20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nz

Travel

Do I have news for you! Issue 8.38T

Tuesday07OCT08

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IN THIS ISSUE:

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Page 1

The Case for a Nat Convention Centre

Cruise Terminals Upgrade Needed

Weta Cave Tour

Island Passage Eyes Fiordland

WOW -$10m a Year

Pohutukawa Festival

Discover NZ DLE Brochures

Adventure Tours Partners with Stray

Fourth Chairlift for Cardrona

More WLG-BNE Flights from PacBlue

2009 Clipsal Dates

Adelaide Rail Terminal Revamp

Mackay’s Blue Water Lagoon

Comfortable Camping on Fraser Is

Aust PGA Champs at Hyatt Coolum

Aussies to Test New Scanners

Fraser Coast Kayaking

Grand Mercure at Bundaberg

Cooks Talking to WestJet

Beachcomber Developments

VIP Winners

New Sweeteners from Blue Lagoon

PacBlue to Honiara

Claims on Tepaki

Experience a Buddhist Monk’s Life

China Clamps Down on Macau Visits

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More HAL Planes, Flights

HNL Marathon Date

Adventure World on President’s Cruise

QF Fares Allow SYD-BUE Travel

AW Mexico, Central America, Cuba 2009

Escorted South America with World

Al Maha Scores with Conde Nast Again

Africa’s Best Retreats

Oaks Opens in Dubai

Stylish Routemaster Design

Eurostar’s Reduced Timetable

KE Europe/MidEast Early Savers

Golden Holidays’ Newest Tours

HLZ Told: Use it or Lose it

Emirates Renews with Team NZ

bmi Downsizes UK Routes

Boeing Strike Halts V Australia Start

More Balconies for Carnival Ships

True North to Cruise Sth Aust

Westin Concept Rooms for Jetlag

Yotel Airside at Schipol

Green Matters

Pink Ladies Networking Night

TATS Industry Specials

Last Call for Bula Babes Famil

Win a Famil Seat with Adventure World

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20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 2

NEW ZEALAND

@home New Zealand Inc.Conference 2009

@home New Zealand is the national associationrepresenting homestay / farmstay / B&Baccommodation providers throughout NewZealand.Each year a national conference is held in adifferent area and on 12-14JUN09 theconference is to be held in Ashburton.We would like those those planning to attendthe conference to extend their stay and have agood look at the Mid and South Canterbury area.Most @home accommodation providers in thearea are offering a 50% discount during the weekbefore and the week after the conference.If you live in this part of the country, would youlike to offer the 200 delegates expected at theconference a discount or special offer?All businesses participating in this promotion willbe advertised to close on 1,000 memberproperties around the country.If you wish to be involved please contact Myronor Alycen Cournane at The Downs B&B.Phone 03 6937388 email info@thedowns.co.nzJune seems like a long way off but we need toget the information out soon so people can planahead.

“…the most obvious gapin New Zealand’s tourisminfrastructure”

The Case for a National Convention CentreThere is an economic case for an international-standard national convention centre to be built inAuckland, according to the Tourism IndustryAssociation New Zealand.

TIA has begun intensifiedlobbying for such afacility, which it sayswould help boost both theslowing tourism industryand the wider NewZealand economy.

Tourism Industry Election Manifesto, such avenue would attract a major new sector of businesstravellers, delivering direct economic benefits,TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar says.“Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ)estimates that the sector is now worth $1 billion ayear, of which $250 million comes frominternational conference delegates. The averageinternational conference delegate spends $650every day they are in New Zealand, compared tothe average daily visitor spend of just $130,” MrCossar says.“Yet New Zealand doesn’t have the infrastructureto host conferences larger than 1200-1500delegates – unlike Australia where nearly all themajor cities have modern convention centres ableto host as many as 2500 delegates.”

Without a purpose-built convention and exhibitioncentre, New Zealand lags well behind ourcompetitors in the Asia-Pacific region, he says.

Conferences have theadded benefit ofgenerally occurringduring New Zealand’swinter period, so boostlow and shoulder seasontravel. There is also avaluable contribution toNew Zealand through the

transfer of knowledge, education and innovationhighlighted at prestigious international medicaland scientific congresses.“Investing in a national convention centre wouldbe a tangible way for the incoming government toshow its commitment to the business sector, aswell as the $20.1 billion tourism industry,” MrCossar says.Tourism Auckland chief executive GraemeOsborne says the lack of a globally competitivenational convention centre is the most obvious gapin New Zealand’s tourism infrastructure. Theavailability of considerable support services inAuckland and its good connections to internationalmarkets would likely mean a national conventioncentre was built there, but it would benefit theentire country.

A top priority in the

Upgrade Facilitiesfor Cruise Ships Too

Charles Starmer-Smith, writing for London’s Telegraph newspaper, has named his top ten golf courses worldwide,

and Cape Kidnappers comes out tops for its dramatic location. It is right up there, in his opinion, with Pebble Beach

in California, Royal County Down in Ireland, Turnbury in Scotland, and the Royal Melbourne, among others.

Weta Cave TourFlat Earth in Wellington has launched a newtour – the 2½-hour Lord of the Rings & WetaCave tour, which operates Tue-Sat, departingfrom Te Papa, the Wellington Railway Stationand the city’s i-SITE.Priced at $65 adult, $40 U12 and $180 2A2C,the tour takes in the capital from the top of MtVictoria before visiting a number of locationsused in the trilogy. The tour then visits the newWeta Cave for a behind-the-scenes look at thecreative talents of Weta Workshop and WetaDigital. The Weta Cave displays characters andprops, and memorabilia is available for sale.www.lordoftheringstour.co.nz

Incentivising port authorities andlocal government to improve cruiseship port facilities is also a majorpriority in the Tourism IndustryElection Manifesto.Like conventions, cruises are a fast-growing sector that attract highspending visitors, says TIA’s TimCossar.“Cruise passengers poured a total of$406 million into New Zealand’seconomy during the 2007-08 seasonyet we greet them with substandardfacilities at a number of ports of callaround New Zealand. Upgrading isurgently needed to reflect the qualitydestination New Zealand really is.”World-class facilities would help growthis burgeoning sector and generateincreased passenger spending. “None of the major political partieshas yet released their tourism policies.Helping grow the tourism industry willultimately benefit the government’sown coffers so we await with interestto see what commitments Labour andNational will make to our goals fortourism infrastructure improvements,”Mr Cossar says.

