Tuesday 28 March 2017 Issue 3510

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

News.......................... p1, p2, p3, p4, p5Destination NSW ............................ p6

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MoT On Electronics BanThe New Zealand Ministr y of Transport does not consider it neces-sary to require a ban on the carriage of large electronic devices in aircraft cabins on flights from New Zealand or on direct flights to New Zealand from the Middle East ‘at this point in time, and on the basis of the available information’. “New Zealand contin-ues to monitor the wider internation-al security environment to ensure appropriate security measures are in place for flights from New Zealand,” adds an MoT spokesman.

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6.45am every weekday Wellington to AucklandAKL’s Snake On A PlaneNew Zealand had its own version of Snakes on a Plane after a snake hitched a ride to Auckland Airport on a private jet yesterday. The snake was spotted on the tarmac and captured using a bucket. It’s thought the snake crawled into the wheel housing of a private jet that arrived from Brisbane.

Become An AirmuleAn app launched in the US allows travellers with room in their bag to become couriers for locals who need something shipped. Airmule, said to be popular on US-China routes, says it allows items to be shipped more quickly and cheaply than traditional methods. The passenger gets paid USD250-USD500 for their trouble.

A Whitsundays MP is urging tourists not to cancel their plans to visit the region after Cyclone Debbie is gone, as tourists hun-ker down in accommodation and other parts of Queensland prepare for the storm’s arrival.The category four cyclone was ex-pected to make landfall along the QLD coast between Mackay and Bowen today, and has been pass-ing over the Whitsundays. Airports including Mackay, Townsville and Whitsunday Coast have closed until further notice. Kiwis in QLD have been advised to stay inside and keep an eye on the news and weather reports, as well as safetravel.govt.nzHouse of Travel says QLD is consis-tently popular with its customers and Kiwis will undoubtedly be af-fected—however it’s lucky the cy-clone didn’t hit in the school holiday high season.The Whitsundays region is well pre-pared for cyclones but the tourism industry is still likely to take a hit, says MP George Christensen, who’s urging tourists not to cancel their plans. “Don’t cancel it, please come, because these businesses and the

QLD Battens Down As Debbie Hits

locals will be needing that income in the region,” he told Australia’s Chan-nel 10.

. . . Whitsundays ResortsThere haven’t yet been any reports of injuries or major damage at Whit-sundays resorts, many of which have been hammered in the past, includ-ing by Cyclone Yasi six years ago.Both Daydream and Hamilton Island have advised guests to stay in their rooms, where they’ve been delivering food parcels. Both resorts say they’re prepared for extreme weather events such as Debbie. Orpheus Island has evacuated all staff and guests as a precaution but says it thinks it won’t be impacted, and it’s planning to have guests return on Fri.

. . . TNQ: We’re OKM e a n w h i l e Tr o p i c a l N o r t h Queensland says it’s unaffected by the cyclone. “Cairns and Tropical North Queensland is open for busi-ness with both the Cairns Airport and the Cairns Port open,” says TNQ chief executive Alex de Waal. “All 600 plus tours including those to the Great Bar-rier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainfor-est are operating as normal.”

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News & Product

SEARCHVisit California is searching for agents who will be the faces of their new digital training platform, California STAR.A video competition has been launched and agents are invited to submit a 15 second video with their STAR tips about travel to California.

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The Virgin America name will likely be retired some time in 2019 but Alaska Airlines will adopt many of the brand elements loved by its passengers, AS has said as it outlines more details of their merger—including a series of ma-jor enhancements.The combined company will adopt AS’ name and logo, but will keep ele-ments including enhanced in-flight entertainment, mood lighting and music. “While the Virgin America name is beloved to many, we con-cluded that to be successful on the West Coast we had to do so under one name—for consistency and effi-ciency, and to allow us to continue to deliver low fares,” says AS vp market-ing Sangita Woerner.

. . . EnhancementsAS will spend the next few years making major enhancements to its guest experience and incorporating VX elements. In 2018, AS will debut an entirely redesigned cabin with new seats and amenities, and has already started

Virgin America Gone In 2019

to retrofit select Boeing aircraft with mood lighting. New crew uniforms by fashion designer Luly Yang will roll out mid-2019.AS’ 737 fleet will be equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi beginning in northern autumn 2018, with the re-mainder of the Airbus fleet to follow. Both fleets are expected to be fully equipped by the end of 2019.Premium seating will be expanded across the Airbus fleet from Q4 2018, with the number of First Class seats to increase by 50%; and the rede-signed Airbus cabins will feature 18 new Premium Class seats.In 2018, Alaska Mileage Plan will become the sole loyalty program for both airlines; and with 50% more premium seats, elite loyalty members will enjoy the ‘most generous compli-mentary upgrades in the industry’, says AS. Effective now, free entertainment on guests’ devices is a permanent fea-ture on AS’ Boeing fleet and the same free library of movies and TV shows will expand to Airbus aircraft via Red entertainment system in Aug. AS will also expand its Free Chat feature to Airbus flights in Aug.By Jun, First Class passengers will be able to pre-select meals, and by early 2018, Main Cabin passengers will be able to pre-pay for meals. Food pre-ordering will be extended to Airbus flights ‘sometime in the future’.

