Thursday 14 April 2016 Issue 3287 News................................ p1, p2, p4, p7 Cruising Today................................. p3 Business Travel Today ..................... p5 Qantas .............................................. p6 APT ............................................... p8-9 9 Pages This Issue Incorporating Tabs on Travel TAANZ NTIA Best Broker Brand 2014 & 2015 The grass is GREENER CLICK HERE 7am every weekday Wellington to Auckland “Get higher commisions than any other online booking system” IS THIS NEW ZEALAND’S MOST REWARDING ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM? online.jcholidays.com.au FROM THE CANTERBURY PLAINS TO THE HOLLYWOOD HILLS. Fly New Zealand to Los Angeles with American Airlines, in partnership with Qantas. Direct flights depart from Auckland. Subject to regulatory approval. Taking off in June 2016. Get your customers on board today. Virgin Galactic Yet? Richard Branson has apparently been told by his staff that he’s no longer al- lowed to predict when Virgin Galactic space flights will launch. Branson gave an update on the space programme in an interview with The Observor, and said while he was no longer giving out dates he’d be ‘astounded’ if the first flight still hadn’t happened in two years’ time. Virgin Galactic, which suf- fered a setback when one of its test pi- lots died during a flight in an accident found to be caused by pilot error, is now selling tickets again. Branson also said he’d like space travel to be afford- able in the next 20 years—but in the meantime, prices for the first flights have gone up, and are now around USD300,000. South America Famil Due to a cancellation, Adventure World has a space on its 16-27 May South America famil. The 11-night trip visits Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Sa- cred Valley and more. It costs $2430 including flights ex AKL with LAN, internal flights, t/s four-star accom- modation, sightseeing, many meals and more. Details CLICK HERE IATA boss Tony Tyler is confident terror attacks won’t dampen glob- al demand for travel. “On 22 Mar we had a grim reminder that transportation, including avia- tion, remains a target for terrorism,” says the IATA director general. “The attacks in Brussels were an attack on humanity—a terrible tragedy— that was met with resilience.” The city’s subway is back in operation, and the airport is working hard to return to normal operations. “Avia- tion is a force for good. And we are once again proving that terrorists will never succeed in destroying the fundamental urge of people to travel, explore and learn about the world,” said Tyler. The optimistic comments come as the latest IATA figures show that passenger travel continued to climb in Feb—with passenger connectiv- ity for 2016 off to its strongest start in eight years. . . . Strong Feb Growth Total revenue passenger kilometres were up 8.6%, compared to Feb ’15; capacity was up 9.6%; and the overall load factor slipped 0.7 percentage points to 77.8%. While acknowledging a strong start to the year, Tyler said Feb was also the first month since the middle of 2015 in which capacity growth exceeded de- mand—causing the global load fac- tor to decline. “It is unclear whether this signals the start of a generalised downward trend in load factor, but it bears watching,” added Tyler. On the international front, Feb pas- senger demand rose 9.1% on Feb ’15 and airlines in all regions record- ed growth. Total capacity climbed 9.9%, which in turn caused loads to slip 0.6 percentage points to 76.6%. . . . Asia Pacific Looking as Asia Pacific carriers, Feb international traffic rose 11.2% year-on-year; capacity increased 10.3% and loads climbed 0.7 per- centage points to 78.3%. IATA says comparisons with 2015 are distort- ed by the timing of the Lunar New Year celebrations (in Feb this year). “Slower economic growth in many of the region’s economies has been at least partly offset by the 7.3% increase in the number of direct air- port connections within the region, which has helped to stimulate pas- senger demand,” adds IATA. Terrorists Won’t Destroy Travel
I n c o r p o r a t i n g Ta b s o n Tr a v e l TAANZ NTIA Best BrokerBrand 2014 & 2015
The grass isGREENER
CLICK HERE
7am every weekday Wellington to Auckland
“Get higher commisions than any other online booking system”
IS THIS NEW ZEALAND’S MOST REWARDING ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM?
online.jcholidays.com.au
FROM THE CANTERBURY PLAINS TO THE HOLLYWOOD HILLS.
Fly New Zealand to Los Angeles with American Airlines, in partnership with Qantas.Direct flights depart from Auckland. Subject to regulatory approval.
Taking off in June 2016. Get your customers on board today.
