20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nz

Travel

Do I have news for you! Issue 8.33T

Tuesday02SEP08

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Page 1

French Travel Workshop Invitation

Air NZ Wants Tourism Spend Upped

New Explore More Depot in CHC

New Operators for Hump Ridge Track

New Name for Picton i-SITE

Big Dairy Summit for SKYCITY

Aussie Wines Win the Challenge

Tourism WA Appoints Lisa Blackburn

Aussie Assesses Health Tourism

Gippsland Online Planner

130ft of Luxury at A$9900 per day

Corroboree the Movie

Cooks Tourism On Track

Cash Infusion for Air Tahiti Nui

Blue Lagoon Offers 30% Off

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Thai Crisis - Latest

Singapore Worried at Slowdown

Luxury Mekong Riverboat for 2009

Casino for Phu Quoc

Singapore’s First Best Western

Qantas Boosts US Network

GrandLuxe Rail Journeys Collapses

First New Waikiki Hotel in 20 Years

Mexican Crater to Become Eco-Park

Charles Darwin Bicentennial Cruise

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Serengeti Stay / Pay

Resort Island, Ferris Wheel for Baghdad

Bateaux for Istanbul

Tauck on World’s Best List

Alitalia Bankrupt

Garuda to Privatise

Delay forSecond Emirates A380

QF Changes LAX Terminals

Air NZ Exec Pay Takes a Hit

United to Fulough 1763 Cabin Crew

More Priority Pass Lounges

Doom for Zoom

New Faces at LAN SYD

ICCA 2008 Awards Details

Adv World Releases Cruise West 09

US$ Shipboard Alaska Credit

Greek Focus for easyCruise

Bratton Takes Entrepreneur Award

Orion Heads for SE Asia

Silversea Launches 2009 Voyage Atlas

First Chifley Suites for NZ

Faster Free Nights at Hyatt

Heritage Queenstown Villa Offer

Kirra Tours August Winner

New CEO for HRG New Zealand

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French

Travel

Workshop

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 2

You may not lose your head but you will lose your heartat this year’s French Travel Workshop.

There will be more than 30 exhibitors coming from Franceand the best local wholesalers and GSA’S.

Every travel agent attending will receivea unique bottle of Champagne “Veuve Cliquot”

and may WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO PARIS!

AUCKLANDHyatt Regency - 12th September 2008

10.00 am - 1.00 pm

EXPECT A ROYAL TREATMENTAT THE 2008 FRENCH TRAVEL WORKSHOP

Free registration online athttp://au.franceguide.com/workshop

or by email atworkshop@franceguide.com

For any enquiries: +61-2 9231 5243

A smart way to blitz your travel homeworkThe French Travel Workshop, 12 September 2008 – Auckland

It has been a must-attend biennial event for premier travel professionals in Australiaand now it’s coming to New Zealand: the French Travel Workshop, sponsored byFrench national tourism arm Maison de la France and co-hosted with Qantas Airwaysand Air France.

Accredited travel professionals will be able to learn first-hand about new products andservices in French travel, and strengthen valuable personal networks with existingsuppliers.

The exhibitors represent the crème de la crème of French travel: leading accommodationagencies, airlines, car rental companies, major cities and regions, ski resorts, inboundtour operators, train travel specialists and others, many of whom fly out for this eventexclusively from France.

This first-ever workshop in Auckland will feature more than 30 exhibitors flying infrom France and there will be a host of giveaways and prizes. All accredited travelprofessionals at the Auckland event will receive a unique bottle of Champagne “VeuveCliquot”, and can enter a draw to win a trip for two to France.

Stylish, bold and spirited:Focus on Paris–Ile de FranceA worldly stage of cosmopolitan culture,Paris–Ile de France is this year’s workshophighlight.Its exhibitors will provide the local industrywith fresh insights about travel in this fast-changing city: boutique accommodation,niche tour groups, daring new events andopenings, and much more. Don’t miss theParis–Ile de France seminar.

Learn more online!

Visit the Travel Trade section at ourdedicated site

http://au.franceguide.comto register your interest and find outmore about the workshops, including

a full exhibitor list.

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 3

NEW ZEALAND

NZ4KIWIS - Is ultra competitively priced - One Season - One Price

NZ4KIWIS - Is packaged for your convenience, you just add the flights

NZ4KIWIS - Offers your clients Business & Leisure options

NZ4KIWIS - Includes 2 or 3 nights accommodation, car rental plus one attraction

NZ4KIWIS - Can be extended or expanded with product from our new 08/09 ANZCRO NZ Book

ANZCRO NZ recognisesthat Agents require NZ product

that is quick and convenient to use.

The NZ4KIWIS product is very competitivelypriced. For example Christchurch for $ 189 ppincluding 2 nights accommodation, car rental and½ day Sightseeing Tour of Christchurch. Agentsjust need to add flights if required.There are also Bonus Offers of Free Breakfasts,parking and even Sky Tower entry depending onHotel selected.

So, in response we have just releaseda new 12-page brochure - NZ4KIWIS

- exclusively for the NZ Domestic Market.

Don’t miss out on your Domestic commission.Call the NZ4KIWIS Hotline 0508 687 836 to book your clients now.

This is a limited-life brochure for travel from 01SEP-15DEC08 - One season - One price.

NZ4KIWIS Ministays include 2 or 3 nights accommodation(depending on location), car rental plus one must-do sightseeingoption in each location.Destinations include Bay of Islands, Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington,Christchurch, Queenstown & Dunedin.The offers can be expanded to suit your clients’ needs with our fullrange of products in our just released 08/09 New Zealand Book.

Call Reservations Now - 0508 687 836 or email anzcro@anzcro.co.nzBrochures Available through Brochurenet www.brochurenet.co.nz

Air NZ Wants Tourism Spend Ramped upAir New Zealand is calling on the governmentto increase its commitment to tourism in theface of softening global demand and travellers’growing environmental consciousness.The airline’s Deputy CEO Norm Thompsonsays it is critical that the government acts nowto protect the country’s market share given theslowing growth in tourism.Visitor arrivals to New Zealand have grown lessthan 1% in the past 12 months and are forecast togrow at just over 3.3% through to 2014.Mr Thompson says the government needs toprioritise the sector and ramp up the fundingto market New Zealand offshore. The $73million in annual government funding toTourism New Zealand to market New Zealandas a visitor destination overseas is not enoughto stimulate growth beyond the forecast figures,he says.“Tourism generates approximately $8.3 billiondollars in foreign exchange for New Zealand– a substantial return on each dollar investedby the government through Tourism NewZealand and businesses such as Air NewZealand. We have the opportunity tosignificantly increase these earnings throughgreater Government investment in theindustry.”Mr Thompson says Air NZ invests tens ofmillions of dollars promoting New Zealandoffshore and in recent years has taken aleadership position in opening up new tourismopportunities, launching direct services intoAdelaide, San Francisco, Shanghai, Vancouverand Beijing, and doubling its capacity toLondon through its Hong Kong service.