CA Against VA/HNAAir China has lodged one of the few objections to the proposed alliance between Virgin Australia, the HNA Group, Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express Airways.The proposal, which received in-terim approval last week, seeks authorisation to establish an inte-grated alliance on services between Australia and mainland China and Hong Kong. CA says it’s concerned the alliance could ‘substantially re-strict competition for feeder traffic on Australia’s domestic routes’, as it could prevent VA from entering into agreements with CA. It also noted both carriers are part of an alliance that ‘allows them to coordinate on international passenger transport on services between Australia and mainland China, to the exclusion of CA’; and if it goes ahead, the alliance will ‘further consolidate the aviation industry and increase barriers to entry’. CA has also said the 10-year term sought is ‘inappropriate for an al-liance of this nature’ and would be inconsistent with the ACCC’s prac-tice to limit alliance authorisations to five years.

CX To Tel AvivCathay Pacific has operated its inaugural service from Hong Kong to Tel Aviv. The A350 flight has been launched as a four times a week service, but due to the strength of advance bookings it will increase to five times weekly from 01 Sep-17 Nov.

SEE PAGE 6

EY’s Laptop Ban PlansEtihad says it’s doing all it can to minimise disruption for passengers following the introduction of the ban on electronic devices. EY is sending alerts to all affected passengers, plac-ing extra signage and deploying extra staff at airports, and encouraging travellers to check their devices and spare battery packs in their checked luggage to avoid inconvenience. If pas-sengers don’t check their items, they will have to be declared and EY staff will place them in padded envelopes before taking them to the aircraft luggage hold, then returning them to guests on arrival in the US.

. . . Fake iPad PlotMeanwhile The Guardian has reported that the bans were partly prompted by a plot which involved hiding ex-plosives in a fake iPad. The Guardian quoted a source as saying the bans are the result of a combination of factors, which included the plot to bring down a plane with the fake iPad.

MUC Top In EuropeMunich Airport has successfully defended its five-star rating as the best airport in Europe and, said the auditors, the facility ‘not only maintained its outstanding quality, but actually improved on it’. Keeping its place as the only five-star rated airport on the continent was helped along by its new satellite building, additional security screening in Ter-minal 1 and the staff training pro-vided to staff with direct passenger contact, said Skytrax.

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News & Product

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Globus Releases New Low Season Europe ProductGlobus has released a new product featuring Europe touring options in the low season. Escapes by Globus allows clients to experience ‘half the crowds, half the prices and all the inclusions’, says Globus. The tours run Nov 2017-Mar 2018, with prices starting from $111 per day, and all departures are guaranteed. There’s 10 options that are exclusive to Escapes (so can’t be found in the Globus Europe bro-chure). They include the nine-day European Escape from Rome to Paris, priced from $1999; the seven-day Irish Escape, including Dublin, Ennis, Killarney and Waterford, priced from $899; and the nine-day Spanish Escape from Madrid to Barcelona, priced from $1469. For more information CLICK HERE

$99 HKG StopoverA three-night Hong Kong Stopover package is available from Wendy Wu Tours for $99pp. The deal is in conjunction with selected China and Japan group tours of 12 days or more. Included is accommodation and daily breakfast at the 4-star Me-troPark Kowloon Hotel (or similar) and return airport transfers. The of-fer can be taken pre- or post-tour and is available for bookings 02 Apr-15 May for travel 01 Jul-30 Oct.

SmartGate will be opened up to Chinese visitors and air service agreements with China have been further enhanced as one of a range of measures introduced to further boost the Chinese tourist market.The air service agreement with China has been enhanced by 20%, mean-ing New Zealand and Chinese air-lines can now operate 59 passenger services a week. The amendment allows more airlines to enter the market, says Transport Minister Simon Bridges, and officials have the opportunity to further expand the agreement later this year. “Chinese airlines can now operate between airports in New Zealand during the course of their interna-tional service, allowing airports that do not receive flights by Chinese airlines the opportunity to do so,” says Bridges.“We have progressively enhanced this agreement. In 2014 the agree-ment provided 42 offerings per week and was increased in 2016 to 49. We will continue to work towards an open skies agreement with China.”The multiple-entry visa for Chinese

SmartGate China, More Flights?

visitors will also extend from three years to five years from 08 May, and visa applicants will be able to pay on-line using UnionPay debit and credit cards, under the new measures.China and New Zealand yesterday declared 2019 as the China-New Zea-land Year of Tourism.

