TravelBulletin for October 2018 - The million dollar club, Japan, Europe, South and Central America,

October 2018

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October 2018

The

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Contents

14 30

52

38 Features

Cover story

30 Japan

14 The million dollar club

Brian Johnston discovers what to do when not watching World Cup rugby

38 Europe Jenny Piper explores Croatia from the sea

52 South & Central America Craig Tansley uncovers the best time to visit Torres del Paine

58 Sri Lanka Awaken your senses in Sri Lanka

20 Business view 24 Cruise 28 Industry in Focus

Find out which industry execs can buy a private jet with their earnings

62 Last Word

Monthly

Columns

02 From the publisher

06 Steve Jones

02 State of the industry

08 AFTA View

08 Issues and trends

12 TTF View

19 Business Events News

27 CLIA View

This month’s contributors Steve Jones, Joel Katz, Jayson Westbury, Leonie Spencer, Margy Osmond, Ana Pedersen, Brian Johnston, Jenny Piper, Emma Lovell, Craig Tansley, Harry Sargant, Jacqui Tufala, Sarah Beyer, Lisa Meyers

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

904 5,355

Avg Net Distribution per Issue

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

1 Apr Reporting Period: 16 Apr2017 2016––30 16Sep Sep2017 2016 - Publisher Statement

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

Contributing Editor – Jon Murrie

ART Design – Sarah Beyer, Wendy St George Director – Jenny Piper

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

FINANCE accounts@traveldaily.com.au

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travelBulletin October 2018

1

State of the industry

From the publisher Bruce Piper

IN BRIEF

2

Welcome to the October 2018 issue of travelBulletin, which contains our annual round-up of some of the big earners in the Australasian travel industry. The Million Dollar Club feature is very popular each year, and in 2018 we have represented the fat pay packets with a comparison of the number of private jets they can all buy.

It should be noted, however, that the Million Dollar Club only highlights the income of the senior executives who have the first world problem of their packages being exposed due to working at ASX-listed companies.

Many of the largest businesses in the industry are privately held, and I would not be surprised at all to find that similar figures are being racked up by their owners too – without the annoying scrutiny that a public annual report brings.

MEANWHILE a recent technology launch by Sabre has rung alarm bells among stakeholders concerned about the propensity for IATA’s New Distribution Capability standard to reduce transparency in flight pricing.

Because NDC has the ability to provide deep customer insight, some have been concerned it may result in prices charged to passengers varying based on such elements as their previous purchasing patterns, carrier

Dream Cruises to come to Sydney Australasia will welcome its first Dream Cruises ship in spring 2019, with the cruise line revealing it would bring sister brand Star Cruises’ ship, SuperStar Virgo, into the Dream fleet. To be renamed Explorer Dream, the ship will undergo a US$30 million dollar transformation in March 2019, and then from October next year the vessel will homeport out of Sydney and Auckland, operating a series of 21 week-long itineraries.

Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, executive chairman of both cruise line’s parent company, Genting Hong Kong, said the move accelerated the company’s vision to “develop Dream Cruises into Asia’s Global Cruise Line” by sailing outside of Asian waters.

“With her strong heritage in the Asian cruise landscape and history in the region along with her world-renowned German engineering, SuperStar Virgo’s transformation into Explorer Dream will combine the best-in-class design and

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

loyalty and other personal data.

For example, in the case of a business traveller who generally flies with a particular airline, surely it would be a temptation for the carrier to present a higher price based on the fairly certain assurance the client will buy that fare regardless of the cost – in contrast to a potential new customer that the airline is attempting to woo? NDC would enable this, versus current platforms where fares are the same regardless of who might be purchasing them.

The new Sabre AirVision Fares Optimizer product “generates fare recommendations by estimating each customer’s potential willingness to pay”. It suggests pricing structures based on customer segmentation, and is part of a broader Sabre strategy to build a Digital Commercial Platform that “delivers end-to-end personalised retailing for airlines”.

Some fear a future where flight pricing uses Facebook-like algorithms based on personal details like age, address, employment status, family situation, investments and even gross income to adjust fare offers based on the client’s ability to pay.

Current technology already enables some of this to happen, and the rich data provided by NDC will facilitate a further evolution of this possibility.

construction of her sister ships with acclaimed service that is Asian at heart and international in spirit,” he said.

Explorer Dream will be fitted with new facilities including The Palace, Dream Cruises’ luxury private enclave featuring 50 suites and butler service. The ship will also sport all new food and beverage options “combining the best of East meets West” and a new Crystal Life Spa. Prior to her Australian season, the ship will homeport in Shanghai and Tianjin during the northern summer of 2019.

Explorer Dream will be followed by a Global Class ship “soon after,” with the line telling travelBulletin earlier this year it planned to bring a Global Class vessel to operate in Australasian waters in 2021.

Wollongong flight revival REGIONAL carrier Fly Corporate will re-establish direct links from Wollongong to Melbourne and Brisbane after the recent failure of rival JetGo.

The airline announced it would launch new services from 12 November, with a 6.15am weekday departure from Wollongong to Melbourne’s Essendon Airport and a four times weekly 1.55pm departure to Brisbane.

Fly Corporate CEO Andrew Major said the new services would provide options for direct travel from the Illawarra region, as well as giving alternatives to Sydney for travellers heading onward to other domestic and international destinations.

Flights will be operated by Saab 340B Plus aircraft, with launch fares available from $199 one way.

“We have chosen to operate this service utilising Melbourne’s Essendon Airport given its close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, lack of airport congestion together with economical car parking and city transfer options,” Major said.

He noted that for passengers inbound to Melbourne wanting to connect on to other domestic and international destinations, there is a free shuttle bus connecting Essendon and Tullamarine airports.

WENDY wU ENTRANCES xI’AN

Wendy Wu Tours founder Wendy Wu and CEO Joe Karbo took part in the biggest tourism event in China this year along with about 1,000 VIP guests. The Shaanxi Provincial Government held an elaborate and spectacular re-enacment of the Ancient Entrance Ceremony at the historic Xi’an City Gate. The glittering ceremony has in the past been reserved for visiting heads of state and royalty, and has been likened in magnitude to the opening of the Olympic Games.

FCTG launches “Savi” Flight Centre has unveiled a new corporate travel technology platform called “Savi” powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and designed in collaboration with Serko.

Launched at Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) “Illuminate” corporate travel event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last month, Savi will be available exclusively to customers of FCM Travel Solutions, Corporate Traveller, Stage and Screen and Campus Travel.

Flight Centre said Savi “sets a new benchmark in booking technology for business travellers” and incorporates functionality that would “generate significant time efficiencies for individual users and overall cost savings for businesses”.

FCTG corporate executive GM, James Kavanagh, told travelBulletin the company had been working with Serko for several years now.

“We are the largest investor in Serko’s development pipeline,” he said, with Savi incorporating the best elements of another Flight Centre

“

platform called Rapidbook to create a unique offering.

He said corporate travellers were increasingly seeking a “leisure shopping experience” when booking, with Savi focused on providing better engagement between travel bookers and road warriors.

The Flight Centre offering includes exclusive modules such as Savi Select, Savi Voice and Savi Credits, which Kavanagh promised would deliver “significant efficiencies for business travellers, travel bookers and their companies”.

Agents who wish to book and hold air bookings for Galileo and Amadeus can now do so and have them ticketed

by Insider Journeys.

The update is the latest investment in technology for the company, which has also installed Tour Plan in the Saigon office and is planning an “imminent review of its website”.

The move to Calypso also makes it easier for agents to earn rewards through the Insider Journeys “5, 10, 15 Incentive”, which gives agents who book five travellers on a Small Group Journey a 10-day trip to Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, Mayell said.

Those who book 10 passengers can earn a 14-day tour to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, Bhutan, India or Burma while bookings of 15 travellers can take a trip on any of the company’s Small Group Journeys.

book Insider Journeys product online in the same way you can book Qantas Holidays is an important step forward for the Insider Journeys brand”.

The move is said to allow travellers to curate their own holiday packages,

Being able to book Insider Journeys product Insider moves to Calypso online in Helloworld’s Insider Journeys the same now on the Calypso wholesale way you can isreservations system, allowing agents book Qantas to book its small group tours online.

The company said the move provides Holidays is agents “access to a greater level of SQ Hotelbeds pact an important Insider Journeys product than ever step forward before”, with sellers able to make Singapore Airlines last month announced a major “holiday packaging land and air bookings online though for the Helloworld Wholesale’s Tango platform. partnership” with accommodation Insider aggregator Hotelbeds, offering bundled Insider Journeys MD Tony Mayell said “we know all agents using Calypso flights and hotel solutions for the Journeys airline’s customers across the globe. will welcome this news. Being able to brand

”

Tony Mayell, MD Insider Journeys

Continues over page

travelBulletin October 2018

3

State of the industry Continues from previous page

HEADLINES 23 Aug FC profit hits new record 23 Aug QF’s record $1.6b profit 24 Aug Lux Escapes plans more 24 Aug FC flags wages increases 27 Aug Expansion plans for SYD 27 Aug ScoMo shows tourism pride 28 Aug Google ups flight tools 28 Aug The Dorsett edges closer 29 Aug Virgin hit by $653m loss 29 Aug THL posts record profit 30 Aug NSW upgrades target 30 Aug NCL looks to Aus season 31 Aug CLIA, TAFE training pact 03 Sep Qantas Dreamliner boost 03 Sep TA’s $10m Asia campaign 03 Sep On the Edge of a reveal?

04 Sep TG slashes Aus capacity 04 Sep Crystal joins QF loyalty 05 Sep QF schedule self-service 05 Sep Entire Travel Group lifts 06 Sep Travel pay packets slip 07 Sep Facebook adds flight ads 07 Sep World pax hit new high 10 Sep Regulation to reap $18b 11 Sep Trafalgar goes domestic 11 Sep Paulsen lifetime honour 12 Sep Webjet packages Contiki

with real-time selection of Singapore Ailrines flights alongside more than 170,000 hotels. Transfers and activities from the Hotelbeds platform will also be progressively added to the new offering. Hotelbeds Group will provided a dedicated team, mostly based in Singapore, who will be responsible for “customer service, pricing and product optimisation”.

The combination is being labelled as “Singapore Airlines Holidays,” and sees the relaunch of the brand after its wholesale operations were closed down in Australia more than two years ago after formerly being operated by the now defunct Pinpoint Holidays and then Wendy Wu Tours.

The move comes as Hotelbeds also confirmed a global consolidation of its retail businesses which will see legacy brands including GTA, TravelCube and TravelBound combined under the Bedsonline banner. Hotelbeds Group managing director Bedbank, Carlos Muonz, said “it makes strategic and practical sense for us to continue to develop our travel agent proposition under one integrated global platform and brand”.

Cruise role for Williams STEWART Williams, formerly the long-time head of the Globus Family of Brands, has taken a new role as the Asia-Pacific Regional Manager for

Cyprus-based Celestyal Cruises.

Williams, who left Globus in February this year for personal reasons after almost three decades with the organisation, will report to Celestyal’s director of sales and travel services, Marios Polydorou. “He has joined Celestyal Cruises to oversee and develop the company’s APAC business, and to enhance revenue streams and maximise business opportunities across the region by increasing the visibility of the Celestyal Cruises brand across all distribution channels,” the company said.

Williams told travelBulletin he was very happy to be working for the operator, saying “the Celestyal cruise experience and product is fabulous”.

The cruise line’s Shanghai-based business development executive, Wan Wang, will also report to Williams.

“Adding Stewart Williams to our senior commercial team demonstrates our commitment to the Australasian market,” said Celestyal Cruises CEO Chris Theiophilides. “Stewart’s role is a core component of our global commercial strategy, which includes our expansion throughout the APAC region, where we expect to capture more opportunities to bring the Celestyal Cruises story to new passengers,” he added.

Currently Celestyal operates two mid-sized cruise ships in the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean, focusing on “true cultural immersion”.

12 Sep McEvoy to head TTF board 13 Sep Flight Centre tech launch 13 Sep Dream to explore Sydney 14 Sep WTAAA payment push 14 Sep QF targets airport costs 17 Sep Celestyal appoints Williams 17 Sep SQ, LH seek Scoot deal 18 Sep Regulate airports – ACCC 18 Sep Industry overall satisfied 18 Sep Airport investment at risk 19 Sep TK plots SYD non-stop 19 Sep BNE wins IATA conference 19 Sep Joyce to head oneworld 20 Sep Travel insurance class 20 Sep QF ancillary revenue lead 20 Sep Air NZ route suspensions 21 Sep FCTG digital acquisition 21 Sep Qantas, Cathay codeshare

4

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

iceland’s cool credentials THIS delegation of senior tourism officials from Iceland visited Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for a series of trade events last month, as part of the first official Promote Iceland mission to Australia.

The visit reflects strong growth in arrivals, with Iceland room nights by Aussies almost quadrupling to 49,852 over the last four years. Pictured from left are Þórir Garðarsson, Gray Line Iceland; Þorleifur Þór Jónsson, Promote Iceland; Íris Tryggvadóttir, Arctic Adventures; Helga Bergrós Bizouerne, Iceland Travel; Bjarni Hrafn Ingólfsson, Iceland Tours; and Ársæll Harðarson, Icelandair.

Data Room

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

Domestic On Time Performance

ARRIVALS

August 2018

Jetstar

Qantas

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

76.2% 74.1% 2.6%

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

RETURNS

Top 10 destinations, June 18

83.4% 84.5% 1.7%

Source

Trend (000)

Original (000)

China New Zealand USA UK Japan Singapore Hong Kong Malaysia India South Korea All inbound

123.9 115.2 61.7 58.9 37.9 35.3 26.6 31.8 30.4 26.0 766.6

153.5 132.8 57.3 39.2 38.6 29.4 29.1 28.0 22.9 22.0 774.4

Trend Jun 18/ Jul 18 % +0.9 +0.2 -1.4 -1.5 -0.2 -0.9 +1.4 +0.7 +0.9 +1.7 +0.1

Top 10 destinations, July 18

Trend Jul 17/ Jul 18 % +3.0 +1.9 -6.8 +0.2 +5.6 -5.9 +9.2 -9.8 +17.7 +3.3 +2.8

Source: ABS

Destination

Trend (000)

Indonesia New Zealand USA UK Thailand Italy China Singapore Fiji Japan All outbound

105.4 119.3 93.4 55.9 46.5 21.2 51.5 36.7 28.4 40.7 931.8

Original (000)

Trend Jun 18/ Jul 18 % -0.9 +0.3 +0.5 -0.1 -0.4 +0.8 +0.8 +1.2 +0.1 +0.6 +0.3

125.9 125.4 106.8 92.5 57.5 47.3 43.8 40.7 35.7 32.3 1,133.6

Trend Jul 17/ Jul 18 % +4.5 -0.3 +3.7 +8.3 -5.4 +12.2 +14.0 +13.7 -0.2 +22.4 +5.8

Source: ABS

ENDED DECEMBER 2017 All airlines

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

80.0% 81.5% 1.8%

-1.6%

77.9% 80.3% 1.8%

.4%

Virgin Australia

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

+0

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

+4

DOMESTIC AIR MARKET

.8 %

June 2018

+3 .7%

+ 0.

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

.9 %

*Percentage points difference

+3

Jun 18

-0.5%

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

Growth Yr to Yr to Growth % Jun 17 Jun 18 % INBOUND OUTBOUND 4.70m 4.72m +0.5 59.30m 60.77bn +2.5 5.46bn 5.50bn +0.7 69.49bn 70.87bn +2.0 7.06bn 7.00bn -0.8 88.67bn 88.53bn -0.2 77.4 78.6 1.2* 78.4 80.1 1.7* 52.0 49.9 -4.1 641.7 635.1 -1.0

-0.8%

Jun 17

+2.3%

1%

-3.6%

Source: BITRE

International Air Market Share

International Passengers by Major Airlines - Year ended December 2017

International passengers by major airline – year ended June 2018 Qantas Airways, 16.7% Qantas Airways,

Others, 31.4%

Jetstar, 9.1%9.1% Jetstar,

Emirates, Singapore Airlines,8.3% 8.1%

Etihad Airways, 3.1% China Southern Airlines, 3.1% China Southern Etihad Airways, 3.2% Airlines, 3.1%

Singapore Emirates, 8.0% Airlines, 8.1%

AirAsia 3.5% AirAsia X,X,4.0%

Top 10 city pairs, June 2018

City pair

16.4%

Others, 30.7%

INTERNATIONAL AIR ROUTES

Cathay Pacific Air New Cathay Pacific Air New Zealand, 6.6% Airways, 4.5% Zealand, 6.6% Airways, 4.6% Australia, 6.1% VirginVirgin Australia, 6.0% Source: BITRE

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

Year ended

Year ended

Year ended

Passengers YE Jun 18 1,546,716 1,519,662 1,450,040 1,247,393 1,134,679 1,076,578 965,463 869,202 865,358 836,844 11,511,935 29,107,407 40,619,342

% of total % change 18/17 3.8 -3.6 3.7 +3.9 3.6 +3.7 3.1 +2.3 2.8 -0.8 2.7 +0.4 2.4 +0.1 2.1 -1.6 2.1 -0.5 2.1 +4.8 28.3 +0.8 71.7 +6.8 100.0 +5.1

Source: BITRE

International Passengers by Uplift/Discharge City Pairs Australian

Passengers YE Jun 17 1,604,956 1,462,736 1,397,996 1,219,532 1,144,221 1,072,024 964,570 883,685 869,868 798,510 11,418,098 27,242,848 38,660,946

travelBulletin October 2018

% of

% Change

5

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

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 July 18 compared with June 18

Passengers Passengers % change YE Jun 17 YE Jun 18 (000) (000) 8,974.5

9,250.8

+3.1

4,695.7

4,788.1

+2.0

3,500.5

3,556.9

+1.6

2,712.7

2,752.4

+1.5

2,413.4

2,487.3

+3.1

2,048.1

2,057.8

+0.5

1,992.2

2,045.6

+2.7

1,886.5 1,737.8 1,598.7

1,908.6 1,719.9 1,638.6

+1.2 -1.0 +2.5

Rank Website

Visits % share July 18

Relative % dif Jul to Jun

Rank Jun 18

1

Webjet Australia

13.34

-1.08

1

2 3

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

10.50

+0.76

2

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8.99

-1.04

3

7.78 5.88

+0.00 -7.13

4 5

4.37

+13.79

6

3.33

-1.55

7

2.49

2.23

9

2.40 1.92

-10.61 -6.69

8 10

Source: Hitwise

Source: BITRE

Steve Jones’ Say A fuss about nothing or institutional unethical behaviour?

