MEMOYour personal magazinetwice a week

MEMOYour personal magazinetwice a week

MEMOYour personal magazinetwice a week

MEMOYour personal magazinetwice a week MEMOYour personal magazine

twice a week

MEMOYour personal magazinetwice a week

TUE16 MAY

2017

ISSUE1005

Domesticate trans-Tasman, says Virgin Australia exec

Virgin Australia airline group executive John Thomas has waved the flag for the domestication of flights to New Zealand.

At the opening of the Australian Tourism Exchange in Sydney yesterday, Thomas highlighted the carrier’s plans to springboard into China through its new Melbourne to Hong Kong service launching on 15 July.

Thomas, later speaking to TRAVELinc Memo, emphasised the new flight doesn’t mean the carrier will divert focus from its current major markets, adding Virgin Australia is still ‘excited’ about New Zealand.

He advocates domestic entry points for the trans-Tasman nations. ‘We should embrace the concept. It would result in a far better experience for passengers flying airport to airport between the two countries,’ he says.

Thomas says the move is not a popular one because there is concern it would impact on duty-free sales – a worry he believes is misplaced. ‘Research shows the strength of retail sales in domestic terminals. Change from international to domestic can therefore only drive sales up, not down.’

Meanwhile, Thomas says the Melbourne to Hong Kong flight will run five times a week aboard an Airbus A3230,

Continued on page 2

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TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 1

News

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giving the carrier access to Australia’s fastest growing inbound market – China – through its connections with airlines such as Hong Kong Airlines.

He also highlighted the introduction of Virgin Australia’s Economy X service from 23 May, which will give passengers more legroom, priority boarding and exclusive access to overhead locker space. The airline’s entire fleet of Boeing 737 fleet and five Boeing 777 aircraft will be reconfigured under the change. Thomas says 68 planes have already had the makeover, and Kiwis should be able to select the option from the end of the month.

– Lisa Bradley

Domesticate trans- Tasman, says VA execContinued from page 1

Switzerland Tourism has unveiled its new e-learning tool, the Switzerland Travel Academy. The aim of this tool is to not only better equip travel agents with the necessary information that will improve their knowledge as well as sale of tours to the country, but also encourage them to become New Zealand’s certi�ed Switzerland experts, according to Mark Wettstein, director of Switzerland Tourism, Australia and New Zealand.

Developed based on an intelligent, open-source concept, the platform with its modular, customisable and interactive design o�cially replaces the previous e-learning platform.

Agents can win with Switzerland‘Agents will �nd the new tool is engaging

and user friendly with its content of shorter text segments and series of videos and images,’ Wettstein says.

Designed for mobiles, desktops and tablets, agents can log on to complete their modules from anywhere and at any time.

In order to receive a certi�cate of graduation, all �ve modules and �nal test must be completed with �ying colours by 15 July. Agents have three attempts to score a minimum of 80% on the �nal exam to qualify to win one of 10 spots on the September famil to Switzerland.

Other high performing certi�ed Switzerland experts stand the chance to win one of 10 $200 West�eld gift cards and one of �ve

specialty Swiss cheese hampers from Fromart valued at $150 each.

On the week-long famil, the 10 agents will visit some of the country’s most Instagram-worthy destinations. All winners will be announced on 26 July 2017.www.myswitzerland.com/academy

Agents can win one of 10 spots on a famil to Switzerland

NZ Travel Brokers now with Virtuoso

NZ Travel Brokers has become a member of the by-invitation-only Virtuoso luxury travel network, comprised of top leisure travel agencies in North and Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Paci�c, Africa and the Middle East.

NZTB director Steve Lee says it is a win-win opportunity for brokers and their clients. The Virtuoso network leverages its combined annual sales of more than $21.2 billion to negotiate special upgrades, amenities, values and rare travel experiences exclusively for the clients of its member agencies.

‘For the clients of NZ Travel Brokers, this translates to complimentary room upgrades, airport transfers, special dining experiences, exclusive shore excursions and custom itineraries, o�ered by the world’s best providers of upscale travel,’ says Lee.

‘Bene�ts from Virtuoso’s hotel programme alone are worth up to $450 per stay, allowing brokers to o�er even more value to clients.’

Lee says that beyond the monetary value, membership in Virtuoso gives NZ Travel brokers direct relationships with the �nest hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines and tour operators in the world, as well as an expanded resource of insider destination knowledge. Virtuoso also provides the services of Virtuoso On-Site ground operators in more than 80 countries.

TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 2

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Australian Tourism Exchange

More than 700 travel wholesalers and buyers from 548 companies and more than 30 destinations converged on Sydney yesterday for the 38th Australian Tourism Exchange.

The four-day event, being staged in the six-month-old Sydney International Conference Centre, is being staged by Tourism Australia alongside host-state partner Destination New South Wales and airline partners Virgin Australia and Etihad airlines.

Tourism Australia general manager John O’Sullivan says it is a great time to be hosting ATE, revealing the international visitor numbers in Australia now exceed eight million and more than A$39B is generated in expenditure.

O’Sullivan says as many as 50,000 business appointments are held during ATE.

‘The connections made at ATE help deliver around three million visitors each year, spending up to A$8.5 billion whilst they are here, thereby helping to further grow our visitor economy.’

The immediate economic bene�ts of hosting ATE in Sydney include an immediate injection of A$10 million in to the local economy during the week of the event,’ O’Sullivan adds.

Tourism industry converges on Sydney‘In the longer term, ATE will assist the

Australian tourism industry to reach its Tourism 2020 goal of growing overnight expenditure to more than A$115 billion annually by the end of the decade.

The event was also attended yesterday by Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Keith Pitt and NSW Government Minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair.

Pitt says ATE this year coincides with the 50th anniversary of the �rst government tourism body – The Australian Tourist Commission. Back in 1967, he says the country had attracted 220,000 people.

– Lisa Bradley

New Zealand is still number one in terms of visitor numbers to Australia – but only just.

At the opening of the Australian Tourism Exchange in Sydney yesterday, Tourism Australia managing director John O’Sullivan said the destination has seen growth across all 15 of its key markets.

New Zealand visitor numbers were up 3% in 2016 to 1.3 million, and the country still leads the field. However, China is fast closing the gap, O’Sullivan says.

Arrivals from China were up 17% to 1.19 million and expenditure from there had also risen 11% last year. ‘Significantly, outbound to Australia is growing at a faster pace than overall outbound travel from Australia,’ he says.

While China is a big part of the story for Australia, O’Sullivan says the country is enjoying double-digit

Kiwis just hold on to pole positiongrowth from a number of markets and, in particular, Indonesia, South Korea and Japan.

In determining how the international market sees Australia, a recent survey reveals 55% of visitors consider it a safe and secure place, 40%

think it’s good value for money and 38% consider its nature is world class. Another 36% give it the tick for food and wine.

Meanwhile, Australians are all up for tourism, O’Sullivan reveals. A mood of the nation report shows 94% think the industry is good for the country and 83% are happy with the way it is being promoted.

And it seems the world will be seeing a lot more of actor Chris Hemsworth representing the country as its tourism ambassador as more than 80% of Australians are pleased with him in that role.

John O’Sullivan

House of Travel’s Laura Hill and Natalie von Dincklage get the lay of the land at ATE 2017 in Sydney

TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 3

New Zealand

TRENZ 2017

The $76 million Government paycheck to the Department of Conversation is in line with tourism leaders advocating a strengthened relationship with the organisation.

The spend is part of a $178 million cash injection over four years that was announced in a pre-budget announcement made by Tourism Minister Paula Bennett at TRENZ 2017 last week.

It is in step with the stance of the new Tourism New Zealand boss, Stephen England-Hall, who strongly advocates tourism should have a greater partnering with DoC.

England-Hall says the Kiwi landscape and wilderness is a key driver for why people come here. ‘Our DoC estate is our gift to the world, so how do we make it accessible to the world?’

England-Hall put focus on the

DoC targeted by tourism industryincreased use of DoC backcountry huts.

Speaking about TNZ’s four-year strategy, which includes improving experiences, he says the country needs to get smarter about matching supply and demand.

‘For example, there are 950 DoC huts in New Zealand, 50 of them suffer congestion for three months of the year. A large number of those under-utilised huts match the places (regions) where we want people to go. To me, that’s an opportunity (on) how we can partner with DoC.

‘Anything we can do to bring more emphasis and focus on what DoC does is critical. The Air New Zealand/DoC partnership is part of that mix,’ he adds.

TIA chief executive, Chris Roberts, also advocates for support for the body, calling for more private sector development on the DoC estate, when releasing the organisation’s Election Manifesto at TRENZ last week.

