Incorporating Tabs On Travel · a robust agency and BSP programme fit for the New Zealand trading...

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‘BEST TOUR OPERATOR’ ‘BEST CRUISE OPERATOR’ APT are thrilled to have been nominated for in the 2015 TAANZ National Travel Industry Awards. Vote for APT at www.taanz.org.nz/ntia-voting-forms/ Thank you for your continued support! Mon 18 May 15 Issue 3075 Another Great Travel Today Wraparound

Transcript of Incorporating Tabs On Travel · a robust agency and BSP programme fit for the New Zealand trading...

  • ‘BEST TOUR OPERATOR’ ‘BEST CRUISE OPERATOR’

    Vote for APT at www.taanz.org.nz/ntia-voting-forms/

    Thank you for your continued support!

    APT are thrilled to have been nominated for

    in the 2015 TAANZ National Travel Industry Awards.

    ‘BEST TOUR OPERATOR’ ‘BEST CRUISE OPERATOR’

    Vote for APT at www.taanz.org.nz/ntia-voting-forms/

    Thank you for your continued support!

    APT are thrilled to have been nominated for

    in the 2015 TAANZ National Travel Industry Awards.

    Incorporating Tabs On Travel

    Mon 18 May 15 Issue 3075Another Great Travel Today Wraparound

    http://www.travelstats.co.nz/index.php?www.taanz.org.nz/ntia-voting-forms

  • Monday 18 May 2015 Issue 3075

    9 Pages This Issue

    News.................... p1, p2, p4, p5, p7, p8Cruising Today................................. p3Destination NSW ............................ p6Globus .............................................. p9

    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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    Chimu AdventuresLatin America brochures out now!!! Visit brochurenet.co.nz

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    THE SOUTH AUSTRALIANS ARE COMING

    15-20 MAY 2015

    Proudly nominated

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    Get Qantas Points with domestic Starter Plus faresBook a Jetstar Plus bundle for $19 on all domestic flights.

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    Mid-air Hijacking?Commentators in the aviation indus-try are sceptical whether it is possible to ‘hack in’ to the cockpit of a plane. The topic is in the headlines after an American man allegedly told the FBI he had taken control of a commerical plane’s engines with his laptop. An FBI warrant allegedly shows that a US citizen, Chris Roberts, had ac-cessed the control of up to 20 planes over three years by connecting his computer to the control panel for the in-flight entertainment system. In one instance he allegedly sent a com-mand to the engine’s thruster that caused the plane to move sideways. However, the Australian Civil Avia-tion Safety Authority has reportedly said the prospect of remotely control-ling a plane was unrealistic. Qantas too has downplayed the threat.Roberts is reported as saying that his only motivation was to improve security.

    NTIA Voting Closes FriAgents and suppliers have until 1700 on Fri to votes for nominees in the 2015 TAANZ NTIAs, reminds the agent body. “Voting has been strong in both sides of the categories and [we are] aware that there has been some in-novative campaigning attempting to woo the affection of voters,” says TA-ANZ chief executive Andrew Olsen. NTIA voting is open to eligible employees who may make one vote per category, with agents voting for suppliers and vice versa.

    . . . Buy Yours NowTickets to this year’s ‘bigger and better’ TAANZ NTIAs are ‘moving steadily’ says Olsen who is expecting a flurry to sales once the finalists are announced. TAANZ is looking for a bumper sell out at the event, which is 28 Aug at MOTAT in Auckland. For more details and tickets e-mail [email protected]

    TAANZ and IATA have finally reached an agreement on the pa-rameters of a new deal, which is due to be signed next month.The pair say they ‘are delighted’ to advise that they’ve reached an under-standing to renew the TAANZ-IATA Agreement for three more years. Details on the new arrangement will be provided in due course once the contract has been signed in mid-Jun, says TAANZ.TAANZ boss Andrew Olsen says he is