Whatever your view of the recent Flight Centre shenanigans – disgruntled or easily offended ex-staff with an axe to grind, or an unpleasant culture that needs addressing, and eradicating – the market didn’t take too kindly to the allegations contained in last month’s ABC investigation.

Even on the back of another solid financial result, Flight Centre shares tumbled, wiping countless millions off the value of the company. At time of writing, they had yet to recover.

6

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

AUSTRALIAN AIRPORTS

International passengers through Australia’s major international airports, June 18 City pair Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Perth Gold Coast Adelaide Cairns Darwin Canberra (a) Townsville (b) Sunshine Coast (c) Port Hedland Norfolk Island (d) ALL AIRPORTS

Passengers YE Jun 17 15,559,762 9,949,458 5,600,083 4,423,833 1,104,987 950,943 648,064 284,136 63,932 45,206 13,728 7,556 9,258 38,660,946

(a) Scheduled services recommenced Sep 2016 (c) Seasonal services only

Passengers YE Jun 18 16,431,177 10,784,070 5,903,276 4,354,646 1,070,411 998,570 672,167 251,181 92,917 39,470 13,719 7,738 ..

40,619,342

% of total % change 18/17 40.5 +5.6 26.5 +8.4 14.5 +5.4 10.7 -1.6 2.6 -3.1 2.5 +5.0 1.7 +3.7 0.6 -11.6 0.2 +45.3 0.1 -12.7 0.0 -0.1 0.0 +2.4 .. ..

100.0 +5.1

(b) Scheduled services recommenced Sep 2015 (d) Scheduled services ceased May 2017

Source: BITRE

The allegations were serious, ranging from ripping off customers with inflated mark ups, to a “toxic” culture rife with hard-drinking, bullying and harassment. It wasn’t a pretty picture, but one denied by the retailer. Skroo Turner branded it a “beat-up”.

Was it? Should the complaints of the few – and it was a few when measured against the 10,000 employed by Flight Centre in Australia – tarnish the reputation of the entire company? And when is such insidious behaviour so ingrained that it becomes an integral part of the “company culture”, as was alleged.

What is clear is that we are living in a delicate era where suspect behaviour, be it of a personal or professional nature, is being called out on an almost daily basis.

The reaction, therefore, was unsurprising, at least not from individuals or the industry at large where the relish that some greeted the retail behemoth squirming under the national spotlight was inevitable.

It was the market reaction which took me by surprise.

Despite record financial results, released just as the ABC investigation went to air, Flight Centre’s shares lost 18% of their value in next to no time. It highlighted not only the unpredictability of the stock market, but maybe reflected the environment we are operating

“

The market clearly didn’t like the unpalatable culture that is said to pervade Flight Centre, or the negativity that ensued

”

in, one where indiscretions, real or otherwise, just won’t be tolerated no matter how profitable a company may be.

The market clearly didn’t like the unpalatable culture that is said to pervade Flight Centre, or the negativity that ensued. Not so many years back, I suspect only the financials would have truly mattered.

But it is not only Flight Centre’s integrity that has been called into question in recent weeks. Meriton was fined a whopping $3m for rigging TripAdvisor reviews, while Trivago is the subject of Federal Court action amid claims the aggregator misled consumers and prioritised advertisers.

So, in the space of a few short weeks we have a hotel company manipulating online reviews, an aggregator accused of fooling consumers and the country’s largest travel retailer apparently adding huge mark-ups to the cost of flights.

And here is the problem. It is not only that trio of companies to have suffered reputational damage. It is the wider industry. If it transpired Trivago did act dishonestly, is it an isolated incident or common place in the sector? Who else attempts to manipulate reviews? And do other travel agents mark-up flights on the quiet? Those are the questions consumers will be asking.

Trust is hard won, and easily lost.

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12864a

Issues & trends

AFTA view

Billions at stake in airport stoush Conflict between Australia’s airlines and privatised airports is now being played out before the Productivity Commission as it considers whether greater regulation is needed for the country’s major gateways.

After a long and public campaign – in which airlines have accused the airports of over-charging and exploiting their monopoly powers – the parties have now had the chance to put their cases before a formal inquiry as the Productivity Commission prepares to make recommendations to the Federal Government early next year.

Central to the probe is the question of whether Australian airports the current “light-handed” approach to regulation are currently able to has allowed the airports to use their monopoly develop too much power, position to charge leading to soaring profits and high charges for both prices that generate passengers and airline excess returns, but users. In its submission this is not delivering to the commission lodged last month, industry group improvements in Airlines for Australia & quality or efficiency New Zealand (A4ANZ) cites analysis by Frontier Economics that found greater regulation of the airports would deliver more than $18 billion in economic benefits.

“Australian airports are currently able to use their monopoly position to charge prices that generate excess returns, but this is not delivering improvements in quality or efficiency,” said A4ANZ ceo Alison Roberts.

“Something has to change if consumers are to be shielded from the impact of what is ahead,” she said.

“While airlines have been able to keep downward pressure on airfares over the past decade, globally, fares are expected to rise next year. It’s time for the airports to be part of a genuinely collaborative approach.”

However the airports argue that greater regulation would threaten billions of dollars in future investment at the country’s main gateways. In its own submission, the Australian Airports Association (AAA) says the major airports have invested $15 billion in improvements since 2002, with plans to spend a further $20.6 billion in the next decade.

“Policy reform solely designed to reduce prices, as opposed to enhance efficiency… will place future investment at risk,” AAA’s submission said.

It also dismissed claims that higher airport charges automatically lead to higher airfares, and says there is no evidence that savings would be passed on to consumers.

“Even if modest reductions were to be imposed by a regulator, these would simply enhance the profits of airlines,” the airports coalition said.

“

”

8

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

Jayson Westbury, chief executive AFTA

Price parity conflicts Unfortunately, the debate and conversation within the Australian community about hotel booking sites and the need to book direct has taken a more confusing turn than perhaps was necessary, off the back of a public video rant by prominent Australian Dick Smith. For those that have not managed to watch the video it can be found on Facebook, but having said that, for most Australian travel agents it will make you cringe.

The ACCC took a decision several years ago to grant permission for the two large American based OTAs and their subsidiaries to impose “price parity” clauses within the booking contracts they hold with Australian hotels and motels.

What that means is that the hotels and motels who have signed up with these OTAs or hotel booking sites are not allowed to price rooms on particular days lower than the price they provide to the OTA. You might recall that the ACCC pursued one of the most prominent Australian travel companies for the exact same practice, but in that case relating to airfares.

It has been something that AFTA, along with the hotel industry associations, has been taking up with the ACCC for some time. How can it be that a ACCC pursued one couple of American companies of the prominent can be granted rights to do something that the High Court Australian travel of Australia said an Australian companies for the travel company can’t do, when exact same practice... the applicant to the case was exactly the same government authority – the ACCC? While Dick Smith in his rant is attempting to say that it is better for Australian small business for consumers to book direct rather than by the American OTAs, the problem is that the message gets all very confused as it unfolds.

It is important to note that the CEO of the Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA) has made it clear to me and is on the public record supporting Australian travel agents. However the downstream impact is a confused message to consumers.

The simple fact is that this complicated messaging has in fact been caused by the ACCC. Even the chairman of the ACCC appears to be confused about what message should be sent to consumers. He has suggested travellers should book direct by telephone as they may get a better deal. It is 2018, right? I am sure that a message to most people that includes picking up the phone is unlikely to resonate as the best way to make a booking for a hotel.

The ACCC should apply the same rules to these American OTAs as applies to all Australian OTAs and for that matter travel agents. A level playing field should be made available to all suppliers and distributors regardless of the format, and for my money if the Australian High Court has interpreted the law in a clear way then that should apply.

“ ”

Tourism Australia Asia push Tourism Australia last month launched its biggest ever campaign targeting key South and South East Asian markets, with the aim of challenging traveller stereotypes of Australia as a tourism destination. The $10 million “Undiscover Australia” promotion debuted in Jakarta, Indonesia, with the aim of bridging the gap between intention to visit and actual arrivals by “providing a more multidimensional understanding of Australia’s high-quality experiences beyond the expected tourism icons”.

Tourism Australia managing director John O’Sullivan said the region’s proximity, emerging middle class, improving aviation capacity and increasingly competitive air fares presented enormous opportunities for Australian tourism. “One of the challenges we constantly face is that people from this region feel they know everything about us,” he said. “This campaign will shine a spotlight on some of our undiscovered and hidden holiday gems,” O’Sullivan added.

Different creative elements have been developed for the major markets of India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with

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the aim of showing there is “much more to Australia than the typical stereotypes of koalas, kangaroos, the outback and wellknown icons”.

By showing a different side of the country, Tourism Australia believes it will give highvalue travellers in the region compelling new reasons to visit.

The campaign is also being supported

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by an “airline marketplace” which brings together multiple airlines and online travel agents to offer competitive airfares, particularly highlighting the proximity of some Australian destinations to Asia which makes it an ideal weekend getaway. Initially slated for a four month run, Undiscover Australia has potential to be extended to additional markets in the future.

Issues & trends

Clean sweep for Aust Cruise Association The huge pipeline of newbuild cruise ships under construction means it is essential that cruise lines, destinations, ports and ground operators work together to deliver quality experiences and itineraries, according to Carnival Australia president Sture Myrmell.

Myrmell, who is also the chairman of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia, was one of the keynote speakers at last month’s Australian Cruise Association (ACA) conference in Broome, Western Australia, with his presence a clear reflection of the conference theme of “Forging stronger relationships”.

Myrmell said the partnership between ACA was going from strength to strength, with a combined 2018 economic impact report to be released this month along with a joint sustainability report which will showcase how the cruise sector is working on a range of environmental fronts. He also highlighted the huge opportunity still available for cruise in Australia. Despite the local market having a world-leading penetration of 5.7%, “that still means more than 94% of Australians have not cruised,” he said.

The Carnival president also dismissed concerns about worldwide cruising growth plateauing, noting that with an annual global total of about 27 million passengers the entire sector is still smaller than many key tourism destinations such as Paris, Venice, New York and Orlando. The pace of construction of new ships means that “at full capacity we can only grow globally at 3-5% – that is measured, steady growth,” Myrmell said. He noted that Australians are a “nation of sea-huggers” with cruise continuing to afford a great option for domestic holidaymakers, while inbound cruise tourism is also seen as a huge opportunity.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines’ recently appointed vice president Australasia, Susan

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Pictured lit up by a Broome Cable Beach sunset are WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia, ACA CEO Jill Abel, Carnival Australia president Sture Myrmell, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines vice president Australasia Susan Bonner.

Bonner, also spoke at the ACA conference, urging attendees to prepare for the arrival of ever-larger cruise ships. She noted the strong competition from other ports across the globe for cruise ship deployments, with several Asian destinations already able to welcome Oasis-class vessels. Bonner urged the industry to work collaboratively to come up with solutions to manage the potential influx of large numbers of cruise guests and still maintain passenger satisfaction.

The ACA conference included a presentation from Port of Brisbane ceo Peter Keyte, who confirmed that bookings for the 2020/21 season had opened amid strong demand from a variety of cruise lines. The new facility, which has been underwritten through a long-term partnership with Carnival Corporation, is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2020, with Keyte saying interest so far indicates “we’re going to need

a second berth sooner than we thought”.

The conference wrapped up with a fascinating breakfast presentation from the wardens of the nearby Broome Bird Sanctuary, followed by the ACA annual general meeting where a new management committee was voted in. Officebearers include chairman Grant Gilfillan from Ports NSW, ACA CEO Jill Abel, Thor Elliott of Fremantle Ports, Anne McVilly of Port Arthur Historic Site, Jay McKenzie from Bob Wood Cruise Group, Christine Cole of Tourism WA, Martin Bidgood from Intercruises and Tourism NT’s Scott Lovett. During the event ACA CEO Jill Abel paid tribute to the late Tony Clementson who had represented the NT on the committee, and who died suddenly in late August.

The 2019 Australian Cruise Association conference will take place in early September next year in Geelong, one of Victoria’s emerging cruise destinations.

Trafalgar team photo featuring Sally Sylvester, Trafalgar national sales manager; Dee Morocco, Trafalgar chief marketing officer; Gavin Tollman, Trafalgar CEO; Matt Cameron-Smith, Trafalgar Australasia managing director; and Cassie Zuell, Trafalgar head of marketing.

Trafalgar debuts domestic program Trafalgar global CEO Gavin Tollman has unveiled a new program of tours in Australia and New Zealand, with the expansion meaning the Travel Corporation brand now features programs in all seven continents.

Developed in conjunction with sister brand AAT Kings, the 2019 Trafalgar Australasia brochure comprises 12 trips in Australia ranging from five to 15 days, as well as four local “mini stays”. The New Zealand range includes five options taking in the North and South islands, with Tollman saying the program will allow Aussies and Kiwis to “see your home and neighbouring regions in a whole new light”.

Trafalgar’s brand direction for 2019 focuses on “The Good Life,” inviting passengers to make “real connections” with their destinations; have hassle-free holidays with “real ease”; and experience “real joy” as they take in people and places in their own backyard

in ways never previously imagined. Trafalgarbranded coaches on local roads will feature the brand’s rainbow colouring, and the programs feature signature Trafalgar touches such as ‘Hidden Gems’ and ‘Be My Guest Experiences’.

Matthew Cameron-Smith, the company’s Australian managing director, told travelBulletin the huge contingent of Trafalgar past passengers was a prime market for the new program, which will allow them to have the convenience of a Trafalgar guided holiday close to home. “It costs twelve times as much to acquire a new customer. We have been so successful over the past couple of years, and some of that has included a huge growth in repeat business. It’s an easy sell,” he said.

Issues & trends

Cosmos LITE has a-la-carte Newly appointed Globus Family of Brands managing director for Australasia, Gai Tyrrell, last month unveiled a new Cosmos Lite touring option, combining the essential features of Cosmos trips with a personalised approach to daily itineraries. To roll out in 2019, Cosmos Lite initially features ten journeys combining major cities with lesserknown, undiscovered destinations across Europe.

Tyrrell said Cosmos Lite trips include city-to-city transportation in motor coaches with complimentary wi-fi, as well as accommodation in comfortable hotels with daily breakfasts. A professional tour director is available to help curate the best sightseeing, dining and entertainment options, along with a range of MyCosmos optional excursions which are available for purchase as desired.

“Cosmos Lite gives travellers an innovative and independent touring option, with a new way to see, explore and experience the world around them,” Tyrrell said. The program “takes care of getting travellers to each destination and coordinating accommodation, but what they fill their days with – and the activities they plan – are completely up to them”.

A new CosmosGo app is also available, offering a range of entertainment, dining, sightseeing and shopping suggestions. Tyrrell said Cosmos Lite holidays give autonomy back to the traveller to fill their days according to their specific interests, passions and budget, “without having to stress about the itinerary fundamentals.”

Facebook takes flight

Social media giant Facebook continues to wring the most out of the travel value chain, with an initiative allowing airlines to target prospective travellers even before they search a particular booking website or app. The new “Flight Ads” solution tracks Facebook user intentions, detecting any plans to take a trip and allowing relevant advertisements to be served to them, even before they decide on a final destination.

Facebook Australasia’s head of travel, Paul Nahoun, said it was important for travel advertisers to reach the right people with the right message, personalised depending on where they are in their decision journey. He said testing of the platform by Air France in the USA had boosted search traffic to the carrier’s website, and lowered the cost per search by 66%.

12

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

TTF view

Margy Osmond, CEO, Tourism & Transport Forum Australia

building cruise tourism Cruise season was kicked off a few weeks ago with Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess docking in Sydney Harbour, bringing more than 3000 passengers to the city.

The cruise industry is growing rapidly and new figures show Australia’s cruise passenger numbers hit record numbers in 2017 with 1.34 million people enjoying an ocean cruise.