The $76m boost given to DoC will not only protect wildlife, but better manage the impact increasing numbers of visitors are putting on some of New Zealand’s Great Walks such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

That was the comment from Conservation Minister Maggie Barry when details of the fund were released at TRENZ last week.

‘The tourism boom is putting pressure on DoC and we need a new mix of funding options and mechanisms to ensure DoC remains a significant contributor and enabler of the visitor experience without compromising its core role of growing conservation.’

We also need to reduce barriers to private sector development in new attractions and activities on the DoC estate and create new opportunities for our tourism concessionaires, he adds.

‘We need concession costs to be reviewed, and to promote new opportunities for concessionaires.’

Price variation on its way for use of park facilities?Barry says there are no plans to alleviate

pressure on our parks by charging people to use conservation areas. However, once developments have started to bed down around April 2018 following fund allocation, it will look at introducing varied charges for tourists and locals for facilities such as huts and carparks.

Broken down, $6m of allocation will be

spend on short walks to take the pressure of the popular tracks. The Great Walks have been been allocated $12m, which will also fund two new walks at yet undecided locations.

Meanwhile, visitor experiences are to gain $23m while DoC’s online facilities are to receive about $11m and tourist facilitys around $20m.

Stephen England-Hall

Government given tourism to-do list

A list highlighting 29 actions the incoming government should make a priority to supercharge New Zealand’s tourism success was released last week.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive officer Christ Roberts released the 2017 Tourism Election Manifesto, Tourism for Tomorrow, at TRENZ in Auckland.

The actions have been grouped into three core sections: a sustainable industry, for New Zealand’s tomorrow; invest in infrastructure, for New Zealand’s tomorrow; support tourism, for New Zealand’s tomorrow.

‘These themes are closely interlinked, and build on the work that TIA and the current Government have undertaken to grow the value of our tourism industry,’ Roberts says.

‘We will look to make further progress with whoever is in charge of the Treasury benches post the election.’

Roberts says the Tourism 2025 goal is to build an industry that is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. Chris Roberts

TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 4

New Zealand

TRENZ 2017

While visitor numbers to New Zealand are on the up, the amount travellers are putting on their Visa cards has soared to $2.88 billion last year or up 12% on the previous 12 months.

Speaking at the 2017 Travel Summit on Tuesday, Visa’s country manager for New Zealand and South Pacific, Marty Kerr, overall transactions were up 23% year on year.

New Zealand’s increasing popularity as a tourism destination, coupled with global advancements in digital payments, is paying significant economic dividends to the country, Kerr says.

Visitors from Australia, America, China, UK and Germany spent the most in New Zealand via Visa in 2016, and the USA, South Korea, Japan and Germany

DIY stores? What travellers are putting on the plastic

delivered the greatest growth speed. Only the UK showed a drop in total spend in 2016 compared with the previous year.

The report also shows Visa cardholders from South Korea spent considerably more than the average shopper at $165 per transaction, followed by those from Singapore at $147 and the Chinese at

$145, and China spent considerably more on average per transaction in New Zealand. The Germans spent least per transaction at $69.

However, what the visitors are spending on widely varies – South Koreans are splashing out more than their peers on food and groceries and in hardware stores, while the Chinese are spending on retail and the Germans are buying transport and fuel.

Meanwhile, Kerr says emerging markets outside of the top 10, such as Argentina, the Philippines and Ukraine, have an increased spend of more than 50%.

And the categories recording increased transactions were restaurants, food and grocery, fuel and transport and travel services.

International visitor spending is expected to rise 52% to $15.3 billion by 2023, say the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Michael Bird, MBIE’s general manager, evidence, monitoring and governmence, says the figure is up from $10bn in 2016, and represents a growth rate hike of 6.2% a year.

The Tourism Forecasts 2017-2023 also show international visitor

International visitor spend set to double by 2023arrivals to New Zealand will reach 4.9 million a year in six years – up 39% from 2016’s 3.5 million figure, says Bird.

Growth will be driven by the Asian markets, particularly China, he says. However, there will be a solid rise in the numbers of US visitors, thanks in part to Air New Zealand’s flight to Houston.

Bird says China is expected to become Zealand’s largest tourism market by spend. ‘Spending from Chinese visitors

will reach $4.3bn by 2023, and visitor numbers are expected to reach just under one million per year.’ Australia will remain the country’s largest market in terms of numbers, but China’s spending will outstrip it under the forecast.

