Tuesday 08 March 2016 Issue 3262

News................................p1, p2, p4, p5Cruising Today................................. p3

5 Pages This Issue

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AucklandPalmerston NorthJetstar flying to the biggest towns in NZ starting with ‘N’Flights are operated by Eastern Australia Airlines for Jetstar Airways.

Fly generousYour seat comes with food, drinks, entertainment, luggage allowance and Qantas Points*.

Few Fiji CancellationsAir New Zealand and Fiji Airways have reported minimal Fiji flight cancellations, and mainly only for travel to the end of Mar, says Tourism Fiji New Zealand manager Wayne Deed. “For the few resorts that are still closed most guests have re-booked to other resorts in Fiji,” he adds, dispelling any speculation that there have been significant cancella-tions from New Zealand.The NTO says Kiwi travellers are sup-porting the Fijian tourism industry recovery by continuing to holiday in Fiji and taking advantage of the ‘great deals’ in the market—a response Deed calls ‘heartening news’. For more from the Kiwi agents up in Fiji, see pg 5.

Crowdfund A Plane?K i w i R e g i o n a l A i r l i n e s i s reportedly looking at crowdfunding to raise money for a second aircraft, which would be more likely used for charters and as back-up rather than to add any new routes. The airline’s chief executive, Ewan Wilson, told Mediaworks he was ‘seri-ously thinking about’ going down the crowdfunding route—saying it’s not so much about raising the money, but having a community of Kiwi shareholders that he’s interested in. However he warned listeners on the Paul Henry show that aviation is the ‘riskiest business there is’. The air-craft would be used to cover during planned and unplanned engineering work, and Wilson says he also be-lieves there’s ‘considerable capacity’ to develop in the charter area.

After months of speculation, the First Travel Group has today announced that the future is …you; YOU Travel that is.Pitched as the result of input from all of the group’s stakeholders, the new YOU brand is made up of the former United Travel franchisees who have left helloworld, and will not officially launch until 01 Apr. However, First has today revealed a sneak peak of its new brand, and the philosophy behind the new network, which is open to other First agencies and interested parties.Calling service, knowledge and ex-pertise ‘a given’ for retail travel agents, First Travel Group general manag-er retail John Willson says the new brand’s proposition aims to present travel in a new light and be more inspirational. “The result is a brand that’s all about ‘you. We’re putting the consumer in the centre like never

before. And that’s not just lip service. We’re going to release some incredible new initiatives to the market that we think our customers will love.”

. . . Wait and SeeThe trade is going to have to wait to learn more about those initiatives, and the brand’s proposition for its franchisees, until 01 Apr—when the franchisees are released from their United Travel contracts and can start trading under the YOU Travel brand.However, First says its YOU Travel vision is ‘to put more colour into everyday life by challenging what it means to be a travel agency’ and ‘to be the ‘zag’ in the industry that captures peoples’ hearts and minds’. It is also promising YOU will launch many in-dustry firsts. “You might love the new brand, you might hate it, but you can’t deny that you will notice and remem-ber it,” adds Willson.

First Unveils Its New Brand: It’s YOU

More Screening In PlacePassengers who arrive from Australia may be greeted by detector dogs as soon as they step off the plane as the Ministry for Primary Industries works to prevent a possible fruit fly outbreak.The move follows an outbreak of Mediterranean fruit fly in Adelaide, which has seen the local government impose a quarantine zone in the city. “Our intelligence team determined there was a biosecurity threat to New Zealand, so we’ve swung into gear very quickly,” says MPI’s Craig Hughes.Having dogs at the arrival gate rather than after Customs allows greater scru-tiny of hand luggage, says Hughes. “Moving detector dogs as close as pos-sible to the arrival point is something international passengers are going to see a lot more of in the future,” he adds.MPI has also introduced a stricter approach to risk assessment, says Hughes. “If there is any doubt, passen-gers will be screened by x-ray and sent to our search benches,” he says.