Cruise tourism is a critical part of the Australian tourism offering – we need to support and nurture it. This is an industry that already pours billions of dollars into the Australian economy every year bringing visitors from all over the world to taste the wonders of Australia. Passengers on average are spending $527 a Passengers on day in a port before or after a cruise. average are We need certainty of port spending $527 a options and we need the new day in a port before facilities to cope with the high demand during the summer peak. or after a cruise Recently it was announced that Botany Bay will most likely be the option for a new cruise ship terminal in New South Wales. While most agree that the iconic Sydney Harbour is the money shot, if Port Botany is an option, let’s get on with it!

Rightly, the industry is very keen to see how the business case stacks up and the real feasibility of Port Botany, for both government and the tourism sector. The ingredients of this quintessential Sydney experience should not be taken lightly.

Failure to find the right solution also has ramifications for our near Pacific neighbours who will also miss out on cruise traffic if Sydney loses its lustre as a cruise hub.

Thinking nationally, for many cruise companies the vital destination in Australia is Sydney – if they cannot get the access they need in Sydney they will not come and therefore will not visit a wealth of other Australian regional destinations.

Fixing Sydney, the national gateway, is a ‘must’ if we are going to have a slice of the global cruising ‘pie’ and see those benefits flow through to the wider Australian economy. We have to get it right.

“ ”

Global push for virtual cards The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) has urged airlines to look beyond “blanket payment policies” and consider allowing the use of new, lowercost virtual credit card options for settlements with travel agents. A statement issued by WTAAA chair Otto de Vries from the Association of South African Travel Agents suggests a “more holistic view must be taken... instead of simply saying ‘no’ to card payments because of the perceptions around cost”.

De Vries noted that IATA’s NewGen ISS and Transparency in Payments initiatives (travelBulletin July 2018) aim to address the changing payment environment and reduce risk – but the “one dimensional approach” has only focused on a single virtual card type as being representative of all virtual cards. ”Rather than encouraging commercial discussions, this has inhibited them. The result is that airlines and other parts of the travel value chain are missing out on the benefits that other lower cost virtual cards offer,” he said.

The WTAAA chair noted that currently billions of dollars are settled between travel agents and other travel suppliers using systems that offer all of the risk-mitigation aspects desired by NewGen ISS but in a “modern way”. De Vries said the use of virtual cards by travel agents mean airlines are guaranteed to receive 100% of their funds within a matter of days. “And the

“

The result is that airlines and other parts of the travel value chain are missing out on the benefits that other low cost virtual cards offer

”

same goes for travel agents... they no longer have to take on the risk of forward-dated travel, thanks to chargeback protection they can draw on should an airline fail”.

“If the airline industry is truly behind a new generation of payments, cards need to be directly in the conversation and simplicity needs to prevail, rather than further heavyhanded costly compliance that serves no real purpose,” De Vries concluded.

Cover

The

million dollar The recent corporate reporting season for publicly listed companies has seen some record results, with many businesses in the travel and tourism sector rewarding shareholders with strong performances, dividends and share price increases. But how have the leaders of these organisations fared this year when it comes to their own personal remuneration? Bruce Piper delved into the data to work out who the travel and tourism industry’s top earners were in 2017/18.

The 2018 Million Dollar Club

14

1. Graham Turner

Flight Centre CEO

$24,891,709

2. Alan Joyce

Qantas CEO

$11,475,335

3. Jamie Pherous

Corporate Travel Management CEO

$8,109,756

4. Chris Luxon

Air New Zealand CEO (NZ$)

$4,963,118

5. Andrew Burnes

Helloworld CEO

$4,494,618

6. Cinzia Burnes

Helloworld executive director

$4,455,672

7. Gareth Evans

Jetstar Group CEO

$4,072,319

8. John Borghetti

Virgin Australia CEO

$4,015,700

9. Tino La Spina

Qantas CFO

$3,537,292

10. Andrew David

Qantas CEO domestic

$3,536,959

11. Lim Kim Hai

Regional Express Executive Director

$3,465,540

12. Lesley Grant

Qantas CEO Loyalty (to 31 Oct ‘17)

$3,268,302

13. Melanie Waters-Ryan Flight Centre COO

$3,084,520

14. Chris Galanty

Flight Centre EGM Europe & South Africa

$3,073,203

15. John Guscic

Webjet managing director

$2,998,537

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

club

16. Luke Trouchet

Apollo Tourism and Leisure ceo

$2,955,992

17. Karl Trouchet

Apollo Tourism and Leisure cfo

$2,812,131

18. Unnamed Air NZ exec ?Jodie King (chief people officer)

$2,810,000

19. Dean Smith

Flight Centre EGM The Americas $2,680,432

20. Olivia Wirth

Qantas CEO Loyalty (from 12 Feb ’18) $2,544,874

21. Unnamed Air NZ exec ?Cam Wallace (chief commercial officer)

$1,990,000

22. Unnamed Air NZ exec ?Bruce Parton (chief operations officer) $1,810,000 23. Adam Campbell

Flight Centre CFO

$1,784,751

24. Jane Hastings

Event Hospitality ceo

$1,682,959

25. Unnamed Air NZ exec ?David Morgan (chief flight ops officer)

$1,630,000

26. Laura Ruffles

Corporate Travel Management COO

$1,585,988

27. Alison Webster

Qantas CEO Int’l (from 01 Nov ’17)

$1,552,835

28. Robert Sharp

Virgin Australia Group Executive

$1,437,393

29. Matthew Duff

Event Hospitality commercial director

$1,111,599

30. Gregory Dean

Event Hospitality finance director

$1,006,051

NOTE To put the salaries of the top execs into real terms, this chart shows how many private jets each one could buy with their 2017/18 earnings.

The cheapest private jet costs just under $3 million Australian dollars (called the Cirrus Vision Jet), and can carry five adults non-stop between New York and Dallas.

travelBulletin October 2018

15

Cover

F

ancy a new Lamborghini, Tesla or even a Bugatti supercar? How about a private jet? Such aspirations are beyond the wildest dreams of many of us, but for the top earners in the Australian travel and aviation sector they are easily achievable realities. Based on the now publicly released remuneration reports which every public company must include in its reporting, it has been a pretty good year all round, and senior executives have reaped the benefits both in terms of their base salaries and bonuses, not to mention those all-important dividends.

Every company on the Australian Stock Exchange must include a formal Remuneration Report in its annual report to shareholders. The document is required to detail payments to the company’s directors as well as to designated “key management personnel” and include everything from base salary to bonuses, to share based incentives and even superannuation and travel fringe benefits. Some fairly strong glasses are required to comb through the fine print, but the effort is worth it, with the reports making for fascinating reading. The information generally details how salary packages are calculated, and gives an insight into how the chiefs are incentivised to perform. There are a few juicy nuggets in some cases too, such as details of sign-on bonuses, redundancy payouts and extra payments for relocation.

Most of the designated “key management personnel” in Australia’s listed travel and

tourism companies have their packages weighted towards driving performance in terms of improving shareholder returns, and so it’s only right that if they achieve or exceed targets they are rewarded for doing so. 2017/18 produced some bumper outcomes which were reflected in short and long-term incentive payouts – but as in previous years, the executives who also happen to be major shareholders are the ones who are most likely to be out shopping for a new Gulfstream.

Travel agent top earners Flight Centre has had a cracker of a year.

Although the company’s share price has recently dipped from record levels, the powerhouse surpassed just about every target in 2017/18, achieving profitability in all regions, an 8.5% increase in Total Transaction Value to almost $22 billion and a 14.5% increase in net profit after tax to $264 million. With results like that it’s no wonder that cEo Graham Turner once again came in at the top of this year’s travelBulletin Million Dollar Club. Including bonuses his salary package was a somewhat modest (if you can call it that) $1.43 million – but the hefty $1.54 per share dividend payout saw his total income soar to almost $25 million, an increase of about 15% on the prior year.

Other Flight Centre executives did well too.

Chief operating officer Melanie Waters-Ryan

Travel Agent top earners (top 15) Name

came in 13th on the Million Dollar Club list with a total package of just over $3 million – just ahead of FCTG executive gm Europe Chris Galanty and Dean Smith, who heads up the Americas for Flight Centre, who earnt $2.6 million. As well as good base salaries and bonuses, most of the Flight Centre top earners also reap rewards from the company’s Business Ownership Scheme (BOS) where they hold convertible notes reflecting the performance of particular business units. There’s also a further bonus scheme to incentivise them to stick around,

“

...the executives who also happen to be major shareholders are the ones who are most likely to be shopping for a new Gulfstream...

”

with extra BOS payments based on their length of service.

At Helloworld Travel it’s a similar story, although not quite on the same scale. The top earners are ceo Andrew Burnes and executive director Cinzia Burnes, who are also the company’s largest shareholders.

Company

Base salary

Graham Turner

Flight Centre managing director

$654,951

$762,615

$0

$1,417,566

$23,474,143 $24,891,709

Jamie Pherous

Corporate Travel Management MD

$460,319

$274,837

$0

$735,156

$7,374,600

Andrew Burnes

Helloworld ceo

$480,000

$28,620

$0

$508,620

$3,985,998 $4,494,618

Cinzia Burnes

Helloworld executive director

$480,000

$28,620

$0

$508,620

$3,947,052 $4,455,672

Melanie Waters-Ryan

Flight Centre chief operating officer

$674,957

$595,719

$1,735,727

$3,006,403

$78,117

$3,084,520

Chris Galanty

Flight Centre EGM Europe & Sth Africa

$547,057

$252,275

$2,270,788

$3,070,120

$3,083

$3,073,203

John Guscic

Webjet managing director

$850,000

$590,938

$785,789

$2,226,727

$771,810

$2,998,537

Dean Smith

Flight Centre EGM The Americas

$812,501

$541,668

$1,322,114

$2,676,283

$4,149

$2,680,432

Adam Campbell

Flight Centre CFO

$840,821

$626,431

$314,983

$1,782,235

$2,516

$1,784,751

Laura Ruffles

Corporate Travel Mgt COO

$588,219

$955,244

$0

$1,543,463

$42,525

$1,585,988

Chris Thelen

Corporate Travel Mgt CEO Nth America $579,524

$222,776

$0

$802,300

$70,956

$873,256

Steve Fleming

Corporate Travel Mgt CFO

$486,417

$353,082

$0

$839,499

$9,047

$848,546

Larry Lo

Corporate Travel Mgt CEO Asia

$501,051

$312,268

$0

$813,319

$33,996

$847,315

Shelly Beasley

Webjet group COO

$495,287

$216,077

$49,267

$760,631

$33,202

$793,833

Michael Burnett

Helloworld CFO

$450,000

$20,757

$128,333

$599,090

$90,000

$689,090

16

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

Other payments Share incentives Total salary

Dividends

Total income $8,109,756

Airline top earners Divendends Total income

Name

Company

Base salary

Other paymts Share incentives Total salary

Alan Joyce

Qantas ceo

$2,105,000 $5,923,000 $2,841,000

$10,869,000 $606,335 $11,475,335

Christopher Luxon

Air New Zealand ceo (NZ$)

$1,550,000

$1,440,897

$1,114,888

$4,105,785

$857,333

$4,963,118

Gareth Evans

CEO Jetstar Group

$1,040,000

$2,103,000

$836,000

$3,979,000

$93,319

$4,072,319

John Borghetti

Virgin Australia ceo

$1,950,000 $2,065,700 $0

$4,015,700

$0

$4,015,700

Tino La Spina

Qantas cfo

$930,000

$1,846,000

$711,000

$3,487,000

$50,292

$3,537,292

Andrew David

Qantas domestic ceo

$930,000

$1,833,000

$711,000

$3,474,000

$62,959

$3,536,959

Lim Kim Hai

REX Executive Director

$0

$0

$0

$0

$3,465,540 $3,465,540

Lesley Grant

CEO Qantas Loyalty (to 31/10/17) $855,000

$1,666,000

$711,000

$3,232,000

$36,302

$3,268,302

Unnamed Air NZ exec ?Jodie King (chief people officer)

$2,810,000

$2,810,000

Olivia Wirth

$2,513,000

$2,544,874

CEO Qantas Loyalty (from 12/2/18) $797,000

$1,402,000

$314,000

$31,874

Unnamed Air NZ exec ?Cam Wallace (CCO)

$1,990,000

$1,990,000

Unnamed Air NZ exec ?Bruce Parton (COO)

$1,810,000

$1,810,000

Unnamed Air NZ exec ?David Morgan (CFOO)

$1,630,000

$1,630,000

Alison Webster

CEO Qantas Int’l (from 1/11/17)

$644,000

$752,000

$147,000

$1,543,000

$9,835

$1,552,835

Robert Sharp

Virgin Australia Group Executive

$774,038

$663,355

$0

$1,437,393

$0

$1,437,393

The pair each drew a salary package of just over $500,000 – much lower than the heady days under previous administrations where some senior executives were paid in the millions. But when the 18c per share dividend payout is taken into account that overall figure increased to a total of just under $9 million combined. They were the only Helloworld executives to reach the Million Dollar Club this year, with chief financial officer Michael Burnett next in line, taking home a total of $689,000.

Things may change next year, however, with because the 2017/18 figures don’t reflect a full year with Helloworld for John

Constable, appointed as Group General Manager Retail and Commercial in February this year. Constable’s package for the five months to June was worth just under $600,000 – including about $200,000 for relocation and dividends on 500,000 shares.

The team at Corporate Travel Management also reaped the benefit of a soaring share price – most notably ceo and founder Jamie Pherous, who came in third on the Million Dollar Club list with just over $8 million in total income. Other travel agency ceos in the club included Webjet chief John Guscic, who nudged $3 million this year including a handy $770,000 in dividends.

Airline chiefs fly high Once again this year’s Million Dollar Club was populated by senior airline executives, with Qantas, Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand all featuring. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, who last year earned a record $24 million due to a huge increase in the QF share price, this year saw his total package plummet to about $11.5 million – keeping him in second spot on the list and still taking home more than twice as much as his nearest airline equivalent, Air New Zealand Continues over page

travelBulletin October 2018

17

Cover

Other listed travel companies top earners Name

Company

Other payments Share incentives Total salary

Divendends

Total income

Luke Trouchet

Apollo Tourism and Leisure ceo

$529,551 $31,255

$0

$560,806 $2,395,186 $2,955,992

Karl Trouchet

Apollo Tourism and Leisure cfo

$388,134 $28,811

$0

$416,945 $2,395,186 $2,812,131

Jane Hastings

Event Hospitality ceo

$1,279,951 $207,632 $195,376 $1,682,959 $0

$1,682,959

Mathew Duff

Event Hospitality CD

$629,951

$250,227

$212,384

$1,092,562

$19,037

$1,111,599

Gregory Dean

Event Hospitality FD

$629,951

$89,519

$210,726

$930,196

$75,855

$1,006,051

Norman Arundel

Event Hospitality OD

$479,415

$101,996

$148,078

$729,489

$20,806

$750,295

Jordan Rogers

Event Hospitality Thredbo director

$429,951

$152,901

$109,949

$692,801

$6,543

$699,344

Hans Eberstaller

Event Hospitality md UK & Europe

$367,541

$91,461

$109,440

$568,442

$6,136

$574,578

Darrin Grafton

Serko ceo

$282,266 $115,000 $41,900 $439,166 $0

$439,166

Bob Shaw

Serko chief strategy officer

$256,694

$357,644

Continues from previous page CEO Christopher Luxon whose total package amounted to just under NZ$5 million.

Meanwhile outoing Virgin Australia ceo John Borghetti, who has flagged his intention to depart by the end of 2019, cracked the $4 million mark this year, placing him just behind Jetstar ceo Gareth Evans whose package was worth $4.07 million.

Qantas chief financial officer Tino La Spina and domestic ceo Andrew David came in at 9th and 10th on the list – just ahead of Regional Express executive director Lim Kim Hai, who again in 2017/18 received no salary or bonus, but took his remuneration in the form of dividends on his significant shareholding in the carrier. Other Qantas executives in the club this year included Qantas Loyalty ceo Olivia Wirth whose package was worth just over $2.5 million, and head of Qantas International, Alison Webster, who took home $1.55 million. Other notable mentions should go to the various unnamed Air New Zealand senior executives, who have thus far managed to evade deep scrutiny because different rules on the NZ stock exchange don’t require their specific

18 18

Base salary

travelBulletin travelBulletinOCTOBER OCTOBER2018 2018

$80,000

$20,950

incomes to be individually identified in the report. However an educated guess would put Air New Zealand chief commercial officer Cam Wallace, chief people officer Jodie King, chief operations officer Bruce Parton and chief flight operations officer David Morgan firmly in the Million Dollar Club.

Other industry winners New companies entering the fray this year have included travel technology firm Serko Limited and campervan rental specialist Apollo Motorhomes, both of which were added to the Australian Stock Exchange in the last 12 months enabling scrutiny of their executive pay packets. Apollo chiefs Luke and Karl Trouchet came in at 16th and 17th on the list this year, each earning close to $3 million. By contrast Serko ceo Darrin Grafton and chief strategy officer Bob Shaw were well out of the Million Dollar Club this year, with packages worth NZ$439,000 and NZ$357,000 respectively. If Serko is able to pay dividends in future years that is likely to change, however, with the pair both holding large stakes in the company.

