TravelBulletin for April 2019 - The midas touch: how influencers can turn holiday snaps to gold for

April 2019

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April 2019

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The

touch

Can social media influencers really turn holiday snaps into gold for travel brands?

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Contents

18

32

52

40 Features

58 China

24 Business Events News

Jenny Piper discovers there’s more to Shanghai than just shopping for fakes

32 River cruising Brian Johnston experiences creature comforts floating along the Mekong

40 Small group touring Find out how there’s a small group tour for every traveller

48 Korea Anastasia Prikhodko explores three different sides to South Korea

52 Unique accommodation Adam Bishop discovers some of the truly exceptional places where travellers can rest their heads

Cover story 18 The midas touch Can social media influencers really turn holiday snaps into gold for travel brands?

26 Cruise 30 Industry in Focus 57 Brochures 62 Last Word

Columns 02 From the publisher

Monthly

06 Steve Jones

02 State of the industry

10 ATEC View

08 Issues and trends 22 Business view

08 AFTA View 28 CLIA View

This month’s contributors Steve Jones, Joel Katz, Jayson Westbury, Peter Shelley, Brian Johnston, Emma Lovell, Jenny Piper, Christian Schweitzer, Emily Warner, Sarah Beyer, Shane Gibbons, Jenny Cooper Top right – ©Travelmarvel, bottom left – ©Wayoutback

EDITORIAL Editor in Chief and Publisher – Bruce Piper Co-ordinating Editor + Production – Sarah Beyer Ph: 1300 799 220 or 02 8007 6760 sarah.beyer@travelbulletin.com.au

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This publication is independently audited under the AMAA's CAB Total Distribution Audit.

1 Apr Reporting Period: 16 Apr2018 2016––30 16Sep Sep2018 2016 - Publisher Statement

Editorial team – Jasmine O’Donoghue, Adam Bishop, Anastasia Prikhodko, Sarah Fairburn, Nick O’Donoghue

Advertising National Sales Manager Lisa Maroun Ph: 0405 132 575 or 02 8007 6760 lisa.maroun@travelbulletin.com.au

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travelBulletin April 2019

1

State of the industry

From the publisher Bruce Piper

IN BRIEF

2

Last month the Australian travel industry – along with seemingly every other sector of the economy – held a series of celebrations of International Women’s Day. The cause has definitely struck a mainstream chord, with various groups falling over themselves in their enthusiasm to boost women in the workplace.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m completely against any sort of discrimination on the basis of gender – but it seemed that this year particularly, some of the rhetoric ran the risk of swinging the pendulum a little further than it needed to.

We were repeatedly urged to “drive for diversity,” and “redress the balance” to fight the scourge of gender bias, while celebrating the female industry leaders who successfully juggle high profile careers with fulfilling family lives.

I admit it – I am a man. But I have two highly accomplished daughters (not to mention a high achieving son), and my wife Jenny, although maintaining a fairly low profile, is in fact the key driver of the success of our business. I truly believe that men and women are absolutely equally capable of success both in their work and personal lives.

Last year a new closed Facebook group exclusively for Australian industry women was established, and took off like a rocket. Set up with the aim of providing a forum for encouragement and empowerment, the group quickly garnered almost 6,000 members who by all reports

Hotels hail ALP price parity plan There are lots of promises thrown around when there’s an election in the wind, and many of them are just a lot of hot air. But just occasionally a politician says something that makes sense – as was the case last month when Shadow Assistant Treasurer, Andrew Leigh, highlighted the plight of accommodation providers in the face of the might of online travel agents, Expedia and Booking.com. Leigh bemoaned the current ACCC-backed situation where hoteliers are often contractually obliged to offer their best rates through all online channels, denying them the ability to undercut the OTAs even on their own websites. Leigh noted that about 85% of online accommodation bookings were controlled

travelBulletin April 2019

engage in lively discussions.

That’s terrific – but can you imagine the reaction if a similar group was established for men?

I expect that it would prompt an instant backlash about elitism, sexism and “secret men’s business”.

In the travel industry, of all sectors, the word “balance” is perhaps inappropriate when it comes to gender in the workplace because it is such a female-dominated business. One of the major tour operators showcased the fact that 70% of its staff – including all of its senior executives across the globe – are women. Could that maybe signify that, at least in some areas, the battle for equality has been won?

What makes me a little uneasy, I suppose, is that the push for female empowerment might reinforce, rather than break, the stereotypes. Everyone – not just women – struggles for worklife balance. There are many men in travel who bend over backwards to parent children, take part in family life and are pulled in all directions trying to make it work.

Let’s encourage and empower success for all in this juggling act.

Let’s harness the energy of this movement to lift up women in less fortunate industries, countries and cultures, where they really suffer from discrimination. And let’s acknowledge that sexism might sometimes be a two-way street. As the saying goes, “often, the best man for a job is a woman” – but sometimes it might be a man, too.

by the overseas giants, who charge commissions of up to 30%, with this price parity policy also resulting in many hotel direct websites plummeting in online search results.

Leigh noted that in several European countries these “price parity” clauses in OTA contracts have been banned.

“A Shorten Government will give local accommodation providers greater control of their own businesses,” the MP said, adding the move would also “improve choice and lower the price of a weekend away”.

Qantas shuffles the sales deck Qantas has assured the travel industry that a restructure of its Australian sales team will not impact service levels

or agency support, with all existing employees able to apply for jobs under the revamped arrangements. The changes, which include the “reshaping” of key leadership roles in the QF Agency Partnerships division, aim to prepare for the execution of the airline’s new Qantas Channel distribution strategy (travelBulletin March 2019) as well as “align resources around the go-to market channels of Corporate, SME and Leisure”.

Three new Regional Manager roles will cover Qld/NT, WA/SA and Vic/ Tas, while the sales roles in Tasmania and South Australia will become state Manager positions, with the changes rippling down to reporting lines and impacting on several sales and distribution roles. “We believe these changes will put us in an even better position to deliver on our priorities and set us up for long-term success,” staff were informed.

Switzerland’s all time high

THE Australian market to Switzerland is showing such strong results that Switzerland Tourism Vice President, Urs Eberhard, headed down under last month to see what all the fuss is about. The latest figures show a 7% increase in Australian visitor numbers to the country in 2018, with Eberhard telling travelBulletin the market had surged a whopping 40% since the local office opened eight years ago. More than half of Australian visitors stay in Switzerland for over a week – compared to other markets which only have a two to four night stay. He’s pictured with Switzerland Tourism’s Birgit Weingartner and Mark Wettstein.

Collette closes in UK Collette Vacations has made the difficult decision to cease operations in the UK, more than two decades after establishing its British presence.

The shutdown of the office and call centre will be finalised in April 2020 and all existing reservations are being honoured, but the UK sales team has already been made redundant.

A statement from the company said it was making the move “in order to focus on its expanding operations in the US, Canada and Australia”.

“After consecutive years of performing below our targets, as well as the uncertainty in the UK market relating to Brexit, we identified this as an appropriate time to remove our physical presence in the UK to redirect global resources towards our highest-performing businesses,” said Executive Vice-President, Jeff Roy. In Australia it’s a different story, with Collette Marketing Manager, James Hewlett, telling travelBulletin the business continues to surge, with ongoing expansion of Collette’s sales team across the country.

G goes tailormade G Adventures is betting big on the rising trend for private and custom tours, with the launch of a new range

“

After consecutive years of performing below our targets, as well as the uncertainty in the UK market relating to Brexit, we identified this as an appropriate time to remove our physical presence in the UK

”

Jeff Roy, Executive Vice-President, Collette

of “TailorMade” itineraries. Travel agents will be intimately involved in the new program, with G Adventures expanding its sales team and assigning dedicated specialists who will help consultants design the trips.

A wide variety of options will be available, with the new program allowing travellers to select a sample itinerary and depart on their own ideal date, amend an existing itinerary to suit their preferences, or create a whole new bespoke holiday.

G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip said he believed there was a “distinct gap in the market” for tailor-made solutions in adventure travel – particularly in the affordable and mid-market price ranges. Launch destinations for 2019 include Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador and India.

Travel insurance review The travel insurance market has been put on notice, with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) confirming it was “scoping a review” of the sector which offers one of the country’s most complained-about financial products.

ASIC Executive Director of Financial

Services, Michael Saadat, said the fine print in travel insurance policies was “often what makes it difficult for policyholders to make a claim”.

Currently at an early stage, the prospective review is expected to focus on exclusions around preexisting health conditions. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority, established late last year to help deal with issues about financial services and products, also has travel insurance as part of its remit.

Lead Ombudsman for General Insurance, John Price, said other issues included denied claims for stolen luggage where insurers insisted the items had been “left unattended,” injuries to unlicensed motorbike riders and disputes about expensive jewellery not declared when the policy was taken out. However he also noted that the number of complaints about travel insurance had remained relatively static, compared to those relating to banks which had surged 40%.

Trafalgar’s new CEO The move by Matthew Cameron-Smith to become Managing Director of AAT Kings earlier this year has opened Continues over page

travelBulletin April 2019

3

State of the industry

HEADLINES 22 Feb Burnes vs Cartensen 22 Feb QT to debut in Adelaide 25 Feb CLIA winners revealed 25 Feb Airport profit mixed bag 26 Feb Nine retracts HLO claim 26 Feb Tramada, Mint “Pay Now” 27 Feb Sustainability speakers 27 Feb Fake Bestjet chargebacks 28 Feb Air NZ adjusts outlook 28 Feb Pakistan airspace chaos 01 Mar ETG’s expansion to NZ 01 Mar Pakistan airspace to reopen 04 Mar G Adv launched TailorMade 04 Mar Queensbridge falls short 05 Mar Int’l Rail accom division 05 Mar Industry mourns David Ellis 06 Mar Qantas leads punctuality 06 Mar Qatar & EU sign deal 07 Mar Travel rich list fluctuates 07 Mar Australia widens China net 08 Mar Veitch calls for change

Continues from previous page

with the transition.

the way for the appointment of his replacement at Trafalgar, with The Travel Corporation confirming that Jason Wolff is taking up the role.

Wolff, whose experience includes a range of retail-facing roles in businesses like Supercheap Auto, BCF and Ray’s Outdoors, joins TTC from Flight Centre where he has been Head of Marketing for the last three years.

Trafalgar Global CEO Gavin Tollman said Wolff was “a passionate leader that will continue to succeed Trafalgar as the leader in our category. Jason’s customer centric approach with a strong focus on commercial outcomes and stakeholder engagement, along with his diverse experience across a variety of senior management roles, his ability to think outside of the box and his desire to inspire and engage the members of the team to deliver bigger and better ideas as well as help further define these for our agent partners – make him the perfect candidate and we are delighted to welcome him to the Trafalgar team,” Tollman added.

Wolff starts his new role at The Travel Corporation later this month, with Cameron-Smith on hand to assist

Sustainability line-up Later this month travelBulletin is proud to be part of Australia’s first ever travel industry Sustainability Summit – a one-day event convened by the Business Publishing Group.

Such is the interest in the event that a number of international keynote speakers will be in attendance, including Daniel Skjeldam, the CEO of Hurtigruten Cruises and Giles Hawke, the Global Lead – Sustainability for the Globus Family of Brands.

Alongside them will be high-profile environmentalist and former Australian of the Year, Tim Flannery and a host of Australian industry leaders.

Key sponsors include Intrepid, Globus and Avalon Waterways, CLIA, Abercrombie & Kent, G Adventures, The Travel Corporation, Rocky Mountaineer, Hurtigruten, Monaco Tourism and Hands On Journeys.

Next month’s travelBulletin will continue the theme of sustainability too. We hope you can join us at the Summit as we share best practice to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy roaming the planet.

See sustainabilitysummit.com.au.

08 Mar Collette closes UK biz 11 Mar Another 737-MAX crash 11 Mar Poon Tip pushes leadership 12 Mar CASA bans 737-MAX to Aus 12 Mar ACA extends Abel contract 12 Mar ASIC to probe insurance 13 Mar CTM in talks with Capita 13 Mar Prince Hotels targets Syd 14 Mar Trafalgar MD appointed 14 Mar Qantas sales restructure 15 Mar Departures, arrivals jump 15 Mar Ormond’s Melb debuts 18 Mar Travel Partners doubles 18 Mar Intrepid’s best year yet 19 Mar QR A350-1000s for SYD 19 Mar RCI to return to Brisbane 20 Mar CTM tracking at top end 20 Mar Serenade to Australia 21 Mar Atout France RWC push 21 Mar Cruiseco set for growth

4

travelBulletin April 2019

ObeRAMMERGAU’S JESUS COMES iT ONLY happens once in a decade, and brings in about 500,000 visitors – so there’s no wonder that tour operators are promoting next year’s Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany.

However Collette has taken it to the next level, last month bringing Frederik Mayet, one of the actors playing Jesus Christ in the timeless performance, to Australia to meet with key industry partners.

As with all the other actors, Mayet is a native of the German village which made a vow 400 years ago to perform the play every ten years in perpetuity, to thank God for protecting them from the Black Plague which was sweeping Europe The cast of about 1,500 locals will perform five days a week all through the 2020 summer season. Mayet is pictured with Collette’s James Hewlett and Nadja Warner from the German National Tourist Office.

Data Room

All the latest statistics from the ABS and BITRE to keep you in the loop.

Domestic On Time Performance

ARRIVALS

January 2019

Jetstar 79.1% 76.5% 2.7%

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

Top 10 destinations, January 2019

Source

Destination

Trend (000)

China 124.1 New Zealand 116.5 UK 61.1 USA 68.8 Japan 40.8 South Korea 21.2 India 31.3 Canada 16.5 Germany 17.5 Singapore 38.9 All inbound 781.4

Qantas

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

86.1% 86.8% 1.5%

RETURNS

Top 10 destinations, January 2019 Original (000) 142.8 92.7 74 67.6 31.2 29.8 24.7 18.8 18.7 18.3 731.1

Trend Dec 18/ Jan 19 % +0.5 +0.1 +0.4 +1.2 +0.1 -1.8 +0.5 +1.3 +1.1 +0.1 +0.1

Trend Jan 18/ Jan 19 % +6.4 +2.1 -3.5 +1.8 +9.2 -16.1 +11.9 +10.0 -1.6 +9.4 +3.2

Trend (000)

New Zealand 123.0 Indonesia 111.8 USA 92.0 India 33.5 Japan 40.7 UK 57.4 China 53.6 Thailand 46.8 Philippines 21.1 Vietnam 26.7 All outbound 945.7

Source: ABS

Original (000)

Trend Dec 18/ Jan 19 % +0.2 +0.3 +0.5 -0.9 +1.2 +1.2 +2.2 -0.6 +0.9 -0.6 +0.3

197.3 126.5 124.7 90.0 85.0 80.7 69.3 59.5 43.0 42.2 1,392.8

Trend Jan 18/ Jan 19 % +4.4 +15.2 +4.2 +3.1 +10.3 +6.4 +14.7 -4.5 +7.8 -1.6 +6.1

Source: ABS

ENDED DECEMBER 2017 All airlines

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

84.4% 84.7% 1.9%

-3.1%

85.5% 85.8% 1.4%

.8%

Virgin Australia

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

+6

International Passengers Carried (thousands) - December 2015 to December 2017

+3

DOMESTIC AIR MARKET

.6 %

December 2018

- 1. 8

Dec-17

Nov-17

Oct-17

Sep-17

Aug-17

Jul-17

Jun-17

May-17

Apr-17

Mar-17

Feb-17

Jan-17

Dec-16

Nov-16

Oct-16

Sep-16

Aug-16

Jul-16

Jun-16

May-16

Apr-16

Mar-16

Feb-16

Jan-16

+8 .8%

.4 %

*Percentage points difference

+2

Dec 18

% +6.5

Total pax carried Revenue pax km (RPK) Avail seat kms (ASK) Load factor (%) Aircraft trips (000)

Growth Yr to Yr to Growth % Dec 17 Dec 18 % INBOUND OUTBOUND 5.25m 5.14m -2.0 59.97m 61.08bn +1.9 6.20bn 6.07bn -2.1 70.01bn 71.26bn +1.8 7.65bn 7.53bn -1.6 88.19bn 88.45bn +0.3 81.0 80.6 -0.4* 79.4 80.6 1.2* 52.7 51.8 -1.7 638.2 629.5 -1.3

-2.9%

Dec 17

+2.1%

%

-1.5%

Source: BITRE

International Air Market Share

INTERNATIONAL AIR ROUTES

International Passengers by Major Airlines - Year ended December 2017

International passengers by major airline – year ended Dec 2018

Top 10 city pairs, December 2018

Qantas Airways, 17.1% Qantas Airways,

City pair

16.4%

Others, 31.9%

Others, 30.7%

Jetstar, 8.9%9.1% Jetstar,

Emirates, Singapore Airlines,8.3% 8.0%

Etihad Airways, 2.9% China Southern Airlines, 3.1% AirAsia X, 3.1% Etihad Airways, 3.2%