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AKL Airport Taxi ChangesAuckland Airport is planning on making changes to the way taxi ser-vices are provided from and to the airport, saying the expiry of the cur-rent taxi licensing agreement means it can respond to advances in tech-nology, changes to the taxi market and feedback from both drivers and passengers.“Our customers want to be able to catch a taxi from the airport’s rank with the confidence that it will be clean and modern, that the driver will be friendly and knowledgeable, and that they will pay a competitive price for the service,” says general manager retail and commercial Rich-ard Barker.The airport will open a new tender process at the end of this month, with the new three-year tender scheduled to come into effect at the end of Jun.Barker told Travel Today last Jul that the airport was taking an open-minded approach to whether Uber drivers could offer their services to airport customers. Barker said he was driven by what the consumer wants and while taxis provider a good service, ‘we want to give con-sumers choice’.

Contiki Famil SpacesContiki is looking for two Kiwi agents to join an eight-day Balkans famil from Dubrovnik to Budapest (29 Apr-06 May). The seven-night trip includes twin-share hotel accommodation, 14 meals, sightseeing tours and activities, but agents will need to arrange their own flights. Register your interest by emailing contiki@contiki.co.nz

US Bans E-Ciggies The US has banned the use of electronic cigarettes on flights from, through or to the states. The Depart-ment of Transportation says it took the action to eliminate confusion over whether its existing ban on smoking on flights includes e-ciga-rettes. They’re banned in all forms, including electronic cigars, pipes, and devices designed to look like everyday products such as pens.The ban doesn’t include medical devices such as nebulisers.

Qualifying agents can win a place on a ‘once in a lifetime’ famil to experience the Vivid Sydney ex-travaganza, thanks to a new Air New Zealand and Destination NSW incentive.To be in the draw to win, retail lei-sure agents must sell one-way or return NZ/VA fares ex New Zealand to Sydney 07 Mar-03 Apr. Each ticket sold gives the agent one entry in the draw—so ‘the more you sell the more chances to win’, says NZ.The famil (07-09 Jun) includes re-

Win A Trip To Vivid SYD With Air NZ

turn the Works fares from any of NZ’s 22 domestic points to Sydney, two nights’ accommodation and hosted activities such as Vivid Bridge climb, the chance to explore Vivid precincts each night, hosted meals and more—as well as time to shop.For details on how to submit com-petition entries, see airnzagent.co.nz

Solomons BreakfastThe Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau is hosting a breakfast seminar in Christchurch on 15 Mar. The break-fast is on 0730-0830 at Brigitte’s Ex-presso Bar in Merivale, Christchurch. Spaces are limited, email rsvpnow.nz@gmail.com

HLO’s Corporate WinShow Group Enterprises, which has multiple locations across Australia and New Zealand, has joined the hel-loworld limited (HLO) business, the company has announced. It’s a move which has ‘delighted’ HLO boss Andrew Burnes. “I am very pleased to see our corporate buying group offering continuing to attract strong interest from independent corporate agencies throughout Aus-tralia,” he says in a statement. The move has been regarded as a signifi-cant win for HLO, and the volume of business is estimated to be around AUD50 million.

LAN Colombia SaleL A N A i r l i n e s i s l au n ch i n g a Destination of the Month series with flights to Colombia starting at $1959, for sales to 31 Mar. Clients can book flights from Auckland to Colombia’s key destinations including Bogota, Cartagena and Medellin at no ad-ditional cost. LAN flies to Colombia via daily flights from Auckland to Santiago.

Tue 08 Mar 16 Page 3

HELLOBROKERS

Due to internal movement at helloworld New Zealand, an exciting and rare vacancy has arisen - We are seeking an awesome and dynamic leader for our fabulous Brokers.

Much success has been achieved with the network over the past 13 years but we now have the green light and support to take this business to the next level and beyond.

The role has full P&L responsibility, dedicated marketing, administration, training and product support and requires leadership of a small team.

