I n c o r p o r a t i n g Ta b s o n Tr a v e l

Friday 03 May 2013 Issue 2597

5 Pages This IssueNews..............................................p1-4Cathay Pacific .................................. p5

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rWc ’15 Dates SetGet in touch with your rugby-mad clients, England Rugby 2015 has re-leased the match schedule and ven-ues for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. From London to Cardiff and Leeds, the UK will take the RWC 2015 to ten cities, with the first match be-tween England and ‘Oceania 1’ kick-ing off 18 Sep at Twickenham. The All Blacks’ first game with be against Argentina on 20 Sep at Lon-don’s Wembley Stadium, then ‘Africa 1’ 24 Sep at Olympic Stadium, ‘Eu-rope 1’ on 02 Oct in Cardiff (which could be against France, accord-ing to a Kiwi sports writer) and Tonga 09 Oct in Newcastle. Tick-ets will go on sale next year. See rugbyworldcup.com

Arabian Travel MartArabian Travel Mart kicks off next Mon at the Dubai International Con-vention and Exhibition Centre, and Travel Today will be on the ground to report on what’s new in product and travel trends in the region. See next week’s issues for all the latest on what’s happening tourism-wise in the UAE.

UFo over Glasgow?Investigators are flummoxed in the UK after the pilot of an A320 air-craft reported a near collision with an unidentified flying object over Glasgow. The pilots described a ‘blue and yellow object’ that flew under the plane—saying it was within 10 seconds of collision, but did not ap-pear on radar. The Board couldn’t decide what it was either, ruling out a weather balloon and a glider or microlite because of unfavourable weather conditions in the area.

T h i r t y ye a r s a f t e r Cathay Pacific operated its first flight from Hong Kong to Auckland, the carrier says the future is bright for its New Zealand operations.CX’s B747-200 featuring the old ‘lettuce leaf ’ green and white striped logo touched down in Auckland on 04 May, 1983 on its in-augural flight to the city.The carrier celebrated the milestone with a function at Auckland Airport today, with the pilot of that first flight, captain Ian Steven, as a special guest.There has been a raft of changes in the airline industry and some big developments within the airline itself since 1983—and country manager New Zealand and the Pacific Islands Ken Chiu says the airline intends to stick with New Zealand for whatever the next three decades bring.“The future certainly looks extremely positive for the continued growth of the New Zealand route over the next 30 years,” he says.Cathay Pacific’s south-west Pacific general manager, Sydney-based Dominic Perret, said this morning that the carrier was ‘bullish’ about mid- and long-term future markets in the Asia Pacific region, adding that 13 new destinations had been added in the region over the past 12 months.

CX Celebrates 30th Anniversary

. . . 1983 To NowFrom smoking in-flight to wall-mounted IFE screens at the front of the cabin, CX outlined some of the changes passengers have experi-enced over the years.This also includes the introduc-tion of both business and premium economy classes, which were non-existent for CX in 1983. Premium economy will be introduced on flights to AKL on 13 Oct and is ex-pected to be very popular with Kiwi travellers.Chiu also pointed out that Kiwis could buy a ticket to London for $2500 in 1983 (around $8000 in today’s ‘money’, after factoring in inflation).“Travellers can still travel to London for $2500 [today] and often for much less in the low season, which is much cheaper than 1983 when you factor in the rise in the cost of living over 30 years,” he says.

Pictured at this morning’s function, from left, are first officer Zeke Garrod, captain Ian Steven, David Figgins ex CX New Zealand manager, and captain David Houghton, who captained today’s celebra-tory flight into Auckland. The pilots, both past and present, are all Auckland-based.

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No lippy For Tk crewTurkish Airlines has reportedly banned its cabin crew from wear-ing bright lipstick as part of moves toward a more conservative look. Critics are slamming the new uni-form code as part of government attempts to ‘Islamise’ the country.

Fri 03 May 13 P2

News & Product

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Mco Automates I-94Orlando International Airport has become the first airport in the US to automate the I-94 arrival/departure form passengers are usually provided with on arrival. Rather than travel-lers filling out a paper copy of the form, Customs will gather arrival and departure info from electronic travel records.

