Tuesday 15 December 2015 Issue 3224

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, p4, p5Cruising Today................................. p3Hawaiian Airlines ............................ p6

6 Pages This Issue

The earlybird gets the savings!

11 day Guided Holiday from $5653 per person twin share*

Darwin to Broome

Save up to $600 per couple When you pay by 15 Feb 2016*

Untamed Kimberley

*Conditions apply

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

Only Qantas fly to over 55 destinations across Australia.Visit qantas.co.nz/agents for more details.

Nobody knows Australia like Qantas.

Click Here

Fly out of LGWFrom 02Sep16Save on taxes

JQ’s 787 On TasmanJetstar’s Dreamliner returned to New Zealand yesterday for the first time since Feb 2014, and will be operating a Melbourne-Auckland-Sydney service each Mon for the next seven weeks. JQ moved to an all 787 long-haul fleet earlier this year, when the last of its A330 aircraft were handed back to Qantas, and there’s now 11 of the aircraft in the fleet. This year has been JQ’s busiest year for Tasman services, with considerable growth throughout the country, including Wellington, Queenstown, and extra Christchurch-Melbourne services.

Brand USA has promised it will be doing more in the New Zea-land market next year and says it’s confident it can grow visitor numbers in line with a huge boost in air capacity to the States—but it’s asking for the trade’s help.Brand USA director for Australia and New Zealand Ollie Philpott last night outlined plans to grow Kiwi arrivals to the US to 360,000 next year.Calling the target ambitious but achievable, Philpott says the organ-isation is helped by increased ca-pacity including Air New Zealand’s new Houston service, launching today, and new direct flights from American Airlines and United Air-lines.“A natural effect of the capacity is to drive down the price, and when choosing their holiday New Zea-landers want to know the value of their purchase,” he says. “What we have in our favour is the momentum at a consumer level.”

. . . Mega Famil ReturnPhilpott promised Brand USA will be doing more in New Zealand in 2016 to help reach the target, includ-ing a dedicated consumer campaign for the first time, as well as continu-ing to train and work with agents and bringing back the mega-famil.However he said while it’s up to Brand USA to show leadership, the

organisation can only do so much with the resources it has. He urged the trade to ‘go and hunt for busi-ness’, and foster their own relation-ships with US suppliers.“The trade is critical to the contin-ued growth of travel between the US and New Zealand,” he says.

. . . InvestmentsBrand USA’s regional office is lob-bying for additional funding in the context of global growth in travel to the US, but Philpott says increased interest from US tourism stakehold-ers lifts the region’s profile at a DC level.“We anticipate that we will see in-creased investment in this [New Zealand] market from a number of state tourism offices—and I would estimate we will see the representa-tion of three or four more states in this market moving forward.”The record US operator turn-out at the Brand USA Discover America show in Feb is a tangible example of New Zealand’s increased profile in the US, says Philpott. “[Show participation] is a clear indication of the demand and opportunity in a market,” he says. “People only get sent down [to the shows] if there is a strong likelihood on a return in their investment. After data and research, and air capacity, attending these shows is the third most reli-able indication of market growth.”

Brand USA: We Will Do More In 2016

TMG Advice DelayedDue to unforeseen circumstances, the public announcement by Travel Managers Group (re its pending TAANZ resignation) has been delayed. See tomorrow’s Travel Today.

SafeTravel ImportanceGiven the current global climate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is urging all overseas-bound travellers to register their details with safetravel.govt.nz“If there is a major incident in any part of the world, registering with SafeTravel means you will be one of the first to be contacted,” it says. Following the Paris attacks MFAT says it was contacted by many con-cerned family members “When peo-ple haven’t registered with us, they can be difficult to trace. That makes it much harder to quickly confirm the safety and well-being of our Kiwis.”MFAT also highlights the need for travel insurance.

Fri 15 May 15 P3Tue 15 Dec 15 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.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

PO Box 25-482, St Heliers, Auckland 1740

We have had a big year again and I would like to thank you all for your support in keeping Anaheim the premier mainland USA destination for Kiwi travellers.Disney of course had a big Birthday this year – 60 years . Still as magical as ever and will now have all the decorations up and the snow coming down onto the Castle roof at night – so beautiful.Knotts Berry Farm is still terrifying everyone with its fabulous rides and Wild West theme which let’s face it, is what we expect of a Californian theme park!Universal Studios also has a big birthday next year and will open the new Harry Potter area in Apr SeaWorld is always worth a visit especially their marvellous aquarium area, and don’t forget they too have some wonderful themed attraction rides plus their tree and decorations are always worth a visit.Getting around is simple with Karmel’s extreme tours and shuttles, and Las Vegas is just a luxury bus trip away thanks to Lux Bus. Southern California Grayline is still operating their regular shuttle to and from LAX.Accommodation is constantly changing, 10 new hotels will have opened by the end of 2016.So in Feb we will be part of the Brand USA show in Christchurch on the 22nd Feb and Auckland 23rd.And early on in the New Year we will have a link on our website to the short presentations that our Visit Anaheim team made when they were here in August so if you weren’t able to join us then you will be able to access yourself.Ryan, Pepe and I wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in 2016.Stay safe and have fun,