Skills required include• Significant exposure to the New Zealand travel

industry at a senior management level• An understanding of the local marketplace, and the

integrated nature of the New Zealand Industry• The ability to lead and manage a small and

efficient Operations Support team• The drive and determination to profitably manage

a nationwide broker network • Financial Management skills• Exemplary Relationship Management skills

The role reports to the Executive General Manager helloworld New Zealand, and some travel will be required throughout the country.

KPI’s are established for the role, and will be discussed at depth with short listed candidates.

At helloworld we want to help our people achieve their goals and dreams.

Want to be part of it? Don’t miss out on this one!

Submit your application today to simon.mckearney@helloworld.co.nz Executive General Manager

Applications close Monday 14 March 2016

An opportunity not to be missed!

NATIONAL MANAGER TRAVEL BROKERS

A NEW BRAND, A NEW JOURNEY

A small contingent of Kiwi agents has returned from a three-night cruise onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, where they heard first-hand about the ship’s GBP70 mil-lion refurbishment.During the cruise, ex Auckland to Wellington via the Bay of Islands, the agents were given the low down on the big plans for Queen Mary 2, which will see her go into an exten-sive dry dock in Germany 27 May-21 Jun. Due to the increasing number of clients seeking to holiday in multi-generational groups, 15 single state-rooms will be introduced; while further growing trends for those booking balcony staterooms and those wishing to have more flexibility with dining arrangements will see 30 additional Britannia Club balcony staterooms created onboard—where clients can dine any time in the dedicated Britannia Club restaurant, which is to be expanded. Meanwhile,

clients looking to travel with dogs or cats will be happy to hear the ship will get a further 10 kennels for four legged travellers. There will also be a range of changes to the ship’s dining areas, including the addition of the French restaurant Verandah and the removal of the Todd English restaurant; while both the Princess and Queens Grills res-taurants will be redesigned; as will the Kings Court buffet. Furthermore, the ship’s Winter Garden will be re-done and renamed Carinthia Lounge. However, as well as learning about these changes, the agents enjoyed the onboard experience, with highlights including the chance to dine at Todd English; gaze up at the wonders of the cosmos in the Planetarium; as well as enjoy afternoon tea in the Queens room. Pictured onboard is: 1 Andy Bruce, P&O and Cunard; Michele Murphy, Bon Voyage Cruises; Alexandria Rugg, Cruise Republic; Amber Gilling, Cruise Connection; Chris Harrop, United Travel Mairangi Bay; Jacqui Kennedy, House of Travel Product; Cherryl Browne and Marie Leadbetter, Cruise World; Julia Hind-man, Flight Centre Product; Rosie Scates, Cruiseabout Takapuna; Lydia Haydon, United Travel Bethlehem; Jeff Leckey, Grabacruise; and Anna Seabourne, House of Travel Papamoa. 2 Host Andy Bruce making a cock-tail. 3 Cruise World’s Cherryl Browne shaking up a cocktail. 4 Cruise Con-nection’s Amber Gilling and Bon Voy-age Cruises’ Michele Murphy having a bit of fun during the safety briefing. 5 Cruise World’s Marie Leadbetter trying out the wine offering.

Queen Mary 2 Refurb: Agents Onboard

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Bali Call CancelledCelebrity Cruises cancelled Celebrity Solstice’s port call to Benoa, Indone-sia yesterday due to the ‘potential for terrorist attacks in the country’. Re-ports say the cruise line will continue to monitor the security situation in Indonesia and will notify agents and clients if there are changes to future sailings.

HAL: Work UnderwayWork is well underway on Holland America Line’s USD300 million fleet-wide enhancement initiative, advises Francis Travel Marketing. ms Euro-dam underwent her refresh in Dec, in-cluding suite upgrades, new furniture, modern fixtures and new carpeting; as well as the new Gallery Bar; whilst ms Oosterdam will go into dry dock at the beginning of Apr. Suite upgrades include the likes of new amenities, such as premium duvet covers, soft cotton bathrobes and slippers, the ad-dition of binoculars for clients to use; while Pinnacle and Neptune suites will include coffee and espresso ma-chines, plus complimentary mimosas with in-suite breakfast, just to name a few. FTM has further details.