T h e AC C C i s w a r n i n g t h a t Australia’s airports are facing ‘excessive congestion’ in the future if investments are not made, as it releases its annual Airport Moni-toring Report for 2011-12—sin-gling out Sydney Airport for its comparative lack of investment.The competition body reports each year on the performance of Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Syd-ney airports.“The 2011-12 report shows that monitored airports continued to be profitable but the overall quality of service was lower at all airports com-pared with the previous year,” says ACCC chairman Rod Sims. Strong fly-in-fly-out traffic, in-creased international passengers and higher average prices for some airport services saw all monitored airports except ADL post higher aeronautical revenue in the peri-od under review, says the report.

ACCC: Aus Airports Service Slackens

However, for the first time since 2007-08 no airport achieved an over-all rating of at least ‘good’.Sims says continued passenger traffic growth is putting pressure on airport services, leading to lower service standards. “Overall, Sydney Airport is perhaps of greatest concern given the pattern of price and earnings in-crease, lower services standards and low investment levels compared with other airports,” he says.

W Singapore ID ratesW Singapore – Sentosa Cove is celebrating its opening with indus-try rates for Kiwi agents. Rates are from SGD280 per night including breakfast and free Wi-Fi for book-ings to 31 Dec, says local Starwood rep Carl Amos. The property offers marina views, a ‘fantastic’ pool and a relaxing stay in the city. For res-ervations e-mail: res.wsingapore@ staystarwoodhotels.com

30 years of flying AKL-HKGSee page 5

Gay’s New STA roleSTA’s New Zealand general manager Andrew Gay is to head up a n e w d iv i s i on created to grow STA’s Asia busi-ness. Gay has been appointed managing direc-tor of the division, which will include New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore and Japan. He will be based in AKL.

New Akl Airport chairAuckland Airport chair Joan Withers will be replaced by Sir Henry van der Heyden when she steps down follow-ing the annual meeting in Oct, the airport company announced today.Van der Heyden has been a direc-tor with AKL since Sep 2009 and is currently chairman of Tainui Group Holdings, as well as a director of Pas-caro Investments, Manuka SA, Ra-bobank New Zealand and Rabobank Australia. He was also chairman of the Fonterra board for 10 years after leading the New Zealand Dairy Group through the process which ultimately saw Fonterra formed in 2001.

Stansted Self-boardingLondon Standsted Airport has launched its new self-service ‘smart access’ scanners for clients depart-ing on any flight from the airport. The GBP1.2 million system works in a similar way to the London Under-ground’s Oyster Card, and it verifies that the passenger is travelling on the right flight and date.

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News & Product

MAYAvalon Waterways 2014 Brochure LaunchWhangarei: Tue 07, Dickens Inn, 7.15am 7.30am, breakfast and presentation. Auckland (Central): Thu 09, Maison Vauron, McColl St, Newmarket, 7.15 for 7.30am, breakfast and presentation. Blenheim: Tue 14, Watery Mouth Café, 7.30 for 7.45am, breakfast and presentation. Nelson: Wed 15, Trailways Hotel, 7.30 for 7.45am, breakfast and presentation. Queenstown: Tue 18, Rydges Lakeland Resort, 7.30 for 7.45, breakfast and presentation.

Royal Caribbean Product UpdatesWhangarei: Mon 06, Dickins Inn, 71 Cameron St, Vinetown, 1800.Kerikeri: Tue 07, Neon Café, 94 Kerikeri Rd, 0700. Hamilton: Wed 08, Easy Tiger, 186 Victoria St, 1800. Rotorua: Thu 09, Relish Café, 1149 Tutanekai St, 0700. Tauranga: Thu 09, Astrolabe, 82 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui, 1800. Palmerston North: Mon 13, Travelodge Bar One7Five, 175 Cuba St. 1800. Wellington: Tue 14, Dockside, Shed 3 Queens Wharf, 1800. Nelson: Wed 15, Trailways, The Tides, 66 Trafalgar Street. 1800. Napier: Thu 16, Boardwalk Beach Restaurant & Bar, 8 Hardinge Rd, 1800. Christchurch: Mon 20, Ibis Bar, 107 Hereford St, Christchurch Central, 1800. Dunedin: Tue 21, Port of Call - Sothern Cross Hotel, Cnr Princes & High Streets, 1800. Queenstown: Wed 22, Crown Plaza Hotel, The Bed Bar, Beach St, Queenstown, 1800.

Adventure World South America Fiesta Auckland: Wed 15, Hopetoun

Alpha. Tauranga: Thu 16, Classic Flyers NZ.

