TravelBulletin for July 2019 - In this month's issue we take a look at how we can be better at

Mag Australien juin 2019_Mise en page 1 12/06/2019 09:35 Page 1

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July 2019

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July 2019

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Contents

16

40

56

48

Features

Cover story

20 Business Events News

32 Western Europe

14 The key to attracting

young talent

37 Brochures

Bonnie van Dorp experiences some of the best Burgundy has to offer

38 South Africa Learn how to make the most of a trip to South Africa

44 India and Sri Lanka Brian Johnston unpacks the highlights of Rajasthan

56 Faith journeys Discover ten different spiritual experiences around the globe

26 Cruise

Adam Bishop digs into why young people aren’t heading into a career in the travel industry considering all the perks that it offers

54 Last word

Columns 02 From the publisher

Monthly

06 Steve Jones

02 State of the industry

08 AFTA View

08 Issues and trends

25 BES View

18 Business view

30 CLIA View

This month’s contributors Steve Jones, Joel Katz, Jayson Westbury, Brian Johnston, Nina Karnikowski, Jenny Piper, Craig Tansley, Christian Schweitzer, Kathy Granger, Sarah Beyer, Lyn Lewis-Smith, Bonnie van Dorp Top right – ©Roxanne Gauthier, bottom left – ©South Africa Tourism

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

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Avg Net Distribution per Issue

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

1 Apr Reporting Period: 16 Apr2018 2016to– 31 16 Mar Sep 2019 2016 - Publisher Statement

Editorial team – Jasmine O’Donoghue, Adam Bishop, Sarah Fairburn, Nick O’Donoghue, Myles Stedman

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

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ART Design – Sarah Beyer, Wendy St George

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Publishing Director – Jenny Piper

travelBulletin is part of the Business Publishing Group family of publications

travelBulletin July 2019

1

State of the industry

From the publisher Bruce Piper

IN BRIEF

2

It was difficult not to feel deep sympathy for the organisers of last month’s US Travel Association (USTA) IPW 2019 trade show in Anaheim, California, who reminded me of prize fighters trying to punch their way out of trouble with one arm tied behind their backs.

USTA CEO Roger Dow was in supremely diplomatic mode, as he spoke about America’s welcome for tourists among a background of increased security, heightened suspicion and mounting border delays for visitors to the USA. Elephants in the room included an announcement during the week that social media history would be included in scrutiny of US visa applicants, as well as a newly imposed warning from China about the risks of its citizens visiting the USA due to potential gun violence.

Dow detailed ongoing efforts to have the five-year-funding for Brand USA extended once it expires in September 2020, as well as the bizarre but apparently necessary push to rename the highly successful Visa Waiver Program to the more politically acceptable “Secure Travel Partnership”.

He showed a clip from a State of the Union address where President Trump stated “we want more people to come to the USA” as part of a wider diatribe about ensuring borders are secure, with Dow noting ongoing dialogue with the administration meant “there is hope”.

Flight Centre’s Universal Traveller Flight Centre is aggressively targeting the youth market, with a rebranding of its longstanding Student Flights shops as Universal Traveller. All of Flight Centre’s 52 current Student Flights stores will have a makeover in the coming months, with Universal Traveler continuing to aim at travellers aged 18-35, MD Graham Turner said Student Flights, founded in the mid-1990s, had traditionally focused on air but in recent years had broadened its offering to include touring, adventure, cruising and FIT products.

“This evolution into a full service agency, with world class offerings for younger travellers across a number

travelBulletin July 2019

There is no doubt that the travel industry in the USA knows its importance to the economy – but we should all hope that this message gets through to higher levels of the US government which currently seems determined to raise barriers to travel and tourism, not lower them.

MEANWHILE it was intriguing to observe the resignation of Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon last month – and confirmation that he’s considering a career in politics.

The charismatic Luxon has led the carrier for the last seven years, presiding over a period of strong growth and financial success while simultaneously giving Air NZ the best corporate reputation of any business on either side of the Tasman.

Most people would expect it to be impossible to dislodge the highly popular Jacinta Ardern from her role as New Zealand PM – but if anyone can do it, Luxon can, so if he does decide to join the NZ National Party there will be lots of excitement ahead.

AND FINALLY Jenny I are fortunate enough to be heading to the Arctic later this month to experience Hurtigruten’s revolutionary new Roald Amundsen hybrid cruise ship.

The voyage, taking in the remote Svalbard Peninsula along with Greenland and Iceland, will be a milestone in expedition cruising as Hurtigruten pioneers a new era of sustainability in one of the world’s most fragile environments.

I can’t wait to see it!

of key product ranges, was not reflected in the brand name,” Turner said. He confirmed Flight Centre plans to expand the Universal Traveller shop network in the future, predominantly within the youth precincts of major shopping areas. The bricks and mortar expansion of Universal Traveller will be complemented by the Australian launch of the new online StudentUniverse OTA brand, he added.

Helloworld to drop Qantas Holidays Helloworld has confirmed that it will cease to operate the Qantas Holidays brand from March next year, after a decision not to renew its longstanding licence agreement

with Qantas. HLO Executive Director, Cinzia Burnes, told travelBulletin the change would see the company instead focus on the Viva! Holidays brand, which will offer all product currently available under the Qantas Holidays banner.

While Burnes downplayed the impact, the change is a significant shift for Helloworld, which seems to be edging away from Qantas, the majority shareholder in HLO’s predecessor, Jetset Travelworld, when it merged with Qantas Holidays in 2008. Then Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon said the deal would “bring together two of the strongest brands in travel,” with Qantas Holidays at the time described as Australia’s largest travel wholesaler.

It’s unclear at this stage what QF’s intentions are for Qantas Holidays, but a website at packages.qantas.com indicates an ongoing commitment to the brand, with terms and conditions giving it flexibility to deal through a “Third Party Travel Provider”.

Helloworld emphasised that nothing within its operations would change, with all staff servicing, product range and loyalty offerings to remain unchanged under Viva! “The important thing for the industry is it’s business as usual,” Burnes emphasised.

Luxury Escapes adds air Travel industry disruptor Luxury Escapes last month continued its evolution with the launch of a fully integrated flights offering. The enhancement to the company’s previous land-only offering allows customers to easily view package pricing, including air, up to 330 days in advance – along with an indication of the cheapest travel periods.

CEO Cameron Holland said the new offering was the outcome of customer research which indicated three key points of frustration when booking a travel experience: transparency on final price, easy comparison between costs, and quick response time.

“Adding flights is our next step in providing a more convenient one-stop shopping experience, making it easier than ever for customers to book a complete holiday,” he said.

“Our forecasting shows there to be a significant increase in the purchase

Hitting frequent flyers for six

Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth and Group CEO Alan Joyce (pictured) last month took to the Sydney Cricket Ground to unveil a major shake-up for the airline’s Frequent Flyer program. The changes include a reduction in the controversial “carrier charges” on international flights, an expansion of reward seat capacity, and reducing the points required for international Classic Reward Economy redemptions. However points required for upgrades and reward seats in Premium Economy, Business and First will increase “to better reflect the value of this premium experience”.

“

Adding flights is our next step in providing a more convenient one-stop shopping experience, making it easier than ever for customers to book a complete holiday

”

Cameron Holland, CEO, Luxury Escapes

of accommodation and touring offers now that flights can be bought in the same transaction,” he said, adding that Luxury Escapes anticipates “more potential bookings for hotel partners” as a result of the initiative.

DriveAway buys long-time rival Consolidation in the self-drive holiday sector continues, with the acquisition of the assets of wholesaler globalCARS by DriveAway. GlobalCARS founders Tim Oliver and Andrew Morgan, who established the business in 1999, said they were proud of the longevity of the operation in this “incredibly competitive industry.

“This represents a new and exciting chapter in the GlobalCARS story and guarantees huge potential for our loyal clients over so many years,” they said.

DriveAway MD Chris Hamill noted that the deal provided a “niche opportunity to further improve the company’s position as the leading self-drive operator in Australia and New Zealand.

“We continue to look for competitive advantages and opportunities, and I am delighted with the purchase and

the opportunity for our business,” he added.

Other DriveAway acquisitions in past years have included Renault Eurodrive in 2015 as well as World Cars in 2008.

Strong year for AFTA The 2018/19 year was a financially successful one for the Australian Federation of Travel Agents, which recorded a whopping $401,971 surplus due to a significant gain on the sale of its Sydney premises. The Federation invested the money in additional TV and radio advertising, and was also able to place $5 million in an investment portfolio which is already generating a significant return to further assist in consumer engagement activities going forward.

CEO Jayson Westbury hailed a “ripper year” in the AFTA annual report, noting that awareness for the AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) was at an all-time high, while the ACS Chargeback Scheme had also boosted its membership to over 430 agencies across the country who are now protected from credit card Continues over page

travelBulletin July 2019

3

State of the industry Continues from previous page

HEADLINES 23 May CTM reshuffles for Europe 23 May FJ plots China, Canada charters 24 May Fiji focuses on happiness 24 May travelBulletin still on top 27 May IASC denies CX, QF pact 27 May Air NZ orders 8 787-10 27 May New Kimberley non-stops 28 May Bestjet summons for

Michael James 28 May New FCTG youth brand 29 May IATA mandates PNR consent 29 May VA adjust long-haul luggage 30 May $1.95 fine for Jetstar 30 May ATL anticipates a drop 31 May Express seals NZ deal 31 May Destination Mel demise 04 Jun Spectrum named 04 Jun Qantas/AA joint biz deal 05 Jun Luxury Escapes adds air 05 Jun US travel growth decline 06 Jun HLO acquires Williment 06 Jun Aus Global Entry trial

chargebacks if suppliers default.

Westbury said that after taking into account the additional consumer marketing, a modest adjusted profit of $7,000 was recorded in the accounts. “AFTA is in a very strong financial position, with significant equity and capacity to invest in a sustained program of consumer engagement...something that members have been asking for over many years,” he said.

ETG settles FTG deal Express Travel Group has expanded its presence across the Tasman, after finalising its 65% acquisition of NZ agency network First Travel Group.

Existing members of the group and management hold the rest of the business which also includes the YOU Travel retail group along with a number of independent members.

ETG CEO Tom Manwaring said the combination of the businesses “allows the benefits of scale to be realised,” flagging benefits in a range of areas such as corporate travel technologies, cruising, global events

and online leisure solutions.

Meanwhile Helloworld made the most of those agencies which chose not to stay in the First Travel Group, announcing the 100% acquisition of former FTG member Williment Travel alongside the earlier additions of Gilpin Travel, Barlow Travel and Atlas Corporate. Also switching to HLO was the NZ Travel Brokers network, with Helloworld CEO Andrew Burnes claiming the additions comprised turnover of about NZ$300 million, representing over 65% of the former First Travel Group’s TTV. “The team in NZ has done an outstanding job of building a strong value proposition which in turn has attracted these new agencies to our networks,” he said.

However Burnes’ figures didn’t line up with those of Manwaring, who noted that the “new” First Travel Group had maintained 85% of the original agencies and 75% of the TTV. Of a total of 63 original members, 55 had remained, all of them IATAaccredited, he pointed out. During the month ETG also appointed long-time Air Tickets executive Vlado Ristevski to the newly created role of GM Air Sales & Operations, after 30 years at Helloworld and its predecessors.

06 Jun More sign to QF Channel 07 Jun ETG appoints new Air GM 07 Jun Driveaway acquisition 11 Jun Tourism icons honoured 11 Jun Jayride China expansion 12 Jun Flight Centre online push 12 Jun Insurers unlawful policies 13 Jun CATO slams disruptors 13 Jun HLO adds NZ Travel

Brokers to network 13 Jun Cathay defends QF pact 14 Jun NT, QF boost cooperation 14 Jun CATO plots data research 17 Jun Counsellors eye corporate 17 Jun PHT mobile agency live 18 Jun PHT to expand ADL office 18 Jun TC anticipates $2b TTV 19 Jun More Qantas Channel

GDS impact 19 Jun Int’l visitor spend spikes 19 Jun QF orders 36 A321XLRs 19 Jun Air NZ CEO Luxon resigns 20 Jun QF major loyalty overhaul 20 Jun Counsellors’ quality focus

4

travelBulletin July 2019

Vale Gary Allomes The industry was bereft last month upon hearing of the untimely death of former Travellers Choice CEO Gary Allomes, who succumbed to cancer just a few weeks after being diagnosed. Allomes was a long-time leader through his career which included roles with Australian Airlines, TAA and Qantas before in 1996 joining Community Travel, which four years later became Travellers Choice.

Allomes “transformed a small WA buying cooperative into a financially-strong national marketing company offering a myriad of sophisticated support services,” according to his successor at Travellers Choice, Christian Hunter.

“Without Gary, Travellers Choice simply would not exist in the form it does today, nor would it be as successful,” Hunter told travelBulletin.

“He was a fantastic leader who had vision, a passion that was infectious and an ability to take members with him on an exciting growth journey.”

Data Room

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

Domestic On Time Performance

ARRIVALS

April 2019

Source

Jetstar 80.6% 77.5% 1.4%

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

Trend (000)

New Zealand 118.8 China 114.0 USA 69.1 UK 60.2 Japan 42.4 Hong Kong 24.9 India 30.4 Singapore 36.9 Malaysia 29.3 South Korea 22.4 All inbound 769.3

Qantas

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

RETURNS

Top 10 destinations, April 2019

82.5% 83.2% 2.3%

Original (000) 119.2 96.2 60.8 59.2 32.8 31.0 30.9 29.9 24.7 16.7 700.4

Trend Mar 19/ Apr 19 % +0.0 -1.7 +0.0 +0.1 +1.7 -0.3 -0.5 -1.1 -1.2 -1.5 -0.4

Top 10 destinations April 2019 Destination

Trend Apr 18/ Apr 19 % +3.9 -6.1 +6.8 -2.0 +11.8 -2.5 +3.6 +0.4 -10.5 -8.6 +0.5

Trend (000)

New Zealand 118.7 Indonesia 106.9 USA 86.2 China 49.4 Japan 38.8 Thailand 45.5 Singapore 33.3 UK 54.0 Vietnam 25.7 India 33.8 All outbound 917.5

Source: ABS

Original (000)

Trend Mar 19/ Apr 19 % -0.7 -0.7 -1.0 -1.2 -1.0 -0.7 +0.2 -1.5 +0.1 -0.8 -0.5

129.2 108.0 81.1 63.5 58.2 53.5 38.9 35.7 32.5 30.3 916.4

Trend Apr 18/ Apr 19 % +0.3 +0.5 -6.4 -0.2 -1.4 -4.5 -4.2 -3.1 -5.8 +5.8 +0.0

Source: ABS

ENDED DECEMBER 2017 All airlines

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

82.6% 82.9% 1.5%

-0.2%

83.7% 85.2% 1.3%

.0%

Virgin Australia

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

+9

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

+5

DOMESTIC AIR MARKET

.1 %

April 2019

- 4. 1

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

2%

*Percentage points difference

+1 1.7 %

-0 .

