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Volume 40 Issue 21
Travel by tastebuds Planning journeys around cuisine
Explore
New Caledonia Thai
temptations
contents
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VoLume 40 Issue 21
Travel by tastebuds Planning journeys around cuisine
Explore
New Caledonia Thai
temptations
22
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12 NEWS
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Dubai moves forward
12 Explore New Caledonia New Caledonia Tourism re-educates agents
4
The Samoan way Traveltrade covers the Fa’a Samoa roadshow
17 Thai temptations Thailand ups the ante for luxury travellers
PROFILE 8 Sean Cummins from Travelport
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April 2012
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EDITORIAL news
Front cover courtesy of New Caledonia Tourism
www.traveltrade.co.nz a Mediaweb magazine editor: Hayley Barnett P: +64 22 030 0472 E: hayleyb@mediaweb.co.nz MANAGING EDITOR: Graham Hawkes Group SALES MANAGER: Lisa Morris ad sales: Julianne Iudica P: +64 21 169 3541 E: juliannei@mediaweb.co.nz ADVERTISING/SALES CO-ORDINATOR: Pip Maclean P: +64 9 419 2259 E: ads@mediaweb.co.nz DESIGNER: Bex Mikaere PRODUCTION MANAGER: Fran Marshall P: 0274 304 559 E: franm@mediaweb.co.nz CIRCULATION/SUBSCRIPTIONS: Sue McDiarmid P: +649 300 2671 E: subscriptions@mediaweb.co.nz company aCCOUNTANT: Pam King P: +64 9 300 2670 E: pamk@mediaweb.co.nz CREDIT CONTROL: Gladys Hooker P: +64 9 300 2672 E: gladysh@mediaweb.co.nz
Here we go… It has been all systems go here at Traveltrade over the last month. We said goodbye to Rebecca Emery who did a great job with the revamp of our now glossy publication. Since Rebecca came onboard, the introduction of our profile page has generated some great discussion amongst the trade and our features are more in-depth and better than ever. In taking the reins, my aim over the next few months is to build on the new style and take it even further by engaging more with you, the reader, to find out how we can provide even better information for you. In one of my first outings as editor I was lucky enough to dip over to Samoa for the Fa’a Samoa roadshow last month. Along the way I discovered just how much the island nation is blossoming into a top holiday spot for Kiwi travellers. It’s evident the South Pacific destination has really made its mark beyond the VFR market in
recent years and I was astonished to see how quickly properties and tourism operators had bounced back from the tragic tsunami in 2009. Although it ranks after Fiji and the Cook Islands for Kiwis, House of Travel (HOT) representative Brent Thomas said demand for Samoa has been growing steadily and HOT has received rave reviews of new developments and rebuilt properties. Check out coverage of the roadshow on page four and look out for the upcoming Samoa feature and supplement coming soon. Hayley Barnett NZ Traveltrade editor Email: hayleyb@mediaweb.co.nz Phone: 022 030 0472 facebook.com/nztraveltrade Sign up for our free weekly newsletter at ➦ www.traveltrade.co.nz
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April 2012
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WIN a night for two at the
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Accor launched its new Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour recently and Traveltrade is giving you the chance to check it out. The property offers views of the harbour and caters to the conference and incentive market, featuring three meeting rooms, a business
centre and Wifi available throughout the hotel. A day spa is scheduled to open in May and will offer six treatment rooms. Guests can also make use of a sauna and steam room and adjacent gymnasium. A 20-metre indoor lap pool and spa pool are also available. Rates to stay at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour start from $299 per room per night. Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is the second Sofitel hotel in New Zealand, joining the Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa. Win a night for two at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour. Simply visit www.traveltrade.co.nz
news
From left: Julie King, DTCM; Chris Lethbridge, Emirates; Lara Nickson and Carlah Walton, DTCM