Virgin Galactic Yet?Richard Branson has apparently been told by his staff that he’s no longer al-lowed to predict when Virgin Galactic space flights will launch. Branson gave an update on the space programme in an interview with The Observor, and said while he was no longer giving out dates he’d be ‘astounded’ if the first flight still hadn’t happened in two years’ time. Virgin Galactic, which suf-fered a setback when one of its test pi-lots died during a flight in an accident found to be caused by pilot error, is now selling tickets again. Branson also said he’d like space travel to be afford-able in the next 20 years—but in the meantime, prices for the first flights have gone up, and are now around USD300,000.
South America FamilDue to a cancellation, Adventure World has a space on its 16-27 May South America famil. The 11-night trip visits Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Sa-cred Valley and more. It costs $2430 including flights ex AKL with LAN, internal flights, t/s four-star accom-modation, sightseeing, many meals and more. Details CLICK HERE
IATA boss Tony Tyler is confident terror attacks won’t dampen glob-al demand for travel. “On 22 Mar we had a grim reminder that transportation, including avia-tion, remains a target for terrorism,” says the IATA director general. “The attacks in Brussels were an attack on humanity—a terrible tragedy—that was met with resilience.” The city’s subway is back in operation, and the airport is working hard to return to normal operations. “Avia-tion is a force for good. And we are once again proving that terrorists will never succeed in destroying the fundamental urge of people to travel, explore and learn about the world,” said Tyler.The optimistic comments come as the latest IATA figures show that passenger travel continued to climb in Feb—with passenger connectiv-ity for 2016 off to its strongest start in eight years.
. . . Strong Feb Growth Total revenue passenger kilometres were up 8.6%, compared to Feb ’15; capacity was up 9.6%; and the overall load factor slipped 0.7 percentage points to 77.8%. While
acknowledging a strong start to the year, Tyler said Feb was also the first month since the middle of 2015 in which capacity growth exceeded de-mand—causing the global load fac-tor to decline. “It is unclear whether this signals the start of a generalised downward trend in load factor, but it bears watching,” added Tyler. On the international front, Feb pas-senger demand rose 9.1% on Feb ’15 and airlines in all regions record-ed growth. Total capacity climbed 9.9%, which in turn caused loads to slip 0.6 percentage points to 76.6%.
. . . Asia Pacific Looking as Asia Pacific carriers, Feb international traffic rose 11.2% year-on-year; capacity increased 10.3% and loads climbed 0.7 per-centage points to 78.3%. IATA says comparisons with 2015 are distort-ed by the timing of the Lunar New Year celebrations (in Feb this year). “Slower economic growth in many of the region’s economies has been at least partly offset by the 7.3% increase in the number of direct air-port connections within the region, which has helped to stimulate pas-senger demand,” adds IATA.
Updated island map & island guideYou will be surprised what you will find.We’ve recently updated our Island Map and Island Guide containing lots of local info and things to see and do while visiting Niue. Visitors to the island will start receiving these on arrival over the next couple of weeks.A great reference for your Niue bound clients and a valuable in office resource.
Upcoming Events in NiueThere are plenty of exciting and unique events coming up throughout the year with something for everyone
Download Niue Island Guide
CLICK HERE
Download Niue Island Map
CLICK HERE
Singapore Airlines is promoting its new ‘Capital Express’ route by giv-ing agents the chance to win flights to Canberra or Singapore.The B777-200 flights ex Wellington to Singapore via Canberra will launch from 21 Sep, connecting Australia and New Zealand’s capital cities by direct flights for the first time in history. They’ll operate four times a week and as well as connecting the two capitals, will offer Kiwis (particularly Welling-tonians) better access to SQ’s global network.SQ has today launched new Welling-ton to the World fares, and in conjunc-tion with the new fares (on sale to 13 May) agents can win the chance to ex-perience the new route for themselves.There will be weekly prize draws of a pair of economy tickets each to Canberra and Singapore, with a total
of four prize draws over the coming weeks. To be in to win, agents need to sell an SQ 618 ticket to any destina-tion included in the Wellington to the World campaign on the new WLG-CBR route. See Krisport for details.
. . . The FaresThe new fares ex Wellington to Can-berra are from $329; Singapore is from $800; and London is from $1815. The fares are available for sales to 16 May and travel dates 23 Sep-20 Nov, and 31Jan-31 Mar. The fares can also be booked from domestic points using domestic add-ons.