$357,644

$0

“

...an educated guess would put Air NZ chief commercial officer Cam Wallace, chief people officer Jodie King, chief operations officer Bruce Parton and chief flight operations officer David Morgan firmly in the Million Dollar Club

”

business events news

Dubai: Dubai, a rapidly evolving destination known for skyscrapers, history, modern architecture and technology, has continued its strong hold on the thriving business events sector. Dubai Business Events (DBE) reported a 29% increase in business events, delegates and incentive groups from the same period last year.

“With one-third of the world’s population living within a four-hour flight, and two-thirds within eight hours, Dubai’s ease of access for global markets has proven to be one of the key reasons why this city has become a popular host destination for business meetings and events,” said Steen Jakobsen, assistant vice president, Dubai Business Events and City Operations.

“Dubai’s high level of safety and security, its infrastructural investment and development, as well as the city’s range of hotels, venues and suppliers, are also among the many factors that draw planners to the emirate,” he said.

During the first half of 2018, DBE reported 125 successful bids to host business events, to which Jakobsen said: “we are building on our momentum from the first half of the year and gearing up to host a number of immersive study missions to Dubai for meetings and conference planners from

a city of luxury and innovation around the world”.

Conferences, meetings and incentive programs secured in the first six months of the year, including from bids submitted in previous years, are set to attract over 65,000 delegates from around the world, resulting in an economic impact of approximately AED500 million (A$189 million).

Jakobsen went on to say that because of DBE’s emphasis on innovation and future technology, there are several developments and initiatives in the pipeline. These include “the use of blockchain technology in government departments, the growth of automated transportation across the city and an ambitious space program”.

“In addition to bringing growth to Dubai’s economy, they also provide profound opportunities for knowledge exchange through business events,” he said.

The accommodation sector has also played an important role in underpinning the city’s growth as a business and tourism destination.

“There are now more than 111,000 rooms across the city, with inventory forecast to hit 132,000 by the end of 2019. The diversity of the hospitality offering means visitors and planners can choose from a wide range

of options, from international luxury brands such as JW Marriott, Four Seasons and RitzCarlton, to home-grown operators such as Jumeirah and Rove Hotels,” said Jakobsen.

Other venues for large sized events and conferences include Dubai World Trade Centre, the region’s largest dedicated events space; and Dubai Opera, with beachside spaces overlooking the Arabian Gulf and desert tents.

Jakobsen added that Dubai’s key sectors which include renewable energy, transport, education, health, technology, water and space, allow planners to tap into them “to enhance their events and to create longlasting legacies”.

Dubai’s vast range of accommodation offerings gives event planners a variety to choose from, with many now seeking “more diversity in hotel options across multiple price points,” said Jakobsen.

“While there will always be a need for luxury and traditional business hotels, increasingly planners and delegates are looking for more affordable options and inventory in the lifestyle segment. This is aligned with Dubai’s strategy, which has been to encourage more development of hotels in the three- and four-star segments,” Jakobsen added.

travelBulletin October 2018

19

Business view

Career in

focus Ana Pedersen

market in the world, the US, and that to me became my greatest career challenge.

I tackled this goal one step at a time, planning my next step in my career, working hard in delivering positive results. I also put myself out of my comfort zone many times.

By approaching this challenge or, as I’d rather call it, this opportunity, on a step-bystep basis, I was able to fulfil this goal I’d set out for myself.

Global Director of Corporate Sales QBT & APX, QBT 1. What does your role involve and how long have you been in your current position?

My role covers several functions across Australia and New Zealand. I’m responsible for overseeing new customer acquisitions, marketing and the strategic approach to supplier relationships. I joined QBT in July 2017 upon returning to Australia after spending 15 years with a global travel management company.

2. How did you start out in your career?

Were you always destined to work in the travel industry?

There was never any doubt and from a very young age I was destined to work in travel.

After completing some work experience at a local travel agency during high school, I knew the travel industry was where I wanted to develop my career. After high school I went on a gap year to Brazil (my mother’s home country) and I got my first job as a general sales agent for USAir and Aeromexico for a large travel company. It was my first travel job and it was the fact that I was bilingual and fluent in both English and Portuguese that got me the job. I loved every minute of it and learned so much in that first year. A year later I returned to Australia and got a job at Qantas as a reservations agent and never looked back again.

3. Did you complete formal qualifications, and do you think they are important?

I’m a huge advocate of formal qualifications as it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to development and progress.

I believe strongly in being accountable for creating your own path forward and studying hard and applying yourself is important and

20

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

shows strong characteristics that I admire in others. I gained travel industry qualifications by completing IATA Ticketing I & II, then later completed a postgraduate certificate in management at Macquarie University and I’ll be completing my MBA this December from AGSM at the UNSW. 4. What do you love about your job?

In the past I fell in love with the thrill of every sales win. I’m a sales person through and through and I love building strong, authentic relationships. While that feeling you get after a win will never leave me, today I’m much more focused on what I can give back to my team, the industry and those around me as a leader and mentor, and how I can support them in their own plans to develop, grow and meet their own personal objectives.

5. What are some of the greatest challenges you’ve faced in your career?

I’ve encountered several challenges but none that I felt I couldn’t overcome. It’s how you treat your challenges that’s important. I always knew I wanted to lead a global sales team out of the largest corporate travel

6. What factors were central to your success?

Without a doubt, the most important factor has been the unwavering support of my husband and my family in pursuing my goals.

Having their support but also having them as a sounding board, brings you back to reality in terms of what matters most in life and career. Getting out of my comfort zone has also been imperative, as has advocating for myself at every opportunity.

7. Did you have a mentor, and if so, how did you find them?

I’ve had several key mentors throughout my career and I continue to have them in my life. Two of them are former leaders of mine, whom I respected and learnt so much from. A third mentor is someone outside the industry who has mentored me for the past eight years and continues to be an instrumental listener and supporter.

8. What are the keys to good business?

In my humble opinion, good business needs to be about creating value across all its stakeholder communities, in a sustainable manner. We need to deliver good business results whilst also leaving a planet worthy for future generations. Our employees and their well-being needs to be a key focus because by earning their commitment and having them truly engaged in our business is what will deliver excellent customer service, will inspire them to drive continuous improvement and will result in strong business performance.

TripAdvisor feeds the masses

Sabre going Beyond NDC Sabre Corporation has enlisted several new partners in its “Beyond NDC” program, which involves collaboration to develop new solutions, leverage beta testing capabilities and establish a “global leadership position as drivers of NDC”. Travel agency participants now include Australia’s Corporate Travel Management as well as BCD Travel, while Finnair, United Airlines and Singapore Airlines are also working closely with Sabre under the scheme.

The move comes as IATA’s New Distribution Capability comes closer to reality, with some providers expecting to launch solutions by late this year or early in 2019. Sabre has also

FINALIST 2018

been certified by the International Air Transport Association as a “Level 3 aggregator,” building on its previously announced NDC Level 3 capability as an IT provider. The Beyond NDC program aims to drive the industry forward through the development, integration and testing of end-to-end capabilities to process NDC-enabled offers and orders.

Sabre vice president of NDC, Kathy Morgan, said while the certification was a strong achievement, “the real work is being done in close collaboration with our airline and agency partners. Together we will demonstrate a genuine capability to deliver end-to-end solutions at scale”.

TripAdvisor has unveiled a new-look “dynamic Travel Feed” which aims to expand the review site community to include brands, social media influencers and publishers. The platform, which is currently in testing ahead of a formal roll-out later this year, will allow TripAdvisor members to “create and view inspirational and helpful new forms of content,” including photos, videos and articles. Members will be able to create their own Trips which can be in-depth travel guides, itineraries or simple wish-lists of things to do while travelling.

TripAdvisor Trips can be made private and saved for personal use, or shared with the community to inspire others, while the new “Travel Feed” is said to help users discover more relevant information faster when planning a trip. When members log into the TripAdvisor app or website, the homepage will transform into a personalised stream of information, automatically narrowing as the user searches a particular geographic location.

Business view

Working Smarter at the ‘Coal Face’ of Travel

By Leonie Spencer

W

ith the ever-changing retail travel landscape, working smarter in our businesses has never been so important. Below are four key systems we have successfully implemented in our business, Lifestyle Travel Ballarat, that are helping us to keep pace with today’s demanding environment, satisfy our customer expectations, whilst also nurturing a happy and healthy work environment for our people.

returning to book through us. Customers can have access to all their travel documents, including 24/7 connectivity to their travel agent via an in-app messaging system, all on their smartphone or tablet via the app.

Our clients have also been impressed with other features such as country guides, online check-in links, currency conversion and offline maps all designed to make travelling easier.

Due to the success of the app in our own business, Smart Trips is now available as a white label version for other agents to access and brand with their own name and logo too.

2. Smarter Hours Over 60% of our yearly revenue is processed between January and June. During this peak season, our staff will alternate weeks working 30 minutes extra to manage the demand,

1. Modernising Customer Service Through Technology Developing our Smart Trips App has created greater customer loyalty, with more clients

Sell travel your way Enjoy more as a personal travel manager Join TravelManagers, Australia’s premium home-based mobile travel network and have the freedom to work the way you’ve always wanted to.

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With the latest technology and marketing tools, you’ll be able to work from anywhere, with more free time to see the world.

Join over 500 personal travel managers in our community who are already enjoying a better way to work.

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K

whilst leaving 30 minutes earlier during the quieter period (July to December). Banking these hours ensures we are better prepared and energized for the busy months. We also implement two Power Hours – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – where we complete the most important tasks for the day, avoid appointments and check anything urgent that must be done before going home.

Creating this structure helps us to feel organized, reduces stress and gives a great start to each new day.

3. Operation Innovation Our people often have the best ideas for innovation and improvement. Introducing an ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ box where we ask our team to complete the following statement: “It would be good if we could…” has created a platform for open communication and problem-solving. The are no limitations and we encourage each other to write it down, even if it seems silly or impossible.

4. Have Fun & Celebrate Together Working in travel is stressful, so we make sure we have lots of fun in the office. We also celebrate our wins and share our worries.

I believe this is an essential aspect, as creating a great culture and environment ultimately boosts team morale.

Leonie Spencer is the owner of Lifestyle Travel Ballarat and developer of the Smart Trips mobile app (smarttrips.com.au). Leonie started working in the industry as a travel agent in 1979. In 2002 she started Lifestyle Travel Ballarat with the vision of creating a more personalised travel experience for her clients. The agency was the winner of the Helloworld Associate Outstanding Acheivement Award in 2018 and Smart Trips received a judges commendation at NTIA 2018 for Best Travel Agent Technology Innovation.

Value

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Differentiation | Conversion | Revenue | Growth

Cruise

Magnificent

Majestic

On Saturday 15 September, Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess sailed into her new homeport of Sydney Harbour through a jaw-dropping runway of flares to kick off the Australian summer cruising season. travelBulletin was on board for a special preview of the exciting things this Royal-class ship has to offer the local market.

Towering into the skyline, Majestic Princess cuts a regal silhouette. At 66m high, and 330m long, she is both longer than the Eiffel Tower is high, and taller than the height of the Sydney Opera House.

As Princess Cruises’ newest and most luxurious vessel, Majestic is the biggest in the fleet ever to visit Australian waters. The 143,000 tonne mega

24

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

liner, with its capacity to carry 3,560 guests, ensures there is no doubt this ship is set to make waves In the Australian cruise industry.

“Majestic Princess is our third Royalclass ship, launched in April last year,” Stuart Allison, SVP, Princess Cruises told travelBulletin. “Cruise continues to enjoy momentous growth, which means both our onboard and offshore offerings are continually being enhanced – as the flagship of our fleet, she has close to five times as many suite and balcony staterooms than a ship would have had 15 years ago.”

“Enhanced” is just one way to explain how Majestic is breaking down the boundaries between land and sea. In addition to the ship’s incredible selection of everyday onboard eateries, guests can also choose to dine at its two Michelin-starred restaurants for a minimal extra fee. A fivecourse dinner at Harmony, a Cantoneseinspired restaurant designed by renowned chef Richard Chen costs just $35 per person, while a French-inspired offering at Chef Emmanuel Renaut’s La Mer sets customers back a minimal $45. “We aim to offer our guests a true taste of the world,” said food and beverage director, Karen McIntosh. “We want them to explore a world of different flavours, without

having to leave the dining room.”

For those more inclined to kick back and relax, Majestic Princess boasts the largest thermal suite at sea. The Enclave forms part of the Lotus Spa – a day spa that takes up more than one third of Deck Five, where guests can de-stress in the Turkish Hammam, relax in the Laconium sauna, and enjoy the hydrotherapy pool before cooling down with sensory showers. An additional fee is incurred depending on the ship’s itinerary, however paying guests have unlimited use between 8am and 10pm for the duration of their cruise.

The ship offers other forms of escape, including a fully equipped gymnasium with endless ocean views, an outdoor exercise area where guests can get the blood pumping with the breeze on their skin, a variety of pools on the top deck where you can enjoy a swim during the day, or return at night for a viewing of Movies Under the Stars, with a different showing each evening.

During her inaugural six-month homeporting season from Sydney, Majestic Princess will sail on 16 cruises to destinations including Fiji, New Zealand and Tasmania, as well as two Asian voyages between Shanghai and Sydney, and Sydney and Hong Kong.

Bookings for the vessel over the next six months are strong, with Princess confirming Majestic will return to Australia next year, and the cruise line already predicting

strong growth across its entire fleet for the 2019/2020 season.

“We are already gearing up for our largest Australian and New Zealand deployment in history, which will see a record number of people cruising on Princess ships over the 2019/20 season,” said Allison. “The arrival of Ruby Princess, combined with news of Majestic’s return before she has completed her maiden season here means we will have two of the four latest Princess ships sailing in this region, which speaks to the momentous growth of our market.”

Cruise360 highlights opportunity This year’s Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia Cruise360 conference attracted a whopping 580 attendees, including a record contingent of 90 Kiwis, making it the largest cruise conference in the southern hemisphere.

The fifth annual event highlighted the potential of the industry and unpacked the key theme of sustainability, along with panel sessions on reputation management, challenging the stereotypes of cruising, exploring the small ship market and how agents could make the most of their partnership with cruise lines.

“There are nearly 94% of Australians who haven’t taken a cruise yet, which really gives us the confidence that there is a lot of opportunity for further growth,” CLIA Australasia managing director Joel Katz told the conference.

“We are not only meeting the demands of existing customers, but also attracting new customers to this amazing industry,” he said.

Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Andy Stuart delivered the keynote, emphasising the cruise industry’s capacity for innovation, citing examples including Norwegian’s race track at sea and Royal Caribbean’s North Star observation pod.

“Innovation is not always about the big idea, it’s often about a lot of smaller ideas that can really change the business,” Stuart said.

“Big ideas are great, but think about the

CLIA Australasia MD Joel Katz, CLIA Global president & CEO Cindy D’Aoust, & NCLH MD Asia Pacific Steve Odell.

small things that can be game changers as well because there is rarely ever a single silver bullet,” he said.

Cruise360 also featured plenty of opportunities to catch up with suppliers at a trade show which ran throughout the day.

Close to 50 exhibitors showcased their companies, with several new additions joining the ranks for this year’s event.

Next year’s Cruise360 will be held on 30 August 2019.

An Edge-class ship for Aus? An Edge-class ship from Celebrity Cruises may be on the horizon for Australia, but the company’s new local head is staying tight-lipped.

Speaking to travelBulletin at the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia Cruise360 conference, Royal Caribbean Cruises’ vice president and managing director Australia and New Zealand Susan Bonner told travelBulletin to “watch this space...put the pieces together”.

Bonner recently joined from Celebrity Cruises’ head office in the US where she was part of the Edge build team.

“There are four Edge class ships that have been committed to,” Bonner explained.

“The rest of the world loves Australia, Australians love innovative hardware, I’m from the Celebrity brand and I was part of the Edge build team,” she said.

Bonner said her goal in the role was to see some of Australia’s infrastructure issues resolved “so that when we are given the opportunity to have additional, brand new hardware, like an Edge class ship, capacity constraints are not even part of the issue,” she said.

BOOK NOW | POCRUISES.COM.AU

Cruise

Don’t think of us as a cruise line – Lindblad

Lindblad’s president and CEO Sven-Olof Lindblad insists agents shouldn’t think of the brand as a cruise line per se, suggesting instead the company is really in the business of “providing people with experiences”.

“We just happen to use cruise ships,” Lindblad explains.

“Although our ships are very comfortable, we are very much focused on what’s outside

and not what’s inside”.

Since making its first foray into the Australian market in 2013, Lindblad found the local economic conditions difficult for “a period of time”, largely driven by factors beyond its control such as a dip in the Australian dollar not long after making the company’s Aussie debut.

Despite the challenges, Lindblad says that

sales in the local market have “stabilised”, and the business is now in a great position to inject renewed vigour into conveying its value proposition to the trade.

“It’s up to us to provide agents with the materials to convey the nuances of expedition cruising, so that they can align our product against everybody else and align them to the interests of their customers,” Lindblad said.

The company prides itself on being able to go to many remote destinations its competitors can’t and also provide a high level of expertise on board such as trained photographers, undersea specialists and authorities on glaciers and climate change.