Singapore Emirates, 7.7% Airlines, 8.1%

AirAsia X, 4.0% China Southern Airlines, 3.2%

Cathay Pacific Air New Cathay Pacific Air New Zealand, 6.6% Airways, 4.4% Zealand, 6.6% Airways, 4.6% Australia, 6.2% VirginVirgin Australia, 6.0% Source: BITRE

Auckland-Sydney Singapore-Melbourne Singapore-Sydney Auckland-Melbourne Hong Kong-Sydney Singapore-Perth Auckland-Brisbane Denpasar-Perth Los Angeles-Sydney Singapore-Brisbane Top 10 City Pairs Other City Pairs ALL CITY PAIRS

Year ended

Year ended

Year ended

Passengers % of total % change YE Dec 18 18/17 1,556,816 3.7 -1.5 1,545,311 3.7 +8.8 1,520,882 3.7 +2.4 1,254,977 3.0 +2.1 1,149,236 2.8 +6.8 1,120,855 2.7 -2.9 952,865 2.3 -1.8 889,007 2.1 +6.5 859,610 2.1 -3.1 852,842 2.1 +3.6 11,702,401 28.2 +2.1 29,868,498 71.8 +6.1 41,570,899 100.0 +4.9

Source: BITRE

International Passengers by Uplift/Discharge City Pairs Australian

Passengers YE Dec 17 1,579,904 1,420,841 1,485,919 1,229,495 1,075,624 1,154,838 970,776 834,897 887,004 823,139 11,462,437 28,153,270 39,615,707

travelBulletin April 2019

% of

% Change

5

State of the industry MAIN DOMESTIC ROUTES Top 10 domestic city pairs, December 2018

City pair

MelbourneSydney Brisbane-Sydney BrisbaneMelbourne Gold CoastSydney AdelaideMelbourne Melbourne-Perth Gold CoastMelbourne Adelaide-Sydney Perth-Sydney Hobart-Melbourne

Passengers Passengers % change YE Dec 17 YE Dec 18 (000) (000) 9,097.1

9,250.9

+1.7

4,746.3

4,825.7

+1.7

3,541.1

3,569.2

+0.8

2,740.7

2,722.8

-0.7

2,456.4

2,498.3

+1.7

2,033.2

2,113.2

+3.9

2,012.6

2,064.2

+2.6

1,898.3 1,716.5 1,630.3

1,906.5 1,716.6 1,652.8

+0.4 +0.0 +1.4

Most popular websites in travel - agencies Oct 18 compared with Sep 18

Rank Website

1

Webjet Australia

2 3

Expedia Australia Skyscanner Australia Wotif.com Flight Centre Velocity Frequent Flyer Luxury Escapes Cheap Flights Aus & NZ Lastminute.com.au Google Flights AU

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Visits % share Oct 18

Relative % dif Oct to Sep

12.69

-1.45

9.84

+3.38

9.59

+4.27

6.94 6.28

-8.47 -0.79

4.78

+7.08

3.00

-10.43

2.46

-13.29

2.06 1.84

-3.94 -3.24

Rank Sep 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Source: Hitwise

Source: BITRE

AUSTRALIAN AIRPORTS

International passengers through Australia’s major international airports, December 18 City pair

Passengers YE Dec 17 Sydney 16,038,186 Melbourne 10,323,782 Brisbane 5,729,341 Perth 4,385,467 Adelaide 962,975 Gold Coast 1,080,098 Cairns 662,173 Darwin 274,857 Canberra (a) 84,435 Avalon (b) ..

Townsville (c) 48,535 Sunshine Coast (d) 13,719 Port Hedland 7,339 Newcastle (e) ..

Norfolk Island (f) 4,800 ALL AIRPORTS 39,615,707

Passengers YE Dec 18 16,762,485 11,223,048 6,110,610 4,365,971 1,025,961 1,025,198 660,597 228,591 94,922 31,812 16,187 14,303 8,474 2,740 ..

41,570,899

% of total % change 18/17 40.3 +4.5 27.0 +8.7 14.7 +6.7 10.5 -0.4 2.5 +6.5 2.5 -5.1 1.6 -0.2 0.5 -16.8 0.2 +12.4 0.1 ..

0.0 -66.6 0.0 +4.3 0.0 +15.5 0.0 .. .. ..

100.0 +4.9

(a) Scheduled services recommenced Sep 2016 (d) Seasonal services only (b) Scheduled passenger services commenced Dec 2018 (e) Scheduled services recommenced Nov 2018 (c) Scheduled services ceased Sep 2018 (f) Scheduled services ceased May 2017

Source: BITRE

Steve Jones’ Say So how long before the Australian Federation of Travel Agents changes its name to the Australian Federation of Travel Advisors?

If AFTA’s counterpart across the Pacific had its way, such a rebrand would happen smartish.

The US industry body, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), made the change last August, swapping ‘agents’ for ‘advisors’ to better reflect what consultants actually do.

Long gone, of course, are the days

6

travelBulletin April 2019

where agents were largely extended sales arms of suppliers. They now advise and recommend, plan and consult. Indeed, many are quasi wholesalers in their own right, building itineraries through direct relationships with overseas suppliers and destination management companies.

With that in mind, ASTA is now encouraging the wider travel industry to adopt the term advisor. And so far, it seems to have resonated with more than 60 suppliers said to be altering their terminology.

But does any of this really matter? Is this meaningless tinkering with globally-recognised language or the next important evolution of the travel agent?

There will be those such as ASTA, and maybe even AFTA, who believe ‘advisor’ is more appropriate and a description more befitting the role of the modern day travel agent. They’re probably right.

Yet it seems to me that ASTA is preaching to the converted if we’re only going to use this among ourselves. If we want to somehow elevate the travel agent to advisor status and the perceived additional respect that apparently entails, it needs to be directed at the travelling public.

That said, from a consumer perspective, it hardly matters. Agent,

“

If we want to somehow elevate the travel agent to advisor status and the perceived additional respect that apparently entails, it needs to be directed at the travelling public

”

advisor, consultant – as far as the public are concerned they work in a profession that plans and books their travel. They are either good at it and provide a quality service that will encourage repeat visitation, or they’re not. That, ultimately, will determine the success and reputation of a travel agent, advisor or anything other label they are given.

A word on New Zealand, and recent events in Christchurch. As with all atrocities of this nature, after the initial shock begins to subside, we inevitably turn our focus to the potential damage inflicted on the tourism industry. We urge people not to cancel their plans to destinations hit by terrorism, to support those who rely on international visitors.

But in this latest outrage, it is Australia that should be concerned about its image. Not for the obvious fact that the alleged culprit is from Grafton, but for the demented comments made by right wing senator Fraser Anning in the aftermath of the attack.

Tourism Australia likes to promote the laid back, relaxed atmosphere of our country, the “mateship” and the friendly welcome. Increasingly that’s not the Australia I see.

I’m sure I’m not alone.

CELEBRITY CHEF LUKE NGUYEN HAS BEEN ELEVATING VIETNAM’S CULINARY ARTS ON VIETNAM AIRLINES’ FLIGHTS? THE WORLD IS CHANGING. ARE YOU? Let’s enjoy the authentic Vietnamese cuisine to the fullest while being up to 35.000 feet above the ground, served by the heart of Luke Nguyen the Global Cuisine Ambassador of Vietnam Airlines.

BOOK > vietnamairlines.com LIKE >

fb/vietnamairlines

Issues & trends

AFTA view

Boeing’s MAX 8 crisis One of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers was thrown into chaos last month after an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737-MAX 8 plane crashed just minutes after takeoff, killing all 157 people on board.

The accident, which occurred less than six months after the October 2018 fatal 737 MAX 8 crash involving Lion Air raised an alarm among the aviation community, with airlines and aviation authorities left questioning the safety of the brand-new, next-generation aircraft.

Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) prohibited operation of the aircraft in and out of the country following the accident, joining more than 30 nations around the world in banning the plane, including the UK, Canada and the USA. In a blow for the aviation company, shares dropped more than 10% in the days following, with the US Federal Aviation Administration confirming it had ordered Boeing to implement “design changes” on the aircraft by April.

The regulator said Boeing was working on “flight control system enhancements, which provide reduced reliance on procedures associated with required pilot memory items,” as well as updating training requirements and manuals in connection with an automated system called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS).

As investigations continued, Boeing announced on 18 March that it had paused deliveries of the aircraft, with CEO Dennis Muilenberg penning an open letter to airlines, passengers and the aviation industry saying the company “understands and regrets the challenges to our customers and the flying public” caused by the grounding, confirming it was committed to ensuring the industry’s ongoing safety.

He added that the company would be releasing a software update and related pilot training that would address concerns discovered in the aftermath of the two incidents.

©Oleg V. Belyakov

8

travelBulletin April 2019

Jayson Westbury, chief executive AFTA

Challenges surrounding the employment of staff exist in any industry and travel is no exception. AFTA has always taken a balanced approach to how we address many of the employment policy challenges faced by travel agency owners and employed consultants. It is only when there is a symbiotic balance between employer and employee that the business will thrive.

In the travel industry, AFTA is often asked to assist with employment issues. These can range from information about the appropriate rates of pay, which award applies in certain circumstances, terminations, bonus and incentives just to name a few. In fact, the issue that gets raised more than ever with AFTA is confidentiality and client details.

Anyone that works for a company in the travel game will gain access to detailed information about the business, how it is run and the types of clients that the business has.

Often what we find at AFTA is that there is a blurred line when it comes to what an employee can tell someone once they leave and what they can’t. And whether they Often...there is a can approach clients.

These can be difficult issues to blurred line when address and there is nothing worse it comes to what than a misunderstanding once an employee can someone has left the business. tell someone once That is why it is very important to ensure that appropriate they leave and employment agreements are in what they can’t place and that they include clear causes on confidentiality and access to client information should the employment be terminated for whatever reason.

There are a great many number of resources available at the FairWork Australia website and while AFTA does have some assistance in place for members, the website can be helpful to all parties.

Something new for businesses is the announcement of Single Touch Payroll (STP) from the ATO, designed to make it easier for small businesses to report on payments of wages, pay as you go withholding tax and superannuation payments.

This new service will start from 1 July for businesses with 19 or less employees and there is a window until 30 September to comply, so this is really something that you need to take a look at if you are running a small agency or travel business.

My reading of this is that the way a business pays the employee will not change, however the way information will be required to be sent to the ATO will. The roll out of this will no doubt interface with most payroll programs and it best to seek out if yours offers the STP report, or if the ATO has a portal, or talk to your accountant.

AFTA remains true to the employer federation that it was designed to be when it was established over 60 years ago and while new things are always a pest, in the end reporting to the government is something that every business has to do. Best of luck as you dig into the detail.

“

”

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Issues & trends

Australia Inc launches

ATEC view Peter Shelley, managing director ATEC

The Federal Government has unveiled a new campaign, which aims to attract more working holiday makers to Australia to help “support farmers and boost regional tourism”.

The “Australia Inc” push aims to position living and working in the country as a means to make young people stand out from the crowd when they return home and for it to benefit their long-term career and life goals.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said Australia had a reputation as a top destination for working holiday makers, but more could be done to convince working holiday makers to pack their bags and book a flight to our shores.

“Working holiday makers are an essential part of Australia’s agricultural and tourism industries,” Birmingham said.

“We know working holiday makers who travel to Australia, stay longer, spend more and travel further into regional areas than most other international visitors.”

“Whilst Australia is a highly desirable working holiday maker destination, research shows there are some barriers to travel, such as distance and a lack of understanding of the long-term benefits of a working holiday in Australia,” he added.

Australia Inc. will run through the United Kingdom, France and Germany and target young people who have a high likelihood of considering overseas travel with temporary work.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said recent enhancements to the work and holiday visa program were designed to support rural and regional areas.

“This campaign forms part of our ongoing work to enhance and promote the work and holiday visa program that is so important in supporting regional and rural communities,” Coleman said.

“Our enhancements include expanding the regional areas where working holiday makers can work, increasing the time period they can stay with an employer and adding the option of a third-year.

©Tourism Australia

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Federal elections offer an opportunity to put a spotlight on to the big issues facing our industry and with the countdown underway, ATEC is making a big push to get our industry recognised.

Tourism has always suffered from low political visibility, so this year we have launched the #tourismdrivesgrowth social media campaign to not only highlight what we want, but to act as a beacon for our members, and the broader industry, to rally behind.

What is clear, is that our industry is a strong contributor and one that has a bright future, but we deserve more government support.

While the Federal Government The industry needs provides funding for international more marketing marketing through Tourism Australia, the industry needs money and policy more marketing money and policy changes and changes and investment that will help to spur on our success. investment that ATEC is calling for: will help to spur • An additional $80m a year as on our success a minimum funding boost for Tourism Australia to keep pace with competing countries in attracting premium high yielding international travellers.

• Streamlining Australia’s visa system to improve application times and visitor experience with a focus on key growth markets • Reform our visa categories to reflect traveller needs with multientry, five and 10 year visas for selected growth markets • Freeze the Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) and restructure into a tiered system with short, long and premium variations • Develop Industry Capability – cultivating a sophisticated, market focused industry by employing industry development pathways • Funding for a tourism industry growth centre in line with other industry sectors • An additional (minimum) $12.5m in funding for the Export Marketing Development Grants (EMDG) program • Introduce premium processing and multiple entry visas • Privatise the Tourism Refund Scheme (TRS) • Commit to maintaining Tourism Research Australia’s independence by funding to deliver high quality data • Work with industry to enable 100% connectivity for visitors The thing is, investment in our industry creates big returns. For every dollar spent on tourism it creates 81 cents in other parts of the Australian economy which is a higher multiplier than the mining, agriculture and financial services sectors. And, importantly, 43 cents of every tourism dollar is spent in regional Australia.

We are a very productive industry, we contribute economically, environmentally, culturally and socially and we have a very bright future. A little investment in our industry can help to further boost the employment opportunities and economic contribution tourism is making to cities, towns and rural communities across Australia.

If you would like to join our #tourismdrivesgrowth campaign and remind MPs, Senators, political parties of tourism’s contribution you can go to our LinkedIn page (search for Australian Tourism Export Council). Together we can take our message to Canberra.

“

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Issues & trends

Travel Partners ramps up the numbers TRAVEL Partners broke new ground last month by holding its first annual conference overseas in Bali, doubling the number of guests that attended its corresponding gathering in Sydney last year from 75 to 150.

The three-day event adopted the theme “Partners to your Success”, with the independent travel agent network putting together a full schedule of presentations featuring talks from key suppliers, novel networking sessions, agent advice panels, team building activities, and a glamorous gala awards night to recognise its best and brightest.

Newly appointed General Manager Kate Cameron told travelBulletin the annual event serves as an important touchstone for agents to learn from each other’s experiences, as well as reinforce the support tools that Travel Partners makes available to its network.

“It really is about bringing everyone together, the strength of our network is the people and because they are home-based agents it’s about getting them to meet each other because we want them to have that connectivity,” Cameron said.

“The theme this year was about understanding what success means, it was about pushing the boundaries and knowing how you’ve reached success and doing those small things differently and getting really good at them,” she added.

Further highlights from the threeday conference an industry update from Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) Jayson Westbury, as well as a crowd-pleasing and wonderfully self-deprecating keynote speech delivered by Aussie author and sports enthusiast Mick Colliss about never giving up on your dream.

Agents were also brought up to speed by Flight Centre’s General Manager of Premium Leisure Brands Danielle Galloway on how Travel

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“

The strength of our network is the people and because they are home-based agents it’s about getting them to meet each other because we want them to have that connectivity

”

Kate Cameron, General Manager, Travel Partners

Partners have been performing over the last 12 months, with direct links drawn between the company’s acquisition by Flight Centre in August 2017 and its strong growth across key metrics such as agent acquisition and Total Transaction Value (TTV).

“If we look back at when Flight Centre acquired Travel Partners we were 74 in the network and about $60 million in TTV, last month we finished with 200 mobile members in our network and about $111 million in TTV,” Galloway said.

“We will end this financial year on close to 300 agents in our network,” she added.

Travel Partners’ Managing Partner Jeff Hakim believes the backing of Flight Centre has also helped to deliver a high calibre of new recruits into the business.

“The proof is in the pudding,” Hakim said.

“We can see from the numbers and the quality of people that have come on board, we are getting entrepreneurial types of agents coming through,” he added.

Further consolidating this growth trajectory has been a recent recruitment push by Travel Partners to bolster its leadership structure, appointing several new sales staff, as well as key personnel across its finance, account management and marketing departments.

“The sales team was definitely something that was missing at Travel Partners,” Danielle Galloway said.