HX Seasonal HKG-NRTHong Kong Airlines is launching seasonal Hong Kong-Tokyo Narita flights from 01 Jul, says World Avia-tion. NRT-HKG fares start from $557, and will be loaded into the GDS from Fri.
Aussie Fare SaleQantas has re leased one-way Aussie fares from $199 economy, $599 in business or from $899 in first class. The fares are for sale to midnight 14 Apr. See qantas.co.nz/agents for travel dates and conditions.
EK Wants More A380sEmirates has ordered two more A380s, taking its total order of the aircraft to 142. EK already operates the world’s largest fleet of A380s, with 75 in service and a further 65 on firm order. The additional two are to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2017.“From now until the end of 2017, Emirates will retire 30 older aircraft from our fleet,” says EK boss Tim Clark. “At the same time, to meet our growth expectations, we will receive delivery of 24 new Boeing 777, and 33 new A380 aircraft including these two additional A380 aircraft just ordered. This is in line with our strat-egy to operate a modern and efficient fleet and offer the best possible expe-rience for our customers.”Clark says customer demand for the A380 product continues to grow as more customers get the chance to experience the aircraft on the grow-ing network. “We’ve always been open about how the A380 has been a big success for Emirates. It’s a boon for our opera-tions to slot constrained airports and we get a lot of positive feedback from our customers.”
Win A Trip To CBR Or SIN With SQ
Fortis’ Sports DivisionFortis Travel has launched a new sports and events business, which will offer travel packages for FIT and corporate travellers to ‘all ma-jor sporting events worldwide’. Global Sports & Events will for-mally launch a range of packag-es for upcoming sports later this year, but says in the meantime any interested agents can contact product director Jim Doherty on [email protected]
Win A Luxury LAX TripQantas reminds agents they only have until midnight tomorrow to be in to win a place on a five-star famil to Los Angeles. Agents need to sell return QF or AA flights between 19 Feb and 15 Apr to be in to win one of 10 places on the trip. For details, see qantas.co.nz/agentsQF has also named the four agents who won 20,000 frequent flyer points in the incentive. They are Kirsty Howlett, NZ Travel Brokers; Gary Smith, House of Travel Addington; Claire Jones, helloworld Milford; and Logan Carr, Flight Centre Albany.
Fiji industry rateIntercontinental Fiji Resort & Spa has a special industry rate of FJD315 p/n in a Garden View Room. Included is adults only breakfast at Navo Res-taurant or full buffet breakfast at Sanasana Restaurant for two adults; and resort activities such as golf clin-ics, scuba lessons, cultural activities, a school tour, village visit and nightly live entertainment. Two kids under 12 can stay for free in existing bed-ding and breakfast free in Sanasana Restaurant when with a dining adult. Up to two rooms can be booked at the industry rate. Subject to avail-ability, only for qualifying industry partners and ID is required at check-in. Details, [email protected]
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]
* Destinations * Hotels* Resorts* Activities* Tours * Transport
* Sightseeing * Restaurants* Shopping * Events * and much
more
CLICK HERE and be informed to
earn more commission!
OLifeCHOICE®
Unlimited Internet, Onboard Gratuities, plus choose from one of the following: - Five Shore Excursions - House Beverage Package - us$500 Onboard Credit
ISLAND EDENS24-Nights Honolulu to Auckland
28 January 2017 onboard InsigniaOcean View Stateroom from NZ$9,960pp
Cunard has released new special event cruises as part of its 2017 Europe programme, offering cli-ents the opportunity to time their trip around operatic arias, Christ-mas markets and the largest an-nual sailing event in the world.The 2017 programme features 161 sailings on Queen Mary 2 (pictured), Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, ranging from seven-night transat-lantic crossings to 21-night Mediter-ranean cruises.They include QM2’s eight-night transatlantic voyage depart ing Southampton on 14 Sep, which will include a visit to Le Havre to coincide with the city’s 500th anniversary. Guests will enjoy a special welcome and send-off by locals, including fireworks, historical costumes and music.Opera lovers should aim for one of three special Queen Victoria Medi-terranean cruises timed to coincide with the Arena di Verona Opera Fes-tival. Departing 01 and 15 Jul, and 12 Aug, each cruise will feature an over-night stay in Venice enabling guests to travel to Verona for the festival.Europe’s famous Christmas mar-
kets will be the focus of two short cruises on Queen Elizabeth, depart-ing Southampton on 08 Dec (from $569pp), and Queen Victoria (from $939pp), departing Southampton on 12 Dec. Queen Victoria’s five-night cruise to the Christmas markets in Bruges, Amsterdam and Cherbourg will also celebrate the liner’s 10th anniversary.Also on the schedule is a Queen Elizabeth cruise coinciding with Kiel Week, the largest annual sailing event in the world. Fares on the 14-night roundtrip cruise from Southampton, departing 10 Jun, start from $3049pp.
