Friday 05 August 2016 Issue 3366

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

5 Pages This Issue

News..............................................p1-4Aloha Friday .................................... p5

Low fares at peak times

PRESTIGE SUITESPRESTIGE SUITESPRESTIGE SUITESTHE ALL NEW PRESTIGE CLASS

Email : aklsm@koreanair.comWebsite : www.koreanair.com

LEARN MORE

30% OFF NORTH AMERICAsmall-group tours

Over 63,000 new hotels from

MORE INFO

Biosecurity FeedbackThe Ministry of Primary Industries is keen to hear from Kiwis about its vision for New Zealand’s biosecurity through until 2025, as it prepares for increasing tourism and trade. MPI last week launched its Biosecurity 2025 discussion document, which outlined key focuses including en-couraging all New Zealanders to be-come part of the ‘biosecurity team’; making the best use of science, inno-vation and technology; free-flowing information highways; effective lead-ership and governance; and having the best staff and infrastructure. It will host public meetings across the country from now until 01 Sep. See mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity-2025

Latest NZ/UA WinnerTasi Afitu from Quay Travel North Harbour is the latest winner in the Air New Zealand/United Airlines sales incentive. Afitu, pictured (on right) with NZ retail account man-ager Gracia Lock, was drawn from the entries as a spot prize winner and has won two tickets to the Bledisloe Cup final in October along with two tickets on the Air NZ domestic net-work. There is still time for agents to be in to win one of the remaining prizes—including a trip to see the All Blacks play Ireland in Chicago. For details CLICK HERE

The International Air Transport Association has released its latest operation data—and while air travel growth is weakening, the association remains cautiously optimistic in the wake of recent global events.“The demand for travel continues to increase, but at a slower pace,” says IATA director general Tony Tyler. “The fragile and uncertain economic backdrop, political shocks and a wave of terrorist attacks are all contributing to a softer demand environment.” IATA’s global passenger traffic data for Jun shows demand (revenue pas-senger kms) was up 5.2% compared to the same month last year—a result also up slightly on the 4.8% May increase“However, the upward trend in sea-sonally-adjusted traffic has moder-ated since Jan,” adds the airline body.

. . . The NumbersAirline capacity for Jun (available seat kms) rose by 5.6%, while over-all the load factor slipped 0.3 per-centage points to 80.7%, says IATA.At the same time Jun internation-al passenger demand was up 5% on Jun 2015. All regions recorded growth, says IATA, led by airlines in Latin America. International air ca-pacity climbed 6.4%, which in turn saw the international load factor to

slide 1.1 percentage points to 79.4%.Looking at the Asia Pacific region, Jun traffic increased 8.2% for Asia Pacific airlines compared to the same month last year. However, IATA says most of the growth relates to the strong upward trend in traffic seen in the final months of 2015 and into 2016, ‘with Jun demand barely higher than in Feb’. “This could be a natural pause, but possibly is also a sign of Asian passengers being put off travel by terrorism in Europe,” says IATA. Regional capac-ity rose 7.3% for Jun and the load factor climbed 0.6 percentage points to 78.2%. Overall domestic travel climbed 5.7% in Jun, year-on-year.

. . . Too Soon To TellTyler says it’s too soon to tell what long-term impact the recent ter-rorist attacks, Brexit and the events in Turkey will have a on air travel demand.“But it is vital that governments rec-ognise and support aviation’s abil-ity to contribute to global economic well-being and better understand-ing across cultural and political borders,” he says.The latest IATA figures show avia-tion and aviation related tourism delivers USD2.7 trillion in economic impact and supports some 62.7 mil-lion jobs worldwide. “It is a powerful force for good in our world,” says Tyler.

