Thursday 20 August 2015 Issue 3142

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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5 Pages This Issue

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Last Day To voteCompetit ion is close in Royal Caribbean’s New Zealand Travel Has Talent competition—and with just one day of voting left RCI’s Mark Kinchley is urging all those in the trade to make sure they vote. “To date over 42,000 votes have been cast and hopefully with a last push we can see this climb above 45,000,” he says. The cruise line has also announced that two wild card finalists chosen by judg-es will compete with the four finalists.

. . . Free, Fun NightThere’s still space at the 11 Sep Grand Final gala dinner, but it’s filling fast, cautions Kinchley. The finalists will compete for the Europe cruise pack-age up for grabs and there will be guest performances, three-course din-ner and an after party. “Many agents are asking how much are tickets but as this is our thank you to the trade they are naturally free as is the food and drink,” says Kinchley.

JQ Profit; New Routes?Jetstar’s domestic New Zealand business was profitable for the first time in the FY2015, Qantas told in-vestors today when announcing its results. Areas of focus for Jetstar New Zealand in FY16 include ‘new routes for transtasman’, as well as con-tinuing to ‘build a strong challenger brand’ and launching regional flights in Dec, according to the results.Overall the Jetstar Group reported record underlying EBIT of AUD230m, up from last year’s loss of AUD116m, and JQ international achieved a record profit as it introduced more B787-8s. QF has written off its stake in JQ Hong Kong, with an impact of AUD21m outside underlying EBIT.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce credited the airline’s AUD2 billion transforma-tion programme as he today an-nounced the airline’s best financial results since the global financial crisis.QF wouldn’t be announcing a return to profit and a Dreamliner order if it weren’t for the transformation pro-gramme, said Joyce, who thanked shareholders for sticking with the carrier through a turbulent time in its history.“We have reshaped our business for a strong, sustainable future—and because we moved quickly and made tough decisions early, we have strong foundations to build on.”For the 12 months to Jun, QF’s under-lying profit before tax was AUD975 million, and statutory profit before tax was at AUD789m.The underlying result reflects a turn-around of AUD1.6 billion compared with FY2014, and includes QF’s best ever second half, with all parts of the QF Group reporting robust profits.QF International reported underly-ing EBIT of AUD267m, a turnaround of AUD764m on last year’s loss of AUD497m. Domestic EBIT was AUD480m, compared to AUD30m in 2014.The transformation programme re-alised AUD894m in benefits during the year and saw QF meet its target of paying down more than AUD1b in debt, meaning it has reached its

optimal capital structure—so it can resume shareholder returns while continuing to invest in growth and renewal.

. . . DreamlinersThis includes eight new 787-9 aircraft to replace five of the carrier’s older 747s on QF International routes, and open up ‘a range of potential new city pairs’. This could include, for example, Melbourne-Dallas, said Joyce—but he noted that any routes QF is consider-ing are likely to have changed by the time the first 787s are delivered in 2017.As well as increasing the range, replac-ing five aircraft with eight allows the carrier to increase frequency on exist-ing routes.QF will retain 15 further options and 30 purchase rights for additional 787s. The new aircraft are a ‘milestone ac-quisition’ marking the scale of QF’s turnaround, says Joyce.“These aircraft are a fitting emblem of that evolution—they show that we are revitalised and here for the long haul.”

. . . Fuel BenefitDropping fuel prices also paid a key part in QF’s result, says Joyce—and he noted the airline is benefiting more than its peers, thanks to clever hedg-ing strategies. This year’s fuel bill im-proved AUD600m on last year’s, and the worst case scenario for FY2016 would be the same result.