Apr 19

% +4.4

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

Growth Yr to Yr to Growth % Apr 18 Apr 19 % INBOUND OUTBOUND 5.08m 5.15m +1.3 60.61m 60.94bn +0.6 5.95bn 6.06bn +1.9 70.66bn 71.05bn +0.5 7.47bn 7.54bn +1.1 88.47bn 88.38bn -0.1 79.6 80.3 +0.7* 79.9 80.4 0.5* 52.1 53.4 +2.5 637.2 630.7 -1.0

-2.7%

Apr 18

+0.4%

%

+0.5%

Source: BITRE

International Air Market Share

International Passengers by Major Airlines - Year ended December 2017

International passengers by major airline – year ended March 2019 Qantas Airways, 17.4% Qantas Airways,

Others, 31.8%

Jetstar, 8.7%9.1% Jetstar,

Emirates, Singapore Airlines,8.3% 8.1%

Qatar Airways, 2.8% China Southern Airlines, 3.1% AirAsia X, 2.9% Etihad Airways, 3.2%

Singapore Emirates, 7.5% Airlines, 8.1%

AirAsia X, 4.0% China Southern Airlines, 3.2%

Top 10 city pairs, March 2019

City pair

16.4%

Others, 30.7%

INTERNATIONAL AIR ROUTES

Cathay Pacific Air New Cathay Pacific Air New Zealand, 6.8% Airways, 4.4% Zealand, 6.6% Airways, 4.6% Australia, 6.3% VirginVirgin Australia, 6.0% Source: BITRE

Singapore-Melbourne Auckland-Sydney 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 Mar 19 19/18 1,591,338 3.8 +11.7 1,574,354 3.8 +0.5 1,503,470 3.6 -0.2 1,251,422 3.0 +0.4 1,181,966 2.8 +9.0 1,120,814 2.7 -2.7 937,910 2.2 -4.1 885,246 2.1 +4.4 878,627 2.1 -0.2 869,163 2.1 +5.1 11,794,310 28.3 +2.4 29,954,483 71.1 +4.3 41,748,793 100.0 +3.8

Source: BITRE

International Passengers by Uplift/Discharge City Pairs Australian

Passengers YE Mar 18 1,424,261 1,565,951 1,506,470 1,245,916 1,084,764 1,151,958 978,439 847,550 880,485 827,215 11,513,009 28,713,911 40,226,920

travelBulletin July 2019

% of

% Change

5

State of the industry MAIN DOMESTIC ROUTES Top 10 domestic city pairs, April 2019

City pair

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

Most popular websites in travel - agencies Feb 19 compared with Jan 19

Passengers Passengers % change YE Apr 18 YE Apr 19 (000) (000)

Rank Website

1

9,235.6

9,213.9

-0.2

4,775.5

4,819.2

+0.9

3,549.1

3,602.4

+1.5

2,766.3

2,681.4

-3.1

2,487.9

2,511.1

+0.9

2,044.9

2,119.6

+3.7

2,038.0

2,078.2

+2.0

9

1,909.0 1,717.6 1,645.8

1,885.8 1,697.0 1,653.0

-1.2 -1.2 +0.4

10

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Webjet Australia Skyscanner Australia Expedia Australia Wotif.com Flight Centre Velocity Frequent Flyer Luxury Escapes Google Flights Cheap Flights Aus & NZ I Want That Flight!

Visits % share Feb 19

Relative Rank % dif Feb Jan 19 to Jan

12.45

+2.80

10.37

+2.17

3

9.44 6.51 6.04

-7.50 -3.56 +1.24

2 4 5

4.67

+27.21

6

3.26 2.74

-3.48 +0.17

7 8

1.93

-13.01

9

1.88

-0.03

*

City pair

1

* denotes not in top 10

Source: Hitwise

Source: BITRE

AUSTRALIAN AIRPORTS

International passengers through Australia’s major international airports, March 2019

Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Perth Adelaide Gold Coast Cairns Darwin Avalon (a) Canberra (b) Sunshine Coast (c) Port Hedland Newcastle (d) Townsville (e) Norfolk Island (f) ALL AIRPORTS

Passengers YE Mar 18 16,278,090 10,581,998 5,828,682 4,370,193 985,748 1,079,568 675,727 265,732 ..

87,670 13,719 7,620 ..

50,207 1,966 40,226,920

Passengers YE Mar 19 16,798,820 11,268,943 6,160,847 4,353,295 1,035,755 995,258 656,117 225,160 131,310 89,539 14,303 8,597 6,687 4,162 ..

41,748,793

% of total % change 19/18 40.2 +3.2 27.0 +6.5 14.8 +5.7 10.4 -0.4 2.5 +5.1 2.4 -7.8 1.6 -2.9 0.5 -15.3 0.3 ..

0.2 +2.1 0.0 +4.3 0.0 +12.8 0.0 ..

0.0 -91.7 .. ..

100.0 +3.8

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

Source: BITRE

Steve Jones’ Say It was always a topic that appeared to irritate cruise line executives. The impatience tangible. The subject that so irked them was the marine environment. Specifically, questions relating to the impact their mighty vessels had on its health.

Scripted answers invariably followed, earnestly stressing the responsible approach adopted by their respective companies.

Fast forward to recent events, which explain why a healthy dose of cynicism is rarely misplaced and why

6

travelBulletin July 2019

scrutiny is legitimate and necessary.

Carnival Corporation has, yet again, admitted numerous violations which show a flagrant disregard for the environment it purports to cherish.

Six times in a Miami court, chief executive Arnold Donald pleaded guilty to violations perpetrated by ships under his stewardship. They included deliberately dumping plastic in the Bahamas, falsifying environmental training records and sending in teams ahead of scheduled inspections to ensure no violations were uncovered. Carnival also acknowledged it dumped grey water in prohibited areas, Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park among them.

Even more concerning, these latest abuses occurred in the early stages of a five-year probation, imposed after a similar court appearance in 2016.

On that occasion, Princess, one of Carnival’s brands, admitted to polluting the seas with oil-contaminated waste, and covering it up.

The judge now overseeing the case described the persistent indiscretions as “incredible”. How right she is. It is lamentable.

All in, Carnival has been fined US$80m. In 2018 the company generated revenue of just shy of $19b. Unsurprisingly, a chorus of protests were led by lobby groups, no doubt sick and tired at the

“

Carnival Corporation has... admitted numerous violations which show a flagrant disregard for the environment it purports to cherish

”

persistent nature of Carnival’s misdemeanours. There was also frustration at a failure to follow through on judicial threats to ban ships from US ports.

The court’s “weak enforcement”, one watchdog complained, has allowed Carnival to profit from the environment while contributing to its destruction. It’s hard to disagree.

Donald, reminded by the judge he was a steward of the environment and not just beholden to shareholders, told the court he took responsibility and “sincerely regrets these mistakes”. Furthermore, he was “personally committed” to improving compliance. That’s all very well. But given Carnival’s history of offending, it all sounds so hollow, even if a report from an independent monitor did accept improvements had been made.

Even harder to swallow was the company’s extraordinary statement claiming it “remained committed to environmental excellence” and aspired to “leave the places we touch even better than when we arrived”.

Such words are meaningless without the actions to back them up. Whether it will start doing so remains a matter of conjecture.

If you have any thoughts, email steve.jones@travelbulletin.com.au.

40

OVER

CELEBRATING

YEARS OF TRAVEL

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View our brochure online for a wider range of our Northern Lights tours.

Call 1800 221 712 email enquiry@bentours.com visit bentours.com or book through your local travel agent

Issues & trends

IN FLIGHT Air Canada The plane Boeing 777-200LR, flying Sydney to Vancouver.

Class Business class, seat 6A. The seat Air Canada’s Business class, called Signature Class is a fantastic product. The seats are laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, with pods on an angle, meaning it feels very secluded. The seat reclines into an almost fully flat bed, with lovely warm and comfy doona provided when it’s time to sleep (and on this 15-hour flight you’re definitely going to want to). The pod shape of the seat provides plenty of roomy cavities and nooks for you to store your essentials, meaning we could have everything we wanted from our carry-on close at hand.

Entertainment In-flight entertainment is viewed on a generously-sized display, which can be accessed using a handheld controller. Noise-cancelling headsets are provided, and there is a huge selection of movies and TV shows including new releases and popular HBO series like Game of Thrones. It was actually difficult to pick, with many recently award-nominated films available.

Service and food The cabin crew on our service were extremely attentive and friendly, introducing themselves, taking orders for lunch and breakfast at the beginning of the flight and very accommodating to special requests.

In terms of the food, there was a delicious range of choices, all served in a timely fashion by the crew, along with fine wines, beer and spirits on offer. If you got hungry in between meals during the flight, you could also grab a snack. Business class passengers receive a comprehensive amenity kit. Prior to the flight passengers also receive priority check-in and baggage service.

8

travelBulletin July 2019

AFTA view Jayson Westbury, chief executive AFTA

There is a lot said about Australia having a skills shortage, or low unemployment and as such, finding, keeping and motivating staff is a never-ending and always needed thought process for all employers.

It is not easy to attract people, and particularly young people, into the travel industry and there are many reasons for this.

The biggest challenge the travel industry faces is the enormous amount of choice young people have when considering what they might like to do as a career or when selecting a job postsecondary school.

Much is done at the high school level these days to attempt to help guide school leavers in a particular direction, but we have as a nation become very university-focused as the primary goal after leaving school. Given that, trades and TAFE courses are often a fall-back or not a first choice.

The travel industry from an entry level perspective falls into this category and We need to do more to while there is again nothing explain how the travel wrong with this, we need to do more to explain how the industry presents a travel industry presents a true career for the true career for the long term long term with plenty with plenty of opportunities for advancement. of opportunities for It is not just a job you get advancement so you can travel while you think about what else you might like to do. Those days to some degree are gone, and that is reflected in the numbers.

By this I mean we have definitely experienced a reduction in the number of students taking up a Certificate III Travel, which for the most part is the starting place for those wanting to enter the travel industry.

It might be time to rethink the entry process and there is work being done within the government-led regulatory environment to consider areas that could be improved. That said, it is not easy and unfortunately a slow process.

In the meantime, those that are in the travel industry are our biggest assets in terms of engagement and telling the stories about why the travel industry is a great place to work. It is an interesting thought that if the #iloveworkingintravel were to become a thing and all of us who work in the industry embraced this hashtag and used it as much as we could, the story about working in travel would be told extremely successfully.

The definition of young is all in the perception of the person.

And the truth of it is, the travel industry does not just need young people. We are open to all people who want to work in a fun, action-packed, rewarding industry.

So while I don’t have the golden egg to answer the question – how do we attract more young people into the travel industry, I think the use of the #iloveworkingintravel, might just be one place to start.

“

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Issues & trends

America rolls out the welcome mat The US Travel Association last month hosted its annual IPW convention, with about 6,000 delegates including suppliers from across all 50 states showcasing their wares to buyers from around the world. Taking place in Anaheim, south of Los Angeles, the event coincided with the highly anticipated opening of the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge precinct at the nearby Disneyland California – but that was just one of the many highlights of the event as America’s tourism industry pulled out all stops to demonstrate that its doors are wide open to visitors from overseas.

The impressive line-up of product was complemented by a truly incredible array of celebrity support, with delegates treated to performances from The Beach Boys, Snoop Dogg, Jason Derulo and an array of Broadway stars flown in just for the event. Packed appointment schedules were complemented by non-stop evening networking events, as attendees flitted from party to party with each destination trying to outdo its rivals.

US Travel Association CEO Roger Dow repeatedly highlighted the importance of travel and tourism to the US economy, also mentioning its potential for easing global tensions.

While inbound to the travel to the USA has continued to grow over the past few years, he noted that the increase had been at a slower rate than the global average, meaning America’s share of international long-haul travel had dropped from 13.7% on 2015 to 11.7% last year.

“That small percentage represents a huge number of visitors and impacts tens of thousands of jobs,” he noted, highlighting the ongoing efforts the US Travel Association and Brand USA were making to lobby for the sector in Washington. A key focus is having Brand USA re-authorised for a further five year period once its current mandate expires in September 2020, so that it can continue its mission of promoting America to the world

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The news wasn’t all bad, with Dow highlighting the possible expansion of the Visa Waiver Program which facilitates arrivals from a number of “trusted” countries including Australia. Potential new participants include Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia in Europe, as well as Israel alongside several South American countries including Brazil, Costa Rica and Argentina.

The issue of delays at some US airports and border points was a hot topic during IPW - but that may be about to change, at least for some Australian travellers. Officials told travelBulletin that a trial would commence later this year allowing Australian citizens to participate in the Global Entry trusted traveller program, which pre-vets visitors to enable them to pass through express lanes when arriving in the US and also use the TSA Pre-Check accelerated screening process on domestic flights. Targeting frequent travellers, membership of the Global Entry scheme costs US$100

The IPW welcome event was a typically LA affair

Roger Dow, CEO US Travel Association

“

Potential new Visa Waiver Program participants include Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia in Europe, as well as Israel alongside several South American countries including Brazil, Costa Rica and Argentina

”

Jason Derulo

for five years and requires background checks and an in-person interview at an “enrolment centre,” with further details expected to emerge in the coming months.

Overall there was a feeling of optimism from across the industry, particularly from huge destinations such as Orlando where the seemingly insatiable global appetite for theme park experiences continues to drive massive investments in products.

Next year IPW will be hosted in Las Vegas, another city where billions of dollars are being poured into the industry. Attendees at IPW2020 are expected to be able to inspect the progress on some of the gigantic investments currently underway there including a new stadium, expanded hotel & conference offerings and an underground transportation system at the Las Vegas Convention Center being developed by Tesla founder Elon Musk’s Boring Company.

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Issues & trends

Travel Counsellors adjusts focus Travel Counsellors (TC) has its sights set firmly on the future, targeting five key areas for the business, CEO Steve Byrne told delegates at the group’s Australian conference, held in Adelaide last month.

The event welcomed 220 attendees and was themed “TCX”, focusing on the Travel Counsellors experience.

Byrne delivered several passionate addresses, reminding agents their key purpose was to care for their customer and informing them of the five areas of investment and focus within the company which are corporate, premium leisure, productivity, a better support model and the right recruitment mix.

The corporate market was named a key priority, with the company having identified a significant opportunity to service the corporate market, targeting SMEs to maintain the “personal touch” that Travel Counsellors prides itself on.

“The corporate business accounts for about $250m out of $1.1b [of TC’s Total Transaction Value] so we expect to get that to about half a billion,” Byrne said.

The company is also working to develop its premium leisure offering to allow TCs to target the affluent traveller and move away from less complex products.

“We see the growth in more luxury, tailor-made holidays, with a higher average booking value and more complexity,” he said.

