s w e e k m a r k s t h e passing of a well-known and iconic New Zealand retail travel brand.United Travel Nelson was the last United Travel-branded re-tail outlet but is now being re-branded as a World Travellers.Store co-owner Lynette Ste-venson served on the United Travel Holdings board for many years, and recounted two milestone franchise con-ferences which were, in her words, ‘classic Fenton’. The first was the ‘cultural experience’ of the confer-ence in Anaura Bay 75km up the East Coast from Gisborne. The other was the conference that involved 70-plus camper-vans driving between Christ-church and Hanmer Springs.Stevenson and co-owner Jenny Jack-son told Travel Today that the main reason for not changing was simply for ‘the love of the brand’.“It’s’ all a bit sad, but . . .,” they added.Stevenson and Jackson have sold the business to another Nelson travel identity, Alex Chisnall, ex House of Travel, but both will stay on for a few months.

. . . 50 Years, AlmostTravel Today contacted the co- founder of United Travel, Barry Fen-ton, about the last United outlet, which generated a response that he had just realised that the brand had been around for ‘bl***y near 50 years’. It was started in 1969.“It’s a shame to see the last store change its name, but time moves on. And interestingly, over the past few months I have had a string of either ex or current travel industry visitors make the trip out to Waiheke, many of whom started discussing ‘the old times’.”

Last Hurrah For United Travel Brand

Ex co-owners Lynette Stevenson and Jenny Jackson with new owner Alex Chisnall (right).

Vanuatu’s Newest CafeA new restaurant has opened in Vanuatu, Back to Eden. Located in Mangaliliu, a village in North Efate, the Vanuatu Tourism Office says it offers a great stop off point for those who have hired a car and are travelling around the island on a day trip. It is open every day at 1000 for morning tea; lunch is from 1200-1400; refreshments are available until 1600; and dinner is available from 1800. It can also cater for func-tions of up to 50 people.

Verui To Debut In SYDSydney is set to welcome a new hotel brand, Veriu Hotels & Suites, with the opening of a 64-room serviced apartment hotel, Veriu Broadway, in Apr. Part of a pipeline of five hotels to open under the Veriu brand by the end of 2018, Veriu Broadway is an AUD18 million conversion of a former warehouse space, offering self-contained studios and one- and two-bedroom split level apartments. The hotel will provide 24-hour re-ception with staff trained as local area guides, plus on-site F&B of-ferings.

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News & Product

FEBRUARY2017 Adventure World USA RoadshowAuckland: Tue 07, Grid AKL, 17.30.Wellington: Wed 08, Macs Brew Bar – Cable Room, 1730. Christchurch: Thu 09, Christchurch RSA, 1730.

Gold Coast Tourism RoadshowAuckland: Tue 07, The Roxy, 1730.Wellington: Wed 08, Macs Function Centre, 1730. Christchurch: 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

Forbidden Forest On Harry Potter TourA new Forbidden Forest experience will open on 31 Mar at the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London. The permanent expansion will see visitors greeted by one of Hagrid’s original costumes before they head into the forest, which is filled with 19 trees each with a diameter of over 12ft (3.5m). Guests will walk between the trees, encounter creatures including Buckbeak the Hippogriff and Aragog the giant spider, and will be able to control the weather using the same techniques created by filmmakers. En-trance to the forest is included in the ticket price.

Port Douglas CarnivaleDates have been announced for the annual Port Douglas Carnivale 26-28 May, advises Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree. The Carnivale will showcase the best of Tropical North Queensland from local food and wines to musi-cians, a street parade and family beach day. See carnivale.com.au for more.

YOU Travel stores are delivering results ‘over and above’ what was expected in the brand’s first 10 months of trading, according to suppliers.“We have had some extremely positive results and are in growth mode with several of our preferred suppliers, some of which are up over 50% vs last year,” says general manager retail for YOU Travel and FTG John Willson.YOU’s emphasis on individual store

Suppliers: YOU Growth Over & Above

marketing, with press, digital and in-novative in-store events, has helped generate new business, says APT’s national sales manager Anne Water-house.“Stores have seen some of the biggest growth of sales of our product than they have experienced before and have also seen an increase in new clients as a result of more focused local market-ing activities,” says Waterhouse.YOU staff have upskilled and are successfully targeting the high-end market, adds World Journeys’ Judith Wesley. “We have definitely seen excel-lent results and are looking forward to a very positive year ahead.”Francis Travel Marketing’s managing director Tony Smith has also noted the sales growth through YOU and FTG. “The increase in their sales is over and above what was expected and we are certainly trying to grow both businesses through fresh ideas and promotions.”