“We recruited six sales people and now they are out there talking to people, telling people about the Travel Partners story and the brand has definitely been enhanced by having them on board.”

Travel Partners’ Managing Partner Jeff Hakim was optimistic in his assessment of how the company will perform over the 12 months, telling travelBulletin “We want to double the number of agents, we’ve done it before so let’s do it again”.

Travel Partners will continue its push to host its annual conference in international destinations, announcing its 2020 event will take place in Hong Kong.

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Issues & trends

Explore Worldwide to develop Aussie offering UK-based adventure tour operator Explore Worldwide last month announced plans to ramp up its presence in the Australian market, after reporting a 19% sales uplift from January to March.

Head of Sales for Explore, Ben Ittensohn told travelBulletin that business has been strong since the company signed a deal with local operator Adventure World in October 2018, a move he described as being a “great partnership”.

“We went from having very limited trade support to the army that is Adventure World around every state in Australia, and off the back of that we now have the capacity to heavily invest in the Australian market,” he said. “After a really strong January and February, we came out of the box in March really hard, showing double digit growth from the first of the month until now which really shows how far we have come.”

As part of the company’s local push, Ittensohn said the business was working hard on a series of new releases tailored specifically to the Australian market. “We’ve got more product in market than we’ve ever had before, so it makes sense to bring more of these to Australia,” he said. “We are just putting the finishing touches on our new family brochure, which consists of the top 12 family-friendly trips that we feel will sell really well in this market, and we’ve made sure they work in with the local school holiday period so families

can offer their kids something more than just a bucket and spade type of holiday.”

Staying in close contact with local agents also remains a priority for the company, with Ittensohn saying the key to remaining relevant in the market was to “make sure we take on advice from the trade here about when to put on new trips and departures”.

“We are constantly working with the trade to ensure we remain relevant to the market, and evolving our brand to match local demand,” Ittensohn said.

CATO highlights Crisis Management How well is your business primed to manage a crisis when it hits? This was the fundamental question posed at the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) crisis management conference which took place late February in Sydney.

Around 100 members of CATO and guest attendees learned that through a crisis, it’s anything but ‘business as usual’ with a number of key note presenters and panel sessions highlighting the impact that a crisis can have on an organisation with all urging the need to be prepared.

Among the speakers included Leah Johnston, Director of Crisis Management & Contingency Planning, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) who highlighted the preparatory work and support they provide for Australians when travelling overseas.

Johnston also flagged a new Smartraveller campaign will be rolled out nationally in 2019.

Reputation and brand protection during a crisis was a focal point with leaders from PR agencies discussing how timely and well planned communications can help mitigate brand risk and maintain reputational control.

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Several case studies were cited where an organisation’s goodwill can be rapidly eroded in the absence of communication or poorly timed ones with customers, stakeholders and the media.

Speaking with travelBulletin, Brett Jardine Managing Director for CATO said feedback from the day by attendees “has been

CATO members and conference sponsors on the day

excellent,” noting that "the legal session in particular was so popular that CATO has confirmed an encore performance from Aaron Zoanetti, Senior Associate at Pointon Partners.”

Additional sessions will be held in Melbourne on 9 May and Brisbane 16 May, Jardine advised.

Cruiseco plots bright future The Cruiseco consortium is ushering in its 20th year with significant transformation and investment in the business, but remains committed to its core mission of supporting the growth of its members’ travel agencies. Last month the 19th annual Cruiseco Conference took place in Auckland, and continued the group’s revolution which has been led over the last 18 months by its newly appointed CEO, Amanda McClelland.

McClelland, who has a strong background in IT, has successfully implemented a major makeover of Cruiseco’s technology systems, telling travelBulletin the project had involved a total investment “in the seven figures”. The update has included the development of a new dynamic We exist packaging booking system for agents, solely to underpinned by an Odysseus back-end grow our but enhanced and expanded to meet Cruiseco’s unique needs. Funding members’ for the project was secured from the businesses Cruiseco board, including part-owners and co-founders Phil Hoffmann and Kevin Dale alongside majority Amanda shareholder APT Travel Holdings.

McClelland The outcome is the new CruisePro CEO, Cruiseco platform, which gives agents the ability to pull together cruises, flights and accommodation to create their own packages, as well as sell product from the extensive Cruiseco-curated array of fly/cruise deals. McClelland said it was vital that Cruiseco adapt to the changing market, particularly as booming levels of capacity have seen cruise lines look at everwidening avenues FLY, CRUISE AND STAY HOLIDAYS for distribution. And while a number of new cruise wholesale competitors have emerged, McClelland noted the unique differences of Cruiseco. “We exist solely to grow our members’ businesses,” she One of Cruiseco’s brochures

“ ”

ASIA

Delegates at the welcome function

told travelBulletin, with the consortium aiming to help agents navigate the evolving market. Co-founder Kevin Dale echoed the comments, and hailed McClelland’s honest and inclusive approach to business operations which had resulted in strong relationships at all levels.

One significant shift has been a refocus of the business away from charters, which previously were a significant commitment for Cruiseco.

The consortium continues to curate its very successful music-based departures and has also launched a partnership with P&O and Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours for a World War II historical cruise visiting Papua New Guinea, but the changing market has meant dedicated charters are more difficult these days. A significant new initiative for Cruiseco has been the release of its own dedicated brochure range, featuring a range of fly, cruise and stay holidays in Europe, Alaska and now Asia. Showcasing the consortium’s 54-strong portfolio of cruise line partners, the unique brochures allow agents to more easily help select the ideal cruise for each client, while the new IT platform enables this to be customised or tweaked as required.

JULY 2019 APRIL 2020 DEPARTURES

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Cruiseco is also continuing to evolve its offering for members, which increasingly incorporates digital marketing partnerships enabled by the new technology platform. Whitelabel websites complete with booking engines and payment gateways are available to Cruiseco agents, along with a host of marketing options which directly build members’ own databases.

McClelland said that with about 250 members currently, Cruiseco is “always happy to talk” to prospective new agents who think the consortium would be a good fit.

The profile of Cruiseco in the Australasian cruising sector was highlighted by the strong representation from cruise line executives at the Auckland conference.

The 220-strong attendance included Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings regional chief Steve Odell, Carnival Australia CEO Sture Myrmell, Royal Caribbean International Vice President Susan Bonner, Adam Armstrong from Silversea, Crystal’s Karen Christensen and many more industry leaders.

The unique format invited presenters to simply speak about one of their passions, rather than focusing on specific product offerings –something that was particularly appreciated by the highly experienced cruise sellers in attendance.

Next year’s Cruiseco conference will fittingly take place at sea, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas as she cruises between Sydney and Melbourne.

travelBulletin April 2019

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Cover

The

midas touch

Can social media influencers really turn holiday snaps into gold for travel brands?

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travelBulletin April 2019

Today’s society is more connected than ever, with social media bringing us beautiful images that can inspire us to buy certain brands or travel to certain places, all driven by a new breed of celebrity, the social media influencer. Bonnie van Dorp discovers how travel brands are harnessing this new type of marketing.

T

hey’re digitally-savvy, they’re trendy and they’re showing off their enviable lifestyles to a massive audience online -- we’re talking about the Instaroyalty known as social media influencers, of course.

There’s an influencer for every niche imaginable. Are you a beauty fanatic? Join Kendall Jenner’s stable of 103 million plus Instagram followers as she shows you how to overdraw your lips to perfection. More of a fitness fanatic? Aussie Personal Trainer Kayla Itsine’s 11.7 million followers will get you sweating off your brunch in no time. Or perhaps you’re a travel addict?

Photographer Murad Osman has a whopping 4.6 million people swooning over every holiday snap he posts.

The point is that it’s now easier than ever to connect with people who share in the same interests as us; they’re just a swipe and a click away. This is great news for consumers who are on the lookout for trust-worthy recommendations relevant to their interests, and even better news for marketers as followers of these various accounts act as audience pools that have been organically -- most of the time, anyway -- and conveniently segmented to help them better target their messaging to the right people.

This brings up two questions: firstly, how can our industry relay key messaging to these massive audiences, and secondly, can these influencers even bring in the kind of engagement and return that destinations and operators want?

Well, the answer it seems is yes -- but only if you’re strategic, creative and realistic with your influencer marketing campaigns, as we discovered from talking to some of our industry’s most well-known travel and accommodation brands.

Success for Singapore Airlines In late August last year, Singapore Airlines decided to have a crack at reaching new audiences via influencer marketing. “We already have a very good relationship with both consumer press and trade press, and what we wanted to look at was that new digital marketing span that continues to have a greater impact in terms of decision making on consumers,” Karl Schubert, Public Relations Manager for the South West Pacific for Singapore Airlines told travelBulletin.

Schubert, along with his team, put on their thinking caps in a bid to come up with a way that would creatively tell the airline’s story and showcase – outside of a fact box so to speak -- their expansive SilkAir network. What resulted was a partnership between the airline and seven influencers who work across four blogs; Little Grey Box, Polka Dot Passport, Backstreet Nomad and The Curious Collection.

The project, dubbed #SquadSQ, saw the airline put together four completely unique itineraries from all corners of the world for the seven bloggers to share with their audience. Some visited South Africa and Korea, while others explored Laos and Switzerland. Other itineraries saw bloggers explore destinations such as Sri Lanka and Germany. The only thing that the itineraries had in common was that they all transited through Singapore’s Changi Airport at roughly the same time. In total, the ‘squad’ clocked over 90,000 miles across nine destinations.

“We gave them free rein to curate, capture and deliver to their audience material that was going to resonate,”

Schubert said. The bloggers also actively communicated with each other on social channels to further amplify their reach and ensured that the hashtag #SquadSQ was used on each post.

So what were the results of the airline’s first foray into influencer marketing? A staggering 2.3 million people reached through social posts and valuable content created consisting of 520 Instagram stories, 220 Instagram Posts, 70 plus tweets, more than 40 Facebook posts, 28-30 blog posts and 10 youtube videos.

And while Schubert did not disclose whether #SquadSQ led to any direct ticket sales, the sheer number of people reached through the first iteration of the project has inspired the airline to launch a second version of the program which will occur later in the year.

Should you pay to play?

Unlike most traditional media staffers who do not and cannot engage in chequebook journalism for ethical reporting reasons, some travel influencers require monetary compensation on top of their flights, accommodation and food expenses. And for companies looking at engaging with celebrity level influencers, an invoice issued with at least five zeros on it per post is not entirely unheard of (Kylie Jenner supposedly charges US$1 million per post according to a report by HopperHQ).

Don’t worry if that’s not in your budget, because many of the travel brands that we spoke to said that mid-tier influencers (those with a following of between 50k and 500k) with a modest cost per post (from $1k

travelBulletin April 2019

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Cover

upwards) can still deliver amazing reach and results. And if that’s still not in your budget -some companies, like Singapore Airlines, take a firm stance against paying influencers at all.

“We don’t pay -- particularly when it’s a PR driven project -- because that isn’t what we’re after,” Schubert said. “We treat our influencers the same as journalists. We don’t pay journalists, we don’t pay for editorial, so we don’t pay for this.”

Schubert isn’t alone in this tactic, with Roam Resorts Director Greg Parkes saying many of the properties that he works with are also against the pay-to-play model that some influencers work by. “We will put them up and feed them and show them a good time, but we don’t think we should pay for [posts] as well,” he said. However, he admits that depending on the influencer and whether the hotel has the budget, they might loosen the purse strings once in awhile providing the distribution is “more than a couple of Instagram posts”.

“We would expect at least two blogs with the permission to repurpose and use images in the future. If they just offer Insta then a contra agreement is the way we would go providing they had good follower engagement.” Parkes said: “It’s tough for bloggers as they need to earn money, but then the hotel needs an ROI too.”

When influencers don’t deliver Whether you’ve comped a room, flight, meal or tour, the dread of an influencer not delivering or under-delivering can loom over PR managers.

“One time I was approached by an influencer here in Sydney who had other

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travelBulletin April 2019

products they wanted to promote and they were looking for somewhere to promote these products,” Parkes -- who looks after a collection of independent hotels and resorts across the Asia-Pacific -- shared with travelBulletin.

“We organised to put them up in a hotel room on a Friday and a Saturday night so they could photograph these products and I thought they would also say something like ‘here we are in this trendy part of Sydney where we’re looking at this product’ but when the post came through they didn’t even mention the hotel that had just put them up for a couple of nights. They didn’t even geotag the photograph to show where they were!”

“So I went back to them and said ‘what’s going on?’ and they said ‘our main reason for staying was to promote this other product’,” he continued.

“After that, I kind of put a cross through that one; I won’t be using those guys again.”

Parkes said that before he’ll even consider working with a new influencer he’ll “drill down on what a blogger or influencer is offering, who their target audience is, how long they’ve been an influencer for” and he will also ask for references from others who have used them before. “I’m very picky with who I use.” He also admitted that he preferred to work with travel writers with connections to well-known publications over “straight out bloggers”.

Shaizeen Contractor, Chief Revenue Officer, TFE Hotels said that many brands can get turned off influencers following a bad experience. “Influencer marketing only works if they are genuine in their approach, and if they show a true affiliation to our brands,” she said.

Both Parkes and Contractor agree that those looking to work with influencers need to set clear expectations -- in terms of deliverables -- and evaluate success at the end of the campaign.

“Like all marketing – influencer, digital or television – not every move will be a winner,” Contractor said. “However, as a brand, we wouldn’t let one bad experience completely shut us off from a powerful marketing channel. After all, it is those less-than-ideal experiences that provide key learnings for future campaigns and partnerships.”

“The influencers we have used have brought a lot of positive attention to our brands across social platforms, while also providing us with a source of great usergenerated Content,” Contractor added.

“People often rush into social media marketing without full knowledge of how or why to use influencers. Every single influencer is unique and needs to be treated that way.”

Measuring ROI when working with influencers While Sarah Clark, Intrepid’s GM Marketing for the Asia-Pacific, admits that they have worked with select influencers before to complement their suite of content, the company prefers to use ‘real’ travellers in all of their in-house video production.

“When we do partner with influencers, our priority is to ensure that it is a brand fit with us, and that individual would otherwise be an Intrepid traveller,” she said.

When asked whether there had been a trend of consumers making bookings following an influencer-led campaign, Clark said no. “We have not been able to directly relate significant booking trends to influencer marketing, however, believe that a customer will see our brand in many different mediums before considering to travel with us, and in some cases, influencer marketing can play a part in this.

Working with influencers is different depending on what industry you are in, explained Clark. “For retail, the selling of a product is instant and can be tracked well through the likes of Instagram product links and instant purchases, however for travel it is a little more complex”.

Contractor from TFE Hotels -- who admits their emails “run hot” with requests from

influencers requesting stays -- said that it can be “difficult to measure direct bookings related to an influencer campaign.

She said: “We have occasionally noticed a spike in searches on our website, depending on the messaging used”.

“It is difficult to measure direct bookings related to an influencer campaign, unless they are tied in with a call to action – such as “book a staycation now” with a booking link from the influencer.”

So ultimately, should you engage in influencer marketing activity as a travel brand? Our panel of experts all say yes; just be realistic about your goals and do your research before rushing into a partnership with someone you don’t have a history with.

Expert Advice n Do your due diligence on all influencers before you partner with them. n If there is the slightest doubt over someone’s credentials, don’t use them. n Set individual goals for each social campaign to measure your success. n Ensure engagement on influencer posts are genuine and not paid for. n Understand the influencer’s audience to make sure they align with your brand before approaching a partnership.

travelBulletin April 2019

21

Business View

Mental health top of mind

By Jenny Cooper

D

ear travel industry, How’s life treating you, the travel agent the agency owner, the small business owner, the BDM, the supplier?

With the opportunity to travel and see the world and the many lifelong friendships that are made we can feel truly blessed.

Certainly those on the outside looking see view us that way, in a wonderful industry. But I can’t help but wonder at what cost?

Amidst the glitz & glamour, to me I see a worriment, a quandary, a tender spot that is going unnoticed, and I’d like to take the time to draw your attention to it.

There is day after day of online vs agent, agency undercutting agency. Everyone in a grab to get the booking, secure the booking, deposit the booking.

We experience unforseen, unacceptable time changes from airlines – with a schedule change we have to spend at least a full day revalidating tickets, generating new e-tickets, calling wholesalers advising of the change, speaking to clients about their concerns and potentially finding alternative options for our dozens of affected customers.

What a ridiculous concept right? Doing hours of work to fix something that is entirely outside of our control? What if the shoe was on the other foot and the client wanted to change their flight time? Well then airline change fees are outrageous.

We experience day after day of cancelled tours. If it’s not financially viable for the coach company to run the tour, well don’t have as many departures. Agents become reluctant to book anything other than a preferred departure. (But try convincing your client to go a week later on their holiday.)

Then there are the cancelled cruises, move over offers, low water, high water.