QF’s Transformation Pays Off; 787 Orders

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houseoftravel.co.nz/careers

Business Owners, Retail Managers & Senior Consultants House of Travel is going from strength to strength and continues to experience a steady period of growth. Due to this ongoing success we have been able to invest in new retail opportunities; opening seven new stores across the country in the last 18 months alone. To continue to support this growth we have a number of exciting opportunities available throughout New Zealand for Business Owners, Retail Managers and Senior Consultants. At House of Travel you will combine your passion for travel with a sound knowledge of what makes a great holiday. By using your ability to understand the unique needs of each customer you will create experiences that enrich people’s lives through travel.The key to your success in the role will be:• Youwillbecustomerobsessed• Strongproductknowledge,withacommitmenttoprofessionaldevelopment• Technologicallysavvy• A passion for travel, enabling you to add hidden gems into your

customers itineraries• WanttobepartofahighachievingcompanyDoes this sound like the passport to your future? Please send a covering letter and CV to Jayne Thornley, Retail Director at hotcareers@hot.co.nz

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New Cal ProtestsOngoing protests in Noumea are affecting transport routes into and around the city, and access to the airport has reportedly been dis-rupted, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.The protests relate to a domestic political dispute, and may continue or become more widespread, says MFAT. Access to the New Zealand Consulate-General is also limited, and the Consulate-General is oper-ating with limited staff.Kiwis in Noumea are advised to monitor the media to stay in-formed of local developments and avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as they have the po-tential to turn violent with little warning.MFAT notes there is no change to its risk level, and it continues to advise there are no significant security risks associated with travel to New Caledonia. See safetravel.govt.nz

KLM Swaps To 787-10KLM has changed its order for six Boeing Dreamliner 787-9s to the larger 787-10 version ‘because of the network’, says the carrier. The aircraft are expected from 2020.

TAANZ is advising agents of a US-based website which seems to be offering ‘too good to be true fares’.The site, Simplybusinessclass aims to find competitive first and business class levels—and was brought to the attention of a TAANZ broker whose cli-ent cited cheaper fares on the website.“The scheme appears to operate by depositing enough redemption points into the traveller’s account to redeem a one way first class flight,” says Olsen. “The traveller then pays for a one-way first class flight back—thereby

getting the return first class trip for half price.”The aforementioned client departed, says Olsen, but was off-loaded on arrival and asked to purchase a new ticket for the remaining sectors. “The airline in question advised this was because the frequent flyer rules had been breached,” he says.TAANZ has liaised with its US coun-terparts on the matter and deter-mined this organisation is not aligned to the national body ASTA. “A search of records indicates that at least one government action has been brought against the company resulting in a significant settlement, says Olsen. “All we’re saying is we know about the company and we think readers, our members and the wider supplier net-work should be [informed].”

SQ Extends FaresSingapore Airl ines UK/Europe premium economy fares have been extended and sales are now til 24 Aug. The GDS has been updated or see the updated fare page at krisport.co.nz

US Airfare Website Warning

Pax’s Ear Bitten OffA male passenger on a Jet2 flight ex Newcastle to Ibiza had his ear bitten off, according to widespread reports. The passenger, who is believed to be aged between 18-25 years old, re-portedly ran through the cabin ‘cov-ered in blood’ with his ‘ear hanging off ’. Other passengers who spoke to reporters say it wasn’t clear who the perpetrator was, however, Jet2 says it is working with Northumbria police to investigate the incident.

Strambi New MEL BossFormer Qantas senior executive Lyell Strambi has been appointed as the new chief executive of Melbourne Airport, succeeding current airport boss Chris Woodruff, effective 21 Sep. The airport company this week opened its new terminal four, from which Tigerair will commence oper-ations from next week. Strambi will also oversee Tasmania’s Launceston Airport.

Serko’s Expedia BoostShares in travel booking software company Serko have jumped 20%, from a record low, after the Auck-land-based company signed a deal with Expedia, reports the NBR.The deal gives Serko customers the ability to search and book on Ex-pedia and Wotif through its on-line booking tool.

QF Code On BA FaresT h e Q F c o d e i s o n c e a g a i n permitted on British Airways fares to UK/Europe, BA has advised. QF has not been permitted for the past month. The GDS has been updated.

