Thursday 09 Apr 2015 Issue 3048

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

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Customs’ Busy SummerCustoms experienced its busiest summer so far for 2014-15, with re-cord numbers of passengers and goods crossing New Zealand’s border. More than three million international passengers arrived to and departed from airports Dec-Feb, up 6% on the same time last year. “Even with this increase, Customs processed over 94.5% of passengers in 45 minutes or less by redeploying staff, and opening up SmartGate to US and Canadian travellers and children over 12,” says customs minister Nicky Wagner.

Global passenger demand grew 6.2% in Feb compared to 2014 and while Lunar New Year celebrations led to much of the boost there’s also a clear sign of demand in other regions, says IATA.Total revenue passenger kilome-tres rose 6.2%, which was an im-provement on the Jan year-over-year increase of 4.5%. Feb capacity in-creased by 5.6% and load factor rose 0.5 percentage points to 78.5%. Monthly results were positively im-pacted by the Lunar New Year holiday which occurred in Feb this year, one month later than in 2014. “Lunar New Year celebrations, par-ticularly in the Asia-Pacific region, certainly contributed to the robust Feb performance, but it is also clear

that solid demand for connectivity is offsetting economic weakness in some regions including the Euro-zone,” says IATA boss Tony Tyler.

. . . Demand UpInternational passenger demand rose 6.8% compared to Feb 2013, with airlines in all regions except Africa recording growth. Capacity climbed 5.7% and load factor rose 0.7 per-centage points to 77.4%. In Asia-Pacific, Feb traffic surged 10.4%, capacity rose 8.2% and load factor climbed 1.6 percentage points to 78.2%, compared to the year-ago period.Total domestic capacity was also up 5.3%, and load factor was unchanged at 80.4%.

. . . Safety VitalTyler has also reiterated how impor-tant safety is in the wake of the Ger-manwings tragedy, saying the best tribute that can be paid to those who lost their lives is making flying even safer. However, he says it’s important the full circumstances of the accident are understood first.“On an average day some nine mil-lion people travel on 100,000 flights. Doing that safely is the industry’s top priority,” he says. “While the crimi-nal investigation has come to some conclusions, a thorough air accident investigation is imperative to help guide the industry forward.”

Strong Passenger Demand In Feb

Aussie’s Big BoganThe Australian town of Bogan is reportedly divided over plans to erect a giant statue of a bogan, complete with jandals and a chilly bin (or thongs and an Esky, as the Aussies would say). The NSW town already gets plenty of visitors taking pho-tos near its town sign, and a local reverend has apparently called for Bogan to erect the statue before another Aussie town does it first. “What would happen if Logan in Queensland decided they wanted to build Logan the Bogan and beat us to it?” he told the local paper.

NDC Poll DelayedThe launch of a survey to gauge frontline agents’ opinion on IATA’s proposed new distribution channel (NDC) has been delayed. TAANZ chief executive Andrew Olsen says the poll is in the testing phase and should be set for release next week. See future issues of Travel Today for an update.

5 Pages This IssueNews................................p1, p2, p4, p5Cruising Today................................. p3

Cheapest For LuxuryHotels.com has revealed 11 destina-tions where Kiwis experienced five-and four-star hotel luxury for under $250pn last year, in its latest Hotel Price Index. The average price in NZD for a five-star hotel in BKK was $190; while for four-star stays, Berlin was top at $152, followed by Las Vegas ($168), Shanghai ($173), Bali ($180), Melbourne ($195), Barcelona ($217), Rome ($223), Sydney ($224), Orlando ($233) and Singapore ($250).“Asian destinations continue to go head-to-head to offer the best-value luxury hotel deals for Kiwi travellers, while a depreciating Euro is also mak-ing Europe an even more attractive long-haul destination than ever be-fore,” says Hotels.com’s Katherine Cole.

Thu 09 Apr 15 P2

News & Product

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Air France Easter DealsAir France has economy, premium economy and business class flights on sale until 01 May. Economy fares include Paris from $1922, Valencia from $1925, Prague from $1941, Is-tanbul from $1945, Nice from $1949, Casablanca from $1963 and Newcastle from $2140. Premium economy flights include Paris from $3967, Lisbon from $3975, Barcelona from $3984, Madrid from $3985 and Rome from $3998. Business class flights are from $7075 to Lisbon, $7088 to Copenhagen, $7094 to Amsterdam, $7125 to Paris, $7143 to Vienna, $7396 to London and $7465 to Edinburgh.

