Tuesday 11 August 2015 Issue 3135 Incorporating Tabs on Travel CLICK HERE SOUTH AMERICA ON SALE! $1 , 099 FROM NZD Fly generous Your clients’ seat comes with food, drinks, entertainment, luggage allowance and Qantas Points. Visit qantas.co.nz/agents for details. Conditions apply. Get a choice of snack and beverage with a Jetstart domestic Plus fare Book a Jetstar Plus bundle for $26 on all domestic flights. Click Here AKL-HKG 3 x DAILY From 01Dec15 Enchanting South America 24 days from NZ $12700 pp ex Auckland Small group tour of Argentina, Brazil & Peru 09 950 5918 [email protected]www.vivaexpeditions.com South America Travel & Tours 5 Pages This Issue News................................ p1, p2, p4, p5 Cruising Today................................. p3 Because of the recent devaluing of the NZD against other major cur- rencies, is it likely we will see the return of currency surcharges? There have not been any currency surcharges for at least seven or eight years, according to a knowledgeable trade source, so anyone who has joined the travel industry after, say, 2006-2007, is not likely to appreci- ate the importance of not ignoring currency surcharge advices from suppliers. And it could be a timely reminder for the ‘more experienced’. . . . Currency Buffers Brochured prices can be in any one of several currencies, and if the prices shown are not in the product’s ‘na- tive’ currency there could be a cur- rency buffer. While buffers smooth out most currency fluctuations over a period (as does hedging) they can of- ten increase the price of the product when it is shown as NZD. It is when the calculated currency flexibility is exceeded that currency surcharges are applied. Over the years, when currency sur- charges were commonplace, and most products were priced in NZD, there have been horror stories about travel agents missing or ignoring currency notices from suppliers. It was usually the client who ended up unnecessarily paying more . . . but in some cases it was the agent who had to wear the additional costs because Currency Surcharges About To Return? they did not advise their clients; or even worse held on to the client’s funds instead of passing it on to the supplier. . . . Agent Beware That very point is probably far more important today, with more clients being aware of their consumer rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act. The lapsed time between paying a de- posit on a cruise, for example, and the final payment can be quite consider- able, so it is vital that travel agents ei- ther keep their clients informed of all currency fluctuations or advise them to do their own currency monitoring so as to save unnecessary added costs. It used to be common for suppliers to give a two- or three-day grace period when they advised agents of currency surcharges, so outstanding amounts could be cleared, otherwise the client (or the agent) would be landed with additional costs. Everything has changed since we last had currency surcharges, so it is dif- ficult to predict what will happen this time around, but timely credit card payments should be alright. l Our knowledgeable trade source pointed out that around 12 months ago the NZD was worth around USD.85; but today it’s about USD.65. While that appears to be only 20 cents, the NZD would have to increase in value by just over 30% to equal last year’s rate. SPANTO Hawke’s Bay Hawke’s Bay agents are being invited to a South Pacific Association of Na- tional Tourist Offices (SPANTO) event on 25 Aug. All participants go in the draw to win a five-night trip to Tahiti and Moorea. See industry diary for event details and RSVP with names of those attending to [email protected]QF Seasonal Boost Qantas will add 95 extra return services to New Zealand this Dec-Feb, to cater to strong demand over the summer holiday season. As well as the 15 seasonal services from Sydney to Christchurch and Queenstown already on sale, QF will add 48 return services between Brisbane and Christchurch and 36 between Brisbane and Wellington 03 Dec-22 Feb. It’s also increasing Perth-Singapore and Sydney-Jakarta frequencies. “We are really pleased to be able to meet demand for travel between BNE and both WLG and CHC with the return of direct services during Dec and Jan,” says QF executive Stephen Thompson.
Transcript
Tuesday 11 August 2015 Issue 3135
I n c o r p o r a t i n g Ta b s o n Tr a v e lCliCk here
south america oN saLe! $1,099From NZD
Fly generousYour clients’ seat comes with food, drinks, entertainment, luggage allowance and Qantas Points. Visit qantas.co.nz/agents for details.Conditions apply.