Dubai moves forward Five cruise ships docked in Dubai on a single day recently, which Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said reflects the strong emergence of the emirate as the Middle East region’s cruise tourism hub. It also marked the first-ever handling of such a large number of tourists by Dubai tourism industry on a single day. Kiwi interest in Dubai continues to grow. The DTCM Australia team joined up with Emirates New Zealand to host a lunch at Botswana Butchery in Auckland recently, where DTCM announced a four per cent increase in Kiwi arrivals for 2011 into Dubai. Although Kiwi visitor numbers had risen 12 per cent before the Rugby World Cup, DTCM said they are confident the figure will grow due to rising interest from New Zealanders. Emirates New Zealand manager Chris Lethbridge said all of Emirate’s growth filters through the Middle Eastern hub and said a second A380 service into Auckland from Dubai will be introduced later this year. Emirates is expected to become the world’s largest airline by 2017, now representing 45,000 people or ‘globalistas’ from 165 countries. Lethbridge said globalistas are global individuals connecting, creating and sharing ideas, and looking for new experiences. Lately the airline has been targeting a younger audience with its new advertising campaign, having launched TV commercials and outdoor and print ads recently. Lethbridge said the new Hello Tomorrow brand aims to position the airline as an enabler of global connectivity and meaningful experiences. Emirates has grown from its early days in 1985, when it launched with just two aircraft, to its current status with 171 wide-body aircraft. The airline flies four times daily from New Zealand to Dubai and beyond via Australia.
Agent low down Julie Sloane United Travel Whitianga What made you decide to become a travel agent? My love of travel and wanting to explore as much of the world as possible. What do you love most about your job? I love making my clients’ holiday experience the best it can possibly be and hearing the stories on their return. What is your favourite destination and why? Thailand is my favourite destination so far because of the culture, fabulous food and friendly people. There is so much to see and do. What can’t you travel without? I can’t travel without a tentative itinerary to make sure I get the most out of my holiday and my credit card! Can you give us some packing tips? Roll your clothes up tightly so they take up less room. And no more than three pairs of shoes. On holiday, are you an adventurer or a flop and dropper? Definitely an adventurer. I don’t mind flopping and dropping for a day or two but I love to explore as much as I can when I’m on holiday. Where are you going on your next holiday? The next two trips on my wish list are Vietnam and Europe. Vietnam to taste the food, meet the people, see the sights and investigate the history. Europe to go to Paris to see if it really is the most romantic city in the world.
April 2012
3
news
April 2012
The Samoan way Kiwi agents and wholesalers came across many smiles and a few rays of sunshine as they inspected Samoa’s new and improved tourism offering recently. Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) showed off around 30 properties to 15 New Zealand agents and wholesalers attending the Fa’a Samoa Roadshow on the islands of Upolu and Savaii. Go Holidays South Pacific product executive Sibyl Hauraki said it was interesting to see how quickly tourism has recovered in the islands after two-and-a-half years of solid rebuild following the 2009 tsunami. “Many of the rebuilt properties impressed me, especially 4
Seabreeze Resort,” said Hauraki. “I came here two months after the tsunami hit and it was completely devastated so it’s great to see these places have come back looking better than ever.” The roadshow began with a series of 10-minute buyer/seller appointments. Agents and wholesalers representing House of Travel, Air New Zealand Holidays, Executive Travel Group, Infinity/ Flight Centre, Student Flights, Go Holidays/Stella, The Travel Brokers (Mondo), Lifestyle Holidays, Our Pacific, Jetset Travelworld and United Travel attended and took part in famil activities. Continued on page 6 ❱
Clockwise from left: The Kiwi group with STA’s Fasitau Ula and Iulai Ramese (front and right) at Seabreeze Resort Iulai Ramese, STA; Olevia Ionane, Miss Samoa; Tracy Warren, STA; and Fasitau Ula, STA NZ Melissa Bramley, Infinity Holidays, at the Orator Hotel stand Lawsyn Russell, HOT; Julie Sloane, United Travel; Jody Sinkinson, The Travel Brokers; Annette Houghton, The Travel Brokers; Kristian Scanlan, STA; and Tracey Anderson, United Travel, at the Falealupo Rainforest canopy walkway
Treasured memories are made in Samoa. From beachside fale to Presidential Suite, Samoa offers a complete range of holiday accommodation options. Book your clients to Samoa and let them discover firsthand, how easy it is to fall in love with our beautiful islands.