The company has placed an emphasis on helping Travel Counsellors be more productive, backed by an annual spend of $11 million on its technology offering for the next three years.

Byrne said the business was looking at how it could use technology, data and its platform to enable its members to better

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travelBulletin July 2019

scale their businesses.

It is also looking to make the company’s support model more efficient and effective by reviewing its processes, controls and information.

“We can radically improve how we improve the support for you by investing in technology so that you’ve got more of what you need at the time that you need it,” Byrne told attendees.

He also emphasised that Travel Counsellors wanted to secure the right recruitment mix with the best talent and

“

We see the growth in more luxury, tailormade holidays, with a higher average booking value and more complexity

”

Steve Byrne, CEO Travel Counsellors candidate experience for the group.

“It’s not about how many people but the type of person,” he explained.

Travel Counsellors’ focus on quality has been led in the Australian market by Regional MD Kaylene Shuttlewood, who has embarked on a project to improve the quality of its members during the past year.

Currently, Travel Counsellors has 135 members in Australia, down from 140 in 2017 when the group committed to an ambitious plan to grow its local membership to between 250-300 agents

over three years.

Last year, five weeks into leading the local office, Shuttlewood reaffirmed TC’s commitment to the growth goal, but told travelBulletin last month that the company had since made a “concerted effort” and focused on quality, not quantity.

“We’ve not shied away from addressing some of the legacy issues with TCs, where we had concerns around alignment around how they were operating and conducting their business, and we did this to ensure we are protecting the TC brand,” she said.

“We have a minimum sales threshold, so we implemented that to be more active,” Shuttlewood explained, noting the company went through a three-month process with TCs, “but some people were at a different time in their life”.

These five areas of focus and investment are expected to fuel global growth for the company, which is anticipating its global Total Transaction Value (TTV) to reach $2b in the next five years.

The milestone would mark a sizeable increase, following on from a TTV of $1.1b last year.

Over the next 12 months, Byrne said he would be happy with “around 16% top line growth” and was expecting the business to achieve around $1.2-$1.3 billion next year.

He noted the group was not currently looking to move into the New Zealand market, identifying plenty of opportunity in Australia.

He said Travel Counsellors currently had a £40m ($73m) share of the local travel market, noting the whole market represented £38b ($69.5b) and the “managed travel” market, which required human-to-human contact, accounted for £10b ($18.3b).

O’Sullivan’s lasting leGacy The past five years has seen Tourism Australia change tack, pushing forward with bolder concepts to “cut through” repetitious destination marketing and punch through ambitious growth targets.

Jaws dropped when the man that has led the charge since March 2014, Managing Director John O’Sullivan, announced that he would be leaving the organisation in June to take up a role as CEO of ASX-listed Experience Co. Before handing over the reins, O’Sullivan sat down with travelBulletin to talk through the evolution.

In 2015, Tourism Australia began its first part of its journey by redefining its purpose, vision and values.

O’Sullivan said the organisation looked at what it needed to do to continually evolve “to ensure that we not only hit the bottom of the 2020 targets, but we also punch through that, towards the upper goals”.

From there, it was ensuring the new mantra was supported from the bottom up.

“Everyone across our networks, from reception to members of the executive team, needed to feel like they had ownership over the purpose and the vision of the business, which I think is really important,” he said.

During his time with Tourism Australia, O’Sullivan said the organisation realised many national and state tourism organisations take a similar approach to their marketing.

“I think the challenge is to have marketing that really does cut through what I call this ‘sea of sameness’,” he explained.

The second element, he said, was looking at platforms that stand out, calling out the organisation’s recent Super Bowl campaign as a key example of a success story.

Tourism Australia has also moved towards programmatic media buying and increased its data exchange with its partners.

“Everything has become a lot more scientific,” he said This targeted

emphasis has led Tourism Australia to shift from a demographic-based targeting to psychographic and behavioural activities.

“We know that you can have exactly the same demographics but your propensity to travel can be completely different,” he explained.

“We’re targeting these travellers who spend more, stay longer and disperse more widely and also like the experiences that we have to offer.

“We’ve built up our Signature Experiences program which appeals to the high-value traveller, we’ve re-entered the luxury market with Virtuoso and the way that we’re positioning Australia is really around that high-value traveller and that yield-based visitor, as opposed to chasing profitless volume.”

O’Sullivan pinpointed the Dundee campaign as the campaign he is most proud of, describing it as the most complex project to date.

“It was the first time we backed ourselves to do something really bold as an organisation,” he said.

“For me, it was like changing the wheel of a car while the car was still driving.”

O’Sullivan said he would leave the organisation at a time when “opportunity has never been greater”.

Tourism Australia achieved the bottom range of the whole-of-government and industry long-term Tourism 2020 strategy targets, two years ahead of schedule.

The strategy, which launched in 2011, aimed at achieving between $115-140 billion in overnight expenditure by 2020.

O’Sullivan said Tourism Australia was expecting to land at about $131 billion by the end of 2020 and urged the organisation to work to hit the upper-end of the target of $140 billion.

The opportunity for tourism is backed by a great reputation internationally, unprecedented investment in product around Australia, a market increase in aviation capacity both domestically and internationally and the sector becoming a focal point of the economy, he said.

O’Sullivan said China remained “absolutely critical” for the Australian market, noting that despite being a maturing market and therefore expected to produce less-aggressive growth, the market still presented “still a once-in-alifetime opportunity”.

He urged the industry to continue to reinvigorate its offering to maintain Australia’s fashionability.

“These markets we’re dealing in now…their attention span is very limited because of the amount of choice that they have and because of that you need to have something in front of them that grabs their attention straight away,” he said “We can’t just say ‘we’ve got all these great new hotels coming online, we can have a bit of a break and catch our breath’ we’ve got to continually charge towards the top of the hill.”

O’Sullivan handed over to Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager International, Phillipa Harrison in June, who will act as interim Managing Director until a permanent replacement is found.

travelBulletin July 2019

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Cover

The key to

Attracting talent In recent times the travel industry has found its ability to attract new talent begin to wane. But why would people looking for a fun and challenging career turn their backs on the exciting vocation of travel? Adam Bishop investigates.

A

n outsider looking in would assume the notion of selling a career in travel to prospective jobseekers would be a relatively easy pursuit.

The industry is renowned for being fun, exciting, and offers the chance to help people realise their dreams of exploring the world. However, in an increasingly competitive economic landscape, the travel sector in Australia has found itself

struggling to attract and retain new talent at the rate required to sustain its lofty growth ambitions.

Some industry experts believe part of the problem is a misconception that the travel industry does not provide a viable long-term career path. According to Flight Centre’s National Recruitment Leader Dominique Pomario, one of the big challenges the travel industry currently faces is convincing younger people that a job in travel is more than simply a stepping-stone to another career.

experience before taking on the role of travel consultant. I studied science at university and travelled throughout and I think that my passion for travel permeates everything I do day-to-day.

Annabel edgecombe – Flight Centre Indooroopilly Why the travel industry?

What attracted me to the industry is a love of people and the planet. I am very passionate about making a conscious difference to the world through tourism.

Do you have any formal training?

I didn’t have any travel industry

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travelBulletin July 2019

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’d love to be making an impact on the way Australians travel – perhaps working with a not-for-profit focused on mindful tourism. Whether it be with Flight Centre, or anywhere else in the industry, I want to pursue a career giving back to the global community.

What’s your favourite destination?

I absolutely love Greece.

What do you love about your job?

I love that I work in an industry surrounded by opportunity and powerful women.

travelBulletin July 2019

15

Cover “We attract younger talent quite easily, but they are not looking at the industry as a long-term viable career choice – that’s the part that we need to focus on,” Pomario said.

“Most people that come into the industry now view it as a short-term job… there is real fear around the future and relevance of the travel consultant role,” she added.

Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) Jayson Westbury shares the same concern, suggesting the travel sector has to some degree failed in its bid to advertise the longer professional journeys available to those mulling a possible career in travel.

“Something as an industry we have not been good at is telling young people ‘where you start isn’t where you finish’, and it isn’t a job you take while you’re on your way somewhere else,” Westbury explains.

“We have been stuck in this traditional perception and we haven’t as an industry, and AFTA has to take some responsibility in this, been able to break the mould on that and get the narrative out there,” he added.

However, according to C&M Travel Recruitment Australia Managing Director Melissa Schembri, the industry’s talent shortfall is not limited to a myopia in recruitment strategies, suggesting travel companies are also failing to do enough when it comes to retention.

completed my diploma in Travel and Tourism Management. I plan to complete my advanced diploma in the coming year.

Jade ashton - Cruise Travel Centre Green Hills Why the travel industry?

I have always been an adventurous person who loves to travel. That, mixed with my love for sales and networking, makes me great at a career I love.

Do you have any formal training?

Before I started working in the travel industry I completed my Statement of Attainment into Travel Agency work to help me understand what working in a travel agency entailed. Since then I have

“We are losing a lot of talent after their first one to two years as we are not engaging them enough,” Schembri contends.

“There is a need to give employees a

Do you have any formal training?

As part of my HSC I studied travel. After leaving school I started a degree in Law and International Studies but realised it wasn’t for me so I took a gap year to travel Europe. After I returned I went back to university and graduated with a Bachelor of Business.

Laura Jago - Helloworld Travel Kotara Why the travel industry?

Being a travel advisor was a no-brainer for me as it combined my two strengths and passions for travel and customer service. The chances to travel for educational purposes also excited me, as well as the opportunities for growth and progression into areas such as leadership, business development and marketing. The opportunities are endless within the travel industry.

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travelBulletin July 2019

Where do you see yourself in five years?

My five year goal involves working towards a leadership position within Hunter Travel Group, in which I can apply skills of management and my desire for training and development.

What’s your favourite destination?

I absolutely love the Netherlands.

What do you love about your job?

There is nothing quite like seeing the happy, refreshed and energised faces of clients as they walk back into the store, excited to tell you all about their trips.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

My 5 year ambition is to become one of the leading travel consultants in the industry and develop my future skills and knowledge to progress into a management role.

What’s your favourite destination?

Switzerland would have to be the most incredible place I have ever travelled to.

From the beautiful natural scenery of the Alps to the friendly citizens whom speak multiple languages it’s extraordinary.

What do you love about your job?

I love everything about my job but the most satisfying and rewarding part is when I make my clients dreams come true and help them create everlasting memories through their holidays whether it is locally or abroad.

clear path within organisations, as well as more training and support”.

Another myth hurting the recruitment prospects of travel has been a largely media-driven narrative that in the long term, the industry demonstrates little job security for school leavers. AFTA CEO Jayson Westbury believes disproportionate media coverage around digital disruptors for example, has created a skewed perception of the industry’s size and economic viability.

“If a kid is sitting around the dining room table with their parents and said to mum and dad ‘I want to go into the travel industry’, the general response is ‘that’s now all online – there are no jobs’,” Westbury said.

“We all know in the industry that there is nothing further from the truth, there are a stack of jobs in the travel industry, and so we do have a mindset challenge because respectfully some of the media out there just tell the story that everybody books online now – so there is definitely some myth busting that still needs to be done,” he added.

So how can the industry best rebuff these illfounded perceptions and better position itself as an attractive long-term career prospect?

For TMS Talent NSW State Manager Ed Hewitt, one major weapon in the travel sector’s arsenal is its unique suite of incentives.

“TMS Talent has multiple clients offering

Diploma in Travel/Tourism and Events.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

This is always the tough question…

Five years’ time, I still see myself in the travel industry however I don’t know to what extent. I work well on computers, so perhaps something on the technology side of things.

Patrick Hull - Orbit World Travel Why the travel industry?

I had done a lot of travelling as a child, so I was naturally interested in joining this industry. I also wanted to know how all the systems worked and operated, like the GDS. Do you have any formal training?

I did Flight Centre Travel Academy training. Through there I got a dual

free trips or discounted travel, famils and opportunities to participate in educational travel experiences – all in addition to what’s being offered to employees as part of their annual salary package,” he said.

C&M Travel Recruitment’s Melissa Schembri agrees that highlighting the travel sector’s unique selling points are an important step in rejuvenating the dwindling recruitment paradigm.

“New talent to the industry join for the excitement of what we have to offer… it may be to attend the NTIAs, access famils, ongoing product training, the ‘what’s in it for me’ question is very important to have a think about when looking at the attraction piece,” she said.

Another important piece of the recruitment puzzle Schembri believes is making better use of graduate programs.

“We are starting to see some travel companies promote graduate programs however this is still unused in many organisations,” she conceded.

“Some travel companies do this well in attending career fairs and school leaver expos, a suggestion I give my clients is to develop a good relationship with local colleges, so you get the cream of the crop graduates”.

TMS Talent’s Ed Hewitt believes that when it comes to garnering the attention of younger people through graduate programs, the travel sector would benefit from more of

What’s your favourite destination?

I had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles last year, and that has easily shot up to the top of my list!

However because there is so much more of the world to see, that could very well change.

What do you love about your job?

The fact that every single day is different, and there are constantly new challenges to tackle – I love the fact that each day brings something new.

a multifaceted approach.

“We should be tapping into this market whilst they are still studying, targeting high

Abby Thomas - italktravel & cruise Blue Mountains Why the travel industry?

I chose a career in travel because I want to inspire people the way my travels have inspired me.

Do you have any formal training?

I have a Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management and a Certificate III in Travel in Tourism. Whilst my bachelor is not industry specific, it has certainly helped build a foundation of great customer service and the accounting and marketing side of my degree have definitely helped me look at business in a holistic way.

schools and tertiary education institutions… graduate careers fairs, networking events, as well across social media channels,” Hewitt said.

While schools certainly represent fertile ground for travel recruitment, AFTA’s Jayson Westbury cautions that rolling out standardised programs can be often be a “complex mire of regulatory patrols”.

“Schools are a challenge because schools are predominantly managed at the grassroots level by state governments, and so rolling out national programs are really difficult,” he said.

“There has been some rallying of this process over the past year or so through the previous government and we are keen to see what the new government decides to do wrangle around how the vocational education is better marketed,” an optimistic Westbury added.

AFTA also seeks to put a spotlight on young agents who are doing an exceptional job early in their travel industry careers, through the National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) category of Young Agent of the Year and the Emirates Travel Scholarship. The agents that have been profiled throughout this story are all nominees for one of these categories at this year’s NTIAs.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I plan to complete social media marketing training and would like to move to a more online-based role. My long term plan is to establish my own travel business in a health and wellness niche that would allow me to work any time of day from anywhere around the world.

I have two young children and flexible working arrangements are so important to me.

What’s your favourite destination?

Spain is my absolute favourite place in the world. I love how varied the country is.

What do you love about your job?