    TAANZ And IATA Set To Sign Deal

    pleased with the outcome. “It’s a very good arrangement we have with IATA and some of the improvements made to the deal give the airlines added comfort to their dealings with TAANZ members,” says Olsen. “The decision also reflects the satisfaction all round with the role of the bonding authority and the financial scrutiny applied to TAANZ members.”IATA too is upbeat about the proposed new TAANZ-IATA deal.“Following a comprehensive nego-tiation with TAANZ, local BSP air-lines look forward to continuing their long-standing relationship with TAANZ in the interests of supporting a robust agency and BSP programme fit for the New Zealand trading envi-ronment of today, and tomorrow,” says IATA’s area manager south west Pacific Ian Lorigan.

    . . . NZ Pleased TooAir New Zealand’s Antony Price says the carrier is pleased to see ‘a prag-matic conclusion to the negotiations on bonding and financial mitigation with TAANZ and IATA’.“The distribution environment has been evolving and it was important to ensure that the provisions for all par-ties remained relevant to the size and complexity of the market,” says Price. “It’s great to be able focus on the next period of stability as we enter an excit-ing growth phase for the airline over the next three years.”

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  • Mon 18 May 15 P2

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    Help your domestictravellers avoidchange fees

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    Refugees At ResortOver 1000 refugees reportedly landed on one of Langkawai’s tourist beaches last week, close to the Four Points by Sheraton Langkawi Resort. A number of hotels on the island organised to send food and water to the refugees, who arrived in the middle of the night and were taken into police custody. Many thousands more are believed to be on the way to Langkawi and neigh-bouring islands, reports say, whilst thousands of refugees are stranded at sea close to Thailand, with their smugglers reluctant to land due to a Thai crackdown.

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    Following the success of its first season flying to Christchurch, Tai-wan’s leading airline, China Air-lines, has announced it will expand the service for the entire upcoming summer. The service will operate three times a week from Taipei to Christchurch, via Sydney, and vv. The airline says the increased services (and thousands more seats) are a direct result of a suc-cessful three-month service operated last Dec, Jan and Feb. CI New Zealand Branch general manager Shirley Yang says its inaugural Taipei-Sydney-Christchurch service last summer was a huge success. So much so it was the airlines most successful sector on its global network at that time. Yang says the airline is confident it will again attract a high number of travel-lers and is expecting to see increases in what it experienced last summer with East Asian travellers using the service to get to the South Island, as well as the Sydney connection being used by many travellers, including New Zealanders and Australians.

    . . . Kiwi BenefitChristchurch Airport’s chief commer-cial officer aeronautical Justin Watson says the increased service is great news, not only for the ever-increasing number of Asian travellers wanting to

    experience the South Island, but also for South Islanders as CI offers more choice and increased international connections. “The airline is a member of the Sky Team Alliance, which means 20 mem-ber airlines offering more than 16,000 daily flights to more than 1050 desti-nations in 177 countries. Through CI, South Islanders have connections to a vast number of destinations all over the world,” he says. Plus, he added, the confirmation of the additional servic-es will be a great boost to the regional economies of the South Island bring-ing in more visitors and providing improved freight services for South Island exporters.

    CI Expands CHC Services For Summer

    QF Aussie SaleQantas has released new one-way, inclusive Aussie fares for sales to 22 May. Ex Auckland to Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne is from $189 and Perth from $429; ex Wellington to Sydney from $189, Melbourne from $209 and Brisbane from$229; ex Christchurch to Sydney from $189 and Brisbane from $229. Specific travel dates apply. See qantas.co.nz/agents.

    SQ UpgradesSingapore Airlines advises of its busi-ness class upgrades for those travel-ling to/from Christchurch and beyond Singapore, for $999. Sales and travel must be on/between 18 May-30 Jun. The upgrade is permitted on bookings that have already been ticketed. See krisport.co.nz for full terms and con-ditions and contact Singapore Airlines ticket office to purchase.

