EDITOR: Guy Dundas E-mail: [email protected]Ph: 1300 799 220 Mon 04 Jan 10 Page 1 Travel Daily First with the news AU Today’s Travel Daily Travel Daily today has three pages of news and photos, plus full pages from: • Qantas Holidays • Explore Holidays Exclusively presents ms Volendam Click here to view Holland America Line’s ms Volendam, by Barry Matheson Click here to view highlights from TITEZ, by Barry Matheson CLICK BE PART OF A COMMUNITY WITHOUT LEAVING HOME ” FOR THE BEST FINANCIAL REWARDS AND MARKETING SUPPORT JOIN.TRAVELMANAGERS.COM.AU CONTACT AARON STINSON NATIONAL RECRUITMENT MANAGER ON 1800 019 599 “IN 2010 I WILL… TM0079TD/F With 18 years specialising in print media, we have an intimate knowledge of press standards and processes for newsletters, brochures, flyers, logos, stationery, catalogues, point-of-sale, books, magazines, posters, banners and more. You will value our grounded and reliable service with a focus on attention to detail. Please drop by our website and explore www.lanksheardesign.com or call 02 9868 7044 EK alters MEL route EMIRATES has changed the flight path of one of its daily Melbourne- Dubai services to operate via Kuala Lumpur, according to travel agent GDSs and the Dubai-based carrier’s website. EK currently operates a thrice dailly operation between the Victorian capital and Dubai, with one service flying via Singapore and the other services nonstop. From 01 Feb, Emirates flights EK408 departing Dubai and EK409 leaving Melbourne, will travel via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The flight now arrives into MEL at 1:25am (instead of 11:05pm), and leaves MEL at 3:10am. QF IPOX PER fares QANTAS is now selling a new IPOX seasonal fare on trunk domestic routes from Perth. The IPOX fares are close to $500 cheaper than the standard J Class fare, and are available for travel until 30 Apr, for sales by 31 Jan. The all inclusive I Class fares are priced at $1,019 (to/from ADL), $1,199 ex MEL, $1,229 ex SYD and $1,329 ex BNE. Fares are subject to availability, are subject to change at any time and carry the same fare conditions as full J Class fares. SAS office hours SCANDINAVIAN Airlines Systems (SAS) in Australia is notifying the travel industry of new office hours for 2010, effective from today. The new hours are 9am-12pm and 1:30pm-4pm. Masterpieces promo QANTAS Holidays, in partnership with The National Gallery of Australia and Australian Capital Tourism, is today launching an incentive for travel agents for a chance to win a trip to see the Masterpieces from Paris in the nation’s capital. The prize includes two return flights with Qantas, accom, car hire, premium experience tickets to the exhibition, a helicopter tour and much more. For full details see page four. JAPAN Airlines Corp. has downplayed speculation that the carrier may go into bankruptcy protection as it struggles to survive the effects of the global finanical crisis (TD Thu), saying reports the carrier was already bankrupt were false. In a statement issued on Fri, the Japanese flag-carrier said: “The facts are that the revitalisation plans for JAL are presently being formulated by the Enterprise Turnaround Corporation of Japan (ETIC) in cooperation with JAL. “A decision will be made by mid Greek Is. incentive EXPLORE Holidays is launching a new travel agent promotion today which will reward its Top 20 sellers of International, Cruise & Rail bookings with an eight-day Greek Island Cruise aboard MS Galileo. For full details of this fantastic incentive turn to page five. Wotif finalises deal ONLINE travel firm Wotif.com has completed its acquisition of Go Do Pty Ltd after it purchased all of the issued shares in the company last month (TD 11 Dec). The online “things to do” portal offers over 2000 activities in both Australia and New Zealand, incl theme park passes, day spas, hot air ballooning, V8 racing and more. JAL: “Business as usual” to late January regarding what form of assistance will be offered to JAL,” the release said. The oneworld carrier reported the Japanese government has pledged its full support until a decision has been made and that there has been no changes in its backing of JAL. JAL says its “business as usual” and flights will not be affected during the process. President Haruka Nishimatsu was reported saying “the image (of bankruptcy) would affect us and we would lose customers. “If we lose recognition from customers, restructuring would be difficult and this will trouble the ETIC too,” he said. The state-owned Development Bank of Japan said yesterday it would be doubling its credit line for JAL to ¥200 billion (AU$2.4b) to further support the airline. MEANWHILE, a report by the Asahi Shimbun said Nishimatsu has a preference for a partnership and the financial support from Sky Team’s Delta Air Lines over US rival American Airlines. Argentine recip fee THE Dept of Foreign Affairs is now notifying travellers heading to Argentina to be aware of the new Reciprocity Fee (TD 24 Dec). Australian citizens arriving into Buenos Aires are now being charged a single entry fee of US$100 by the Argentine govt. According to DFAT the levy, which must be paid prior to clearing immigration controls with cash (US dollars or Argentine pesos), credit cards or travellers cheques, will be collected at other entry points at a later date. Exemptions to the charge are offered to Argentine born Aussies and those with business visas.
