Incorporating Tabs On Travel

Thu 31 Mar 16 Issue 3277Another Great Travel Today Wraparound

EUROPERiver Cruising

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Thursday 31 March 2016 Issue 3277

News.......................... p1, p2, p4, p5, p6Cruising Today................................. p3Amadeus .......................................... p5Business Travel Today ..................... p6Qantas .............................................. p8

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MFAT: Don’t Go To ISTKiwi tourists are being warned not to travel to Istanbul or Ankara, and to minimise their transit time in the two cities, due to high risk of terror-ism and the potential for civil unrest.It’s an about-turn for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which had reviewed its travel advice for Turkey following recent terror attacks but made no change to its risk levels for either city.MFAT is now advising against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these cities, saying there is a ‘sig-nificant threat from terrorism in Turkey’. New Zealanders transiting on their way to other destinations in Turkey should minimise transit time and avoid tourist sites in those two cities, says MFAT. See safetravel.govt.nz/turkeyTravel Today has asked operators what impact the MFAT advice will have on Turkey tours, but did not receive a response before deadline.

Cut Price Impact?While there’s a lot of noise around the US fare levels, some are asking what impact more US bookings will have on other destinations—and consumer price expectations. “The intense mar-ket reaction to AA’s $799 fares shows just how aggressive their pricing is,” says House of Travel’s Brent Thomas. “While we understand that the $799 is an introductory price, we’re interested to see how such competitive pricing will affect pricing to other Pacific Rim destinations, given the perception it may raise in the consumer’s mind in planning their holidays.”

Kiwi bookings to the US have spiked in the wake of the $799 LAX fares released yesterday—but one talking point is the $709 New York fares offered by helloworld, as the chain debuts its first strike from its new ‘innovation team’.Retail chains contacted have re-ported a major jump in US sales following the release of Qantas/American Airlines $799 AKL-LAX fares yesterday —which were quickly matched by Air New Zealand.House of Travel says yesterday’s air sales were up 40% and helloworld says it is seeing ‘record levels of in-quires’. The retail chains have also noted that while the lead-in low season levels have been popular—a large percentage of the bookings have actually been for travel in Aug and Sep.Brand USA New Zealand manager Wayne Mitcham also points out that there’s real potential for agents to make substantial commission off selling a US holiday. “Cheaper airfares make a destina-tion affordable, and it makes the US a compelling proposition for fami-lies—but with the depth of product available in the US, agents who have upskilled on the destination can earn some good money selling the US,” says Mitcham. Flight Centre echoes this sentiment. With fare prices in line with travel to Asia it’s now an even more viable

option for family holidays, and Hous-ton has proved popular with cruise clients, says Sean Berenson, general manager product. “This shift in travel behaviour has seen a real increase in earning potential with land add-ons and packages, Kiwis are wanting to get out and see more of what the US has to offer.”

. . . First HLO Move?The US earning potential also seems to have been identified by helloworld, with some suggesting its $10 add-on offers to New York, Miami and Chi-cago is a test case from its so-called innovation team.While helloworld boss Simon McK-earney said it was too early to com-ment on its plans for the Kiwi market, he did confirm the chain is looking at a 10% return objective for its franchi-sees, and a reesonable return for the company—while presenting a strong proposition for the customer.Travel Today understands the chain’s so-called innovation team is using analytics to determine the destina-tions which have the opportunity to create the highest yielding return in terms of upselling and add-on options.McKearney declined to comment on its methodology—, but he did say consumers could expect more ‘outside of the square’ initiatives from helloworld and that ‘it’s not always going to be flights driven’.

US Bookings Up; HLO Coy On $10 Fares

Fri 15 May 15 P3Thu 31 Mar 16 p2

News & Product

Account Manager – Agency PartnershipFull-time, Permanent

There has never been a more exciting time to join one of the worlds most experienced and successful airlines.Qantas is widely regarded as a leading airline and one of the strongest brands in Australia that is recognised around the world.