“The industry needs additional governmentfunding to boost New Zealand’s profile in keyoffshore markets, expand the scope ofpromotional activities and focus on newemerging markets.”Mr Thompson says the tourism industry iscritical to New Zealand’s economic prosperityand transformation. As the single largestexporter in the New Zealand economy, itcontributes 9% of our GDP and employs onein ten Kiwis. As the national carrier, Air NZ’sfortunes are inextricably connected to thegrowth of the tourism sector.The carrier is receiving world-wide recognitionof its commitment to reducing itsenvironmental impact, and Mr Thompson saysthere should be a heavy focus on promotingour environmental initiatives andcommitments.“New Zealand provides a unique destinationbased on our diverse environment and cleangreen image. Our attractiveness as a touristdestination can only last as long as ourreputation as one of the most environmentallyfriendly nations stays intact. We need acoordinated national approach to theenvironment that enhances our 100% Purepositioning and delivers on our visitors’expectations of one of the cleanest, greenestcountries in the world,” he says.“If New Zealand Inc is to continue to prosper,to grow our exports, to encourage investmentin New Zealand, and to raise our position inthe OECD rankings, then it is vital that wecontinue to market ourselves successfully tothe world.”

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 4

New CHC Depot for Explore MoreTHL’s low cost vehicle rental company ExploreMore, is opening its third depot today, in theheart of Christchurch in Worcester Street’sCathedral Junction, with opening hours from8 – 4.30pm, Monday to Sundays.It will complement two existing depots, atChristchurch airport and in Auckland city, witha fourth depot opening at Auckland Airportwithin the next few weeks.

New Name for Picton i-SITEThe Picton i-SITE will in future be known asthe Picton and Queen Charlotte TrackInformation and Booking Centre.The Marlborough Express quotes DestinationMarlborough chief executive Dominic Moranas saying that the change was made after morethan six months of consideration.He says that as Picton has evolved more as atourist centre certain booking patterns haveemerged.The town is now a destination in itself withmany high-quality tourism operators andaccommodation based in the vicinity.Picton is also a gateway into Queen CharlotteSound and the Queen Charlotte Track.

Queen Charlotte Track products and services.“We intend to make that process easier byhaving a one-stop shop at the Picton and QueenCharlotte Track information and BookingCentre,” he said.Marlborough i-SITE manager Mike Murphytold the paper that several initiatives were inplace with more planned to help bookings fortown and track.There was a full itinerary planning softwareprogramme attached to the ticketing softwareallowing staff to build short or detaileditineraries for clients wishing to experiencePicton, the Queen Charlotte Track and theMarlborough Sounds areaThey would develop an i-SITE web presenceover the coming month, Mr Murphy said.

Dr Moran said other i-SITEs around NewZealand sometimes had difficulties booking

New Operatorsfor Hump Ridge Track

The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track and itsassociated visitor centre will in future be runby Trish King and her husband Ali, on behalfof the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust.The Southland Times reports that businessmanEvan Bloomfield has decided not to renew hislease on the track, which officially opens forthe new season at Labour Weekend. He andhis staff had operated the popular track for fiveyears.Mr King, who is vice-chairman of the Trust,has sold the local milk run he and his wifeoperated for the past 12 years and they are keento take on the new challenge.

SKYCITY Attracts World Dairy Summit to AucklandSKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre willhost the International Dairy Federation’s WorldDairy Summit in November 2010.The 1000-delegate, multi-day event is forecastto have more than $2.1 million economicimpact to the Auckland region. For New

be staging this event is considered a coup.The International Dairy Federation, based inBelgium, is the pre-eminent source of scientificand technical expertise for all stakeholders ofthe dairy chain. Its membership covers 53countries and accounts for 82 per cent ofcurrent total milk production worldwide.Zealand, a key producer of dairy products, to

Kiwis Take the Ale,Aussies the Wines

Rotorua brewing company Croucher Brewingcame out on top in the 6th annual Great DownUnder Wine Challenge at Tauranga’s Sebel lastweek.Its Pale Ale won out against a Mahogany Porterfrom Melbourne’s Flying Horse Brewery. Thebrew was matched to the final course of a five-course degustation-style dinner with each othercourse matched with two “blind” wines, onefrom the North Island’s Great New ZealandTouring Route and the other from Victoria’sGreat Southern Touring Route.The formal dinner wine challenge is acompetitive event showcasing the best of foodand wine tourism on the two premier touringroutes and the Great Down Under Tour is amarketing alliance between the two.It seeks to focus attention on these regions andthe wealth of product each has on offer. TheGreat Down Under Wine Challenge has beenrunning for five years and has been basedaround publicity generated from the formaldinner challenge.Next year’s return challenge will be hosted inVictoria’s Grampians region.

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 5

AUSTRALIA

Lisa Blackburn for Tourism Western AustraliaTourism Western Australia has confirmed theappointment of Lisa Blackburn as its NewZealand Trade Marketing Representative.“Ms Blackburn brings extensive tourismexperience and skills to our team,” says RossGregory, Tourism Western Australia’s DirectorAustralia Pacific. “She has a strong tourismbackground with over 15 years experience insimilar roles having worked previously for

Tourism Northern Territory as their Sales andMarketing Manager.Lisa said she was looking forward todeveloping Western Australia’s reputation asan attractive holiday destination in the NewZealand market place.“Western Australia is experiencing stronggrowth and I’m keen to capitalise on this withour trade partners,” she said.

Health Tourism AssessedAccording to the ABC, the Australian tourismindustry is looking to take a new direction intohealth and medical tourism after ATEC, theAustralian Tourism Export Council, formed apanel to discuss how to tap into the billion-dollar market.The panel has been formed to conduct risk andcost assessments of introducing health tourismto Australia, which would include beauty andspa treatments, counselling, and surgery.Matthew Hingerty, the panel’s ManagingDirector, said the health tourism market couldreel in more revenue than the boomingeducational tourism market. He added thatexported medical travel from the US alone willbe worth US$162 billion by 2012, as predictedby Deloitte in last week’s edition of TheEconomist.“We believe that we can model thedevelopment of health tourism in the same waythat we have built education tourism into a $10billion annual industry for Australia,” he said.“It’s not so much the more invasive andcatastrophic procedures but those routine

elective procedures that are becomingincreasingly expensive in places like the UnitedStates.”The Gold Coast is expected to reap the biggestbenefits from health tourism in the country.Mr Hingerty says the Gold Coast’sentrepreneurial medical sector would make themost of new opportunities.“We’re looking at having the first annualhealth and wellbeing tourism conferencenext year and the Gold Coast picks itself asthe destination and we are in talks about thatat the moment, so I think the Gold Coaststands to benefit very strongly if Australiagoes into this market in a significant way,”he said.