Get standard seat selection with domestic Starter Plus fares Book a Jetstar Plus bundle for $19 on all domestic flights.Get a choice of snack and beverage with a Jetstart domestic Plus fareBook a Jetstar Plus bundle for $26 on all domestic flights.
Click Here
AKL-HKG3 x DAILY
From
01Dec15
Enchanting South America24 days from NZ $12700 pp ex AucklandSmall group tour of Argentina, Brazil & Peru
5 Pages This IssueNews................................p1, p2, p4, p5Cruising Today................................. p3
Because of the recent devaluing of the NZD against other major cur-rencies, is it likely we will see the return of currency surcharges?There have not been any currency surcharges for at least seven or eight years, according to a knowledgeable trade source, so anyone who has joined the travel industry after, say, 2006-2007, is not likely to appreci-ate the importance of not ignoring currency surcharge advices from suppliers. And it could be a timely reminder for the ‘more experienced’.
. . . Currency BuffersBrochured prices can be in any one of several currencies, and if the prices shown are not in the product’s ‘na-tive’ currency there could be a cur-rency buffer. While buffers smooth out most currency fluctuations over a period (as does hedging) they can of-ten increase the price of the product when it is shown as NZD. It is when the calculated currency flexibility is exceeded that currency surcharges are applied.Over the years, when currency sur-charges were commonplace, and most products were priced in NZD, there have been horror stories about travel agents missing or ignoring currency notices from suppliers. It was usually the client who ended up unnecessarily paying more . . . but in some cases it was the agent who had to wear the additional costs because
Currency Surcharges About To Return?
they did not advise their clients; or even worse held on to the client’s funds instead of passing it on to the supplier.
. . . Agent BewareThat very point is probably far more important today, with more clients being aware of their consumer rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act.The lapsed time between paying a de-posit on a cruise, for example, and the final payment can be quite consider-able, so it is vital that travel agents ei-ther keep their clients informed of all currency fluctuations or advise them to do their own currency monitoring so as to save unnecessary added costs.It used to be common for suppliers to give a two- or three-day grace period when they advised agents of currency surcharges, so outstanding amounts could be cleared, otherwise the client (or the agent) would be landed with additional costs. Everything has changed since we last had currency surcharges, so it is dif-ficult to predict what will happen this time around, but timely credit card payments should be alright.l Our knowledgeable trade source pointed out that around 12 months ago the NZD was worth around USD.85; but today it’s about USD.65.While that appears to be only 20 cents, the NZD would have to increase in value by just over 30% to equal last year’s rate.
SPANTO Hawke’s BayHawke’s Bay agents are being invited to a South Pacific Association of Na-tional Tourist Offices (SPANTO) event on 25 Aug. All participants go in the draw to win a five-night trip to Tahiti and Moorea. See industry diary for event details and RSVP with names of those attending to [email protected]
QF Seasonal BoostQantas will add 95 extra return services to New Zealand this Dec-Feb, to cater to strong demand over the summer holiday season.As well as the 15 seasonal services from Sydney to Christchurch and Queenstown already on sale, QF will add 48 return services between Brisbane and Christchurch and 36 between Brisbane and Wellington 03 Dec-22 Feb. It’s also increasing Perth-Singapore and Sydney-Jakarta frequencies.“We are really pleased to be able to meet demand for travel between BNE and both WLG and CHC with the return of direct services during Dec and Jan,” says QF executive Stephen Thompson.
when you pre-register your 2016UK and/or Europe tour by 11 September
Philippines EventThe Philippine Department of Tourism will head to Auckland for the first time next week to educate agents ahead of the launch of new Philippine Airlines flights later this year.Agents are encouraged to head along and learn about what will be a new destination for the New Zealand market, says Julie Rice of Philippine Airlines rep Airline Marketing.“It’s the first time the Philippines has come down, and it’s to create aware-ness for our new flights that will be operating from the 03 Dec,” she says.“We’ve had some very positive feed-back with the introduction of the flights, everyone’s looking forward to a new destination—but of course no one knows much about it yet.”The promotional event is on 20 Aug from 1730-2000 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. RSVP by 14 Aug to [email protected]
NZ Australia SaleAir New Zealand has flights to Australia on sale until midnight to-night, with one-way Seat + Bag fares from $189 to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Cairns is from $279, Adelaide from $259 and Perth from $449. See airnzagent.co.nz
OTA Merger OppositionThe American Hotel & Lodging Association is reportedly opposing Expedia’s planned acquisition of Orbitz, due to the negative impact it says the consolidation of the on-line travel marketplace will have for con-sumers and smaller hotel companies. Expedia is said to charge higher fees than Orbitz. The USD1.34 billion planned acquisition was first pro-posed in Feb.