In your role as Account Manager – Agency Partnership, you will be responsible for delivering revenue through implementation of Agency Partner business plans, policy and strategy, generating revenue opportunities and developing relationships. Through your superior interpersonal skills, you will manage a portfolio of key agency partner accounts establishing long term relationships.

Reporting to the Industry Sales Manager, you will represent Qantas at industry events and be part of a dynamic and high performance culture within Qantas New Zealand.

The role is located in the Qantas Auckland City office.To apply, please email hayley.harding@qantas.com.au

Account Manager Government & Business SalesFixed term Maternity Leave Cover (for up to 12 months)

There has never been a more exciting time to join one of the worlds most experienced and successful airlines.Qantas is widely regarded as a leading airline and one of the strongest brands in Australia that is recognised around the world.

In your role as Account Manager – Government & Business Sales, you will be responsible for seizing new business opportunities to continue to grow Qantas in the New Zealand marketplace. Through your superior interpersonal skills, you will manage a portfolio of key corporate accounts establishing long term relationships.Reporting to the Government and Business Sales Manager, you will represent Qantas at industry events and be part of a dynamic and high performance culture within Qantas New Zealand.

The role is located in the Qantas Auckland City office.To apply, please email hayley.harding@qantas.com.au

SEE PAGE 5

KLM On MessengerK L M i s r o l l i n g o u t a n e w Facebook Messenger service, which will see passengers able to use the app to access booking and check-in confirmation, boarding pass and flight status updates. The service is being rolled out from today and be available to KLM customers who book tickets via KLM.com and opt to receive information via Messenger.

AA Reiterates Commitment To AKL RouteAmerican Airlines executives were in town again this week to meet with the trade. At a media event yesterday Erwan Perhirin, AA vice president Asia-Pacific reiterated the carrier’s long-term commitment to the Auckland-Los Angeles route, and the importance of its joint venture with Qantas. Perhirin recapped on the in-flight offering of AA’s AKL-LAX 787 services (as reported in Travel Today 04 Feb).The AAQF $799 AKL-LAX tactical fares announced at the lunch have resulted in a spike in US travel bookings, according to the main retail travel groups—and AA is vowing to remain competitive in the market.AA is yet to appoint its New Zealand-based team, but has again confirmed that it is planning to have three, locally-based AA staff, which will work closely with AA’s Sydney-based Australia/New Zealand manager Simon Dodd. Pictured: Simon Dodd, AA general manager Australia/New Zealand Stephen Thompson, executive manager global sales, Qantas, Sydney; Erwan Perhirin, vice president Asia-Pacific, American Airlines, Tokyo; and Wes Nobelius the new Qantas regional boss in New Zealand.

Emirates Toy WinnersTravel Today was inundated with entries for our Emirates Carry Bud-dies competition—it seems the cute animals were a big hit with our read-ers, who were all keen to get their hands on one. Congratulations to the following winners: Lisa Falk of World Travellers Masterton won Peek U the panda; Linda Rose, The Travel Bro-kers won Lewis the lion; Joanna Poka, Orbit Hamilton won Enrico the mon-key; and Selese Rowe, United Travel Timaru has won Leila the camel.

EK To Cebu, ClarkEmirates overnight launched its Dubai-Cebu-Clark-Dubai circular service in the Philippines. The inau-gural service of the two-class Boeing 777-300ER was greeted in Cebu with a traditional water canon salute upon arrival.

Best RJ ConnectionsUse Qantas outbound and Cathay Pacific inbound for the best connec-tion on Royal Jordanian fares to the Middle East and Europe, says World Aviation. Fares include Auckland-Cairo from $2386, for travel 01 Jan-15 Aug and 01 Sep-30 Nov.