IATA Remains Cautiously Optimistic

Fri 15 May 15 P3Fri 05 Aug 16 p2

News & Product

ISSN 1176-5275Travel Today (incorporating Tabs on Travel) is published by Tabs on Travel Ltd, New Zealand. Ph +64-9-415 8111.news@traveltoday.co.nz tony@traveltoday.co.nzadsales@traveltoday.co.nz

© All contents are copyright, and must not be transmitted or copied without specific approval.PO Box 305-167, Triton Plaza, Auckland 0757, New Zealand.Bld F, 14-22 Triton Dr, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand.

Click Here to Subscribe

Indu

stry

Com

men

t

From Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown

Non-stop to the Gold Coast

Emirates and Air New Zealand have edged out Singapore Air-lines as top international carriers when it comes to customer satis-faction in Australia, but it’s still a close call at the top, says Roy Morgan.In the year to Jun, EK satisfied 89% of its Aussie customers, and NZ was second with just over 87%, beating SQ by less than 1%.Last year, SQ dominated the cat-egory every month for 12 months, and it’s won the international airline of the year title in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. However so far this year, EK and NZ have taken the spot for three months each.“Although SQ has not yet taken out a Customer Satisfaction Award this year, it should not be discounted,” says Roy Morgan boss Michelle Levine. “Having been International Airline of the Year four times run-ning, Singapore practically wrote the book on keeping international passengers happy.”Very little separates the customer satisfaction levels of the six high-est international airline scorers, which is rounded out by Qatar, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, notes Roy Morgan. “However, there is a veritable gulf of more than 40% between Emirates in top spot and American Airlines in 15th

(57%),” says the research company. The scores are Emirates (89%); Air New Zealand (87%); Singapore Airlines (87%); Qatar (86%); Cathay (85%); Qantas (85%); Thai Air-ways (81%); Virgin Australia (78%); British Airways (75%); Malaysia Airlines (75%); Airasia X (67%); Jetstar (66%); Air Canada (63%); and American Airlines (57%).

Emirates Top Carrier

BA UK/Europe SaleBritish Airways has economy and premium economy flights to the UK and Europe on sale to 22 Aug, with fares starting from $1977 in economy, and $4245 in premium economy.

QT Coming To MELMelbourne will welcome its first hotel in the quirky QT chain in Sep. The QT Melbourne will offer 188 hotel rooms, a signature bar and grill restaurant, laneway bar, rooftop bar and café. It’s located in the former Greater Union cinema complex and within walking distance of Bourke St Mall, Emporium Melbourne, Regent The-atre and Collins St shopping precinct.

Insurance In SpotlightConsumer magazine has released its latest report on travel insurance in its latest issue, and it contains at least one point agents will find ‘very interesting’.One eagle-eyed travel agent has commented that the travel insur-ance company running advertising stating its premiums were 46% cheaper than those sold by travel agents may have to change its ad copy. The Consumer report includes a breakdown of policy costs, and by comparing insurance sold di-rect with that traditionally sold by agents, it would seem that the advertising claims aren’t necessarily correct, says the agent.Consumer has previously published as least two other reports on travel insurance, both of which almost to-tally ignored policies sold by travel agents. Even though travel agents reputedly sell around 60% of all travel insurance policies sold in New Zealand each year, this latest report does not appear to really reflect that.

. . . Not All About PriceTravel Today understands that re-search conducted by a reputable market research company late last year found that price was less im-portant when buying travel insur-ance than such factors as service, ease of purchase and insurance company brand reputation.

LATAM Brazil On SaleLATAM has flights to Brazil on sale from $1520 during Aug, in its latest destination of the month sale.

Fri 15 May 15 P3Fri 05 Aug 16 p3

News & Product

Where Travel Agentsgo for information on:

* Destinations * Hotels* Resorts* Activities* Tours * Transport

* Sightseeing * Restaurants* Shopping * Events * and much

more

CLICK HERE and be informed to

earn more commission!

At Amadeus, we never forget that travel is all about the traveller.

From the moment of inspiration, to searching and booking, at check-in, dur-ing the trip and after, online or on mobile devices – we’re always working behind the scenes to help our customers deliver better, more personalised travel experi-ences. We call it harnessing the buyer life cycle.