- Tourism Auckland chiefexecutive Graeme Osborne.

20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 3

Fiordland WatersCould See Island Passage

Auckland-based Island Escape Cruises wantsto take its ship, the Island Passage, intoFiordland, operating cruises in the Sounds forup to two weeks at a time.The Southland Times reports that the vessel,which currently cruises in the Hauraki Gulf,seeks to operate in Fiordland from a Bluff basefor six months each year during the winterperiod.Island Passage, which has its own helipad, hasluxurious accommodation for up to 20overnight passengers.The company has reportedly applied toEnvironment Southland for consent but hasencountered opposition, with 30 of the 39submissions against the proposal.

WOW - $10m a YearThe World of WearableArt Awards show,which brings in excess of $10 million toWellington every year, has been signed up forthe next four years. Wellington City Council’sinitial four-year contract to host the art fashionextravaganza was set to expire after next year’sshow.

The Coromandel’s Pohutukawa FestivalThe Coromandel Pohutukawa Festival, 21NOV-07DEC, celebrates the transition from springinto summer, and the Coromandel’s iconic pohutukawa trees coming into bright red flower.

But the council has stitched up the hostingrights for an undisclosed sum to ensure the one-of-a-kind spectacular will be held in Wellingtontill at least 2012.Some 35,000 show tickets are sold each yearby those keen to see the more than 300 outfitsand experience the Cirque du Soleil-styleproduction. According to the Dominion-Post,about 60% of showgoers are out-of-townvisitors to the capital, and the show has turnedinto a global phenomenon with a third of entriescoming from overseas.

Over the two weeks there are a range of events for art lovers,history buffs, foodies, and those with a love for the outdoors.Sculptors will be working in the gardens of Eggsentric Caféin the build up to a public auction of their works.There are also the annual dive festival celebrations inWhitianga, and a range of NZ authors will be in Tairua aspart of ‘Meet the Authors.’ And the annual Coromandel CaféCrawl promises to be a gastronomic feast of epic proportions.The Pohutukawa Party, held this year on Saturday 29NOV,has top Kiwi band OPSHOP playing beside the TairuaHarbour, joined by Autozamm, the Darcy Perry Band and afull day of entertainment, food, wine and beer.Tickets for this event are available from www.iticket.co.nzand all Coromandel Information Centres.www.thecoromandel.com/pohutukawafest/

Discover New Zealand – New Season BrochuresTourmasters South Pacific has launched aseries of Discover New Zealand DLE sizedbrochures for the 2008/09 season.These dedicated brochures for Auckland,Wellington and Christchurch offer an extensiverange of tours, taking in the highlights,

each region.Tours range from one to four days and thereare daily departing services and a DiscoverNew Zealand team on hand to handle last-minute bookings.Order brochures by calling 0800 330 188 oremail info@tourmasters.co.nzattractions and points of interest in and around

20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 4

The new Dune Rider, operated by ExploreNZ, is on its way to be based in Paihia, Bay ofIslands. The Dune Rider will start dailydepartures from the Bay of Islands on its‘Cape Reinga via 90 Mile Beach Adventure’ asof 01NOV. Check out www.explorenz.co.nz

Adventure Tours Partners with Stray

AUSTRALIA

Cardrona Alpine Resort plans to install a fourth chairlift and cut new trails this summer,

and the new quad chairlift facilities should be ready for opening day next season,

subject to resource consent.

The skifield, which closes for the season next weekend, wants to increase its skiable

terrain and put in more facilities before the 2009 New Zealand Winter Games.

Award winning Australian-based AdventureTours has partnered with Stray in New Zealandto offer a cost-effective, activity-based grouptravel option for solo travellers with less timeand more disposable income.Adventure Tours says its smaller groups areable to visit more remote areas, stay in uniqueaccommodation and access better quality walksand specialised activities including anovernight cruise on Doubtful Sound, a wildlifecruise in the Bay of Islands and mountainbiking in Central Otago among others.Established in Australia where it specialisesin small group nature-based tours for the active

of tourism and business awards.Neil Geddes, executive director of Stray, said:“Adventure Tours fills a gap between thebackpacker hop-on hop-off bus environmentand the more organised tours aimed at the olderor more expensive end of the market.“Many of our customers are budget conscioussolo travellers who are in New Zealand for ashort time and wanting fun and adventure, butwithin the security of a group environment.”“This new partnership allows us to offer ourcustomers the choice between the freedom ofStray’s hop-on, hop-off bus trips, or the moreorganised and personalised Adventure Toursoffer.traveller, Adventure Tours has won a number

More WLG-BNE FlightsPacific Blue has announced three extraseasonal flights each week betweenWLG and BNE from 01DEC08, in timefor the busy Christmas travel period,taking the weekly frequency on thisroute from five to eight for the summer.The increased seasonal schedule seesdaily morning flights and one Fridaylate afternoon flight westbound, anddaily evening flights and one Fridaymorning flight into Wellington.

2009 Clipsal DatesNext year’s Clipsal 500 Adelaide has been scheduled for 19-22MAR09, and will again be the first round of the 2009 V8Supercars Australia Championship Series.Its timing is a good fit with other cultural and sporting eventsscheduled for the traditionally busy March period and willalso ensure that the event enjoys the best of Adelaide’s weather.Advanced bookings for Grandstand tickets and corporate salesare already well ahead of the same time last year.Details of the full race program and the concert line-up togetherwith added attractions will be announced at the Official Launchof the 2009 Clipsal 500 Adelaide on 31OCT.

Mackay’s newest attraction is

Blue Water Lagoon, tiered

lagoons, equivalent to three

50m swimming pools. It

provides a safe all-year stinger-

free swimming environment

overlooking the picturesque

Pioneer River in the heart of the

city. The facility includes a

special children’s water play

lagoon, water play feature and

water drop bucket and a water

slide.

Adelaide Rail Terminal RevampAdelaide Parklands Rail Terminal - previouslycalled the Keswick Railway Station – hasreceived a big spend to turn it into a world-class gateway for visitors arriving in Adelaideby train.The SA Government worked with GreatSouthern Rail to ensure the new terminal wouldwelcome passengers from different train linesin style.Adelaide is the only city in the world wherepassengers can catch trains on one of two trans-continental routes. Both the Ghan, whichtravels between Adelaide and Darwin, and theIndian Pacific, which travels between Perth andSydney, stop in Adelaide at Parklands.The Overland, which travels from Melbourneto Adelaide, will also stop at the terminal.All three trains are operated by Great SouthernRail, which undertook the A$3 millionredevelopment, which included completerefurbishment and re-decoration of thebuilding’s interior and redevelopment of theterminal platform.