    Marketing ExtensionAir New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand will extend their marketing partnership through the 2016 finan-cial year, jointly investing more than $20 million. Today’s announcement will see marketing activity increased in South America and the US with NZ’s two new direct services, to Bue-nos Aires and Houston, set to com-mence in Dec. As well as activity in Latin America, marketing activity will be rolled out in China, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, North America, the UK and Europe.

    Space Travel CannedBritish singer Sarah Brightman has, for now, dropped her plans to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as a space tourist, it has been reported. Brightman was to travel to the ISS aboard a Russian Souyz TMA-18M spacecraft later this year, in what would make her the eighth space tourist in history. However, she reportedly sighted personal and fam-ily reasons for pulling out.

    SEE PAGE 9

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  • Mon 18 May 15 Page 3

    VOTE NOW!

    Best Cruise OperatorCARNIVAL NEW ZEALAND (P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Cunard Line)

    Best Industry RepresentativeANDY BRUCE (P&O Cruises)

    Our Nominations

    Vote for us today

    Carnival’s ConcertsCarnival Cruise Line has unveiled the artists for its upcoming Carnival LIVE concert series. The cruise line has now added The Band Perry, BOSTON, Lionel Richie and Heart to the diverse and talented lineup of musical acts set to perform on board the ‘Fun Ships’ this summer and autumn. For more details, see carnival.com/carnivallive

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    Antarctica is proving to be a popular destination among Kiwis, with a steady increase in traveller numbers within the past five years, according to figures released by the International Association of Ant-arctica Tour Operators (IAATO). Throughout 2014-2015 425 Kiwis visited Antarctica with IAATO mem-bers, compared to 222 in 2010-2011. As a whole, New Zealand ranks 11th out of 140 countries represented by visitors travelling with IAATO members. New Zealand based member Heri-tage Expeditions says traditionally it runs two Antarctica voyages per summer season, however, this year they are operating four due to the demand. It says its itineraries attract travel-lers from around the word, how-ever its shor ter sub Antarct ic voyages of eight-13 days are in-

    creasingly popular with Kiwis. IAATO says visiting the coastal re-gions of the Antarctic Peninsula, on ships carrying fewer than 500 pas-sengers, remains the most popular form of tourism, accounting for 73% of visitors. A quarter (26%) of tour-ists did not set foot ashore in Ant-arctica because they were travelling on cruise-only vessels which do not make landings. Overall, American and Australian visitors remained the most numerous, accounting for 34% and 11% of the total number respectively. Next season, 2015-2016, IAATO says it expects visitor num-bers to rise to 40,029, with the main increase expected in the sector of seaborne tourism with landings, due to the introduction of two new ships to the IAATO fleet. Pictured: Heritage Expeditions guests explore the Adelie penguin colony, Ross Sea of Antarctica.

    Antarctica’s Growing Attraction

    Egypt River CruisesSanctuary Retreats has 30% off its Majestic Egypt Sail the Nile three and four-night cruises on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III, Sanctuary Sun Boat IV or Sanctuary Nile Adventurer. The winter (Oct-Dec) is from AUD408pp, pn s/t, while summer (May-Sep) is from AUD292pp pn s/t. Rates include accommodation, meals and guided sightseeing.

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  • Fri 15 May 15 P3Mon 18 May 15 P4

    News & ProductE

    KK

    0206 emiratesagents.com/nz

    An unforgettable Brisbane experience starts with our award-winning service, complimentary gourmet cuisine, up to 2,000 channels of entertainment and free Wi-Fi .̂ All-inclusive when you book by 22 May.

    A Brisbane getaway from NZD 189*

    *Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to your GDS for details. ^Most Emirates A380 aircraft offer 10MB of free Wi-Fi data, thereafter a USD 1 charge applies for 500MB. For more information visit emirates.com/nz.

    Topdeck BrochuresTopdeck has appointed Brochure Net as its new distributor and agents can now order copies of the touring company’s new season brochures online at brochurenet.co.nz instead of Stocklink.