. . . Maiden PortThe 2017 programme also features four maiden ports for the fleet: Sou-da Bay, Greece; Sibenik, Croatia; Brindisi, Italy and Praia da Vitoria in Portugal. They’ll feature in Queen Victoria’s popular Mediterranean itineraries, which depart from Rome, Venice, Athens or Barcelona Jul-Nov. There’s 29 destinations on offer on itineraries ranging from seven to 21 nights, with fares from $1669pp for a seven-night voyage from Venice to Athens, departing 08 Jul.
Cunard’s Special Event Cruises
Antarctica For The KidsHurtigruten has launched a new programme for children trav-elling to Antarctica, encourag-ing them to learn about their environment through field re-search, games, re-enactments and lectures.The Young Explorers Program will be available free on Antarcti-ca Discovery Style voyages aboard the Midnatsol between Nov 2016 and Mar 2017. It’s aimed at ages seven-13, and includes a field note workbook, science lessons, polar history activities such as a re-creation of the Amundsen party reaching the South Pole, and photography tips from pro-fessionals. Discover the World has details.
RCI Megaliner SaleRoyal Caribbean is offering savings and upgrades for book-ings on 2016/17 summer sailings of Explorer, Voyager, Radiance and Legend of the Seas. Bookings made by 30 Apr for the megalin-ers will receive up to 30% off, and new Oceanview bookings of five nights or longer made during the same period will also receive a free upgrade to a Balcony state-room. Fares start from $1389 for a free upgrade to a Balcony State-room on Explorer’s eight-night South Pacific sailing departing 02 Nov.
Salt Therapy At SeaWith the inaugural sailing of the Chichagof Dream in Jun, Alaskan Dream Cruises will debut a Himala-yan salt cave spa therapy treatment, advises Francis Travel Marketing. The salt cave is being installed on the main deck of the new 207-foot, four-deck vessel with 35 staterooms carrying 72 passengers. The salt cave will feature nearly four full walls of Himalayan salt, in addition to the floor being covered, and can hold up to six guests at a time. The Chicha-gof Dream will sail the seven-night Alaska’s Glacier Bay & Island Ad-venture itinerary travelling between Sitka and Juneau, from Jun through Sep. For further details e-mail [email protected]
WIN A COPYTravel Today has five copies of Do Big Small Things, the new travel journal by G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip, to give away.
E-mail your entries by 1700 on 15 Apr, to [email protected] ‘Do Big Small Things’ in the subject line
Incorporating Tabs On Travel
Entries Extended to 15 Apr
Our brand new store has just opened and we are looking for a fun, outgoing sales superstar.
Knowledge of Galileo is preferred but not essential.
If you think this sounds like you, please send your CV and Cover Letter to [email protected]
HELLOWORLD 5 MILE QUEENSTOWN IS LOOKING FOR A SALES CONSULTANT!!
Bigger Nat. GeographicsAdventure World has released the first 2016 edition of its National Geo-graphic Traveller Magazine in a new larger format, and says it’s a great value-add for agents.The new magazine, which has dou-bled in size, now includes a dedicated 50-page ‘Adventure World Concierge’ section which acts as a product refer-ence point to each of the destination features.It has a travel agent call to action throughout and Adventure World is urging agents to use it as a tool in inspiring and engaging with clients.“National Geographic Traveller gives us a platform to truly showcase our world of incredible destinations, stunning photography and most importantly it starts a conversation for our agents with their clientele to plan their next dream holiday,” says Adventure World’s Dave Nicholson.Destinations featured in the latest magazine, which is distributed via Adventure World’s preferred agency network, include Darjeeling, Dur-ban, Cuba by Bike, Ecuador, Burma, Botswana, Manitoba, Canada, Costa Rica and Vietnam.