There w il l be tango lessons, empanadas and prizes up for grabs at Air New Zealand’s Ar-gentina roadshow being staged in Auckland 01 Sep.At the agent event consultants will have the chance to upskill on the tourism experiences on offer direct from a representative from Argenti-na National Institute of Tourism, as well as meeting with local operators from Argentina.Designed to be an evening of fun ahead of NZ’s Buenos Aires service launch in Dec, the event is offered in conjunction with NZ, the Argen-tina National Institute of Tourism and the Embassy of the Argentine Republic.There’s a trip for two to Argentina including airfares and ground ar-rangements up for grabs. To register see Wingtips.
. . . B2B EventAir New Zealand is also running an invite-only business-to-business afternoon event, in conjunction with the Argentinean tourism bod-ies. Some 14 visiting destination
management companies will be presenting on Argentina at the event which is suitable for wholesalers, those booking groups and the MICE market. Space is strictly limited for the event, also being held 01 Sep. To register your interest in the B2B event e-mail [email protected]
QF Australia SaleQantas has flights to Australia on sale to 11 Aug starting at $209 one-way to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. See qantas.co.nz/agents
Air NZ, Argentina Roadshow In Sep
Nepal Report OutThe world’s most iconic mountain trekking region has received a mixed report from experts ahead of the new tourism season in Nepal next month, advises Intrepid Travel—but there has been minimal damage to the majority of the region.Intrepid says tourism leaders have welcomed the report as an oppor-tunity to rebuild stronger infra-structure in Nepal. The report has recommended rerouting parts of the Everest trail and relocating two villages ahead of the next trekking season, adds the operator.
AFKL Sale ExtendedAir France KLM has extended its current winter specials for sales through until 20 Aug. AF winter es-cape fares include Paris from $1999, Madrid from $2019, Venice from $2020, Amsterdam from $2030, Brus-sels from $2031 and Frankfurt from $2111. Premium economy flights are from $4094 to Paris, $4121 to Milan, $4122 to Moscow and $4129 to Rome, and business class is from $7261 to Paris, $7202 to Dublin, $7203 to Lis-bon and $7580 to London.KL fares include Amsterdam from $1911, Warsaw from $1935, Copen-hagen from $1950 and London from $2145; and business class fares are from $7105 to Amsterdam, $7134 to Bucharest and $7164 to Zurich.
Go Big, Better Or Best & Win A CruiseTo celebrate the launch of new pricing structure, Go Big, Go Better, Go Best, (Travel Today 27 Jul) Celebrity Cruises is giving agents the chance to win a 12-night South Pacific cruise for two aboard Celebrity Solstice. To enter, agents need to make one eligible Go Big, Go Better or Go Best booking between now and 30 Sep, register it at celebritycruises.com.au/tradecomp and in 25 words or less, say why the grass is greener with Ce-lebrity Cruises. Additionally, six runners-up will receive a three litre bottle of GH Mumm champagne.
A number of cruise lines are coming to the aid of Myanmar residents who are struggling after heavy monsoon rain led to mas-sive flooding, leaving whole re-gions under water and thousands homeless, whilst many have lost livestock and food supplies.Pandaw Cruises’ charity, the Pandaw Charity, has dispatched its ship Ka-lay Pandaw, laden with 100 tonnes of rice and a full medical team, in a bid to deliver food and medical aid. It says the small ship is able to penetrate inland areas. Purser Ko Win Hlaing, who masterminded the Pandaw Charity Cyclone Nargis relief operation in 2008, has assumed com-mand. “As with Nargis, Pandaw have the ships, team and generous sup-porters to be able to be first in and last out,” the cruise line says. In addition, Abercrombie & Kent has mobilised its team in Myanmar
Cruise Lines Assisting Myanmar
to deliver essential supplies to flood affected areas in the country. A&K managing director Sujata Raman says, “thanks to our regional network and the presence of our office on the ground in Yangon, Myanmar, A&K can swiftly deliver relief where it’s most needed.” The cruise line has had to cancel its 15 Aug departure aboard Sanctuary Ananda and all others are on standby.The floods are the worst in 100 years with at least 46 people dead and more than 210,000 affected. Four ar-eas in the country have been declared disaster zones and many others have been cut off by high waters or dam-aged roads.