Regular visits from airline BDMs or sales managers are becoming a thing of the past, and commissions have dropped along with the support.

These days, travel agents fear making mistakes on flight bookings because they can cost hundreds of dollars to rectify. The lack of compassion from some airlines or wholesale companies is also an issue. Agents literally have to beg to get a genuine error fixed and ask for the fee to be waived, which is not always done.

As the rules for each airline’s fares

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grow more complicated, it is easy to miss something and make a genuine mistake.

Every airlines’ fares are different, and agents are expected to know so much now. For agents in shopfront locations with a client sitting in front of them, it puts us under a lot of pressure.

And don’t get me started on the wholesale side of BDMs. Once you get to know one, they have slipped through what seems like a revolving door into another company.

It seems like the title of BDM is misleading too. Business Development Manager is what they are called but when asked how do they intend to help you grow your business or if they have a business plan, the majority of most who don’t know what that is.

I know they are under huge stress to meet sales targets, get agencies on board.

It means long hours, sometimes seven days a week, brand expos, famils, at home phone calls. The list can be endless. No wonder it’s a revolving door of business cards from BDMs. Now please don’t misunderstand me.

We have excellent relationships with our preferred partners and I don’t want anyone to read malice into my comments – I mean no harm. But I think that it is important for all of us in the industry to acknowledge the toll that stress can take on individuals, no matter where they are in the supply chain.

What a brilliant

career choice this has been over the years and one that despite all the changes, frustration and resistance, I still love.

I love the joy that I bring to my beautiful clients when they arrive home from their amazing holiday. I love the corporate clients, despite their untold changes and demands, and the revenue they bring our business.

I just don’t love the mental pressure all of it puts on me, my co-workers, my husband and my family.

I applaud TravelManagers and their partnership with PeopleSense. We should all take a leaf from their book.

All of us in the travel industry may not be aware of what mental state any of us are in, be it work or our personal lives.

Mental health is now at the forefront to my priorities, and it should be for you too.

Jenny Cooper, together with her husband Jim, is the owner and operator of Queanbeyan City Travel & Cruise. Jenny has seen a great deal of success in her career, with her agency winning the Readers’ Choice Award from International Traveller magazine and Best Retail Travel Agency of the Year at the NTIAs. Her favourite place to visit is New York and she would love to visit Antarctica.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP Towards a life-changing career

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It’s been just over a year since I started running my own business and I’m amazed by the customers who joined me on this journey. I’m more productive because I’m working around their availability and mine. Phenix actually helps me win bookings – my customers are so impressed by the price, the documentation and app, combined with the one-to-one service they receive from me. It’s been the best decision I’ve made.

With 25 years of skin in the game, we know a thing or two about running a successful home-based travel agency. You’re in the best hands possible when it comes to working for yourself, but not by yourself.

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business events news

AIME's vision comes to life

A

sia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) opened its doors from 18–20 February at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, showcasing the “reimagined event to the global meetings events industry”.

This year AIME welcomed over 300 exhibitors from 20 countries, with over 8,400 appointments made with global event management professionals, making it the “region’s largest and most significant exhibition for the meetings industry”.

With over 2,500 total attendee registrations, the 2019 event saw 50% more hosted buyers than the previous year; with 62% coming from outside Australia and 55% never attending AIME before.

“With a rich history spanning 27 years, AIME has been at the heart of the business events industry in the Asia Pacific region,” said Jay Martens, Event Director, Talk2 Media & Events.

Evolution of the AIME Knowledge Program, sponsored by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), saw it be the largest Business Events education program in Australia, where 500 participants engaged in a variety of sessions curated in partnership with AIME’s strategic education partner, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA).

“The planning and reshaping of AIME 2019 has been a momentous journey with Talk2Media over the last 12 months,” said Karen Bolinger, CEO Melbourne Convention Bureau. “The business events industry has been vocal about what they’d like to see at AIME and Talk2Media have worked with us closely to build an event that will be significantly different than previous editions.”

Hosted buyers attending AIME were welcomed at Melbourne’s newest event space The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne for the “Uncover Melbourne: Hosted Buyer and Media Cocktail Party”. In welcoming the 300 plus guests, Bolinger detailed the bureau’s commitment to working collaboratively with all partners and the business events industry on supporting initiatives that strengthen the city’s eco-credentials.

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Additionally, the Welcome Event acted as a launch platform for Ormond Collective, following its refurbishment. The Art Deco Ormond Hall was transformed into “a kaleidoscope of colour”.

“The heritage of the AIME Welcome Event has always been one of networking and fun,” said Bolinger.

For the eighth year running Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania (HTO) shared the spirit of Aloha at the event with seven key partners attending from The Hawaiian Islands.

Giselle Radulovic, Country Manager Australia for HTO, said AIME is one of the team’s key annual events to showcase Hawai‘i as a destination for memorable events.

“Business events is a key focus for both Hawai’i Tourism Oceania and the Hawai’i Tourism Authority globally,” said Radulovic, adding “On average, Australians who travel to Hawai’i for conferences and events spend more than their leisure counterparts.”

Another key player at this year’s trade show was New Zealand. Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Chief Executive, Sue Sullivan said billions of dollars are being pumped into their two largest cities and the results are now starting to show.

“Auckland and Christchurch are well underway with new convention centres

putting us high on the consideration list for international conference organisers,” she said.

Key suppliers from across New Zealand joined CINZ and Tourism New Zealand on stand at AIME including Auckland Convention Bureau, Auckland Conventions Venues and Events, Business Events Waikato, ChristchurchNZ, Claudelands Conference and Exhibition Centre, the Cordis Auckland, Heritage Hotels, Millennium Hotels, the New Zealand International Convention Centre, Sudima Hotels, and Te Pae Christchurch.

Auckland Convention Bureau, the New Zealand International Convention Centre and Te Pae Christchurch also expanded their stand spaces this year, to reflect “their increased profiles on the international stage”.

Exhibiting for the first time at AIME, Sudima Hotels is set to double its New Zealand portfolio in the next 18 months to six hotels, including three new-build properties currently under construction in Christchurch City, Auckland City and Kaikoura.

“At the core, we are about business events and incentives, and providing the best access to key decision makers and the people who make it all happen,” said Bolinger, adding “I’m looking forward to hearing of the outcomes from new business connections made across the Asia Pacific Region.”

©Rob Blackburn

business e EEAA celebrates business women The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s (EEAA) 2019 International Women’s Day Breakfast held at Sydney’s Doltone House celebrated the pathways women take to succeed and called on all women “not to hold back” when opportunities are presented.

EEAA Chief Executive Joyce DiMascio said it was important to put the spotlight on women in the business events industry and discuss different roads to success and the challenges faced.

This year’s event was themed around women in leadership, women defying stereotypes and women’s heart health and wellbeing.

“It is up to us [women] as well to seize opportunities,” said Supriya Shakya, Head of Digital, Reed Exhibitions Australia. “You must have the discipline to put your hand up and grab that opportunity.”

Melbourne lands largest conference Melbourne has been chosen as the host city for the 2023 Rotary International Convention, with the city expecting to welcome 20,000 Rotary members from over 200 countries and inject over $88m into the Victorian economy.

The event will be held across two venues, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne & Olympic Parks.

“Over the course of the four-day event an extra 20,000 visitors will be filling up Melbourne’s hotel rooms, local restaurants and also driving visitation to the city’s key venues and attractions,” said Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham.

The convention is expected to create millions of dollars in economic spin-offs along with high occupancy levels for up to 50 hotels across Melbourne during the off-peak season.

New centre for geelong Geelong is set to make its mark with $170 million set aside for a new convention and exhibition centre for the regional city.

The centre will be situated on the site of Deakin University’s waterfront campus car park and will support 270 local jobs.

Early plans released show the convention centre will have capacity to cater for 1,000 plenary delegates and have 3,000m2 of pillar-less exhibition space, plus banquet facilities, meeting rooms, a business centre an retail outlets. A four-star hotel has been also been proposed nearby, which would have 200 rooms.

Mark Day, Convention Bureau Manager for Business Events Geelong said “the brand new convention and exhibition centre is fantastic news for the region.

“It will not only inject $50 million in economic impact annually to the region once operational, but it will also open us up to bid for larger pieces of business that we have previously not been able to.”

The new convention centre will plug the current gap in facilities, with 368 events per year required for the region, but 16% booked outside of the area due to the lack of suitable convention space.

The funding is part of the Geelong City Deal, which will also see a revitalisation of central Geelong, upgrades to infrastructure along the Great Ocean Road and a new ferry terminal in Queenscliff to improve access across Port Phillip Bay.

ICC Sydney outperforms target Delegates attending events at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) generated $820 million in direct expenditure for NSW in its second year of operation, an increase of $35 million on the $78 million direct contribution in 2017, according to a Deloitte Access Economics study.

International and interstate visitors helped generate 72% ($590 million) of the total expenditure.

Chief Executive Officer of ICC Sydney, Geoff Donaghy said he was proud of the venue’s achievements in stimulating the local economy while setting new standards for the business events industry.

“ICC Sydney is proud to have welcomed another 1.3 million visitors across more than 700 successful events in 2018 and simultaneously enhancing the city’s reputation globally and creating opportunities for our talented, local community.”

The proposed convention site is on the far right of the image ©Visit Victoria

business events news 12 Feb AEG Facilities & SMG merge 12 Feb The business of events 19 Feb AIME welcomes attendees 19 Feb Crowne renovations 26 Feb Mel lands huge conference 26 Feb AEG Ogden Te Pae

Headlines Feb & MaR

05 Mar ICC Syd outperforms target 05 Mar IVVY seeks capital 12 Mar EEAA celebrates women 12 Mar Events bring $15m 19 Mar Geelong set for centre 19 Mar Spain in-demand

travelBulletin April 2019

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Cruise

Cruise industry dazzles at awards It was a star-studded night with the who’s who of the cruise industry turning out for the 18th annual CLIA cruise industry awards in late February.

More than 500 people spanning the Australian and New Zealand cruise industry converged at The Star in Sydney to heap praise and recognition upon finalists across 19 award categories as part of a revamped awards program and event format.

CLIA Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz opened official proceedings saying that this year’s awards had been among the most successful of the event’s 18-year history are now the biggest CLIA cruise industry awards across the globe.

“We had a record number of submissions this year which made for a heightened level of competition,” Katz said. “It proves that travel agents are more engaged than ever and more dedicated to developing their cruise business, which makes them a key driver of the ongoing growth in the cruise industry.”

Top winners on the night included Cruise Consultant of the Year, Gail Chapman of Dreamlines, Phil Hoffman Travel was named Australia’s Large Cruise Agency of

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the Year, while Small Cruise Agency of the Year was itravel Carlingford.

A highlight honour was the induction of Crystal Cruises Managing Director & Senior Vice President Karen Christensen into the CLIA Hall of Fame, recognising her for more than 30 years in the Australasian cruise industry and her long association with CLIA. Speaking with travelBulletin on being conferred the award, Christensen remarked “I am truly honoured and humbled by this acknowledgement.”

“I’ve been passionate about the cruise industry for more years than I am willing to share, and I feel very privileged to have been involved with CLIA throughout my career in different guises.”

“The calibre of individuals recognised in previous years is very high and they have each contributed immensely to the growth of cruising in Australia and New Zealand and many continue to do so,” Christensen added.

The evening was hosted by popular television actor and singer Tim Campbell with mid-show entertainment provided by Boys in the Band.

Oceania’s Insignia shows off new look UNCOVER ASIA’S NATURAL BEAUTY LET US TAKE YOU CLOSER TO THE AUTHENTIC BEAUTY OF THE WORLD El Nido, The Philippines

Oceania Cruises has debuted in Australia the first of its R-class ships to emerge from refurbishment as part of the OceaniaNEXT initiative, with Insignia visiting the east coast last month as part of her 180-day Around the World voyage.

The ship underwent a huge transformation late last year and now features new suites and staterooms, updated restaurants, bars, lounges and public spaces along with reimagined menus and new technology, such as bedside USB charging ports.

Insignia’s new look was designed to maintain the feel of Oceania ships which passengers love, while also providing a more contemporary look, said Steve McLaughlin, Vice President Sales Australia & New Zealand. It is much more than just new paint and carpet, he added.

With Oceania Cruises’ focus on cuisine,

it is unsurprising that the transformation has extended to the restaurants with more authentic colour, flavour and local wines.

While Insignia is the first to undergo the update, by June 2020, her sister ships Regatta, Sirena and Nautica will all be transformed under the OceaniaNEXT program.

The initiative will see a US$100 million investment fleet-wide and also includes cosmetic updates to Marina and Riviera.

“One of the many reasons Oceania Cruises enjoys one of the highest repeat cruise rates of any brand is the fact we’re constantly refreshing our offering and investing in our fleet, with the OceaniaNEXT initiative encompassing the most extensive suite of enhancements we have ever embarked upon,” said Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific with Oceania Cruises, Steve Odell.

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travelBulletin April 2019

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*T&C’s: Fare shown in AUD, based on dbl occupancy in the lowest available suite category. Air offer valid for 1 Feb to 31 Mar, 2019, to 1st & 2nd guests per suite. Flights from select gateways only & capacity controlled. Booking terms apply. All fares, savings, offers, programmes & itineraries correct at time of print, capacity controlled, & subject to change at any time without notice. Additional terms may apply. Silversea reserves the right to correct any errors & omissions. Complete TC, visit silversea.com.

Cruise

Auckland’s mooring struggles

Plans to build a 90m fixed gangway and two 15 metre by 15 metre concrete mooring structures fixed to the seabed of Auckland Harbour to cater for larger cruise ships have come under attack after about 200 protesters, plus 20 to 30 boat took to Queens Wharf to oppose the construction.

Under the current arrangement, ships larger than 294m-long are unable to enter the wharf.

The NZ$10 million project, which would extend the existing berthing options for cruise liners, would allow ships of up to

362m-long to berth at the wharf. Yet, the plans have left locals unimpressed with the “incremental attack” on the harbour, with the advocacy group rallying to “protect our most precious asset for future generations”.

The New Zealand Cruise Association has spoken out about the issue, stating that Auckland’s “lack of infrastructure” to support larger ships is causing the city to “miss out on cruise business”.

“Large cruise ships bring significant economic benefits to Auckland and New

Zealand - if Auckland misses out, so do the regions,” the Cruise Association said.

“The proposed mooring structures are an interim measure that will satisfy the infrastructure requirements of the cruise industry until a new, larger berth is built, which is expected to take at least another 10 to 15 years.”

Ports of Auckland has had to decline 22 ships this season due to inadequate infrastructure, and cruise industry members are being encouraged to be vocal in their support of the mooring application.

White Bay an election issue Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal is set to have shore power facilities for cruise ships installed – at a cost of $36 million – if Labor governments take power in the upcoming NSW and Federal Elections. The promise, made by local Federal MP and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, has come despite a NSW Ports Authority study which recommended against installation of such a system because it was “not an effective means of mitigating air emissions from cruise ships”.

Other measures already introduced to mitigate the impact of cruise shipping at the terminal have also failed to satisfy locals, including 2016 regulations mandating the use of low-sulphur fuel. A key issue highlighted was the noise of ship’s engines running to generate power while they are docked at White Bay, which Albanese cited as a “nuisance” for about 4,000 nearby residents.

“Shore power would improve amenity for residents, while also allowing the terminal to continue operating and providing much needed jobs in the tourism sector,” he said.

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©Brett Boardman and Ethan Rohloff

Albanese said the proposed shore power system would initially be funded 50/50 by the state and Commonwealth governments, but the $36 million would then be “recovered from cruise ship operators over time,” presumably in the form of higher port charges. Also not included in the calculations was the cost of modifying vessels to connect

to the shore power system, which was estimated at an additional $27 million by NSW Maritime Minister, Melinda Pavey. The cruise terminal is in the key state electorate of Balmain, which is currently held by Greens MP Jamie Parker who was slammed by his Labor candidate rival, Elly Howse, for “five years of inaction” over the issue.

Abel signs on for another three years The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) last month voted to extend the contract of its CEO Jill Abel for another three years.

Abel has been with the prominent industry body since 2005 and during her tenure as CEO memberships for ACA have doubled.

“Jill has done an outstanding job in this critically important role and during her 14 years with the Association has shown incredible leadership to help grow the cruise industry in Australia” said ACA’s Chair Grant Gilfillan.

Abel has also worked hard to boost important collaboration projects in the Australian cruise market, recently overseeing the signing of a MOU with CLIA Australasia to compile joint Economic Impact Assessments and Sustainability Reports.

MSC reshuffles top brass MSC Cruises has revealed a new leadership structure which has seen Alessandro Guerreri appointed as the company’s new Managing Director Australasia and Lynne Clarke step into the newly created role of Chairman Australasia.