‘China is expected to contribute to 37% of total international visitor growth from 2016 to 2023, and 51% of total visitor spending,’ Bird says.

Agents can book in the GDS and self-ticket (G3) • Brazil and South American Air Passes availableNZ GSA; Discover the World • Ph: 0800 623 4293 • E: info@discovertheworld.co.nz

FCM gives tips for domestic savings

FCM Travel Solutions New Zealand is advising companies and clients to utilise the country’s regions for meetings, not just the main centres.

In a report called 2017 Business Travel Trends, FCM points out that a change from main centre locations can not only be cost e�ective, but also inspiring for the team.

The company also advises clients to book their entire journey in one step. ‘Many people lock in �ights early and leave accommodation options until later. Think of accommodation rates in the same way as airfares – the earlier you book the better.’

The report suggests that companies plan years in advance. ‘It sounds di�cult, however often board meetings, conferences and sales meetings are around the same time each year. Forward planning these and securing accommodation options will be of signi�cant bene�t to both the rate and occupancy.’

These and other tips come from FCM as it acknowledges that supply and demand issues continue to arise in the main centres.

‘Businesses are looking further a�eld for accommodation options,’ the report says. ‘Whangarei has seen an in�ux of accommodation bookings and, as such, the average room rate per night has increased 27% as demand rises.’

The report points out that domestic travel makes up the largest portion of business travel for the majority of New Zealand businesses. Vital to this is our airline and route network; however also critical are the land components that help the domestic traveller’s itinerary run smoothly.

New Zealand’s popularity as a tourism destination is on the rise

TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 5

Europe

Focus on Spain

Santiago de Compostela in Spain’s north-western state of Galicia is one of Christianity’s holiest cities along with Rome and Jerusalem. But the approximately 300,000 pilgrims who arrive each year on foot by the way of St James or Camino de Santiago, find attractions beyond the Biblical.

Food and wine, palaces and gardens, Celtic history and contemporary culture are all to be had in this compact city of around 100,000 people.

Spanish life revolves around food and Santiago de Compostela is no exception.

It has a lively restaurant and bar scene and visitors can also see the city’s food market in action in the mornings Tuesday to Saturday.

The Saturday market sees families out shopping and after it winds up at around 1pm locals catch up over wine, beer and tapas at bars nearby.

Beyond the Biblical: Galicia’s gastronomyThe abundant eateries attract an easy

blend of tourists and locals, and many bars serve free small plates with the first order of drinks.

Patrons at the contemporary Amoa, just outside the old town, can help themselves to snacks and small bowls of soup or salad.

Asbastos 2.0 near the food market serves a fusion-style menu often based on the seasonal products available daily in the market: seafood-based tapas, followed by a vegetable dish, a fish course, meat and finally dessert.

At Taberna Oxachegou students as well as the older set enjoy the cheap food and traditional Galician wine.

Or, for around 50 euros, the one Michelin star Casa Marcelo has patrons dining together at long tables for a gastronomy experience described by one reviewer as ‘genius meets quality.’

– Trish Freeman

Women journey in from the country to sell vegetables at the market

Second-generation cheesemaker Javier Sampaio of Pazo de Anzuxao sells all 16kgs of cheese per month locally

Connecting with culture

Conceived in the 1990s and built in the early 2000s, Santiago’s City of Culture was almost completed in 2010 before funding dissipated as a result of the global �nancial crisis.

Carved into the top of Mt Gaias, its unusual buildings interconnected by streets are a contemporary interpretation of the old city of Santiago de Compostela.

Designed by American architect Peter Eiseman, the controversial project was dogged by daily debates about the enormous cost of ‘a vanity’.

Although a 40-minute walk from town or a slow public bus journey, the City of Culture is worth a visit for its architecture. It houses government o�ces for creative and technical start ups, the Library of Galicia and a museum that focuses on the work of Galician artists, photographers, and designers.www.cidadedacultura.gal/

City of Culture: unique architecture worth the visit

Guide and art historian Desire Vidal Juncal at the City of Culture’s ball of books sculpture

Tempo extends Italy discount

Tempo Holidays has extended its Italy offer until the end of the month, discounting a selection of coach, independent and short break tours in Italy over the month of May, for all departures from now until 26 October 2017.

Included in the deal is one of Tempo’s best sellers, Emerald Tour by coach. This five-day coach tour journeys through Italy’s most spectacular coastline and includes an escape in Sorrento and Amalfi. Prices now start from NZ$1025 per person, (was NZ$1140 per person twin share).