Hit Web Packages
Fast, affordable and reliable social me-dia channels and the internet have be-come essential on today’s cruise ships, says Carnival Cruise Line, whose new social media internet packages are available on more than half of its ships, with fleet-wide implementation scheduled by the first quarter of 2016. The packages offer access to a variety of popular sites for USD5 per day, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Snap-chat and more, with discounted plans available for the entire cruise, and are currently available on 13 ships.
. . . App Rollout In addition, the new Carnival HUB mobile app available on Carnival Breeze, is expected to be available on five additional ships by the end of the year and be fleet-wide by 2016, due to positive feedback. The app features an at-a-glance view of the ship’s facilities and features, along with updates on events and a chat feature. It can be downloaded via both the Apple and Google Play stores.
Ama ChristeningAmaWaterways has christened its new 164-passenger ship AmaSer-ena, at the conclusion of its sev-en-night Melodies of the Danube sailing from Budapest to Vilshofen, Germany. The line’s co-founders, Rudi Sch-reiner and Kristin Karst, were joined by the ship’s godmother, Michelle Fee, for the festivities.
Explore AlaskaCelebr it y Cr uises seven-nig ht Alaska Northbound & Southbound cruise, including Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Hub-bard Glacier and more, is priced from $1149, advises GO Holidays. It’s on sale to 30 Sep for select travel dates in early 2016. GO has details.
Dublin’s New PortDublin Port Company hopes to start construction ‘within months’ on a EUR230 million project to open up the port to larger cruise ships, advises Ireland Tourism. The project is part of a five year plan which includes extending capacity of the port and increasing cruise infrastructure to better accommodate cruise ships and allow them to berth and turn around at the East Link bridge. Dublin is Ire-land’s most popular port with cruise liners, and this year alone, around 85 cruise vessels are scheduled to visit.
Tomorrow, you could be joining one of the world’s fastest growing international airlines and helping us create the future of air travel.Emirates is seeking a Sales Support Executive based in Auckland.This is a temporary role to cover maternity leave
Sales Support Executive (temporary position)
Are you passionate, committed, and want to be part of a multi-cultural organization?Visit emiratesgroupcareers.com for more information on the requirements for this position and apply online using the reference 150001R0Applications close 17/08/2015Telephone and postal applications will not be entertained.
Where could you be tomorrow?
The successful candidate must be able to:• Handle trade and direct customer enquiries and ensure all
enquiries are responded to in timely fashion• Handle all group requests from North Island agents,
provide group quotes, follow up on group leads, facilitate group payment and ticketing as required
• Provide internal support to the wider sales team
houseoftravel.co.nz/careers
Business Owners, Retail Managers & Senior Consultants House of Travel is going from strength to strength and continues to experience a steady period of growth. Due to this ongoing success we have been able to invest in new retail opportunities; opening seven new stores across the country in the last 18 months alone. To continue to support this growth we have a number of exciting opportunities available throughout New Zealand for Business Owners, Retail Managers and Senior Consultants. At House of Travel you will combine your passion for travel with a sound knowledge of what makes a great holiday. By using your ability to understand the unique needs of each customer you will create experiences that enrich people’s lives through travel.The key to your success in the role will be:• Youwillbecustomerobsessed• Strongproductknowledge,withacommitmenttoprofessionaldevelopment• Technologicallysavvy• A passion for travel, enabling you to add hidden gems into your
customers itineraries• Wanttobepartofahighachievingcompany?Does this sound like the passport to your future? Please send a covering letter and CV to Jayne Thornley, Retail Director at [email protected]
tabs 1/4 page 9.3 x 12.5
ISSN 1176-5275Travel Today (incorporating Tabs on Travel) is published by Tabs on Travel Ltd, New Zealand. Ph +64-9-415 [email protected][email protected]
TNZ Japan UpdateTourism New Zea-land has appointed its long-standing staff member and trade expert Naoki Inohiza to the new role of countr y manager, Japan.