Amazing Thailand Roadshow 2013 Auckland: Sky City Grand Hotel, Wed 15, 1715-2030.

South Australia RoadshowAuckland North: Sat 18, North Harbour Stadium, Albany, 0900-1100. Auckland North: Sat 18, Spencer on Byron Hotel, Takapuna, 1500-1700. Auckland: Sun 19, Orakei Bay, Orakei, 0900-1100. Auckland East: Sun 19, Howick Golf Club, Bucklands Beach, 1400-1600. Hamilton: Mon 20, Novotel Tainui, 1630-1900. New Plymouth: Tue 21, The Devon Hotel, 1630-1900. Wanganui: Wed 22, Kingsgate Hotel, 1200-1300. Palmerston North: Wed 22, Kingsgate Hotel, 1630-1900. Masterton: Thu 23, Copthorne Hotel and Resort, 1630-1900. Hastings: Sat 25 May No. 5 Café and Larder, Mangateretere, 0900-1100. Napier: Sat 25 May Napier Sailing Club, 1300-1500.

Southern Great Barrier Reef roadshowAuckland: Tue 21, Rydges, 1700.Christchurch: Wed 22, Peppers Clearwater Resort, 1700.

Explore Central North Island Trade ShowAuckland: Wed 29, Eden Park, ASB Stand, 1000-1700.

AUGUSTAustralian Tri-state Workshop 20-21, Melbourne Victoria.

Industry Diary

Best Aussie restaurantsTwo Australian restaurants have made it into the 2013 San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, says Tourism Australia. Attica in Melbourne made it into the list for the first time, coming in at 21st (the highest new entry). Sydney’s Quay also made it in at number 48.

Greek Is. FlightsInnovative Travel says Olympic Air will launch Santorini-Mykonos and Santorini-Heraklion flights from 30 Jun. The flights will operate three-times-weekly by a 78-seater Bombar-dier Q400 aircraft until 15 Sep.

Finnair on eMDKiwi travel agencies can now book Finnair’s ancillary services like seat selection and extra baggage via EMD in Amadeus.

eY/AF Deal expandedEtihad Airways and Air France have expanded their code-share agree-ment to new destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe in time for the northern summer. AF will place its code on EY flights from Melbourne and Sydney, while EY will code on flights between Paris and Oslo/Stockholm, building on existing destinations Bordeaux/Copenhagen/Madrid/Nice/Toulouse. Subject to regulatory approval, the deal will expand to Lisbon and Marseille. EY flies twice daily flights on the Abu Dhabi-Paris route.

China Airlines hosted its first long-haul famil from New Zealand recently, in conjunction with Explore Holidays, taking 12 Kiwi agents on a 10-day trip to India and Taiwan. The group spent nine days in India, visiting Delhi, Agra, Bharatpur, Karauli, Rathambore National Park (where they spotted a tiger) and Jaipur. They also added on a visit to Taipei. “This was the first long haul agent famil we have conducted from New Zealand, and it was pleasing to pro-mote India given its rise as a destination for both leisure and business traffic, as well as to promote Taipei as a new and exciting stopover destination for our customers,” says local CI sales manager Gareth Williamson. Pictured at Karauli are Gareth Williamson, CI; Amanda Hillard, Explore Holidays Australia; Fleur Virtue, HOT Newmarket; Tania Wheeler, HOT Hamilton; Mel Perkins, HOT Dunedin; Sesh Dayal, Flight Cente Botany; Jo Saunderson, Explore Holidays; Angela Nunn, HOT Albany; Phoenix Marshall, Adventure Travel Christchurch; Kelly Berthelsen, World Travellers Warkworth; Deanna Tolj, United Travel Newmarket; Amanda Lewis, Flight Centre Chews Lane; Shelley Dunn, World Travellers Napier; and Jan Arthurs, Pukekohe Travel.