Pip

Happy Christmas From Visit Anaheim

THE Anaheim

INSIDERT h e w o r l d ’s l e a d i n g t o u r operators, attractions, airlines, destinations, hotels and the like have been named at the 2015 World Travel Awards.Close to home, the South Island’s luxury villa collection Ananndale took out the top spot as the World’s Leading Experiential Luxury Prop-

erty while FCm Travel Solutions was named the World’s Leading Travel Management Company for the fifth year in a row. “We’ve really focused on delivering market-leading technology solu-tions and an enhanced product range to our customers this past year and winning this award is a real testament to that commitment,” says FCm’s general manager New Zealand Andy Jack. Other highlights to note include Etihad Airways taking out the title of leading airline for the seventh consecutive year; Changi Airport’s said to be the top airport; and Air-ways Hotel Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea took out the top spot for airport hotels. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean International was named the leading cruise line; AirAsia is the top low-cost airline; and Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is the leading luxury hotel brand. As far as destinations and attrac-tions go, the Las Vegas Strip is said to be the world’s best tourist at-traction; Kenya should be top of the list for clients looking to book in a safari; The Bahamas for weddings; and Mauritius for honeymoons; and Abu Dhabi for sports tourism. This is the 22nd year of the World Travel Awards. For the full list of winners, CLICK HERE

QF Australia On SaleQantas has flights to Australia start-ing from $189 one-way, for sales to 16 Dec. See qantas.co.nz/agents

Top Star Wars LocationsWith the new film hitting cine-mas this week and Star Wars fever setting in, Cheapflights.co.nz has compiled a list of top set locations clients can visit without needing a Millennium Falcon. Taking out the top spot on the list is Naboo: Queen Amidala’s Palace, aka, Naples, Italy, where many scenes take place in The Reggia de Caserta palace. There’s also the icy planet of Hoth, which is set in Norway’s Hardangerjokulen Glacier; and Al-derran, home to Princess Leia, aka Grindelwald in Switzerland, where clients can ski, hike or relax in an alpine hut. And for those looking for a warmer escape, Phang Nga Bay in Southern Thailand served as the Wookiee kingdom of Kashyyyk.

The Best Of The Travel Industry

Slide Exit, Bomb ThreatA passenger who act ivated an emergency slide before fleeing and shouting that there was a bomb on-board caused the plane to be evacu-ated, just after boarding. Reports say all 179 passengers on the Volaris flight from Mexico City to Cancun, were evacuated while the aircraft was moved to a secure area while it was inspected. No explosive device was found.

More Staff, DogsThe Ministry for Primary Industries has celebrated the graduation of 57 extra staff, including 24 detector dog teams who will be in action this sum-mer. “This is going to be a very busy summer with record numbers of visitors expected, both air travellers and on cruise ships,” says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy, who says the extra staff will provide a ‘ma-jor boost’ at the frontline.

DL, KLM And JetDelta Air Lines and KLM are to launch a codeshare agreement with India’s Jet Airways via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. From 27 Mar, DL and KL customers flying from Eu-rope and the US to AMS will be able to connect to Jet’s new daily flights to New Delhi and Mumbai, and on-wards.

NZ’s Japan AmendmentsAir New Zealand advises agents of the following amendments to its long term fares to Japan, effective for sales and travel from 14 Dec. There’s updated fare levels in all booking classes, excluding Business Premier (Z); new lead-in economy and premi-um economy fare levels; new 30 days advance purchase fares in premium economy and business premier; and new ticketing time limits have been introduced based on booking classes. All existing bookings using current fare levels must be ticketed no later than 28 Dec.

NZ Hoverboard BanAir New Zealand has joined carriers the world over in banning ‘small vehi-cles powered by lithium batteries’—otherwise known as hoverboards or balance wheels. The vehicles can’t be carried as cabin baggage, checked baggage or cargo, says the carrier.