HKSevens With RewardsMarriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guests are allowing members to use their loyalty points to access experi-ences centred around the HKSevens Rugby Week (03-09 Apr). Highlights include booking coaching sessions for children led by a range of top Sevens players; or access to Marriott’s VIP Area during the kick-off concert 06 Apr. Members can also use points to redeem a VIP package with access to the Marriott Executive Suite, complete with F&B, dance performances, meet-and-greets with rugby legends and more; while there is also a range of food experiences on offer.

Cox & Kings Air ServicesCox & Kings Australia and New Zealand will incorporate air across all its brands and destinations from Apr. Available as packaged product and ad hoc air sales where possible, a new dedicated team will assist agents with air requirements. The new de-partment can be contacted at air@tempoholidays.com

Immerse yourselfin IrelandAffectionately named The Emerald Isle for its beautiful green pastures, Ireland is breathtaking. Wander the mysterious lakelands, hike the wild forests, and discover unique wildlife across a vast and diverse landscape. Wherever you decide to explore in this small yet striking country, something spectacular awaits.

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GOING PLACES TOGETHER

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News & Product

Northern Lights DealA saving of AUD500 per couple can be made on Bentours’ escorted small group departure, Follow The Lights until 31 Mar. This 15-day tour series, departing from Bergen in Norway, is especially designed to give you the best opportunity to see the Northern Lights for yourself and is unique, says the company. The itinerary includes a six-night cruise with Hurtigruten through Norway’s fjords heading north destined for the Arctic Circle, then Finnish Lapland for an overnight stay in a specially heated glass igloo, an ‘exhilarating’ traditional husky dog sled or wagon ride through the arctic wilderness and a visit to a traditional reindeer farm. The tour finishes in Helsinki, Finland after a full day ex-cursion to the medieval town of Tal-linn in Estonia.

Matilda The MusicalTickets to Matilda the Musical, showing at The Civic Auckland from 18 Aug, go on sale 03 Apr. Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, tickets will be available at ticketmaster.co.nz

The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) is calling for US and UK governments to come up with new solutions rather than banning electronics from flights, saying the ban may spread ‘well beyond its intended scope’.With airline and government co-ordination, solutions such as using chemical detection machines or making passengers turn on their de-vices could be rapidly implemented instead of the ban, says APEX.“When we take away personal elec-tronic devices from passengers, we are bowing to a potential threat rather than providing an acceptable security solution,” says APEX chief executive Joe Leader.“The expense of hand-searching every carry-on for the personal elec-tronics ban could instead be di-rected to a long-term solution that

APEX: Electronics Ban Not A Solution

serves airline passengers and safety.” The group believes the ban could spread, since under the existing ban individuals can still connect via other airports where devices aren’t banned. It says it’s engaging with US and UK officials to come up with a solutions-oriented approach to mak-ing aircraft more secure and prevent-ing the spread of the ban.

JAWS Wraps Up In Hamilton TonightJAWS presenters will host their final agent event in Hamilton tonight, after a successful roadshow around the country. Pictured in Palmerston North last week is Chris Jones, Discover the World; Julie Rice, Air Canada; Merv Niles, Francis Travel Marketing; Jonas George, Air Vanuatu; Sid Sharma, China Airlines; Jacqui Brook, Delta Air Lines; Roshnie Chhiba, Etihad Airways; Suzie Williams, Niue Tourism; Alan Wilcock, Virgin Atlantic; Cathy Gibson, All Nip-pon Airways; Jack Walsh, Philippine Airlines; and Tony Smith, Francis Travel Marketing.

Ibis MEL For DvashAndrew Dvash has been appointed general manager, Ibis Budget Mel-bourne CBD. He was previously na-tional director of sales—sport.

Anchorage Hotel UpdateHyatt House Anchorage is set to open in Apr, advises Visit Anchorage rep Canuckiwi. In midtown Anchorage, the hotel will offer 145 guestrooms, a business centre, athletic room and airport shuttle service. Other hotel news includes that the Knik River Lodge is now open during winter. Located just 20 minutes north of the city, the property offers 22 cab-ins, which Canuckiwi says are perfect for glacier tours by helicopter—and it provides northern lights viewing from Sep through Apr.