Int’l rail FerriesInternational Rail (IR) now offers a dedicated booking service for ferries including the Ancona-Split Adriatic Sea crossing and Athens-Mykonos. Electronic tickets for services can be booked through the IR web site, from $75pp for Athens-Mykonos in an airline-style seat, and $115pp for the Ancona-Split overnight ferry crossing. Details see internationalrail.co.nz

GO Holidays has released its 2013/14 Tonga brochure, featuring new sightseeing options from the mainland, and more accommoda-tion.Clients can book day tours incor-porating snorkelling, kayaking and exploring the beaches and caves around Nuku’alofa. New accom-modations include the Lagoon Lodge, Likualofa Beach Resort

GO’s Tonga 2013/14a n d t h e S ce n i c Hote l Ton g a . On Ha’apai and Vava’u there’s an eight- or 12-day kayak tour, and the Mystic Sands Beach Bungalows. Agents should note the ‘from/to’ pric-ing for hotels due to the ‘extremely’ volatile exchange rate and an in-crease in the number of rate seasons from many properties. Calypso has current and correct pricing for most properties, notes GO.

kiwi Agents explore India, Taipei

FJ’s A330 SuccessAir Pacific’s new A330 has been very well received so far, says outgoing boss David Pflieger—including both its hardware, such as new IFE, mood lighting, power jacks and big screens, as well as the less obvious aspects. FJ flight attendants have had dedicated customer service training for the first time ever, and the combination with the service that was already being delivered by Fiji’s ‘naturally wonder-ful people’ means they’re delivering a ‘great new product’, he says.

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News & Product

Visit The Nazca lines In one DayWorld Journeys will include the Nazca Lines in more itineraries following the news that domestic Peruvian carrier LC Peru is introducing direct flights from Cusco to the Nazca Lines en route to Lima. The new flights mean travellers can alight in Nazca, take a light aircraft flight over the Nazca Lines, then continue on to Lima on the same day. “The new direct flights and schedules will allow us to include the Nazca Lines in more lim-ited-time itineraries, as there is no longer the need to overnight in Nazca,” says World Journeys director Chris Lyons.

FJ’s Wellness clinicAir Pacific is supporting Fiji’s first preventative medicine clinic as part of what it says is continued support for the country’s communities. The Fiji Airways Wellness Clinic will offer a range of health and wellness checks designed to detect and prevent Fiji’s most common causes of death, in-cluding heart disease, diabetes and strokes. FJ will provide financial sup-port under the four-year agreement.

Starwood More rewardsM o r e t h a n 2 0 0 S t a r w o o d properties across Asia Pacific are offering bonuses including 5% off the bill and value-adds as part of the new More Rewards campaign. Meetings booked through until 30 Sep will receive 5% off the master account, 1000 bonus Starpoints for every 10 room nights booked, and a choice of two value-adds including room upgrades, internet and bonus points. For bookings of 150 nights or more, meeting planners receive two nights at Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central. See starwoodmeetings. com/morerewards

Ireland Ghostly DiningI r e l a n d ’ s 7 0 0 - y e a r - o l d Barberstown Castle is offering a new medieval banquet including a gracious ghost to greet guests as well as traditional Irish entertain-ment, says Tourism Ireland. The County Kildare country house has introduced the banquets steeped in history and atmosphere and hosted by Nicholas Barby, a gen-tlemanly ghost who shares his personal knowledge of the castle’s history. Guests will be treated to a five-course medieval feast washed down with Irish mead, and a medieval show bringing to life the history of Ireland and Barber-stown. See barberstowncastle.ie

Emirates has announced the 80 Kiwi agents who will be head-ing to Dubai this 15-20 May on the Emirates and Dubai Tourism mega famil.They are Morwenna Williams, Calder & Lawson House of Travel; Kelianne Keen,HoT Merivale; Tamsyn Gemmell, HoT Cambridge; Kim Beswick, HoT Ferrymead; Olivi Mansfield, HoT Par-nell; Maridel Garcia, Target Travel; Julia Blackburn, HoT Morrinsville; Lynley Baker, Flight Centre Mount Maunganui; Leena Shinmar, HoT Botany Junc-tion; Virender Bakshi, Skytravel; Ruth Lumsden, Destinations Travel Manage-ment; Jodi Ross, APX; Kylie Jennings, HoT Morrinsville; Diane de Jong, HoT Orewa; Aliitasi Makuati Afitu, Quay Travel; Jackie Setz, Travelsmart Napier; Kevin Palmer, Calder & Lawson House of Travel; David Leary, HoT Have-lock North; Victoria Keating, World Travellers; Hayley Dawson, Business World Travel; Kerri Parkin, HoT; Jodie Perrett, HoT Taupo; Margaret Boak, Harvey World Mairangi Bay; Kylie Davis-Strangwick, HoT Hamilton; Danelle Butler, Brooker Travel Dune-din; Kate Brooker, Flight Centre Albany; Wendy Smith, McIntosh Travel World Travellers; Andrew Parke, Worldtravel-lers-Andrew Parke; Rachel Carr, HoT Dunedin; Milica Stankovic, The Palms; Paul Dymond, Flight Centre Mairangi Bay; Joanne O’Gorman, Travel Manag-ers; Renee Veen, Calder & Lawson HoT; Alison Woods, Intrepid My Adventure Store; Melissa Irvine, Shortland Street Flight Centre; Elizabeth Murray, West-gate Flight Centre; Anna Drumm, Trav-