NZ Tahiti FaresAir New Zealand has released new shortlife economy class wholesale fares to Tahiti, effective immedi-ately for sales to 13 Apr. Refer to your preferred NZ wholesaler for further details.

Bag Snatch WarningAllianz Global Assistance is warning about an increase in Kiwi tourists having their bags snatched by moped drivers in Vietnam and Thailand.Clients have reported having their bags taken from their shoulders by passing drivers while wandering the streets or shopping in the markets.“We are seeing more and more cases of bag snatching by moped riders. They seem to target tourists that car-ry bags in one hand making it really easy to snatch, and then ride off,” says Will Ashcroft of Allianz. “Our advice to travellers is to only take essential personal items to markets; it is best to leave other items locked in the ho-tel safe. Also, when walking through crowded streets, carry the bag with the straps over your shoulder if that is possible. It makes it much harder to snatch the bag.”

No Aitutaki Sun Flights?Rarotonga’s Prime Minister has re-portedly promised to hold a long-awaited referendum on whether Air Rarotonga should continue to operate flights to Aitutaki on a Sun. The carrier has run the flights since 2008, but there is opposition from those who believe Sun is a sacred day when businesses should not operate, reports the Cook Island News.

QF UK/Europe DealsQantas is offering special economy and business fares to UK/Europe available for sale until 17 Apr. London, from $2275, business companion deal from $8415, business single travel-ler from $9465; Dublin, economy from $2219, business companion deal from $8469, business single traveller from $9519; Frankfurt, economy from $2175, business companion deal from $8205, business single traveller from $9255; Amsterdam, economy return from $2240, business companion deal from $8090, business single traveller from $9140; Paris, economy from $2125, business companion deal from $8589, business single traveller return from $9639. Select travel dates only. Visit qantas.com

North America On SaleVirgin Australia has announced the launch of public tactical economy class fares ex New Zealand to North America from $1296 one-way. On sale to 30 Apr for travel 20 Apr-11 Jun, 07 Jul-10 Sep and 06 Oct-10 Dec.

Egypt Visa PostponedAfter announcing last month that individual tourists travelling to Egypt would be required to obtain a visa prior to their arrival, the Egyptian Tourist Authority said the decision has been postponed, says a report. It says the regulation won’t go into ef-fect until Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs creates an electronic visa application system. The postponed policy did not apply for group tours, for which tourist visas could still be obtained upon arrival in Egypt, the report advised.

New laws around travelling to South Africa with children and unaccompanied minors will come into effect from 01 Jun, South Afri-can Airways has advised.The new rules require parents travel-ling into and from South Africa with a child under 18 to produce an origi-nal or certified copy of a child’s birth certificate which details both parents. Parents or guardians travelling by themselves with children also need an affidavit less than three months old, that has been sworn by a notary public, giving permission to travel with the child or children.“Unless parents with children un-der their care or unaccompanied children by themselves have proper

documentation, we will be unable to check them in for their flight to South Africa as we must comply with the new Act,” says SAA country manager Australasia, Tim Clyde-Smith.The new measures, said to be an at-tempt to stop child trafficking, apply to all global carriers operating into and out of the country. They don’t affect transit passengers.For more information on the new rules see sahc.org.au or flysaa.com

Conflict Zones WebsiteThe United Nations is set to launch a new website which issues warnings about risks to aircraft in conflict zones. According to a Reuters report, the website is a test programme as a result of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 which was shot down in the Ukraine last year. The United Na-tions’ International Civil Aviation Organisation is hosting the new web-site, the report stated. As countries are not being mandated to contribute information, in particular sensi-tive data, it is yet to be seen if the site will be as effective as intended. View icao.int/czip

New South Africa Travel Laws

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Thu 09 Apr 15 Page 3

Introducing a new Icelandic itinerary that explores a country few people will ever visit. It goes far beyond the tourist hotspots to remote fjords, raging waterfalls, and small fishing villages; witnessing whales and seabirds playing offshore and dramatic scenery.