I love that I help people unlock new parts of the world and learn about themselves as well as those around them. My favourite part is putting together really complex itineraries tailored to my clients to make sure they are getting exactly the experience they want and making all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. It is so rewarding to hear all about my clients trips when they return.

travelBulletin July 2019

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Business view

Managing grief at work

By Christian Schweitzer

Y

ou’re a small business owner and one of your employees loses a loved one. What do you do?

No doubt if you have compassion you’ll want to help and at the same time you’ll have one eye on the business knowing that work must go on.

The way a workplace supports its staff during times of grief will impact upon the business, its employees and the relationships between them. But how will you know what to do when there are almost countless examples of grief?

It may help to first look at what is provisioned via the Australian Government’s Fair Work Ombudsman which sets minimum expectations for employers to provide their staff.

All employees, including casuals, are entitled to compassionate and bereavement leave but there are certain stipulations to this.

Employers must provide compassionate leave when an employee’s immediate family or household dies or contracts a lifethreatening illness or injury.

Definitions come into play here which helps employers to decipher what is considered an employee’s ‘immediate family’. Third cousin twice removed? Generally, they may be considered immediate family if living under the same household.

A staff member is entitled to two days of compassionate leave for each occasion though compassionate leave is not accumulated as part of an employee’s entitlement. Full-time and part-time workers are entitled to their ordinary rate of pay for each occasion of compassionate leave.

Casuals are not paid but given the time off accordingly.

Noteworthy is that compassionate leave does not get deducted from an employee’s annual leave or personal (sick) leave accrual.

Bosses can also require their staff to substantiate their compassionate leave with appropriate documentation and may choose to hold payments if substantiation is not forthcoming.

It’s important to know what are the legal expectations, but in all of this we need to consider that the human touch is often the most important factor when dealing with a staff member’s grief and there’s certainly much that an employer can do.

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travelBulletin July 2019

Empathy and being non-judgemental will help show the employee that you care and are concerned for their well-being. Provision

“

We need to consider that the human touch is often the most important factor when dealing with employee grief

”

the necessary time off per the minimum standards and allow for the person to grieve in their own personal manner.

Determine whether staff working alongside the bereaved employee are communicated with, though this is situational based, there might be some things that are not appropriate to be shared so discretion is advised as often grief is a private matter.

Hopefully your employee will feel appropriately supported in what is most likely a difficult time, whilst you can be reassured that your business will still be on track and you’re fulfilling all your legal obligations.

Christian Schweitzer is the General Manager at the Business Publishing Group, publisher of travelBulletin. He has 20 years’ experience leading teams in sales, marketing, and customer service, with particular industry experience across travel, tourism, non-profit, retail, wholesale and direct marketing industries.

He holds an MBA from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management and is a regular guest on Sky News Business channel.

Phil Hoffmann goes mobile

Recruit View Adriana D’Angelis, Managing Director, AA Appointments

HOW TO ATTRACT AND KEEP YOUR GREATEST ASSET

Phil Hoffmann Travel (PHT) has unveiled details of its new mobile travel agency offering, which will see the Adelaide group expand to offer a national presence. A recruitment has kicked off, seeking “experienced industry professionals with a passion for travel” who will undergo training and be supported by an in-house mentor as they offer clients access to a range of preferred product through PHT’s membership of Helloworld, Cruiseco and Ensemble Travel Group.

“Since we opened in 1990 we’ve become the travel agency of choice for South Australians,” said CEO of PHT, Peter Williams.

“We now want to offer our personalised service to travellers across Australia. While we will continue to invest in our bricks and mortar branches in the future, we must also evolve to ensure we service all our clients’ needs no matter where they live,” he said.

The development of the new Phil Hoffmann Mobile Travel brand has been led by General Manager, Michelle Ashcroft, who said “we bring to the market the experience, knowledge and security of Australia’s largest and most awarded independent travel agency along with the benefits of our memberships, strong supplier relationships, buying power and exclusive products”.

Webjet card innovation Webjet has unveiled a new ‘Rezpayments’ platform, developed in-house to facilitate the PCI-compliant handling of credit cards between various parties in the payment chain. The system allows an industry supplier or intermediary to easily implement a solution that captures the customer’s credit card data and directs it to Rezpayments where it is exchanged for a token, with the token stored in the user’s systems rather than the actual credit card information.

When the card is to be charged or used for other purposes such as fraud checking or to guarantee a car or hotel booking, the message is routed through Rezpayments and the token exchanged for the credit card number where it can be utilised as required. The customer’s credit card data never touches the client environment, so users do not have to seek their own Attestation of PCI Compliance. Rezpayments is now live in the Webjet online travel agency operation.

As one of Australia’s largest travel and hospitality recruitment specialists, one of the biggest challenges we see our clients facing right now is attracting and retaining quality staff. This is due to the fact that other industries such as finance and real estate have are actively poaching our best staff, offering higher salaries, better perks and training.

Which brings us to the question, whether you are a smaller independent agency or a large global TMC, how do you find and keep your most valuable assets – your employees?

Tip 1: Understand what perks your staff want and how they want them delivered.

Seek.com has recently conducted a study of over 2,000 Australians asking them to rate their most wanted work perks and the results may be surprising. The number one work perk that Australians want is the ability to choose their working hours. Getting time back for additional hours worked is the second most in-demand employee benefit. Being given the option to work from home comes in at number three for most wanted work perks. The fourth most appealing benefit that businesses can offer is health insurance cover. Providing subsidised education, training, or personal development courses is the fifth most wanted work perk in Australia.

The simplest way to find out what benefits and perks your staff want is to ask them. For example a new parent may value flexibility as their number one perk whereas a younger staff member may want further training like educational travel famils.

The next step is to devise a strategy on how the business can provide them. Many successful companies have actually incorporated certain perks as performance incentives. This has increased staff engagement and retention.

Tip 2: When hiring, remember to promote yourself and your company Applicants you meet during the interview process may not be aware of how fantastic your company is to work for. During the interview don’t forget to promote all the benefits and perks the company provides. You may also introduce them to staff who enjoy and excel in your workplace as studies have shown applicants tend to believe their peers more than the hiring manager.

Tip 3: Review perks and benefits on an annual basis As part of your annual staff review, look over the perks and benefits on offer. Employees’ circumstances change and therefore what they see as a perk or benefit will also change.

Keeping in touch with what they value can help with retention. n For more information and advice feel free to contact the professional team at AA Appointments.

travelBulletin July 2019

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business events news

F

ree from the stresses and strains of the city, the Hunter Valley offers event organisers a range of options for hosting events from small business gatherings to large-scale conferences.

Just a two hour drive from Sydney and less than 50 minutes from Newcastle Airport, the Hunter Valley provides a blend of distance and accessibility that makes it an ideal location for business events.

The Hunter offers a broad selection of experiences that can be paired with a diverse range of accommodation and venues, with premium resorts to intimate hotels and boutique guesthouses.

©Tourism Australia

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Head to the Hunter 20

travelBulletin July 2019

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is the home of the Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre, the region’s largest, boasting 4,600m2 of events space and a capacity for 1,675 delegates.

The resort has the flexibility to cater for a variety of events from large-scale conferences to small meetings, with 20 events spaces and 14 meeting rooms, and a range of accommodation options from deluxe hotel rooms and villas to the heritage-listed Glenmore House.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Area General Manager Lachlan Walker said the venue aimed to let businesses “escape hustle without the hassle”.

“We believe our perfect distance, worldclass wineries and gourmet produce can stimulate better thinking, eliminate distraction and immerse people with inspiring experiences to contribute and gain more with their attendance,” he said.

The resort partners with a number of event specialists, including Scene Change, which equips the centre with state-of-the-art technology and Pinnacle Team Events, which offers conference organisers the option to run professional and fun experiential learning events.

Event planners can also use the resort’s partnership with Vineyard Shuttle to arrange airport transfers from Sydney and Newcastle, or to and from restaurants and vineyards throughout the region.

Within the resort, Hunter Valley Golf provides an 18-hole championship course set amongst the vineyards, offering conference delegates the opportunity to unwind, while getting the chance to network.

Event organisers looking to host their

©Tourism Australia

business e

meeting or conference at the Crowne Plaza before 31 August, can secure the Winter Day Delegate Package for $80 per person.

Estate Tuscany Estate Tuscany, previously known as The Tuscany Wine Estate Resort, offers organisers a tranquil establishment to stimulate creativity and innovation.

The resort has a number of function rooms for events from conferences to workshops or private business meetings, with a total capacity for 300 people.

With an on-site cookery school, groups of 10 or more conference delegates can take part in one or three-hour cooking challenges designed to build teamwork skills, cooperation and leadership, while getting hands-on experience in the kitchen with the resort’s Executive Chef.

Alternatively, groups can take on the Wine Olympics, which takes delegates on a series of wine-based challenges, including grape stomping, wine spitting, cork popping, a waiter relay and an array of other wineryrelated activities.

The boutique venue features 38 rooms

offering accommodation for a maximum of 76 guests.

Chateau Elan Chateau Elan at The Vintage Golf Club offers another high-quality events centre, with a variety of meeting rooms available for event organisers to choose from.

The venue offers a range of accommodations options from studio villas to one- and two-bedroom apartments.

A dedicated Golf Group Coordinator can help preparations for corporate golf days.

EXPERIENCE AUSTRALIA’S ICONIC WINE REGION AT THE CROWNE PLAZA HUNTER VALLEY.

PREMIER RESORT ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES FOR THE MODERN BUSINESS TRAVELLER. • Redsalt Restaurant • The Lovedale Bar • Vista Lounge • Fully equipped gym • Ubika Day Spa • Hunter Valley Golf • Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre •

BOOK YOUR HUNTER VALLEY ESCAPE NOW visit crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au or call 02 4991 0000

business events news

SKYE Suites Green Square draws closer

Crown Group has unveiled its interior designs for the plush new hotel rooms and lobbies of SKYE Suites Green Square, set to open late this year.

It will be the third luxury serviced apartment hotel operating under the SKYE Suites brand, following the opening of SKYE Suites at Arc on Clarence Street last October and SKYE Suites Parramatta in 2017.

The new hotel is part of the 20-storey $575 million Infinity by Crown Group development in Green Square. With its unique shape, it is quickly becoming the centrepiece in location’s $13 billion revival and is likely to be popular with event organisers due to its proximity to Crown Group’s Infinity Convention Centre, which is also due to open later this year.

The completed accommodation will feature 90 one- and twobedroom and studio apartments, all fit with keyless entry, smart mattresses, virtual concierge tablets, a complimentary mini-bar, Kevin Murphy toiletries and a STAYCAST streaming entertainment system.

The hotel is one step closer to completion with the designs of the interiors done by world renowned CHADA. The furnishings of the rooms and lobbies have been inspired by the flowing, organic beauty of the buildings form, according to the designer, and will feature rich textured furnishings in a palette of navy, indigo, charcoal and oatmeal with accents of polished brass.

The area surrounding the hotel includes a 1,180m2 central landscaped plaza and lifestyle precinct, offering 20 stores, restaurants, a public library, a medical centre and cafes, for use by guests and the permanent residents who will occupy the 326 luxury residential apartments that are part of the Infinity development.

Crown Group’s Director of Hotels and Suites, Wayne Taranto spoke of the elegance and style that the company is aiming to offer guests and residents at the development as they live and work in Green Square’s flagship enclave.

“This will be a really immersive escape from Sydney life, but with absolutely everything you need on the doorstep, an eat street packed with restaurants, cafes and wine bars at ground level, supermarkets and a medical centre, all next to the train station.”

ICC Sydney launches new campaign International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has launched a new multi-platform marketing campaign at international business events trade show IMEX Frankfurt.

The campaign is titled ‘More Than a Venue’, however ICC Sydney is aiming for far more than a tagline.

The campaign promises ICC will deliver a world class Sydney experience, from its ‘Legacy Program’, designed to “provide clients with a platform to give back, while enriching delegate engagement”, to its ‘Feeding Your Performance’ culinary philosophy, and its “commitment to

22

travelBulletin July 2019

reach into the creative, education and innovation hubs of the city.”

Anchored by a video, the campaign tracks a day in the life of a delegate, an external event planner and an ICC chef, intersecting why the convention centre is ‘More Than a Venue’.

Designed to set ICC out from the crowd, the campaign also reflects the venue’s growth since opening two years ago, and highlights its combination of people, services, partners and features.

“We launched this campaign to shine a light on the stories and people that help drive success at ICC Sydney each day,”

said Geoff Donaghy, ICC CEO. ”It uncovers the unexpected, the undiscovered, and the unique ways in which our people and our place offer so much ‘More Than a Venue’ for our clients and their delegates.”

As part of the campaign, ICC Sydney has also updated its self-published magazine, called Sydney InView, moving to an annual collectible format. The publication will be available in print, with content also posted online through the venue’s ongoing digital strategy. The most recent edition shines a light on the people behind ICC Sydney and its stories.

MORE THAN A V EN U E Create a premium fine dining experience on Sydney

harbour, enjoying some of Australia’s finest seasonal produce, sourced directly from local farmers.

Choose to host your next event at ICC Sydney. sales@iccsydney.com | +61 2 9215 7100 | iccsydney.com

business events news Sunshine Coast CC opens Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones believes the 3,300m2 Sunshine Coast Convention Centre will be a “gamechanger” for the region.

Officially opening the centre at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort last month, Jones said it will provide a host of new opportunities for the area.

“This centre has enough capacity to house 200 trade stands at once. It will be instrumental in securing events the Sunshine Coast has never been able to host in the past,” she said.

“With the expansion of the Sunshine Coast airport and millions of dollars in new tourism infrastructure developments underway, the local tourism industry is booming.”

MCB lands $500m in events Business events are Victoria’s highest yielding sector in the state’s visitor economy, Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has revealed.

MCB announced it has secured more than $500 million in business events for the state this financial year, while delivering 6,000 jobs.

Working with Visit Victoria, MCB has secured a number of international business events, including the 2023 Rotary International Conference, which is expected to be the most valuable conference to be held in the state, attracting 20,000 Rotary members from 200 countries to the city, and injecting $110 million into the local economy.

Hyatt Regency Syd still top Sydney’s Hyatt Regency has retained its status as the Asia Pacific’s top-ranked meeting destination in the 2019 Cvent Top Meeting Hotels List.

The Australian hotel held off competition from the Grand Hyatt Hotels in Singapore, Seoul and Hong Kong, and the Pan Pacific Singapore to retain the top spot on the list compiled by the events technology provider.

A further 12 Australian venues made the list.

Cvent Australia Director of Sales Chela Evans said the results illustrate the key role Australian hotels play in attracting business events and supporting tourism growth in the region.

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travelBulletin July 2019

BES view

Lyn Lewis-Smith, chief executive officer Business Events Sydney

Embracing Asia incentive market Australia’s ties with Asia – thanks to visit was a great example of how Sydney close geography and our cultural links can put on a show for the most-discerning – can be both an advantage as well as corporate incentive clients. A mix of travel a disadvantage in our hotly competitive agents and media from China, India, business. Familiarity too often breeds Japan and Taiwan, were wowed with a complacency. It’s so important to know Twilight BridgeClimb with a Vivid Sydney your customer; to show you understand backdrop, Sydney’s foreshores by Harley, how rapidly their world is changing as well a private performance and tour of the as their broader geopolitical environment.