Other tours discounted include Gastronomic Tuscany (five days), Bella Italia (eight days), Taste of Sorrento & Amalfi (five days), Taste of Lake Como (four days) and Neapolitan Magic (three days). www.tempoholidays.co.nz/specials

Venice… Italy is on special with Tempo

TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 6

Paci�c Islands – Australia

There’s more to do in Vanuatu

New GM in FijiNanuku

Auberge Resort Fiji has appointed Sascha Hemmann as general manager, effective immediately.

A German national, Hemmann’s career spans more than 23 years specialising in resort operations and management with a focus on luxury properties in Europe, the Maldives, the Middle East, the United States, South East Asia and China.

This includes key roles with some of the best-known names on the international hotel scene, among them several Leading Hotels of the World-branded properties including the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, Dubai, UAE; Raffles Resort Canouan Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Caribbean, and the Capella Hotel Group.

Prior to his Fiji appointment Hemmann was general manager for Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spa’s flagship property, the Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa in Phuket, Thailand.

Sascha Hemmann

A significant step forward has been made to improve Vanuatu’s Bauerfield Airport.

A contract has been signed between the Vanuatu Government and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and its joint venture partner Northwest Airport Construction Group.

Contractors are working with stakeholders, including Air Vanuatu and Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL) to

Vanuatu’s airport progressidentify ‘operational windows’ that will be used to carry out the works without interrupting normal airline services, ensuring that Bauerfield will continue to operate normally during the period of the project works.

Air New Zealand, which has cited improvements to the airport as being critical before it returns to the destination, had no statement to make yesterday.

Solomons increaseSolomon Islands National Statistics

O�ce shows the destination received a total of 23,192 international visitors from January to December 2016 – a 7.3% increase over the total achieved in 2015.

New Zealand cemented its number two spot for vistor arrival numbers after Australia. The 1544 �gure recorded for 2016 marked a 6.4% increase over the 1451 Kiwis visiting in 2015.

Kangaroo Island Odysseys has launched a two- or three- night Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail package so clients can experience the new 61km walking trail.

The fully inclusive two- or three-day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail packages are tailored for small groups of up to 11 guests and feature fully guided walks along selected sections of the trail. Each day guests are transferred to and from their accommodation at Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat to the walking

Walking Kangaroo Island’s new trailtrail in luxury 4x4 vehicles.

The first day of the tour is spent visiting Seal Bay and having a gourmet picnic lunch with South Australian wines, before exploring the island’s beaches and bushland.

On day two clients experience the 13km Wilderness Trail between Cape du Couedic to Sanderson Bay. Guests on the one-night tour will be transferred to Penneshaw at the end of the day to meet the ferry and coach back to Adelaide, while guests on the two-night tour will be transferred to their second night of accommodation at Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat.

Day three is spent walking 13.5km from Sanderson Bay to Grassdale.

The packages depart on 17 May, 14 June, 12 July, 16 August, 13 September, 18 October and 15 November 2017 and 14 February and 14 March 2018. CLICK HERE for details.

Oh JoyFantasea Cruising has launched a

new product on Sydney Harbour - Joy Bar, a wine bar on the water.

Fantasea Cruising CEO Anthony Hayes says Joy Bar is available for charter.

It is fully commissionable.

TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 7

Asia

Maharaja specialsExotic Holidays is promoting

Maharaja’s Express Monsoon Specials for two South India itineraries travelling by rail.

The Southern Jewels departs 1 July 2017. The destinations covered are Trivandrum – Chettinad – Thanjavur – Mahabalipuram – Mysore – Hampi – Goa – Mumbai. The duration is seven nights, eight days.

The Southern Sojourn departs 24 July 2017 and covers the destinations Mumbai – Goa – Hampi – Mysore – Cochin – Alleppey – Trivandrum. The duration is seven nights, eight days. www.exoticholidays.co.nz/destination/packages/India/6

Exotic Holidays is promoting specials on the Maharaja Express

Exotic Holidays is promoting Laos for nature and adventure lovers alike.

Travellers can head to Kuang Si Waterfall and spend some time in the clear water of the swimming holes surrounded by jungle. They can then visit the Free the Bears enclosure, a refuge for bears that have been rescued from traffickers.

They can also trek through lowland rice paddies into the forest.

Exotic’s managing director Rahul Sharma says clients can also head to a small village by limestone hills and bike along dirt roads with dramatic Laos countryside views along the way.