AROUND ICELANDABOARD STAR LEGEND REYKJAVIK TO REYKJAVIK1, 8, 15 & 22 July 2016

7 DAYS FROM $5,199**NZD, pp, share twin, includes Port Fees & Govt taxes. Subject to availability. Ts & Cs apply. Contact Francis Travel Marketing on 09 4442298 | reservations@ftmcruise.co.nz

Oceania Agent RatesCruise Holidays has agent rates for 23 upcoming Oceania Cruises sailings, available for full-time agents and their partner. Rates start at USD75pp pd for an inside stateroom, through to USD150pp pd for a penthouse. Government fees and taxes, $100 booking fee and gratuities are ad-ditional. Contact Cruise Holidays for details.

The addition of two new ships to the P&O fleet in the coming years means there are plenty of new op-tions for P&O’s 2016-17 season, in-cluding music-themed short breaks, a rare call to Stewart Island and an Easter food and wine voyage.The two new ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, will mean two year-round ships in Brisbane, a bumper season from Melbourne, long week-end breaks from Adelaide, more Papua New Guinea and Pacific ex-plorations and regional Australia cruises.As part of the new programme, Pa-cific Pearl will be based in Auckland

Feb-Jun 2017 offering 18 roundtrip departures including eight-night Fiji cruises, a 15-night Pacific voyage (from $1899pp q/s) and a 10-night round New Zealand cruise (from $1549pp q/s).Pearl will also offer six Sea Breaks in-cluding the first cruise to Napier for the Art Deco Weekend (from $729pp q/s) and four-night cruises to the Bay of Islands.P&O senior VP commercial op-erations Sture Myrmell says the five-ship fleet opens up exciting op-portunities for New Zealand cruisers. “We have one of the best backyards in the world and our five-ship fleet is cruising from all over the region to take our guests to destinations from Rarotonga to Rabaul,” he says. Other highlights of the new pro-gramme, on sale from 22 Apr, include a three-night food and wine Sea Break on Pearl over Easter from $649pp q/s.Pacific Eden’s first Brisbane season features seven-night Queensland coastal cruises from $989pp q/s; and Pacific Aria’s first Sydney season includes a new 15-night Papua New Guinea cruise, from $2089pp q/s.The first 200 guests to book a new itinerary will receive ‘money can’t buy’ extras like priority check-in and tenders, welcome gift packs and on-board credit.

Norfolk Pier UpgradeCascade Pier on Norfolk Island is to be upgraded to provide better ac-cess for cruise ships, with the pier expected to become a ‘central part of rebuilding the Norfolk Island tourism industry and the local economy’. The Australian Government has commit-ted AUD13 million to the upgrade. It’s estimated that upgrading the island’s port infrastructure could increase vis-itor numbers by up to 100,000 a year.

New Short Breaks For P&O 2016-17

Avalon On Sale TodayAvalon Waterways has released its 2016 season of river cruises with a number of earlybird savings. Save up to 15% off French itineraries, up to 10% off all other European river cruises, up to 10% off cruises on the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia and on the Irrawaddy through Myanmar. Popular itinerar-ies include, A Taste of the Danube, eight days between Budapest and Vienna from $2255pp s/t; Romantic Rhine, eight days between Amster-dam and Basel from $2850pp s/t; Burgundy & Provence, 11 days be-tween Cote d’Azur and Paris from $3993pp s/t; Magnificent Europe, 15 days between Budapest and Am-sterdam from $5583pp s/t. On sale until 30 Jun, or until sold out. Visit avalonwaterways.co.nz for details.

Windstar Style CruiseGO Holidays advises Windstar Cruises ‘Cruising Windstar Style’ seven-night Mediterranean cruise costs from $3629pp, on sale until 30 Apr for selected departures May 2015-Oct 2016.

Galapagos On Sale With Viva ExpeditionsViva Expeditions has voyages on the first class catamaran Archipell I on sale for Apr and May 2015, with savings of up to $820pp. A four-day cruise is from $2895pp, five days is from $3525pp and eight days from $5395pp. The ship has eight spacious double cabins on the main deck with ocean views and private facilities, and guests enjoy excursions with an expert naturalist guide and have the opportunity to get up close to marine wildlife.

Farewell CelebrityA number of travel professionals braved the wind at Auckland’s Hil-ton Hotel to bid farewell to Celeb-rity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice on Tue night. The ship departed for her transpacific repositioning bound for Papeete, followed by Hawaii then Vancouver, with 2600 guests on board, 300 of which are Kiwis. The Celebrity Solstice will be back in Oct for her fourth season in New Zealand.Pictured: David Libeau of Stella Trav-el Services, Jacqueline Unsworth of Stella Travel Services and Donal O’Sullivan of Cruise World waiting to farewell the Celebrity Solstice.