Gippsland Online Travel PlannerTourism Victoria and Destination GippslandLimited have launched an innovative onlinetravel planner which will entice travellerspassing through Gippsland to experience moreof the region’s tourist attractions, restaurants,accommodation options and retail outlets, andencourage them to stay longer.Site-users type in their intended journey’s startand end points, then choose from a menu ofinterest areas including dining, galleries,wineries, breweries and historical sites, togenerate a suggested itinerary, driving

directions, travel distances and places to stopand see.This online initiative – the first of its kind inAustralia - will benefit tourism operators inGippsland by highlighting the abundance ofexperiences and activities that visitors canenjoy in the region. There are currently 260business and attraction descriptions on thetravel planner’s database and they hope morelocal operators will jump on board over thecoming weeks and months.www.inspiredbygippsland.com

130ft of Sheer Luxury at A$9900 per day

The Southern Cloud, a newly refurbished 130ftluxury yacht is now available for charter in theWhitsundays.Boasting full, pampered service andaccommodation for up to 12 guests, theSouthern Cloud includes 6 crew and fullentertainment for guests in and out of the water.Each cabin is fitted with all the bells andwhistles anyone could possibly desire fromLCD television and surround sound, individual

climate control, full internet access andelectronic ensuite amenities for each cabin.The yacht sails at a leisurely 10 knots and with200 tons of displacement has very high levelsof stability and safety to ensure a seamless,relaxing cruise throughout the Whitsundaysand Great Barrier Reef.All inclusive packages start from A$9900 perday.Visit: www.southerncloud.com.au

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 6

Thrifty Car Rental Australia

Unbeatable value for money!All-inclusive Rates from AU$55 per day

No extras to pay

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Call AIM on 09-477-1090 or 0508-650-660 or email reservations@aimholidays.co.nz

Rates include all taxes, registration fees, airport fees, stamp duty and GSTInsurance excess only AU$385

Over 260 locations Australia-wideHires can be prepaid or paid by the client in Australia

(with your commission protected)

Corroboree the Movie wraps for 2008More than 300 guests including 160 NorthAmerican Aussie Specialists took part inTourism Australia’s biggest North Americanannual trade event with more than 70Australian Experiences on display. Corroboreethe Movie was a recent three-day eventwowing guests with venues including anoutback style ranch, a vineyard, a Malibubeach and the stunning Ronald Reagan Libraryin the Californian hills.Tourism Australia filmed Corroboree theMovie participants for a training movie which

is currently in post production. The completedmovie will be dispatched to all AussieSpecialists via DVD. This activity demonstratesthe way Tourism Australia is weaving theopportunities presented by Baz Luhrmann’sAustralia through not only consumer marketing,but through trade training and development. Apresentation from Tourism Australia andTwentieth Century Fox launching the marketingplans for Australia was enthusiastically receivedfrom a newly motivated and inspired NorthAmerican travel industry.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Disruption PendingQantas, Cathay Pacific and Westpac customers, among others, face disruptions to onlinebookings and banking this week after Australian Services Union (ASU) members voted tostart industrial action. The union says IBM technical support staff will hold four-hourrolling stoppages at its “flightdeck” centre in Sydney from Wednesday.

Cook Islands Tourism on TrackThe Cook Island tourism industry can beconfident that the changes being implementedby Cook Islands Tourism are a step in the rightdirection during these challenging times. Thisis the opinion expressed by the reportingcommittee at the Cook Islands Chamber ofCommerce AGM last week.CINews Online reports that the NTO’srestructuring over the past year has seen theappointment of six new board members, a newchairman and chief executive.According to the report, “Cook Islands Tourismhas taken new strategic positions in Australiaand the USA, along with strengthening ourposition in the NZ market place. The CEO(John Dean) continues to vigilantly pursue anyopportunities to source and discuss additionalairline capacity to the Cook Islands.

past year has been the savior of our visitornumbers with 52 percent of our total visitorarrivals being from NZ. The Cook Islands isenjoying a new lease of life in NZ partiallybrought about by the continuing unrest in Fiji,Cook Islands consumer and trade awareness ata new level, the use of the NZ dollar in theCooks and increased flight access with faresbeing mostly competitive over the AKL-RARroute.”CINews Online quotes the report as saying newmarkets and opportunities are constantly beingexplored by CI Tourism , with emphasis on dualdestination possibilities “with Tahiti and AirTahiti Nui, Japan, Korea/Korean Airlines anddeveloping a commercial arrangement with avery progressive travel company in China, priorto the 2010 Shanghai World Expo in which theCook Islands is a participant.”“The NZ market continues to grow and this

More Money Pumped into Air Tahiti NuiThe French Polynesia Council of Ministers hasapproved a two billion French Pacific franc(US$25m) current account advance for AirTahiti Nui.This is the second recent cash infusion for thecarrier. The French Polynesia Assembly hadin early August adopted a supplemental budgetfor 2008 that included an XPF1.5-billion(US$19m) recapitalisation for TN.That was Air Tahiti Nui’s 17th recapitalizationduring its ten years of flying and increased thegovernment’s stake in TN from 68.8% to morethan 70%. According to a Tahiti Presse report,the exact amount of that stake will not beknown until after five private investors

represented on the airline’s board decidewhether to preserve their current stakes.The Council of Ministers issued a mediastatement following its special meeting lastThursday saying the government would bepaying particular attention to relaunchingmeasures put in place over the next five months,“which will be decisive for the future of AirTahiti Nui.”

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 7

Represented in New Zealand by Discover the World MarketingT : 09-623 4293 DX : EP82525 E : info@discovertheworld.co.nz

GDS Code: HY

Every eligible dollar spent at Hyattearns valuable Hyatt Gold Passport points

Hyatt Hotels & ResortsNorth America & The Caribbean

Hyatt Regency Hotels feature classic, contemporary design and

unparalleled business accommodation in leading business and

group destinations. They offer extensive meeting facilities,

innovative guestroom designs, fully-equipped fitness centres,

exceptional restaurants and bars, and Regency Clubs.

H O T E L S

STYLISH. THOUGHTFUL. SAVVY.