Flighties Expo SuccessSupplier and consultant feedback has been ‘overwhelmingly positive’ from Flight Centre’s Aug travel expos, says the chain. Australia, the Cook Islands and Fiji were top picks for destinations, while new routes like Auckland-Houston got plenty of attention, says Flight Centre. Con-sumer demand was particularly high for cruising, especially local sailings around New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific in early 2016.

HNL Fares Honolulu Air New Zealand has reduced its Honolulu fares to $548 seat + bag one-way, for sales to 04 Sep. All other fare conditions remain unchanged and wholesale levels are available. See airnzagent.co.nz for more.

New Codeshare DealBangkok Airways and Air Astana have signed a codeshare deal. The partnership is set to link Air Astana’s passengers with Thai beach destina-tions such as Samui, Phuket and Krabi.

Palm Cove Hotel DealPalm Cove’s Mantra Amphora is offering clients up to 15% in savings for bookings of three nights. A hotel spa room is priced from AUD179 per night, whilst a two-bedroom apart-ment is from AUD315 per night. Valid for sale and travel until 31 Oct. See mantra.com.au/amphora

EVA To AmadeusEVA Air has become the first Asian airline to adopt the Amadeus Altéa Revenue Management Suite, as the airline works to expand its network to North America and South East Asia markets and move away from segment-based revenue manage-ment, advises the GDS.

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SHARE Restaurant Experience On PrincessPrincess Cruises has unveiled details of SHARE by Curtis Stone, the Australian chef ’s first restaurant at sea, as part of the duo’s recently announced partner-ship, ‘Crafted by Curtis’. The SHARE dining experience is hoped to encouraged family, friends and other cruisers to connect, by offering signature dishes designed for sharing, whilst the restaurant itself will feature a communal table. SHARE will debut onboard Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess this Dec, fol-lowed by a Jan 2016 launch on Coral Princess, and an Apr 2016 launch on Sun Princess. The Crafted by Curtis partnership will also see select menu items offered in the main dining rooms of Princess’ ships as well as a chef ’s table experience. For further information see princess.com/curtis-stone

New Zealand’s cruise sector is expecting a record season in 2015-2016, however, due to the looming Border Clearance Levy, it’s thought the growth could be stumped as early as the 2017-2018 season.Cruise New Zealand general man-ager Raewyn Tan says while they are excited about the impeding growth of the sector, the levy is ‘casting some gloom over cruise’s bright future.’ “While schedules are largely committed for the next two seasons, international cruise companies have advised they are considering relo-cating ships away from New Zealand as early as the 2017-2018 season be-cause of the new travel tax,” she says.The upcoming 2015-2016 season will see larger ships cruising to New Zealand, as well as more ves-sels based out of Auckland. During this time passenger numbers are forecast to increase 33% to 267,800 and is expected to inject $543 mil-

lion in value added to New Zealand, according to Cruise New Zealand’s economic impact summary report released today. This is in part due to the fact that there will be five new ships sailing our shores includ-ing Explorer of the Seas, whose sister ship Voyager of the Seas is currently the largest in passenger numbers. Princess Cruises will in-crease their Australasian fleet to five, introducing Golden Princess to New Zealand, and P&O Aus-tralia’s Pacific Pearl will increase their homeports out of Auckland significantly. The 2016-2017 season will continue to grow, with Ovation of the Seas making its first call as the largest ever ship to visit New Zealand, and Holland America Line’s Noordam scheduled to make more open-jaw voyages that start or end in Auck-land.

Avid Northland CruisersNorthland residents are becoming more intrepid travellers with the fastest growing percentage of river cruising holidays sold in the region than anywhere else in New Zealand. House of Travel estimates 5% of river cruises booked by Kiwis last year were made in the Northland region, with growth in that area up 150% since 2014. House of Travel Whangarei’s Ste-phen Gillingham says river cruis-ing growth is one and a half times higher than it was previously and sales look set to double this year. He says in the first half of 2015, Northlanders spent over $1 million on river holiday bookings compared to the same amount for the whole of 2014. The Mekong Delta is a favou-rite choice with Northlanders, he added, as well as Europe’s waterways and the Amazon.

Record Growth Hampered By Levy?