Sydney Opera House and beach fun with It’s important to understand their office Bondi Rescue lifeguards all before visiting work culture – so different in every part of Port Stephens and Glenworth Valley to Asia – and adapt your get up close and personal approaches to meet with native Aussie flora their needs accordingly. and fauna. It was a five-day Show you understand extravaganza full of activityThe Asia incentive market is a fast-growing hopping, selfie-taking and how rapidly their part of our business – a rapport-building, and it world is changing momentum we have ended in a spectacular built over the last 15 finale at Sydney Harbour’s as well as their years. We took the broader geopolitical Goat Island. first-mover advantage, BESydney has stayed environment opening offices on the ahead over the past 50 ground starting with years by continuously Hong Kong in 2004, learning and adapting to and now operating out of Shanghai and our clients’ needs, working closely with Singapore. Today, incentive gatherings and our partners who never cease to amaze corporate meetings from Asia constitute us with the clever ways they adjust their over 50% of the business BESydney product to surprise and delight: NSW secures annually, with Greater China, India National Parks, including the New South and Japan as major contributors.

Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, However, the most eye-opening Qantas, Luna Park Venues, International experience is when our clients come to Convention Centre Sydney, BridgeClimb us. Nothing beats first-hand experience Sydney, InterContinental Sydney, Hyatt – and the benefits flow both ways Regency and Encore Event Technologies. (satisfying the visiting client, and In light of our 50th year, we are looking amplifying the destination’s reputation). to grow our business even further by Then, there’s the bonus word-of-mouth organising a series of activities that will endorsement back home if you’ve blown help us remain ahead. Next up, we are it out of the park, or feedback on what hosting in-market events in China, India needs to be refined. and Japan to gather intel and adapt our Our most-recent Asia familiarisation customer experience.

“ ”

business events news 28 May Sunshine Coast CC opens 04 Jun Hyatt Regency Syd tops APAC 04 Jun NZ world class for events

Headlines May and June 2019 11 Jun MCB secures events for Vic 11 Jun Tech zone at IBTM 18 Jun “A Career for Life” phase 2

Cruise

The full spectrum

L

ast month saw the launch of Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) newest member of the fleet – the all new Quantum Ultra Class, Spectrum of the Seas. The ship has been designed specifically for the Asian market and will be homeported out of Shanghai for most of the year with a stint out of Hong Kong.

Itineraries will be shorter with 3, 5 and 7 day voyages on offer, visiting Korea and Japan.

RCI sees China as a huge market with untapped potential, with only 1% of Chinese having ever cruised. The addition of Spectrum out of Asia gives added capacity for the region. travelBulletin was lucky enough to was lucky enough to be on board for the inaugural sailing official naming ceremony with travel agent partners from around the world.

The Ultra version of the Quantum class sees quite a few changes specifically for the Asian market. The introduction of the “Suite Club” is one of the many great new features.

This private enclave on the ship offers a variety of exclusive suites in either the Silver or Gold category. There are separate Silver and Gold dining rooms and lounge areas along with a completely private pool and outdoor area called ‘The Balcony’ for suite club guests only. For the extended family the Ultimate Family suite accommodates up to 11 guests. The two-storey suite includes a slippery slide, private cinema and jacuzzi on a massive private balcony. The Loft suites extend over two levels with dining and living areas as well as a large private balcony.

As for entertainment and activities RCI have gone all out. As with other Quantum class ships there is the FlowRider, Northstar

Family Suite

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travelBulletin July 2019

and RipCord by iFly (skydiving simulator) as well as the Seaplex area. This area includes arcade games, a full size basketball court which is used for bumper cars or laser tag at various times of the day. But what is really new is the Sky Pad – a bungee trampoline experience where uses wear virtual reality headsets to have a virtual adventure.

The entertainment program is comprehensive with great new shows which have plenty of wow factor in the costumes and special effects. Silk Road showcases the famous trade route with dance and music from the different cultures along this ancient road and was created just for Spectrum. Also only on the ship is Star Moment karaoke lounge for all those aspiring singers!

Many changes have also been made to the dining options, with a greater focus

Virtual reality bungee jumping

on Asian cuisine. Spectrum sees the introduction of specialty restaurants Sichuan Red – offering a Sichuan feast, Wonderland

by DaDong, The Hot Pot, Izumi Japanese and Teppanyaki, alongside favourites Jamie’s Italian and Chops Grille. There is also a new café – Leaf and Bean, offering a variety of teas.

The ship also has all the other great RCI features – pools indoor and outdoor, kids waterpark play area, several bars including the Bionic Bar, Body and Mind Spa and fitness centre, rock climbing, retail outlets and a casino. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

Although primarily catering for the Asian market, with capacity for over 4,500 guests, the appeal for Australian travellers is likely be as part of a package tour to mainland China.

Loft Suite

Sichuan Red restaurant

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Cruise Venice cruise ban?

When MSC Opera collided with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s River Countess in Venice following a mechanical failure last month, it prompted renewed discussions about whether large cruise vessels should be allowed to access the city via the Giudecca Canal.

Italy’s Minister of the Environment Sergio Costa took to social media in the aftermath of the accident, calling for a ban on cruise ships on the waterway.

Cruise Lines International Association’s Chairman Adam Goldstein welcomed the calls, stating “The cruise industry has worked diligently with the Mayor of Venice…to allow larger cruise ships to access the Marittima berths without transiting the Giudecca Canal”.

Trump quits Cuba The cruise industry was thrown into a state of flux after the Trump Administration made a snap decision to revise its travel regulations to Cuba by eliminating the “group people-to-people” educational travel category which allowed cruise lines to visit the Caribbean nation.

Brands were forced to scramble and immediately change their itineraries to find alternative destinations in the region such as Mexico and The Cayman Islands.

The tourism sanctions were motivated by what the US Government claims is Cuba playing a “destabilising role in the Western Hemisphere”.

Ponant’s eco pledge French cruise operator Ponant recently launched the Ponant Foundation, a program designed to further support the research and conservation of marine ecosystems.

“Well aware of the challenge and the scale of the task, we remain true to our belief as sailors eager to share our passion for the oceans,” said Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, CEO of Ponant and member of the Board of Directors of the Ponant Foundation.

One of the first projects taken on by the program is the Aladabra Clean Up, which works to preserve the Aladabra Atoll in the Seychelles.

Ponant scored the award for “Best sustainable travel or tourism initiative – ocean or ocean-based cruise operator” at the inaugural Travel Daily Travel & Tourism Sustainability Awards this year.

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CLIA view Joel Katz, Managing Director CLIA Australasia

Backing environmental initiatives At a time when consumer consciousness is putting more and more focus on the environment, it’s important that we know the facts behind some of the key issues.

Not only do we need to make meaningful advances on environmental initiatives, we also need to make sure we’re good at communicating our efforts to the wider community.

For the cruise industry, this is especially important. The high visibility of cruise ships has made them a target for criticism, despite the fact cruising represents only 2% of world tourism and 1% of world shipping. Our industry is taking real and important steps towards reducing its impact in a whole range of areas, so our challenge is to become better at both advancing our initiatives and making them known to the wider community.

Just over six months ago, CLIA announced a historic global cruise industry commitment to reduce the rate of carbon emissions across the industry fleet by 40% by 2030. This reduction will be made possible by advances in ship design and propulsion, including measures such as ships powered by liquid natural gas (LNG), which results is significantly fewer emissions than conventional marine fuels.

Worldwide, cruise lines are investing more than US$8 billion in alternative fuels like LNG. The world’s first LNGpowered ship, AIDAnova, was launched

by Aida Cruises in December and is now sailing in Europe, and more than one-third of all new ships being built worldwide will use LNG as their primary propulsion fuel

– 25 ships in total.

Other emissions initiatives include exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) that reduce the sulphur and particulate matter in ships’ exhaust.

Currently 111 cruise ships, with a capacity of more than 305,000 passengers, have been fitted with EGCS. Twelve additional ships are currently being retrofitted with EGCS, 30 more are scheduled to be retrofitted, and 27 new ships, with a capacity of nearly 100,000 passengers, will be built with EGCS. As part of our environmental measures, CLIA plans to enlist the voices of its supporters in the wider cruise community to help share the word on what’s being achieved and inspire further action. For our partners in the travel agency community, this means ensuring the facts are at hand whenever clients’ ask about the environmental issues that concern them.

To do this, CLIA Australasia has added a Sustainability section to its website, with fact sheets, downloads, videos and other information on issues ranging from emissions to recycling and wastewater treatment. For example, did you know cruise ships recycle 60% more waste per person than the average person does on land? There’s a video to explain how cruise lines reduce and manage waste.

We’ll add to these resources over time, to show that not only is the cruise industry taking a responsible approach, it’s also making real and demonstrable improvements.

Visit www.cruising.org.au/Regulatory/ Sustainability for more details.

Headlines May & June 2019 27 May Dream Cruises plots global growth 31 May NCL sees no go slow with ScoMo 31 May Carnival eyes growth surge 03 Jun MSC crash sparks Venice ban talk 03 Jun Ritz-Carlton asks for seconds 05 Jun CLIA welcomes push for alt canal

07 Jun 12 Jun 14 Jun 14 Jun 17 Jun 19 Jun

Trump calls time on Cuba cruising Ponant sustainability foundation CMV highlights dom itineraries Scenic Eclipse sea trials Managing cruise dreams carefully Carnival sustainability report

CMV marks bumper Aussie season Cruise & Martime Voyages (CMV) is set to showcase the best of Australia when its ship, Vasca da Gama, arrives down under for its second season in 2020/21.

The vessel, which will homeport out of Adelaide, is set to call in at a series of new ports including Darwin and Port Arthur, with a scheduled arrival in Geelong a first for the cruise line.

Highlights in the new season include a 14-night trip along the north-west coast of Australia from Fremantle to Singapore, stopping in at Geraldton, Broome, Darwin, Bali and Java, as well as a Sydney to Adelaide cruise that calls in at Melbourne.

Back by popular demand is the 10-night roundtrip Christmas Cruise from Adelaide, visiting Geelong, Port Arthur, Hobart and Burnie as well as taking in the food and wine regions of Tasmania and the wonders of the Great Ocean Road.

“Since Cruise & Maritime Voyages arrived in the Australian market, we have seen a lot of interest in domestic cruising from travellers and agents alike,” said Darren Chigwedden, National Sales Manager for Australia and NZ. “We are really shining the light on domestic cruising in our new season.”

For more information on CMV’s Australian journeys, visit cmvaustralia.com.

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All information herein correct is at time of print, capacity controlled & subject to change at any time without notice.

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Airline conditions apply. Visit our website for full TCs.

The green pioneer is here Hurtigruten launches the world’s first hybrid powered purpose built expedition ship this month and this will set a new benchmark in expedition cruising. Ms Roald Amundsen will sail the world from the Arctic, Norway, Greenland, Iceland and Alaska to spectacular Antarctica.

This is not just a new ship; this is a game changer in premium expedition cruising with lower emissions delivered by ship design, low emission engines, battery power and radical green technology focused on sustainability at its core. And it is the fruition of a dream from 1882.

“In my imagination, I created an electric ship that could break through all kinds of ice, that nice and elegantly, fearful and irresistible, could sail through the Arctic oceans, straight to the Pole.”

Roald Amundsen, age of 10, in 1882

The ship is not only the most innovative expedition ship in the world focused on leaving a footprint we can be proud of it is a ship that leads in sustainability. While some cruise companies still commit environmental crimes and cover ups; This is a ship and company will set the new standard where environmental responsibility is taken seriously.

Safe and Sustainable Building on 125 years of exploration experience, we know how to take care of you and, at the same time, the wildlife habitats and remote communities you’ll visit with us. Hurtigruten commits to protecting the environment.

sophisticated battery systems and other innovative green tech solutions will substantially reduce fuel consumption and emissions. MS Roald Amundsen is the first of these pioneering ships set to revolutionise ocean exploration for the better.

Your Expedition Team For an extraordinary expedition experience, you need extraordinary expertise. Your Expedition Team is composed of modern-day explorers and top-tier lecturers from around the world. Dedicated to keeping every expedition cruise safe and sustainable.

Exciting Destinations

A Heritage of Adventure We have been at the forefront of maritime exploration since 1893, pushing boundaries and journeying to new horizons from pole to pole.

This history is proudly embedded in the DNA of all our expedition cruises today.

Authentic to the Core The essence of a Hurtigruten expedition cruise is pure, unfiltered exploration. We immerse you in nature at its rawest, bring you up close to rare wildlife, and into the lives of real local people.

Expect insights, inspiration, and appreciation for our planet in all its glory.

MS Roald Amundsen embarks on immersive expeditions across the globe, from the far Arctic reaches of the Northwest Passage down to the populous penguin colonies in Antarctica.

Modern Cuisine Aboard MS Roald Amundsen, you will enjoy a choice of three exquisite dining concepts; bountiful buffets as standard, a selection of international fare, or sumptuous five-course meals of the finest Scandinavian flavours. Crafted by our skilful chefs, each dish is beautifully presented, a delight for your eyes and your palate.

Technology for the Future Hurtigruten has invested in state-of-the-art hybrid engines to power greener expedition vessels. Designed in partnership with Rolls Royce, the

go to www.hurtigruten.com.au/newsletter to learn more

Western Europe

Place Bossuet ©Roxanne Gauthier

Rue de Dijon ©Roxanne Gauthier

Burgundy

A feast for the mind and the belly If you’ve ever wanted to step into a working time machine in the hope of exploring a bygone era, a visit to Burgundy, France, is about as close as you’re going to get, writes Bonnie van Dorp.

B

urgundy’s capital, Dijon, invites the curious -- but not those who are in a hurry.

There are treasures to discover here, but you should amble at a leisurely pace with the locals so as to not miss a thing.

My first stop is Palais de Ducs, or the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, which is situated right in the heart of the city.

Comprised of multiple buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, the preserved palace is very much the pièce de résistance of the historic quarter. For those looking to walk off a few croissants, a climb up to the 46m terrace tower comes highly recommended.

The tower was erected under the rule of Philippe le Bon in the 15th century, and at the top, gorgeous views await.

After the palace, I continued along my way with my guide in tow. Our next stop is the 32

travelBulletin July 2019

famous Church of Notre Dame in Dijon. On the path, I notice a number of markers in the shape of small brass owls. My guide Carmen explains that the owl is the unofficial symbol of the city and each of the markers -- 22 in total -- lead tourists around a 3km loop to a historic monument of note.