For an extra experience, guests have the option to buy ingredients at the local market or choose a lunch or

Laos – into the countryside

dinner of authentic Lao food served in the traditional style: on banana leaves, and in coconut and bamboo containers.www.exoticholidays.co.nz/destination/packages/Laos/15

Kuang Si Waterfall

TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 8

Cruising

Luxury Expedition Cruise to the Subantarctic Islands

Tel: 0800 422 784 or 09 444 2298 reservations@ftmcruise.co.nz

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New ship for Europe’s rivers

APT and partner AmaWaterways have unveiled plans for the AmaMagna, their biggest ship yet.

Due for launch in 2019, the AmaMagna is a new concept in river cruising. Twice the width of traditional European river ships, it will hold 194 guests and feature living spaces, multiple dining options including an al fresco glass-enclosed restaurant, more onboard activities and enhanced evening entertainment.

The ship will debut a quieter and more fuel-e�cient engine and, in a �rst for river cruising, an open-water sports platform, complete with zodiac boats, canoes and recreational equipment.

In total, AmaMagna will feature 97 staterooms – the majority of which will be over 300 square feet, some of the largest in river cruising.

Additional amenities will include a large heated sundeck swimming pool with whirlpool and sky bar, a spacious spa area with new treatments, a �tness room large enough for small group classes and generous common areas designed to accommodate a variety of events.

Pandaw launches members club

Pandaw Expeditions has launched a new members club for previous Pandaw passengers with future travel plans.

The company, represented here by Francis Travel Marketing, says the club will be a tool for agents to encourage additional bookings from their customers.

Membership will give clients a complimentary unlimited house wine package on joining, a $100 discount per person on any Pandaw pre or post expedition booked, featured discounts exclusive to members, and a $50 credit per person for personal laundry services.

The club is a complimentary programme available to all clients who have previously sailed with Pandaw.CLICK HERE for details.

Following the recent departure of MS Noordam and MS Maasdam, Holland America Line is reflecting on one of its most successful Australasian seasons.

Between the two ships, the line sailed a record 22 full voyages and 32 sectors of full voyages around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific over the 2016-17 season.

‘We’ve had another terrific season with a record number of homeport departures. The South Pacific continues to entice our guests, while Australia and New Zealand sailings remain popular for both our domestic and international guests. The season saw a record number of international guests visiting our region, too,’ says Tony Archbold, director of sales for Holland America Line in Australia and New Zealand.

Holland America Line also hosted a record number of ship inspections for agents and media around Australia and New Zealand, as well as its annual

on-board event with the Cancer Council to present the charity with a cheque for $31,000, which was raised from its On Deck for a Cause initiative.

From a food and beverage perspective, guests consumed an average of 22,000 eggs, 2,000 kilo of beef, 1,300 kilo of fish, 949 bottles of white wine and 3,264 cans of local beer on an average 10-day sailing.www.francistravelmarketing.co.nz

HAL re�ects on its solid seasonMS Noordam

TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 9

Cruising

LEARN MORE

HURRY, FINAL DAYS! OFFER ENDS THIS FRIDAYHURRY, FINAL DAYS! OFFER ENDS THIS FRIDAY

200 REASONS TO CRUISE ROYAL

On and o� Norwegian coast

Hurtigruten has a record number of coastal Norwegian excursions covering wide-ranging topics from nature-based to urban exploration, or energetic hikes to gentle strolls – by ship, on ship and on shore.

The more than 100 coastal expedition excursions fit all ages and activity preferences, and range from, for instance, the popular midnight concert in the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, to exploring the mountains outside Kristiansund by dogsledding with Alaskan huskies; or in the very northernmost part of Norway in deep winter, to hunting the Northern Lights during a snowmobile safari between the ports of Mehamn to Kjøllefjord.

On Hurtigruten’s daily sailings from Bergen to Kirkenes, travellers can experience catching, preparing and eating king crabs, discover Norway’s second largest glacier and explore the world’s most powerful tidal current on a RIB-boat safari.

The on-board experts in the expedition teams, available on nine out of 11 ships, share their first-hand knowledge about wildlife, natural phenomena, history and landscapes – and pursue adventurous detours when opportunities arise. hurtigruten@bentours.co.nz

Hurtigruten o�ers more than 100 expeditions

Contact Trish on 09 818 7807 Extn 4 or trish@promag.co.nz

Advertise your job vacancy in The Memo. Two insertions qualify for a free listing on

our website and facebook page.