It is very exciting for us to know that our solutions enable our customers to give

their travellers the best experience possible: the ability to research and compare options; the option to arrange the little extras to ensure a spe-cial experience; to welcome them home with an offer that inspires their next holiday.

By harnessing the customer journey, there is a significant opportunity for you to create a lasting, positive customer experience that can trans-late into growth in revenue and customer satisfaction. Over the coming months on our website, we will be exploring each stage of the customer journey and showing you how to make the most of every opportunity for your business. Check out our website for more.

We look forward to taking this journey with you. Click here to find out more.

For ALL Travel AgentsTECH UPDATE For ALL Travel Agents

Tony Carter, Managing Director, Amadeus IT Pacific

Travellers are at the heart of everything we do

CX China On SaleCathay Pacific has China fares from $969 for sales to 31 Aug and travel to 30 Nov, and 16 Jan-31 Mar. There’s fares available to 22 destinations, including Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Guilin. For departures from 31 Oct, travellers flying out of Auckland will have the option of fly-ing on CX’s new A350 aircraft, with on-board WiFi and satellite TV.

NZ’s Exhibition TopAir New Zealand has won best exhibition at the New Zealand As-sociation of Event Professionals (NZAEP) annual awards for its 75th year anniversary showcase. Judges said the exhibition was well planned and executed, made strong use of social media and used pioneering technology. It also created ‘a series of signature moments for the country’s flagship airline that engaged with the public, built on awareness and created opportunities for conversion’, NZAEP chief executive Vicki Watson says.

Visit California is staging a California Dreaming agent event in Auckland later this month, as the STO says demand from New Zea-land continues to climb.Some 17 Californian operators are attending the breakfast showcase Mon 22 Aug, the biggest delegation to visit New Zealand yet, says the STO. Plus those attending will be entered into a draw to win a trip for two to California.“It’s an exciting time to know more about California, with more direct air seats than ever before—and with

The Californians Are Coming To AKL

more Kiwi travellers than ever before visiting California it’s a great oppor-tunity to sell more California experi-ences,” says Visit California’s Philip Haines.Visit California is also looking to increase its profile in this market through a number of initiatives such as cooperative campaigns with travel trade partners. For details see the t-mail invite e-mailed out today or CLICK HERE.

Airtrain On TravelportTravelport has a new deal with Airtrain, which links Brisbane Airport to Brisbane City and the Gold Coast. Under the agreement, Travelport-connected agents will be able to book Airtrain tickets through the Airport Express app. Agents will receive an au-tomatic reminder when an air book-ing is made into and out of BNE.

Excitement As Aggie Grey’s Reopens In ApiaThe Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows has officially opened, almost four years since the iconic property was devastated by Cyclone Evan. The hotel has undergone an estimated USD80 million refurbishment, with extensive upgrades across the entire property. Its opening adds 174 rooms, bungalows and suites back into Samoa, says director of sales and marketing Carl Amos. “Our message is that we’re open for business and for all of our travel partners to share this exciting news with their customers, and inspire more people to visit Samoa…” Amos says the resort has some ‘good bookings’ for the latter part of the year, and many guests are excited about the return of the bungalow-style accommodation. “We’re still to complete some areas of the hotel which we are already underway to have completed in the next seven to eight weeks,” he says. To celebrate the the hotel has opening rate of USD170pn, valid to 30 Nov. A variety of offers will be released over the next months.

Fri 15 May 15 P3Fri 05 Aug 16 p4

News & Product

IndustryDiaryAUGUSTSPANTO roadshowPalmerston North: Tue 09, The Distinction Hotel. 1730.New Plymouth: Wed 10, Novotel Hobson Hotel, 1730.