Fri 15 May 15 P3Tue 28 Mar 17 p5

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Rocky’s Solo OfferFor a l i m ite d t i me , Ro ck y Mountaineer is allowing single travellers to pay the twin share rate when booking a Canadian Rockies itinerary of five days or longer for travel during Apr and May, advises Adventure World. Qualifying itineraries include the 11-day Golden Circle via Whistler holiday, priced from $6950pp and the nine-day Canadian Rockies Getaway, priced from $5983pp.

Potter Ride EnhancedDesigned to give clients an even more immersive glimpse into JK Rowling’s Wizarding World, the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Universal Studios Hollywood’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has introduced an enhanced 4K-HD film. Project-ing at a rate of 120 frames-per-second, it replaces the earlier 3D film component of the ride and now offers sharper images that are said to be ‘ultra-realistic’.

Crowne ZQN DealThere’s still time to bag an earlybird rate at Crowne Plaza Queenstown, which offers ski packages in con-junction with The Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski fields. The five-night Ski, Stay, Play package is for stays 10 Jun-08 Oct and is available on all room types. It includes daily breakfast for two and skiing for four days. Prices start at $385pn for bookings to 30 Mar. Upgrade options are available. See crowneplaza.nz/earlybirdski

Vanuatu DealChantilly’s on the Bay in Vanuatu has 50% off stays of three nights or more for sales to 30 Apr and travel to 30 Jun. Contact your wholesaler or Coconuts Travel Marketing.

Tassie Film FestThe Cradle Mountain Film Festival takes place 31 Mar-02 Apr and shows the ‘best adventure films from Tassie and across the globe’. The festival showcases entries in the One Year In Tasmania Adventure Film Competi-tion, where participants feature a maximum five-minute film about an adventure in TAS. It also hosts the Tasmanian exclusive screening of Mountainfilm On Tour from Telluride, Colorado. For more information see cradlemountainfilmfest.com

To n g a ’ s Va v a u To u r i s m Association has identified goals including lobbying for a longer visa entry, establishing a new reef and improving its marina so cruise ships can embark and dis-embark in the island group.The Vavau Tourism Association has the stated objective of ‘promoting tourism in the Kingdom of Tonga and in particular Vavau’. It’s elected Lolesio Lui as its new president, and Lui says while the VTA has been a driving force behind tourism in Vavau, in recent times this hasn’t been the case.The VTA Board has identified four key strategic issues they believe need to be addressed in order to drive tourism forward. These include encouraging the gov-ernment to consider altering the current visitor visa entry from one month to three months, which would allow yachts to stay for longer.It also wants to see marketing which promotes year-round activities, like sports fishing and scuba diving; and for an artificial reef to be created to make scuba diving more attractive.The group will also seek funding to improve the small boat marina so cruise ships can embark and disem-bark passengers safely. Currently, cruise ship visitors at low tide need to climb the side of the

Vavau’s Plans To Drive Tourism

wharf to get in or out of the tender, and some cruise ships bypass Vavau for this reason, says the VTA. It wants to see a new floating facility installed which would allow safer and easier access.“Our new board is up for the chal-lenge; we are developing our plans and will soon commence implement-ing them,” says Liu. “Together with our members and the support of the Ministry of Tourism, we believe we can make a difference and push tourism forward in Vavau and Tonga in general.”

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Masts clinking, waves lapping and coastal panoramas – waterside dining is one of Sydney’s essential experiences. With it’s abundance of harbour and ocean coastline, the city is filled with restaurants where a table right by the water heightens the culinary experience.

LuMi Bar & Dining, on one of Pyrmont heritage wharves, makes the most of the harbour surrounds with all-glass walls and, at night, twinkles like a jewellery box.

Emerging waterfront development Barangaroo now boasts Somer Sivrioglu’s Anason, where the Efendy chef is bringing his delicious Turkish Meze treats from Bosphorus to Sydney Harbour.

To the north of the Harbour, Manly’s lovely 1933-built bathing pavilion has re-opened as The Bistro at Manly Pavilion. Perched over the water, the new eatery combines Mediterranean dishes with amazing views out to the mouth of the harbour and it’s dramatic headlands. Nearby, Hugo’s Manly makes the most of the panoramas from Manly Wharf with luxurios outdoor seating.

HARBOURSIDE DINING IN SYDNEY

For insider tips on great places to eat in Sydney visit sydney.com

Travel Today, Tuesday 28 March 2017 Page 6