Daylight Saving Time

took effect acrossparts of Australia onthe weekend. Theclocks have beenwound forward onehour in NSW, ACT, VIC,

SA and TAS.Western Australiadoesn’t make its moveuntil 26OCT, whileQueensland and theTerritory don’t believe

in the concept.

20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 5

GUEST NAME: BOOKING NUMBER:

YOUR NAME: AGENCY NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY: STATE: POSTCODE:

EMAIL: TELEPHONE NUMBER:

*Note: Valid for new bookings only. Valid for bookings made between the 28 September and 28 October 2008. Prize is valid for 8 guests; 4 staterooms on Viking RiverCruises’ Imperial Jewels of China cruisetour. The cruisetour is 12 days and includes: 6 day Yangtze river cruise in a balcony stateroom, 3 nights in Beijing, 1 night in Xian,2 nights in Shanghai, all intra-China flights, all meals, fully escorted. Winners must all travel together on the same departure. International air and spending money arenot included. The prize is non-transferable, non-redeemable for cash and travel must be commenced and completed in 2009. Entry restricted to travel agents operating in Australia and New Zealand. Valid for bookings directly through Viking River Cruises: Australia:australia@vikingrivercruises.com or 1800 829 138, New Zealand: newzealand@vikingrivercruises.com or 0800 447 913 or through Viking’s Preferred Wholesale Partners;Bentours, Beyond Travel, cruiseagents.travel, Cruiseco, Eastern European Travel Bureau and World Journeys. The prize will be drawn on the 29 Oct 2008 and the winnerwill be notified and the result of the lottery will be announced in The Cruise Weekly (30 Oct 2008) as well as in the Travel Weekly (31 Oct 2008).Vic permit no: 08/4453, NSW permit no: LTPS/08/08720, ACT permit no: ACT TP 08/03658, SA permit no: T08/3769

✃SWEEPSTAKES ENTRYPlease send to: Viking River Cruises, Level 4, 350 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia or fax to +61 2 9299 9226 oremail scanned copy to: teresia.fors@vikingrivercruises.com Coupon valid until 28 October 2008.

Are you the Lucky 8?Chinese culture is steeped in superstition with numbers playing a major role in weddings dates,birthdays etc. One of the luckiest numbers is number 8 and on the 28th September 2008 Viking’sLucky 8 Sweepstakes opened for our valued travel agents in Australia & New Zealand!

Book one of Viking’s award winning cruisetours to China, send in the couponbelow and you are in the draw for a magical cruisetour to China valid for 8 luckypeople*! Yes, you read right—8 lucky people!

Viking River Cruises is the leading cruisetour operator in China with five-staraccommodation throughout, award-winning service, highly educated English-speaking guides as well as “East meets West” dining introducing regionalspecialties with gourmet tastes from home always available on the menu.

Viking’s current Early Booking Discounts for China are:

• China’s Cultural Delights, 17 days, Beijing to Shanghai

• Imperial Jewels of China, 12 days, Shanghai to Beijing

• For stateroom category B or higher—Save $750 per person

• For stateroom category C or lower—Save $500 per person

Book and pay in full before 31 October 2008, valid on 2009 sailings only.

For more information on these cruisetours please go tovikingrivercruises.com

Good Luck!

Result of the lottery will be announced in The Cruise Weekly (30 Oct ‘08),Travel Weekly (31 Oct ‘08), Travel Memo (30 Oct ‘08) and Travel Today (30 Oct ‘08).

Click Here to download

Camp in Comfort on Fraser IslandAn undercover tented facility on the world’s largestsand island is offering camping and comfort to self-drive visitors looking for well-priced qualityaccommodation with a difference.Base Camp Fraser Island is located at Eurong on thefamous 75 Mile Beach on the eastern side of theisland.The camp is self-catering and includes a fullyequipped kitchen with a fridge and BBQ. All cookingutensils, bed linen and blankets are provided, thereis optional towel hire, a TV and satellite system,DVD player with film hire available and an on-siteguide to provide information about the island. It isalso located around five minutes walk from the resortfacilities at Eurong and the site is family friendly,fully fenced and safe from dingos, with viewingplatforms at the front and rear of the facility.There are five luxury ensuite tents on the siteaccommodating up to six people as well as twodormitory style tents with ensuite which can sleepup to eight. Prices start from A$132 per tent per nightfor the private tents and from A$22 per person pernight for the dormitory tents.Visit www.basecampfraserisland.com.au

Aust PGA Championshipat Hyatt Regency Coolum

The Cadbury Schweppes-sponsored Australian PGAChampionship returns to the Hyatt Regency Coolumcourse 04-07DEC and features the biggest names inAustralian golf, with the country’s two highest world-ranked players already confirmed to play. Alsoreturning for this year’s event is defending championand crowd favourite Peter Lonard who will belooking to extend his reputation as the ‘King ofCoolum’ and claim his fourth Joe Kirkwood Cup.Further event information is at www.pga.org.au

Aussies to Test Virtual-Strip ScannersThe Australian Transport Security Office hasannounced it will start a five-week trial of bodyscanners and other security measures at Sydney,Melbourne and Adelaide airports from the middleof this month.Said to entail “virtual strip searches” the scannersdetect weapons and explosives, including those notpicked up by metal detectors, by providing a detailedimage of a passenger’s body.Measures were in place to protect passengers’ privacyand dignity. They included locating the examiningofficer away from the scanning lane so they couldnot see who was being scanned.Faces are automatically blurred and images are notsaved and cannot be transferred.Passengers on whom the scanners are used will stillbe required to take off their shoes and coat, and toremove all items from their pockets and all jewellery.It is hoped second generation scanners will notrequire passengers to remove anything, therebyspeeding up the security process.Those not keen on having their body shapes revealedon the scanner screens can opt to go through theexisting hand-luggage scanners and walk-throughdetectors.

The Sunshine Coast’s Australia Zoo is celebrating

Steve Irwin Day on Saturday, 15NOV, with a

number of activities including Khaki Day, a

Backyard Campout and special guest

performers and activities for all ages.