Thu 09 Apr 15 P4

News & Product

If this is you then we would love to hear from youPlease send CVs to rachel@vivaexpeditions.com

Latin America Destination Specialist

Viva Expeditions & Chimu Adventures are looking forthe perfect person to join their team. Is this you?Required:• Has travelled in Latin America (and loved it!)• A minimum of 3 years wholesale or retail selling experience• Experience using reservations systems• GDS experience (preferably GAL)• Must be Energetic, confident, friendly, and reliable with

excellent customer service skills• Must be a fast learner and a team player• We are based in North Auckland

all about opportunity... as part of our exciting growth & evolution, atlas are on the look out for exceptional individuals to join the team in our modern & friendly auckland office

opportunities are available in the following positions:

senior consultant - corporate this is an exciting opportunity for someone who has the ability to manage the travel for new & existing clients. we are looking for one of those very experienced, exceptional consultants who pride themselves as being one of the best travel consultants to the corporate market and whos clients have been with them ‘forever’ because of the service they give. to be that person, you would need:

- an extensive knowledge of international destinations, products and fares - minimum of five years international experience working directly with clients via phone and email - a proven passion & track record in customer satisfaction - acceptional time management, file accounting and documentation skills- to enjoy working at a high pace and in a co-operative team environment

sabre and travelog systems knowledge would be an advantage

account manager this is a unique opportunity for a skilled professional with a keen understanding of the challenging processes involved in servicing our existing clients in the industry’s competitive field. we are seeking an ambitious, self-driven, articulate & outgoing individual who can demonstrate:

- a substantial travel management knowledge with a reputation for great client servicing & business relationships- a clear focus on performance driven results and a strong desire to take ownership for decisions & business outcomes- proven experience at a senior sales level with the ability to contribute passion, innovation and expertise to the business- advanced communication (written & verbal), negotiation, presentation & interpersonal skills

if you are excited by either of these positions, please send your CV and covering letter to recruit@atlastravel.co.nz by tue 14 apr

Kalahari JourneyWorld Journey’s eight-day tailor made ‘Kalahari & Cape Delight’ itinerary combines a four-day stay at Tswalu Kalahari Lodge with four days in Cape Town at the five-star Cape Grace hotel. Tswalu highlights include bond-ing with meerkats, discovering vast sociable weaver nests, tracking desert rhino, horseback safaris, sleeping out under the stars, plus more. Priced from $6758pp s/t, including seven night’s accommodation, all transfers and transfers from Johannesburg to the Kalahari and Cape Town, all safaris and all meals at Tswalu, and at Cape Grace breakfasts, chauffeur transfers within 10km of the hotel and wine tasting are included. Call 0800 117 311 for details.

Rocky Mountaineer ExtraGO Holidays has released its ‘Rocky Mountaineer Holiday Extras’. Book any qualifying tour of four nights or longer in duration in GoldLeaf Deluxe, GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Ser-vice by 29 May from the 2015 Rocky Mountaineer Vacations brochure and receive a free additional night in Van-couver, Calgary or Seattle. Or, book any qualifying tour of seven nights or longer in duration in GoldLeaf Deluxe, GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Ser-vice by 29 May, from the 2015 Rocky Mountaineer Vacations brochure and receive a free additional night in Vancouver, Calgary or Seattle, plus the choice of a free city tour or airport transfer. On sale until 29 May for travel 01 Apr-31 Oct. Other terms and conditions apply, GO has details.

Vanuatu’s Malampa province is looking to reassure the world that it’s doing okay following Cyclone Pam, with most of the region ready for business and keen for visitors.Malekula Island was relatively un-scathed by the cyclone, says local tourism advisor Jane Wright.Tourism businesses are almost all back in operation with the exception of some businesses in the Maskelyne Islands which sustained some wind damage and water contamination. Food supplies are almost back to normal and the region hosted its first tourist last week.A mbr y m has sust ai ne d s ome damage although all of the bun-galows in the west and north are fully operational. The volcano activ-ity has dropped to level two and the trekking route from the west

is open for overnight return tours. Eastern Ambrym suffered the most damage and both trekking and tours from Ulei will not be available for a while yet, says Wright.Small tourism businesses on Paama suffered significant damage and communities are in the process of rebuilding and repairing. “We would like to remind travel-lers that like Santo we are ready for business in most of the region and are keen to have people visit us after their time in Sanma or the Banks. Transport is easy from these loca-tions,” says Wright.