Malolo Cat ChangeEffective 15 Apr, Plantation, Lomani and Musket Cove resorts in Fiji will no longer handle reservations for the Malolo Cat boat transfer, Coconuts Travel Marketing has advised.Instead, Malolo operator Leeward Island Services will take over respon-sibility for its own services.If agents are booking through whole-salers there’s no change, however if they’re booking through other chan-nels they’ll need to arrange the Ma-lolo Cat transfers themselves, directly with Leeward.There’s also a complimentary shuttle which offers pick-ups from Nadi and Denarau hotels but it only operates at certain times, notes Coconuts. There’s been no change in pricing, it adds.For all enquiries and bookings e-mail [email protected]
Six Of Seven Wonders On Oregon Road RallyOregon’s natural beauty and culinary offerings were among the highlights for two Kiwi wholesalers who have been racing around the state as part of the Oregon Road Rally. Travel Oregon hosted 22 representatives from eight countries on the inaugural rally, which saw teams explore Oregon on a seven-day trek covering each region of the state, hunting out new Oregon itineraries and trip ideas on the way. Flying the flag for New Zealand was Louise Sutton of Flight Centre Product and Gabrielle Brown, House of Travel Product (pictured), as well as local Oregon rep Corey Marshall of Canuckiwi. “Oregon is a fantastic destination offering stunning scenery, outdoor activities, friendly locals and great beer and wine,” says Sutton. The trip included Portland’s food carts, dune buggies on the Oregon Coast, Crater Lake National Park, hiking at Smith Rock and Columbia River Gorge waterfalls, exploring wine country and drinking hot chocolate at Timberline Lodge. “Oregon totally exceeded my expectations. We were lucky to see six of Oregon’s Seven Wonders—and all six were amazing, the scenery in between these wonders was also very beautiful,” says Brown.
Wi-Fi is better in Europe but you’re more likely to get it for free in the US, according to World Wi-Fi Test, which rates hotel Wi-Fi around the world on its quality and price.For most travellers, having super-fast and consistently stable WiFi is a great bonus, but their first prior-ity is ensuring that basic quality expectations for Internet access are met, according to World Wi-Fi Test. It judges a hotel as having adequate Wi-Fi with an expected download speed of at least 3 Mbps and an upload speed of 500 kbps; while free Wi-Fi is only counted if it’s offered in rooms as well as public areas.The report looked at hotels in the US, Asia, and Europe, and found that in Europe it’s 33% more likely that a hotel has adequate Wi-Fi than in the US; but in the US, it’s 14% more likely that a hotel will offer free in-room Wi-Fi.The US is only in the 21st percentile for Wi-Fi quality; 79% of countries have better hotel Wi-Fi. South Korea is the leader in hotel WiFi quality (92%) by a healthy margin in 7.1 percentage points to the second best country (Japan). Asia is at the top when it comes to hotel Wi-Fi quality (49.5%), but at the bottom for the percentage of hotels offering free in-room Wi-Fi (61.2%).In the US the 20 most-tested cities were sorted by Wi-Fi quality, and Portland was top with a 10 percent-age point lead over the second-place city (Seattle) in terms of quality. It also had one the highest percentages of hotels offering free in-room Wi-Fi
(86.7%). The chances of getting a hotel with adequate Wi-Fi are al-most three times higher in Portland than in Atlanta.World-wide, Sweden, although only seventh in country ranking, earned first place with its capital, Stock-holm in terms of Wi-Fi quality. The city was also one of the leaders in terms of the percentage of ho-tels providing free in-room Wi-Fi (89.5%).Albufeira, Portugal, is by far the worst city for high-quality hotel WiFi (8.8%), almost 14 percentage points lower than the next-worst city (Atlanta, United States).For the full report CLICK HERE
Looking to add value for your Corporate or Business Clients?
Contact the Qantas Corporate
Sales team to find out more.
Travel Today, Thursday 14 April 2016 Page 5
Fly smarter for businessOver 400 domestic flights a week
Jetstar says its regional operation is going from strength to strength as the carrier reports an OTP of more than 80% for the past two weeks.Qantas Group boss Alan Joyce was talking up the progresses of JQ’s regional services during his visit to New Zealand earlier this week, saying its regional routes were ‘exceeding expectations’.“We’re really pleased with the sup-port from both business and leisure travellers on Jetstar’s regional routes,” Joyce told Travel Today. “We know many businesses tend to book at short notice and they’re attracted to the low last minute fares that JQ is offering.”The carrier’s full regional schedule commenced 01 Mar, and it says that an improved and consistent schedule has resulted in an increase in de-mand from business travellers.Aircraft are positioned in the regions overnight to enable regional business
travellers to get into Auckland early, and the carrier reminds agents that its bundle fares (which offer flex-ibility for name and date changes) are particularly suited to business travellers.JQ says it plans to further increase its appeal for Kiwi domestic business travellers through initiatives such as its regional lounge at Auckland Airport, which Joyce visited earlier this week.