Disney Alcohol ChangeDisney Cruise Line guests will soon be prohibited from bringing liquors or spirits onboard with them. The cruise line has updated its alcohol policy, effective on/after 30 Sep, in which it limits clients 21 years or older to bringing a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or champagne, or six beers, onboard at embarkation and each port of call. A corkage fee of USD25 will be applicable to those who wish to drink their wine or champagne in a dining room, however, it can-not be consumed in any lounge or public area. The beverages must be packed in carry-on, and if it is instead packed in checked luggage it will be removed and stored until the completion of the cruise.

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Machu Picchu Walking Tracks ClosedWorld Journeys has advised that Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains will be undergoing maintenance works in Apr 2016, preventing visitors from taking walks up either mountain. Agents should be aware that as walks up both mountains are only optional extra activities at Machu Pic-chu, their temporary closure will not affect visits to the main site of Machu Picchu, or any Inca Trail trekking.

Raro PackagesGO Holidays has released packages to Rarotonga, flying Air New Zea-land (seat + bag). Flights and five nights at Club Raro Resort is priced from $969pp s/t; upgrade to the Edgewater Resort & Spa, with flights and five nights priced from $1099pp s/t; or enjoy the adults only Sunset Resort Rarotonga, with flights and five nights priced from $1249pp s/t. The adults-only Crown Beach Resort & Spa, flights and five nights is from $1659pp s/t. For travel ex Wellington or Christchurch add an additional $169pp. On sale to 24 Aug for travel 07 Nov-30 Jun 2016. Closeouts apply. GO has details.

Red-iculous TowerThe Sky Tower will shine red from tonight through to Sun, wearing its own ‘red nose’ in support of Cure Kid’s Red Nose Day, advises SKYC-ITY. Sky Tower staff are also getting into the ‘rediculous spirit’ and will be wearing red noses tomorrow.

Cathay Pacific has appointed Vanessa Traille as its new marketing manager, replacing Mark Pirihi, who has taken on the new country manager role. Traille has been with the carrier since 2004, most recently as assistant man-ager passenger sales—and is excited about her new role.Pirihi says Traille is well respected by the trade. “Her energy and knowl-edge will be extremely valuable for our continued success in the New Zealand market.”Acknowledging that CX’s sales and marketing team in Auckland has seen a number of positive changes in areas of staff development, Traille says the travel industry has become a very competitive environment, especially for travel agents.She says the introduction of a 777 on the New Zealand route for the peak summer season and the arrival of a new A350 in 2016 featuring the new CX business and economy product ‘is going to be very well received by our team, not to mention our cus-tomers’.

While noting there are some improvements still to be made, Qantas boss Alan Joyce says its alli-ance with Emirates is paying off for both carriers.Before the alliance, QF carried around 400,000 people to Europe—and now, around 1.5m travel there on the QF code, said Joyce while announcing the QF results this morning.As more passengers are directed to Europe via Dubai, QF has been able to improve its Asian business as it’s no longer being structured as a transit to Europe, says Joyce.The carrier improved its schedules, product and lounges, and as a result ‘that turnaround on Asia alone was 300m in EBIT’, he says.Another key benefit of the alliance has been offering Australia’s corporate market a much more extensive net-work to the Middle East and Europe.When questioned on issues in the alignment of the two carriers, such as

Joyce: QF/EK Alliance Paying Off

frequent flyer programmes, Joyce said ‘every alliance continues to develop’ and QF is continuing to look at how it can make the alliance offering more seamless for customers.So far though the alliance is working ‘fantastically’ for both sides, he says. “It’s a win-win.”

Takayama Heritage TrailClients want ing to get off the beaten track in Japan can take part in Active Asia’s three-day tour to Takayama and Kanazawa, a four-hour bullet train journey from Tokyo. Highlights of the Takaya-ma Heritage Trail include a visit to UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawago, an old samurai res-idence, the Kenrokuen Gardens and more. For bookings e-mail sales@activeasia.co.nz

CX’s Marketing Manager

News & Product

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Insight Vacations Launch Breakfast with CEO John BouldingChristchurch: Mon 07, Function Room, Ilex Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park, AM (TBA).