Blue Lagoon offers 30% off Special CruiseWith its final ‘Historical & CulturalDateline Cruise’ now scheduled for17NOV08, Blue Lagoon Cruises isoffering a 30% discount on all bookingsmade before 31OCT.The seven-day/six-night ‘Gold Clubstandard’ cruises offer a rare opportunityto visit the largely uncharted reaches thatcomprise Fiji’s remote north-eastern tip- an area that rarely receives visits fromthe outside world.This cruise will in fact represent onlythe seventh time that a commercialvessel has visited parts of the region inthe last two years.

The area is unique in the fact that it is theonly place on earth where travellers cansee all three of the Pacific Ocean’s distinctcultural groupings – Melanesian,Micronesian and Polynesian – livingtogether.Standard prices start from NZ$2575*pptwin share inclusive all meals, all onboardentertainment, cultural activities andshore excursions.The 30% discount means prices drop toNZ$1803*pp.

*Conditions apply. Please note prices do notinclude international airfares or beverages excepttea and coffee.

ASIA

Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Tourism has been demoted for poor

performance on the job, according to a Fiji Live report. Banuve

Kaumaitotoya has been demoted to deputy secretary and the Public

Service Commission has begun a search for her replacement.

Thailand Chaos - LatestThe travel plans of thousands in Thailandwere affected late last week whenauthorities closed Phuket, Krabi and HatYai airports as protestors push for theresignation of the Prime Minister Samak.More than 5,000 protesters invadedPhuket International Airport, storming itstwo runways and preventing passengersfrom going in or out, according to anAgence France-Presse report.Hat Yai re-opened on Saturday andPhuket, the country’s second-busiestairport, was back in business on Sunday.Howevers, according to The Nation, thePeople’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD)in the South threatens to close sevenairports if the PM refuses to resign.The airports in their sights are Hat Yai,Phuket, Surat Thani, Krabi, Samui,Nakhon Sri Thammarat and Trang.The protesters also plan to block all roadsleading to the South, and supporters arethreatening to disrupt water and powersupplies.Meanwhile, rail services on 93 lines havebeen paralysed by strike action affectingmost long distance routes from Bangkok.Google ‘Thailand News’ and check theMFAT site for fresh updates.

ZAIA, the very first permanent

Cirque du Soleil production to

open in Asia, celebrated its world

premiere last week at the

Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel in

Macau.

Royal Rajasthanon Wheels

The success of India’s Palace onWheels has prompted Rajasthan tolaunch a second super luxury trainin December. The ‘Royal RajasthanOn Wheels’ luxury train will havetwo super-deluxe suites, 13 deluxesaloons, two restrobars, spa,boardroom, Internet facility, etc andits itinerary will be the same as‘Palace on Wheels’, except that itwill go to Bikaner instead of SawaiMadhopur.

Singapore Concernedat Slowdown

After 51 months of consecutive growthin tourist arrivals, Singapore has seen itssecond year-on-year decline for July.Last month, 916,000 foreign visitorsentered Singapore and although this wasthe highest number to date this year, and100,000 up on June, it was a drop of 3.8%on JUL07.The Singapore Tourism Board is nowreportedly expressing concern that itcould fail to meet this year’s target of 10.8million visitors.

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 8

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

MANAGER

Oaks Hotels & Resorts NZ is currentlyseeking a Business DevelopmentManager to be located in our Aucklandoffice. This role is to be focused ondriving sales and managing accounts toincrease business for our NZproperties.

Oaks Hotels & Resorts currentlyoperate five apartment style propertiesin New Zealand. There are twoproperties in Auckland, one inChristchurch and two properties inQueenstown as part of our NewZealand operation.

Our ideal candidate will be a saleshunter who does not shy away fromsourcing new business opportunitiesand building mutually beneficialrelationships. Ideally you will currentlybe in a Sales or Business DevelopmentManager role within the Tourism, Travelor Hospitality industries. We envisageyou will have existing corporaterelationships and contacts in place andbe ready to hit the ground running.

If you are interested in this role pleaseapply in writing to John Ambler.Email: johna@theoaksgroup.co.nzPh: 09 909-9502

Luxury Mekong Riverboat for 2009Trails of Indochina is joining with HeritageLines to launch a luxury Mekong riverboat nextyear.Heralding what it describes as a new era forfirst-class cruise travel in Indochina, Trails ofIndochina says the MV Jayavarman willrepresent one of the most luxurious boutiquecruise vessels ever seen in the region.Operated by Ho Chi Minh-based HeritageLines and part of a project estimated in excessof US$4 million, the 58m riverboat is describedas a fusion of traditional eastern shipbuildingcraft and avant-garde French colonial designoverlaid with state of the art technology.The MV Jayavarman will make its maidenvoyage sailing the Mekong from Ho Chi Minhvia Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, the jump offpoint for Angkor Wat, in mid-JUL09.Accommodation will range from two ‘BaoDaop’ Royal Hue themed junior suites (26sqm) to 11 Deluxe standard ‘Indochina-style’cabins (24sq m) and 14 Superior standard (21sq

All will feature a private balcony.The ship’s facilities also include a spa, aspacious restaurant serving eastern and westerncuisine, two expansive lounges, a shop and alibrary spread over 800sq m on a total fivedecks.Following her maiden voyage the riverboat willcommence operation of a medley of MekongDelta cruise itineraries structured over two,three, four, five and eight days.Passengers will have an extraordinaryopportunity to fully immerse themselves in thedelta’s unique environment with several ‘hands-on’ cultural activities. These include visits tofloating markets, bicycle rides to remotevillages and fishing communities and gettinginvolved with local humanitarian projects.Passengers can even attend a cooking schoolrun by a Vietnamese family.MV Jayavarman is the first of two vessels thecompany plans to have operating between HoChi Minh City and Siem Reap by 2010.Email oz@trailsofindochina.comm), each of which will be themed individually.

First Best Western for SingaporeBest Western International is preparing to open its firsthotel in Singapore, the Best Western Jayleen 1918, whichwill officially open in DEC08.Best Western Jayleen 1918 is located within Singapore’scentral business district, with easy access to three MRTstations. The 42-guestroom hotel is also handy for RafflesCity Convention Center, Clarke Quay and Raffles Place.Best Western expects to develop 80 hotels in Asia withinthe next three years, bringing its total to over 200properties. Southeast Asia is seen as having most potentialfor development of the brand’s mid-range and high-endhotels and resorts.

THE AMERICAS

The Vietnamese island of Phu

Quoc, an hour by air from Ho Chi

Minh City, has gained Hanoi’s

conditional approval to be

developed into a multi-billion

dollar tourism project with

entertainment and casino

facilities. The island, which has a

150km coastline and the potential

to handle two to three million

tourists a year, has so far granted

investment certif icates to 21

projects worth US$1.72 billion.