Got some shoes to �ll?

TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 10

Airlines

EI – Daily LAX DUB from NZ$1471 RT High Season.

The Star Alliance’s strategic focus has shifted from network expansion to providing a seamless experience to the more than 14 million annual customers who connect between member carriers on their journeys, according to strategies revealed during the alliance’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

Digital technologies will lie at the heart of this development.

The Star Alliance enters its third decade with a network serving over 1,300 destinations in 191 countries.

The Alliance’s chief executive board, comprising of the CEOs of all 28 member airlines, held its summer board meeting in Frankfurt on 14 May, during which the CEOs were briefed on the progress of the alliance’s current business

Digital technology at heart of Star Alliance’s strategyplan and future strategy. The meeting fell exactly 20 years to the day when its founder members – Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, THAI and United – first announced that they would come together to form the world’s first global aviation alliance.

‘Access to instant information updates online from more or less anywhere has irrevocably changed the expectations of customers as they travel,’ says Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines and current chairman of the Star Alliance chief executive board. ‘Passengers want to have control over their journey at their fingertips. That means having full access to a wealth of information, but also being able to personalise it to their own

particular requirements. Providing such services to today’s ‘digital’ traveller on an alliance level is the central pillar of our new strategic focus.’

The IT hub infrastructure, which the alliance has put in place in recent years, has allowed for the better integration of back-end services between the member airlines.

‘With this now in place, we can start building and offering digital applications,’ says Heilbron. ‘The new IT hub infrastructure has already enabled the alliance to, for example, improve the reliability of such processes as through-check in for multi-carrier itineraries or ensuring fast crediting of accrued frequent flyer miles into the correct customer account.’

Delta deliveries from Airbus

Delta Air Lines has an expanded A321-200 order for 30 firm additional aircraft and will defer 10 of the airline’s 25 A350-900 aircraft deliveries set for 2019-2020 by two to three years with additional delivery flexibility.

Delta’s delivery schedule for its first A350-900 aircraft remains in place and the airline plans to operate its first A350 revenue flight in the fourth quarter, featuring the Delta One Suite and Premium Select cabin. Delta expects to take delivery of five A350s in 2017.

Fiji Airways has appointed industry veteran Marc Cavaliere as chief marketing officer. He joins the airline’s executive leadership team, reporting directly to the CEO, and will be responsible for the new, dedicated global airline alliances and partnerships function, as well as all sales channels, marketing activities, and related commercial functions.

He has served as a board member of the Star Alliance Airline management

New face at Fiji Airwaysboard for five years, and as chairman for two years. He recently completed a 12-month project with Crystal Luxury Air sister company to Crystal Cruises) developing their luxury private jet tours programme. Prior to this, Cavaliere held senior management positions with South African Airways,

Spirit Airlines, American Airlines and Pan Am. He is a graduate of the business school at Newport University in the United States.

Marc Cavaliere

TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 11

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An increased emphasis on mountain biking and the emergence of ski in South America, particularly Chile, were key factors at travel&co’s Mountain Expo at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Auckland over the weekend.

Sheree and Rob Macready, directors of travel&co, say that the expo retained an emphasis on well-known ski destinations such as Canada, USA, Japan and Europe but resorts and regions in these places were also pushing their mountain biking options.

‘Both mountain biking and the South America skiing happen in our winter, so it gives us more of an all-year-round approach. Obviously the traditional offshore skiing product is in our summer,’ says Rob Macready.

Between 450 and 500 members of the public attended the expo and exhibitors say the interest level from New Zealand is extremely high.

Mountainous opportunities Advertise your job vacancy in The Memo. Two insertions qualify for a FREE listing on our website and facebook page.Contact Trish on0274 430 837 ortrish@promag.co.nz

‘We’re well established in the New Zealand market,’ says Patrick Nelson, business development manager of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. ‘But these days flight access is better than ever and that helps. People can get to Jackson Hole (in Wyoming) via San Francisco and Los Angeles, or even by coming through Houston.’ Nelson says the ski field recently added two new lifts – the Sweetwater Gondola and the Teton lift.

Kalman Thomas, Destination Snowmass; Samantha O’Callaghan, travel&co; Lucy Braillard Zuko�, Timberline Condominiums

Guy Paulsen, SilverStar Mountain Resort; Sheree and Rob Macready, travel&co; Marke Dickson, Panorama Resort

Patrick Nelson, Jackson Hole; Casey Leach, Aspen Snowmass

Queensland event o�ers agent famils

Three exciting regional famil options are among the highlights for corporate travel agents, incentive operators and meeting planners who attend a major business events expo in Brisbane on 18 July.