The final marker can be found in front of the Church of Notre Dame. Not that it’s hard to miss. Fifty-one gargoyles are perched on the church’s facade, representing different monsters, animals and people. There’s a lot of detail to drink in.

I’m led around to the north side of the chapel, and there, carved into an unremarkable corner is a small stone owl. The owl mysteriously appeared one day several centuries after Notre Dame was erected.

Legend says that if you rub the owl with your left hand and make a wish, the owl will grant it.

Once the evening set in, I departed on foot to Loiseau de Ducs. The one Michelin star bistro is housed in a 16th-century building; its interiors modern and inviting. 35 year-old chef, Louis-Phillippe Vigilant, heads the kitchen here along with pastry chef (and fiancee) Lucille Darosey, who is an expert at working with chocolate.

Together, they designed a degustation with

locally-sourced ingredients for me to enjoy.

Each dish was balanced and paired perfectly with a regional wine. The most memorable course was the perfect organic egg with creamy Jerusalem artichoke and black truffle.

I left the restaurant with a happy heart and a full belly.

I walked back to my hotel, Maison Philippe le Bon, which blends right into the UNESCO heritage listed town. The property was formerly owned by a relative of King Louis XI in 1490. Today, it encompasses three private hotels, with an original Gothic courtyard serving as its magnificent centrepiece. I stayed in the tower suite, which overlooks the courtyard and is located in the oldest quarter of the property. The room is cosy and it doesn’t take long for me to drift off to sleep.

In the morning, I head off to sample another Dijon specialty – gingerbread. The House of Mulot and Petitjean is about a 10-minute drive from my hotel, and I am told that their gingerbread is renowned in the region.

Despite its name, Mulot and Petitjean’s gingerbread recipe -- which has remained unchanged since 1796 -- doesn’t actually contain any ginger. Instead, the secret ingredient is honey. There’s an excellent museum on site where visitors can learn

Western Europe

Hôtel Dieu

Montagne de Corton ©M.Joly

Cour du XVIème Siecle

Loiseau des Vignes

more about the history of the company and how they came to perfect the local delicacy.

Beauty in Beaune After a 20-minute train journey, I arrive in beautiful Beaune, a region famous for its wine. There to greet me at the station was a tall gentleman in a tailored suit by the name of Monsieur Jean Claude Bernard; the proud owner of the Hotel Le Cep. Hotel Le Cep is the pinnacle of luxury.

The 64-room hotel is comprised of several interconnected historic mansions boasting a bygone opulence, complete with priceless relics. In the courtyard, Monsieur Bernard shows me examples of sacred geometry

uncovered during an expansion, and I am told an alchemist used to call the property home.

There’s a lot to do at Hotel Le Cep. It’s a destination in itself. Unwind at the awardwinning spa on site, Spa Marie de Bourgogne, or perhaps indulge in a gastronomic experience at Michelin-star restaurant Loiseau des Vignes.

For wine enthusiasts, Hotel Le Cep also has a cellar with a prized vintage collection.

Just around the corner from the hotel is the crown jewel of the city, Hospices de Beaune.

Founded in 1443 by a wealthy chancellor, the hospital provided much needed medical treatments for the poor. It continued to serve the community until the late 1970s. Today it is a museum, with its chapel, apothecary and wards preserved for the public to discover.

Collégiale Notre-Dame

Chambre

The medieval hospital also hosts perhaps the most famous charity wine auction in the world, Les Trois Glorieuses, which is held annually in November. All the proceeds from the auction go into funding the modern facility which is located on the outskirts of Beaune.

The bidding can get heated. Last year alone, a single barrel of Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru sold for AU$220,000.

If you took away the historical monuments, the medieval castles and the art – Burgundy’s thriving gastronomy scene is reason enough to visit. The Burgundian passion for food and wine is near impossible to escape. And why would you want to? My advice: Give in, arrive hungry, and bring a pair of stretchy pants to wear on your way out. travelBulletin July 2019

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Western Europe

Green and glam go hand in hand At a time when global consciousness is engaging with sustainable tourism, Monaco is making sure it continues to do what it does best – the glitz and glamour of European high-life – while leading from the front in its commitment to reducing its global footprint.

With the threat of over-tourism looming large around the world, particularly in high-density destinations, the Monaco Convention Bureau has launched a new digital campaign and several initiatives surrounding responsible tourism. The goal of “green is the new glam”, spurred

by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, is to be carbon-neutral by 2050.

The microstate’s minute size does not make the challenge of eco-friendliness any easier. One of the country’s crowning jewels, the Monaco Grand Prix, is not what most would describe

as a typically “green” pursuit. What is, however, is the bi-annual EPrix – one of the stops on the Formula E tour, the only 100% electric international motorsport championship. The city-state has even committed to all public vehicles – bikes, cars, even boats – being either electric, hybrid or biofuel.

While all hotels are already ecocertified, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort has also managed a 30% reduction in energy expenditure in the past eight years. For local businesses who may not have quite the same capital to champion sustainable initiatives, “mission for energy transition” grants have been set up.

Monaco is demonstrating their mantras are not a sacrifice, but proof that a destination of international stature can be committed to both glitz and green.

Remembering Leonardo da Vinci This year marks the 500th year since the death of Leonardo da Vinci, and Italy is celebrating its national hero with a multitude of dedications to the man’s genius.

“Leonardo and Perpetual Motion” will be at the Galileo Museum in Florence from October to January next year, highlighting da Vinci’s studies on the topic, in which he demonstrated the impossibility of achieving perpetual motion through any man-made construction.

In Milan, the Biblioteca Ambrosiana holds the famous Codex Atlanticus, the largest collection of da Vinci’s writings, drawings and notes and from now until 15 September “Drawings from the French from the Codex Atlanticus” will be on display, while from 17 September to 12 January 2020, the exhibition will change to “Leonardo and his Influence: The Artists and the Techniques”.

Running all the way from now until 12 January 2020, da Vinci’s Salle delle Asse becomes visible to the public once again, with visitors able to lay eyes on the monochrome and preparatory wall drawings via a walkway at Sforza Castle, Milan. Another of Leonardo’s works, The Luck of the Scapigliata, is on display at the National Gallery of Parma until 12 August. Shrouded in mystery, this display of masterpiece is one of many tributes in 2019 to one of history’s most important geniuses on the quincentenary of his passing.

Biblioteca Ambrosiana

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Western Europe

French renewal for Avalon Waterways

Normandy ©Avalon Waterways

The 75th anniversary of D-Day has reinvigorated Australia’s passion for exploring the full cultural contributions of France, with some of the country’s richest offerings, including cuisine and history, highlighted in travel itineraries across the next 18 months.

New for 2020 is a suite of culinary tours from Avalon Waterways, inviting travellers to enjoy the land’s haute cuisine. Three distinct new trips launch in the new year: the Burgundy and Provence itinerary, Grand France trip and the Rhine and Rhone Revealed cruise, which also ventures into Germany.

Also new is Avalon’s Reflection on the Seine for Photography Enthusiasts, led by Brenda Tharp, author of Extraordinary Everyday Photography. The voyage leads aspiring shutterbugs on a tour of the Seine’s iconic riverside landscapes and monuments while they learn

from a seasoned photographer. Travellers will sail through Paris, Le Havre, Giverny, Rouen, Auvers-sur-Oise, Chateau de Malmaison, and the World War II landing beaches in Normandy.

River cruising through the country has come even further into vogue, with visitors coming from across the globe to experience World War I and II history at sites such as Normandy, making for memorable voyages to the significant landmarks on offer up and down the rivers of Western Europe.

Avalon will debut two new cruises, Tulip Time in Holland & Belgium, and Grand Tulip Time, both inspired by the history of the world wars.

With multiple different itineraries launching across a host of different interests and passions, France holds captivation for every kind of traveller, and the 2019-20 season is the perfect time to discover the culture and history the country has to offer.

Belgium appeals to Aussies Belgium is high on the list of many Australians year-round, from the country’s picturesque and laid-back cities such as Bruges and Antwerp. However, with the 75th anniversary of D-Day celebrated in 2019, the European hotspot will be in high demand.

The country is highlighting Flanders as a must-see destination, with the main port of call being Flanders Fields, the site of major conflicts during World War I, such as the Battles of Ypres and the Battle of Passchendaele.

Alongside the Fields, Belgium is also promoting other heritage sites, breweries, and Flemish Masters arts exhibitions for a well-rounded trip, showing another side to the region so often associated with war and tragedy. © Visit Flanders

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Evergreen Cruises & Tours has released its Canada & Alaska 2020 brochure, with an emphasis on wilderness and wildlife, including a partnership with Canadian naturalist Don Enright on the company’s new 21-day Natural Wonders of the Rockies departure. The tour takes in British Columbia and Alberta and includes once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as Breakfast with the Bears. Evergreen is also debuting a new 14-day Rockies Highlights tour in 2020.

Adventure World Travel has released its new 2020 Winter brochure, featuring four new trips to Canada, Norway, Italy and Slovakia. Guests on these itineraries are in for experiences such as a selection of new lodge stays in the wilderness of the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Alaska, views of aurora borealis in Norway, Martedi Grasso during Venice Carnival in Italy and family activities such as snow-tubing, night-sledding and snowshoeing in Slovakia.

A&K’s 2020 Small Group Journey portfolio is out, taking voyagers on the road less-travelled for unique, meticulously planned journeys into hard-to-reach locations. New journeys feature destinations such as Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Inda, Nepal, South Korea, Taiwan, Argentina, Brazil, Turkey and Malta, and the highlight – a 23-day journey from “the Cape” to Cairo.

Collette has launched its 2020 preview brochure, featuring the return of its best-sellers, such as America’s Music Cities and Cultural Treasures of Japan, as well as exciting new releases, including Imperial Russia and Croatia and its Islands. The company is also featuring nine different Small Group itineraries to Europe, Africa, India and South & Central America.

Celebrity Cruises has released its 2019-21 local brochure, highlighting the 2020 Summer season, in which two Solstice class ships will call Australia and New Zealand home.

Fresh off a multi-million dollar transformation, Celebrity Eclipse will sail out of Melbourne, while sister ship Celebrity Solstice will sail from Sydney. Highlights include round-trip sailings to New Zealand, overnight stays in Cairns, sailings from Auckland to Fiji and a Wine Lover cruise to South Australia.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has released its 2019/20 Galapagos brochure, exploring Peru, the Tropical Andes, Colonial Quito, and the titular Islands. This year celebrates the 60th anniversary of Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation. Guests travelling on the 4 and 11 October departures will enjoy the expertise of humans origins scholar Dr. Donald Johnson, best known for his 1974 discovery of the 3.2 million-year-old skeleton known as “Lucy”.

MSC Cruises’ 2019/20/21 brochure features 225 itineraries to more than 210 destinations in 83 countries. Highlights of the program include MSC Lirica making her East Mediterranean debut, visiting Trieste and Syracuse in Italy, while MSC Virtuosa will join the fleet from 2020, sailing the West Mediterranean and visiting Genoa, Civitavecchia and Palermo in Italy, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France.

Albatross Tours has revealed its 2020 Europe and Small Group Tour dates with a range of unique trips featuring fewer kilometres travelled per day and longer stays in each destination. New for 2020 is the 10-day Belgium & Holland, Cobblestones and Windmills tour as well as the 11-day Rhine Castles, Moselle Vineyards & Ancient Cologne itinerary which includes the chance to see Andre Rieu in concert in his home town of Maastricht on July departures.

travelBulletin July 2019

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South Africa

The best of

South Africa

With a nation as varied as South Africa, Craig Tansley unpacks the best way to experience it all in the ultimate 14-day itinerary.

N

ational parks full of wild animals, thousands of kilometres of empty beaches and bays fringed by coastal mountains; next add in some of the most cosmopolitan and bustling cities on Earth and you’ll see why South Africa is considered one of the most diverse travel destinations in the world. Here’s your guide to making the most of it.

Day 1-4… Kruger National Park (and Surrounds)

Leap right into the African wilderness – you’ll arrive in Johannesburg, then take a short flight to Kruger National Park (fly to Nelspruit).

No wildlife park in Africa has quite the density and diversity of animals as Kruger: you’ll see the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhino), plus 137 other mammals and over 500 species of birds, spread

Cape Town © South Africa Tourism 38

travelBulletin July 2019

across rugged bushland under the Lebombo Mountains. There’s 20,000km2 of wilderness here, home to all types of safari camps – from basic tented affairs to Africa’s fanciest safari lodges. There’s also archaeological sites tracing mankind back to the Stone Age. You can take safari drives and game walking expeditions across trails which criss-cross the wilderness. Though if you’re looking for a more intimate experience, consider a private game sanctuary close by, such as Camp Jabulani, which is just 70km away (fly to Hoedspruit). There you’re one of 12 guests on a 13,000 hectare private reserve with its own Wildlife Conservation Centre, and you’ll sleep amongst orphaned elephants.

Day 4-8… Cape Town (and Surrounds)

Fly direct from Nelspruit. Cape Town is one of the world’s great cities – home to South Africa’s best bars, hotels, restaurants and cafes; all set around a spectacularly rugged coastline (whose every beach is lined with

surfers riding waves) and the world-renowned Table Mountain – a flat-topped peak which dwarfs the city. Watch seals swim from your harbour-side hotel, then ‘do’ lunch at a chic beach club in the city’s well-heeled western suburbs. There’s much to do in the city itself, but any visit to Cape Town must include short drives out of the city to its surrounding attractions. Cape Town sits on a 300km stretch of coast called the Garden Route (it’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), follow it 50km south to the Cape Of Good Hope, to hike to deserted beaches amongst baboons and elands. Lunch where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic just below your table on the balcony at Two Oceans Restaurant.

Then drive 50km east of Cape Town to South Africa’s best known wine region, Stellenbosch. Known as the country’s Gourmet Capital, this is where you’ll find the country’s best regional restaurants, as well as over 150 wineries. Cycle or walk around its oak-lined streets full of Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture. There’s also plenty of boutiques and art galleries.

South Africa

Day 8-10… Eastern Cape Don’t forget the Eastern Cape. Too many do, and it’s their loss. You’ll find one of South Africa’s most picturesque – and least visited areas – here east of Cape Town. Fly to East London or Port Elizabeth and drive across 800km of pristine coastline full of deserted beaches, home to some of the world’s best surfing (like Jeffrey’s Bay, which holds a World Surf League event each July). It’s incredibly diverse along the Eastern Cape – there’s everything here from lush rainforest to arid karoo (semi desert); and from South Africa’s only ski resort (Tiffindell) to private game reserves with the Big Five on display (and fewer tourists to see them).