Tauranga ExpansionTauranga Airport is to receive an expanded terminal, improved front and back of house operations, in-creased terminal seating and boosted onsite security. The Tauranga City Council has agreed to bring forward and add to the 2016/17 capital ex-penditure projects for the Airport Activity to respond to ‘significant growth’ occurring at the airport.

Lisbon Hotel TaxThe Lis b on Cit y Cou nc i l has introduced a city tax on all hotels, which is set to be enforced from 01 Jan, advises Orton International. A fee of EUR1pp per night, up to a maximum of seven nights, must be paid by all guests 13 years and older. The tax is not included in the room rate and must be paid upon check in/check out.

EK’s Aussie FaresEmirates has special economy fares ex New Zealand to Australia, on sale to 16 Dec. Auckland to Sydney is from $189 one-way and $425 return; Mel-bourne is from $189 one-way and $427 return; and Brisbane is from $189 one-way and $424 return. Christchurch to Sydney is from $189 one-way and $424 return. Select travel dates apply.

Tue 15 Dec 15 Page 3

CLICK HERE

If you are serious about selling cruises, You need to see what opportunities

Cruise Portal has to offer

LCRUISEPORTAPORTALCRUISE

Savings For Singles On HurtigrutenHurtigruten has waived its single room supplements on its Norwegian coastal voyages between 01 Jan-31 Mar—an ideal time to view the North-ern Lights. Local GSA Discover the World says the line operates a 13-night roundtrip cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes on an almost daily basis, as well as the option to cruise on the north or southbound sectors only, so there are plenty of options for clients. For reservations or availability call 0800 623 4293 or for sales and marketing queries call Gary Westwood on 021 451 029.

Tahiti ExtrasFrom 17 Dec-31 Mar Island Escape’s new Tahitian Affair cruises will in-clude the following packages. For its seven-night cruise, included is an arrival transfer in Papeete; one night in a hotel; transfer to Pa-peete airport; and return domestic flights to/from Bora Bora. And for its 10-night cruise, included is an arrival transfer in Papeete; one-night hotel stay; transfer to cruise port; and a return flight from Bora Bora to Papeete. These packages are included in the gross cruise fare, however agents can package themselves.

Tassie Cruise FocusTasPorts is continuing its investment at Hobart’s Macquarie Wharves 2 and 3 to accommodate larger ships in preparation for the 2016-17 season.

Abu Dhabi Ports has opened a new cruise terminal at its Zayed Port in a bid elevate its standing as a ‘lead-ing winter sun cruise destination’. Said to be a landmark for cruise tourism in the Arabian Gulf region, The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal will help Abu Dhabi Ports serve the in-creasing number of cruise liners and passengers visiting the Emirate. The terminal offers tourist information services, retail facilities, city tours, passport border control counters, and customs processes. Plus, Abu Dhabi Airports has provided check-in counters, operated by Etihad, which will allow cruise passengers

to check into their flights from within the terminal and will only need to go through passport control at the airport for their exit stamp.“These are exciting times for Abu Dhabi’s cruise industr y,” says a spokesperson. “The opening of the new Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal marks a step-change in how Abu Dhabi is perceived as a cruise des-tination, and the collective effort of all partners involved in this achieve-ment underlines the important role the cruise sector has in the expansion of our tourism industry.” There are hopes that the facility will help to at-tract more passengers to commence their cruises from Abu Dhabi on home porting vessels in the future.Zayed Port has scheduled 111 vessels and 205,000 passengers during the 2015-2016 season and Abu Dhabi Ports believes this will rise to more than 130 ships and 300,000 passen-gers by the 2019-2020 season, in part thanks to the new terminal.

Croatia SpecialsGetting into the festive spirit, Croatia Times Travel has released a number of specials on its popular cruises. High-lights include a 12-day Adriatic Cruise & Tour, from Dubrovnik to Venice, which is priced from $4960pp s/t—a saving of $150pp. It’s available for se-lect departure dates Mar-Oct. There’s also an eight-day Dalmatian High-lights Cruise, roundtrip Dubrovnik, which is priced from $1245pp s/t — a s av i ng of 5 % pp. T he re’s select departures Apr-Oct. E-mail sales@cttravel.co.nz for full details.

Abu Dhabi’s Cruise Tourism Landmark

Foodies Med ParadiseRegent Seven Seas Cruises’ Mediter-ranean sailings are a foodies para-dise, says Cruise Holidays. Clients can savour flavours while exploring ashore, thanks to its free shore excur-sions. Highlights include a 10-night Bespoke Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Athens, where clients will have the chance to venture into the countryside in Ravenna and explore a family-owned farm and winery. The cruise is priced from $6995pp and departs 27 May. There’s also a 10-night Italian Departure cruise from Rome to Instanbul which fea-tures an agricultural farm experi-ence in Sorrento, where clients can check out equipment and methods for growing oranges, lemons, olives and wine that date back to the end of the 18th century. It is priced from $7275pp and departs 26 Aug.