Qantas Boosts US NetworkQantas is to grow its North American networkvia expanded codeshare relationships withAlaska Airlines and Horizon Air.Qantas executive Rob Gurney says the airlinewill codeshare on Horizon Air services betweenLos Angeles and Flagstaff AZ, Boise ID, RenoNV, and on Alaska Airlines services betweenHonolulu and Seattle WA and Anchorage AK.Qantas now offers codeshare flights from LAX,SFO and NYC to 25 cities in the USA as wellas six cities in Canada.North America remains a key market for Qantasand the airline recently added new codesharedestinations operated by American Airlines fromLos Angeles to Austin TX, Nashville TN, andthe Californian cities of San Jose, Fresno, SantaBarbara and Monterey.Qantas currently operates 47 return services perweek to the US and from October, with a boostin capacity once the A380 is utilised fromMelbourne and Sydney to Los Angeles.

GrandLuxe Rail JourneysCollapses

Colorado-based GrandLuxe Rail Journeys,a company that runs luxury U.S. train tours,closed down on Friday due to financialproblems. The move affects customers ondozens of trips scheduled this year and nextwho each paid thousands of dollars to travelin private cabins with vintage furnishings onfour- to 12-day rail journeys. Destinationsinclude the American West and South and,what was to have been new next year,Mexico’s Copper Canyon.

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 9

This Week’s Featured HyattHyatt Regency San Francisco

Luxury and location converge at Hyatt Regency SanFrancisco. The only Four-Diamond downtown SanFrancisco hotel situated right on the Embarcaderowaterfront means that guests enjoy immediate accessto both the Financial District and the city’s mostfamous attractions.The 802-room hotel’s amenities include the EclipseCafe and 13 Views bar, a 24-hour Stay Fit gym, andits guestrooms feature city or harbour views, the HyattGrand Bed, an iPod dock and generous workdesk.Your clients can earn Hyatt Gold Passport points for

every eligible dollar spent at the Grand Hyatt New York.

www.hyatt.com

First New Waikiki Hotel in 20 YearsOne of Waikiki’s largest hotel owners says it wants to build thetourist district’s first new hotel in more than 20 years, the HonoluluAdvertiser reports.Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, which owns the historic Westin MoanaSurfrider Hotel and other properties, is proposing to demolish aneight-storey annex to the Moana and replace it with a 24-storeyhotel.The new structure, which would be on the Diamond Head side ofthe Moana, Waikiki’s oldest hotel, would have 200 rooms, 25condos and a restaurant, the newspaper reports.Kyo-ya is planning about US$1 billion in renovations to itsWaikiki properties. Major renovations are underway at the RoyalHawaiian and Sheraton Waikiki hotels. And the company isproposing to demolish most of the Sheraton Kaiulani Hotel andreplace it with a new hotel that will cater to business andconvention travellers.

Chicxulub Crater to become Eco-ParkThe Chicxulub crater, in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula,formed by a meteor 65 million years ago, is to become anecological park called “Meteorito Park”. It is hoped it willbecome an important tourist attraction.

Charles Darwin BicentennialWorld Journeys says 2009 will be a great year to cruise the Galapagos,as there are special activities planned to celebrate the 200th anniversaryof Charles Darwin’s birth, and the 150 years since publication of TheOrigin of Species.Cruises aboard the MV Santa Cruz, Yacht Isabela II and Yacht La Pinta(pictured, right) will be enhanced by special talks and documentarieson Darwin, his theories, and his connection with the Galapagos Islands.2009 also marks 50 years since the creation of the Galapagos NationalPark, and the Charles Darwin Research Station.Contact World Journeys.

AFRICA / MID EAST

Stay / Pay on Serengeti SafariWorld Journeys has released a Stay 5 / Pay 4 offer on CC Africalodges in Tanzania which is available from NOV08 through toDEC09 (excluding JUN-SEP09). Offer applies to anycombination of Grumeti River Camp, Klein’s Camp or SerengetiUnder Canvas. A non-refundable deposit of 50% is payable uponbooking. Contact World Journeys for this and other special offersin Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia.

Observation Wheel for BaghdadIraq’s tourism board (!) is reported to be seeking investors todevelop a resort island for the Tigris River, complete with a six-star hotel, spa, an 18-hole golf course and a country club. TheBaghdad authorities are also looking at constructing the world’slargest observation wheel, a 650ft monster,in one of three locations in the city,although no timeline is given for itsconstruction.Pulling visitors to Iraq will be a difficulttask - suicide attacks and bombings arestill regular occurrences and Britain’sForeign Office, among others, advisesagainst all travel to Baghdad.

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 10

TOURSBateaux for IstanbulIstanbul’s metropolitan authoritieshave called tenders for three touristvessels capable of carrying up to 600passengers. They are designed tonegotiate the low bridges of theGolden Horn, the scenic fresh waterestuary between the Old City and thenew “European” side of Istanbul.The 42m air-conditioned vessels,which will be 8.5m wide, with glassroof and panoramic, are expected toenter service next northern summer.

AVIATION

Tauck on “World’s Best” ListFor the 11th straight year Tauck WorldDiscovery is featured prominently inTravel + Leisure magazine’s exclusive“World’s Best Awards,” which are votedby the magazine’s subscribers. Tauck wasagain recognised in the “World’s BestSafari Outfitter and Tour Operator”category, and of the thousands of tour andsafari companies around the world, Tauckranked an impressive 5th on the list.Adventure World is its NZ GSA.

Alitalia BankruptAlitalia finally went to the wall on Fridayand has been placed in the hands of aspecial administrator pending its break-up.According to ABTN, Italy’s PrimeMinister Silvio Berlusconi earlier lastweek rushed through legislation that willallow Alitalia to draw off most of itsunprofitable operations and debt into anew company that will eventually beliquidated. The move opens the way fora new Alitalia to be created, acombination of the existing viable parts

of the operation, and Air One, a muchsmaller, but independent Italian airline.Air France – KLM is reported by AFP tobe ready to take a minority stake in thenew company being set up to relaunchAlitalia.Italian media reported last week that 16investors had pledged to support the newcompany, including top names in Italianindustry and finance, with a totalcommitment likely to be worth around onebillion euros.

The Indonesian government has

given the green light to Garuda

Indonesia’s plan to privatise next

year. The IPO is expected to be

included in the company’s 2009

business plan and corporate

budget.

A delay of a few weeks in the

delivery of the second A380 to

Emirates has resulted in a delay to

the introduction of EK’s daily

service to New York. The delay is

reportedly caused by supplier

issues with interior outfitting.