20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 6

Fraser Coast KayakingNew Fraser Coast tour operator, FreshwaterKayaking Tours, offers nature lovers eco toursexploring the inland watery wonders of the regionon a tour up the Burrum River.The River Escape Tour departs each morning andis led by an experienced and fully accredited tourguide, and lunch is included. Kayakers joining thetours can expect to see birds and wildlife throughouttheir adventure. Tours are suitable for all ages andthe kayaks that are supplied can be paddled orpedalled. Group sizes are to a maximum of 10people and all safety gear and equipment is supplied.Freshwater Kayaking Tours also offer a shorter tour,The Bay Escape Tour on the calm waters of HerveyBay, and nibbles and drinks are included.Visit www.freshwaterkayaking.com.au

SOUTH PACIFIC

Grand Mercure at BundabergAccor Hotels will this month open the GrandMercure Apartments Bargara, at Bundaberg onQueensland’s Coral Coast, 360km north ofBrisbane.The beachfront property offers uninterrupted oceanviews and comprises 39 one, two- and three-bedroom luxury apartments, each with hugebalconies and timber decks overlooking the ocean,plus air conditioning and lavish master bedroomsuites that include twin vanities and a spa with waterviews. Luxurious penthouse apartments offerprivate rooftop terraces with sensational elevatedviews.The Grand Mercure Apartments Bargara, which hastwo swimming pools, a fully equipped gym, andunderground parking, is just 200m walk from thetown centre along the newly developed Esplanadewith its cycle and walkways, picnic and barbequeareas and timber decks overlooking Bargara Beach.

Cooks Talks to WestJet on North America LinksCook Islands Tourism chief executive JohnDean has confirmed the Cooks governmentis in talks with Canada’s low-fare airlineWestJet.He told Cook Islands News Online that theyhave had initial discussions with the airlineabout the possibility of operating a seasonalscheduled Vancouver-Honolulu-Rarotongareturn flight. The airline flies to threeHawaiian destinations.According to CI News Dean says he plansto meet with WestJet in Vancouver inJanuary next year for further talks. It willbe then that a decision is made onscheduling and the availability of a suitableaircraft to use.The news comes in the wake of speculationthat the weekly Air New Zealand flightbetween Rarotonga and Los Angeles couldbe axed next March, despite the Cooksgovernment’s annual subsidy of about $2.9million.While the airline has not given any officialnotice of a cancellation of the service after

the northern winter, John Dean says that itis disappointing this particular flight hasemerged as one of Air NZ’s poor performingroutes and has not operated up to its forecastfinancial potential due mainly to escalatingfuel costs.“It is a matter of public record that thecurrent LAX-RAR flight arrangementincludes a loss sharing component with theCook Islands government and thisarrangement is reviewed at six monthlyintervals,” he says.Dean says Air New Zealand is activelyengaged in discussing the route’sperfomance with the Cook Islandsgovernment and Cook Islands Tourism but,in order to ensure the Cook Islands continuesto maintain the vital air-link between itsmajor markets of North America andEurope/UK, CI Tourism is currently indialogue with other international airlinescapable of providing the Cook Islands withon-going delivery of long haul seat capacityinto the years ahead.

Beachcomber DevelopmentsBeachcomber Island Resort hasreintroduced Half Price Diving with allroom categories (including dormitories) onthe island for the months of FEB andMAR09, when clients are staying aminimum of 5 nights on the island. By wayof example, an Open Water Dive Coursewill be available for only F$370 (normally$740).

In other news Beachcomber has introduceda fuel surcharge to offset escalating costs,such as generator operation etc at F$2pp perday, which will be added to client’s accountto be settled directly on check out.Footnote: A new desalination plant is nowoperational on Beachcomber Island ensuringa plentiful supply of water at all times.

VIP WinnersVibrant Island Promotions held agentseminars in Whangarei and Napier lastmonth to update on the team’s productsin the Cook Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu &Tahiti.In addition to spot prizes drawn on theevening, each agent was entered in thedraw to win a VIP / Regency Duty Freegift basket to the value of $200. Thewinner in Whangarei was Lillian Mannof United Travel (above) and in Napier,Sarah Peck, also of United Travel(below).VIP plans further seminars, in Novemberin the South Island.

20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 7

New Sweetenersfrom Blue Lagoon Cruises

Fiji’s Blue Lagoon Cruises has released a new‘early bird’ special offering a 20% discountplus a free cabin upgrade offer on all ‘Club’and ‘Gold Club’ cruises booked before30NOV08.Valid for travel until 30JUN09, which includesall school holiday periods, the discount appliesto all three and four-day ‘Club Cruises’ and allfour and seven-day ‘Gold Club’ cruises bookedbefore the 30 November cut off date.Prices for a 3-day/2-night ‘Club’ cruise startfrom NZ$545*pp twin share which includesall meals, cruise and cultural activities.*Conditions apply. Please note cruise prices do notinclude international airfares or beverages (other thantea and coffee).

Call your wholesaler.

Claims on TepakiCompanies associated with property developerTim Tepaki, who is involved in the proposedHilton project in Rarotonga and otherproperties in the Cooks, have been ordered topay Wellington architects Peddle Thorp &Montgomery (PTM) $124,138 in unpaid fees.The company claimed it offered and thencarried out architectural, design, budget,costing and other services for the proposed 80-unit Captain Bligh Lagoon Resort & Spa overthe Aitutaki lagoon back in 2004.Manea Beach Villas body corporate, in whichPTM executives are involved, has also filed aclaim against Tepaki’s Kia ManuiaManagement for $43,000 in unpaid rentalincome.Cook Islands News Online reports that PTMhas worked on other Tepaki projects inWellington and in Rarotonga including theproposed Vaimaanga Hilton hotel site.In other news the Bank of the Cook Islandshas filed a claim for $128,442 against Tepakifor not paying his loans.

Pacific Blue to HoniaraPacific Blue, as part of its expansionplan, will start flying direct betweenBrisbane and Solomon Islands twice aweek from 02DEC08, subject toregulatory approval, with convenientconnections from Perth, Sydney,Adelaide, Canberra and Melbourne.Connector fares from New Zealand toHoniara via Brisbane will be availableshortly.

The new Brisbane – Honiaraschedule is:BNE-HIR: Mid-morning departureon Tue and Thu.HIR-BNE: Mid-afternoon departureon Tue and Thu.