Shopping, diving, golf, and great food are just some of the major drawcards Malaysia holds for Kiwi travellers.In New Zealand for a whirlwind tour to catch up with the trade, Tourism Malaysia’s Dato’ Azizan Noordin says these are just some of the reasons more and more New Zealanders are choosing the destination for their holidays. “We are very much interested in this market,” he says. “Our English and your English is almost the same, we are both in the Commonwealth. . . There aren’t any extreme weather conditions,” he says, adding that the close affiliation between cultures means Kiwis will easily be able to settle into the Malaysian way of life whilst on holiday.
. . . NZ Direct Route?Noordin says Tourism Malaysia is in talks with Air New Zealand about the potential launch of a direct service ex New Zealand to Malaysia; in the hopes it would increase the appeal of the destination. He added
that, of course, it is a two-way street, and a direct flight would also mean more Malaysians would be likely to visit New Zealand.
. . . Thanks To TradeNoordin wanted to thank the trade for their efforts in promoting Ma-laysia, and reiterated their interest in this market. While the New Zea-land tour has concluded for now, he added that they will be back next year, and on top of visiting Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Queenstown, they will look at visit-ing more cities, such as Wellington and Christchurch.Pictured: Tourism Malaysia’s Zalina Ahmad and Dato’ Azizan Noordin in Auckland last night.
Malaysia’s Kiwi Focus; NZ Flights?
Soudelor In ChinaNearly two dozen people are dead in Taiwan and China as Soudelor continues to push across China with flooding rain, advises AccuWeather. Tropical Rainstorm Soudelor has been responsible for flooding, mudslides, pounding surf and high winds. Ac-cuWeather says as Soudelor dimin-ishes and turns towards the northeast, heavy rain and flooding will continue to be a problem in parts of eastern China and will spread to South Korea and a portion of Japan.
Rocky WinnerWorld Travellers Christchurch’s Nicole Knapp has won a seat on Adventure World’s Western Explorer tour with Rocky Mountaineer, departing 19 Sep. Nicole will enjoy the highlights of the Canadian Rockies onboard the Rocky Mountaineer in Silver Leaf Luxury, ex-ploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jasper National Park and more. All agents who booked Rocky Moun-taineer with Adventure World before 31 Jul went in the draw.
QF South Africa FaresQantas has flights to South Africa on sale to 21 Aug, starting from $2089 to Johannesburg and $2129 to Cape Town or Durban. See qantas.co.nz/agents
Cruise WA Auckland: Wed 26, the CICC building, 100 Beaumont Street, 2 sessions - 1430 and 1800.
TAANZ National Travel Industry Awards 2015Auckland: Fri 28, the Aviation Hall, MOTAT, from 1800.
SEPTEMBEREmpanadas and Tango(Argentina’s National Institute of Tourism & Air NZ)Auckland: Tue 01, CICC (Air NZ’s Customer Innovation + Collaboration Centre), 100 Beaumont St, 1730.
Insight Vacations Launch Breakfast with CEO John BouldingChristchurch: Mon 07, Function Room, Ilex Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park, AM (TBA).
Scenic Ever Wondered SessionsHamilton: Mon 07, Novotel Hamilton
Industry Diary(Whitora Room), 7 Alma St. Europe River Cruising 1300, Canada, Alaska and North America 1430. Bethlehem: Tue 08, Mills Reef Winery, 143 Moffat Road. Europe River Cruising 1000, Canada, Alaska and North America 1130. Auckland: Wed 09, Waipuna Hotel (Promenade Room) 58 Waipuna Road, Mt Wellington. Europe River Cruising 1000. Canada, Alaska and North America 11.30. Auckland North: Thu 10, Spencer on Byron Hotel, Takapuna (Normandie Room) Level 1, Byron Ave. Europe River Cruising 1000, Canada, Alaska and North America 1130.
TAANZ AGMAuckland: Wed 09, Heritage Hotel, from 1500.