Today’s Travel Daily Travel Daily today has threepages of news and photos, plusfull pages from:
• Qantas Holidays• Explore Holidays
Exclusively presentsms Volendam
Click here to viewHolland America Line’s
ms Volendam,by Barry Matheson
Click here to viewhighlights from TITEZ,
by Barry Matheson
CLICK
BE PART OFA COMMUNITY WITHOUT LEAVING HOME”FOR THE BEST FINANCIAL REWARDS AND MARKETING SUPPORT JOIN.TRAVELMANAGERS.COM.AU
CONTACT AARON STINSON NATIONAL RECRUITMENT MANAGER ON 1800 019 599
“IN 2010 I WILL…
TM
0079
TD/F
With 18 years specialising in print media, we havean intimate knowledge of press standards and processes fornewsletters, brochures, flyers, logos, stationery, catalogues,point-of-sale, books, magazines, posters, banners and more.
You will value our grounded and reliable service with a focuson attention to detail. Please drop by our website and explorewww.lanksheardesign.com or call 02 9868 7044
EK alters MEL route EMIRATES has changed the flightpath of one of its daily Melbourne-Dubai services to operate viaKuala Lumpur, according to travelagent GDSs and the Dubai-basedcarrier’s website. EK currently operates a thricedailly operation between theVictorian capital and Dubai, withone service flying via Singaporeand the other services nonstop. From 01 Feb, Emirates flightsEK408 departing Dubai and EK409leaving Melbourne, will travel viaKuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The flight now arrives into MELat 1:25am (instead of 11:05pm),and leaves MEL at 3:10am.
QF IPOX PER fares QANTAS is now selling a newIPOX seasonal fare on trunkdomestic routes from Perth. The IPOX fares are close to $500cheaper than the standard J Classfare, and are available for traveluntil 30 Apr, for sales by 31 Jan. The all inclusive I Class fares arepriced at $1,019 (to/from ADL),$1,199 ex MEL, $1,229 ex SYD and$1,329 ex BNE. Fares are subject to availability,are subject to change at any timeand carry the same fare conditionsas full J Class fares.
SAS office hours SCANDINAVIAN Airlines Systems(SAS) in Australia is notifying thetravel industry of new office hoursfor 2010, effective from today. The new hours are 9am-12pmand 1:30pm-4pm.
Masterpieces promo QANTAS Holidays, in partnershipwith The National Gallery ofAustralia and Australian CapitalTourism, is today launching anincentive for travel agents for achance to win a trip to see theMasterpieces from Paris in thenation’s capital. The prize includes two returnflights with Qantas, accom, carhire, premium experience ticketsto the exhibition, a helicoptertour and much more. For full details see page four.
JAPAN Airlines Corp. hasdownplayed speculation that thecarrier may go into bankruptcyprotection as it struggles tosurvive the effects of the globalfinanical crisis (TD Thu), sayingreports the carrier was alreadybankrupt were false. In a statement issued on Fri, theJapanese flag-carrier said: “Thefacts are that the revitalisationplans for JAL are presently beingformulated by the EnterpriseTurnaround Corporation of Japan(ETIC) in cooperation with JAL. “A decision will be made by mid
Greek Is. incentive EXPLORE Holidays is launching anew travel agent promotion todaywhich will reward its Top 20 sellersof International, Cruise & Railbookings with an eight-day GreekIsland Cruise aboard MS Galileo. For full details of this fantasticincentive turn to page five.