Ad. World City StaysAdventure World is offering a free city stay with bookings of any trip to Africa, Canada, India or South America by 15 Jun.The city stay includes accommoda-tion in a four-star hotel, one way airport transfer and a sightseeing tour. Minimum booking values apply.Offers include one night in Johannes-burg, one-way airport transfers and a Soweto and Apartheid Museum tour free with the 10-day Handpicked South Africa and Victoria Falls jour-ney, priced from $4119pp.With the 13-day Handpicked Peru, from $4519pp, clients will receive two nights in a hotel, transfers and a Santiago city tour or Vina Del Mar/Valparaiso tour.

Vanuatu’s Malampa Region Doing Well

Mana’s New Exec ChefMana Island Resort and Spa in Fiji has appointed renowned Fijian chef Lance Seeto as its new executive chef. Seeto is famous for ‘single-handedly igniting a culinary revolu-tion across the country’, and is also the country’s first culinary ambas-sador to Fiji Airways.

WWI ExpertiseThe Innovative Travel Company has welcomed Diana Chamsout-dinova to their team in prepara-tion for their WWI tours to The Somme and Passchendaele for the 100 year anniversary com-memorations. Diana is equipped with a Bachelor of Political Sci-ence & International Business with high honours, has undertak-en extensive historical research around the New Zealand involve-ment on the western front, as well as practical research by visiting the Somme battlefields, memori-als and cemeteries.

Thu 09 Apr 15 P5

News & Product

APRILAvalon 2016 LaunchHamilton: Mon 13, Waikato Stadium, Gate 5, 128 Seddon Road, 1745, drinks & canapes. Timaru: Tue 14, Mocca Café, 0715, breakfast. Christchurch: Tue 14, Christchurch Casino, 1730, drinks & canapes. Tauranga: Wed 15, Trinity Wharf, 1745, drinks & canapes.Nelson: Wed 15, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco, 1730, drinks & canapes. Blenheim: Thu 16, Watery Mouth Café, 1730, drinks & canapes. Napier: Mon 20, Globe Theatre, Ahuriri, 1800, presentation & movie. Palmerston North: Tue 21, Distinction Hotel & Conference Centre, 1745, drinks & canapes. New Plymouth: Wed 22, Devon Hotel, 1745, drinks & canapes. Auckland East: Thu 23 Apr, Pakuranga Golf Club, 0715, breakfast. Pukekohe: Tue 28, Sugar Shed, 1745, drinks & canapes. Wellington Lower Hutt: Wed 29, The Dowse Art Museum, 1745, drinks & canapes. Auckland West: Tue 28, Quality Inn Lincoln Green, 0715, breakfast Auckland Central: Wed 29, Maison Vauron, 0715, breakfast.Auckland North Shore: Thu 30, Bruce Mason Centre, 0715, breakfast.

Destination NSW Sydney Agent Pub Quiz NightsAuckland: Tue 21, Atticus, 63 Fort St, CBD, 1730-1900.Wellington: Wed 22, The Establishment, 14-16 Courtenay Place, 1730-1900.

Asia NowAuckland West: Tue 21, Hong’s Kitchen, Westgate Shopping Centre, 1730. Auckland Central: Wed 22, Grasshopper, 26 Albert St, CBD, 1730. Wellington: Thu 23, Monsoon Poon, 12 Blair St, Te Aro, 1730.

MAYAsia NowTauranga: Tue 05, Thai Thani 2, 15 Wharf St, 1730. Hamilton: Wed 06, Ibis Hotel, 18 Alma St, 1730.

Avalon 2016 LaunchWhangarei: Tue 05, Dickens Inn, 0715, breakfast. Dunedin: Tue 05, Park Regis, 0715, breakfast. Kerikeri: Wed 06, Velvet Café, 0715, breakfast. Invercargill: Wed 06, Kelvin Hotel, 0715, breakfast. Queenstown: Thu 07,

Industry DiaryPrime Waterfront, 1730, drinks & canapes. Wellington CBD: Tue 12, Mac’s Function Centre, 1745, drinks & canapes.

Aloha Down UnderAuckland: Mon 11, venue and time tba.

Adventure World Around the World roadshowTue 12, venue etc TBA.