Guerreri has relocated to the local office from MSC Cruises’ headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

“The appointment of a member of the company’s senior management team from Geneva to lead MSC Cruises’ business across Australia and New Zealand is meant to support creating an ever-stronger link between MSC Cruises’ central functions and the local market,” said MSC Cruises VP of Global Sales, Achille Staiano.

CLIA condemns cruise tax CLIA Australasia was fervent in its condemnation of a planned government Biosecurity Imports Levy which could adversely affect Australia’s cruise industry from as early as July. The Australian Federal Government have tweaked a proposal that originally targeted the sea freight sector to encompass the cruise industry.

“Extending this new tax to the cruise industry has come as a complete surprise and without proper consultation,” said CLIA Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz.

CLIA has called upon the Australian Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud, to rule out any additional levy on cruising.

CLIA view Joel Katz, Managing Director CLIA Australasia

Taxing cruise is not the answer There’s no question Australia’s biosecurity is vitally important to protect our agricultural sector and our unique natural environment. And like other parts of the travel industry, the cruise sector has long worked to make sure we meet Australia’s highest standards when it comes to preventing the introduction of diseases and pests.

But a proposal to hit cruise lines with a new biosecurity levy has caused concerns that our industry is again being slugged with another back-door tax on tourism. It threatens to place an unfair burden on our industry and drive up costs for both operators and passengers.

Announced by the Federal Government in last year’s Budget, the Australian Biosecurity Imports Levy was originally aimed at freight. It was supposed to apply to containerised and non-containerised cargo, but somehow cruise ships have been brought into the picture and might be hit with the same tax as soon as July.

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has indicated the levy will raise up to $120 million a year and could be applied to cruise ships upon each arrival into Australia on a gross tonnage basis. Given the frequency with which cruise ships visit and the increasing tonnage of vessels, it’s clear this formula could have a disproportionate impact on our sector.

The costs for cruise lines operating in Australia are already among the highest globally. Travellers are taxed heavily too, through measures like the $60 Passenger

Movement Charge which is one of the highest tourism taxes in the world.

Costs like these are largely carried by cruise operators and collectively factored into fares, which creates a cumulative disincentive to consumers.

As we all know, cruise itineraries and fares are developed and sold several years in advance, which means the shortnotice imposition of a new levy is difficult to pass on to customers and would therefore be borne by operators.

The cruise industry is already an active collaborator on biosecurity measures and has worked with agencies across the world to develop standards and practices.

Cruise lines comply with, or exceed, all Australian and international biosecurity requirements, and the industry and its passengers already contribute to the cost of enforcement through measures like the Passenger Movement Charge.

With this in mind, it’s difficult to see any justification for extending the biosecurity levy to cruising.

CLIA has written to the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud, asking him to rule out any additional levy on cruising, and has sought the support of the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Simon Birmingham.

Any new tax placed on cruising will further disadvantage our industry at a time when it is facing significant infrastructure constraints and high operating costs. Taxing cruising simply isn’t in Australia’s interests.

Headlines March 2019 01 Mar Cruising towards sustainable future 01 Mar Dream Caribbean in 2021 04 Mar Push back on proposed cruise tax 04 Mar Lindblad’s new polar ship 06 Mar Cunard’s royal trio to Aus 06 Mar MSC welcomes Bellissima 08 Mar Coral Expeditions beefs up Tassie

08 Mar NCLH champions women 11 Mar White Bay shore power commitment 11 Mar Cruising’s Force for Good 13 Mar Auckland’s mooring struggles 15 Mar MSC changes the guard 18 Mar Greg Mortimer hits the sea 18 Mar Dublin slams cruise activity

travelBulletin April 2019

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Industry in Focus

The winners of last year’s Magellan awards were whisked away on a trip to northern California in recognition of their achievements. The luxury journey included wine tasting and spa treatments plus much more.

agents were lloworld and Magellan A group of six lucky He is, thanks to Par and to Singapore recently treated to a trip s. ngri-La Hotels & Resort British Airways and Sha

Travellers Choice agents were recently treated to an eight-day Egypt Adventure educational tour in Abu Simbel hosted by Peregrine Adventures.

Brisbane Airport hosted one of their successful Show and Go events last month, giving away a trip to Boracay leaving the day after the gathering.

Pictured is one of the winners with representatives from Philippine Airlines, Philippine Department of Tourism and Brisbane Airport.

This team from MTA - Mobile Travel Agents enjoyed a special opportunity to mingle with drivers, pit crews and racing identities in the exclusive F1 Paddock area at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne last month.

The Australian National Maritime Muse um spruiked its event and conferencing capabilities at an event last month, complete with pirates and rumbased cocktails.

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April 2019

Sno’n’Ski’s mega famil ran last month, with the company hosting 30 Australian travel agents in Canada. The group skiied and snowboarded at Marmot Basin, staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) hosted key trade partners for a culinary adventure in the form of dinner at Sydney’s Wharf Teppanyaki restaurant last month, while also showcasing the airline’s 787 product.

tre agents on a famil k this group of Flight Cen Cook Islands Tourism too nga and Aitutaki. last month, visiting Rarato exploring the island nation

In celebration of St Patrick’s Day last mo nth, Tourism Ireland held an even t to update key tra de partners on campaign activity set to occur during the year.

Sunny smiles reflected the weather last month in the Maldives, with these lucky agents getting to check out COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island, courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts, Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways.

40 years flies by when you’re having fun, at least that’s what it seems for Adventure World who celebrated the milestone last month at an event in Sydney.

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River Cruising A Mekong River cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia provides an adventurous journey without the need to sacrifice creature comforts, as Brian Johnston discovers. o Chi Minh City is a newcomer by Asian city standards, but has personality. An economic boom gives it energy and shoals of zipping motor scooters, French colonial history bequeaths it leafy boulevards and an elegant post office, and historic connections with China provide incense-smoky temples. I plunge into covered Ben Thanh Market to rummage among chopstick sets and bargain-priced T-shirts, then slurp up a bowl of soup noodles topped with beef slices and fiery chunks of chilli.

The former Saigon is fun, but is only a precruise introduction to Vietnam. Excitement builds as we set off beyond town, past the fish farms and rice paddies of the Mekong Delta, where our river-cruise ship awaits.

Over the next week we’ll travel up the mighty, muddy Mekong River into Cambodia, where a post-cruise visit to Angkor Wat will round off our journey. Along the way, I spend fascinated hours on the ship’s deck.

Passing villages and mango orchards slide by. Kids halloo from bridges and passenger ferries toot.

River ports along the river are windows into everyday Vietnamese life. Most towns are set back from the ever-flooding Mekong, but Cai Be is an exception. Its French colonial church appears to float on the waterlily-tangled water, and its market becomes mobile as locals take to rowboats piled with greens and tropical fruit. Our shore-excursion guide takes us into back streets lined with shops and small businesses where locals make sweets, rice noodles or mahogany furniture.

Next day in Sa Dec we delve into the riverside market, with its buckets of frogs and pyramids of vividly coloured fruit.

Gold-toothed ladies selling leafy vegetables chuckle in bemusement at our interest, and pose for photos. Further upriver at Tan Chau we visit enterprises that weave straw mats and silk textiles. They’re alarming backyard businesses where young girls toil, so we happily buy the placemats and silk clothes that provide them with an income.

Tan Chau is almost on the

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Along the

Marvellous Mekong

©Travelmarvel

River Cruising

©Brian Johnston

©Brian Johnston

©Travelmarvel

©Brian Johnston

Vietnam-Cambodia border. Next morning, we century, and is a showcase of evolving Khmer veer off the Mekong onto the tributary Tonlé architectural styles.

Sap River and into the heart of Cambodian It’s always a delight at day’s end to return capital Phnom Penh. Locals practice tai chi to the calm, order and – most of all – the on the waterfront. The golden spires of the air-conditioning of the ship for a gushing royal palaces glitter in the sun, backed by shower and cold beer. As we sail, we’re the gleaming high-rises of the new city. A entertained by displays of fruit-carving and guided tour of the palace complex is one of dance performances by Cambodian children. the cruise highlights. It has blindingly white Fellow passengers provide good conversation buildings topped by gaudy, golden roofs. over meals, which often feature local dishes The ornate Silver Pagoda shelters a revered such as green-mango salad and delicious Buddha statue glittering Cambodian curries. with diamonds.

We finally say goodbye In contrast, our afternoon to the Mekong River as tour of the notorious Killing we board a coach and It’s always a delight Fields and the Khmer head for two hotel nights Rouge’s infamous S-21 at day’s end to return in Siem Reap, our base jail is confronting. Our for visiting Angkor Wat. to the calm, order excellent local guide makes Its main temple is ornate and – most of all – the with sculpted deities and it personal by talking about his family experiences. “I surrounded by a reflecting air-conditioning of want you to be a witness to moat but, as we discover the ship for a gushing on our shore excursions, our history,” he says with shower and cold beer this is only one structure of quiet dignity.

Angkor Ban, some 80km an entire ruined city spread further up the Mekong, across nearly 100km2 of jungle where monkeys is one of few villages not scamper and parrots squawk. destroyed by the Khmer Rouge. Some of its Angkor Wat’s many temples have varied wooden houses are over a century old, and design and atmosphere. Bayon Temple we’re invited into one by a local family. Then has mossy-green architecture studded with we chat to schoolchildren learning English serene, long-eared Buddha statues and at the school, and meet young monks carvings of elephants and dancing girls. Ta at a Buddhist temple. It’s these many Prohm, made famous by Angelina Jolie in encounters with locals that make a Mekong Tomb Raider, is a fabulous tangle of fallentrip so memorable. down walls from which giant fig trees sprout.

Next day Wat Hanchey, a temple complex Statues of bare-bosomed Hindu ladies are high on a hilltop above the Mekong, provides draped in moss and ferns. It’s a final highlight a new angle on the river from above. This has of a cruise that has many great moments. been a place of worship since the seventh

“

”

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River Cruising

Evergreen gets guests ship shape Evergreen Cruises and Tours has rolled out a series of new onboard fitness and games programs across its fleet of European Emerald Waterways Star-Ships.

Originally trialled on one of the brand’s Star-Ships last year, the EmeraldACTIVE program includes the introduction of Activity Managers who are responsible for enhancing shore excursions, such as guided cycle tours, hiking, and canoeing experiences as well as a range of daily onboard classes.

“Based on the exceptionally positive feedback from guests, we developed our Emerald ACTIVE program and have added dedicated Activity Managers on all our European fleet,” said Angus Crichton, Director for Sales, Marketing and Product at Evergreen.

“The growth in popularity of the program highlights an increasing

demand from our guests for more active and adventurous excursion options, and the opportunity to explore Europe’s towns, cities and countryside on guided tours,” he added.

New to the program in 2019 is a selection of fitness activities such as yoga and pilates sessions, aqua aerobics in the heated outdoor pools, and a “walk-a-mile” on the Sun Deck, with evenings featuring activities including karaoke nights, game tournaments and gameshowstyle quizzes.

Highlights of Evergreen’s 2019 river cruise collection include the 15-day Splendours of Europe from Budapest to Amsterdam, as well as the eight-day Sensations of Lyon & Provence cruise.

For more info on the EmeraldACTIVE program, contact Evergreen Cruises and Tours on 1300 383 747.

EARN $100 WORTH OF SCENIC REWARDS BONUS POINTS Simply book and deposit any Scenic or Evergreen 2019/2020 Europe River Cruises by 30 April 2019 and receive bonus $100* Scenic Rewards points per booking.

To make a booking login to Expressbook bookings.scenicglobal.com Join Scenic Rewards for free at scenicrewards.com.au *Conditions apply: Bonus $100 worth of points applicable to each deposited booking on any 2019/20 Europe River Cruises for Scenic or Evergreen, made by 30 April 2019. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Promotion commences on 01 March 2019 and concludes on 30 April 2019.

Bonus Points will be uploaded to accounts by 31 May 2019. Bonus points cannot be redeemed for cash. SNTRD924

River Cruising

Avalon’s authentic adventures River cruising with Avalon Waterways is more than just a holiday – it’s a way of life. We take a closer look at some of the features guests can enjoy when travelling down the majestic Mekong River with the cruise operator.

The on board experience After stepping onto an Avalon Waterways Suite Ship, guests are instantly transported to a place of relaxed luxury. The intimate vessels carry a maximum of only 36 guests.

From the captain and cruise director right through to stateroom attendants and wait staff, Avalon is dedicated to the comfort of each guest.

Key features of the brand’s Suite Ships include an air conditioned Panorama Lounge and an open-air observation lounge with a shade system and premium lounge chairs.

The ships also offer a spacious, open-seating dining room, a bar serving premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, a spa treatment room, plus a fitness room and library.

Additionally, guests have access to complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, along with special on board entertainment. Free wi-fi and 24-hour beverage service are also available for those needing a tech fix, or late night snack.

When out meets in The Panorama Suites on board Avalon Waterways’ Suite Ships are a true ode to the outdoors. Offering 22m2 of interior space, guests will never feel crowded.

In addition, the suite’s wall-to-wall and wall-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other, creating “open-air balconies” that provide fresh air and river breezes from the privacy and comfort of each room. The incredible river views are maximised by the position of the bed, which has been turned to face the window.

Other luxurious highlights of the suites include choice of either two twin beds or one king, a nightly turn down service, a comfortable lounge area perfect for unwinding, a large bathroom featuring a shower with a rain shower head and premium branded bath products, spacious closets and under-bed storage. A writing desk and vanity, along with bathrobes and slippers complete the space.

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River Cruising

Savouring the flavour Guests travelling on Avalon’s Mekong river fleet will be spoiled for choice when it comes to their dining experience. Each meal offers food crafted by onboard chefs and features fresh, quality ingredients that have been specially created with each destination in mind.

Breakfast begins with a selection of hot and cold food at the buffet and a made to order egg station, while lunch delivers a range of fresh food options and a live cooking station that demonstrates local specialities. And if guests aren’t already full by the time dinner rolls around, a four-course a la carte meal featuring a choice of salads, soups, entrees, and desserts awaits in the evening, showcasing the delicious local flavours of the region.

The local flavours continue when checking into land hotels, with many meals included on itineraries where possible. Unique hands on dining experiences, such as a cooking class at a local restaurant, or lunch at a restaurant that teaches local street children hospitality skills ensures guests are truly immersed in their destination’s culture.

Making magic on the Mekong Avalon Waterways’ Mekong River cruises offer a picturesque journey, covering the expansive channel of water that roams through Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, China and Myanmar.

With such an exotic array of cultural experiences on the ship’s doorstep it’s easy to become overwhelmed by what’s on offer, but there are a few things that shouldn’t be missed.

The first stop along the river is Vinh Long, where guests can take on the role of a local by visiting a local workshop and watch how local treats are made. Next up, take in the rural calm of Cu Lao Gieng. Here, guests will be able to see residents working on their handicrafts, including the creation of the quintessential “non la” conical hats.

A voyage along the Mekong wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Chau Doc. Situated on the banks of the Hau Giang River, this culturally diverse city is best enjoyed by foot. Guests are encouraged to take a stroll along the waterfront before heading to the local markets for some retail therapy.

This editorial was produced in collaboration with Avalon Waterways.

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Mekong River

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7

For more information or to book:

Visit avalonwaterways.com.au Call 1300 130 134 *Terms and conditions: All care is taken to promote correct pricing at time of printing (14/03/19), is dependent upon availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. Book a 2019 Asia river cruise and save $650, $2,000 or $2,700 per person dependent on the departure date chosen. Full listing of applicable departure dates are available online. Offers valid for new 2019 Asia bookings made from 19/03/19 - 30/04/19 and is applicable to all cabin categories. To secure reservation, a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500per person/per cruise is required within 7 days of booking. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion except Welcome Back Credit. Valid for Singles (single supplement applies). Offers can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Mekong Discovery price per person, based on 29/08/19 departure, Cat B. For full terms and conditions, see the 2019 Avalon Waterways brochure or visit www.avalonwaterways.com.au.

River Cruising

Gate 1 Travel returns to Egypt Gate 1 Travel Australia has announced the return of Egypt to its portfolio of river cruises and land experiences, with the addition of its new 12-day Classic Egypt with seven-day Nile Cruise tour.

The tour includes accommodation, return airport transfers with all flight-inclusive packages, as well as a seven-day cruise down the Nile on board the MS Queen of Hansa. Highlights include visits to the temples of Karnak, checking out Horus’s

Temple of Edfu, the chance to enjoy the Great Pyramids of Giza, as well as a visit to the Greco-Roman temple Kom Ombo.

“This tour is perfect for first-timers, as well as return visitors as it includes all the ‘hits’, as well as a few more of the more unusual sites,” said Gate 1 Travel Australia General Manager Kim Erskine.