ICC Healthy Dining
Joyce: Regions Exceed Expectations
New Holiday Inn Express Opens In SydneyComfy beds and pillows, multiple USB and power points, smart TVs, ‘streamlined’ work places, bathrooms with walk-in shower and free and fast in-room WiFi are the selling points of the newly-opened Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park, the first of the brand to open in Australia. Other amenities include the Great Room public space, fitness room, laundry and meeting room. There is also an adjoining café, Glass House Dining. The property is the first of an expected portfolio of 15 such hotels across Aus-tralia starting with Brisbane Spring Hill which is expected to be open later this year, Adelaide Hindley Street in 2017 and Melbourne Southbank in 2018.
Delegates will be offered food to ‘feed their performance’ in a new culinary offering at the International Conven-tion Centre Sydney, set to open this Dec. Dishes designed to ‘fuel both body and mind’ will be offered across events and key outlets at the ICC, with menus based on fresh, seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients. Executive chef Tony Panetta has worked with nutritionists to discover what meals will get the best out of delegates, and the innovative ap-proach is expected to be a core driver for success at the centre, says chief executive Geoff Donaghy.Menus will cater for all dietary re-quirements, including allergens, re-ligious and lifestyle choices. They include options like the coconut and chia seed tapioca breakfast bowl (pictured). See iccsydney.com
ASEAN Venue StandardsNine ASEAN member countries have agreed to abide by Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS) as the model for improving MICE venue standard in the region, says Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau. It’s moving to implement the second phase for standardising MICE venue standard, as part of its five-year plan.
CINZ Website AwardConventions and Incentives New Zealand’s (CINZ) website has won the 2015 IMA Outstanding Achieve-ment Award in the Travel and Tour-ism category, says CINZ. It’s proved to be a winning tool since its launch late last year, and offers a ‘silo’ of information and answers, says CINZ. See conventionsnz.co.nz
Experience LA the 5-star waySimply book and ticket any return Qantas or American Airlines flights to the USA between 19 February and 15 April 2016, for your chance to win one of ten 5-star experiences on our Luxury Famil to Los Angeles.
Prize includes:
– Business cabin flights from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to Los Angeles via Sydney on the Qantas A380* aircraft
– 3 nights’ accommodation in Los Angeles
– A luxurious itinerary in Los Angeles full of 5-star treatment
– Business cabin flights from Los Angeles to Auckland direct on the brand new American Airlines B787 aircraft
To enter, email a copy of your Qantas PNR to [email protected] with ‘QF and AA 5-star Famil’ in the subject line by 11.59pm Friday 15 April 2016.
Every entry will go into the weekly prize draw for 20,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer Points!
For full details, including terms and conditions, visit the Qantas Industry Sales website, qantas.co.nz/agents.
*Travel between New Zealand and Australia will be on a B737-800 aircraft.
Adventure World Latin ExtravaganzaAuckland: Thu 12, Air New Zealand CICC, 1730-2030.
There’s plenty of developments underway in Samoa as it looks to boost its tourism infrastruc-ture, including new hotels and the redevelopment of Apia’s water-front—and a delegation of Kiwi wholesalers is there this week to see what’s happening first-hand.The Samoa Tourism Authority has designated 2016 as Visit Samoa Year,
in celebration of the country becom-ing a ‘five-star destination’ with the opening of Sheraton Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows, and the Tau-measina Island Resort. Preparations underway this year will also pave the way for the inaugural Samoa Tour-ism Excellence Awards.“Tourism is the mainstay of our economy and we have selected to continue pioneering sustainable tourism, as we have stated in our tourism sector plan and vision that by 2019 Samoa will have a growing tourism sector,” says Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.Last year, Samoa enjoyed record ar-rivals with an overall growth rate of 5.4%, thanks largely to the All Blacks game in Jul and Commonwealth Youth Games in Sep. Holiday visitors contributed most to the increase, now representing 37% of all visitors. New Zealand is the largest market and contributed 44% of visitor ar-rivals in 2015 to a total of 61,645—
Samoa Under The Spotlight
Ethical SamoaSamoa has once again been named one of the world’s most ethical des-tinations by Ethical Traveler, which surveys the world’s developing nations and assesses their performance in areas of Social Welfare, Human Rights and Environmental Protection. Each year, Ethical Traveler releases its top 10 destinations, and Samoa has made the list for the third time this year. To make the cut, a destination must also offer ‘unspoiled natural beauty, great outdoor activities and the opportu-nity to interact with local people and cultures in a meaningful, mutually en-riching way’, says the Samoa Tourism Authority. Samoa received a perfect score in Social Welfare and Human Rights, and scored highly in Environ-mental Protection, with the country launching new solar plants in 2015 as it looks to provide 100% sustainable energy by 2017.