Travelport RoadshowChristchurch: Tue 12, The Oak Room, The Atrium, 1730-2000.Wellington: Wed 13, Rydges Hotel, 1730-2000. Auckland: Thu 14, Gallery Three, Pullman Hotel, 1730-2000.

South Australian RoadshowAuckland North: Fri 15, Spencer on Byron HoteL, Takapuna, 1700-1930.Auckland: Sat 16, Orakei Bay Function Centre, Orakei, 0930-1100.Auckland East: Sat 16, Howick Golf Club, Bucklands Beach, 1400-1600. Hamilton: Sun 17, Novotel Tainui, 1400-1600. Tauranga: Mon 18, 59 The Strand Function Venue, 1200-1330. Rotorua: Mon 18, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside 1700-1900. Palmerston North: Tue 19, Kingsgate Hotel, 1630-1900. Masterton: Wed 20, Masterton Club, 1200-1330. Wellington: Wed 20, Shandon Golf Club, Petone, 1730-2000.

Amazing Thailand RoadshowAuckland: Thu 21, Sky City Grand, 1700.

Whitsundays Travel Agent WorkshopAuckland: Fri 22, The Mercure, 1730-2030.

JULYHawaii Tourism MCI RoadshowMon 27, Dates and venue TBA

AUGUSTBula Marau Fiji Roadshow – Around Viti LevuChristchurch: Mon 3, Novotel Christchurch, 1730-2030. Wellington: Tue 4, InterContinental, 1730-2030. Auckland: Wed 5, Stamford Hotel, 1730-2045. Hamilton: Thu 6, Novotel Tainui, 1730-2030.

For more see Tuesday’s Travel Today

Benguerra Refurbishment UnderwayThe andBeyond Benguerra Island in Mozambique is undergoing a USD5.5 million refurbishment, advises World Journeys. The lodge is due to reopen 01 Jun with guest rooms with views directly onto the beach. In addition, andBeyond is working with the local elders to build a multi-purpose com-munity centre, and is involved in efforts to protect the endangered Dugong. World Journeys’ four-night package at andBeyond Benguerra Island is priced from NZ$3260pp (share twin), including accommodation, meals and house beverages, laundry, and helicopter transfers from Vilanculos.

Rail Plus expects Kiwi agents to welcome the news that Thalys Eu-ropean rail network has simplified and cut the cost of seat reservation fees for travelling on five key Euro-pean rail passes.Until now Thalys charged passengers holding specific rail passes a seat reservation fee (or Passholder Fare)

ranging from $49-$300 per sector on the main routes. The fees were also split depending on type of pass, journey and level of seat availability.Now Thalys has simplified the system by applying a single seat reservation fee to holders of all five rail passes. Fee prices have also reduced and now range from $33-$57 on main routes.“Thalys Passholder Fares have previ-ously been a difficult sell for travel consultants and their customers due to the product complexity and higher price versus other European rail networks’ seat reservation fees,” says Rail Plus boss James Dunne. “Thalys has now addressed those concerns, and at the same time the network is increasing the availability of Pass-holder Fares, ensuring New Zealand rail travellers have a better chance of securing a seat on their desired departures.”

New Plantation RoomPlantation Island Resort recent-ly closed its hotel block which means clients will experience a nicer level of accommodation when booking the resort’s lead in room category, says Coconuts Travel Mar-keting. Lead-in is now a classic studio garden bure; beachfront hotel rooms are now beachfront stu-dio bures; and the studio garden bure is now a renovated studio gar-den bure. For a cheat-sheet, email info@coconutsmarketing.com

Thalys Cheaper Fees

Ladies Love TrafalgarThe vast majority (80%) of Trafalgar’s solo travellers last year were females and the brand says it is embracing the trend, includ-ing removing the single supple-ment on multiple departures.Travellers going it alone will also be paired with a same-sex person to share a room throughout the trip and if there is no twin-share available guests will be upgraded to a single room for no extra cost, says Trafalgar New Zealand gen-eral manager Scott Cleaver.Trafalgar itineraries with ei-ther no or a heavily discount-ed single supplement include the eight-day Italian Holiday, eight-day Highlights of Turkey and nine-day Best of Eg ypt. See trafalgar.com/nz/offers/ holiday-deals-for-singles

VA Pacific Islands SaleVirgin Australia has launched public tactical fares ex New Zealand to Pacific Islands for $220 one-way. On sale to 15 Apr for travel to Mar 2016.