“The upside of travelling with us is that our local guides possess true insight into the culture and can share insider

APT’s newest Danube debut Europe’s Danube River is set to welcome a new vessel to its waterways when APT’s much-anticipated AmaMagna makes its debut in May. The new ship, which is almost twice the width of traditional European river vessels at 22m wide, combines the “grandeur of ocean liners expansive space and facilities with the intimacy of river cruising” and offers guests a range of on board amenities such as five bars, four dining venues, two massage rooms, and the only sports water platform on the river.

Despite its size, guest capacity will only increase by 20% to a maximum of 196 guests, instead leaving space for larger suites ranging from 19m2 to the 65m2 Owners Suite.

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In a first for river cruising, AmaMagna features a 10-engine system that allows a more tailored approach for fuel consumption, using more power when going against the current or lowering cruising speed when required and considerably reducing its environmental footprint.

Other environmentally friendly features of the ship include LED lighting, insulated windows to reduce heating and cooling, power locks to plug into a port’s power supply instead of running generators, a solar hearing system, plus a new freshwater storage system to reduce chemical wastage.

Prices for a 15-day Majestic Danube cruise lead in at $11,995 per person, twin share – for more information on AmaMagna’s itineraries, phone APT on 1300 196 420.

tips on where to go during free time for an authentic experience that goes well beyond the tourist trail,” she added.

For more information about Gate 1’s newest river tour, visit gate1travel.com.au

Le Boat back in season French river cruise operator Le Boat is excited to announce its Canal Du Midi services are back on track after officially opening for the 2019 cruise season last month.

The company worked alongside French waterways manager Voies Navigables de France (VNF) to clean up the river after it flooded last October, with the French authority investing more than €4 million into restoring the popular waterway back to its former glory.

The river, which comprises of more than 240km of scenic waterways connecting the Atlantic to the Mediterranean accounts for 30% of French river tourist traffic during peak tourist seasons.

Le Boat has also committed to donating a further €3 million into the region to help improve facilities for customers and staff, along with a raft of other improvements to the cruise operator’s fleet.

Live Fully Europe River Cruising – 2020 Pre-Release Out Now Food, wine, history, culture, the arts; there’s nowhere like Europe for indulging the senses. And there’s no better way to do it than an award-winning APT Europe River Cruise. Only APT creates a world where your clients feel truly free to get out there and make the most of every moment.

15 Day Magnificent Europe River Cruise Twin Window Suite: From $6,995* pp & Fly Free* Twin Balcony Suite: From $10,395* pp & Fly Free or Fly Business Class for $1,995* All-inclusive. All taken care of. So you can Live Fully.

Earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on APT holidays that include a Luxury River Cruise~

connect Register with ATGConnect today to access and customise marketing resources

‘CALL APT RESERVATIONS 1300 278 278 OR INSIDE SALES 1300 668 298

*Conditions apply. Offers are valid until 30 April 2019, unless sold out prior. SEE: aptouring.com.au/specialdeals for full conditions. Prices are per person (pp), AUD, twin share and includes port charges.

Prices are correct as at 5 March 2019. Magnificent Europe Twin Window suite price based on EUMCR15: 9 November 2019 (Cat. E) and 1 April 2020 (Cat. E). Twin Balcony suite price based on EUMCR15: 9 November 2019 (Cat. T) and 13 November 2020 (Cat. T). ALL OFFERS: Limited suites on set departures are available and are subject to availability. DEPOSITS: 2020 departures: A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 pp is due within 7 days of booking. ^Refers to the Grand Empress steam train which operates on all cruise departures from May to September in 2020 on Magnificent Europe ~QANTAS FREQUENT FLYER: You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer Member to earn Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer Terms and Conditions, available at qantas.com/terms. Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn 2 Qantas Points per AU$1 spent on APT Luxury River Cruise holidays (minimum 7 day river cruise) and 1 Qantas Point per AU$1 spent on all other APT holidays. See www.aptouring.com.au/Qantas for full conditions. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd. ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS accreditation #A10825. APT7751

Small group touring

The benefits of

small group touring Emma Lovell discovers the wonders of a small group tour and the benefits of choosing a tour that suits your interests.

G

roup travel is not for everyone and many people are quick to reject the idea. However, small group touring can be a wonderful way to see a country in a comfortable and well-organised way.

Tour companies have received the memo that people don’t want to be herded around like cattle on huge buses from one tourist attraction to the next. Instead, travellers are being offered the cost effective option of group travel in a more authentic way, with that touch of luxury that we so desire on a holiday.

Small group touring offers guests an affordable way to see a new destination

without the hassle of planning the itinerary, making bookings or coordinating logistics during the trip. You’re offered an engaging itinerary that often includes all meals and showcases the best of your chosen location.

You really can just sit back and enjoy the journey, while engaging with your destination and connecting with your fellow travellers.

For an experience that’s in line with your style of travel, try choosing a company that specialises in different types of tours.

Whether it’s luxury, challenge, social good or glamping, there are small group travel companies to suit everyone’s needs.

Take me to India Take me to India specialise in organising bespoke tours to offer boutique, luxury experiences across India.

In January 2019, I travelled with Take me to India on a small group tour through North and South India with four women. The trip ran seamlessly as we enjoyed authentic experiences in exotic and off the beaten track locations.

From the time you arrive at the airport, Take me to India are there to handle all arrangements. A local representative will meet groups at each destination and assist with hotel check-in, coordination of drivers and introducing local guides. You travel in comfort in our air-conditioned vehicles with complimentary wi-fi and well-stocked baskets of delicious local snacks.

Our detailed itinerary was well paced,

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giving us the opportunity to explore the iconic monuments as well as relax and engage with each city. The beauty of a small group tour is the flexibility it provides to change plans and adapt your days to suit your travel style.

In a country as complex and diverse as India, travelling with a company like Take me to India is safe, luxurious and offers you truly local insight.

Small group touring

Soulful Concepts For the adventurers who want to really connect to a destination and give back, Soulful Concepts offer responsible and sustainable travel experiences for charities, corporates and individuals.

Soulful Concepts believe that sustainability can go hand in hand with comfort and style. Their aim is to support local communities and give people a better understanding of the culture they’re experiencing.

In 2018, I travelled with a group of 13 fundraisers to trek the Great Wall of China for five days. The group raised funds through their network over the course of a year to support people living with MS. These types of tours are called charity challenges.

It’s a different style of travel, in that you’re immersed in the experience from the day you sign up with fundraising, training and travel support. It’s a highly engaging trip that leaves travellers with a huge sense of achievement, as well as a unique view of their destination.

An emphasis on eco-friendly accommodation and partnering with local operators adds to the responsible tourism appeal.

Group sizes range from two people in private departures to a maximum of 20 travellers on small group tours. If you’ve ever wanted to travel and give back, Soulful Concepts is for you.

Wayoutback This Australian run and operated company offers unique, small group tours to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and showcases the highlights of the Northern Territory. When I had two guests visiting from the USA, I knew this was the company for us.

I travelled in a group of 12 on a three-day Uluru tour. We explored Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, visited a camel farm and of course, Uluru. The tour offered the perfect mix of comfort while staying authentic to the “outback experience”. We travelled in comfortable 4WD vehicles, slept in swags under the stars and enjoyed meals by the campfire. The guides were knowledgeable and catered well to the mix of cultures within the group.

This was certainly a more enjoyable way to see one of Australia’s most important landmarks and to have the time to enjoy the region without being herded around in a large group. For locals and overseas guests alike, I would highly recommend taking a small group tour with Wayoutback.

If it’s a little more luxury you’re after, Wayoutback offer a Comfort Accommodated tour which includes 4.5 star hotels, maximum group size of six and an eco-experience. You can also book your own private groups and customise the tour to suit you.

©Wayoutback

©Wayoutback travelBulletin April 2019

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Small group touring

Beyond Travel increases groups Agents booking small group tours have even more options of operators to choose from, with Beyond Travel expanding their groups department by appointing a dedicated account manager for each booking. This ensures that bookings with Beyond are serviced as efficiently as possible.

The groups department at the company offers a personalised service for tailormade itineraries and special interest groups, giving agents expert advice on how to create a successful group.

Bryce Crampton, sales and marketing general manager for Beyond Travel said, “Agents should be reminded of the many benefits of pursuing group bookings, the ease of creating one large sale opposed to many smaller margin bookings, having an expert offer firsthand knowledge on destinations to assist with enquiries and

specifications of group holidays and being able to create a point of difference to their clients – not just another group tour”.

The decision to increase the group service came from demand from agents, particularly for travel to lesser known regions or for special interest travel such as dog shows in Prague or little athletics groups to Siberia.

Agents can contact Beyond Travel’s dedicated groups department on (02) 9080 0410 or email groups@ beyondtravel.com.au.

World Expeditions expands World Expeditions has released its first brochure dedicated to the Middle East, Central Asia and India.

The program packs in an expanded range of 76 adventures and launches more than 20 new itineraries.

There are new active options, featuring various combinations of cycling and trekking, right up to an advanced mountaineering expedition to summit two 7,000m peaks, hosted by Soren Kruse-Ledet.

The brochure features a new range of cycling adventures includes a 14-day Armenia to Georgia by Bike, a 13-day Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan by Bike, an eightday Jordan by Bike, 13-day Goa to Kerala

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Cycle and a 20-day Ladakh Cycling Epic with Kate Leeming, on which participants cycle on a new route on some of the highest roads in the remote Indian Himalaya over three passes of more than 5,000m.

“This new program offers superb opportunities for immersion in the natural environment through small group journeys, trekking, cycling and climbing, which our travellers recognize as one of the best ways of experiencing a destination on deeper level” World Expeditions CEO Sue Badyari said.

The new Middle East, Central Asia and India brochure is the seventh in the World Expeditions range, which includes brochures covering Polar, Australian and New Zealand, Asia, the Himalaya, the Americas and Africa.

SMALL GROUP TOURING

®

Middle East 2019/20

MAXIMUM

GROUP SIZE

Small Groups Our maximum group size in Middle East is 20 people, because smaller groups make for a better holiday experience.

Jerash

3 Amman (2,1)

Alexandria 2

El Alamein

Included with the world’s leading airlines, with flexibility to extend or upgrade to business class.

Sea

Wadi El Natroun

Giza

Madaba

1 Dana 2 Petra 1 Wadi Rum

2 3 Cairo (1,2)

JORDAN

1

Aqaba

Ni le

Return International Flights

Dead 1

EGYPT

Valley of the Kings

No Hidden Extras

2 Luxor

Nile Cruise (4)

We include all the must see sights plus unique local experiences. Even taxes and tips are included where appropriate.

Red Sea

Edfu Kom Ombo 1 Aswan

Abu Simbel

Egypt & Jordan in Depth days

26

from

$

11,495pp

AIRFARES INCLUDED

Visit Dana Natural Reserve where we walk a section of the Dana Village trail Discover the magic of Petra by night as the rock city is lit by more than 1,000 candles Take a dip in the Dead Sea Take a cooking class and enjoy our culinary creations for dinner Visit the selfsufficient Coptic Monastery of St Bishoy Visit the stunning temples of Abu Simbel

Unique Itineraries Designed to give your clients the perfect balance between sightseeing and leisure, and enough time to really get to know the places we visit.

Highlights of Egypt ORDER A COPY OF OUR 2019/20 BROCHURE

®

TOUR SMALL GROUP

2019 | 20 www.bunniktours.com.a

Available through Tifs.

ING

Middle East

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE

20 ®

u

days

12

from

$

6,695pp

AIRFARES INCLUDED

Explore the incredible twin temples of Abu Simbel, carved out of the mountainside as a monument to Pharaoh Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari Visit the Valley of the Kings, carved deep into the limestone rock.

We have the chance here to descend into some of the tombs to see examples of the elaborate and astonishingly well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings

Egypt, Israel & Jordan days

from

24 13,595pp $

AIRFARES INCLUDED

Explore the incredible twin temples of Abu Simbel, carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, as a monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari Enjoy dinner and a spectacular Sound & Light Show at the Tower of David Museum Indulge in a tour and tasting of the Golan Winery Take a cooking class and enjoy our creations for our dinner

For a list of inclusions, detailed itineraries and departure dates go to bunniktours.com.au

Call

us on

1300 125 007

email sales@bunniktours.com.au

www.bunniktours.com.au

; We do the work ; Phone answered in 3 rings - no queues ; One stop shop ; Personal service & commitment

All prices shown are per person based on twin share. Singles rooms are available at a supplement, check our website for details.

Prices are correct at time of printing but are subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure cities.

Bunnik Travel Pty Ltd. ATAS accreditation #A10484. CATO Registered Operator No. TO1078.

Small group touring

Bunnik’s small group expansion Bunnik Tours has embarked on a major expansion of its operations, with the launch of the Small Group Touring Co., offering an initial portfolio of 30 trips visiting 38 countries across the globe.

Operating separately to the established Bunnik Tours portfolio, the Small Group Touring Co. offers group sizes of 12-18 travellers and trips that are shorter in length, and unlike Bunnik Tours are not air-inclusive.

The Small Group Touring Go. is designed for a broader market, whereas the Bunnik Tours brand is only sold in Australia. Kevin Bishop is heading up the Small Group Touring Co. as its Chief Operating Officer.

Bunnik Tours CEO Dennis Bunnik said the debut aims to respond to the growing demand for small group travel.

“We know that more and more people are looking for that small group touring option and the Small Group Touring Co. offers a group size of 12 to 18 travellers so we can ensure that everyone on tour has

Small Group Touring Co. offers tours to Egypt and Jordan

the best opportunity to connect with the sights, customs and culture of their tour destination,” Bunnik said.

“We believe that the two brands will complement each other well within the Australian market.”

Small group touring

Ormina Tours helps compare the market Ormina Tours has a launched its second guide designed to help agents compare similar itineraries from different operators and choose the best one for their client.

The new Agent Comparison Guide for Northern Italy joins the company’s Sicily Sell Guide introduced last year. The guides include a line by line comparison between tour operators including price, group size, duration of stays, hotels, tour inclusions and value for money.

“Our sell guides aim to put the knowledge back in the hands of the expert travel agents. With so many tours on the market it can be hard to find the time to closely compare the pros and cons of every tour,” says Anna Jones, Client Relationship Director at Ormina Tours.

The company plans to roll out more guides across the year to give agents a good reference tool.

All Ormina Tours trips have a maximum of 10 guests and are guaranteed with only two travellers across its Europe program.

To request a copy of either of the guides, email info@orminatours.com or download it direct from Ormina Tours’ website.

EXCLUSIVE

SMALL GROUP ★

★★★★

Lake Como, Italy

Greece & Egypt Exclusive Small Group Tours Charming Accommodation Culinary Delights Authentic Experiences Maximum Group Sizes Amazing Guides Natural Wonders

Call for your FREE brochures

Ph: 1300 661 666

www.greecemedtravel.com.au

Small group touring

Q&A

Touring isn’t for everyone, but small group touring can be a different kettle of fish. We talk to Emily Warner, a travel consultant for Bunnik Tours about the advantages of this kind of tour.

Is there much interest among Australians for taking a small group tour?

Absolutely, the interest is growing each year and becoming a popular option for Australians who want a more personal touring experience.

What sort of travellers take a small group tour?

Which areas are most popular for small group tours?

Japan has experienced a huge increase in popularity over the past few years and most recently the Middle East has become a region of interest for Australian travellers.

South America and Europe are always popular options, especially Northern Italy and Croatia.

What should an agent consider when selling small group tours?

The inclusions of the tour are important to travellers - you should be clear about what the price that they are paying includes and what is extra. It’s also important to recognise that good levels of mobility are required, due to walking and the different types of transport used.

People that want a unique, intimate and specialised touring experience. It’s also a great opportunity for single passengers to travel with like-minded people.

What do you see as the benefits of small group tours for travellers?

Less time spent waiting for others, more space on the touring vehicles, the ability to stay in unique properties (not just large hotel chains), developing friendships with your fellow travellers and more time to ask questions and interact with your guide.

Smaller groups also allow for special experiences that are difficult for large tour groups and individual travellers to access. These experiences can really help travellers to connect with the local people and cultures and often can only be found on a small group tour.

GMTC small Group tours a hit Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre (GMTC) is encouraging agents to book fast to secure their clients place on 2019 departures of its newly launched Exclusive Small Group tour itineraries.

There are three itineraries, the 13-day Greek Islands tour, five-day Unique Classical Greece tour and seven-day Peloponnese Discovery tour.

The Greek Islands tour hops around some of the most popular islands in the Mediterranean, including Mykonos and Santorini, while also including time in Athens.

On the Unique Classical Greece tour, guests will visit some of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece, such as the Mycenaean Lion Gate, the ancient site of the Olympic Games and the famous monastery high in the cliffs of Meteora.

Travellers will make their way around the Peloponnese of Greece on the Peloponnese Discovery tour. The trip visits major sites like Corinth and Sparta, as well as offering wine

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Meteora, Greece

tasting at Skouras winery.