Vietnam Trip Savings Explore Worldwide is offering $185pp off over 27 of its Vietnam holidays, valid for sales to 06 Feb. Included in the deal is the 13-day Simply Vietnam itinerary, where clients will travel along the coast from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and visit Nha Trang, Hue and Hoi An. Clients will utilise local transport and stay in small and simple hotels as well as having the chance to board a junk boat in Halong Bay. It is now priced from $1349pp. See exploreworldwide.co.nz

Win A Trip To Mexico Globus Family of Brands (GFOB) has announced it will partner with American Airlines for this year’s Supertour, which wil l take top achievers on a trip to Mexico in May.Supertour is the ultimate prize in the GFOB agent reward programme, and this year’s trip will see the top 10 Kiwi agents depart on a variation of The Wonders of Mexico Yucatan itin-erary, departing Auckland on May 28. Previous Supertours have included Morocco, Japan, Spain, Portugal, Alaska and Peru.“We take agent reward and recogni-tion very seriously from our My Rewards program, to our top achiev-ers dinners around the country and the various famils and self famils we fund every year, however Supertour still remains the ultimate reward that agents around the country strive for,” says GFOB local general manager Troy Ackerman, who is pictured with AA’s Elaine Patton and Globus’ Letitia Eyes.The top 30 agents in the running for the trip will be announced mid-Feb, with the final top 10 picked early Mar.

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Maui Brewing Co. Opens In WaikikiThe Maui Brewing Co. has opened its first restaurant on Oahu, in partnership with Outrigger. The 18,000ft² (1672m²) Maui Brewing Co. Waikiki is located on the second floor of Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beach-comber, overlooking Kalakaua Ave.Chef Terry Lynch will serve as executive chef, offering a Pacific inspired menu and traditional pub fare.There’s a large line-up of beers including flavours like Bikini Blonde Lager, Big Swell IPA, Pineapple Mana Wheat and Coconut Hiwa Porter, as well as limited release beers like Blood Orange Lorenzini Double IPA. Hawaiian Airlines’ New Zealand manager Russell Williss has given the pub the big thumbs up and urges agents to recom-mend clients try the Pau Hana pilsner. Beers made by other craft breweries will also be available. The restaurant also features a 70-foot kinetic wall on the building façade facing Kalakaua Ave, which is made to move in the wind to simulate the movement of waves across the water.Maui Brewing Co. Waikiki will initially open 1100-2300 daily, and from 01 Mar it will start opening from 0700. See mauibrewingco.com

Waikiki’s iconic Royal Hawaiian hotel has this week celebrated its 90th birthday and Starwood Hotels and Resorts has a raft of festivities planned to mark the occasion.Over the decades the so-called Pink Palace has played host to generations of jetsetters and celebrities since it opened on 01 Feb 1927 and its time-less appeal means it remains a highly sought after hotel.The Royal Hawaiian Bakery (said to be the only on-site hotel bakery in Hawaii) has opened—offering treats from the hotel’s famed banana bread to bespoke cakes and limited-edition coffee blends and gifts. There’s also plans for a new bell-ringing cer-emony at the hotel’s Bell Tower daily at 1800; executive Chef Colin Hazama is rolling out a quarterly culinary programme entitled ‘A Chef ’s Epicu-rean Journey’; and an expanded wine menu, wine flights and a menu offer-ing lighter fare are being introduced at The Bar at Azure: Azure Restau-rant. In addition limited edition Paul Mayer designer shoes will be on offer to mark the occasion and Tori Rich-

Gourmet Food AlleyFor c l ient s lo ok i ng for an affordable yet tasty meal option, suggest Waikiki Yokocho. The gourmet Japanese food court has opened in the basement of the Waikiki Shopping Center and is home to 16 new-to-Hawaii Japanese restaurants set in three themed alley ways. For details see waikiki-yokocho.com

New Shopping Centre Clients looking to fit in a bit of shopping during their time in Hawaii can visit the new Ka Makana Ali’i shopping centre. Located in West Oahu, phase one features more than 100 shops and restaurants, a luxury movie theatre, and the Hampton Inn & Suites Kapolei. Clients can also enjoy live entertainment and local events, such as a weekly farmers market. See kamakanaalii.com

ard has designed a new shirt featur-ing the Royal Hawaiian.A number of value-add packages are also available. Contact wholesalers for details.

Waikiki’s Pink Palace Turns 90

Tiffany & Co. On WayThe Royal Hawaiian Center has begun work on the new Tiffany & Co. store that will occupy its Kalakaua and Lew-ers street corner. The flagship store has been in the making for over two years, and is expected to open 2018.

Sunset Viewing ToursThe Wailea Golf Club is offering a new golf experience, the Sunset Cart Tour, no club membership required, advises Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau. The tour is a self-guided journey to some of Wailea’s best vantage points for sunset vistas. Clients can also add on a bottle of chardonnay or pinot noir. Advance reservations required.