Kimberley: Book NowK i m b e r l e y Q u e s t re m i n d s agents that its 2016 and 2017 cruises aboard Kimberley Quest II are selling out fast, and en-courages clients to get in quick. See kimberleyquest.com.au

Fri 15 May 15 P3Tue 15 Dec 15 P4

News & Product

Contact Tony 021 388 315 tony@tabsontravel.co.nz

or Angela 021 388 316angela@tabsontravel.co.nz Incorporating Tabs On Travel

Again this year Stop Press e-mail broadcasts will be published in between these dates should there be important breaking news.

Holiday Update e-mail broadcasts will also be available for timely or important product announcements by suppliers.

Merry ChristmasFri 18 Dec is our last issue for the year, Mon 18 Jan is the first issue for 2016

TravelNevada RepTr ave l Ne v a d a h a s a p p o i nt e d Canuckiwi as its representative for New Zealand and Australia, effective 01 Jan. Headed by Corey Marshall, Canuckiwi will look after travel trade strategy, PR and social media efforts as well as industry alignment across both countries.“We are excited to develop the state’s product inventory and itinerary op-tions available across the market through cooperative strategies with key wholesale and retail trade part-ners,” says Marshall. “At the same time we look forward to raising awareness through existing as well as new media and social media chan-nels which in turn will drive consum-er interest for the State of Nevada.”Pictured is Team Canuckiwi: Corey Marshall, Sam Saunders, Joanne Motta and Karen McCardle.The STO recent ly launched a consu mer- f ac i ng D on’t Fence Me In campaign, check it out at travelnevada.com

Adventure World hosted agents on an eight-day Peru famil recently, where they experienced Lima and Cuzco as well as Santiago. High-lights included Machu Picchu, the Inca ruins and Cusco’s winding streets. “Machu Picchu was the most ex-citing sightseeing in Peru, and I wasn’t disappointed. I can’t say I’ve been anywhere that really compares,” says Adventure World host Tom Wardell. “Cusco probably surprised me the most, such a fun and bus-tling city; it was great to explore the winding streets and markets, all while experiencing the slight breathlessness from altitude. Defi-

nitely worth a few nights visit, and not just for the acclimatisation.” Adventure World usually recom-mends travel l ing to Peru May through Oct. Pictured is Flighties Stephen Parkin and Stephanie Karels, Maggie Naveda Ruiz of Condor Travel, Leandra Rob-inson of Travel Associates, LAN’s Marilyn da Gama, Kaylie McGilvray and Rosanna Frisina of Adventure World, Flight Centre’s Judy Tapper, Kristy Baker and Tania O’Reilly, Ad-venture World’s Tom Wardell and Kevin Dennerly-Minturn, and Olivia Ladd, Student Flights.

Ecuador Park ReopensThe protected area of Ecuador’s Cotopaxi National Park has re-opened, 122 days after it was closed due to increased volcanic activity, reports Viva Expeditions. The deci-sion follows a decrease in volcanic activity in the last few weeks, says Viva. The Risk Management Secre-tariat (SGR) has recommended that while the yellow alert is on, visitors should be accompanied by trained personnel. They should also note that the opening of the park is par-tial and access to shelter or climbing to the crater is not allowed. Opening hours are 0900-1400.

Topdeck Aussie AdventureFrom sailing the Whitsundays to wandering the vast outback and scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, Topdeck is offering Kiwis dis-counts on its Australian trips depart-ing before 31 Mar. From 01 Dec-08 Jan, clients can score AUD250 off trips 10 days or more or AUD100 off trips nine days or less. Destinations include Sydney, the Gold Coast, Fra-ser Island, Cairns, the Whitsundays, Alice Springs, Uluru, Katherine, Ka-kadu, the Flinders Rangers, Adelaide and Melbourne. The discounts are part of Topdeck’s new 2016 Australia and New Zealand brochure that fea-tures 25 trips. See topdeck.travel

Agents Explore Peru

G Holidays SaleG Adventures has brought back its ‘12 Days of G’ promotion, offering 15% off 12 different tours in the lead-up to Christmas Eve. Each day, the operator will unveil a new tour, and they will all remain on sale until 31 Dec, for travel to 30 Sep 2016. See gadventures.com/12-days-of-g/

The Niue Experience

Niue TourismRepresented in NZ by:

Hogan & Associates Ltd0-9-489 7844

sales@hoganreps.co.nz

The famous Niue Self-Famil programme is back but you’ll have to get in quick!