    100% Pure UpdateTourism New Zealand’s 100% Pure New Zealand campaign has been refreshed and will now focus on closeness and diversity. The branding has been given a new identity with a new logo and typeface which features Maori design elements. Along with this, a new commercial features a range of Kiwi experiences such as swimming in the Abel Tas-man National Park and Lake Taupo. Air New Zealand boss Christopher Luxon says it’s great to see the latest campaign building on the tremen-dous legacy of the previous 100% Pure branding. “The campaign’s stunning imagery emphasises the wide variety of expe-riences on offer, encouraging visitors to see more of New Zealand and spread the economic benefits of tour-ism throughout the country,” he says. The new campaign was launched today and is set to roll out in interna-tional tourism markets from Jul.

    Sydney Film Fest The Sydney Film Festival (03–14 Jun) line-up has been announced and will feature premiere screenings, panel discussions and international speakers. Over the 12 days of cinema, 251 films will be screened from 68 countries, including 33 world pre-mieres. The festival is now at two new locations in Newtown and Liverpool with the Festival Hub returning to Sydney’s Town Hall with bars, enter-tainment and art installations. See

    2015

    Incorporating Tabs On Travel

    4 DAYS TO GO!Vote for your favourite agent, travel consultant and travel service supplier across 21 categories.

    CLICK HERE Voting closes Fri 22 May 5:00pm

    Guests aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ new ship Seven Seas Ex-plorer will be treated to an ‘out-door oasis’ advises local rep Cruise Holidays. The pool and sports decks feature an assortment of recreational activities such as putting greens, golf nets, paddle tennis and a jogging track, or guests can simply relax on a lounger or in one of the two hot tubs or

    Outdoor Luxury

    pool, whilst enjoying the panoramic vistas, plus there are a range of al fresco dining options. The maiden voyage for Seven Seas Explorer will be a 14-night sailing from Monte Carlo to Venice on 20 Jul 2016. The ship will remain in Europe for the majority of its inaugural season, sailing 11 voyages that crisscross the Mediterranean before embarking on its inaugural season of sailings to the Caribbean, Mexico and the Panama Canal from Miami in Dec. For more visit rssc.comSofitel Fiji F&B Credit

    The Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is offering guests a FJD100 F&B credit per room, for every night booked during Aug. Plus, the offer is also val-id from Nov-Mar 2016, with a block-out over the Christmas and New Year period. Conditions apply. See your preferred wholesaler for details.

    Vanuatu WorkshopNew Zealand travel blogger Megan Singleton is currently in Vanuatu running a ‘media strategies after a crisis’ workshop at Warwick Le La-goon’s Wild Gingers. The workshop aims to explain to Vanuatu tourism industry partners the benefits and importance of a having a social me-dia strategy in place.

    Astronomy HighlightsAdventure World has an 18-day astronomy tour through Chile and Peru with David Malin. Highlights include a visit to the ancient ruins at Pachacamac and Sechin in Peru, seeing the sunrise and sunset at Chankillo’s solar observatory and spending time at both the El Pangue Observatory and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. It’s priced from $13,464pp, includ-ing hotel accommodation, meals as per itinerary, sightseeing, activities, services of a journey manager in Peru and Chile, and being accom-panied by Malin. The trip departs 19 Oct.

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  • Fri 15 May 15 P3Mon 18 May 15 P5

    News & Product

    Aussie 48hr sale on now

    experienceBook your clients today

    Don’t forget, we have Seat*, Seat+Bag, The Works, Works Deluxe and Business Class fare options

    to choose from. There is something for everyone.