Day 11 to 12…

Johannesburg

In the years following the end of apartheid, Johannesburg became infamous as one of the most dangerous cities on Earth. While you still mightn’t like to visit its darkest corners solo at night, it’s worth at least two days there on your way to Durban. GQ magazine calls it the “cool capital of the southern hemisphere”, and it’s easy to see why. Districts like Maboneng and Braamfontein are considered amongst

the most successful urban-renewal projects on Earth – hipsters hang out now where the muggers once ruled; every building is adorned with street art, every block has a craft market and live music, and the streets are full of chic cafes and art galleries. It’s also worth checking out the city’s museums, especially the Apartheid Museum, and the heart of the anti-apartheid movement in Soweto.

rg © SAT

Johannesbu

Day 13-14… Durban Fly an hour south to Durban, another of South Africa’s most transformed cities. Also infamous for its crime and urban decay, Durban is now a bustling metropolis – but one which sits astride a long stretch of coast where surfers ride waves and there’s a promenade full of cyclists and joggers. Much of this makeover can be dated back to the 2010 World Cup, but while its waterfront is now full of trendy bars and cafes, the inner city is still made up of Africa’s most Asian marketplaces. The city’s home to the largest concentration of people of Indian descent than anywhere outside of India, and inner Durban feels more like Mumbai than Africa. Stroll its bazaar-like markets, where you’ll find witch doctors (Muthi Market), or feel the pulse of the teeming Victoria Street Markets while eating Durban’s most famous export, bunny chow (hollowed out bread rolls filled with curry). Then leg it to a suave hotel bar in time for sunset across the ocean.

Eastern Cape beach © SAT

Kruger Nationa

l Park © SAT

t © SAT

Durban coas

Stellenbosch

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South Africa

Lions and penguins

Canopy to Africa Hilton’s lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brand is set to debut in Africa following a deal with Growthpoint Properties, South Africa’s largest REIT. The 150-room Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof is expected to open in 2021, located nearby the city’s historical epicenter, the Company’s Garden. The hotel will be housed in a redeveloped 112-yearold site which began as the premises of United Tobacco Company.

“Cape Town is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, offering an array of attractions to suit every travel occasion,” Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development, EMEA, Hilton said.

“Canopy by Hilton becomes our third brand to gain a presence in the city and we are eyeing further expansion.”

Singita has launched a trip for November which will take safari lovers from the warm lowveld of Kruger National Park in South Africa to the icy expanse of Antarctica.

The 11-night Adventure to the South itinerary is a collaboration with One&Only and White Desert and includes four nights at Singita Kruger National Park and two nights in the One&Only Hotel in Cape Town.

From there, guests will board the White Desert private jet and fly into the heart of Antarctica, where they will spend the next five nights at the unique Whichaway Camp.

“Few people know that Cape Town is a gateway into Antarctica, and it’s amazing to be able to combine it with the wild beauty of South Africa,” White Desert co-founder Robyn Woodhead said.

“The timing is also vital, because when the guests arrive in Antarctica, the emperor penguin chicks will just be stepping off their parent’s feet and the colony will be at its largest. It’s like being on the set of the movie Happy Feet.”

OneandOnly, Cape Town

Spot the Big five minus the tourists South Africa has long been tipped as one of Africa’s most accessible and popular safari destinations and while many will make a beeline for mainstream game parks, there are still plenty of places that are largely untouched by commercial tourism.

Madikwe Game Reserve is a standout, according to Michael McCall, Director of Sales Australia and NZ for boutique luxury safari specialist, Sanctuary Retreats.

“Madikwe is extraordinary,” McCall said. “It is literally spread out over 75,000 hectares of stunning – and diverse, African wilderness. The terrain also varies widely from rocky peaks and open grasslands right through to lush valleys.

“This means that each area boasts its own distinctive inhabitants, which in turn means that visitors to the reserve are all but guaranteed to see a huge and very diverse range of wildlife.”

Madikwe is home to a host of game species including the Big Five, cheetah, giraffe and hyena, aling with over 360 bird species.

Plus, it’s promoted as one of the best places in Southern Africa to watch the elusive and rare wild dog, thanks to a breeding program being run in the Reserve.

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Wild dogs, Madikwe

Madikwe Game Reserve is strictly protected and self-drive or day trips are tightly restricted in the area, so the best way to explore it is by staying in one of the area’s bush hideaway, such as the Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge.

South Africa

© Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

A&K’s epic adventure

Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has released an epic new 23-day Cape to Cairo Limited Edition Small Group Journey which traverses the continent from south to north and includes immersive encounters along the way.

The journey follows the vision of colonialist Cecil Rhodes, whose grand dream of connecting the African continent by rail from south to north was never realised.

A week is spent in South Africa, starting off with digs at Cape Town’s most

iconic hotel, Belmond Mount Nelson and days exploring all the highlights from Table Mountain to Cape Point and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, featuring private guiding throughout.

A full day is dedicated to visiting vineyards on an exploration of the Cape winelands, with travellers able to meander through Stellenbosch, admire the charming Cape Dutch architecture of Franschhoek and Paarl and taste some of South Africa’s finest wines.

Next up is The Sabi Sands and Sabi Sabi

Bush Lodge, with its awe-inspiring wildlife experiences and luxe lodgings.

The journey then continues onwards to the thundering Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe then north to Kenya for big game viewing on the savannah of the Masai Mara.

The final stop is Egypt, where travellers can learn about the 5,000 years of history in Cairo and indulge in a luxury Nile cruise.

Prices start from $35,990 for a maximum of 18 guests, with departures in February and August.

FRESH TOURISTS, DELIVERED DAILY FROM AUSTRALIA. For over 60 years South African Airways has been proud to welcome Australians on-board its daily overnight flights, from across Australia* to Johannesburg via Perth and onto more than 54 destinations^ in Africa.

SAA Business Class travellers enjoy a wide, comfortable 180° flatbed seat with meals inspired

by South African celebrity chefs. Economy passengers get great value while taking advantage of SAA’s extra roomy economy class seating, applauded by taller travellers.

SAA Voyager members earn points and gain access to membership benefits applicable to their membership status, travelling any Star Alliance airline or with Virgin Australia.

Once travellers experience South Africa’s warm hospitality, they understand why South African Airways have been voted “Best Staff Service in Africa” for the 6th time in 2018.

Guests have the flexibility to stopover in Perth in one direction and take advantage of the generous luggage allowance of 2 pieces each, in both Business Class (32kg each) and Economy Class (23kg each). *SAA Australian domestic flights are operated by our codeshare partner Virgin Australia. ^More than 54 destinations include destinations operated to by our partner airlines SA Express, SA Airlink and Mango Airlines.

Best Staff Service in Africa 2018 for the 6th time.

South Africa

Q&A

We asked expert agent Kathy Granger, owner of Burnie Travelcentre and Smithton Travelcentre how agents can help whet clients’ appetites for this diverse nation.

Is there much interest among Australians for travel to South Africa?

Yes there is. I have many clients who are repeat travellers to South Africa and they just can’t get enough! It’s not a long flight and once there they are in a part of the world that is completely different to what we have at home.

What sort of travellers are visiting South Africa?

Most of my South Africa clients are experienced travellers who are ticking things off their bucket list. They’ve done Europe, they’ve cruised extensively, and now they are looking to do some of their more adventurous wish-list destinations.

Which areas are most popular?

Cape Town with beautiful Table Mountain is always a draw card, as is Kruger National Park. However, after the first visit, most of our clients are amazed at what else they can actually see and do in South Africa which is why they return again and again.

Is there any time of year that is best or most popular to travel to South Africa?

Being from Tasmania, most of my travellers are looking to go to a warmer climate in our winter months, so June, July and August are the most popular times. However, South Africa is really a year-round destination – if you want the hotter weather then December to February can be over 30° in the Kruger.

The rest of the warmer months are around the mid 20°, so very pleasant.

What are the must see highlights for first time travellers?

You can’t send people to South Africa for the first time without them doing a safari camp experience in Kruger. Game drives to see the amazing wildlife is what most clients think of when they decide to go to South Africa. Then I recommend Cape Town, the beautiful drive to Cape Point, and the Cape wine regions including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. If they have time, the Drakensburg Mountains are another experience worth including.

What do you love about South Africa?

I am addicted and about to do my sixth trip to South Africa. Mostly I love the friendliness of the people but as a travel agent, I am finding that there are more and more things to recommend to my clients. Johannesburg has really changed from a few years ago and is now offering an experience itself, rather than just a

city that you transit through.

My favourite place is a place called Simonstown on the way back from Cape Point. Such a quaint little town that took me back in time.

Are FIT or tour groups more popular?

I am about to take my third group to South Africa and my experience is that first timers prefer to travel with a group and an escort, but after they’ve been once they are happy to make their own way back there in the future. It depends on the client – it is easily as good a destination for solo travellers as it is for groups and FIT, really there is something for everyone.

What should an agent consider when selling South Africa?

My first mistake when I took my first group was that I didn’t allow enough time in the more populated areas. I needed to have more time in Johannesburg and also in Cape Town as there is so much to see in and beyond the cities. Also make sure that when you’re booking safari camp experiences the game drives are included, and you consider the travel time between the camp and on to the next destination.

Wake up in Johannesburg Perth travellers can take advantage of South African Airways’ (SAA) overnight flights to arrive at their destination or business meeting the next day, with planes landing in Johannesburg first thing in the morning.

SAA also has the most direct and fastest routes to many popular destinations in southern and east Africa, with onward connections available from Johannesburg to 54 destinations in Africa.

The airline offers an above average Economy class seat pitch of 33.5 inches, while in Business class travellers can lie fully flat and curl up with their doona on SAA’s flatbed seating.

Tim Clyde-Smith, Country Manager for South African Airways, Australasia said “This bodes well for travellers on SAA’s daily overnight flight from Perth to Johannesburg – connecting seamlessly from cities on the east coast of Australia and from New Zealand with our codeshare partners, Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand, respectively.

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“Passengers start their journey the minute they board our flight when they stretch out, relax and enjoy the warm African hospitality before landing in Johannesburg early in the morning with plenty of time for onward connections in Africa.”

PIONEERS OF LUXURY SAFARI ADVENTURE Handcrafted Private & Small Group Journeys Abercrombie & Kent invented the luxury tented photographic safari in East Africa in the early 1960s, and we’ve remained the benchmark for quality and adventure on the continent in the many decades since. Today, we operate dozens of local offices, luxury camps, and conservation and community development projects throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, with experts on the ground to serve the world’s most discerning, intrepid and enlightened travellers in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. Whether tracking predators along the waterways of the Okavango Delta, climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, trekking to a remote gorilla community in the Impenetrable Forest, following the Great Migration across the Serengeti or Masai Mara, or on another bespoke cultural and wildlife experience anywhere in Africa, an A&K luxury safari is quite simply the greatest outdoor adventure holiday your clients will ever have. Act now to secure the finest properties, the most knowledgeable guides and the best game-viewing experiences on earth.

Talk to your travel agent or call Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 851 800.

www.abercrombiekent.com.au

India & Sri Lanka

Land of Kings

Ranthambore National Park © Rajasthan Tourism

Rajasthan is deservedly India’s prime destination with its fabulous monuments and palaces, flamboyant street life and brooding atmosphere. Here are the highlights according to Brian Johnston.

H

ard to say what’s best about Rajasthan. The dark, rather eerie Jain temples perhaps, where marble statues have eyes of glowing semi-precious stones, and devotees circulate with offerings of sweet cakes and sandalwood. Maybe Ranthambore National Park, where crumbling maharaja’s hunting pavilions sit in tiger-haunted forest in which langur monkeys squabble. Any number of kaleidoscopic street markets, an assault of spiciness and camel-leather slippers, crowds and wandering cows. Huge monuments of magnificent dilapidation and historical grandeur. Or perhaps just India’s passing street spectacle that has you goggling in amazement.

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Rajasthan is India’s largest state, covering a tenth of the nation’s land area, and about the size of Germany. Much of it is covered by the sun-beaten and occasionally lake-studded plains of the Thar Desert, a shimmering, stony landscape that suddenly pops with craggy fortresses and blue- or pink-painted towns. The ‘Land of Kings’ is suffused with Rajput warrior history, still reveres its various maharajas, and has a rich, colourful culture.

Many of its great heritage forts and other buildings have been converted into sumptuous luxury hotels, making this the place to live out your Bollywood fantasy – though opulence clashes with poverty, colour with austerity.

Jaipur is Rajasthan’s most-visited city.

It was laid out by the local ruler in 1727 on a grid system of streets surrounded by 10km walls washed with pink, the traditional colour of hospitality. At its heart, the gigantic City Palace is crammed with illuminated manuscripts, huge Mughal carpets, miniatures and other royal knick-knacks.

Don’t miss the red sandstone Hawa Mahal, a five-storey pleasure pavilion of 953 niches and balconies, windows and ornamental

trelliswork. Less striking but more intriguing is the Jantar Mantar, an eighteenth-century astronomical observatory of enormous instruments that can calculate time to within two seconds.

Around the palace, Jaipur erupts in bazaars and craft shops. Workers chip marble statues, inlay enamel, work jewellery and weave gold thread and silver mirrors into Rajasthan’s famously bright fabrics. They’re the same design elements you see in the majestic Amber Palace just outside town, built centuries ago. It presents a forbidding exterior, but hides a flamboyant interior of mixed Hindu and Mughal decoration, glittering with gaudy tiles, frescoes and elaborate stone work.

This is one of many splendid fort-palaces in Rajasthan, but you never tire of their gaudy splendour. The City Palace in Udaipur has a courtyard large enough to fit a parade of elephants, and massive bastions topped by a froth of balconies, pavilions and latticed windows. It gazes over Lake Pichola, where a marbled island houses a petite summer palace – now a hotel – that seems to float on the water.

India & Sri Lanka

Jodhpur © B. Johnston City Palace in Jaipur © Govt India Tourism Office

Jodhpur’s fort is surely the most impressive. It rises on a great lump of rock like a symbol of Rajasthan’s old power, menace and grandeur. It seems to be built for a race of giants, with huge walls and seven massive gateways, atop which residential quarters look absurdly fragile and dainty. It looks down on a jumble of flat-roofed, bluepainted houses that form a town that grew rich in medieval times on cross-desert trade in cattle, camels and salt. Today its markets are still filled with pyramids of spices, handicrafts and lurid textiles – joined more recently by hipster stores and cafés that make Jodhpur Rajasthan’s most trendy town.

Pushkar, between Jaipur and Jodhpur, is quite the contrast in scale to these magnificent cities. Stop over for a taste of rural Rajasthan. The desert oasis is one of India’s most important Hindu pilgrimage sites, centred on a lake surrounded by temples and ghats and white cubist houses overlooked by barren brown hills. In late October or early November, it hosts a huge cattle and camel fair as ferris wheels whirl, jugglers toss fire batons and Rajasthani

© Govt India Tourism Office Guard at Fortress of Jodhpur

bands trumpet and bang.

Travelling by road isn’t always easy, but your view onto passing villages, farmland and tumultuous town life is worth the often slow, bumpy pace. You never know what you’ll see next: a passing camel with painted toe nails, a sadhu beneath a tree, creaking bullock carts and teenagers zipping on motorbikes.