Wholesaler TravelCube has axed all of its cancellation and amend-ment fees, credit card charges and currency fluctuations, effective immediately, in a bid to make its product easier for the retail travel distribution to sell—and to move with the changing travel landscape.TravelCube has dissolved all of its site-based cancellation and amend-ment fees from its booking website.“These changes along with [our] no credit card fee policy, a no currency fluctuation policy, and more trans-parent commission levels are all part of their road map to make it easier for their travel partners,” says John Stucci, TravelCube’s VP of sales and marketing for Pacific.TravelCube New Zealand manager Nathan Jones also points out that the move is an important selling point, at a time when more Kiwis than ever are travelling.“We are well aware that sometimes in travel things don’t go to plan, the re-cent tragic events in Paris and Brus-sels are very real reminders of that and can disrupt travel plans some distance into the future,” says Jones. “Making life easier for our val-ued travel agents and their clients when the unexpected occurs is par-amount to us and removing fees and restrictions is the first step in a number of exciting changes for

TravelCube in the coming months.” While the company is remaining coy on the coming changes, Stucci says ‘not only will [the planned changes] transform how our travel partners interact with us, it will greatly enhance what we are able to offer them…”

TravelCube Axes Fees; More Changes

Thu 31 Mar 16 Page 3

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WIN A COPYTravel Today has a copy of World’s Best Drinks to give away. To be in to win, tell us the best drink you’ve ever tasted on your travels.

E-mail your entries by 1700 on 08 Apr, to giveaways@traveltoday.co.nzwith ‘World’s Best Drinks’ in the subject lineOr, if you miss out on a free copy, Travel Today readers can access Lonely Planet titles at 20% off RRP. CLICK HERE for details

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Six Princess Cruises’ ships will sail Alaska’s waters next summer, offering multiple itinerary op-tions as well as a range of onboard culinary and cultural experiences and a variety of land options for those who want to further explore the region. The line’s signature, and most popu-lar Gulf of Alaska sailings, Voyage of the Glaciers, will be offered on Coral Princess, Star Princess and Island Princess between Whittier (Anchor-age) and Vancouver, BC. The itinerary features two glacier-viewing experi-

ences on every voyage, with visits to the UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay National Park plus either Hubbard Glacier of College Fjord. Meanwhile cruises through the Inside Passage, which is known for its scen-ery and pristine fjords, will be fea-tured on seven- and 10-day roundtrip voyages with the option to visit Glacier Bay on select sailings from Seattle, Vancouver and San Francisco, aboard Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess and Grand Princess. In addition, clients who wish to ex-perience Denali, can spend multiple nights at Princess-owned Wilderness Lodges as part of its Land and Sea Vacations. Clients will again be able to purchase a pre-paid meal package for the land portion of their vacation in 2017, with options including to explore remote regions of the state; flexi-tours for independent-minded travellers and more. All of Princess’ 2016 Alaska cruises and Land and Sea Vacations are open for booking.

Crystal On ShowCrystal Cruises has released its 2017-2018 Worldwide Cruise Atlas, a glossy 240-page compendium showcasing its 109 cruise itineraries aboard its ocean ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. The sailings will visit 116 countries and 469 ports of call. Visit crystalcruises.com to view the brochure online.

Princess’ 2017 Alaska Highlights

Local NCLH ContractsNorwegian Cruise Line Holdings has launched a regional call centre for Norwegian Cruise Line with a dedicated New Zealand e-mail resoffice@ncl.com and number 0800 969 283. In addition, the company is currently undertaking extensive training for its dedicated help desk team to assist with en-quiries for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, with the call centre set to open 01 Apr —as the company officially takes the reins from former GSA Cruise Holidays. Recently appointed na-tional sales manager New Zealand Chris D’Anvers is looking forward to the opportunities moving for-ward, saying ‘demand for qual-ity cruise products is growing strongly across New Zealand as more holiday-makers discover and embrace the wealth of experiences cruising can offer’. NCLH’s Steve Odell added that New Zealand is a key focus, with the number of Kiwi cruisers having almost doubled over the past five years.