QF’s LAX Terminals ChangeTerminal changes will occur at LosAngeles International Airport for selectedQantas flights due to the introduction ofthe A380.Effective 01OCT08 QF025/026 flightsbetween AKL and LAX will operate fromterminal T4, the American AirlinesTerminal. This mean those pax travellingbeyond LAX on American Airlines will beable to make same terminal transfers.Flights between LAX and SYD or MEL willoperate from Tom Bradley InternationalTerminal; however flights between BNE andLAX will operate from T4.QF107/108 between LAX and New York-JFK will operate from Tom BradleyInternational Terminal.Please note that the minimum connectingtimes and Qantas code share services willnot be affected by the change.The Lounges in the Tom BradleyInternational Terminal Departures areowned by Qantas, British Airways andCathay Pacific; while Terminal 4 has anAmerican Airlines Admirals Club facility.In each terminal the First Lounge isavailable to First class passengerstravelling on a Qantas or oneworld carrieras well as Chairman’s Lounge andPlatinum Frequent Flyers travelling on aQantas or oneworld carrier.The Business Lounge is available toBusiness class passengers travelling on aQantas or oneworld carrier, Gold FrequentFlyers travelling on a Qantas or oneworldcarrier and Qantas Club memberstravelling on QF, AA or BA.

Sales and Marketing Manager

World Aviation is looking to employ a Sales and

Marketing Manager to lead the New Zealand Sales

and Marketing effort for their Air Pacific account.

The position manages four sales personnel working

on the account. Maintenance of sales call patterns

and area responsibilities is of utmost importance.

Development and implementation of plans for

corporate business development and maintenance

of relationships with all major Fiji ethnic market

agencies is a major measurable activity.

Formulating and maintaining effective business

relationships with our wholesale partners is also a

critical performance measurement of this position.

The position also contributes to the development of

marketing campaigns in consultation with Air Pacific

management and assists with the liaison between Air

Pacific and its advertising and marketing agencies.

Experience in sales management and travel

marketing would be an advantage as is an ability to

communicate positively at all levels with direct

reports and business associates.

Salary will be commensurate with experience to a

maximum of 60K per annum.

Please apply only by email in the first instance to

Mark Reeder, General Manager NZ, World

Aviation Systems at markr@worldaviation.co.nz

enclosing a copy of your current CV.

Only short listed applicants will be contacted for an

interview appointment.

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 11

Air NZ Exec Pay Takes a HitAir New Zealand’s 13-member executive teamhave seen their earnings drop 18% this year,according to CEO Rob Fyfe, who himself hadtaken a pay cut of more than 20% in the yearended JUN08.The New Zealand Herald reports that figuresin accounts show the highest paid, presumablyMr Fyfe, saw total remuneration earned fallfrom between $2.94m and $2.95m to between$2.25m and $2.26m.Around 1500 other salaried staff will getincreases only if they are met by productivitygains.Mr Fyfe said it was only fair that as businessperformance went down, so did pay.

Budget airlines Zoom Canada and Zoom

UK collapsed last week, resulting in a

grounding of planes in Scotland and

Canada. All 600 employees have lost

their jobs and pax who booked direct

through the Zoom website are left

trying to get their money back from

their credit card companies. According

to the airline the increase in the price

of oil added around $50 million to its

annual operating costs and Zoom could

not recover that from passengers who

had already booked their flights.

United Airlines is to furlough 1,550 flightattendants, representing around 10% of its

cabin crew, by 31OCT. UAL is seeking 7,000job reductions companywide by the endof 2009, and has previously announcedplans to cut as many as 1,600 managersand 5,500 front-line workers, and tofurlough 950 pilots.United is also laying off 213 foreign

national flight attendants based in

Bangkok and Singapore.

Another 16 Priority Pass LoungesMembers of Priority Pass around the world cannow access a further 16 lounges introduced tothe program in August.They include Budapest, Buenos Aires, Denver(2 new lounges), Guayaquil in Ecuador,Hyderabad (2 new lounges), Las Vegas,London-Gatwick, Poznan in Poland, PuntaCana in the Dominican Republic, Shenzhen (4new lounges), and Tokyo.

CRUISING

LAN Announces New AppointmentsLAN Airlines has announced newappointments in its Sydney regional office,responsible for sales and marketingactivities in Australia, New Zealand andAsia.Karl Hecht has been appointed SalesManager Australia and New Zealand. He hasbeen with LAN for five years, havingpreviously worked in its Route EconomicsDepartment and various revenuemanagement roles at the company’s headoffice in Santiago, Chile.He succeeds Catalina Gonzalez, one ofLAN’s founding team members in Australia/ NZ, who recently departed the airline tomove to Europe.LAN has created the new position ofCorporate and Leisure Executive, andappointed Martin Santibanez. He isresponsible for identifying and capitalisingon profitable growth opportunities in bothcorporate and leisure travel in Australia,New Zealand and Asia.

ICCA 2008 Awards DetailsThe International Cruise Council Australasiahas announced details of its 2008 Awardsincluding an expansion of the popular Agencyof the Year category to include gold, silver andbronze levels.The black tie awards night will be held onSaturday 31JAN09, at Waters Edge Restaurant,at Walsh Bay, Sydney.Council General Manager Brett Jardine said the2008 awards would be the biggest yet with arecord 14 trophies up for grabs. These includethe new three-tier Agency of the Year awardsand, for the first time, separate Australian andNew Zealand awards in the Best ConsumerPromotion and the Rising Star categories.New Zealand awards categories and sponsorsare:Gold Agency of the Year New Zealand– Cruise Passenger MagazineSilver Agency of the Year New Zealand– Uniworld Boutique River CruisesBronze Agency of the Year New Zealand- Cruise VacationsConsultant of the Year NZ– Complete Cruise SolutionConsumer Promotion of the Year NZ– Vacations & Travel magazineNeil Frazer Award – Silversea CruisesRising Star Award NZ – Francis Travel MarketingMedia Award – Avalon WaterwaysTicket prices for the award dinner will be heldat the same level as last year, at A$176(including GST) each. To purchase ticketsonline and for more information visitwww.cruising.org.au

www.trainingmodules.travel

Congratulations to

Rachel Tipene(Mondo Travel – Kerikeri)who is the lucky winner

of ourSensational SamoaHoliday Giveaway.

Just for completingselected modules on

www.trainingmodules.travelshe has won 5 nights

accommodation staying atthe magnificent

Coconuts Beach Club Resort& Spa in Samoa.

There are new modules beingadded every week so login

www.trainingmodules.travelto find out more!

Sensational SamoaHoliday Prize Winner

As of 01 September 08,

www.trainingmodules.travel

is running a new competition

whereby travel agents can win

one of two amazing 5-night

accommodation prizes at

Plantation Island Resort

in Fabulous Fiji.