Head west and you have a long journey across stony plains where scraggy sheep nibble under thorny trees. Worth it, though, to see the medieval citadel of Jaisalmer appear like a magic trick, an exotic sandstone apparition in the desert.

Towers and the former mansions of wealthy merchants are latticed and sculpted like giant wedding cakes along narrow streets in which time seems to have stood still for centuries. Carpets and embroidered cloth are still produced here. Soldiers swagger past, puffing on cheroots. Ladies’ ankles tinkle with bells, and men in red turbans sport splendid moustaches. Rajasthan at its magnificent, magical and colourful best.

Ganesh statue in Pushkar © B.Johnston

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Sri Lanka eyes road to recovery

The tragedy of the Easter bombing terror attacks in Sri Lanka has taken a heavy toll on the country’s tourism industry, with the Sri Lankan Government predicting a 30% drop in tourism year-on-year following the incidents.

Tourism makes up 5% of the country’s gross domestic product and is its third largest source of foreign investment.

Compounding the human cost resulting from the terror event is the fact that Sri Lanka had been enjoying steady growth in the tourism sector in the preceding years, with the industry prior to the attacks anticipating more than three million tourists and revenues of more than US$5 billion in 2019.

However, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka now estimates the country will lose approximately US$1.5 billion in tourism earnings for the year. In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, Sri Lanka Tourism implemented emergency protocols to ensure the safety of tourists.

“Trained teams were deployed to the affected hotels, all

Yala National Park safari

hospitals and the airport to ensure that all tourists directly affected by the attacks received the care, attention and assistance they needed,” said Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Kishu Gomes.

On a brighter note, the road to recovery for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has been mapped out, with an emphasis on tourist safety and value for money at the forefront of the strategy to attract visitors back.

“I can assure tourists that we have taken all precautions to ensure their safety in all parts of the country,” said Sri Lanka’s Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga.

“Hotels and airlines have come out with never to be repeated offers, so now is the time to visit the country… none of our tourist sites were affected and remain ready to welcome visitors so Sri Lanka is very much open for business,” he added.

Explore the highlights with Tempo Holidays Sri Lanka holds many virtues for prospective travellers, from its rich history and exotic wildlife, to its diverse tropical scenery. The challenge for many holidaymakers to the island-nation often referred to as The Teardrop of India, is being able to check out the multitude of attractions available in only a limited amount of time.

Tempo Holidays’ Sri Lanka Highlights package is one great starting point, taking in the major attractions of the bustling capital Colombo, the picturesque rural city of Nuwara Eliya, and the ancient monument-rich metropolis of Kandy, all in only 10 days.

The price for the trip leads in at $4,512 per person and includes airport transfers, breakfast for nine of the days, and a safari at Yala National Park.

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Did you know?

Travel & Cruise Weekly produces a quarterly magazine specially for agents to send their clients to get them thinking about their next holiday.

Email us at info@travelandcruiseweekly.com.au to find out how you can get a custom version with your agency’s call to action.

India & Sri Lanka

Most travellers to India will tell you that it’s pretty tough to get off the beaten track in a nation of over 1.33 billion people, but believe it or not the mission is indeed possible so long as you have the right tour guide. Here are a few of the best hidden gems in India to get started.

Kingfisher

Adalaj Stepwell Constructed in 1498 in the memory of her husband Rana Veer Singh, Queen Rudadevi commissioned what is today regarded as one of the finest examples of Indian architecture.

The almost entirely sandstone Adalaj stepwell is five stories deep and is octagonal in its design, featuring intricate carvings throughout its large number of pillars. Above its square floor there are beams and arched openings that spiral around the interior, a feature that continues all the way to the top level.

The tourist attraction is located 18km north of Ahmedabad city and can be accessed by road, rail and air.

Adalaj Stepwell

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Accessible by ferry service running between Ribander and Chorao, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located along the Mandovi River in Goa and boasts 1.8km² of reserve.

The park is home to a multitude of unique bird species such as the western reef herron, jack snipe, kingfisher, coot and egret species.

Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in guided canoe trips through its marshy mangrove waters.

Muktagiri This centre of worship for followers of Jainism is located on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in central India, offering visitors to this remote site 52 amazing temples to check out on an impressive mountainous terrain.

A steep waterfall envelopes the Muktagiri temple complex, with travellers needing to make sure they visit before 10am as the attraction shuts at 11am.

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Muktagiri temples, Anubarto

Faith Journeys

Spiritual journeys around the world Nina Karnikowski offers up ten very different ways to experience spirituality around the world.

1

W

hen it comes to travel, the word spiritual means different things to different people. For some it means taking a pilgrimage to a sacred religious site, for others it’s about connecting to Mother Nature, while for others still it means retreating somewhere serene where they can simply return to themselves.

Whatever it signifies to you, travelling to any one of the places listed below will give you both a more profound insight into the culture of the destination and, hopefully, a little more inner peace.

Journey #1

Visiting Jerusalem, Israel Sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians, the Holy Land’s capital attracts religious pilgrims, spiritual seekers and the culturally curious from all over the world. Whether you’re watching Jewish people pray at the Western Wall, wandering down the Via Dolorosa, where Jesus walked to his crucifixion, alongside Christian pilgrims, or visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount, it’s impossible to leave Jerusalem without a deeper understanding of each of the world’s major religions, and without being touched by its special sacred energy.

Journey #2

Staying at a Nepalese monastery Just an hour’s drive from Kathmandu sits the Neydo Buddhist Monastery, where guests can stay in the charming guesthouse and experience daily life as it is for the 200 monks living there. Expect morning and nightly ceremonies, talks on Buddhist philosophies including non-attachment and impermanence, meditation sessions, vegetarian meals eaten in silence and plenty of time for reflection.

2 ©Nina Karnikowski

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Faith Journeys

4 ©Nina Karnikowski

3 Journey #3

Hiking Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka In the midst of tea country and at the top of a four-hour, thigh-burning hike up 5,500 stairs, you’ll find an unusual depression dubbed the sri pada or ‘sacred footprint’. Said to be the mark of Buddha, Shiva, Adam or Saint Thomas, depending on who you’re talking to, it has been a pilgrimage destination for over a thousand years. No matter what your beliefs, it is an exceptionally peaceful spot to watch the sun rise over the surrounding highlands, if you’re up for hiking through the night to get there.

Journey #4

Spending Christmas in Lalibela, Ethiopia On 6 January each year, 200,000 pilgrims descend on Lalibela in northern Ethiopia to celebrate Orthodox Christmas. Dressed all in white, the candle wielding devotees gather around the city’s 11, 900-year-old churches carved directly into the earth, to chant and pray alongside hundreds of Orthodox Christian priests until sunrise. It is a mysterious, primordial experience that’s worlds away from the excessive consumerism that might make you flee Christmas back home.

Journey #5

Meditating in Auroville, India In the centre of Auroville, an intentional community that has been running just outside Pondicherry in south India since 1968, sits the 29m-high Matrimandir. The enormous golden sphere took Auroville’s inhabitants 37 years to build and if you’re patient (you need to book in person for the following day), inside you’ll find crystals, golden fountains and a tear-inducingly beautiful meditation chamber where you can contemplate life for a precious 15 minutes.

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6 Journey #6

Hiking Peru’s Sacred Valley Hiking through this wind-swept valley, slung between the peaks of the Andes mountain range, is a soul-stirring experience. Along the way you’ll pass tiny villages of thatched-roof adobe houses, terraced farmland where the farmers work with methods unchanged since the time of the Incas and impressive Incan ruins like Ollantaytambo, built in 1536. Surrounded by nothing but vast landscapes and the occasional alpaca herd, walking the high-altitude paths will serve as a healthy reminder of your place in the order of things.

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Faith Journeys

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9 ©Nina Karnikowski

Journey #7

Journey #9

In March each year, thousands of spiritual seekers descend on Ubud in the mountains of Bali for this seven-day festival, which includes everything from yoga and meditation, to ecstatic dance and sound healing, to talks and workshops run by spiritual teachers. Once the festival ends, you can keep the good vibes going at the abundant massage parlours, yoga studios, and surf spots found throughout Seminyak and Canggu.

The yoga capital of the world and the place where the Beatles famously found enlightenment in the ‘60s, the streets of Rishikesh are lined with every form of spiritual salvation, from tarot card readers and reiki healers, to meditation classes and yoga ashrams. For the equivalent of about $30 a day you can stay at these ashrams and dive deep into stress-elimination and self-development, via a rigorous program of chanting, meditation, yoga, spiritual talks and simple vegetarian meals. Phool Chatti ashram is one worth trying.

Bali’s Spirit Festival

Journey #8

Being a yogi in Rishikesh, India

Walking the temple circuit, Shikoku, Japan

Journey #10

By the end of this trail, one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world linking Shikoku island’s famed 88 temples, you’ll likely have walked off all your worldly frustrations. Whether you stop at each temple (you’ll need about 40 days for that) or just a selection, along the way you can stay at temples and inns, bathe in mineral-rich hot springs, dine on Japanese cuisine and take in the serenity of the mountains, valleys and cliff-lined shores you’ll pass en route.

Towering 6,714 metres over western Tibet, Kailash is Asia’s most holy mountain, revered by Buddhists, Jains, Hindus and Bons. Perform a kora, a 52km pilgrimage around the mountain that takes three days to complete, and Buddhists will tell you you’ve absolved the bad karma of one lifetime – if you do 108 koras, you’re rewarded with complete enlightenment. Either way, there are spectacular views along the way and many interesting pilgrims to meet too.

Pilgrimage around Mt Kailash, Tibet

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©JNTO

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The power and the passion Travellers looking for a one-in-10-year experience shouldn’t miss a performance of the world famous Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany.

The religious production was first performed in 1634 as a result of a vow made by the townspeople of Oberammergau that if God spared them from the Black Plague, they would in exchange produce a play every 10 years.

The popular five-hour long performance is a dramatic recreation of Jesus' passion, covering the final days of his life from his visit to Jerusalem to his crucifixion and resurrection.

The Passion Play is performed every 10 years, from May through to October, on an open-air stage. The performance involves over 2,000 people including actors, singers, musicians and technical support, who are all required to be residents of Oberammagau.

To find out more or to book tickets, visit www.gate1travel.com.au.

You gotta have faith

The Vatican

When it comes to faith-based travel, those wanting to look beyond the Passion Play in Oberammergau should investigate the Globus Family of Brands’ range of unique options for Christian travellers.

The 10-day Footsteps of Apostle Paul adventure is a true Greek feast of culture and religion. The tour features visits to Athens, Thessaloniki, Veria, Meteora and Corinth, taking in the places where Jesus’ apostle lived, worked and preached.

Also available from Globus is the nine-day Journey Through The Holy Land itinerary, which includes a visit to some of Christianity’s most important sites.

Guests can enjoy a stopover in the Garden of Gethsemane in the City of Old Jerusalem, where Jesus prayed the night before his arrest, as well as have the chance to walk the last path of Jesus by following the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa.

A buoyant float in the Dead Sea rounds out the experience, with guests able to enjoy a salty soak in the waters of Masada.

Globus also offers a 10-day Grand Catholic Italy tour which includes guided tours of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, as well as an 11-day European Reformation journey following in the footsteps of Martin Luther.

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Serenity knocks in Korea Travellers looking to find their inner peace or wanting to learn more about the Buddhist religion are being encouraged to try their hand at a traditional Korean Templestay.

A group of seven sansa, or Buddhist mountain monasteries located around the Korean peninsula were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List last year, including Tongdosa, Buseoka, Bongjeongsa, Beopjusa, Magoksa, Seonamsa, and Daeheungsa.

A number of these offer the templestay experience, which gives travellers an insight into a day and night in the life of a Buddhist monk.

The day begins with the early morning yebul (a Buddhist ceremony), followed by 108 bae (108 prostrations), and a chamseon (Zen meditation) before going on to learn how to make Buddhist prayer beads.

Each temple offers a slightly different experience, with a focus on meditation, hiking or temple food.

TM

Oberammergau tours from $2759* Oberammergau is a small German town tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, world-famous for its Passion Play. The play is a dramatic recreation of Jesus’ passion, covering the final days of his life from his visit to Jerusalem to his crucifixion and resurrection.

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Call 1300 653 618 to book now More of the world for less Europe • Asia • USA & Canada • Latin America Africa • Mediterranean • Sea & River Cruises

gate1travel.com.au / 1300 653 618 6/10 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067 *Quote promo code TBOB500A by the 1 August, 2019 to save. Applies to new bookings only for departure in 2020. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions. Prices are based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Normal booking conditions apply.

See www.gate1travel.com.au or call 1300 653 618. ABN 74 169 034 575. ATAS accreditation A11423.

Last word

Understanding local customs is a big part of travel and getting it wrong can lead to some awkward situations. This is even more true when money is involved.

This is where the app GlobeTips comes in handy. The program automatically detects the country you are in and offers advice and suggestions for tipping based on the local culture and traditions, with calculations in the local currency so you know exactly how much you should be forking out.

There are 240 countries and regions stored in the app, which means you’d be hard pressed to find somewhere it doesn’t cover.

The app also helps you to split the bill with fellow travels, rounds up calculation results and excludes sales tax.

When it comes to service based tipping, you can input what you thought of it and the app will automatically calculate what is an appropriate amount for that location.

You can scan your bill or input the amount, then choose whether to calculate the tipping amount based on the actual amount it cost (not including the sales tax) and choose if you want to split the bill and it will tell you how much to pay. You can even share the calculations with your fellow travellers or add a reminder for them to cough up later.

Unscramble HOW many words can you make out of these nine letters? Every word needs to include an ‘I’, have four letters or more and not be a proper noun or a plural. You can only use each letter once. There’s also one word that uses all nine letters.

Good – 21 words Very good – 32 words Excellent – 42 words

A

I G R P N E V W

ANSWER: aping, gape, gaper, grape, GRAPEVINE, grip, gripe, nape, neap, neep, page, pager, pain, pair, pane, pang, pare, paring, pave, paving, pean, pear, peen, peer, peering, peeving, pier, pine, ping, pinger, prang, preen, prig, rape, rapine, reap, reaping, repave, repine, ripe, ripen, wiper

App Happy: GlobeTips

Where In the World With old weathered hands holding up the bridge, this structure looks like it could be centuries old but it actually only opening last year. Located in the southern hemisphere, somewhere not too far from Australia it is quickly becoming a tourist hot spot. If you can get lucky and name it and 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.

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THE LARGEST CAVE IN THE WORLD WAS DISCOVERED IN VIETNAM? THE WORLD IS CHANGING. ARE YOU? Recognised by the World Record Association and World Records Union, Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh province has wowed the whole world with its breathtaking beauty. Explore Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines’ direct flights and discover the marvels of Mother Earth.

BOOK > LIKE

vietnamairlines.com >

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