Wotif finalises deal ONLINE travel firm Wotif.comhas completed its acquisition ofGo Do Pty Ltd after it purchasedall of the issued shares in thecompany last month (TD 11 Dec). The online “things to do” portaloffers over 2000 activities in bothAustralia and New Zealand, incltheme park passes, day spas, hotair ballooning, V8 racing and more.
JAL: “Business as usual”to late January regarding whatform of assistance will be offeredto JAL,” the release said. The oneworld carrier reportedthe Japanese government haspledged its full support until adecision has been made and thatthere has been no changes in itsbacking of JAL. JAL says its “business as usual”and flights will not be affectedduring the process. President Haruka Nishimatsuwas reported saying “the image(of bankruptcy) would affect usand we would lose customers. “If we lose recognition fromcustomers, restructuring would bedifficult and this will trouble theETIC too,” he said. The state-owned DevelopmentBank of Japan said yesterday itwould be doubling its credit linefor JAL to ¥200 billion (AU$2.4b)to further support the airline. MEANWHILE, a report by theAsahi Shimbun said Nishimatsu hasa preference for a partnershipand the financial support from SkyTeam’s Delta Air Lines over USrival American Airlines.
Argentine recip fee THE Dept of Foreign Affairs isnow notifying travellers headingto Argentina to be aware of thenew Reciprocity Fee (TD 24 Dec). Australian citizens arriving intoBuenos Aires are now beingcharged a single entry fee ofUS$100 by the Argentine govt. According to DFAT the levy,which must be paid prior toclearing immigration controls withcash (US dollars or Argentinepesos), credit cards or travellerscheques, will be collected atother entry points at a later date. Exemptions to the charge areoffered to Argentine born Aussiesand those with business visas.
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CI adds TPI/LHR CHINA Airlines (CI) is adding athrice weekly direct servicebetween Taipei and LondonHeathrow, effective 28 Mar. The route will be serviced by aChina Airlines A340-300 aircraft.
New Leading Hotels THE Leading Hotels of the Worldadded further properties to itsportfolio in Italy, Germany andthe USA late last year. The new signings include thesoon Trump SoHo New York whichopens this year, the Rocco ForteVerduna Golf and Spa Resort onthe Sicilian coast and the KamehaGrand Bonn in Germany.
Amadeus fault strikes QF QANTAS suffered its secondmajor computer check-in systemglitch within 2 months yesterday,resulting in thousands of itscustomers being delayed fordomestic and int’l flights, again. The delays were caused by aserver problem yesterday morningwhich was linked to the AmadeusAltea check-in system and meantstaff needed to manually checkcustomers in for flights. The malfunction was followedby a break down of Qantas’baggage systems in SYD and MELcausing further head-aches for QF. About 80 carriers across theglobe utilise similar Amadeustechnology at their check-incounters. Qantas spokesman David Epsteinsaid that Amadeus was “usually avery reliable system. “That said, not all systems workall of the time and from time to
PER growth boom PERTH Airport is one of theworld’s fastest growing capitalcity airports, not far off the likesof some airports in China, Indiaand the Middle East, according toAir Transport World. The boom is a result of growthin regional, low cost and resourceindustry related flights. Passenger movements werearound 914,000 during Oct, aboutdouble the national average.
FINNAIR hosted an educational trip for key agents to Helsinki for theopening of the city’s new terminal and a side trip to Lapland for a “realwhite Christmas”,last month. Pictured standingfrom left are: SueRadford, businessmanager CTM;Catherine McArdle,national accountdirector, QBT; andKaty Muyt, countrymanager Australia/New ZealandFinnair. In front: JonneLehtioksa, salesdirector HKG/AUS,Finnair; ColHughes, generalmanager, WorldAviation andWarwick Blacker,general managerJetset Travelworld.
What a way to Finnish 2010
LCC for Abu Dhabi THE United Arab Emiratescapital, Abu Dhabi, will have itsown low-cost carrier (LCC) in 2010to rival flyDubai and Air Arabia. The investment firm backedenterprise has not officially beennamed as yet, but has startedhiring staff for its short-hauloperations to regional cities.
time they go down.” Epstein added “We’ll be askingthem to take appropriatemeasures to ensure our customersare not left waiting like thisanytime in the near future.” Yesterday’s incident replicatesthe occurence in Nov (TD 17 Nov)when Qantas flights around thecountry, and another 485 airlinesglobally, were delayed due to anissue with Amadeus.