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 12

Out this Week: Cruise West Alaska 2009Adventure World has this week released the2009 Cruise West Alaska brochure.Priced in NZ Dollars, it features a range ofEarly Booking Savings for the 2009 season.On selected cruises and departures, clients willreceive a Shipboard Credit of up to US$100per cabin.From a 3-night cruise to a 24-night odysseyno one gives your clients more Alaska cruisechoices than Cruise West, says AdventureWorld. Routes include the Inside Passage,journeys into Prince William Sound andGlacier Bay, and adventures into the BeringSea.Cruise West makes stops in fascinating Juneau,Ketchikan and Sitka, among other towns andonly a small ship can give guests the best of

Alaska, withCruise West shipstaking guestswhere the largeships can’t go.At no additionalcost, selectedA l a s k adepartures will beco-hosted by ap r o f e s s i o n a lPentax photographer, who will conduct specialfield events and onboard workshops throughoutthe cruise. Cruise West has also loweredpricing on select value season departures inMAY, JUN and SEP.Call Adventure World on 09-522 5944.

US$ Shipboard Alaska CreditWith Cruise West Alaska your clients can save$$ and receive US Dollar Shipboard Credit.Adventure World advises that there are bigsavings to be had with the Early BookingAlaska Savings that are out now. Simply bookand deposit or pay in full by 12DEC08 to save.

Harriman’s Wake cruise; or US$550 onAlaska’s Inside Passage plus client alsoreceives a US$50 per cabin Shipboard Credit.Clients can receive a Shipboard Credit of upto US$100 per cabin, depending on cruise anddeparture date.Call Adventure World on 09-522 5944.Clients can save up to US$1100 on the In

Greek Focus for easyCruiseeasyCruise is giving the Caribbean a miss thiswinter, aiming instead to position itself as the“cruise specialist” in Greece and the GreekIslands. The easyCruise CEO told CruiseIndustry News that the line will be sailing withthe easyCruiseOne in the Greek Islands untilOCT08 – after which the ship will be sold.The line hopes to have a new easyCruise vesselby spring 2009.

Bratton NamedNSW Entrepreneur of the YearSarina Bratton, founder and managing directorof Orion Expedition Cruises, has been namedNSW Entrepreneur of the Year in the Servicescategory of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurof the Year Award.Sarina now progresses to the national awardswith announcement of the winner in November.

Join Orion in 2009 to Discover the Other Side of AsiaOrion, acclaimed for its expeditions to theKimberley and Arnhem Land, Papua NewGuinea and the Antarctic, is heading to placesless visited in Asia as part of its 2009 Calendarof Sailings.The coastline and islands of Malaysia,Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are Orion’snew culturally exotic destinations.Gulf of Siam Explorer – 29SEP09 - 11 nights.Singapore, Tioman Island, Kuala Terengganu,Koh Samui, Koh Kood, Kampot (for AngkorWat), Ho Chi Minh.Vietnam Explorer – 10OCT09 - 11 nights. HoChi Minh, Da Nang (overnight for Hue), NhaTrang, Vung Tau, Sihanoukville, Koh Phangan,Singapore.The two itineraries can be taken back to back.In addition to visiting some of Asia’s majorcentres, Orion’s expeditions provide theopportunity to experience Asia from a differentperspective, often far away from the crowds.Pulau Tioman, off the east coast of Malaysia,is endowed with miles of coconut palm linedwhite beaches and crystal clear water and wasthe setting for the film Bali Hai. It remains oneof the world’s most beautiful islands and anOrion destination.Visit a beguiling 200 year old village at NhaTrang, in Vietnam, where home-made beer isstill sold, roadside, from the keg, and strollbeaches secreted away from the resorts wherevendors carry buckets of lobsters and crabs forsale.Unlike larger ships that occasionally visit HoChi Minh (mooring at sea) Orion will berth60km up the Saigon River virtually in themiddle of the city, just minutes walk from the

French built Post Office, Notre Dame cathedraland the shopping areas, art galleries, museums,bustling markets and top quality restaurants andbars.With Orion as a base, your clients can connectwith the Vietnam War at the infamous Cu ChiTunnels (where they still show anti-AmericanVietnam War propaganda films), and visitplaces the names etched into history – Da Nang,Vung Tau, Nui Dat, Long Tan.From Sihanoukville in Cambodia, guests willbe able to visit Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat.Orion’s expedition team and specialist guestlecturers offer comprehensive briefings andonboard workshops designed to provide insightand understanding.Fares begin from $8,600pp for an ocean viewCategory B stateroomSuites begin from $11,860pp for a Junior SuiteOwners’ Suites with French Balcony are$18,010pp.An additional fuel charge of $50 per personper night applies.

Complete Cruise Solution wishes to

advise there are new Balcony fares

available for the 12DEC departure of

Diamond Princess.

Cruise from Sydney to Auckland via

Melbourne, Hobart, Fiordland and a

number of destinations along New

Zealand’s East Coast.

Fares start from $2004pp, twin

share, for 12 nights in a BF -grade

Balcony Stateroom.

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 11

JUST CRUISING ....

South America Cruise from $1599*

Caribbean Cruises from US$299*

Grand Asia Cruises from US$749*

Australia & NZ Cruises from US$999*

Mexico Cruises from US$499*

THIS WEEK’S 5-DAY FLASH SPECIALS

Tel: 09-444 2298

Fax:09-442 4228

CLICK HERE

FOR WEBSITECLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR NEW-LOOK WEBSITE

* plus applicable fuel supplement

CHRISTMAS CRUISING + SYDNEY FOR NEW YEARDeparting Auckland 19DEC08 Arriving Sydney 05JAN09