“I think the market can grow because Australia has a disproportionately high per capita interest in the kind of thing we do, it has the highest per capita number of visitors to the Galapagos in the world – there is an inherent interest in nature and wildlife and in the kinds of geographies we visit.”

Likely to further consolidate its market appeal is a raft of new ships Lindblad is set to launch over the next three years including National Geographic Venture in December 2018 and National Geographic Endurance in the first quarter of 2020.

A RISING TIDE GATHERS ALL SHIPS Cruise360 was this year home to a breakout session on the growth of the expedition cruising segment, with representatives from four big players in the industry engaging in a robust discussion on why the space was finding so much traction of late.

The managing director of Windstar Australia Andrew Milmore told the audience that one of the reasons driving the increased appetite can be attributed, in part, to a desire for a greater, more immersive experience.

“We have clients jumping off the back deck into the Arctic as one of our most popular new trends and in Alaska they are getting into kayaks and getting up close and personal with the destination,” Milmore said.

APT’s national sales manager Scott Ellis agreed, also

pinpointing unique destinations as a major factor driving growth.

“We can do things that the big ships simply can’t; apart from the destinations like Norway and Iceland for which we are seeing a lot of demand, we are also seeing a thirst for access to new destinations,” Ellis said.

The panel concurred that this spike in customer demand must precipitate an increased investment from cruise lines in updating expedition ships and amenities in order for the space to continue to thrive.

“The average fleet age of an expedition ship is 32 years old…

We’ve just invested a billion dollars in new ships which is the biggest investment in the entire sector,” said Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions vice president Asia Pacific Monique Ponfoort.

Kayaking in Kenai

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Cruise plan opposed Plans for a new cruise terminal at Sydney’s Port Botany have met with a stormy reception from local political leaders, who have vowed to fight development at the NSW Government’s preferred sites at Yarra Bay and Molineaux Point.

The locations were named in the government’s recently released Cruise Development Plan, however the area’s Randwick Council has voted to oppose any new docking facilities and local Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite has launched a petition calling for the plan to be halted.

“Our community has made it clear to us that they do not want this terminal built in Port Botany,” said Randwick Mayor Lindsay Shurey.

“It’s vital that we protect the beaches, green spaces and open areas at Yarra Bay.”

Carnival ready for record Aussie season CARNIVAL Australia has announced it expects to generate $500 million in economic activity during the peak cruise season which officially commenced last month.

The cruise line plans to make a record 696 calls across 38 ports.

“In 2008-09, our ships made fewer than 200 calls to local ports over the cruise season...that number has more than tripled over the past decade,” said Carnival Australia president Sture Myrmell.

The local season will include a number of inaugural visits such as Carnival Australia’s debut in Batemans Bay, as well as Seabourn Sojourn’s trip to Flinders Island in December.

Norwegian steps up Australian presence Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is preparing to boost its profile in the Australian market.

In Sydney for the recent Cruise360 conference, NCL president and CEO Andy Stuart announced plans for the line’s first television advertising campaign in Australia, scheduled to begin this month.

Aiming to challenge the line’s larger rivals, the campaign will convey the “freedom and flexibility” of the NCL brand, Stuart said.

The advertising “should drive a lot of business through travel agents,” he said, and would air nationally.

Stuart said Norwegian had doubled its sales in the Australian market since opening a dedicated Australian office three years ago and was aiming to double bookings again in the near future.

CLIA view Joel Katz, Managing Director CLIA Australasia

#ChooseCruise in October October is the culmination of CLIA’s through the Cruise Agent Search global #ChooseCruise campaign. function on the CLIA website.

This multi-faceted campaign brings CLIA travel agents have access the global cruise community together to promotions from a variety of CLIA to raise the awareness of cruise Cruise Lines during #ChooseCruise, travel, and encourage travellers to and these can be accessed by logging #ChooseCruise as their preferred in to the Members Hub. Agents can holiday option. also check out the #ChooseCruise Travel agents are vital to the Toolkit available in the CLIA Members continual success of Hub, and download the cruise industry and a range of resources the industry’s direct including social media link to prospective and images to use across Travel agents are returning cruisers, so social platforms vital to the continual including Facebook, #ChooseCruise helps to provide the tools to success of the cruise Instagram and connect travellers with the Twitter to promote industry and the right cruise experience. the #ChooseCruise industry’s direct link campaign to CLIA is providing travel agents with the tips, tools to prospective and their database. and techniques to enable Once again, this returning cruisers them to engage with year, CLIA is rewarding clients and help them travel agents who plan and book the perfect share their most cruise holiday. creative (on or offline) #ChooseCruise CLIA is once again partnering with activities on social media the use the major trade and consumer publications #ChooseCruise tag. Best-selling CLIA to focus on cruise throughout October, travel agents have the chance to win and consumers will be encouraged weekly prizes. to book a cruise holiday during For more information on how to #ChooseCruise by connecting with participate in #ChooseCruise, visit a CLIA cruise specialist travel agent www.cruising.org.au

“ ”

Headlines August & September 2018 23 Aug P&O bids farewell to Pacific Jewel 23 Aug SeaLink head to retire 28 Aug APT 2019 Croatia cruising

sold out 28 Aug Princess’ local flavour 30 Aug Norwegian for Australian

TV push 30 Aug Agents spirited away 03 Sep Industry celebrates opportunity 03 Sep Innovations big and small 04 Sep Crystal eyes more

expedition ships

04 Sep Cruise plan faces storm 06 Sep Cruise reputation focus

at C360 06 Sep Croatia is twice as nice 11 Sep Carnival plans record Aussie season 11 Sep Lindblad bouncing back 13 Sep Dream Cruises to bring ship to

Australia in 2019/20 13 Sep ACA conference opens 18 Sep Brisbane terminal

considers growth 18 Sep Countdown to Countess

travelBulletin October 2018

27

Industry in Focus Dream Cruises along with Intertrips hosted these agents onboard World Dream, sailing from Hong Kong to Japan’s Okinawa Islands.

These ten itravel agents rec ently experienced Malays ia thanks to Viva! Holidays and Malaysia Airlines. The gro up stayed in Kuala Lumpur for two nights and explored the city.

s for Destination Australian representative Brand from Gate ny Pen DC , Lisa Dunn and event run by nt age ent rec the d 7 enjoye tion DC . tina Des Excite Holidays and

Switzerland Tourism hosted these lucky agents on a famil to the European country. The group explored the country’s famous mountains and scenery.

Travelling Asia onboard a clipper ship was in order for this group of Cruiseco agents who were hosted by Star Clippers, with highlights being Satonda and Moyo Islands.

smiles when she Robyn Davies from WOW Travel was all & Argentina Chile to two for age pack won a five-night launch. at the recent Tempo Holidays brochure 28

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

October 2018

Flying to Mykonos with Qatar Airways, this group of travel agents visited all nine Myconian Collection properties and enjoyed an archaeological tour of Delos.

Los Cabos Tourism recently hosted nine Virtuoso agents on a famil to the destination where they were treated to a VIP experience staying in the Virtuoso’s One & Only Palmilla, Grand Velas, & The Cape.

Around 50 of Australia and New Zealand’s top travel agents earlier this month spent tim e discovering Darwin thro ugh challenges, clues, puzzles and riddles, as a part of the Darwin Amazing Race Experience (D.A .R.E.), Tourism NT fam il.

These agents would have been thanking their lucky stars they were on a trip courtesy of 50 Degrees North, Finnair and Consolidated Travel when they saw the aurora borealis on display.

and excitement of Contiki’s These guests enjoyed the fun Europe brochure. launch part for their 2019/20

Travel Texas recently concluded a roadshow in Australia and New Zealand that included visits to Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney.

travelBulletin October 2018

29

Japan Fukiji Temple in Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture

The Shinjuku nightlife district of Tokyo

Let the Games

T

he Rugby World Cup is one of the greatest shows on Earth, though that’s a big claim in Japan, where great shows pop up at every turn: samurai castles, gushing hot springs, snow-capped volcanoes, vending machines that sell just about anything, and a culture thousands of years old. The tournament’s 48 rugby matches might be thrillers, but the sporting event’s host cities will enthral you too. Ancient competes with ultra-modern, stunning scenery with urban charms. Save some of your cheering because, long after the rugby players have departed, Japan will still be there – and wowing you.

The Rugby World Cup runs between 20 September and 2 November 2019, with matches held at 12 venues across Japan.

Many such as Yokohama, Kumamoto, Fukuoka and Kobe are great travel destinations in themselves. Even better, the Wallabies will be 30

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

playing in some of the nation’s top locations, kicking off with their first match against Fiji in Sapporo on 21 September.

Sapporo is the chief city of rugged, thinlypopulated northern island Hokkaido, best known for its ski resorts such as Furano and Niseko. It’s just as fabulous without snow, though, thanks to its national parks, forests and mountain chains. Sapporo Dome’s main claim to fame is its retractable surface, where a grass pitch slides in and out of the stadium as needed for rugby and football games.

Give your camera a workout on a hike amid glorious alpine scenery where autumn foliage unfolds across the landscape in glorious Technicolour, and snow is beginning to dust mountaintops. As a bonus in multihued Daisetsuzan National Park, you can soak in Asahidake hot springs at the foot of a volcano. In Sapporo itself, the Autumn Fest is a showcase of the region’s agricultural products, with food stalls serving sake,

craft beers, seafood and hearty bowls of buckwheat noodles.

On 29 September, you might want to move on to Tokyo, where Australia tackles Wales. Tokyo is a fast-paced, exhilarating encounter with ultra-urban Japan, and showcases its latest music, teenage trends, fashions, cartoon animations, technology and pop culture. Shinjuku district is crowded with avant-garde skyscrapers and thronged department stores, and boasts Japan’s busiest train station. In the evenings, it’s the epicentre of Tokyo’s incredible nightlife.

Giant video screens and neon flash above alleys of karaoke bars, jazz lounges, nightclubs and traditional kabuki theatres.

Shibuya is another Tokyo district worth exploring for its youthful fashion and homeware stores. More budget-conscious Harajuku district is a must-visit for its eyepopping teenagers in manga-inspired outfits, from Goth vampires to pink-clad Barbie

Japan

Mt Fuji against the tea plantations of Shizuoka Prefecture

Tokyo Tower and the urban sprawl of Tokyo

Kakegawa Castle

All images ©JNTO

Begin lookalikes (usually seen on a Sunday). It’s typical of Tokyo that you can walk on to serene Meiji Shrine, where wedding couples in traditional attire parade behind the shrine maiden and musicians.

The island of Kyushu in southern Japan is noted for its warm climate, beautiful landscapes, more laidback smaller cities and (most of all) its hot springs. The Wallabies take on Georgia at Oita on 5 October, right in a volcanic zone where hot water bubbles and you can soak with views across rice fields and mountains. You’ll also find plenty of historic towns such as Mameda, Kitsuki and Usuki, and hills dotted with rock-carved Buddha statues and Shinto shrines.

Nearby, rollicking Beppu attracts visitors from all over Japan: there are almost 3,000 gushing hot springs within the city confines, and many bathhouses in which to enjoy them. At Takegawara bathhouse you can get buried up to your neck in hot black sand; at

Japan is hosting the Rugby World Cup next year, providing a great opportunity to combine sports with sightseeing in this most fascinating of nations, writes Brian Johnston.

“

Mt Fuji looms across Suruga Bay – which the Japanese claim is the most beautiful bay in the world – like a snowy mirage

”

Suginoi Palace you can float in bubbling pools surrounded by elegant tropical palms.

Then there are the famous and aptly named hells (jigoku) where thermal water turns to burping milky-white and brown mud. It’s not rugby, but it’s still quite a spectacle.

Lastly, Shizuoka Prefecture just west of Tokyo could hardly be a greater contrast to the heaving metropolis, even though it’s only an hour away by bullet train. This prefecture

is one of Japan’s richest thanks to eminent industrial families such as Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda and Kawai, and there’s plenty of urban sprawl. Yet you’ll also find a rugged coastline, rolling countryside vivid green with tea plantations and wasabi farms, and renowned hot spring towns such as Atami and Shuzenji.

Australia plays Uruguay in Shizuoka on 11 October in a stadium just a hop from hilltop Kakegawa Castle, crammed with samurai armour and ninja legends. At adjacent Ninomaru Teahouse you can sit on a tatami mat and admire the maple trees in the traditional Japanese gardens. The most picturesque corner of this region, though, is the Izu Peninsula, a rugged and forested swathe of land that juts out into the Pacific Ocean and is a wonderful taste of rural Japan.

Mt Fuji looms across Suruga Bay – which the Japanese claim is the most beautiful bay in the world – like a snowy mirage. travelBulletin October 2018

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Japan

Christian sites join heritage list

Japan’s cup gateway Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has created a dedicated website to help travellers planning to join next year’s Rugby World Cup, offering details of the 12 host cities including access information, local food and drink, places of interest and suggested itineraries.

The site is aimed at rugby fans wanting to explore local areas before and after each match, as well as providing information on where each team is playing, the times of each match and venue details. New information will be added to expand the website as the official kick-off approaches, including recent event news, details about fan zones and further sightseeing information.

The Rugby World Cup 2019, Japan will be held from 20 September to 2 November, with the final match to be played at the International Stadium Yokohama. n See visitjapan2019.com

Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage sites showcase some of the most spectacular aspects of the country’s ancient culture, with new additions perhaps more familiar to western culture.

Entitled “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region”, the newly inscribed group of Japanese sites is located in the north-western part of Kyushu island and involves 10 villages, a castle and a cathedral, all built between the ©JNTO 16th and 19th centuries.

The sites reflect the earliest activities of Christian missionaries and settlers in Japan, and according to UNESCO “bear unique testimony to a cultural tradition nurtured by hidden Christians in the Nagasaki region who secretly transmitted their faith during the period of prohibition from the 17th to the 19th century”. They include the 19th century Oura Cathedral in Nagasaki (pictured), the oldest surviving church in Japan.

Buddhist temples offer sanctuary Japan’s ancient Buddhist heritage has given it an incredible wealth of temples and monasteries, some of which offer a chance to experience more than just a fleeting visit.

Temple stays, or shukubo, are a longstanding tradition in parts of Japan where pilgrims and other visitors can stay overnight and take part in many of the daily rituals of the local monks.

About 90 minutes south of Osaka by train is Koyasan, one of the best locations to stay and witness the traditions and cycles of temple life. Situated on a small plateau at the top of Koyasan, it is a sacred area surrounded by thick cedar forests, dotted with temples, halls and pagodas. With more than 100 Shingon Buddhist temples, Koyasan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers at least 50 different options for shukubo stays.

Generally costing between $100 and $200 per night including breakfast and dinner, lodgings typically offer simple, traditional Japanese rooms with tatami floors, sliding doors and shared toilets. Bedding involves futons that are rolled up by day and spread Sunrise in Serengeti on the tatami mat during the night.

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©Tokozenji / JNTO

A stay offers a chance to take part in rituals with the resident monks such as meditation sessions, and involves communal dining on the same vegetarian dishes served in traditional monastic life.

In areas such as Koyasan the temples are accustomed to overseas visitors, but still require an adherence to important practices. Times for sleeping, showering,

dining and meditating are often fixed, and guests are advised to be aware that temple stays are more than just a form of character accommodation and require a respectful adherence to rules and customs.

Shukubo temple stays can be arranged through several organisations including the Koyasan Tourism Association. n See eng.shukubo.net

Japan

Agent Know How travelBulletin sat down recently with JNTO to ask them how agents can get their knowledge about Japan up to scratch.

Floating hotel sets sail A luxury floating hotel is set to open this month among the islands of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, offering 19 suites designed in striking contemporary style by noted architect Yasushi Horibe.

Called guntû, the hotel will change its location regularly, mooring between islands in the enclosed sea that separates three of Japan’s four main islands – Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu.

Varying its route depending on the season, it will take passengers on one-, two- or three-night journeys to discover the area’s network of picturesque islands. Each journey will depart from Bella Vista in Onomichi City, and although the hotel will not pull into shore during its journeys, passengers will be able to join shore excursions or visit nearby attractions such as ancient temple ruins via tender boats.

Each of guntû’s suites will come with its own terrace, encouraging passengers to step outside to admire the views. On board the vessel, guests will have access to an observation deck, shop, lounge, gym, communal hot spring area, outdoor bar, tearoom, cocktail bar, sushi bar and char-grill counter. Dining options will allow guests to taste seasonal specialties sourced in the local area.

Rates start at Y400,000 (about $5,000) per night for two guests, including all meals and activities while on board. n See guntu.jp/about

How can travel agents improve their product knowledge of Japan?

JNTO has many methods for agents who are interested to increase their knowledge of Japan: n E-learning – currently a two level training platform to get agents familiar with Japan as a destination. To access our training modules visit jnto.org.au/travel-trade n Subscribe to JNTO’s monthly agent EDM which contains tips and wholesaler products. n Attend our regular seminars and events, which are held throughout the year across Australia and in Auckland (NZ). Our next major event is our Japan Roadshow 2018 that will be held in Auckland (29 November), Brisbane (4 December) and Sydney (6 December). n Following Visit Japan AU’s Facebook and Instagram helps inspire travellers and agents alike. We also share content from JNTO partners such as model course itineraries and blogs to help provide useful information.