Here are the details:

Book by: 23 Dec 2015

Travel: 30 Jan – 28 Jun 16 (Closeouts apply)

Who Qualifies: Retail/Wholesale agents selling South Pacific + companion

Cost: from $499 (including return airfares and 4 nights accommodation!)

The Niue Self-Famil is back!

Contact TATS for full detailssales@tats.co.nz 0-9-256 7050

Fri 15 May 15 P3Tue 15 Dec 15 P5

News & Product

JANUARY 2016Rocky Mountaineer & Adventure World Road Show BreakfastsDunedin: Tue 26. Christchurch: Wed 27. Wellington: Thu 28 Location & times tbc.

FEBRUARY 2016Brand USA Discover America EventsChristchurch: Mon 22, Rydges Latimar Hotel, 1700-2130.Auckland: Tue 23, The Cloud, Queens Wharf, 1700-2130.

JAWS RoadshowDunedin: Mon 29, Scenic Southern Cross Hotel, 118 High Street, 1700-2000.

MARCH 2016JAWS RoadshowChristchurch: Tue 01, Rydges Latimer Hotel, Latimer Square, 1700-2000. Nelson: Wed 02, Rutherford Hotel, 27 Nile Street West, 1700-2000. Whangarei: Tue 08, Forum North, 7 Rust Ave, 1700-2000. Napier: Mon 14, War Memorial Conference Centre, 48 Marine Parade, 1700-2000. Wellington: Tue 15, Rydges WLG, 75 Featherston Street, 1700-2000.Palmerston North: Wed 16, Distinction Hotel, 175 Cuba Street, 1700-2000. New Plymouth: Thu 17, Novotel Hotel, Cnr Of Hobson and Leach

Streets, 1700-2000.Tauranga: Tue 22, Tauranga Yacht Club, 70 Keith Allen Drive, 1700-2000. Hamilton: Wed 23, Novotel Tainui, 7 Alma Street, 1700-2000.

APRILTourism Fiji 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.

Asia Now roadshowDunedin: Tue 05.Christchurch: Wed 06.Wellington: Thu 07.Tauranga: Mon 11.Hamilton: Tue 12.Auckland North: Wed 13.Auckland East: Thu 14.Venues, times tba.

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

Industry Diary

1 Darragh Walshe, Hawaii Tourism with Tony Smith, Francis Travel Marketing.2 Gaye Wood, APTMS and Petra Correa, helloworld.3 Gabrielle Brown, House of Travel and Sharon Martin, Lifestyle Holidays.4 Joe O’Sullivan of Brochurenet, Cheryl Browne of Brochurenet, Faye Spooner of Air Tahiti Nui, and Donal O’Sullivan of Brochurenet.5 Travel Trade Appreciation Award winners from GO Holidays, Sarah Payne, Fau-zia Hussain and Lily Huch, with Brand USA’s Ollie Philpott and Wayne Mitcham.6 Suia Drodrolagi and Ruby Tai Tin, Lifestyle Holidays with Brand USA’s Ollie Philpott and Wayne Mitcham.7 Infinity’s Travel Trade Appreciation Award winners Paul Gilchrist and Kate Moriarty, with Brand USA’s Ollie Philpott and Wayne Mitcham.8 House of Travel’s Angela Webber, Brand USA’s Ollie Philpott, Shona Bray of House of Travel and Wayne Mitcham, Brand USA.9 Hawaii Tourism’s Megan Hornblow and Lindsey Morgan, Hawaiian Airlines.10 Bianca Duffy, Air NZ; Dave Salisbury, Insight Vacations; and Sofia da Silva, Wild Ink.11 Jodie Burnard, Flight Centre and Adele Barker, Air NZ.

Brand USA handed out its first ever Travel Trade Appreciation Awards to wholesale consultants at an in-dustry event in Auckland last night.The trade is critical in selling the States, says the NTO—and it’s

Brand USA Thanks The Trade

1

2 34

5

6 7

8 9

10

11

promising to continue to work closely with agents in 2016. Next year will also see the return of the popular mega famil, with more de-tails to be announced soon.Brand USA regional director Ollie

Philpott also thanked local Brand USA face Wayne Mitcham, who he says does an ‘incredible job’ both in grow-ing visitor numbers and making sure the US is aware that ‘New Zealand is a separate country from Australia’.

Travel Today, Tuesday 15 December 2015 Page 6