Around 400 people will be employed

when Natadola Intercontinental Beach

Resort in Fiji opens its doors next May,

according to the Fiji Times Online. It

quotes the resort general manager

Neil Houghton as saying this number

will increase when the resort is fully

operational.

ASIA

Experience a Buddhist Monk’s LifeLiving the life of a Buddhist monk against thebackdrop of an 1100-year-old monastery inJapan’s world heritage listed ‘temple city’ ofKoyasan is the latest experiential tour on offerfrom Travel Japan by H.I.S.The two-day program is based on an overnightstay at the Youchin Temple where participantsexperience Buddhist training first-hand froman English-speaking monk.Teachings are based on Ajikan, a form of ‘Zen’or seated meditation, ‘Sha-kyo’ (drawing andpainting images of Buddha), learning how to

write ‘sutras’ (Buddhist text) and meditationmethods.The experience also includes the opportunityto enjoy two vegetarian meals with the residentmonks and take part in morning prayers.Prices start from NZ$252pp, including returntransportation from Osaka to Koya-san.Located in a valley surrounded by eightmountain peaks, Koyasan is built around 100temples. The town is a major pilgrimage sitefor Shingon (Japanese) Buddhism devotees.*Conditions apply.

Further Clampdown on Macau VisitsChina has clamped down on permits for itscitizens to visit Macau after seeing hugeamounts of money flood into casinos in theresort. The South China Morning Post reportsthat people in the wealthy southern provinceof Guangdong that adjoins the formerPortuguese colony are now limited to only onetrip every three months.China is believed to be concerned at the amountof money flooding out of the country intoMacau’s 29 casinos which now rake in one billionUS dollars more than the Strip in Las Vegas.The restrictions have already seen the numberof visitors from Guangdong dropping by halfsince earlier this year, travel agents quoted bythe newspaper said.

AMERICAS

A total of 56 hotel projects are under

construction or waiting for approval as

at the second quarter this year could

provide at least 34,400 more guest rooms

to Macau’s tourism inventory.

More Hawaiian Planes, FlightsHawaiian Airlines has taken delivery of the firstof four Boeing 717-200 jets that are beingadded to its interisland fleet to increaseoperating efficiency and improve its flightschedule for customers. The other three jetswill join the fleet, one per month, in NOV, DECand JAN, giving Hawaiian a total of 15 B717sfor its interisland service.By the end of the year, Hawaiian will haveadded 110 interisland roundtrip flights perweek to its current service schedule fromHonolulu to the Neighbor Islands, mostscheduled to operate at high-demand times ofthe day.

The 36th Annual Honolulu Marathon, one

of the world’s largest and most festive

road races, is scheduled for 14DEC08.

www.HonoluluMarathon.org

20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 8

Adventure WorldCruises with the

PresidentAdventure World was recentlyinvited by Cruise West to jointhem on an Alaska Inside PassageAgent Famil.AW’s North America specialists,Fiona Hughes and Ella Bush,were the only New Zealandrepresentatives invited on thisexclusive famil which broughttogether travel agents from England, USA,Canada and Australia.What made this cruise departure even morespecial was that Cruise West’s new President& CEO, Dietmar Wertanzl hosted the cruisefrom Ketchikan to Juneau aboard the Spirit ofYorktown.The ladies enjoyed a President’s Dinneronboard and private tours of MendenhallGlacier, Juneau and St Michael’s Church inSitka; and en route visited the towns ofKetchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Skagway, Hainesand Juneau; plus cruised through FrederickSound, Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay NationalPark & Preserve.

During the cruise Fiona and Ella attended aTraining Session and were updated on theCruise West product including the new 2009Danube River Cruise. They say they are keento share their Inside Passage experience withagents, so feel free to call them on 09-522 5944to discuss your client’s small ship Alaskan cruise.Agents are reminded that the Early BookingSaving and Shipboard Credits finish 12DEC08.

Pictured onboard Cruise West’s Spirit ofYorktown are Ella Bush (Adventure

World); LouAnn Stanley and DietmarWertanzl (Cruise West); and FionaHughes (Adventure World), enjoying an

Alaska Inside Passage cruise.

QF Business, Flexi Saver Fares to BUE via SYDQantas has included a new routing option onthe Business and Flexi Saver fares from NewZealand to South America that permits travelvia SYD on the new QF-operated direct servicefrom Sydney to Buenos Aires, commencingfrom 24NOV08.The business fare basis CESPCLS booked inC class, and the economy Flexi Saver fare basis

itineraries via SYD to BUE and thirteen otherdestinations in South America.The via Sydney fares are higher than thetraditional routing via Santiago, but a circle tripitinerary is also possible by combining halfround trip fares and travelling via Santiago onedirection and Sydney the other.GDS displays have been updated.

B*EES booked in B class, will quote for

Mexico, Central America & Cuba 2009Adventure World is launching its 2009 Mexico,Central America & Cuba brochure,incorporating Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaraguaand Panama, and AW says it has pulled togetherthe best of what each country has to offer forthe new season.The new 4-dayDiscover Panamatour combines one ofthe world’s greateste n g i n e e r i n gachievements withPanama City and thecolonial ruins ofPortobelo, one of thecountry’s mostimportant historicsites.Their best-selling Highlights of Mexico, Cuba& Guatemala tour, meanwhile, has it all. Inthree weeks travellers can explore the best ofthese countries, from bustling cities to thearchitectural marvels of Chichen Itza and Tikal,to the resort of Cancun and stunning LakeAtitlan.Clients with limited time who wish to focuson one or two countries, can check out the rangeof shorter tours and link them together.AW also reminds agents that, when bookingCuba travel arrangements with them, they canprovide Cuba Tourist Cards for your clients.Phone 09-522 5942.

The Chilean Government is reported tobe working on a new law to regulatestar ratings for accommodation. It willspecify the prerequisite facilities and

services for each star.

Escorted South AmericaWorld Journeys says it has packagedthe best of South America in oneescorted journey departing NZ JUL09.The ecological significance of theGalapagos Islands; the colourfulmarkets of Otavalo; the Incan historyof Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and MachuPicchu; Bolivia’s Lake Titicaca (seepic) crossing to La Paz; elegant BuenosAires; the thundering Iguazu Falls andvibrant Rio de Janeiro are allexperienced travelling in a small group,with escort Chris Lyons, who will beleading his 10th group to this area.Priced from NZ$15,595pp, the packageincludes return flights from Auckland,20 nights of 4 and 5-star hotels, twonights in a glorious 18th Centuryhacienda, a 4-day Galapagos Cruise, anight Lake Titicaca crossing andvisiting the fascinating Island of theSun, all transfers and transport, manymeals, sightseeing and the services oflocal English speaking guides. Tippingand a Galapagos Park fee areadditional. Contact World Journeys.