    *Seat available via airnzagent.co.nz only. Travel periods and conditions apply, visit airnzagent.co.nz

    Hurry sale ends midnight 19 May 2015

    Hilton, ANA PartnershipHilton Worldwide has entered a global partnership with Japan’s ANA to in-troduce airline lounges and in-flight services that it says will raise the bar. The initial phase of the alliance will run 01 Jun-31 Aug, and is designed for travellers to ‘Experience More’ of the Hilton hospitality when they next travel through the ANA Haneda or Narita lounges or embark on a flight ex Tokyo to Honolulu. The Experience More partnership, which will last until 2017, is the start of a three-phase col-laboration.

    London New Year’sThe popularity of the New Year’s Eve fireworks in London is such that last year it became a ticketed event to help manage crowd numbers and ensure safety. This limits entry to the central city so if you have clients who plan on being in the British capital on New Year’s Eve it is recommended that they register for ticket updates now. Being registered does not guarantee a ticket but it gives potential visitors a head start. Details see, london.gov.uk

    Agents Experience Shanghai

    1 Anya Leary from Air New Zealand Agency Support Office Auckland, Kerry Blake from Orbit Travel Wellington, Vicki Hyslop from Travel Managers Broker Dunedin, Janice Posa from Corporate House of Travel Milford, Melinda Tierney from Flight Centre Northwood Christchurch, Natalie Jowett from Travel 2 U Christchurch and Joanne Hooper from Active Asia with the Shanghai skyline in the background. 2 Natalie Jowett, Anya Leary, Vicki Hyslop, Joanne Hooper, Janice Posa, Melinda Tierney and Kerry Blake at Westlake Gardens Hangzhou. 3 Vicki Hyslop, Kerry Blake, Joanne Hooper, Natalie Jowett, Melinda Tierney, Janice Posa and Anya Leary at Meijiawu Tea Plantation Hangzhou. 4 Anya Leary, Kerry Blake, Joanne Hooper, Melinda Tierney, Natalie Jowett, Janice Posa and Vicki Hyslop at Pagoda Panmen Park Suzhou.

    Kiwi agents have just returned from a Shanghai Experience with Active Asia and Air New Zealand. Highlights for the group included an Acrobatic Show and dinner, spectacular views from the Bund, overnight in the city of Suzhou and a full day tour to Hangzhou renowned for its natural scenery.

    1 2

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  • Sydney is one of the world’s greatest dining destinations offering spectacular alfresco dining options year-round. Try a harbourside dining experience, dinner cruise, a beachside banquet or delicious pub fares in trendy locales with stunning views.

    Prepare spectacular Australian seafood dishes with guidance from leading chefs at the world famous Sydney Fish Markets.

    Discover mouth-watering international cuisines, meet local producers from boutique beer brewers and coffee roasters to spice merchants and smallgoods specialists, on a range of gourmet tour experiences.

    Find out more about Sydney’s world-class food and wine experiences at sydney.com or talk to your preferred wholesaler for food and wine tour options.

    Travel Today, Monday 18 May 2015 Page 6

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  • Fri 15 May 15 P3Mon 18 May 15 P7

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    MAYSouth Australian RoadshowTauranga: Mon 18, 59 The Strand Function Venue, 1200-1330. Rotorua: Mon 18, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside 1700-1900. Palmerston North: Tue 19, Copthorne Hotel, 1630-1900. Masterton: Wed 20, Masterton Club, 1200-1330. Wellington: Wed 20, Shandon Golf Club, Petone, 1730-2000.

    Chimu Adventures Launch Party – Fiesta Latina!Auckland Central: Thu 21 May, Besos Latinos, 1800-2000.

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

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

    Sabre Tech SummitAuckland: Thu 28, Langham, 1500-1800.

    JULYNepal Fundraiser In conjunction with South African Airways and Adventure WorldAuckland: Wed 01, Sky City Convention Centre, 1730-1800 Drinks/Nibbles,1800-1930 Travel Quiz.

    Hawaii 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.

    Anaheim RoadshowAuckland: Mon 24, The Hilton, 1730.

    Sultanate of Oman Tourism updateAuckland: Mon 24, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, from 1730.