The trips, which are guaranteed with only four passengers and have a maximum capacity of 16 guests include a guide, luxury transportation and a range of unique experiences.

“We customised these itineraries to cater for the Australian traveller who wants to experience all the key highlights of these destinations, but tour as part of a smaller group of like-minded travellers in a relaxed manner”, said GMTC Managing Director

Halina Kubica.

“We are thrilled as to how well the industry has resonated with and responded to these special group tours and look forward to welcoming passengers to experience the real Greece this season.”

Full details of the itineraries are available in the 2019 Greece brochure from the company.

Call the GMTC team on 1300 661 666 or download brochure at greecemedtravel.com. au/brochures.

AG E

NT I

NC EN WIN AN TIV EDUCATIONAL TO ARGENTINA

& BRAZIL VALUED AT $20,000 EIGHT PLACES TO BE WON!

Book your clients on an A&K journey before 15 June 2019 (for travel in 2019) and you could be winging your way to Latin America with Air New Zealand for a fabulous all-luxury 11 Day Abercrombie & Kent educational, travelling from Buenos Aires, through the Ibera Wetlands and Iguazu Falls to Rio de Janeiro this August/September.

For the full prize itinerary and competition details, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au/AgentEducational

www.abercrombiekent.com.au

E

Korea

South Korea From bright lights to tranquil mountains

Spice, technology, and Korean BBQ all come to mind when thinking of South Korea and although travellers will find an abundance of those elements, the nation also has much more to offer in terms adventure, experience, taste and history writes Anastasia Prikhodko.

Jeju Island

Seoul

S

tanding at the gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the all five remaining Korean palaces, there is much to feel in awe of. The palace, built in 1395, was excessively damaged in the early 20th century by Imperial Japan, and since then the walled complex has gradually been restored. Today, the palace also houses the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum.

Down small alleyways lined with benches overflowing with foreign herbs, spices and fruits, along with clothes, furniture and fresh fish, travellers will find Namdaemun Market, the oldest and largest in Korea. The market gets its name from its location next to the namdeamun, the main southern gate to the old city. Filled with about 10,000 stores, Namdaemun Market is also the place to try traditional local foods at Eunho Restaurant 48

travelBulletin April 2019

and Jinjujip, whose specialty is oxtail soup.

There are also themed alleyways, including the Stewed Belt Fish Alley, Noodle Soup Alley, the street vendor known for vegetablefilled griddle cakes, and Buwon Myeonok woi which sells in North Korean-style cold buckwheat noodles.

For travellers seeking a thrill or are travelling with kids, Lotte World is the place to visit. The recreational complex is comprised of an indoor theme park, an ice-skating rink and an outdoor amusement park called Magic Island. The artificial island is home to shopping malls, a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museum, sports facilities, and movie theatres.

Busan An hour’s flight away from Seoul is Busan, an eclectic destination offering travellers the chance to hike, visit Buddhist temples,

Busan beach

soak in hot springs and of course, feast at the country’s largest fish market. Busan’s foodie scene has slowly but surely been gaining popularity for its local offerings including Eomuk – fishcakes threaded through wooden skewers dipped in pots of hot broth and ssiat hotteok, a glutinous rice flour dough stuffed with a sugar and cinnamon mixture before being shallow fried in a pan of butter or oil.

Busan is often called the “summer capital of Korea” because of its five beaches: Haeundae, Gwangalli, Dadaepo, Songjeong and Songdo Beach. Additionally, to the west is Geumjeongsan, a popular hiking for locals and nearby is Beomeosa, the city’s main Korean Buddhist temple. Apart from the beaches, for those who prefer the comfort of hot springs, Busan has 450 of them scattered throughout the city. Spa Land Centum City is the most famous, with over 20 spas fed by all-natural spring water. One

Korea

Seoul skyline Gamcheon Village

of the oldest spas is in the Dongnae district and features over 40 different baths to choose from including the Outdoor Bath, or the Longevity Bath.

The Gamcheon Culture Village, a kaleidoscopically coloured town is another popular attraction and after its 2009 revitalisation, the former slum houses murals, sculptures and other artworks.

Jeju Only an hour or so flight from Busan and Seoul is Jeju, located just off the coast of South Korea. The island is a magnet for travellers seeking adventure, a dose of nature and attractions with a touch of uniqueness.

The destination is home to the highest mountain in South Korea, Hallasan, which stands at 1,950m above sea level, and is a popular hiking spot for visitors. Another

Gyeongbokgung Palace Lotte World

Seongsan Ilchulbong

famous spot is Manjang Cave. Formed by cooling lava, the cave’s dark, cold, often narrow and slippery with water, and you know there are bats up in its murky corners: not somewhere for the claustrophobic.

For sunrise seekers, Seongsan Ilchulbong also called “Sunrise Peak”, is a special place worth waking up at the crack of dawn for. The 182m above sea level mountain overlooks the ocean and is one of the best places on Jeju Island to watch the sunrise.

The journey there and back takes about an hour and has steps along the way to make the climb easier. Travellers can also take a seat at the side of the crater to spot any “Haenyeo”, the famous female abalone divers of Jeju Island, practising their traditional art. Often the divers hold their breath for nearly two minutes while searching beneath the water for the shellfish, which is main ingredient in the island’s speciality, abalone porridge. travelBulletin April 2019

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Korea

Exploring DMZ and North Korea

The current climate of friendship between North and South Korea prompted Travel Directors to resume its tour program to the Korean peninsula. The 14-day North Korea: A Hidden World journey links the remote Northern Chinese cities of Harbin, Shenyang and Dandong with the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) by train.

The tour begins in the north east of China visiting Harbin, Shenyang and the city of Dandong – the eastern-most point of the Great Wall. Crossing into North Korea by train, the tour spends time in the North

Korean capital Pyongyang, visits the historic Demilitarized Zone at Panmunjom and heads out into the mountains of Myohyang. One of the highlights of a visit to Pyongyang in September is the opportunity to attend the ‘Mass Games’ – a colourful cultural performance of gymnastics and dance performed by thousands of participants.

North Korea: A Hidden World is a fullyinclusive 14-day tour departing Perth on 18 September and 01 October 2019, priced from $10,450pp twin-share.

Travel Directors Marketing Manager Helen

Powers said that North Korea is currently experiencing a surge in interest.

“We used to run a tour there until 2013, then it just became too difficult to sell – people being cautious,” said Powers. “[Then when we re-introduced it] in September 2018, the tour was full (22 people) and September 2019 is also almost full, with a second departure set to be added if needed. It appeals to people who want to see DPRK before it changes, which it almost certainly will once relations with the outside world relax.”

Short on time options Travellers can discover the city of Seoul and its treasures with Wendy Wu Tours’ five-day Classic South Korea trip. The tour highlights the many temples and palaces, and Gyeongju’s staggering amount of heritage sites.

The tour starts in Seoul and visits Gyeongbok Palace, Historic Gyeonju and the UNESCO Bulguksa Temple. The package includes four-nights accommodation with breakfast daily, two lunches, return airport transfers, guided touring and two trips by bullet train. The adventure is priced from $2,170pp twin share.

Wendy Wu also offers the four-day Seoul Short Stay from $760 per person twinshare. The package features a full-day

©Wendy Wu Tours

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seat-in-coach tour of Seoul, the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony along with a chance to explore the many halls and pavilions at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Also travellers will visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, Jogyesa Temple, Namsangol Hanok Village, North Seoul Tower and Namdaemun Market.

If travellers are eager to get out of the city, Wendy Wu Tours offers a four-day Jeju Island Short stay, which includes a tour of Jeju Island, a visit to Hallim Park to see the gardens and lava caves. Guests can also take a hike up Suweolbong Peak, before visiting Spirited Garden, Mt Sanbangsan, and either Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls or the Teddy Bear Museum.

Korea

Unique attractions in South Korea

South Korea is a fascinating to place and here are some of the most unique attractions in the Asian nation.

Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park While visiting Seoul, travellers looking for some old carney magic should visit Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park. The small long abandoned theme park contains stationery bumper cars, bleached out Sailor Moon figurines, rusting rollercoasters and a deserted carousel and much more. Built in 1980, the park thrived until 2011, and while tastes have moved on, the old Yongma Land continues to invite the public to share in its slow demise.

ŠJosh Berglund

ŠChristian Bolz

The Third Tunnel of Aggression The Third Tunnel of Aggression is one of four known tunnels under the border between North Korea and South Korea. The tunnel, build in 1970 by North Korea and discovered in 1978 by South Korea, was initially designed for a surprise attack on Seoul. Nowadays, the passage is available for visitors yet due to the volatile history, taking photographers are strictly forbidden. Tourists can walk as far as the third barricade, with the second barricade visible through a small window in the third.

Jeju Glass Castle Theme Park Jeju Glass Castle Theme Park is a delicate collection of glassworks featuring installations such as a glass waterfall, glass flowerbeds, and lake made of mirrors with fish constructed out of used Soju bottles. The indoor installations include a green glass beanstalk, along with a room full of mirrors and a bookshelf with glass books.

Visitors to the castle can also experience making glass artwork. In the main hall of the Glass Castle visitors can try making glass ornaments, balloons, and bottles.

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Unique Accommodation

Today’s travellers are more and more often searching out unique experiences and that includes overnight adventures.

Adam Bishop rounds up some unique places to rest your head.

Treehouse at Kilauea Volcano Few accommodation providers can claim being closer to nature than the Treehouse at Kilauea Volcano, a rustic tree lodging constructed in the wilderness area of the Big Island of Hawaii.

The unusual redwood abode is furnished with a queen-sized bed, cedar hot tub, outdoor shower, and food preparation area, with the two-level structure also boasting modern creature comforts such as a flat screen TV, comfortable chairs with ottomans, built-in indoor window tables, and outdoor shower.

The Treehouse provides a perfect respite for volcano enthusiasts as it is located less than five minutes’

Bertram’s Hotel For those seeking to take their love of London icons to the next level, perhaps they should consider a stay at the Bertram’s Hotel, a quirky accommodation option crafted inside one of London’s famous red doubledecker buses, located in Hartland, Devon.

The hotel is designed to mirror the novel cover of At Bertram’s Hotel, one of Agatha Christie’s popular mystery novels. The style fuses a 1950s feel with a modern twist, with features and furnishings including a cocktail bar with record player, retro kitchen, double beds, and central heating.

Conveniently parked close to a host of traditional English attractions, the converted bus neighbours an enclosed garden area, a pub, a fish and chip shop, and farming areas.

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Slightly further afield are longer walks along the coastline from Hartland Point, where travellers can enjoy the clifftop views along the way. Also within walking distance is Hartland Quay, a former harbour famed for its rugged cliffs and rough sea squalls.

Guests wanting to take their stay in the mysterious Bertram Hotel can also warm themselves up by reserving a hot tub experience only available upon request.

And before you ask, the answer is no, the owners do not allow guests to take the bus for a spin around the block.

walk from the gate of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is only a short stroll to restaurants and galleries. Originally conceived as a specialist honeymoon getaway spot, the lodging now attracts guests from all walks of life, with the owners of the Treehouse at Kilauea also building a pavilion nearby to cater for weddings, tiki parties and other functions.

Heightening the allure even more is the many hiking trails available inside the national park, with volcanic activity from Kilauea creating many unique tourist attractions, such as a path with footprints preserved from an eruption over a hundred years ago. The Treehouse at Kilauea Volcano is a two-person space and is not recommended for family trips.

Unique Accommodation

Wadi Rum Bedouin tent camp Camping in the desert might not sound very glamorous, but perhaps hold back on delivering that critique until you’ve at least visited the Wadi Rum Bedouin tent camp in Jordan.

Situated in the protected desert wilderness of Wadi Rum in southern part of the country, this unique tent camp is enveloped by dramatic sandstone mountains and makes available traditional Bedouin-style tents equipped with a fireplace, two-person beds, and hot water showers powered by environmentally friendly solar panels.

A community tent is also available for guests, comprised of a larger common space where the camp’s operators serve tea and food, with tables offering a 360° view of the stunning arid landscape outside.

Traditional Jordanian food on the menu includes a selection of meats, vegetables,

rice and salads such as kabsa – a rice dish with chicken or lamb, and mansaf, the nation’s national dish known for being served up at wedding parties.

Apart from the tents themselves, the major selling point of the Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp is the huge array of adventurous activities nearby such as jeep tours exploring popular attractions like Lawrence’s Spring and Khazali Canyon. For non-motorised travel, travellers should try the four-legged variety and meander around on the back of a camel to enjoy the desert landscape at a leisurely pace.

Muraka Undersea Villa The phrase “to sleep with the fishes” was made famous by Mario Puzo’s ground-breaking crime novel The Godfather, and is not an expression that travellers typically associate with unique luxury accommodation.

However, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort may change the way people view the relationship between the marine world and hotel accommodation forever.

Located in a private area of the Muraka lagoon, the resort’s first-of-its-kind suites provide guests with an amazing and unobstructed view of what life is like underneath the surface of the Indian Ocean.

The aquarium-like rooms come equipped with free wi-fi, a sundeck with whirlpool, and giant floor-to-ceiling glass windows at virtually every turn.

The hotel also features the on-site Ithaa Undersea Restaurant which provides panoramic underwater views for diners while they eat, along with a wide array of cuisines paired with carefully matched wines.

When guests are sick of simply viewing the water and want to take a dip, they can make use of the multiple

pools the resort has on offer, including a quiet pool tailored for relaxation and a kids’ pool for families.

A diverse range of water activities are also available nearby, including sailing, diving, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and snorkelling.

For booking and general enquiries, email TheMuraka@conradhotels.com.

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Unique Accommodation

Virgin of the future The perennial human headline Richard Branson is no stranger to the concept of disruption, lending his quirky edge to virtually every aspect of travel conceivable.

So, it shouldn’t be surprising that his new Virgin Hotel, San Francisco breaks the mould in terms of both style and emphasis on technology.

Located in the SoMa district not far from the Yerba Buena Gardens, the 192-room property boasts a number of nifty technology features such as custom lighting settings, smart entertainment devices, and “Lucy,” the Virgin Hotel app which can respond to several guest requests including room service, room climate control, restaurant reservations, and renting vehicles and transport.

Other features of the hotel include a rooftop bar, on-site coffee shop, a Commons

Club, dining room and cocktail bar managed by acclaimed chef Adrian Garcia. The Kitchen

by Adrian Garcia serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the bar welcomes nightly music from a roster of DJs; and in very Richard Branson style offers a more intimate lounge area called The Shag Room, which serves up exclusive wines and beers from various European countries.

Winter is here Located nearly 200km north of the Arctic Circle lurks the Lapland Hotel’s latest creation – a Game of Thrones-themed snow village. Linking with HBO Nordic for the second time, the hotel chain utilises a whopping 45,000m³ of snow and create a series of sculptures and themed rooms inspired by the popular medieval series.

Highlights include a snow suite guarded by the Unsullied Army, and beds on ice

blocks that rest under the watchful eye of the evil White Walkers. “You can enjoy a dinner inside Winterfell, have a warm beverage inside Dragonstone interact with dragons and giants,” said the property’s Operations Manager Janne Pasma.

Interested parties should start their pilgrimage to the stunning temporary installation soon because the hotel melts away 21 April.

Even the meetings and events space is covered in unconventional style, presenting clients with eight customisable rooms with less traditional furnishings such as ping-pong meeting tables, fitness video games, mini golf courses and life-sized Jenga games.

The 12-storey, 7,000m2 mid-rise hotel formally opened its doors in February this year.

Get to know your BDM What is your name?

Shane Gibbons How long have you been working as a BDM for APT? 1 year and 2 months.

What is your favourite destination?

Europe, especially the Mediterranean – amazing history, stunning scenery and delicious food!

What do you love about your job?

The amazing team that I work with and the amazing destinations my job takes me to like the Canadian Rockies, Vietnam and Cambodia!

What destinations are on your bucket list?

A cruise to Antarctica.

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Unique Accommodation

Chill in Helsinki FOR those who are connoisseurs of a more sickly-sweet type of hotel experience, then perhaps a stay in the new Valio Jaatelofabriikki Sweet Suite at the Klaus K Helsinki hotel in Finland might satisfy your cravings.

The product of a collaboration between the hotel chain and Finnish ice cream company Valio, this delicious ice cream-themed accommodation features bright pink 1930s vintage furnishings, and a freezer stocked with many flavours of ice cream.

The cherry on top for this unique experience are luxurious pink sheets, a bubble bath in the pastel room, and an internal swing to help work off those extra calories acquired during your stay.

Dreaming about a ship within a ship Cruise accommodation has evolved significantly in the recent times, but Dream Cruises has pushed the limits further than most by recently enhancing its “ship within a ship” suite concept called The Palace.