20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 9

Represented in New Zealand by Discover the World MarketingT : 09-623 4293 DX : EP82525 E : info@discovertheworld.co.nz

GDS Code: HY

Every eligible dollar spent at Hyattearns valuable Hyatt Gold Passport points

Hyatt Hotels & ResortsNorth America & The Caribbean

PARK HYATT

Park Hyatt hotels are small and discreet, with a sophisticated

residential style designed for the individual traveller seeking

personal attention, unparalleled business amenities and luxurious

facilities. Distinctive features include city-centre locations,

gourmet dining and exceptional concierge services.

UNDERSTATED. SOPHISTICATED. REFINED.

Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, the

luxurious desert retreat owned by

Emirates Hotels & Resorts, has, for the

second year running, collected a Condé

Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Award.

Jumping six places in its overall rating

from last year, Al Maha was the only

Dubai hotel to be listed in the

prestigious top 20 list, for Overseas

Leisure Hotels in the highly competitive

Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean

region.

With the Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, nearing

completion Dubai is about to top the feat with an even

taller tower, to be built by Nakheel, developer of the Palm

islands. Nakheel Tower will soar more than 1km into the

air when it is completed a decade from now.

Oaks Opens in DubaiOaks Hotels and Resorts has opened its Oaks Liwa Heightsapartment hotel in Dubai. The 40-level property is located in theJumeirah Lake Tours area, and has 168 one- and two-bedroomapartments, plus restaurant facilities. The building also houses 17floors of private office suites.The property has a swimming pool, modern gymnasium, squashcourt and lake-view terrace with retail area.

Africa’s Best RetreatsThe winners of the Amarula-sponsored Best Retreats inAfrica Awards 2008 were unveiled in Johannesburg lastweek. The awards aim to celebrate and reward the richdiversity of retreats throughout Africa.

The Best Retreat in Africa:

The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille, Nairobi, KenyaMost Innovative Retreat in Africa:

Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa, KenyaThe Best Designer Retreat in Africa:

Royal Malewane, Hoedspruit, Sth AfricaThe Heritage and Culture Award:

Fordoun Boutique Hotel, Nottingham Road, Sth AfricaThe Ultimate in African Cuisine:

Woodall Country House & Spa, Addo, Sth AfricaThe Leading Eco Retreat in Africa:

Camp Jabulani, Hoedspruit, Sth AfricaService Excellence Award:

Teremok Marine, Umhlunga Rocks, Sth AfricaThe Leading Wellness Retreat in Africa:

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Knysna, Sth AfricaThe Consumer’s Choice:

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Knysna, Sth AfricaThe Heart of Africa Award:

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Gansbaai, Sth Africa

EUROPE

AFRICA / MID EAST

Stylish Routemaster DesignFamous architect Sir Norman Foster has designed apossible successor to London’s iconic Routemaster bus.His red hop on, hop off double-decker comes completewith a glass ceiling and keeps the original Routmaster’sopen entrance at the rear of the bus, but a side panel wouldallow access for wheelchairs and prams. The driver andconductor would communicate with wireless headsets.It was a late entry in the Mayor of London’s competitionfor a replacement for the city’s 393 bendy-buses.

20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 10

Eurostar’s reduced TimetableEurostar has launched ticket sales on itstrimmed timetable following the Channeltunnel fire.The new timetable, designed to makes best useof the available capacity through the tunnel,means there are now nine trains on weekdaysbetween London and Brussels, and 16 trainson weekdays between London and Paris. That’sone less then normal on each route.Journey times are on average 20 minutes longerthan normal, due to the partial closure of oneof the two running tunnels.This revised timetable is expected to continuefor some months – into the first half of 2009 -before Eurotunnel, the Channel tunnel operator,is able to restore full access to both tunnels.All travellers are strongly advised to check inas early as possible, ahead of Eurostar’sminimum check-in times, to help station staffensure that they catch their trains.

Korean Europe/MidEastEarly Savers

Korean Air has released its Early Saver(earlybird) fares to 14 destinations inEurope and the Middle East.Economy class fares start from NZ$1849low season and business class companionfares start from $4999pp, plus taxes andfuel surcharge.Departures are from 01FEB–31OCT09with sales and ticketing completed by14NOV08. Complimentary STPC layoversare also permitted (conditions apply).Contact Korean Air or your preferredwholesaler for full details.

Since the start of a blitz in May, Venice has

managed to reduce the pigeon population of

St Mark’s Square from an estimated high of

20,000 to barely a thousand.

Vendors were banned from selling pigeon

food and the birds, which were causing

damage to the city’s buildings, have moved off

to find their meals elsewhere.

TOURS

Golden Holidays’Newest

Golden Holidays has releasednew escorted tours – ExperienceQueensland, The Colours ofCanada and Canada & AlaskaCruise – and these can bedownloaded by clicking on thecovers.Golden Holidays tours, whichtarget the 50-plus traveller, arepopular for offering homecollection / drop off in Auckland,Tauranga, Wellington andChristchurch; the inclusion ofbreakfast daily and most dinners;small group size and the fact thatthey include return airfares, taxesand airport charges, sightseeingand entry fees.For brochures call 0800 804 159.