17 Nights from only

per person twin share in an Inside StateroomNZ$2099

ms Volendam

Upgrade to an OceanviewStateroom for an extra

$360pp

CLICK HERE FOR THE FLYER

Silversea Launches 2009 Voyage AtlasThe 2009 Voyage Atlas from ultra-luxurySilversea Cruises is currently being distributedto agents by Travel Marketing. The 120-pagefull-colour guide highlights nearly 160itineraries, across all seven continents.The company’s five award-winning all-suitevessels, including the brand new expeditionship Prince Albert II, are set to visit more than300 different ports in 80 countries on a diverseschedule of itineraries ranging from seven to92 days.The 2009 schedule includes 10 newdestinations, Silversea’s first-ever 92-dayGrand Pacific Voyage, and a range of luxuryexpeditions to some of the world’s mostunspoiled regions, from Antarctica to the SouthPacific.The 382 guest Silver Shadow will start the yearin the Caribbean before embarking onSilversea’s inaugural Grand Pacific Voyage.The epic voyage visits 45 ports, 15 countriesand two hemispheres, following a diverse route

from Los Angeles to Papeete, the Bay of Islands,Auckland and Wellington before sailing on toSydney and Asia, with final stops in Alaska andVancouver.Sister ship Silver Whisper starts 2009 inAustralia, New Zealand and the Far East,moving to the Mediterranean, the ArabianPeninsula and India, before returning toAustralia and New Zealand at the end of theyear.The 298-guest sister ships Silver Cloud andSilver Wind emerge after refurbishment withfresh décor and upgraded interiors that feature

a new ocean-view spa, Observation Loungeand eight new suites. Silver Cloud starts theyear exploring South America and theCaribbean before moving to Northern Europeand the Baltic from late May until September.Silver Wind kicks off 2009 in Africa and theIndian Ocean, moving to the Mediterraneanfrom April to November, when she repositionsto Africa’s east coast.Prince Albert II’s expeditions for 2009 includeSouth American and Antarctic sailings and inMAR09 the vessel begins a season exploringthe South Pacific, including the Marquesas

Islands, Austral Islands and TuamotuArchipelago. The ship’s eight Zodiac boatsallow guests to explore places that werepreviously inaccessible.Late 2009 will also see the new 540-guestSilver Spirit join the Silversea fleet. As well asthe usual distinctive Silversea luxuries, the newship will offer a Supper Club, an Asian-themedrestaurant, an expanded spa and the largestsuites in the Silversea fleet – 95% featuring aprivate veranda.In addition to the easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary of cruise itineraries, thebrochure features comprehensive informationon Silversea’s signature amenities, specialprogrammes, deck plans and pricing. Thebrochure also contains details on Silversea’srenowned enrichment programmes, optionalshore excursions and land programmes.Additional copies of the 2009 Atlas areavailable from Travel Marketing by calling09-917 4440.

Prince Albert II (left) and Silver Whisper (above)Pix: Silversea Cruises

20080902 www.travelmemo.co.nz

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DX: BP64007Tel: 09- 449 1 449Mob: 0211 833 643Fax: 09-449 1436editor@travelmemo.co.nzwww.travelmemo.co.nz

Kevin Blackford,Editor/Publisher,The Memo Limited21c Commodore Parry Rd,

Milford, Auckland 0620

Copyright. No part ofthis publication may becopied, reproduced orduplicated, in whole orin part, without theprior written approvalof the Publisher.

Travel

PEARL’S PEARLER

Page 14

All progress generates from a seed of appreciation

ACCOMMODATION INDUSTRY

Heritage Queenstown Villa OfferHeritage Queenstown is offering a $450 pernight special on its three-bedroom villassuitable for up to six people, includingbreakfast in Mackenzies restaurant.Ideal for a family or a group of friends, theself-contained villas have a designer kitchen,large lounge with formal dining, a gasfireplace, lock up garaging and a laundry. Plus,upstairs is a luxurious master king bedroomwith an en-suite bathroom, another doublebedroom and a twin bedroom with additionalbathroom. Many of the villas also enjoy greatlake views.Also on offer is a deluxe room special for $169per night, twin or double occupancy, withbreakfast. The villa and deluxe room offersare valid also for the school holidays until12OCT08. The Green Globe benchmarkedHeritage Queenstown’s facilities include anindoor-outdoor swimming pool, sauna, gym,tennis court and beauty spa.For reservations call toll free 0800 36 88 88.

New HRG New Zealand CEOStella Travel Services managing director New Zealand & Pacific Islands, Stephen Humphreyshas announced the appointment of Brendan Drury as the new CEO for HRG New Zealand from1 October.He replaces Darryll Park, who successfully managed the launch of HRG New Zealand followingthe merger of the BTI New Zealand and Signature Travel businesses, and who has decided that itis now time to hand over the reins.Mr Humphreys says that Mr Park, in conjunction with his management team has done a“tremendous job in leading HRG New Zealand and will leave the business in very good shape.”He will finish his duties as CEO of HRG at the end of this month after which time he will assistMr Humphreys on a key Stella strategic project for the remainder of the year.Brendan Drury brings a wealth of valuable experience and knowledge to the position, havingheld a variety of sales and marketing roles during his 11 years with Air New Zealand, includingthat of Group Manager Business Direct.More recently, he was the General Manager for FCm Travel Solutions in New Zealand. He joinedHRG this week and will work with Darryll Park and his team during September prior to assumingoverall responsibility for the business.

Kirra Tours Prize Draw WinnerKirra Tours congratulates Sally Kennedy-Clark of Trilogy Travel, the lucky winner ofKirra Tours’ August Prize Draw for $100 worth of vouchers. Sally went in the drawsimply by booking her client on a 7-Day Tranz Alpine tour.Any agency bookings made during September will go into the next draw for the BodyShop vouchers.

Constellation Hotel Group has introduced itspremier brand to the New Zealand market withthe opening last week of the new four-starChifley Suites Auckland.Situated on Albert Street just up fromWyndham Street in the CBD, the new 24-storey property offers a mix of 111 modernand contemporary one- and two-bedroom suites.The four-star hotel provides harbour and cityviews and a wide range of facilities, includingrestaurants, bars, a 25m lap pool, tennis courtand gym.Constellation group general manager JonathanWooller says Chifley Suites Aucklandrepresents an important milestone for a numberof reasons.“Besides being Constellation’s first Chifleyhotel in New Zealand, Chifley Suites Aucklandalso represents the first time we have licensedour top brand,” Wooller said.“We are now focused on building a networkof Chifley properties across New Zealand byadding locations in Auckland, Wellington,Christchurch and Queenstown through hotelmanagement, brand license or leasearrangements.”Constellation - Australia’s fifth largest hotelgroup with more than 80 hotel and resortproperties - first expanded across the Tasmanin mid 2007 when it rolled out a network ofCountry Comfort franchise properties.Since then the company has also introducedits Sundowner brand to the New Zealandmarket, where it now operates a total of 12properties stretching from Auckland toInvercargill.

Chifley Unveils First Ever NZ Property Faster Free Nights at HyattJoin Hyatt’s frequent stay program, “GoldPassport”, and earn a free night award afterevery two eligible stays at Hyatt worldwidebetween 01 Sep & 30 Dec 2008.In addition to earning free nights, guests canalso earn 2,000 bonus points after every twoeligible Hyatt stays paid with MasterCard.Existing members of “Gold Passport” mustregister to participate at the “Gold Passport”website www.goldpassport.comVisit www.hyatt.com and click on the “GoldPassport” logo for full details.