Azamara OverhaulAzamara Journey, the f irst of Azamara Club Cruises’ two ships undergoing major upgrades, has been outfitted with new venues, public spaces and technologies. Additionally, all stateroom and suites have had an overhaul, as well as dining areas. Two new Spa Suites have been built adja-cent to the Sanctum Spa providing exclusive access to spa amenities that will be included in the price of these staterooms. Other highlights include the addition of a Swirl & top self-serve frozen yoghurt station to The Patio restaurant, a new cocktail bar in the casino and new furnishings in the ship’s library themed Living Room. Azamara Journey will be coming to Australia and New Zealand for the next 2016/17 cruise season.

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HELLO EXPERTS Join New Zealand’s largest travel network as we begin our journey to a very exciting future. The business already has a long history of success, is supported by a significant Australian parent, offers numerous employee benefits and now sees itself in the enviable position of being able to re-create itself with a fresh, innovative and value packed consumer brand. We are looking for intermediate and senior travel experts to join our high performing helloworld stores in Hamilton and Wellington. These roles come with; a competitive salary & a fun and dynamic working environment - where you will be rewarded for your hard work. Inspiring training will be provided to ensure you perform at the top of your game.Ideal experience and skills:• Excellent customer service and relationship building skills• Excellent time management skills & ability to work under

pressure• A minimum of two years travel industry experience, preferably as

a retail travel consultant• Effective communication skills (both written and verbal)• Ideally have knowledge of Travelport GDS Any queries can be directed to Adrian on adrian.turner@helloworld.co.nz If you are interested in this great opportunity, please submit your CV along with covering letter to recruitment@helloworld.co.nz by Friday 18th March.

Ne w Z e a l a n d re m a i n e d t h e Sunshine Coast’s largest interna-tional market last year and Visit Sunshine Coast is tipping Kiwis’ interest in the destination to stay strong throughout 2016.The latest International Visitor Survey (IVS) figures show the region at-tracted 251,000 international visitors in the year ending Dec 2015.There was particularly strong growth from New Zealand over the 2015/16 summer, thanks to Air New Zealand’s new summer flights, helping the re-gion achieve its best summer season in almost a decade.Kiwis are also opting for longer holi-days on the coast, which has been marketing itself as diverse in terms of attractions, activities and experiences.“The Sunshine Coast continues to be one of the most popular holiday des-tinations for Kiwis. The latest IVS stats show that lots of Kiwis are staying lon-ger and New Zealand holiday nights are up 34%,” says local Visit Sunshine Coast rep Kate Wright.With a range of destination cam-paigns and trade activity underway, the RTO is expecting this interest to

be sustained throughout the year. “We have lots of campaigns com-ing up between now and Jun for families and couples looking for a winter escape,” says Wright—who is also thanking all the RTO’s Kiwi trade partners for promoting the destination.

Sunshine Coast’s Summer Success

Churchill Bonus With Adventure WorldClients who book a 2016 Churchill adventure with Adventure World this Mar will receive a free extra night in a hotel in Winnipeg as well as admission to their choice of one attraction in Winnipeg, or they can choose $200 ‘Buggy Bucks’ per guest that can be used at Fifty Eight North in Churchill. Tours include the six-day Churchill Town Tundra adventure, priced from $6665pp.

Starpoints For DesignThe second phase of the partnership between Design Hotels and Starwood Preferred Guest has launched, allow-ing SPG members to not only earn Starpoints on every stay, but to also redeem them at participating Design hotels. The two announced their partnership last Nov, and since then 32 of more than 290 Design member hotels have joined SPG, with another 30 going live in the coming weeks and more set to join.

Local Tourism GrowthNew Zealand’s tourism industry’s growth streak has continued with the release of the latest international visitor arrivals showing total arriv-als up 10.7% to over 3.17 million for the year ending Jan 2016. The figures, released by Statistics New Zealand, show the growth was driven by strong holiday arrivals, up 16.2% for the year ending Jan, equating to over 220,000 additional holiday visitors when compared with last year. Arrivals have been boosted by growth out of China (up 42.5%), the UK (up 11.4%) and Germany (up 12.5%), show the results.