Samoa RoadshowDunedin: Mon 07, Heartland Hotels Lounge, Forsythe Bar Stadium, 0730-0900. Christchurch: Mon 07, Pavilion, Hagley Oval, 1730-2000,Wellington: Tue 08, 1730-2000, venue tbc. Hamilton: Wed 09, Brooklyn 1, Claudelands, 1730-2000. Auckland: Thu 10, Maritime Room, Viaduct Harbour, 1730-2000.

Scenic Ever Wondered SessionsHamilton: Mon 07, Novotel Hamilton (Whitora Room), 7 Alma St. Europe River Cruising 1300, Canada, Alaska and North America 1430. Bethlehem: Tue 08, Mills Reef Winery, 143 Moffat Road. Europe River Cruising 1000, Canada, Alaska and North America 1130. Auckland: Wed 09, Waipuna Hotel (Promenade Room) 58 Waipuna Road, Mt Wellington. Europe River Cruising 1000. Canada, Alaska and North America 11.30. Auckland North: Thu 10, Spencer on Byron Hotel, Takapuna (Normandie Room) Level 1, Byron Ave. Europe River Cruising 1000, Canada, Alaska and North America 1130.

TAANZ AGMAuckland: Wed 09, Heritage Hotel, from 1500.

Industry DiaryAn Evening in WA, with ATEC and Tourism Western AustraliaAuckland: Thu 10, the CICC building, 100 Beaumont Street, 1700-2030

Royal Caribbean – New Zealand’s Travel Has Talent Grand FinalAuckland: Fri 11, the Pullman hotel.

Globus/Cosmos Europe 2016 LaunchHamilton: Tue 15, Juke Box Diner, 1800. Christchurch: Tue 15, Christchurch Casino, 0715. Auckland Nth Shore: Wed 16, Spencer on Byron, Takapuna, 1800. Tauranga: Wed 16, Macau Functions, 1800. Dunedin: Wed 16, Wains Hotel, 0715. Napier: Thu 17, The Crown Hotel, 1800. Invercargill: Thu 17, Kelvin Hotel, 0715. Auckland East: Thu 17, Celsius Restaurant, 1800. Lower Hutt: Tue 22, The Dowse Art Museum, 1800. Palmerston North: Wed 23, Lone Star, 1800. Nelson: Wed 23, Grand Mercure Monaco, 1800. Wanganui: Thu 24, Element Cafe, 0715. New Plymouth: Thu 24, The Waterfront Hotel, 1800. Whangarei: Thu 24, Dickens Inn, 0715. Kerikeri: Thu 24, Fishbone Cafe, 1745. Blenheim: Thu 24, Watermouth Cafe, 1800. Pukekohe: Tue 29, Kaos Cafe, 1800. Henderson: Tue 29, The Falls Restaurant, 1800.

AUGUSTServiceIQ Business Breakfast Series 2015 Queenstown: Fri 21, Novotel Queenstown. Auckland: Thu 27, Novotel Ellerslie. Dunedin: Fri 28, Mercure Dunedin.All timings are from 0700, with presentations at 0730.

Philippines Philippine Department of Tourism & Philippine Airlines Auckland: Thu 20, Crowne Plaza, 1730.

Anaheim RoadshowAuckland: Mon 24, The Hilton, 1730.

South Pacific Association of National Tourism OffficesNapier: Tue 25, the Crown Hotel, 1730.

Cruise WA Auckland: Wed 26, the CICC building, 100 Beaumont Street, 1800.

TAANZ National Travel Industry Awards 2015Auckland: Fri 28, the Aviation Hall, MOTAT, from 1800.

SEPTEMBEREmpanadas and Tango(Argentina’s National Institute of Tourism & Air NZ)Auckland: Tue 01, CICC (Air NZ’s Customer Innovation + Collaboration Centre), 100 Beaumont St, 1730.