growth of 12% on 2014.This week, STA is hosting the Samoa Tourism Exchange, which sees travel industry guests from around the world (including New Zealand) meet with exhibitors from across the in-dustry. It kicked off with an opening ceremony on 12 Apr and will close this evening at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort.1 Miss Samoa, Felina Wright (VA) and GO’s Gareth Waddington.2 The Kiwi group at opening night plus Sonny Rivers (STA NZ), Dwayne Bentley (STA Samoa), Papali’ i Matatamali’i Sonja Hunter (STA CEO), Lou Brightwell (Saletoga Sands Resort owner) & Lusi Puni (Saletoga Sands Manager) and Nina Momoisea (Saletoga Sands Marketing rep)3 Minister of Tourism - Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell opening STE.4 Our Pacific’s Shelley Gutry; Sharma Smith, House of Travel Product & Wendy Graham from Lifestyle Holi-days.
1 2
3
4
Starwood: Kiwi Demand Strong Starwood is reporting strong growth from the Australasian market for its Sheraton Aggie Grey’s Resort as the group gets set to open the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows next month. Starwood says its Samoa resort (pictured above) has been very successful since its opening as a Sheraton and has welcomed leisure travellers and in-centive groups alike from the key Australia and New Zealand markets. “We have successfully organised a few New Zealand incentive programs in 2015 and we are looking forward to the same level of interest with the Sheraton in Apia considering its meeting and banqueting facilities,” says Starwood.
Aggies Hotel OpeningStarwood Hotel and Resorts is on track to open its new Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows next month. The 175-room, suite and bungalow prop-erty will sport five meeting rooms including two board rooms and a ballroom which can cater for up to 280 banquet-style.
HIGH LIGHTS OF THE RED
CENTRE 7-day Small Group 4WD Adventure
September to October 2016
UNFORGETTABLE
BEST DOMESTICTOUR OPERATOR
2012
BEST DOMESTICTOUR OPERATOR
2013
BEST DOMESTICTOUR OPERATOR
2014
BEST DOMESTICTOUR OPERATOR
2015
EXPERIENCE BRUCE MUNRO’S ‘FIELD OF LIGHT’ ART INSTALLATIONAs hard as it may be to imagine what could make Uluru more magical, renowned British installation artist Bruce Munro has done so by planting more than 50,000 solar powered stems with glowing frosted glass spheres around the red rock. What better way to experience the grandeur of this natural wonder than to see it spectacularly lit up by the warm glow of thousands of these lights? It’s the main feature of what promises to be an incredible journey through the Red Centre, beginning in Alice Springs.
Along the way, you will also have the chance to take part in highlights including watching the sun set over Uluru and then a Sounds of Silence dinner that will see you dine under the stars; a base walk around Uluru; a chance to witness the iconic landmark bathed in the glow of a fiery sunrise; a journey to Kings Canyon; and Alice Springs town tour.