Because Japan is so unique in its culture, it is definitely a destination that is best understood if the agent has experienced it themselves, even as a traveller.

Which destinations would you recommend for first time travellers?

The most popular is the ‘Golden Route’ which mainly consists of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima, but can also include Hakone and The Fuji Five Lakes area. Though these are the most popular destinations, we recommend visitors, even first time visitors, to

venture away from these locations as other destinations that are just as easily accessible by the vast railway network across Japan. Every area in Japan is unique and different to the next, and these lesser known destinations are often more authentic and less crowded than the Golden Route.

What makes Japan a unique destination?

Japan is a great contrast of new and old, with a temple that can be hundreds of years old sitting between two high-rise buildings. Japan is also full of unique history and culture, with great pilgrimage trails and heritage listed areas, just outside of bustling metropolises. Also Japan has an exceptionally low crime rate, which is very appealing for those who are looking for a safe destination to travel through. Japanese food is also healthy and delicious; with a range of cuisines to suit all tastes and budgets from Michelin starred dining to a humble laneway bar.

How can travel agents join a famil?

We always recommend agents keep up to date with JNTO by registering for our agent EDM as it is the main method we announce our activities. It is also recommended that you keep in touch with Sally Miles, our main liaison with agents, either by email or by meeting up at our seminars and events that are held throughout the year. Our e-learning fam is one of the few that is open for retail agents to apply. Subscribe to our agent newsletter and be the first to find out when the next one is held.

travelBulletin October 2018

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Japan

Fireflies light Japan’s mythology

JTB explores off the beaten path Jtb Australia has introduced a series of new experiences for Australian travellers, providing adventures that take guests off the beaten track while providing hands-on activities for a closer insight into Japanese traditions.

Among new options are a series of walking tours offered in conjunction with Oku Japan, available either as a guided itinerary or in self-guided form. They include a five-day self-guided walk along Japan’s Nakasendo Way – an ancient highway winding through the central mountains between Kyoto and Tokyo that can still be followed today.

Travelling along paved village paths and unpaved mountain trails, the route has been used since feudal times and can be explored while staying overnight in local family-run guest houses. A 12-day guided option for small groups includes an English-speaking host and luggage forwarding service, while a five-day self-guided option involves the provision of extensive documentation and photographs for navigation, plus the reassurance of an on-site emergency contact.

Other experiences have been introduced with local operator Beauty of Japan, including a bar-hopping backstreet tour in Tokyo. Visiting locations that foreign visitors seldom see, they provide a chance to sample Japanese food, drink and nightlife while learning a little about the culture.

The operator has also allowed JTB to introduce a new Sumo tour, in which guests can interact with wrestlers and gain insight into their daily life – including a chance to dine on their staple chanko-nabe hot pot.

JTB has operated in Australia for almost 60 years, with a dedicated wholesale team based in Melbourne offering options including cultural tours, Ryokan accommodation, private customised tours, small-group escorted tours, self-drive itineraries and ski packages.

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The cherry blossoms of spring and coloured forests of autumn have become two of Japan’s greatest seasonal drawcards, but the Japanese also have a fondness for another season. In June and July – Japan’s humid summer – thousands of glowing fireflies appear at nightfall around forest streams and in secluded glens. Firefly viewing is a centuries old, traditional Japanese summer activity.

Over 45 types of firefly live in Japan, but only 14 of them have glowing back-ends. Fireflies come out at night around 7.30 to 9pm and are best seen on humid days with no breeze. Top places to view them include the free Firefly Village in Gunma Prefecture, the Roman-no Mori Kyowakoku leisure park outside Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture and the Kemi Firefly Village in Nagano Prefecture.

The lush gardens of the Hotel Chinzanso provide one of the few places in Tokyo where fireflies can be seen, while 25 minutes from central Tokyo by train is Seichi Park at the amusement park Yomiuri Land, which holds firefly nights after closing during June each year.

©Tsuneaki Hiramatsu

Japan aims for speedy recovery Japan’s tourism sector is confident of a swift recovery after a series of natural disasters, including last month’s Typhoon Jebi which forced the closure of Osaka’s Kansai International Airport.

The typhoon was the worst to hit Japan in 25 years and caused extensive flooding and damage at Kansai. The airport occupies an artificial island and was cut-off from the mainland when a ship was blown into a connecting bridge, causing damage that is expected to take weeks to repair.

The area was still recovering from the impact of an earthquake that hit Osaka in June, coinciding with extensive flooding that caused devastation in Japan’s south-west. Another earthquake last month in the northern island of Hokkaido caused landslides and damage to Sapporo’s main gateway, New Chitose Airport.

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) said there was a determined mood in the country as it recovered from the disasters.

The impact on tourism is expected to be limited, especially now that both Kansai International Airport and New Chitose Airport are back up and running, and the Japanese Government had no plans to change its visitor targets in light of the events.

Regular updates are posted on www.japan.travel/en.

Japan

New trains hit the rails Japan railway operators have introduced several new updates including an art train in Setouchi, a cyclist-friendly train in Chiba, and a new JR sightseeing train in the western San’in region.

The new train Art Train “La Malle de Bois” is designed with luggage in mind and features an all-white body and windows with thick black frames designed to resemble suitcases or bags. The train operates at the entrance to the Setouchi region, known for its modern art and cycling routes. The train is stocked with art books and books about islands, allowing passengers to plan their journey while on board the train. Travellers will also find art objects such as old-fashioned cameras, train and ship models. Other services include train conductors, a service counter selling drinks and local products, and free wifi.

The new weekend train for cyclists, the Boso Bicycle Base operated by JR East, has

Q&A

been designed specifically to transport cyclists and their bikes between Tokyo and the Boso Peninsula in neighbouring Chiba Prefecture.

The train has six carriages with seating and bike racks for 99 passengers. Each carriage is fitted with upright bike racks and a non-slip rubber floor suitable for cycling shoes. All seats are equipped with electronic power

outlets so that passengers can recharge the batteries of their electronic devices.

JR West has also launched a new sightseeing train, Ametsuchi, which serves the area between Tottori and Izumo Stations in the San’in region in the west of Japan, generally considered to refer to Shimane, Tottori and Yamaguchi prefectures.

A land with ancient culture and modern technology side by side, Japan is a fascinating destination. travelBulletin asked InsideJapan’s Harry Sargant about the best way agents can sell this beautiful country.

Is there much interest among Australians for travel to Japan?

Absolutely! Aussies are heading to Japan in ever-increasing numbers, for more and more reasons. Gone are the days of Japan being seen as just for “ski and sakura” (the famous cherry blossom). Nowadays people are discovering the variety that Japan offers.

What are the must-see highlights for first time travellers?

Tokyo and Kyoto get the most attention, for the best of Japan’s modern and traditional sides respectively. These cities should certainly be on any first-timers itinerary, but be sure to explore further to ensure that you get a true picture of Japan’s contrasts.

Venture just a little off the beaten track and you will soon discover a very different side of Japan. Try to make it to one of Japan’s other main islands during your stay.

What sort of travellers are visiting Japan?

All sorts! Travelling in Japan is clean, safe, reliable and comfortable, making it suitable for every kind of traveller. It is increasingly

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Art Train Setouchi, Daikoku Design Institute

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

popular with families. Japan is great for history fans, foodies, art enthusiasts, techno-heads and more – in fact, whatever you are into, chances are you can indulge yourself and your interests in Japan.

Is there any particular time of year that is best or most popular to travel to Japan?

Japan is a year-round destination, with each distinct season bringing its own highlights. Spring (Mar to May) and autumn (September to November) are popular for comfortable temperatures plus the chance to see the famous cherry blossom or changing of the leaves. But summer and winter are also rewarding times to travel, with festivals, foods and cultural events to reflect the changing of the seasons – and with fewer crowds and often lower prices too.

Are FIT holidays more popular than all-inclusive packaged options?

There are many ways to travel in Japan. It is very possible for travellers to enjoy the country independently, with ample English

signs, reliable public transport and helpful and humble hosts.

But booking your clients on a trip with a tour operator can help them to connect with local people, understand the culture and get the most out of their visit. Group tours to Japan are a great option, as many of Japan’s iconic must-dos are better enjoyed with others.

What advice do you have for other agents selling Japan?

If you are already selling it – great, keep selling! If you are not selling Japan yet – you are missing out! Visitor numbers to Japan are growing rapidly and it is a destination that appeals to such a variety of travellers. Encourage customers to go beyond just Tokyo and Kyoto, and remind clients that cherry blossom is not the only time to go to Japan. And of course InsideJapan Tours would love to help craft the perfect trip for your clients. You can contact us on (07) 3186 8800.

THE ONLY WAY TO SEE JAPAN For over 100 years we have taken joy in developing an intimate knowledge in every aspect of Japan.

Our experienced team combines with local guides to ensure we thoughtfully piece together all aspects of the perfect experience for every visitor. From our simple booking process to our on-going availability right up until your flight home, our reputation for exceptional service and captivating travellers is second to none.

1300 739 330 | jtbtravel.com.au

Europe

See Croatia from the Sea

Sibenik

By Jenny Piper

C

roatia’s popularity as a holiday destination continues to grow worldwide, particularly with Australians, and there are plenty of reasons why. One is the country’s extensive coastline and more than 1,000 islands stretching along the Adriatic Sea, meaning it’s a fantastic place to visit in summer when it’s hot, and a dip in the ocean is so very inviting. And of course there is the Game of Thrones factor, with many visitors flocking to Croatia to see the magnificent ancient buildings and landscapes featured in the popular series.

Many Aussies will visit Croatia as part of a Mediterranean cruise, with large ships calling in on the big cities such as Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar, all of which are well worth a visit. But to get a closer look at Croatia and some of its treasures, a small ship offers the opportunity to explore the less visited islands and ports. I have just returned from a week on board APT’s newest small ship offering – the Queen Eleganza, a vessel purpose-built for Adriatic cruising. The 49m-long ship has only 18 cabins accommodating 34 guests to allow for an intimate exploration of the Dalmatian coast and

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islands. Being such a small vessel we were able to call in at some really amazing ports and partake in unique activities that only such a boutique product can offer.

A great feature onboard the Queen Eleganza was the chance to jump straight off the back deck and swim in the crystal clear waters of secluded coves inaccessible to other vessels.

Guests could also simply spend time relaxing on the various decks enjoying the serenity of the islands, reading a book or sunbathing. This cruise is at a leisurely pace where the itinerary may vary slightly depending on weather and the guests’ wishes!

But for those who wish to explore and discover more of Croatia there is plenty of chance to be a tourist as well. The ship docks overnight in great ports, so passengers are able to wander around the town at their own pace and have the opportunity to dine at local eateries.

We visited the island of Hvar, which has the reputation of being Croatia’s premium party destination.

The traffic-free marble streets and 13th century walls – not to mention an airfield for private jets -– mean the cosmopolitan Hvar town attracts celebrities as well as backpackers.

Korcula

“

Hidden behind the walls is a delightful medieval town with cobbled streets

”

There are restaurants and bars for every taste and budget as well as a vibrant night life. It’s also a pretty town to just walk around and get lost in the back streets.

Other ports of call included the island of Korcula – the sixth largest island in the Adriatic. Korcula town is charming with medieval squares, churches and houses. It also claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo – although the Venetians dispute this.

There is a plethora of lovely dining venues overlooking the sea to sit and

Europe Krka National Park

Korcula Sibenik monastery gardens

Vis

enjoy a glass of local wine and some delicious food, along with lots of great shops featuring products from local artisans such as jewellery made with local coral.

One of the highlights of the trip was Vis. This island is the furthest from the coast and was formerly a military base for the Yugoslav army.

It only opened up to tourism in 1989, hence it is quaint and lacks the development of other islands. Vis was also the location for the filming of the movie Mamma Mia, Here we go again, and it was just our luck that it was screening at the local open air theatre the same night we were in port. What fun to be singing those corny but familiar tunes in the very place the movie was filmed.

Nearby is the island of Bisevo, the home of the famous Blue Grotto. As part of the APT experience guests were able to visit this magical cave with its mystical blue waters lit up by the sun’s rays passing through an underwater opening.

But my favourite place was Sibenik – a coastal town inaccessible to most large ships. Visitors shouldn’t be

deceived by the outward appearance of the town as the ship docks, because hidden behind the walls is a delightful medieval town with cobbled streets that wind up to an old monastery and a hillside fort. The town’s back streets and alleys are dotted with cafés and gelato shops, and the amazing UNESCO World Heritage-listed St James Cathedral.

This stunning structure is built of stones from local islands, and its most unusual feature is the frieze of 71 heads on the rear exterior wall, believed to be caricatures of 15th century citizens. Sibenik is also the access point to the stunning Krka National Park with its wonderful cascading waterfalls.

It’s understandable why so many visitors are wanting to not only discover Croatia, but also planning to return. It has a freshness about it that hasn’t been spoiled by too much tourism. Croatia is clean and easy to take in, as well as being reasonably priced, with delightful people who are only too happy to proudly show off their home.

Hvar Queen Eleganza

travelBulletin October 2018

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Europe

New countries in expanded 2019 program for Voyages to Antiquity Voyages to Antiquity will visit six new countries next year in an expanded European program for the small-ship cruise operator.

New itinerary options include first-time visits to Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Poland and Germany, as well as new ports of call in Stockholm, Helsinki and Tromso.

Sailing aboard the 350-guest Aegean Odyssey, the cultural cruise line's 2019 program offers a maiden voyage around the Baltics with three days in St Petersburg, as well as an inaugural itinerary highlighting Norway's Arctic North Cape where guests will witness the legendary 'Land of the Midnight Sun.' "We are thrilled to extend VTA's commitment to cultural immersion and enrichment to an even more varied array of destinations in 2019," said the line’s managing director Jos Dewing. “2019 will be

MV Aegean Odyssey outside Dubrovnik

VTA's most expansive program to date.”

The 2019 season will also feature a return to the Black Sea, with a 14-day Black Sea and Greek Islands cruise on which guests will enjoy wine-tasting in Romania and experience the Roman Baths of Varna in Bulgaria.

The line’s popular Norwegian Fjords and

Iceland itineraries, as well as its classic Mediterranean and Aegean circuits, will also return.

Voyages to Antiquity is also positioning itself as an ideal line for single travellers, having increased the number of dedicated single cabins to 39.

Save 20% with Le Boat Eurail expands to Aus Le Boat is offering discounts on all self-drive cruises from seven to 14 nights taken in 2019 when booked before 30 November 2018.

The offers include 20% off Budget/Comfort boats for seven nights on 24 March through 12 April; 11 May to 2 May; and 5 October to 31 October 2019.

Travellers can also save 15% on Budget/Comfort boats for other dates in 2019; 10% on Mystique/ Royal Mystique/Vision fleet; and 5% on the new Horizon fleet.

The Canal du Midi is one of the top choices, featuring vineyards and wine tasting, the medieval town of Carcassonne and waterside restaurants and local markets. Other options are available in France, the Netherlands and Canada.

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Eurail has teamed up with Sydney-based travel and hospitality specialist agency Example, who will manage Eurail’s trade relationships, marketing and public relations activity in the Australian market.

“Australia is a very important market for Eurail, and we are thrilled to be increasing our focus on supporting the Australian travel trade to increase sales of Eurail Passes through the appointment of Example as our on-the-ground representative”, said Eurail market manager Clarissa Mattos.

This is the first time the travel brand has sought Australian

representation and is a “direct result of Australia recently becoming Eurail’s second largest source market” the company said.

Example will work with Eurail to increase brand awareness and product knowledge with travel agents, while also working with the broader travel industry to increase consumer interest surrounding European travel.

Example’s head of marketing Andrew Cavallaro said the company will work closely with general sales agents along with “travel agents to showcase the benefits of travelling Europe on a Eurail Pass”.

A customised trip

FLEXIBILITY

Each client is different. At Europmundo we believe that it is very important for you to be able to put together a trip that is tailored to your client’s requirements.

Stop YES All the dates from our catalog are guarenteed.

We neVer cAncel You can plan your clients’ vacation with complete confidence.

Our program is very comprehensive, and in addition, the majority of our packages offer

YeAr-round dePArture dAtes

Spanish Ring

Many of our tours operate every week, all year round meaning you can take a break from the tour and return later on to continue your journey.

Pick a Sector

Rotating Trips Many of our tours are circular.

When one trip ends another begins, which means you can start your trip at any point on the tour (and for the same price)!

Many of our tours operate every week, all year-round meaning you can take a break from the tour and return later on to continue your journey.

Greece and South Italy

European Charm

European Ring

10 days

7 days

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Madrid to Madrid

Athens to Venice

Vienna to Amsterdam

Paris to Paris

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Please contact us for brochures Holiday We Go (Australian GSA for Europamundo Vacations) res@holidaywego.com.au

03 7002 1888

www.holidaywego.com.au

Europe

New additions in Albatross 2019 Europe program

Oberammergau in winter

Albatross Tours has released its 2019 Europe & UK Small Group Tour program with earlybird discounts of $700 per couple if booked and deposited before 31 October.