AVIATION

Hamilton Told: Use it or Lose it

TO GET YOUR OWN FREE SUBSCRIPTION

visit www.travelmemo.co.nz

No sooner had Waikato Times readers beenwarned to “use it or lose it” by theHamilton International Airportmanagement in the wake of a 15% slide inthe number of international passengersusing HLZ than Air New Zealand hasmoved to cut flights.Air New Zealand is to suspend servicesbetween Hamilton and Sydney and theGold Coast during the Northern Winterschedule period – 29MAR to 24OCT09.Glen Sowry, Air NZ’s General Managerof Tasman Pacific Airline, says the movewas a result of weak demand and anoversupply of trans-Tasman capacity fromAuckland.“This decision is part of Air New Zealand’songoing review of its network to ensurewe operate a sustainable business throughthe current global economic downturnwhich is seeing airlines suffer, and in manycases fail, the world over,”says Mr Sowry.“We certainly regret having to suspend thethree times per week service to Sydney andtwice a week service to the Gold Coast.However, with poor load factors, equallypoor yield and high fuel costs, we cannotafford to fly routes that lose money in thecurrent economic environment.“Quite simply, Waikato residents are nottravelling like they used to, or are choosingto travel through Auckland Airport. TheHamilton – Sydney route for example hasoperated less than half full over the past

six months. That’s the equivalent ofoperating more than 60 empty A320 flightson the Sydney route alone.“Efforts to stimulate demand withsignificantly lower average fares comparedto the rest of the Tasman network have nothad the required affect.“In addition, the glut in trans-Tasmancapacity from Auckland is cannibalisingthe Hamilton services as many of thosetravelling to Australia from the Waikatoappear to be flying from Auckland.”Mr Sowry says Hamilton will still have anAustralian connection, with retention of thetwice weekly flights to and from Brisbane.“While this will provide access to Brisbaneand the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, it isimportant to note that unless the servicesare economically viable they will alsocome under review in the future. I urgeWaikato residents to make the most ofthese direct services to help ensure theirlong term future.”Mr Sowry says trans-Tasman services toand from Hamilton between now andMarch next year remain unchanged.Additional aircraft capacity resulting fromthe suspensions will be used on other trans-Tasman services to enable the reduction inuse of wide-body aircraft on those routesas demand softens overall.

20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 11

Emirates Renews with Team New Zealand

Virgin Blue and Virgin Atlantic have

signed an interline agreement that will

allow pax to connect from one to the

other using a single ticket.

Norfolk Air has launched its new weekly

B737-300 service into the Gold Coast to

tap into one of Norfolk Island’s

strongest markets. It is the eighth

airline operating into Gold Coast

Airport.

bmi Downsizes on Domestic RoutesPrompted by the economic downturn, bmi isdowngrading services between London-Heathrow and Aberdeen, Durham-Teeside,Jersey and Leeds. Smaller planes will be usedand flights will be retimed from 26OCT. Thecarrier has also taken the unusual step ofremoving aircraft details from its website so,at the time of booking, pax no longer knowwhich plane type will be operating their flight.On the four routes bmi currently operates a mixof A319s and smaller Embraer 135 or 145s.

Strike Impacts V Australia LaunchVirgin Blue is in the process of reschedulingthe thousands of passengers who booked totravel on its long-haul carrier, V Australia, overthe Christmas-New Year period.Originally due to begin SYD-LAX flights on15DEC, V Australia is now facing a three-month start-up delay because delivery of itsnew B777-300ERs is held up by the ongoingBoeing strike.Affected pax are being offered a full refund oran alternative flight on another airline. It hasalso offered passengers who change theirflights to those from 01MAR a $200 VirginBlue domestic flight voucher. Boeing canexpect an expensive compensation claim.

CRUISING

Emirates has renewed its successfulpartnership with Emirates Team New Zealandand has also committed to backing theyachtsmen on the Mediterranean TP52 regattacircuit next year.TP52s are pure racing platforms, highperformance monohulls capable of racing inboth buoy regattas and offshore races. Theyare 52ft long and race with a crew of 15, andcan easily exceed 25 knots off the wind withthe record being 32 knots, and have won themajority of bluewater regattas that they haveentered, as well as a number of high-profilebuoy races against the best boats in the world.The team has started building a TP52 yacht inAuckland. It will be launched on 17FEB and

shipped to Europe in mid-March. It willcompete under the Emirates banner, with theairline and Matteo de Nora funding the project.In signing the sponsorship agreement inAuckland on behalf of Emirates, GaryChapman, President Group Services, EmiratesGroup, said: “Emirates Team New Zealand hasproved its worth on the water as a realcompetitor, and, it is fair to say, it surpassedour international expectations promotionally onthe global stage as a brand builder.“Our participation has also underlined ourcommitment to the New Zealand market, inwhich we are now a key player with four wide-bodied services a day from New Zealand toDubai and beyond via Australia.”

JUST CRUISING ....

Europe Cruises from $899*

Caribbean Cruises from US$199*

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More Balconies for Three Carnival ShipsCarnival Cruise Lines intends adding balconiesto a number of cabins on Carnival Destiny,Carnival Triumph and Carnival Liberty duringtheir drydocking over the next few months.

Staterooms that currently offer floor-to-ceilingwindows will be retrofitted with balconies,creating a total of 48 additional 230sq ftverandah staterooms on these vessels.

Additionally, Carnival Liberty will gain two750sq ft deluxe penthouse suites that are nearlydouble the size of the largest staterooms in thefleet.

EUROPE 200912 Nights ROME/ROME from NZ$1799*

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Messina, Barcelona, Monaco, Livorno, Rome

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20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 12

True North from Adelaide in 2009North Star Cruises is bringing its ‘expedition-style’ cruise product to South Australianwaters.From 10-18JAN09, the ‘Southern Safari’ touron board the True North will depart Adelaidefor Port Lincoln and Ceduna, taking in theGreat Australian Bight.The tour will take in the best of the McLarenVale vineyards and local produce outlets, thenatural wonders of Kangaroo Island and thechance to undertake diving with Great Whitesharks or undertake an introduction to theaquaculture industry of the Eyre Peninsula atPort Lincoln.www.northstarcruises.com.au/ss.asp

Pacific Sun MakeoverWeek Two Prizes

Make a booking on Pacific Sun’s N918-N924cruises in the next week and answer a simplequestion to go into the draw to win an AppleiPOD and Sports Armband. Click Here todownload an entry form.

ACCOMMODATION

Westin Concept RoomsOffer Jet Lag Therapy

Through a partnership between WestinHotels & Resorts and Philips, guests at TheWestin Chicago River North can stay in aspecially designed Concept Room aimedat helping guests combat sleep troubles andjet lag.Among the amenities in Westin’s ConceptRoom are Philips’ new blue-light ActiVivalamps, which provide phototherapy andhelp people feel more alert, awake andenergized. The room also contains a lighttherapy box at the work desk station, andguests can further awaken their senses withthe eucalyptus shower fizzer in the room’s“Heavenly Shower”—sister amenity to itsWestin’s Heavenly Bed. There’s a guided-meditation sleep TV program, a room-service menu filled with calming snackssuch as banana-milk smoothies, and thereare Philips’ LED “stumble lights” to keepguests safe when getting out of bed are alsoon offer.Running maps created in partnership withRunner’s World magazine are also offeredto encourage guests to go outside for freshair and exercise.All newly built Westin Hotels alreadyfeature custom blackout shades, whichdebuted in the Concept Room. Sleep TV,the channel offering guided meditation tolull guests into a deep slumber, will soonbe available at most Westin properties inNorth America.