Man OverboardThe US Coastguard has called of the search for a Texan who report-edly jumped overboard on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, when it was near Florida Keys. Ac-cording to reports, the ship turned around to search for the man before Coast Guard completed its ‘exhaus-tive’ search, to no avail.

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Industry DiaryAuckland CBD: Thu 10, The Heritage Hotel, 1730-2030.

The Safari Company information eveningsRotorua: Wed 09, Alpin Motel & Conference Centre, 1800.Taupo: Thu 10, Catellis Motel & Conference Centre, 1800.Napier: Mon 14, War Memorial Rm1, 1800. Carterton: Tue 15, Events Centre, 1800. Palmerston North: Wed 16, Pavillion Motel & Conference Centre, 1800.

SPANTO roadshowQueenstown: Tue 15, Heritage Hotel, 1730. Dunedin: Wed 16, Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, 1730.

Innovative Travel WWI Western Front Information Evening Christchurch: Thu 17, RSA 74 Armagh Street, 1730. Auckland: Tue 22, RSA Birkenhead, 1730.

APRILTourism Fiji Bula Marau Family RoadshowPalmerston North: Mon 04, Distinction Hotel, 0700-0930.Christchurch: Mon 04, Tait Conference Centre, 1730-2015. Wellington: Tue 05 April, Amora Hotel, 1730-2015. Hamilton: Wed 06, Ferrybank Reception Centre, 1730-2015. Auckland: Thu 07, Stamford Hotel, 1730-2030. Auckland North Shore: Fri 08, QBE Stadium, 0700-0930.

Avalon Waterways 2017 LaunchKerikeri: Wed 06, The Fish Bone, 1730. Lower Hutt/Wellington: Wed 06, La Bella Italia, 1745. Whangarei: Thu 07, Dickens Inn, 1730. New Plymouth: Thu 07, Waterfront Hotel, 1745. Hamilton: Mon 11, Hamilton Gardens cafe, 1745. Tauranga: Tue 12, Macau, 1745. Dunedin: Tue 12, Wains Hotel, 1730. Auckland, East: Wed 13, Fisher House, 1745. Timaru: Wed 13, Mocca Cafe, 1730. Napier: Wed 13, Crown Hotel, 1745. Auckland, West: Thu 14, The Falls, Henderson, 1745. Palmerston North: Thu 14, Distinction, 1745. Ashburton: Thu 14, Lushingtons, 1730. Auckland, North: Tue 19, Takapuna Boating Club, 1745. Christchurch: Tue 19, Dux Central, 1745. Invercargill: Wed 20, Kelvin Hotel, 1730. Queenstown: Thu 21, Copthorne Hotel, 1745. Nelson: Wed 27, Monaco Resort, 1730. Blenheim: Thu 28, Watery Mouth Cafe, 1730.

Queensland on TourQueenstown: Wed 06-Fri 08, Skyline Queenstown.

Gold Coast Tourism Agents FunctionAuckland: Mon 11, Everybodys, 1730.Tauranga: Tue 12, Trinity Wharf, 1730. Hamilton: Wed 13, Gothenburg, 1730.

MARCH 2016Air New Zealand Vietnam RoadshowNapier: Tue 08, The Gin Trap, 1800-2000. Christchurch: Mon 14, Zaffron, 1800-2000. Dunedin: Tue 15, Vault 21 – 21 The Octagon, 1730-2000. Hamilton: Tue 22, Viet Thai Village, 1800-2000. Auckland: Wed 23, Air New Zealand Customer, Innovation and Collaboration Centre, 1800-2000.