Windstar Savings, PerksFrancis Travel Marketing advises agents that Windstar Cruises is offering savings and a choice of free perks on voyages throughout Greece, Italy and the Mediterranean, for bookings to 14 Apr. Clients can choose either two free hotels night before or after their cruise or a yacht VIP package which includes a free beverage package, free Wi-Fi and free gratuities—up to USD1700 value per stateroom or suite. For further details, CLICK HERE

$2000 Off Bora BoraIsland Escape Cruises is offering savings of $2000pp for its seven-night cruises ex Bora Bora. The of-fer is valid for new bookings to 29 Apr, for departures 22 and 29 May and 05 and 26 Jun. Prices start from $3950pp with many inclusions. It is also offering a trade price of $5950 for an agent plus guest.

e-mail evie@tabsontravel.co.nz

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Fri 15 May 15 P3Thu 31 Mar 16 p4

News & Product

Are you looking for an exciting new opportunity?With demand in our stores being at an all-time high since we launched, we’re looking for experienced consultants to join us working with our fresh new brand. We’re looking for intermediate and senior travel experts to join our high performing helloworld stores in various locations throughout NZ. 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) Any queries can be directed to Adrian on adrian.turner@helloworld.co.nzIf you are interested in this great opportunity, please submit your CV along with covering letter to recruitment@helloworld.co.nz by Friday 8th April.

HELLO YOU

Ensemble LaunchesA new independent agency group has launched in Australia and New Zealand, and says it’s ready to start signing new members as of today.Ensemble Travel Group is based in the US, and first announced its intention to expand into Australia and New Zealand in Oct 2014. Since then, the brand has ‘invested time and resources adapting products and services that meet the unique needs’ of the markets, says general manager for Australia and New Zealand Trish Shepherd. Ensemble has preferred suppliers under contract including airlines, hotels, cruise, tour and land operators, she says.The group says it’s looking for ‘top agency groups and independent owners’ that are forward thinkers, and says luxury agents in particular find Ensemble to be a good fit.See joinensemble.com.au

Monument ClosedThe Washington Monument has again closed after an elevator malfunc-tion which saw visitors evacuated from around halfway up the 169m monument on Tue. The elevator has reportedly stopped working several times in the past year. It will remain closed until technicians discover what caused the latest incident.

SQ, SilkAir And CASingapore Airlines and SilkAir customers now have more options when travelling between Singapore and China as a result of a new code-share agreement with Air China. Under the agreement SQ adds its code to CA flights between Singapore and Beijing, and SilkAir adds its MI code to CA flights between Singapore and Chengdu. CA will add its code to select SQ-operated flights between Singapore and Beijing, and MI flights between Singapore and Chengdu.

A n i n c r e a s e i n S m a r t G a t e machines has helped Customs nab a record amount of drugs being smuggled through the border this summer, says Customs Minister Nicky Wagner.The 2015-2016 summer season was the busiest so far for Customs, with a record number of travellers cross-ing the border and using SmartGate machines.Some 3.38 million passengers passed through New Zealand’s international airports, an increase of around 10% on the year before; and 1.15 million

Customs’ Record Haul Over Summer

passengers used SmartGates between Dec and Feb, a 15% increase year-on-year. SmartGate capacity at Auckland Air-port has doubled with nine new next generation gates in departures, and more gates being rolled out around the country this year.With the machines making the travel process faster and smoother (on aver-age 20 seconds), Customs was able to focus more on high-risk travellers, says Wagner. “This approach has seen more drugs seized at the border during the sum-mer period than ever before,” she says. “Customs seized 855 drug packages compared to 771 last summer. A total of 74kg of meth was seized, plus a quarter tonne of precursors—almost double the amount seized last year.”

NSW Tourist Pic BanTourists who ignore a sign warning about the dangers of posing for a photo on a famous rock in NSW will now face AUD100 fines, as the National Parks and Wildlife Service cracks down on the dan-gerous trend. A sign at Wedding Cake Rock warns visitors not to risk their life for a photograph, but many ignore it and jump the safety barrier, says the NPWS. They don’t realise that what looks like a solid rock isn’t structurally sound and could collapse at any time, it says.