Two new itineraries have been added for 2019 including the 21-day Scandinavia, In the Footsteps of Vikings tour which travels between Copenhagen and Oslo. It incudes visits to Bergen, the arctic capital of Tromso and UNESCO-listed Geiranger Fjord, as well as a trip on the Flam Railway and a cruise down the Norwegian fjords, priced from $12,887 per person twin share.

Also new is the 14-day Sardinia & Corsica, the Lands of Myths and Legends which explores the two neighbouring Mediterranean islands with their contrasting French and Italian cultures, priced from $6,887 per person twin share.

“Every Albatross tour has the same formula and has been designed with the Australian and New Zealand traveller in mind – small groups travelling fewer kilometres per day allowing more ‘my time’ for sightseeing, a more leisurely pace with two- to five-night stays in each location, and no later charged optional excursions,” said Albatross Tours managing director Euan Landsborough.

Corsica

Collette reveals 2019/20 Collette’s Europe 2019/20 brochure is now available, featuring new additions and more opportunity to personalise tours.

The program packs in 72 tours, featuring 10 Exploration tours, 43 Classic tours, five River Cruises, four Number Spotlights and six Faith tours.

Fresh Classic tour options include Classical Greece, Treasures of Europe and Spain and Morocco itineraries, as well as four Classic Oberammergau Passion Play tours.

The Classical Greece tour details the rich history of Greece over eight days of travel from Athens to Olympia, including a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium that held the first Olympics in 776 B.C. Also new are two Exploration tours, the Novelties of Northern Spain tour and the Northern Lights of Finland itinerary.

Collette’s special departures which feature the Oberammergau Passion Play include a ticket and stay in the heart of Oberammergau, close to the Theatre itself.

EUROPE & BRITAIN 2019 ON SALE NOW CLIENTS WILL SAVE 10%* FOR A LIMITED TIME * ONLY

*Saving is based on maximum 10% Early Payment Discount. Early Payment Discount is on the land-only portion of selected holidays and can be combined with other brochure discounts where applicable, does not apply to extra nights' accommodation, optional extensions, airfares, flight supplements and surcharges, taxes and fees and airport transfers. A deposit is required on booking and the full amount must be paid by 31 Jan 2019 or no later than 45 days prior to departure from Australia for land only guided holidays (whichever comes first) to qualify for the 10% Europe and Britain Early Payment Discount. Subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. TT 270272446

Europe

Windstar 51-day adventure

Windstar Cruises has launched its 51-day Grand Mediterranean adventure which will embark on a journey to visit ports across southern Europe aboard the 310-passenger MSY Wind Surf, departing 7 July 2019.

The cruise will call at destinations in Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar, Malta and Italy, sailing to Croatia, Montenegro, Greece and Turkey, and then doubling back for more cultural immersion and travel delights in

Monaco and France before ending in Barcelona on 27 August 2019.

“An incredible cruise like our 51-day Grand Mediterranean cruise on a sailing ship is exactly what people who love to travel live for,” said Windstar president John Delaney. “This Grand Mediterranean journey represents the best of the best, chock-full of culture, cuisine and camaraderie.”

All itineraries are now open for reservations.

Mandarin Oriental to western Europe Mandarin Oriental is preparing to open its first resort in western Europe, following the hotel group’s takeover of management of CastaDiva Resort & Spa, on Lake Como, Italy.

The property will be rebranded as

Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como, in 2019 following a refurbishment of its facilities.

The resort is located on the shores of Lake Como and offers 76 rooms and suites housed in nine villas, dating from the 19th century.

All accommodation has lake views and the property features four restaurants and bars, including a lakeside terrace for al fresco dining, a large spa with an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor floating pool on the lake.

Be enchanted with the

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Highlands Cairngorms

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Pitlochry

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Atlantic Ocean

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2 Edinburgh

Glasgow 1 Giant’s Causeway

Alloway

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per person twin share departing 10/05/2019

2019 Europe

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*Terms & Conditions: All care is taken to promote correct pricing at time of printing (07/09/18), is subject to tour availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. All prices are per person, twin share and include $250 per person saving. Save $500 per couple on tours of 11 days or more valid on new bookings made and deposited by 27/11/18. Tours from $133 per day price is based on Highlights of Morocco (tour code: 6780) tour departing 02/01/19. Non-refundable deposit of $250 per person per tour is required within 7 days to secure reservation. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Applicable to singles - single supplement applies. Additional restrictions may apply, refer to the 2019 Cosmos Europe brochure or visit www.CosmosTours.com.au.

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Tours Include: Comfy hotels | Coach with Wi-Fi | Knowledgeable guides | Must-see sights | Plenty of free time

For bookings call 1300 130 134 or visit CosmosTours.com.au

Europe

Raffles continues Europe expansion The Raffles hotel group has extended its expansion outside Asia with the opening of its third European property in central Warsaw.

The Raffles Europejski Warsaw made its debut this year during the northern summer, joining counterparts in Paris and Istanbul in the Raffles Hotels & Resorts stable.

Like the famous Singapore original, Warsaw’s new Raffles is housed within a historic city landmark, painstakingly restored over the past four years. Originally a neorenaissance palace dating back to 1857 and named the Hotel Europejski, it was renowned as a Grand Dame among European hotels

Raffles Europejski Warsaw

during the 19th century and has been brought back to its pre-war glory.

The property has 106 rooms and suites, styled with blackened oak floors, contemporary Polish art and sleek marbleclad bathrooms with Art Deco touches. Its jewel is a Presidential Suite, spread over 293m2 and home to a 19th century piano as a reminder that the room was once host to recitals and piano concerts in another chapter of its history.

“We feel confident about bringing a new level of luxury to Warsaw; one that is as much about the cultural experience as the comfort,” said Julien Barbotin-Larrieu of the property’s owner, HESA. “Our aim is to provide a real sense of place, allowing guests to understand the soul of Poland by immersing themselves in the art, the gastronomy and the history which they will be surrounded with, on a level as yet unsurpassed in the capital.”

Raffles also plans a further European expansion with the Raffles London set to open in 2020, among other new properties planned for cities including Boston and Dubai.

Soul Matters

France reveals lesser-known gems French tourist office Atout France has completely revamped its Australian website, revealing what it says is “an unexpected side” to a country already well known to millions of travellers.

The site has been redesigned to provide information about well-known regions and landmarks, as well as lesser-known sides to the country.

“More than 1.2 million Australian tourists make their way to France every year, but many spend their time in the most popular areas,” said Atout France regional manager Patrick Benhamou. “We wanted to reveal the lesser known places, activities, and sides to this wonderful country so that more Australians can experience a truly French holiday.”

Individual sections of the new website, such as ‘headline events’ and ‘not to be missed’ are designed to suit a wide range of interests, travel styles and travel groups. Its new navigation allows users to search via areas of interest including wine, fashion, seaside, and even golf. Added inspiration comes in the form of articles that highlight everything from boutique hotels to must-see attractions in lesser-known areas of France.

A key feature is a new mapping system, while other planning tools have been improved to help create holidays specifically for couples or those with children. A detailed ‘What’s happening now’ calendar enables visitors to plan trips around festivals, exhibitions or national events.

The thousands of articles, interviews, and informational pages have been adapted specifically for the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Visit au.france.fr/en to check it out.

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Europe

Melia deploys cashless hotel technology Spanish brand Melia Hotels International is introducing a new Bluetooth-connected bracelet for guests, allowing them to pay for meals and services without needing cash or cards.

Developed in conjunction with technology company Oracle, the bracelet also allows guests to access their rooms without needing a key or card and is connected to the Melia App which lets users manage their account, set credit limits or restrict use by children.

The bracelet is waterproof and can be worn in resort pools, and can also be used for purchases in on-site shops, spas and other service providers.

After an initial pilot project at two of the group’s resorts earlier

this year, the bracelet system is being rolled out to other Spanish properties.

“When we designed the integration of the experience in different hotels with different themes, we began to investigate how we could make it easier for guests to move freely around all the services and spaces offered by the hotels,” said Melia chief operating officer Andre Gerondeau. “The answer came through Oracle, who helped us develop the Melia bracelet in record time and meeting all our needs and expectations."

Melia Hotels International last year opened 30 new properties.

It now operates more than 370 hotels in 43 countries.

Where to stay in Venice

EARLY BIRD FARES FROM AUSTRALIA TO EUROPE

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* Conditions apply. Prices shown include taxes and vary depending on partner airlines, stops, date of departure and routings. Sales period from 26 September to 05 November 2018.

Please refer to your GDS or preferred agent for fares pricing and rules.

When looking to recommend a hotel for your clients, why not consider Hilton Molino Stucky Venice? Located on the island of Giudecca, the hotel features incredible views which guests can enjoy away from the bustle of other tourists.

The hotel offers a free shuttle service over to the main island of Venice which means that clients are never far away from the sights of the unique city.

As well as 379 comfortable rooms and suites, Hilton Molino Stucky also has seven restaurants and bars, including a panoramic rooftop bar and a rooftop pool.

All the rooms have spacious marble bathrooms and comfortable beds and the hotel offers an expansive breakfast, perfect for fuelling up for a day’s sightseeing.

Europe

Europe with Back-Roads Back-Roads Touring has released its 2019 brochure, offering guests savings of up to $1,339 per couple on selected European tours until 30 November.

The brochure highlights some of Back-Roads’ most popular tours such as Slow Foods of Puglia and Highlights of Northern Spain, alongside two brand new tours and nine improved itineraries. The new tours include Journey through Germany exploring Bavaria, the Black Forrest and the famous Romantic Road, a history-inspired travel route built in 1950, along with the Essence of Austria tour featuring traditional cider tasting and a fish-smoking demonstration.

Back-Roads Touring country manager APAC Dennis Basham said, “We are always working to improve our products and make them the best they can be, therefore the new and revised tours are a direct reflection of what our customers have asked for”.

Silversea expands reach Silversea has added new destinations for 2018/2019 including Reine in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, the Skellig Islands of Ireland, Eyemouth in the UK, and St Florent and Ile Rousse on the French island of Corsica.

Onboard the Silver Spirit, travellers can cruise for 22 days while embracing Scandinavia and its fjords, with the opportunity to visit the Arctic Circle in North Cape, Copenhagen and Stockholm, along with St Petersburg, and the Baltic from $14,600 per person twin share.

For a warmer climate Silversea features the 17-day Rome round trip, visiting the coastal villages of Italy, then venturing to Spain and witnessing the islands off France from $9,400 per person twin share on board Silver Shadow.

Self drive river cruise holidays Explore Europe & Canada by canal boat Save up to 20% on 2019 cruises when booking before 30th November 2018 No licence required. No experience necessary.

Canada · France · Belgium · Holland · Italy · Germany · England · Ireland · Scotland

www.leboat.com.au AU: 1800 118 940 NZ: 0800 449 891

Skellig Islands, Tourism Ireland

Europe

Castle Accommodation Europe is chock-full of castles, but there aren’t many where you can have a real sleeping beauty experience.

We’ve picked out these majestic buildings where your clients can stay the night. All these castles are part of the Relais & Châteaux brand, so you know that any stay at them will be luxurious as well as rich in history.

Amberley Castle, England Located in the Sussex countryside, Amberley Castle offers 19 luxurious rooms for guests to stay in. The castle is steeped in 900 years of history, first owned by a bishop who turned the lodge into a fortified manor house with crenellations, battlements and a portcullis. The castle changed hands several times after the reformation, before being transformed into a luxury hotel in 1989. As well as the guest rooms, the grounds include a restaurant in the Queen’s Room and high tea served every day in the lounges or on the terrace. Two of the rooms even have private access to the portcullis and its machinery. Prices to stay start from £265 per night.

Chateau de Bagnols, France If you’ve always dreamed of living in a French castle overlooking vineyards, then a stay at Chateau de Bagnols can make that a reality. The castle is classified as a historical monument and was built in 1217 by the Lords of Oingt. It has been owned by many different people over the years before becoming a four-star luxury hotel in 1998 and later earning a fifth star. The hotel has suites in the chateau, garden and repurposed cellars. There is also a Michelin-starred restaurant called 1217, with a massive Gothic fireplace, and a spa with sauna and treatments.

Prices start from €200 per night.

Burg Wernberg, Germany Burg Wernberg was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1998, but before that it spent time as a prison, garrison, and home to the Duke of Bavaria. The castle was built in the 13th century and has a real drawbridge and moat. Today’s hotel has a range of different types of rooms located throughout the castle, along with a sauna in the vaults and a range of beauty treatments. The on-site restaurant, Kastell, offers a menu with a farm-to-table philosophy focusing on fresh regional cuisine and guests can also book private dining at the historic Castle Pub. Prices to stay start from €105 per person.

50

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

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*All fares in AU dollars, per person, twin share based lowest available category & includes onboard gratuities & port taxes (correct as of 10 August, 2018). Valid for new bookings only. Hotel & transfers between airport, port and hotel offered on dates specified on itinerary only, at the discretion of Voyages to Antiquity. London airport transfers are from Heathrow airport only. Offers are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn or modified at any time without notice, and subject to availability at time of booking. Airfare additional. Cancellation penalties & conditions apply. Single supplements for twin occupancy cabins are calculated on the applicable full fare pricing as displayed in our current brochure and on our website www.voyagestoantiquity.com. Prices based on payment by cash or cheque only. Travel agent service fees not included. Voyages to Antiquity reserve the right to change, correct errors, withdraw from sale any or all fares, itineraries, excursions & fees. For full terms & conditions visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com or visit your local preferred Travel Agent.

South & Central America

To the

bottom of the earth

Craig Tansley discovers Chile’s Torres Del Paine National Park is best seen far away from the crowds of summer…

I

’m told that this shouldn’t be happening right now, not right here, like this… out in the open. The guides I’m in a 4WD with haven’t experienced this. But I’m in Torres Del Paine National Park on the first day of spring, before the tourists get here; and this is my reward. Outside my door – just a few metres away – is one of the world’s most elusive creatures: the puma of Patagonia. It struts by our car, returning my stare; and then someone moves in our vehicle and it roars in a theaterical kind of way, showing off its razor-sharp incisors.

Then it bounds off in long strides, its back end a mass of thick, sinewy muscle.

Each year nearly 250,000 visitors come to Patagonia’s most loved national park – most of these visitors will arrive in the summer months of December to February; crowding the park. But I’m here early; at a time others might consider too cold. In truth, these months of spring are actually warmer,

52

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

for the infamous winds of summer aren’t blowing (September and October are the calmest months to visit the park, the winds won’t start till November, then they’ll blow till March). My first early morning here brings a frightful chill, but by mid-morning I’m wearing a light sweater, and by lunch, I’m in a t-shirt.

“

Each year nearly 250,000 visitors come to Patagonia’s most loved national park...

”

And so I get Torres Del Paine at its most benign, and its emptiest – and it’s home to just me and the pumas. Torres Del Paine National Park is no easy place to access. I arrive here via a flight to the bottom of Chile at Punta Arenas, then I’m driven five hours north. But the drive in is part of the reason to come here: we pass four vehicles in all that time in what feels like the loneliest place I’ve been on Earth. The landscape we pass is stunning: llama-like guanaco feed in green

meadows beneath soaring granite peaks and towers in a land of pampas and steppes.

There’s pink flamingos too by the road, and the world’s largest birds – Andean Condors – circling the blue skies above. There’s more cowboys (baquenos) than cars here – I watch them maneouvre their sheep between pastures, finding better grass.

Torres del Paine was once a collection of estancias (cattle and sheep farms) before 185,000 hectares of this region became national park in 1959. The park earned itself world heritage status in 1978, and is now considered the fifth most beautiful place on Earth by National Geographic.

There’s a long list of activities guests can choose to do. Though most visitors are here to hike; the name Torres Del Paine refers to the three distinctive granite peaks of the Paine mountain range which dominate the landscape, soaring up to 2,500 metres above the earth.

Most travellers want to hike the Paine Torres (Towers); you can either complete the full circuit in around seven to nine days – staying in mountain huts along the way; or take the most

South & Central America

iconic and popular trail, the W route, in four to five days, which leads you across three different valleys. For those who’d rather hike by day and luxuriate by night with a fourcourse meal in front of a log fire, there is a day hike to the base of the Torres. I’m happy with this option, because some of Chile’s best luxury lodges are built out here. I set out from a deserted carpark alongside a bulging river – the Rio Ascensio, before crossing a bridge and climbing through alpine forest. There’s a long scramble up a loose rocky trail before I arrive and gaze across a frozen lake to a natural amphitheatre where the three granite peaks tower above.

There’s hikes all across the park, while visitors can also bike or horse ride. I join a baquana (cowboy) one day as he musters his flock, he lives out here with just his trusty dog and sheep for company. As the park is made up partly of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, it’s worth taking a kayak or boat ride across glacial lakes every bit as striking as the peaks above them. I drive across the park and find a black sand beach where hundreds of massive ice blocks have dropped from an enormous floating iceberg. Some icebergs here are over 50 metres high, behind them huge peaks jut down at right angles straight into fiords.

These days, the popularity of the park means there is a strict overnight reservations system in place – but by avoiding the busy, windy months of summer (though don’t even consider winter when there’s only a few hours of sunlight and freezing conditions) you’ll have a chance to experience the lonely Patagonian steppe by yourselves… oh, and the pumas.