elCafe; June Thomas, Holland Clarke & Beatson Travel; Jo-Anne Wright, Flight Centre Howick; Jennifer Street, HWT; Tanya Franklin, The Travel Brokers; Kenneth Muller, HoT Rotorua; Gail Mcewen, APX; Rebecca Wray, Tauranga Flight Centre; Ulpa Sami, BCD Travel; Christina Ripley, United Travel New Lynn; Ganna Kovalska, Flight Cen-tre Newmarket; Kirsty Mackintosh, New Zealand Travel Brokers; Curtis Crosswhite, Central City; Nicola Rus-sell, Blenheim Flight Centre; Amanda Elliott, Cruiseabout Ponsonby; Margot Searle, Fortis Travel; Rodney Haywood, HWT; Jeanne Ng, Ellerslie Flight Centre; Edith Swney, UT the Base; Vicki Dixon, Orbit Corporate Travel Christchurch; Nicola Moros; Mark Bascand, BCD Travel; Bridget Hanrahan, HWT Ran-giora; Andrew Kemp, Kemp House of Travel Timaru; Rachael Hampton, APX; Kelly Gearey, FC Broker; Rebecca Lee, The Base; Margaret Foaese, FCm Travel Solutions; Leonie Keane, HoT Ellerslie; Mark Harper, APX Christchurch; Geof-frey Leslie, HoT Remuera; Samantha Baxter, St Lukes Flight Centre; Jacynta Havenaar, Mix and Match; Tracy Mc-Neill, HoT Oamaru; Janeen Hodges, Messe Reps & Travel; Debra McRob-bie, Nilsson & Watson HoT Hastings; Janette Bagley, HoT; Alexandra Raine, Tandem Travel; Kerie Dixon, Travel Directions; Mika Tofield, Globe Travel; Anna Sowter, Flight Centre West City; Pamela Tukaki, HWT Taupo; Adele Baker, Flight Centre Glenfield.

EK, Dubai Mega Famil Winners

The Cottesloe Beach Hotel recently opened its Beach Club to the public as part of a multi-million dollar re-development of the iconic beachside hotel, says Tourism Western Australia. The hotel, on one of Australia’s most famous beaches, has had refurbish-ments to its verandah bar, and the Beach Club has replaced the former beer garden. It’s now a ‘sophisticated space with intimate corners, relaxed lounge areas and quality food and beverage offerings’ says the STO. See cottesloebeachhotel.com.au

IhG Philippines GrowthIHG has opened the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati in the Philippines, the hotel group’s fifth property in the country, and the third Holiday Inn hotel. The 348-room hotel is located in the heart of the Makati CBD, within reach of local shopping and recreational areas. Room options include 48m² junior suites and 63m² executive suites as well as a 93m² Makati suite, with two bedrooms, a living room and kitchenette.

cottesloe Beach club

JAl’s 787 To SYDJapan Airlines’ Dreamliners will return to service from 01 Jun and the aircraft will be flown on the Narita-Sydney route from 01 Dec, the airline has announced.

Pullman choc MonthPullman Auckland has teamed up with Whittaker’s Chocolate to offer chocolatey spa treatments, menu op-tions and a special weekend package this month. The chocolate scrub treat-ment uses cocoa nib and essential oils, and costs $99 including valet parking, foot treatment and Whittaker’s choco-late treat. Edible Whittaker’s treats will be available in the restaurant, room service and lobby, and include cheesecake, ice cream and a choco-late fountain. From 24-26 May, the chocolate weekend includes in-room chocolate and guests go in the draw to win back their accommodation as well as other chocolate prizes.

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Travel Today, Friday 03 May 2013 Page 5