Pic: Instagram

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Corporate travellers departing on early-morning flights or arriving late at night are to benefit from a new 200-room No-votel, opening near the main terminal at Christchurch Airport at the end of next year.The hotel is being built in direct response to airline and passenger inquir ies for more short-term airport ac-commodation, says airport boss Malcolm Johns.The airport has been regularly ques-tioned about what’s being done to meet the accommodation shortfall in Christchurch, with latest estimates suggesting the city currently has around 800 rooms fewer than what’s needed, says Johns. “Our airline partners see the lack of new hotel accommodation as a big risk to them adding in any more ser-vices,” he says.With the airport adding around 800,000 extra seats a year thanks to new flights, it’s been studying the fea-

sibility of building a 300-room hotel. The study and other advice suggested the airport starts with the 200-room hotel near the terminal.“Corporate and leisure travellers arrive here on trans-Tasman flights late at night, some around midnight, or leave early in the morning,” says Johns. “In both cases, they expect to be able to stay overnight on the airport campus, within walking dis-tance of the terminal.”The hotel will also cater to many of the new direct flights from Asia, which arrive in the evening.Construction is also well under way on the JUCY Snooze budget hotel at the airport, which will offer 280 beds from Nov.

DXB Smartwatch AppPassengers flying through Dubai Airport can now have travel informa-tion delivered to their smartwatch, following the launch of a new service which integrates the watches with the airport’s smartphone app. It’s available for both iOS and Android, and offers information including flight status, arrival and departure times, terminal, gate or baggage belt information.

Corporate Benefit From CHC Novotel

BUSINESS NEWS?GOT

E-mailnews@businesstravelnews.co.nz

FCM’s Rival For UberFlight Centre’s corporate brands are to offer a new ride-sharing service in Australia which is designed to rival the Uber Black and Uber X services—and it could be coming to New Zealand.The new GPU Ride service is being piloted in NSW and is expected to expand across the country in the near future. It’s designed to appeal to business travellers by offering the added advantage of being able to be booked in advance, which Uber doesn’t offer. “Customers of Flight Centre’s corporate brands will enjoy the convenience of being able to book their GPU Ride transfer through their corporate travel con-sultant at the same time they book their air and hotel,” says FCM.GPU will be available for FCM’s New Zealand clients for travel in Australia, and in terms of it hap-pening in New Zealand, ‘this is still something that is being explored’, says FCM. “There’s lots happening in this space at the moment which is exciting for our customers,” adds the brand.

Langham’s Double OfferLangham Hospital it y group is bringing back its Double the Extra Mile Plus programme to reward event planners and organisers. For quali-fied events with revenue of USD6500, meeting and event planners receive double hotel rewards or miles for any of the 11 selected rewards partners. Various hotel rewards, including ac-commodation, F&B and spa vouchers will be honoured based on the event’s spending, or two miles may be earned for every USD1 spent. Meanwhile, qualified events with 60 rooms per night or more are further entitled to any two additional concessions, such as cancellation fees waived, no F&B minimum, one theme refreshment break enhancement and the likes. The offer may be booked 01 Apr-30 Jun for events taking place 01 Jul-31 Dec at all participating The Langham and Langham Place hotels.

CWT Top Marks For CSRCarlson Wagonlit Travel says it has received a silver rating and top marks in all EcoVadis Corporate Social Re-sponsibility (CSR) pillars. The rat-ing confirms the chain’s leadership for the second year running among TMCs, as well as more widely in the travel industry, says CWT. EcoVadis rates companies in their activities in environment, labour practises, fair business practises and sustainable procurement.EVERY THURSDAY

Fri 15 May 15 P3Thu 31 Mar 16 p7

News & Product

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Industry DiaryHotel, 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.

China ShowcaseInvercargill: Tue 12, The Kelvin Hotel, 1730.Dunedin: Wed 13, The Scenic Lounge, Forsythe Barr Stadium, 1730.Christchurch: Thu 14, The Ilex, Christchurch Botanical Gardens, 1730.

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.

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

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 Sth AmericaAuckland: Thu 12, Takapuna Boat Club, 1730-2000.

Adventure World Latin ExtravaganzaAuckland: Thu 12, Air New Zealand CICC, 1730-2030.