The Travel Corporation 2016 LaunchHamilton: Mon 21, PM. Tauranga: Tue 22, AM. Auckland: Tue 22, PM. Christchurch:Wed 23, PM. Dunedin: Thu 24, PM. Nelson: Mon 28, AM. Wellington: Mon 28, PM. Hawkes Bay: Tue 29, PM. Palmerston North: Wed 30, PM. Venues tba.

Destination NSW Sydney Agent Quiz nightAuckland:Wed 30, 5.30pm-7pm. Venue tbc.

OCTOBERGlobus/Cosmos Europe 2016 LaunchTimaru: Thu 01, Mocca Cafe, 0715.

Destination NSW Sydney Agent Quiz nightChristchurch: Thu 01, 5.30pm-7pm. Venue tbc.

The Travel Corporation 2016 Launch New Plymouth: Thu 01, PMVenues tba.

Adventure World, Rocky Mountaineer and Holland America Line North America BreakfastInvercargill: Mon 05, Kelvin Hotel, 0730-0830. Queenstown: Tue 06, The Exchange Cafe, 0730-0830.

FOR MORE SEE MONDAY’S TRAVEL TODAY

Thailand TemptationsGO Holidays has released new Thailand deals, flying Malaysia Air-lines ex Auckland. Phuket with eight nights and flights is from $1279pp s/t; Koh Samui with eight nights and flights is from $1609pp s/t; and Bangkok with four nights and flights is from $1189pp s/t. On sale to 01 Sep for travel 21 Aug-31 Mar 2016. Close-outs apply. GO has details.

Versailles Plans HotelOne of France’s most visited sites, the Chateau de Versailles is reportedly planning a luxury hotel. Reports says the palace’s management has called for a tender to create a hotel in three 1680s buildings—the Grand Controle, Petit Controle and Pavillion—situ-ated just outside its gates. The call for tender for a 60-year concession on the buildings, meant to become a hotel, will reportedly close 14 Sep.

World Journeys is highlighting the practises of its operators in Africa, after the death of Cecil the lion put ‘wildlife parks’ where wildlife is ef-fectively captive into the headlines (see Travel Today 12 Aug).World Journey says its operators have a focus on supporting lions in the wild, rather than in parks. AndBeyond looks to create ‘exceptional safaris in the natural kingdoms of the world’, and uses experienced naturalists and environmentalists to host each jour-ney, says the wholesaler. Wilderness Safaris operates in ‘some of the most remote and pristine areas in Africa

and in so doing help conserve Africa’s spectacular biodiversity and share ec-otourism’s benefits with rural people’.Great Plains Conservation supports lions through the Great Plains Foun-dation, which looks to help fund leases on parcels of ex hunting land for lions to roam. “There is around 44 million acres of land in Africa on which lions roam that is unprotected or under hunting management,” says the operator. “60% of the remaining 20-30,000 lions live under no protection at all on this land. Land for Lions is the first step in securing this position.”

World Journeys On Africa’s Lion Parks

MAN Xmas MarketsSome 300 traders will take over Manchester’s city centre 14 Nov-21 Dec for the Manchester Christmas Markets offering international food, drinks and Yuletide gifts. For more, see visitmanchester.com

Top Tourism Operator South Island tourism company Southern Discoveries was named Operator of the Year 2015 at the Tour-ism Export Council of New Zealand Awards this week. It offers tourism experiences in Queenstown and Fiordland and Southern Discoveries is a joint winner of the award, an-nounced Mon night. Inbound tour operators selected the winners from several hundred tourism operator members.

Cairns Holiday SavingsClients can save up to 20% when staying three nights at either Man-tra Trilogy or Mantra Esplanade in Cairns, advises the hotel group. A two-bedroom apartment at Mantra Trilogy, located above the Cairns Es-planade in the CBD, is priced from AUD319 per night; whilst a two-bed-room apartment with a city view at Mantra Esplanade, located close to the iconic Esplanade Lagoon and boardwalk, cafes and restaurants, is from AUD330 per night. The offers are valid for sales and travel until 31 Oct. See mantra.com.au/esplanade