Convene Queensland (Convene Q) will showcase more than 100 venues, accommodation choices, attractions, activities, theme and audio visual companies, speakers and other suppliers in the state.

Convene Q general manager Allyssa Eastaugh says that while delegates are welcome to attend the show only, they can get extra value out of exploring further through the event’s highly regarded famil programme – open to hosted buyers from around Australia and New Zealand.

A new addition to the programme is a chance for delegates to join Mackay locals celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Mackay Festival of Arts. Participants will catch the tail end of the 10-day programme covering a variety of visual arts, music, theatre, food, wine and more.

Another option is the Gold Coast famil – promoted as a ‘touch of Gold’ in the lead up to Commonwealth Games action.

And yet another exciting choice is a dual city famil – combining Brisbane with the Sunshine Coast so that delegates can experience the best of what these two centres have to o�er. All famil programmes will conclude in Brisbane, where participants will attend Convene Q and take part in pre-scheduled appointments with exhbitors.CLICK HERE for details.

TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 12

Editor: Lisa Bradley lisa@promag.co.nzJournalists: Stu Freeman, Sam Worthington and Kathy OmblerGraphics: Andrew Denton

PO Box 60154 Titirangi, Auckland 0642Ph: + 64 9 818 7807 Mob + 027 266 1948 www.travelinc.co.nzCopyright: No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or duplicated in whole or in part, without the prior written approval of the publisher.

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Going Places

News

‘Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you can spend it only once.’

Can you solve this latest mystery?

We’ve headed north this week for our mystery shop. Do you know where this Flight Centre is located? If you do, send the answer to competitions@promag.co.nz with Mystery Shop in the subject line. We have something really special to give away this week – a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses.

And congratulations to Anita Van Der Mespel, House of Travel Ellerslie, who correctly identified last week’s shop as being helloworld Royal Oak. A copy of Lonely Planet’s The World is on its way.

MYSTERY SHOP

HONG KONG INTL AIRPORT – TRANSFER WITH EASE! CLICK HEREGreat service. Great people.Great fares.

New at ChoiceChoice Hotels

Asia-Pac, one of New Zealand’s largest hotel franchise groups, has appointed a new general manager, development, Sarah McCully.

McCully is the former general manager of Star Ratings Australia, the internationally recognised accreditor of quality accommodation standards. In her new role, she is responsible for the growth and retention of the Choice Hotels portfolio across the Econo Lodge, Comfort, Quality, and Clarion brands and the Ascend Hotel Collection in Asia-Pac.

McCully will utilise her 20 years of experience to strengthen Choice Hotels’ property portfolio across the Asia Paci�c region. www.choicehotels.co.nz

Sarah McCully

Rocky Mountaineer has appointed Fiona Watson as its managing director, sales – Asia Pacific.

Sydney-based Watson will be responsible for driving continued growth for the iconic global

brand within the Asia Pacific region. Rocky Mountaineer has experienced

New with Rocky Mountaineer

Sarah McCully

seven consecutive years of double-digit growth in Australia and New Zealand, with 2017 showing signs of another profitable year.

Prior to joining Rocky Mountaineer, Watson held various leadership positions over a 10-year period at American Express, most recently as director, partnerships & benefits (travel), Asia Pacific. Prior to joining American Express, Watson was national sales and marketing manager at Globus.

Group actionAdventure World reminds agents it has

a dedicated groups team to tailor-make itineraries for clients in larger groups.

With more than 35 years of experience, Adventure World offers group travel services to agents and their clients – from weddings, sporting events and reunions to special interest group trips and industry networking experiences.

Adventure World can also assist with marketing costs of up to $500 for a group, depending on the value of the booking. Adventure World’s marketing team can produce a flyer with images you can upload to a website, and provide sales representatives to host film evenings or group itinerary presentations to agents’ clients. groups@adventureworld.co.nz

Sinalei specialSinalei Reef Resort and Spa advises

that guests making a booking before the end of May 2017 can have up to 30% o� accommodation plus a choice of: a complimentary shopping tour in Apia; two-hour guided kayak excursion; or a complimentary cultural day.

TRAVELinc Memo 16 May 2017 13