Available on all Dream ships, the area of the vessel reserved for premium experiences features one of the highest space ratios per passenger in the cruise industry, 150 luxury suites, priority embarkation and disembarkation at homeports and destinations, private restaurant, a gym, sundeck, swimming pool and dedicated butlers.

Additional signature services have been recently added to the luxury option including all-inclusive set meal entitlements, free premium beverage packages at all bars, and access to dedicated “Connoisseurs Circle” activities featuring special talks, events and fitness classes.

“Sophisticated guests desire the excitement and energy of a large megaship but also demand the privacy and intimacy of their own exclusive facilities,” said Dream Cruises President Thatcher Brown.

“Dream Cruises’ response was the

Palace Lounge from above

creation of ‘The Palace’, the perfect solution featuring a luxury ship within a megaship concept across our fleet,” he added.

Further enhancements announced include an exclusive Palm Court Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party with the ship’s Officers, and a dedicated palace kids’ program (two to 12 years old).

Living like royalty in Ireland

THE Travel Corporation’s Red Carnation Hotel Collection brand is offering travellers to the Emerald Isle the chance to live like royalty at its five-star luxury castle Ashford Castle.

The impressive Irish property is situated in a large 350-acre estate and brims with 56

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authentic royal trimmings such as antique furniture, fine fabrics, bespoke carpets and marble bathrooms. When guests are sufficiently freshened by the property’s palatial ambience, a host of activities are also on offer inside the grounds including a stroll

around the walled and herb gardens, a spot of tennis, or a leisurely round of golf through Ashford Castle’s nine-hole golf course.

For those wanting to chill out indoors, the castle also boasts a 32-seat indoor cinema, a billiard room and a cigar terrace, as well as a children’s game room.

Naturally, no castle experience would be complete without a meal fit for a king, which is why Ashford serves up a menu of creative Irish cuisine inspired by fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from west Ireland.

Complementing the fine dining is an extensive wine cellar to choose from, with guests able to choose from any of the four main dining rooms.

“At Red Carnation Hotels, our guest service proposition is ‘no request too large, no detail too small’ and actually this philosophy can be applied to everything we do,” said Red Carnation Hotels MD Jonathan Raggett.

Brochures

CHINA, JAPAN & SOUTH KOREA Featuring Escorted Rail Journeys

Travelmarvel is extending its partnership with Great Rail Journeys to include South Korea as part of its 2020 China, Japan and South Korea brochure. The program features an eight-day Taste of South Korea tour, which takes traveller from Seoul across the country stopping at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Demilitarised Zone, Jeonju and on to Busan. Other highlights include, Grand Tour of China, which takes guests from Beijing to Shanghai, allowing them to experience China’s historic sites.

Luxury Collection

e Hotel Connection Team: (L to R) Samantha McGetrick , Linda Gant, Sarah Whitty, Cindy Kam, Madeline Pack & Kimberley Allder

Introducing Lisa Bacon and Welcoming back Katherine Laing

e Hotel Connection 12 Norwood Street, Sandringham VIC 3191 Australia

Premium journeys at exceptional value

Earlybird Offers *See pages 20-21 for details

VIETNAM, LAOS & CAMBODIA

2019-2020

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www.thehotelconnection.com.au

Qantas Holidays’2019-20 Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia brochure showcases a wide selection of accommodation and tours throughout the region. This year discover the beauty of Vietnam’s beaches with accommodation in Lang Co, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc and Con Dao. Explore Halong Bay on a two or three-day cruise and journey through Laos on the Highlights of Laos five-night package.

APT’s 2020 Small Ships brochure offers three new luxury intimate cruises. The new itineraries offer the opportunity to travel with the Tides of the Indian Ocean through the Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius, or explore Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords, cruising through Otway Bay and discover the Torres del Paine National Park. Alternatively, guests can experience the new 10-day British Isle Quest taking guests through England, Ireland and Scotland.

Tahiti Tourisme is launching three new brochures ahead of the 2019-20 season including The Australian Guide to a Great Tahitian Holiday. The Guide covers key information about the islands to visit, accommodation, climate and currency – there is even a language guide in the 30-page brochure. Moorea Madness Discounts on Activities is filled with a variety of discount offers on Moorea that are valid until 31 December 2020, while the Must Do Activities brochure covers nine things to do while visiting the islands of Tahiti.

Exodus Travels has released its Self-Guided brochure for 2019. The programme includes more than 80 walking, cycling and mixed-activity itineraries across the UK and Ireland, France, Italy, Spain & Portugal, Malta and Central and Northern Europe.

Key features of each tour are handpicked hotels, regional cuisine, full route notes and 24/7 support which give travellers the freedom to enjoy their adventure at their own pace.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has launched its 2019-20 brochure for the Australian market. The program includes a wide range of cruises visiting hundreds of destinations worldwide. Highlights of Fred Olsen’s itinerary for the 2019-20 season include a Wintertime Norway cruise that crosses the Arctic Circle providing an opportunity to experience the Northern Lights, and a 70-night South American Exploration, visiting Brazil, Argentina, Peru and much more, travelling through the Panama Canal.

SWITZERLAND

2020

FLY FREE*

The Hotel Connection has released its 2019 Luxury Collection brochure showcasing niche European hotels, apartments and DMC’s including: Edwardian Hotels and Cheval Residences in London, Unico Hotels & Hotel Neri in Spain, Fontelunga Hotel & Villas Tuscany, and small luxury cruises with Unforgettable Croatia.

This new brochure includes their latest boutique hotels in Paris, a collection of charming hotels: Le Pavillon de la Reine, Hotel du Petit Moulin, Le Saint and Le Pavillon des Lettres.

Switzerland Travel Connection has released its new brochure featuring a range of iconic Switzerland experiences. The brochure is organised by interest, making it easier for agent to find and book experiences that suit their clients. The interests include luxury, cycling, history and culture, food and wine, small group tours, walking, self-drive and rail holidays.

The brochure also includes some exclusive activities and itineraries.

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China

More to

Shanghai than meets the eye

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China

Jenny Piper goes to Shanghai to buy some fake Gucci and comes away with more than a pair of sneakers!

Jazz Bar is a Shanghai tradition – The Old Jazz Band is made up of musicians from the late 40s who have performed for world famous celebrities as well as locals over the years. Be warned there is a cover charge per person – not to mention $80 cocktails! had never really wanted to go to Shanghai but Also high on the list of attractions to visit is the French recently had the chance to be a ‘plus one’ at Concession. It’s not really an attraction but a delightful a conference and as it was before Christmas I area of Shanghai that used to be home to the French thought it may be a chance to buy some ‘fakes’ for Government during colonial days. The area has a unique those teenagers and young adults in my life who architecture and magnificent tree lined streets setting it love their designer brands. Very shallow I know. apart from other areas of the city. I was lucky enough to I had low expectations as my previous visit to be given a personal tour of the area by Wendy Wu – who a different Chinese city had been disappointing – showed us around the back streets and the markets pollution, crowds, dirtiness and chaos on the roads where the old locals buy their food every day. The area had put me off. But what a delight was in store for me. is now home to many ex-pats and has an array of trendy Shanghai is nothing like that. It’s a dazzling world class boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants. It’s a great city with lots of surprise. place to spend a day wandering and getting lost.

With a fascinating history, this city has really only grown The real reason I went to Shanghai was to shop. I up in the last 30 years. In the 1980s the Pudong area would have liked to have had some clothes made, but along the Huangpu River was just rice unfortunately time didn’t allow. I did paddies. Now it is home to the iconic however visit the South Bund Fabric Oriental Pearl TV Tower and many other markets to check out what I was amazing skyscrapers. missing. I was assured here by the A stroll along the With only a few days to explore I many salespeople that they could make relied on a travel agent friend to give me riverside promenade an outfit for me in 24 hours, but this recommendations to make the most of seemed a little risky. If time allows take at any time of day my time. First place on the list was the a favourite item and have it copied, or Bund. This area of Shanghai sits along get an evening gown or tailored suit. With is fantastic but a the banks of the Huangpu River and is three storeys of little tailor shops it can wander at night dominated by beautiful old buildings be a bit overwhelming but you will be seeing the dazzling dating back to its colonial days. They sure to find the fabric and style you want. are art deco and neo-classical style, a Now for the fakes – I left this until lights across the reflection of the city’s history. Foreign my last day as I had been warned river of the Pudong influence was strong in Shanghai from it could be full on, so didn’t want to the mid 1800s, especially from the do it alone. I had been well prepared area is a must British and French, who were mostly by fellow travellers about what to merchants trading in opium for the expect. AP Plaza is the place to go, Chinese and silk, tea and porcelain located underground at the Science for Westerners. The grand old buildings along the Bund and Technology Museum train station. We were greeted were home to powerful banks and trading houses. Now straight away by a local who wanted to help us buy fakes. they house designers, exclusive hotels and up market He was going to take us to the ‘secret’ rooms where the restaurants. A stroll along the riverside promenade at good ones were. We just followed him and he delivered any time of day is fantastic but a wander at night seeing as promised. I do believe the selling of fakes is illegal so the dazzling lights across the river of the Pudong area is there was some waiting around as subterfuge involved. a must.

The experience was fun and we came away happy with Of course the tourist thing to do is to visit Shanghai’s our purchases – shoes, bags and jewellery. I also got old town. Here you will find the Yuyuan Gardens with its some prescription glasses made in an hour at a very traditional pavilions, beautiful classical style Chinese reasonable price – who knew that would be an option! gardens and ponds filled with fish. Next door is the tourist I returned to Sydney with my bags full – I am now bazaar and Old Street, great for buying gifts and curios. the favourite Auntie having given Gucci slides and What did surprise me was the abundance of wealth sneakers to the various nieces and nephews. Of on show. Flashy cars abound as do many Michelincourse I was required to buy a few ‘Guccis’ starred restaurants, especially around the Bund area. for myself. I came away feeling like I had only Nearby is Nanjing Road, the main shopping street, with just touched the surface of Shanghai. I would a pedestrian only section featuring many designer brandhighly recommend it for a girls trip – name stores as well as dining options. At night it is lit up plenty of groovy places to eat and by an amazing display of neon signs. While on Nanjing drink, nice hotels to stay in, Road it’s well worth a visit to the Fairmont Peace Hotel. lots of shopping options This beautifully restored art deco building maintains its – what more does a glamorous feel from days gone by. A drink at the famous girl need?

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Bike rural China

visit the Great Wall China’s Great Wall is as iconic as they come, and always is a must see for travellers heading to Beijing. The problem with such a striking monument is that everyone wants to get a chance to experience it – meaning travellers might feel a little crowded. Here are some of our top tips for experiencing this wonder in all its glory (without thousands of others):

Visit on a weekday It probably is a little bit of a no-brainer, but of course the Great Wall is less busy on weekdays than on weekends.

Choose your section wisely The Great Wall is 21,196km long so it makes sense that there are plenty of places to access the wall, some much more easily than others. The closest sections to Beijing are Badaling and

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

Mutianyu. They are also the best restored and the most popular. Jianshanling is further east of Mutianyu and features both well restored sections more naturally deteriorating parts. Allow a full day to explore the Jianshanling section.

Go differently There are a myriad of different tours that travellers can choose when visiting the Great Wall of China, from cycling across the walls to overnight hikes. But one spot along the wall offers an experience like no other. At the Huanghuacheng section the wall is broken into three sections by Haoming Lake, which rose when dammed at Xishuiyuguan Pass. Travellers can take a boat ride on the lake and see both the restored and original parts of the wall, before hiking around the crescentshaped lake.

Travellers can experience the stunning scenery and unique culture of southern China with World Expeditions new Cycle Remote South China adventure.

The 14-day itinerary takes guests through the lesser known part of the Guizhou, Hunan and Guangzi provinces, seeing up close the life of the local ethnic minority ‘hill people’. Highlights from the trip include the chance to hike through rice terraces on Longji Dragon’s Backbone, visit ancient river towns from the Ming and Qing dynasties and get up close to the incredible red sandstone of Wanfoshan Mountain.

The region is one that few outsiders get the chance to experience, with unique architecture, such as ‘wind and rain bridges’ and Chinese cuisine that comes straight from the fields you cycle past.

Cycle Remote South China includes 11 days of cycling, with a rest day in Pingan, all meals and accommodation in hotels and guesthouses, from $3,230 per person. The trip requires moderate fitness and travellers will only need to carry their daily essentials while riding, with a support vehicle carrying the rest of the luggage.

For those who need a little help with their pedal power, an upgrade to an e-bike is also a possibility.

Longji Dragon’s Backbone terraces

Sail the Yangtze Sanctuary Retreats is currently offering savings on all its 2019 Yangtze River cruises. When booked and paid for a full three months before any sailing, travellers will receive a 25% discount and free upgrade on cruises during the shoulder (2 Jun – 5 Sep) and high (31 Oct– 10 Nov) seasons, and a 10% discount on departures during peak season (8 Sep – 27 Oct).

The three- or four-night cruises sail between Yichang and Chongqing on board the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. The cruise passes through the stunning Three Gorges section of the river, along with ancient monuments and intriguing villages.

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer features the largest suites on the Yangtze River.

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China

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019

Postcard from...China

a I never thought I’d be writing postcard from China, but here it is!

I recently joined a group of agents from Far North Queensland on an intensive five-day tour of Jiangsu province, hosted by MW Tours and China Eastern Airlines. We flew direct to Pudong on the inaugural seasonal flight from Cairns.

China is modern & vibrant; the food was great (even for me, the only vegan amongst us); and the tour was well organised, covering some amazing locations including the beautiful, peaceful Lingering Gardens and the Grand Canal in Suzhou, Dr Sun Yatsen’s mausoleum and the Qin Huai River district in Nanjing, and the Yuyuan Old Street Markets in Shanghai. We stayed in five-star accommodation and travelled mostly by coach, although we caught the high speed train from Nanjing to Shanghai on our last day. Our local host Maggie and the other tour guides were excellent & we packed a lot of learning into a short space of time!

The highlight for me was Nanjing. Memories include walking the city walls in the rain, spending time in the trendy 1912 Street area, eating amazing food, lots of laughter and forming some great new friendships. Isn’t that what touring is all about? It truly was a memorable trip & I have no hesitation in recommending China!

From Philip Clape - Your Travel & Cruise

Hotels galore in China There are expected to be 548 new hotel openings in 2019 and 540 in 2020, as many hotel brands expand their footprint in China, according to Lodging Econometrics. In last year alone there were also 634 projects opened, with 107,373 rooms newly available.

Many of these new hotels will be located in Shanghai and Guangzhou, with a high number of opening in Chengdu, Hangzhou and Suzhou.

For agents, this means even more choice for clients visiting China.

New projects for Hilton Worldwide, IHG and Marriott International make up 43% of the total hotels in the pipeline.

One such hotel recently opening its doors is the DoubleTree by Hilton Shanghai Nanxiang. The property is located in the 1,500 year-old town of Nanxiang, a rising

CBD in Shanghai.

Doubletree by Hilton Shanghai Nanxiang is the only international hotel in the town and caters for business travellers, providing meeting and recreational facilities. The property offers 313 rooms, a 179m2 indoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre, Gladness All Day Dining restaurant, Jun Palace Chinese Restaurant and a number

of bars.

Qian Jin, Area President for Greater China and Mongolia said, “A rapidly developing centre for commerce and a growing industrial hub, Nanxiang serves as a strategic location for Hilton as we continue to make significant investments to exceed the expectations of the region’s modern business and leisure travellers.”

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Last word

Sudoku Harder The aim of Sudoku is to complete the entire grid using the numbers 1-9. Each number can only be used once in each row, once in each column, and once in each of the 3×3 boxes.

www.puzzlechoice.com – visit them and get new puzzles every day!

8

4 1 7 2 3 6 7 5 1 3

6 2

5

1

3 4 8 9 2 1

3 1 5 9

7

Where in the World Candy coloured houses are not only very photogenic, they are also more common that you probably think. Can you pinpoint where these bright homes are located? If you can tell us where it’s located, you can win a double movie pass! If you think you’ve got it, send your answer to comps@travelbulletin.com.au. Good luck!

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WE NAVIGATE. YOU STEER. While we’ve thoughtfully planned a captivating collection of nautical journeys along the world’s legendary rivers, the final itinerary is completely up to our guests. With our Avalon YourWay options, guests can extend their holiday before and after their cruise with exciting stays in worldly cities.

With our exclusive onboard Avalon Choice®, guests have their pick of the widest array of included excursions – from classic sightseeing to immersive discoveries to active adventures.

With the flexibility to choose exactly what they wish to do before, during and after their cruise, Avalon offers the most desirable amenity of all – the freedom to cruise your way.

SEE FOR YOURSELF Use the glasses enclosed to take our Virtual Reality tour and see the Avalon difference!

Call 1300 130 134 Visit avalonwaterways.com.au