Airside Yotel at SchipolBritish accommodation company Yotel has opened atAmsterdam Airport Schiphol. Its airside location is accessibleonly to travellers flying through the airport and provides aprivate sanctuary where they can have a shower, take a napand get some work done without leaving the terminal.Springwise.com describes Yotel rooms as small but notcramped, with premium rooms (above) featuring a comfortable,handmade bed that slides down to full size, a bathroom with a‘monsoon’ shower, and a small desk. Standard rooms overlap,creating upper and lower berths in separate rooms, each fittinga wide single bed and a bathroom in just 7sq m. Both roomtypes include free internet access and plenty of power sockets.Yotels already operate at London’s Heathrow and Gatwickairports and rooms at all three locations are sold per night orfor a minimum of four hours during the day. At Heathrow, thehotel is nearing 200% occupancy rate, with rooms being usedday and night.

GREEN

Maui, Britz and Backpackercampervan renters are beingencouraged to help keep NewZealand clean and green by usingthe newly introduced LoveNZrecycling facilities at thecompany’s key Auckland &Christchurch branches.

Eco-friendly vehicle hirecompany Jucy Jucy has beentrialing a water-savingscheme for a while and hasnow officially launched its

Dirty Getaway scheme.Customers get $10 off theirhire if they accept a car that

is dirty on the outside.

The US National Oceanicand AtmosphericAdministration and VirginGalactic are to explore a

possible collaboration thatultimately would fly NOAAgreenhouse gas-detectinginstruments onboard theVirgin Galactic mothershipand SpaceShipTwo.

20081007 www.travelmemo.co.nz

INDUSTRY

Win a Famil Seat with Adventure WorldTATS Industry Specials

Networking Night for Pink Ladies

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DX: BP64007Tel: 09- 449 1 449Mob: 0211 833 643Fax: 09-449 1436editor@travelmemo.co.nzwww.travelmemo.co.nz

Kevin Blackford,Editor/Publisher,The Memo Limited21c Commodore Parry Rd,

Milford, Auckland 0620

Copyright. No part ofthis publication may becopied, reproduced orduplicated, in whole orin part, without theprior written approvalof the Publisher.

Travel

PEARL’S PEARLER

Being ‘over the hill’ is much better than being under it.

Peppers on The Point Rotorua - save 50%Industry Rates normally $279 +GSTpp pernight during OCT and NOV08.This OCT/NOV industry rate is $279 + GSTper room per night.Price based on share twin/double occupancyand includes Full Breakfast daily.Valid for travel to 30NOV08.Eligibility: All IndustryStamford Plaza, Auckland$165+GST per room per night share twin/double in a Superior Room.Offer open to All Industry and Friends &Family – the Industry person does not need totravel with friends and family for friends andfamily to be eligible for this deal.Valid for weekend stays only (Fri & Satnights) until 31OCT08.

Blue Lagoon Cruises, Fiji20% Off Industry prices + a Free CabinUpgrade subject to availability at the time ofbooking.Special TATS Club Member pricing.Valid for sales to 31NOV08 and for travel to30JUN09The Rees, QueenstownLuxury accommodation in ZQN, ranging fromDeluxe Rooms through to Executive four-bedroom Apartments.Travel Agent prices start from $158 per roomper night incl GSTAll Industry prices start from $240 per roomper night incl GSTValid for travel to 31MAR09See www.tats.co.nz for full details of all of theabove deals.

Last Wednesday saw a group of travel industrywomen get together for a wine tasting and horsd’oeuvres at Orams Marine Lounge inWesthaven, all in support of the New ZealandBreast Cancer Foundation.The focus of the evening was for the women totake some time out of their busy work life andfocus a little on themselves. A life stylist wasbrought in to chat with the ladies about theirpersonal style and offer some free advice.Frauke Mayer of AIG won a makeover courtesyof Travel Managers & Sabre. Frauke will havethree hours with the personal stylist and $200to spend at a Westfield Shopping Centre.

the feedback from allthe attendees wasvery encouraging.“The TravelManagers PinkLadies events aresomething that SabrePacific NZ is veryproud to be involvedin as many of us are

This was the second ‘Pink Ladies’ event, and

Adventure World reminds agents to enter its‘Snap up a FREE* Educational seat’Incentive. Send AW your Best EducationalReport/Review; or Best Photo Story; or BestTravel Story. Entries can be from anyeducational, exotic holiday or unusual talesfrom around the globe. Your travel

experiences can date from MAY08 to closeof competition, 30NOV08. Three lucky travelagents will win either a free seat, or a discountof 50% or 25% off the price of a 2009Adventure World Escorted Educational.For more information visit the travel agentsection of the Adventure World website.

touched by someone, somewhere who may be affected by breastcancer,” said Maree Young from Sabre Pacific New Zealand. “Theevenings are a great opportunity to mingle with industry colleagues,whilst supporting a worthy cause. We hope it inspires more of ourindustry friends to join in the fun.”

Last Call to Join ‘Bula Babes’Blue Lagoon Cruises sales manager New Zealand, Melanie Secker hasreminded agents and wholesalers looking to join a major combined Fijiindustry familiarisation being staged at the end of this month they needto flag their interest by the end of this week at the very latest.Running from Saturday, 25OCT until Saturday, 01NOV, the famil hasbeen jointly organised by Blue Lagoon Cruises in conjunction with AccorHotels, Awesome Adventures/South Sea Cruises and Mana Island Resort& Spa with air support being provided by Air Pacific.A full itinerary includes an overnight stay in the Novotel Hotel Nadi, aSeaspray Sailing Safari in the Mamanuca Islands, an overnight stay atthe Mana Island resort & Spa, a four-day/three night BLC ‘Gold Club’cruise, Yasawa island hopping with Awesome Adventures and anovernight stay in the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa in Denarau.Participation in the familiarisation is NZ$500pp including airtransportation, all accommodation, all activities and most main meals.Melanie Secker says it really is a case of first-in, best-dressed and allagents and wholesale staff looking to join the famil should contact TinaShaw via email at tina@mth.co.nz no later than Friday 10OCT.

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