US security threatto intl airports UNITED States senator CharlesSchumer has written to US basedairlines which fly internationallyurging them to stop flying toforeign airports which lacksufficient security measures. The threat comes in the wake ofUmar Farouk Abdulmutallab’sfolied attempt to bring down aNorthwest Airlines flight fromAmsterdam to Detroit onChristmas Day (TD 29 Dec). “You don’t have to be AlbertEinstein to realise that flights thatoriginate in foreign countries posea greater danger,” the senatorstated. Schumer said US carriers shouldthreaten to pull their services tothose cities and airports whichhave “gaping holes” in the waythey operate air security. He also recommended thatpenalties be imposed on countriesflying to the USA which fail tocomply with its airport screeningstandards, reports the ABC News.
Intrepid Aus/NZ ‘10 INTREPID Travel has todayrolled out its brand new Australiaand New Zealand brochure whichfeatures an expanded Red Centreproduct and a revamped EastCoast Explorer itinerary. The 18-day east cost trip fromSydney to Cairns now incorporatespublic transport (trains, ferriesand local buses) rather thanprivate buses, which accom inhostels along the way. “By using public transport weprovide more opportunity forlocal interaction and ensure thecarbon emissions are kept at aminimum,” said global manager ofsales and marketing, Robyn Nixon. The 2010 program also featurestwo, three and four day smallgroup adventures, thanks to adeal with APT in Connections. In New Zealand, two new UrbanAdventures, that can be combinedto form a full day tour, have beenadded in Auckland - the Bike theBays and Walking Auckland trips.
HAPPY New Year, Fido! One of the most common NewYear’s resolutions for people isto get fit and lose weight, andsoon canines will be given thesame opportunity thanks to TheMorris Animal Inn in New Jersey. The luxury pet spa and resortresort will next week launch aprogram dubbed “Fit and Zen in2010” to jump start a healthieryear for dogs. Designed to keep the four-legged guests active and stress-free, the Resolutions Doggie DayCamp fitness routine willinclude treadmill trots, swimmingsessions in the indoor pool and“Doga” and “Paw-lates” massages.
ENTER at your own risk! Almost 2,400 visitors areheading daily to Mayon in thePhilippines to get a closer lookat the spectacular flow of lavafrom one of the world’s mostactive volcanoes. Whilst tens of thousands ofnearby residents are beingevacuated, hotels are bookingout as tourists flood in to catcha glimpse of the volcano, whichbegan erupting two weeks ago. “At the moment of theeruption, the local guides willhave a better chance of gettingout. The hapless tourist will beleft behind”, said Joey Salceda,governor of Albay province.
WHERE in the world isWolverhampton? Located in West Midlands, UK,Wolverhampton has been namedas the fifth worst place to livein the entire world by LonelyPlanet guide. And the reason it made thislist was because of a readeranecdote that compared thecity to Ground Zero in New Yorkafter the Sep 11 attacks. The reader said a man fromWolverhampton happened tomeet former President Bush atthe time of the attacks, whoasked him where he was from. After the man responded,Bush replied “I don’t know thatplace”. What state is it in?” To which the man replied“It’s pretty much like this really.”
THAI’s Silk on sale THAI is offering a specialcompanion deal on its Royal SilkBusiness Class product. The “Travel Together & Save$$’ sale is available up to 31 Janfor ex SYD, MEL, BNE and PER toThailand, Indochina and the IndianSubcontinent for travel until 31Mar 10, or travel to Europebetween 18 Jan - 31 Mar 10. Royal Silk Class fares to Bangkokstart from $3,199 return includingtaxes, and from $6,014 return toLondon - phone 1300 651 960.
Red Centre lures US TOURISM Northern Territory andQantas have teamed up to offerUS travellers a chance to visit theRed Centre during the Australianwinter at the lowest fare ever. The US$999 to Ayers Rock andAlice Springs is available duringJan, departing Los Angeles or SanFrancisco.