A Day in WA, with ATEC and Tourism Western AustraliaAuckland: Thu 10, the CICC building, 100 Beaumont Street, 1700-2030
Royal Caribbean – New Zealand’s Travel Has Talent Grand FinalAuckland: Fri 11, the Pullman hotel.
AUGUSTServiceIQ Business Breakfast Series 2015 Wellington: Thu 13, Rydges Wellington. Christchurch: Thu 20, Novotel Christchurch. Queenstown: Fri 21, Novotel Queenstown.Auckland: Thu 27, Novotel Ellerslie. Dunedin: Fri 28, Mercure Dunedin.All timings are from 0700, with presentations at 0730.
Play Melbourne and Beyond Trade Mission 2015Wellington: Wed 12, InterContinental Hotel, 8.00am-12.00pm incl breakfast. Queenstown: Thu 13 & Fri 14 Aug, Crowne Plaza. Thu 13 Aug will commence with a light lunch from 1300, and go through with appointments until 1700, Fri 14 Aug will start at 0930 and go through until 1200.
Philippines Philippine Department of Tourism & Philippine Airlines Auckland: Thu 20, Crowne Plaza, 1730.
Anaheim RoadshowAuckland: Mon 24, The Hilton, 1730.
South Pacific Association of National Tourism OffficesNapier: Tue 25, the Crown Hotel, 1730.
Destination NSW Sydney Agent Quiz nightAuckland:Wed 30, 5.30pm-7pm. Venue tbc.
For more see Monday’s Travel Today
South America HighlightsC l i e n t s w a n t i n g t o e x p l o r e Argentina, Peru and Brazil can ex-perience it all on Viva Expedition’s 24-day Enchanting South America itinerary ex Auckland. Highlights include viewing the Iguazu Falls from both the Brazilian and Ar-gentinean sides; seeing Christ the Redeemer Statue in person; a train journey through the Andes to Ma-chu Picchu; hiking in the Peruvian Amazon; a tango show in Buenos Aires and more. It is priced from $12,700 including return flights from Auckland, internal flights within South America as per itin-erary, 22 nights accommodation, fully escorted with Viva Expeditions escort, airport transfers, breakfast daily and some other meals, tour as per the itinerary with local English speaking guides. Departure dates are 21 May 2016, 23 Jul 2016, 17 Sep 2016 and 05 Nov 2016. For more in-formation see vivaexpeditions.com
Oz Sealink PackagesGO Holidays advises of its South Australia Sealink Holidays. A four-night Fleurieu Peninsula and Kanga-roo Island package is available from $805pp s/t; a four-night Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island package is available from $829pp s/t; and a four-night Barossa and Kangaroo Island package is available from $769pp s/t. On sale until 01 Mar 2016 for various travel dates. GO has details.
Matilda’s SYD GuideMatilda The Musical has taken to the stage in Australia and to cel-ebrate, Matilda’s Top 5 Guide to Sydney has been released by Desti-nation NSW. Matilda’s guide recommends five places to visit, including Luna Park Sydney, the famous 1930s amuse-ment park; Observatory Hill for great views of the Harbour; The Sydney Theatre Walk at Walsh Bay; Sydney museums and libraries, such as The Museum of Sydney, Hyde Park Barracks Museum and Justice and Police Museum; and the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. For more, see matildaltravel.com.au
Auckland agency Quay Travel has become the first Kiwi member of the Signature Travel Network. Welcoming the Kiwi agency into the group, Signature says Quay Travel is a perfect fit with the brand due to its knowledgeable team of experienced travel consultants, their focus on the luxury travel market and their vision to create a sense of community with customers and supplier partners. “We are proud that they are Signa-ture’s first member in New Zealand. We welcome them to the Signature
Quay Travel’s Signature Move
family,” says the group.Quay Travel owner Michelle Mal-colm, says the team is very excited about the move. “ . . . supported by our new relationship, we are confi-dent we are going to be able to offer our customers tangible benefits and added value.”Pictured from Quay Travel is (back) Margaret Boak and Denise Williams; (middle) Nikki Solomon, Janette Trinder, Tasi Afitu Hill and Donna Hill; and (front) Michelle Malcom and Lisa Lilley.