    OCTOBERAdventure World and Rocky Mountaineer BreakfastDunedin: Fri 02, , 0730-0830.Invercargill: Mon 05, 0730-0830.Queenstown: Mon 06, 0730-0830.Venues TBC.

    Bula Marau Fiji Roadshow – Luxury & CouplesNelson: Mon 12, Grand Mercure Monaco Resort, 0730-0930. Christchurch: Mon 12, Peppers Clearwater, 1730-2130. Wellington: Tue 13, Amora Hotel, 1730-2030. Auckland: Wed 14, Pullman Hotel, 1730-2045. Hamilton: Thu 15, Novotel Tainui, 1730-2030.

    Industry Diary We have a greatline up on showCelebrate our proud history at Air New Zealand’s 75th anniversary exhibition at Te Papa. Free entry.

    For anniversary merchandise visit merchandise.airnewzealand.co.nz

    SA Wildlife Trophy BanSouth African Airways has placed a ban on passengers taking home elephant, rhinoceros, lion or tiger tro-phies killed during big game hunting. “Hunting of endangered species has become a major problem in Africa and elsewhere with the depletion to near extinction of wildlife that once roamed in prolific numbers,” says SAA country manager Tim Clyde-Smith. “SAA has taken the step of banning all transportation of animals killed in hunting activity as a result.”

    Port CanaveralCarnival Cruise Line is set to build upon its leadership position in Port Canaveral, Fla., expanding capacity on three- and four-day Bahamas cruises by 34% and deploying its newest class of ship on seven-day Caribbean voyag-es in 2016.Carnival Cruise Line says it is significantly ‘upping its game’ in Port Canaveral to the important and grow-ing Central Florida market. For details, contact Francis Travel Marketing .

    Fo l l ow i n g t h e f i r s t stage of a $30 million rebuild, BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch has opened its doors. Of the 263-room hotel, 179 rooms are open, as well as dining outlets. The remaining rooms are due to be complete by 01 Sep. The hotel’s general man-ager Graeme Back says as Christchurch rebuilds and at-tracts more tourism, conferences and events to the region, the extra accommodation it provides is vital to the city’s tourism and business landscape. On completion, the remodelled hotel will offer pod style rooms, an interac-tive café and bar, a breakfast room, a guest lounge, a conference room and meeting spaces. The building will have a Grade A seismic rating, a new exterior façade and more. The hotel, formerly the All Seasons, closed after the Feb 2011 earthquakes. The refur-

    bishment and redesign of the hotel has been underway since 2014. It is centrally located on Cashel St and is in close proximity to the revitalised Cashel Mall and is in the vicinity of new projects underway, such as the $140 million ‘The Crossing’ develop-ment due to open Oct 2016. Opening rates for the hotel start from $79 per night for an inner urban double. Bookings and further information is available at breakfree.com.au/on-chashel

    . . . CHC On The RiseChristchurch is experiencing re-newed tourism growth, with inter-national passenger arrivals into the city up 15% in Feb, on Feb 2014. An extra 95,000 international pas-sengers came through Christchurch Airport in the year to 28 Feb, and in the past six months, the number of transtasman seats has increased by 11%. Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter says in the past 12 months there has been significant progress in the cen-tral city, including three new hotels adding an extra 332 rooms, close to 50 new restaurants and bars and many new central city retail develop-ments underway. Plus several major outdoor events, including the ICC World Cup Cricket Opening Ceremony and the FIFA U-20 World Cup are set to shine the spotlight on Christchurch.

    Botswana SavingsIt now costs $4000 less per couple to cruise the waterways of the Oka-vango Delta in a dugout, ride quad bikes through the Makgadikgadi salt pans, go game-spotting and chill out under canvas in Botswana. Abercrombie & Kent’s 11-day Delta to Desert package discounted price is from $13,650 pp. Solo travellers also now pay $2000 less at from $19,285. Sales are to 30 Jun for travel to 31 Oct.