JAWS RoadshowWhangarei: Tue 08, Forum North, 7 Rust Ave, 1700-2000. Napier: Mon 14, War Memorial Conference Centre, 48 Marine Parade, 1700-2000. Wellington: Tue 15, Rydges WLG, 75 Featherston Street, 1700-2000. Palmerston North: Wed 16, Distinction Hotel, 175 Cuba Street, 1700-2000. New Plymouth: Thu 17, Novotel Hotel, Cnr Of Hobson and Leach Streets, 1700-2000. Tauranga: Tue 22, Tauranga Yacht Club, 70 Keith Allen Drive, 1700-2000. Hamilton: Wed 23, Novotel Tainui, 7 Alma Street, 1700-2000.

South Australia RoadshowChristchurch:Wed 09, Russley Golf Club, 1730-1930.

Cook Islands RoadshowWellington: Wed 09, Rydges Hotel, 0730-9030.Auckland, North Shore: Wed 09, Spencer on Byron, 1730-2030.South Auckland: Thu 10, Waipuna Suites, Highbrook, 0730-0930.

Samoa Tourism Exchange 2016Tue 12-Thu 14, details tba.

Vanuatu Tourism RoadshowChristchurch: Mon 18. Wellington: Tue 19. Auckland: Wed 20.Times and venues tba.

Asia Road Show: Cathay Pacific/Adventure World/ Exodus Breakfast updatesNew Plymouth: Tue 19. Palmerston North: Wed 20. Wellington: Thu 21. Times and venues tba.

Wendy Wu Tours Update & ‘Jungle Book’ film eveningChristchurch: Wed 27, Hoyts Riccarton, 1745. Wellington: Thu 28, The Embassy Theatre, 1800. Auckland: Thu 28, Rialto Newmarket, 1800.

MAYSPANTO roadshowHamilton: Tue 03, Ferrybank Reception Centre, 1730.Palmerston North & New Plymouth: TBA

Viva Expeditions and Chimu Adventures Experience South AmericaAuckland: Thu 12, Takapuna Boat Club, 1800-2000.

Adventure World Latin ExtravaganzaAuckland: Thu 12, 1730-2030, venue tba.

Tourism Fiji’s megafam continues this week with Kiwi agents arriv-ing in the island nation for three more famils to the Yasawa Islands, the Coral Coast and a Coral Coast/Mamanuca Islands itinerary.1 Showing off their singing skills with a rendition of Bula Maleya in X-Factor style at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa before heading off to the Coral Coast are (all Flight Centre) Michelle Coates, Hornby; Koryn Evans, Have-lock North; Lindsay Edgecombe, Dunedin; Gina Fowler, Bethlehem;

Second Wave Of Agents In Fiji

Tasha Singh, Te Awamutu; Fabienne Streuli, Pakuranga; Rory Grant, Al-bany; Renee Whitley, Remuera; Davy Chen Mt Eden and Rebecca Mi-ratana, Albany.2 Getting ready for a Sigatoka River Safari are (all Flight Centre) Fabienne Streuli, Pakuranga; Renee Whitley, Remuera; Gina Fowler, Bethlehem; Rebecca Miratana, Albany; Lind-say Edgecomb, Dunedin; Michelle Coates, Hornby; Rory Grant, Alba-ny; Tasha Singh, Te Awamutu; Davy Chen, Mt Eden and Koryn Evans,

Havelock North.3 Lindsay Edgecomb from FC Dune-din and Renee Whitley, FC Remuera are pictured helping out the children at Tubairata Village in Sigatoka.

TravelCube Fiji DealsTravelCube is offering 50% off regular contracted rates to Fiji, and says prop-erties around the islands are offering some ‘fantastic deals’.“Fiji is our neighbour and at times like this, it’s important that we come together and support the communi-ties that are most affected by this tragedy” says VP sales and marketing for Pacific, John Stucci. “The best way from an industry per-spective for us to help them is by encouraging Kiwis to travel there, and we do this by working together with our industry partners to come up with enticing offers that will help stimulate demand back into the region which in turn will bring a much needed boost to their economy.”TravelCube will donate $20 to Oxfam for every Fiji booking made between now and 31 Mar.

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