The Great Southern Ice Ridge stretches down through the Torres Del Paine national park

Puma of Patagonia

All images courtesy Craig Tansley

travelBulletin October 2018

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South & Central America

Ethical Focus

Galapagos safari camp viewpoint-deck

Latin America and Polar specialists, Chimu Adventures has recently launched the Travel Revolution, travel itineraries that focus on sustainability. “[Through Travel Revolution] we are looking to promote products which offer incredible experiences and are also ethical,” said Greg Carter, Chimu’s co-founder.

One such product is the Galapagos Safari Camp, where the African style safari tents allow guests to discover their inner Darwin from dry land. Another is Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador, where the water is sourced from the local rivers, filtered and treated before it returns to the forest. The water treatment plant works biologically, using bacteria. For this reason, the lodge supplies bio-degradable soaps, shampoos and conditioners for guests to use, which don’t affect the water treatment system. Chimu also offers guests a chance to stay at Laguna Lodge in Guatemala which aims “to aid in the achieving of the United Nations Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals by protecting and conserving assets of nature and culture through sustainable tourism,” said Cater.

He added that the Galapagos continues to be a popular option for and the company expects it to continue growing as “small ship cruising popularity increases”.

“Chimu had one of its best years ever in terms of bookings with July and August performing well and we expect to see an increase in travellers coming from India and China.”

Explore the alternative Intrepid’s new South America Program offers travellers alternative adventure options to avoid overtourism, such as walking through glacial valleys and over Andean peaks on a seven-day trek.

“Intrepid recorded growth of 68% to South America this year from Australian travellers and according to our Adventure Travel Index the number one thing that Australians want on an adventure is to go to places less visited by mainstream tourists,” said Intrepid Travel South America product manager Martin Ruffo.

“We’ll be putting the adventure in adventure travel as we take our very first groups to the Glacier of Tears, the summit of Mt Bonete and the Choquequirao Inca site in 2019.

“While Mt Everest and Machu Picchu are always going to be high on the traditional bucket list, there are alternatives which are less trodden, just as beautiful and sometimes even more special,” Ruffo added.

The program features a trek to Peru’s Choquequirao which takes travellers deep into the wild of the Peruvian Andes, along steep trails and scenic passes with views 54

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

of dramatic landscapes and snow-capped peaks. The 13-day tour includes eight days of hiking and is priced from $2,470.

Another itinerary is the hike to the base camp of Aconcagua, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest mountain at 5,000m,

on a 10-day adventure, priced from $3,412; along with The Valley of Tears, a four-day trek through the Andes to the site of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 plane crash. The eight-day tour is priced from $2,735.

Patagonia ©Intrepid

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Savour lunch in one of the elegant dining cars.

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Visit a traditional Atacameño farm to discover how produce is grown in the desert Learn all about Chile’s Mapuche culture and enjoy a traditional lunch at Kila-Leufu farm Spend two nights in a luxury treehouse lodge in the heart of the Patagonian rainforest Explore Los Glaciares National Park and hear the thundering sound of the ice breaking from Perito Moreno Glacier

Board an authentic Mexican trajinera for a traditional lunch Visit the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula & Zincantan to learn about the Mayan culture and traditions still alive today Venture into the Costa Rican wilds, boarding a boat on the fringe of Tortuguero National Park Learn to make authentic tortillas like a local and enjoy a shared lunch

2019 DATES: 21 Sep, 19 Oct & 23 Nov 2020 DATES: 4 Jan, 8 Feb & 7 Mar

2019 DATES: 28 Apr, 9 Jun, 4 Aug, 15 Sep, 27 Oct & 1 Dec • 2020 DATES: 26 Jan & 1 Mar

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

us on

1300 125 007

email sales@bunniktours.com.au

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

*To be eligible for our earlybird saving of $1000 ($600 for Central America tours) you need to book, pay a deposit and applicable airfare payment by 26th Oct 2018. **The saving of $500 ($300 for Central America tours) is valid between 27th Oct 2018 and 21st Dec 2018. Savings are applicable to new bookings with travel dates from 2019/20 program only. All prices shown are per person based on twin share & incorporate earlybird discount. Singles rooms are available at a supplement, check our website for details.

Prices are correct at time of printing but are subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure cities. Bunnik Travel Pty Ltd. ATAS accreditation #A10484 • CATO Registered Operator No. TO1078.

South & Central America

Travel In Style Bunnik Tour has unveiled its South and Central America program for the 2019/20 tour season and it features five new tours as well as 11 returning favourites, such as South American Explorer and Ultimate Chile & Argentina.

“South and Central America sales have continued to grow year-on-year and we are seeing strong interest across the range,” said Bunnik’s national marketing manager Catherine Kelly. “Ecuador and the Galapagos continue to be highlight destinations for us given the unique landscapes, colourful culture and wildlife diversity awaiting. Touring in a small group

through South & Central America means our travellers can enjoy a series of in-depth experiences that are difficult to arrange by yourself and impossible to access as a larger group.

“We also expect to see growth in numbers for our In-Style range. Our In-Style small group tours combine 5-star luxury with boutique accommodation, culinary delights and premium special experiences.”

Making its debut is the 17-Day Peru In-Style tour, which includes Lima, Cusco and a Hiram Bingham train through the Sacred Valley to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Guests then venture down to Lake Titicaca, and the Colca Canyon, before their journey concludes in Arequipa.

Uros Islands, Peru

Postcard from... Chile

AA says hey to BA Australians have always been great travellers to the US, with the destination perennially popular.

But with South America heating up as a bucket-list trip for many, American Airlines now offers the perfect way for clients to combine the two continents.

From 19 December, American Airlines will begin services between Los Angeles and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The flights will make AA the first and only airline to offer a non-stop service between the two cities. The route will be flown three times a week by the airline’s Dreamliner, meaning that Australians can fly all the way to LAX and onto Buenos Aires on the spacious aircraft type.

AA’s VP of network and schedule planning, Vasu Raja said they were “excited to add more nonstop flights to places like Buenos Aires, maximising connections across our network.”

ilt to Wow! What a trip! Amazingly spo all the n bee have We e!

Chil ce experien have and way south to Chilean Patagonia an Valparaiso. emi boh of enjoyed the colour and fun traipsed over inland t!) slee (in We have walked up hills the warm Chilean sun on beaches to view glaciers, enjoyed bed the cobblestone streets our faces in central Millahue, clim en gems in Santiago. And of Valparaiso and discovered hidd ugh the expansive terrain of Gauchos we are – we rode thro yards of Millahue.

Patagonia and the stunning vine beginning to end! All And hotel hotel hotels! Spoilt from f, views, unique, home staf s, tion incredible in every way – loca Patagonia, Tierra Patagonia, away from homes the Singular l Casa Higueras.

Vina Vik Millahue Retreats, Hote e by flying next to Looking forward to heading hom adventure!

Antarctica and planning the next

From Lisa Meyers, WOW! Travel

56

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

Flying Reimagined.

Dreamliner all the way to LA. aa.com

American Airlines and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc. oneworld is a mark of the oneworld Alliance, LLC. Š 2018 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sri Lanka

Immerse your senses in

Sri Lanka

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travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

Sri Lanka

From a thriving city to lush green tea plantations. Beautiful beaches to wildlife sanctuaries. Sri Lanka is an absolute treat for the senses, writes Emma Lovell.

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olombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, will instantly immerse you in the vibrant culture of busy city life. The best way to see this fascinating city is by auto rickshaw tour.

Nothing formal, just speak to a rickshaw driver near your hotel, agree on a price and ask to be taken around the main sites of Colombo for a day.

On your tour, you’ll see the diversity of religions present in Sri Lanka. Towering Catholic Cathedrals, pretty Christian churches, Buddhist temples over lakes and Hindu temples with an elephant giving blessings out the front. Admire the colourful kites as you drive by Galle Face Beach. Make sure to request a few stops along the way at the many jewellery and fashion stores to sample the beautiful wares.

Colombo has a bevy of five-star hotels and worldwide chains to choose from. But for a relaxing and authentic experience, try the charming boutique accommodation of the Colombo Court Hotel and Spa. Offering a stylish and welcoming retreat near to the centre.

The culinary delights on offer in Colombo were certainly a highlight for me. It’s all about taste! You’ll find a delicious fusion of flavours with a generous amount of spices and heat thrown into the mix. For a delicious and unforgettable meal, you must head to the Ministry of Crab at The Old Dutch Hospital food precinct. Mind blowing flavours with only the freshest of seafood on offer.

To explore more of the tropical side to Sri Lanka, it’s time to head to Negombo, a beach resort area north of Colombo, just 30 minutes from the international airport. Arrive to the sounds of the ocean and instantly relax as you rest up at one of the many resorts lining the golden sand beaches.

The agenda in Negombo is simple. Lie on the beach, swim in the pool, enjoy fresh seafood, indulge in a massage and repeat.

Watch from the shore as locals head out in traditional fishing boats to bring in the catch of the day. The culture of this humble island meets the sea and sand in Negombo.

It’s time to get in touch with nature as you get up close and personal with the magnificent elephants of Sri Lanka. Travel three hours east from Colombo, heading

along winding roads and through lush coconut plantations, to reach the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, which is home to more than 90 rescued elephants from around the country, this facility offers a sanctuary and refuge for these magnificent mammals.

Visitors can watch as the elephants take their majestic daily march from the orphanage through the streets to the local river for a bath and play. Guests will also have the opportunity to watch babies feeding and even offer some fruit treats to some of the more mature elephants. As an educational facility and a nature reserve, Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage is world-class and now

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The one thing you cannot miss in this region is the train ride from Kandy to Ella.

Many believe it’s the most scenic train ride in the entire world

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synonymous with the Sri Lankan elephant.

You can comfortably visit the exotic Pinnewala in a one-day return trip from Colombo, or continue on your travels further east towards the stunning hill stations and tea plantations that Sri Lanka is so well known for. Travel to the exotic city of Kandy, encircled by hills with a tranquil lake at its centre.

Breathtaking views await you at every point.

Kandy is home to the renowned temple which enshrines the Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Legends and traditions are at home here, lovingly kept alive by the friendly locals who will delight in sharing the folklore with

Kandy to Ella train

you. Make sure to leave time for shopping as Kandy and the surrounding villages are the centre of Sri Lanka’s handicraft items. You’ll find exquisite gold and silver jewellery as well as precious gems, including world famous blue and star sapphires.

The one thing you cannot miss in this region is the train ride from Kandy to Ella.

Many believe it’s the most scenic train ride in the entire world. If you dare, stand at the open doors or hang your head out the window as you pass over sky high bridges, gazing down over green valleys and rushing rivers below. Experience the culture of Sri Lanka as you travel through villages, tea plantations and thick forests. It’s an exotic train ride you’ll never forget.

Wherever you choose to travel in Sri Lanka, you will feel warm and welcomed. From trying on local fashions, to sampling the wicked spices of the curries and embracing the stunning landscapes. The people are so incredibly inviting and eager to share their culture with you. Sri Lanka will immerse you entirely in its exotic beauty. It’s a sensory delight and a destination that deserves to be on your travel wish list.

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Sri Lanka

WOMEN DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES FOR women who enjoy the idea of globetrotting on their lonesome, Sri Lanka Unbound has crafted an itinerary specifically catering to the appetites of solo female travellers.

The 14-day adventure comes with visits to one of the country’s large tea plantations, the opportunity to participate in cooking classes run by locals, a boat safari in the Gal Oya National Park, and a luxury beach stay at a five-star resort in Tangalle.

Small group tours are also included, run by the tour operator’s Melbourne-based Sri Lanka specialist Glenda McMillan-Andersson.

Highlights of the trip include a visit to the Galle Fort in Tangalle, relaxing in the Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge with views of the Knuckles Mountain Ranges, and checking out the plethora of street cafes, boutiques and artisan workshops in the Sri Lankan capital of Columbo.

The Sri Lankan Discovery package is priced from $7,940 per person and includes English speaking guides throughout and entrance fees for all attractions listed in the itinerary.

Tea Plantation Sri Lanka

CONTIKI GETS REAL ABOUT SRI LANKA For the younger traveller with an adventurous spirit, Contiki’s 10-day Pure Sri Lanka tour encompasses a wide range of activities from elephant watching in the Udawalawe National Park to swimming at the country’s most popular beaches in Unawatuna.

“Travelling with Contiki is the best way to immerse yourself in its breadth and diversity; from tea plantations, safaris, beaches and national parks, this amazing trip delivers what the young Aussie travellers crave,” said Contiki marketing director Vanessa Fletcher.

Designed to maximise time exploring, the tour kicks off in the west coast city of Negombo, famous for its local fish markets and Dutch-style canal system, before moving on to the Sri Lankan cultural hub of Kandy, a place to satisfy your cravings for Buddhist temples and take a guided tour of the Temple of the Tooth, famed for its claim to house the canine tooth of Buddha.

All up there are six stops on the roundtrip, finishing in the capital of Colombo 60

travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

Kandy Temple of the Tooth, (©McKay Savage)

where travellers will have a chance to wander the streets and take in the city’s multicultural charm – or for those brave of heart even try a few of the locally grown cobra chillies.

The package comes with 12 meals and nine nights’ accommodation in twin share lodging, and team of local guides.

Pure Sri Lanka is priced from $1,890 per person.

Sri Lanka

Anantara takes luxury to new heights

Sri Lanka to add a dash of luxury in 2019 Sri Lanka will soon be home to a new six-suite luxury boutique hotel in the small town of Ahangama located in the country’s southern province.

Slated to open in the second half of 2019, the Harding Boutique Hotel is the latest venture by Sri LankanAustralian entrepreneur Paul Harding, a project that is for good reason close to his family’s heart.

“My great uncle was one of the first hoteliers and great pioneers in the country, opening The Blue Lagoon – the country’s first hotel designed

by Geoffrey Bawa – the father of SriLankan modernism,” Harding said.

“There must have been something in the family as my love for boutique

hotels and hospitality has been with me from a very young age,” he added.

The property will feature suites with private balconies, sea-facing private baths, rain showers, double vanities and king beds wrapped in Egyptian cotton linens. Location was chosen with serenity in mind, nestled amongst dense coconut groves to the east and west with ocean & beach frontage to the south.

Architecture and interiors have been inspired by Sri Lanka’s vernacular modernist movement and were designed by British architect Jonathan Ashmore, founder of an award-winning design and architecture practice in Dubai and London.

EXPERIENCING Sri Lanka from a different perspective is quite literally possible with Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas’ new private jet experience.

The hotel brand has recently partnered with private airline MJets to provide its guests with private jet transport for its guests wanting to travel in style between Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Maldives.

Features on board the aircraft include fully reclining seats and entertainment systems, with each jet able to accommodate up to eight passengers on each flight.

When passengers touch down in the country’s capital Colombo, they will receive limousine transport to the luxurious Anantara Peace Haven Resort, a beachfront property that boasts views of the Indian Ocean and amenities including spa treatments and cliffside dining, as well a close proximity to popular surfing spots, rainforests, and the old fort town of Tangall.

The private jets experience is designed intimate couple celebrations or larger group parties, with prices available upon request.

Get to know your BDM What is your favourite destination?

Europe is definitely a favourite for me. The history, the culture, the European luxe lifestyle, and the diverse cuisine.

I’ve been to the Greek Islands a few times, and they always deliver. I was lucky enough to cruise the Greek Islands last year on board our brand new flag ship – The Silver Muse.

Name: Jacqui Tufala (Haraldstad) How long have you been working as a BDM for Silversea?

Almost two years with Silversea, more than 15 years in cruise and I love it.

What do you love about your job?

Not only do I get to talk all day long about travelling to some of the most fascinating places in the world. I also get to talk about taking our guests there in superlative

luxury. Beautiful, intimate ships with exceptional personalised service. I also get to work with some of the best, most well respected trade partners in the industry. It’s a tough gig, but someone has to do it.

What destinations are on your bucket list?

My bucket list is overflowing... I have my sights on a couple of expedition cruises.

I really want to go to Iceland and up into the Arctic. Silversea have just released 2020/2021 itineraries and we are cruising the New Zealand Sub Antarctic islands which also looks spectacular.

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Last word

Sudoku Medium

The aim of Sudoku is to complete the entire grid using the numbers 1-9.

Each number can only be used once in each row, once in each column, and once in each of the 3×3 boxes.. www.sudokuoftheday.com – visit them and get a new Sudoku every day!

APP Happy: Infinite Flight CRAVING a visit to that exotic destination on the other side of the world? Or perhaps you’ve always dreamt of taking off from Sydney in the pilot seat… Infinite Flight can (kind of) solve those problems for you.

This comprehensive flight simulator is available on Apple and Android devices, and gives users the opportunity to get behind the joystick of all their favourite airliners at their favourite destinations.

It’s a simple user interface that’s easy to learn, which is a refreshing difference from most complex simulator apps that are aimed at hobby pilots or flight simulator experts.

There is a plethora of aircraft available to fly so users won’t quickly tire of the game – whether you choose to fly a vintage warplane or a hulking A380, there’s something to suit every player’s wants and mood.

Most of the planes are available in a variety of different liveries, so you can fly with your favourite airline, and with hundreds of airports to choose from, its as easy as setting your course and flying.

Infinite Flight is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

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travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018

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