‘California Dreaming’ Agent BreakfastAuckland: Mon 22, Ostro Brasserie, 0700-0900

Lindblad Expeditions Agent BreakfastsAuckland North: Tue 23, Takapuna Boating Club, 0715.Auckland South: Wed 24, Urban Soul Cafe, 0715,Wellington: Thu 25, Amora Hotel, 0715,

SEPTEMBERBula Marau Fiji Roadshow - Couples & LuxuryTauranga: Mon 05, Mills Reef Winery, 0700-0930.Hamilton: Mon 05, Ferrybank Reception Centre, 1730-2015.Christchurch: Tue 06, Peppers Clearwater Resort, 1730-2015.Wellington: Wed 07, InterContinental Hotel, 1730-2015.Auckland: Thu 08, Pullman Hotel, 1730-2015.Auckland North Shore: Fri 09, QBE Stadium, 0700-0930.

The Travel Corporation 2017 Launch EventAuckland: Wed 21, venue tbc.

Destination NSW Agent Quiz NightsAuckland: Tue 27, Albion, 119 Hobson Street, CBD, 1730-1900.Christchurch: Wed 28, Lonestar Riccarton, 364 Riccarton Road, 1730-1900.

CLICK HEREto register now

‘California Dreaming’ Agent Breakfast

In your inbox is the invite to the

* Book G class. Sales until 19 Aug. See GDS for details.

From $1399* Returnpp

AKL HNL SFO/SJC/OAK/SMFAloha Northern California!

Christmas HorrorBecause Christmas and horror obviously go together, Universal has announced a new Halloween Hor-ror Nights maze launching at its Hollywood and Orlando parks from 16 Sep. The maze will be themed around the Krampus horror movie, and sees guests encounter an ancient spirit (described as the ‘dark shadow of Saint Nicholas’) and his sinister band of Dark Elves and Ginger-bread Men. The streets of the theme parks are transformed with ‘scare zones’ and haunted houses dur-ing the popular Halloween events. See halloweenhorrornights.com

e-mail news@traveltoday.co.nzGot News?

The Minist r y of Hea lth has updated its travel advice for Zika following new research around the virus, and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service is urging Kiwis to take note, whether they’re ‘travelling to Rio for the Olympics or the Pacific Islands for a mid-winter holiday’.Women who are pregnant should de-lay travel to all Zika affected locations, says the Ministry. Those planning to become pregnant should delay those plans until at least eight weeks after they arrive back in New Zealand; and men shouldn’t have unprotected sex for at least six months after travelling to a Zika affected location.Zika is most commonly transmitted by mosquito bite, and affects both

males and females. Four out of five of those infected won’t show any symp-toms, but there can be serious conse-quences if they develop Guillain Barre Syndrome, and it can cause birth de-fects if passed on to an unborn child.For details of the disease and how to help prevent it, CLICK HEREFor a list of affected countries, CLICK HERE

More On WalkaboutsWalkabout Cultural Adventures has increased capacity on its tours and can now take a maximum of 11 people per tour thanks to the purchase of a second vehicle. The company also has a new guide, Percy, the uncle of owner/operator Juan Walker. Percy is a Kuku Yalanji man, born and raised in the Mossman Daintree Region, and will share his knowledge of the area, ancestral history and heritage. Details, walkaboutadventures.com.au

Zika Travel Warning Updated For Kiwis

Burj’s New Back PorchDubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab hotel has introduced a new outdoor terrace, complete with restaurant, pool, beach and cabana space. The Terrace, which is open to hotel guests, was developed in Finland and shipped to Dubai in eight pieces, where it was then put to-gether. The private 10,000m2 out-door leisure facility stretches 100m out into the sea and is home to Scape Restaurant & Bar, two pools, dedicated butler-serviced cabanas, and a beach area with luxury day and sunbeds.

LikeHawaii Tourism NZ

Aloha Friday Incorporating Tabs On TravelFri 13 Mar 15 p5Incorporating Tabs On Travel05 Aug 16 p5

*Book O class. Departures now until 08 Dec. See GDS for details.