The UK Government will begin charging UK companies to hire employees under the Tier 2 visa for skilled workers, and the salary threshold for Tier 2 will increase, in a move that’s expected to im-pact some Kiwis.The government is trying to incen-tivise UK employers to invest in training the UK’s resident workforce and reduce reliance on migrant la-bour, says the British High Com-mission. Employees will now be charged GBP1000pp per year from Apr 2017 to hire foreigners under Tier 2, and salary thresholds will increase to GBP25,000 in northern autumn 2016, and GBP30,000 in Apr 2017, although some health and edu-cation professionals will be exempt until Jul 2019.The changes will affect New Zealand-ers applying for Tier 2 (General)

visas, of which there were 600 last year. There are still many ways Kiwis can visit, study or work in the UK, including the Youth Mobility Scheme, says British High Commissioner Jonathan Sinclair. “Along with Aus-tralia and Canada, New Zealand has more visa and non-visa routes than any country into the UK outside the EU,” he says.

UK Visa Changes

Atacama Desert Lodge 25% OffChimu Adventures has 25% off stays at the Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa in the San Pedro region, for travel 15 Apr-15 Sep 2016. The lodge in the Cat-arpe Valley of the Salt Mountain Range is totally enveloped by its surround-ings, says Chimu. It encourages guests to interact with the local indigenous culture and explore the desert’s landscapes by foot or bike, including geysers, hot springs, volcano climbs, mountain biking and exploring ancient Incan ruins and petroglyphs. The deal is available for full board bookings with a minimum stay of three nights, and only for the Catarpe and Suite Tilo room categories. It also includes a choice of either a complimentary 45 minute spa treatment pp or an extra bed for a child up to 15. See chimuadventures.com

New Aussie Canyon TourRaging Thunder Adventures has launched a new tropical rainfor-est adventure in Crystal Canyon, just a 25 minute drive from Cairns, advises Tourism Australia. The new half day canyoning tour of-fers a course including abseiling, a zip line, slide and jump beside the waterfalls and pools of Crystal Canyon. See ragingthunder.com.au/ cairns-canyoning for more.

Andrea Bocelli ConcertsThis Dec, legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli will be returning to the US for seven concert dates in select cities, starting at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas 03 Dec, with ad-ditional dates in Dallas, Houston, New York City, New Jersey and Boston. The performances will feature a new pop-ular repertoire from Bocelli’s lastest album, Cinema, along with his reper-toire of arias, love songs and crossover hits. Bocelli will be joined onstage by conductor Eugene Kohn, guest artist Katharine McPhee and soprano Ana Maria Martinez at each stop on the tour. See andreabocelli.com

Abu Dhabi MilestoneThe United States Custom and Border Protection facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport has wel-comed its one millionth passenger, just over two years since opening. The facility allows immigration, customs and security clearance pro-cedures to be completed at AUH, for clients travelling to New York, Wash-ington, Dallas, Chicago, San Fran-cisco and Los Angeles on EY flights, and allows clients to avoid lengthy queues upon arrival.

Experience LA the 5-star waySimply book and ticket any return Qantas or American Airlines flights to the USA between 19 February and 15 April 2016, for your chance to win one of ten 5-star experiences on our Luxury Famil to Los Angeles.

Prize includes:

– Business cabin flights from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to Los Angeles via Sydney on the Qantas A380* aircraft

– 3 nights’ accommodation in Los Angeles

– A luxurious itinerary in Los Angeles full of 5-star treatment

– Business cabin flights from Los Angeles to Auckland direct on the brand new American Airlines B787 aircraft

To enter, email a copy of your Qantas PNR to flyqf@qantas.com.au with ‘QF and AA 5-star Famil’ in the subject line by 11.59pm Friday 15 April 2016.

Every entry will go into the weekly prize draw for 20,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer Points!

For full details, including terms and conditions, visit the Qantas Industry Sales website, qantas.co.nz/agents.

*Travel between New Zealand and Australia will be on a B737-800 aircraft.

Travel Today, Thursday 8 March 2016 Page 8