SEE THE BEST OF CENTRAL AUSTRALIA INCLUDING ‘FIELD OF LIGHT’ EXPERIENCE
Visit www.kimberleywilderness.co.nz/RedCentre Call 0800 278 687 or see your local travel agent
Day 1. Alice Springs. Be met on arrival in Alice Springs by your Driver-Guide to begin your memorable High Lights of the Red Centre tour. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over your Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Stay: Alice Springs, Chifley Alice Springs Resort. D
Day 2. Alice Springs, West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon. Travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Simpsons Gap, the site of one of the most prominent waterholes in the region. After lunch, stop to greet the towering sandstone wall at former cattle station Glen Helen Gorge. Then continue to King Creek Station, via the famous Mereenie Loop Road, where Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge is situated. Two Night Stay: Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge. BLD
Day 3. Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park. Today, enjoy a choice between two popular canyon hikes at one of Australia’s finest natural treasures. Whilst the 6-kilometre Kings Canyon Rim Walk begins with a challenging climb, the breathtaking views of Watarrka National Park before descending into the green oasis of the ‘Garden of Eden’ are worth every step. For the less adventurous, the easier 2.6-kilometre Kings Creek Walk meanders up the centre of the canyon to an impressive cliff face lookout point. BLD
Day 4. Kings Canyon, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This morning, you travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a series of domes weathered down to an intricate maze of valleys and hollows. Enjoy panoramic views of the domes and walk into Walpa Gorge, watching for the region’s unique flora. Tonight, be treated to an evening of magic as you dine under the sparkling outback sky at the Sounds Of Silence dinner. Beginning with canapés and sparkling wine, served on a viewing platform overlooking
the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, watch as the sun sets and darkness falls before joining your table for an unforgettable dining experience. Matched with the finest quality of Australia wine and beer, help yourself to a bush tucker inspired buffet as you settle back and listen to the sounds of a didgeridoo. Two Night Stay: Ayers Rock Resort, Sails in The Desert. BLD
Day 5. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Rise early to watch the colours of dawn light up Uluru. Head out on a guided walk along the base of the rock, stopping to hear tales from the mala (rufous hare-wallaby) people and learn about traditional Anangu culture, before reaching the Mutitjulu waterhole.
This evening, participate in an Australian first and the biggest Field of Light installation to date. A now global phenomenon, Field of Light installations first materialised at London’s Victoria and Albert Museums in 2004. Installed by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro and his team, more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with frosted-glass spheres will bloom as darkness falls over Australia’s spiritual heartland. A dream first imagined 24 years ago, Munro saw a landscape of illuminated stems like the dormant seed in a dry desert, quietly wait until darkness, under a blazing blanket of southern stars, to bloom with gentle rhythms of light. Delve into Munro’s grand-scale experimental installation, accompanied by canapés and sparkling wine upon an elevated viewing platform. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at your hotel. BLD
Day 6. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Alice Springs. After breakfast, drive past the distinctive flat-topped sandstone capped monolith of Mount Conner (Attila) as you follow the Lasseter Highway and Stuart Highway back to Alice Springs. Upon arrival into Alice Springs, take a tour of the Royal Flying Doctor Service
Base to truly appreciate the aeromedical health service provided for those who live, work and travel in outback and regional Australia. Tonight, enjoy the opportunity to say goodbye to your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner. Stay: Alice Springs, Chifley Alice Springs Resort. BLD
Day 7. Depart Alice Springs. After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure in Alice Springs before transferring to the airport for your onward flight. B
High Lights of the Red Centre7 Day Small Group 4WD Adventure
*Conditions apply. Prices are per person, twin share (pp). Correct as at 6 April 2016 but may fluctuate if surcharge, fees, taxes or currency change. Book by 31 May 2016 to receive advertised savings, unless sold out prior. Offers are not combinable with other offers and are available on new bookings only. A limited number of offers are available and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer is subject to availability and valid until sold out. Deposit cancellation Peace of Mind is an additional cost of $75 pp. A deposit of 10% is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure. Tour notes: Tour includes mainly easy walks and some more moderate. Weather events may cause disruptions to itinerary, especially in remote locations. APT highly recommends travel insurance. For full terms and conditions, please see our 2016 Outback Wilderness Adventures brochure. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 44 004 684 619. APT4194_NZ
NORTHERNTERRITORY
ALICE SPRINGS
Uluru
Kata Tjuta (Olgas)SAILS IN THE DESERT
Erldunda
Stua
rt H
wyKings Canyon
Attila (Mt Conner)Uluru-Kata Tjuta NP
Watarrka NP
West MacDonnell NPGosse Bluff
Mereenie Loop
Glen HelenOrmiston Gorge
2
2
2
KINGS CANYONWILDERNESS LODGE 2
2
2
Explore Kings Canyon with a Rim Walk taking in breathtaking views
20MAX.
GUESTS
G
UARANTEED
SM
ALL GROU
PS
INCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS
YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES
9 Sightseeing, park and excursion fees 9 Transfers to and from the airport 9 Small groups – maximum 20 travellers 9 Services of a dedicated Driver-Guide 9 Travel in a custom-designed 4WD