AKL HNL LAX From $989* Return. On sale till 19 Aug.

Stopover in HNL permitted

HA Travel Up In JulHawaiian Airlines carried 1.04 million passengers in Jul, 3.1% more than Jul 2015. Demand was up 6.4% and capacity increased 4.3%, with load factors growing 1.7 points to an average of 86.2% for the month. Year to date, HA’s passenger numbers are up 4.1%, demand is up 6.5% and capacity up 3.1%. Load factors have increased 2.7 points for an average of 83.4%.

HTA ConferenceThe Hawaii Tourism Association has extended earlybird registration for its upcoming tourism conference through until 15 Aug. The conference takes place 26-30 Sep at the Hawaii Convention Center, and this year has been expanded to a week-long event with a more interactive format. The theme for this year’s conference is Transforming Tourism Together. See hawaiitourismconference.com

Aston Islander On Kauai Gets A RefreshThe Aston Islander on the Beach has had an update to its guest rooms, including freshly painted walls, new furnishings and drapery, lighting and bathroom cabinets, says Asia Pacific Travel Marketing Services. The low-rise, oceanfront resort is set in six acres of landscaped gardens on the east coast of Kauai in the Coconut Plantation Resort area. All suites have recently up-dated furnishings, coffee makers and bar fridges along with their own private balcony. Guests can also unwind by the pool, take a dip in the jet spa or head to the nearby public tennis courts or golf course, and the Coconut Plantation Marketplace with more than 60 shops and restaurants is a short walk away.

Prince AppointmentsP r i n c e R e s o r t s H a w a i i h a s announced new appointments and promotions in its leisure sales team. They include Ayumi White, director of sales and marketing Asia Pacific; Cathy Bay, regional director of leisure sales; and Samantha Collins, director of sales Mauna Kea Resort.

A v i d e o c l i p o f l av a s p o t s resembling a smiley face has gone viral across the world, prompting further demand for viewings of the Kilauea lava flows—so clients keen to see the lava should book early to avoid disappointment, say local operators.The new lava flows from the Hawaii Island volcano have been making headlines around the world, includ-ing in New Zealand.Demand for helicopter flights has

Book Early For Lava As Demand Spikes

spiked as the lava flows into the Pacific Ocean for the first time since 2013, and Paradise Helicopters (fea-tured in the clip) is urging agents to tell clients to pre-book before leav-ing home, or as soon as they arrive in Hawaii, to avoid disappointment. While tours out of Kona or Hilo will be best to view the lava, guests could also charter an aircraft from another island, says Paradise Helicopters.Dawn and dusk are said to be the best times to catch the lava vs ocean action. To see the clip CLICK HERE. And for more from videographer Mick Kal-ber see itunes.apple.com/us/movie/volcanoscapes...-dancing-goddess/id892021291

Bishop Museum TopThe Bishop Museum has been named the best thing to do on Oahu by USA Today, which said it’s a must visit for anyone keen to ‘take a deep dive in Hawaii’s rich history, culture and traditions’. The museum was founded in 1889 in honour of Princess Pauahi Bishop, and housed her artefact col-lection. It’s now the state’s largest mu-seum, home to millions of artefacts.Other Oahu attractions in the top 10 included the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument; Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve; the North Shore; Io-lani Palace; Polynesian Cultural Cen-tre; Paradise Cove Luau; Kailua Town; Diamond Head State Monument; and the Honolulu Museum of Art.

HA To LA from $989Hawaiian Airlines has Los Angeles fares from $989 for sales to 19 Aug. Bookings are in O class, a stopover in HNL is permitted in either direction.

Latest HA WinnerLorna Walters has won 100,00 Hawaiian Airlines Miles in the latest Helloworld Airtickets com-petition. HA was the Jul airline of the month. Walters is pictured with HA dynamic duo Nicholas P Dew and Lindsey Morgan