    CHC’s Largest Hotel Opens

  • Fri 15 May 15 P3Mon 18 May 15 P8

    News & Product

    Kiwi agents rounded off their New Zealand Ultimate Emirates Dubai Famil experience with a ‘MyDubai Day’ challenge, over the weekend.Divided in teams, the agents com-peted against each other in a series of challenges around the city. Using an iPad for the interactive challenge, the teams answered ques-tions, hunted clues and had to take photos at each location, including Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Trolley, Dubai Fountains, and Dubai Mall. Five Kiwi agents – Katrina Vowles from Flight Centre, Alesha Sturgeon from Mondo Travel, Aimee Ross from Holland Clarke & Beatson, Sarah Bartlett from Harvey World Travel and Christina Brockie from Vincent George Travel, came in third, each winning accommodation and attrac-tion prizes for two people to be used in a future trip. To finish off, the agents experienced a traditional Arabian dinner and cultural show at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.

    The common consensus among Kiwi agents on the New Zealand Ultimate Emirates Dubai famil was that Dubai is a great destination. Katrina Vowles from Flight Centre says experiencing Dubai first-hand was great. “I really like the mix with old and new as well as the fact that Dubai is just eight hours to and from three quarters of the world. It is a great stopover destination,” she says. On the other hand, Julie Lynskey from Flight Centre says she likes that Dubai people have open doors and open minds, continually raising the awareness of the culture and opinions

    Kiwi Agents Travel From Snow to Desert On The MyDubai Challenge

    Agents Give Dubai Thumbs Upof Dubai. Chloe de Perci from Flight Centre agrees, saying her concerns regarding safety and security were clarified. “I have now realised Dubai is one of the safest countries in the world,” she says.

    . . . Learning CurveWhilst immersing themselves into the Dubai culture and experiencing some of the best activities on offer, the agents also learnt a lot about the destination. Nathan Bartlett from House of Travel says it is incred-ible how Dubai is gearing up for the 2020 World Expo and their vi-

    sion of bringing 20 million visitors in by then. “The new airport and transport requirements will be so efficient – it has been a good learn-ing experience to be on the famil,” he says. Sarah Bartlett from Harvey World Travel was also impressed by Dubai’s transport systems. “I learnt that there will be a metro link for the two biggest states in the UAE, increasing travel options to Dubai,” she says. Meanwhile, the highlight for Julie Lynskey from Flight Centre was hearing about the forthcoming theme parks, “with the most amazing and thrilling rides.”

    ZQN Most ScenicQueenstown Airport has been voted as having the world’s most scenic airport landing in an annual poll by private jet booking service PrivateFly. Comments from voters in the poll included ‘I’ve flown to many beauti-ful locations worldwide but nothing even comes close to comparing with the thrill and beauty that stuns you as you come in to land at Queenstown’. The top 10 airports in the list are ZQN, Las Vegas McCarran, Nice Côte d’Azur, Barra, St Maarten (Prin-cess Juliana International), Saba (Juancho E Irausquin), Billy Bishop Toronto City, Gibraltar, London City and Cape Town.

    GC Blues Music FestGold Coast Tourism advises of the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival 21-24 May. Performers include Ash Grunwald, James Morrison, The Black Sorrows, Jeff Lang and more. See bluesonbroadbeach.com

    WA Vines RefurbishmentNovotel Vines Swan Valley Resort in Perth has celebrated the completion of its AUD4 million refurbishment that commenced last year. All 91 rooms and 12 suites have had a total makeover and now include individually-controlled reverse cycle air conditioning, rain showers, pod coffee machines, free in-room WiFi and in-house movies on demand and selected Foxtel channels. Muscat’s Restaurant had a facelift and the conference facilities, lobby and public spaces have all been re-vamped. All bookings from 30 Jun onwards will be accommodated in a new room. For full details visit vines.com.au

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