Peppers to Spicers PEPPERS Spicers Peak Lodgeand Peppers Hidden Vale will berebranded from the beginning ofnext month as Flight Centre bossGraham ‘Scroo’ Turner moves theproperties under his own accombusiness, Spicers Retreat Hotelsand Lodges. The two Turner-owned retreats,which had been marketed under aservices agreement with Peppers,will be renamed Spicers PeakLodge and Spicers Hidden Vale. Turner referred to theassociation with Peppers as “longand fruitful” and that eachproperty had benefited from thepact “high ideals of creatingmemorable escapes.” “However, it was a naturalprogression with the formation ofSpicers Retreat Hotels and Lodgesthat they would eventually comeon board and help drive the newbrand towards the world-classbusiness we envisage it willbecome,” he said. Launched in Jun last year, theSpicers portfolio includes retreatson the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane,Queensland’s Scenic Rim and theHunter Valley.
QF rate of exchange QANTAS is today notifyingtravel agents that is has updatedit rate of exchange (ROE). Effective 01 Jan 2010, the newROE is 1.094199.
Last Thursday was the final day for Travel Daily readers to submit their Christmas celebration snaps for our Fraser Suites Sydney photo comp. We’ve received an overwhelming number of entries and will be featuring a small selection of the final submissions over the next two days,whilst our judges file through all of the photos and select a winner. On Wed 06 Jan, TD will publish the judges favourite photo, and the person who submitted the Christmas Party snap will win a nightsaccommodation package at Fraser Suites Sydney in a one bedroom deluxe suite, sparkling wine & a fruit bowl upon arrival and complimentarycar parking - all valued at $600.
Ho! Ho! Ho! Only two days before the winner is announced!
YHA Travel Booking Service inSydney celebrated Christmas withan ‘Old School’ theme, Pictured to the right is ‘MrSquiggle’ Monique Suters with her“Oh Hu-rry U-p” partner Adamdressed as ‘Blackboard’. And below is Filomena De Angelisand ‘Rubix Cube’ Elinor Sheargold.
Pictured above is YHA’s‘Retro Disco Dude’ CraigTester with ‘1940’s Glamour’Filomena De Angelis.
The domestic sales team at HamiltonIsland getting into the Christmas spirit! Pictured below from left is Kristen Rule,Angela Lockyer, Kathryn McDougall, SantaSteve Bigg and office dog helper ‘Smudge’.
Travel Daily is a publication of TDaily Pty Ltd ABN 34 108 508 765. All content fully protected by copyright. Please obtain written permission from the editor to reproduce any material. While every care has been taken in the preparation ofTravel Daily no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Information is published in good faith to stimulate independent investigation of the matters canvassed. Responsibility for editorial comment is taken by Bruce Piper.
WELCOME to Brochures of the Week, Travel Daily’s Mon feature.If your firm is releasing a new brochure you’d like to make theindustry aware of, send a brief description summarising its featuresand itineraries, including a PDF of the front cover, and contactdetails to [email protected].
Greece & Mediterranean Travel Centre -Egypt & Dubai (plus Jordan & Abu Dhabi) 2010This brochure features new tours in the Nubiansouth, an additional family tour option and up to25% off private tour costs in Egypt. There is alsomore hotels and an extended range of tours tochoose from in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In Jordan,clients can select a new tour or option to combinevisits to Petra and combinations with Israel.
Travel2 - Hong Kong, Macau & China 2010/11Travel2’s latest Hong Kong, Macau & Chinabrochure features more land options including newsightseeing and accom in Macau to compliment theaddition of Viva Macau’s direct thrice weeklyservices from Syd and twice weekly services fromMel. Additional accom in Kowloon including thebrand new five star W Hotel is also included, plus
a range of accom and sightseeing in China featuring overnight toursof regional China. Contact tifs for a copy.
For details call 1300 661 666 or see www.greecemedtravel.com.
Simply make as many Explore Holidays international, Cruise & Rail bookings between 1 July 2009 – 30 June 2010 to be in the running (sales are based on gross figures).
This is your chance to sit back and relax and soak up the sunshine aboard the MS Galileo courtesy of Explore Holidays!
The TOP 20 Elite Explorers will qualify for THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!