www.samoa.travel
The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific
news
❱ Continued from page 4
April 2012
Australia, USA and the UK made up other markets taking part in the exchange. This is the first year retailers were invited to take part and STA New Zealand representative Fasitau Ula said he was satisfied with the overall turnout. “There was a good mix of 6
wholesalers and agents,” said Ula. “It was the first opportunity suppliers have been given to talk to the trade and their feedback has been very positive. We’re planning to do this annually now so it would be good to have more involved next year and also have more suppliers participate.” Remarkables Park Flight Centre
agent Megan Lowish enjoyed the supplier/agent interaction. It was Lowish’s first time in Samoa and she found it to be the perfect off-the-beaten-track destination. “Samoa’s strength is not only the beaches but also its culture. The fact it’s not crawling with tourists just yet is a major drawcard for my
news
Great expectations 2012 is expected to be a big year for tourism development in Samoa. The government recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Papua New Guinea development group Lamana to begin building a A$50 to A$70 million hotel on Taumeasina Island. STA marketing manager Dwayne Bentley said Samoa has not seen accommodation development as large as Taumeasina Island since Aggie Grey’s Beach Resort opened in 2005. “This is a massive project,” said Bentley. “It is expected to take up the entire island, providing 70 hotel rooms, 30 villas, as well as restaurants and conference facilities.” He said the group aims to start construction this year. Meantime, a new resort is currently under construction on Lalomanu beach to be completed by July this year. The resort will be located 55km from Apia and will consist of 19 rooms in four categories: waterfront villas, island units, hotel suites and a VIP Suite. The resort will also have an infinity pool, dining for 60 in the water view restaurant and a 30-seat conference room.
Although the two projects will be the largest developments in some time, smaller hotels have undergone major redevelopment since the tsunami, only re-opening in recent months. Seabreeze Resort completed its refurbishment five months ago and now offers an entirely new product. Seabreeze Resort manager Chris Booth said the rebuild took longer than expected but he and wife Wendy are excited about the next year. “It took us around two years to build it back up,” said Booth. “It was a harrowing experience but what we have now is a much better product.” Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Resort and Spa is building 20 new fale-style spa villas due for completion by December this year. With garden views, each will have its own private outdoor jacuzzi. The resort is also in the middle of building a new conference centre, expected to be completed by June this year. The design of the fale-style centre is sticking with the traditional Samoan theme which runs throughout the property. Editor Hayley Barnett travelled to Samoa courtesy of Virgin Samoa and Samoan Tourism Authority.
April 2012
clients.” Flight Centre New Plymouth assistant manager Carissa Rush said she was impressed with the amount of deluxe and mid-range properties on both islands and sees potential for Samoa to someday become the number one Pacific Island holiday destination for Kiwis. “Va-i-moana Seaside Lodge and Stevenson’s at Manase were two of my favourites, and the Spa at Sinalei was amazing,” said Rush. “There are a lot of accommodation providers in Samoa who under-promise and over-deliver so I’m really looking forward to selling it this year.” STA CEO Sonja Hunter said the focus for the tourism office this year is on providing inclusive tourism. “We attract everyone because of the beaches but the added bonus is our people,” she said. “Our hospitality centres around the Samoan experience and you can’t get that anywhere else. We’re not commercialised. We don’t put on shows because we have to. Our point of difference is in our authenticity and personal care.” Bentley agreed and said the tourism board aims to use Fa’a Samoa as a key marketing angle. “Our culture is our way of life and is there in everything we do, especially our hospitality,” said Bentley. “We’re authentic. You can go to a hotel cultural night if you want to but if you really want that authentic cultural experience, walk outside and visit the villages. I’d highly recommend it.” Ula said there are plans in the pipeline for a possible Samoa road show around New Zealand mid-year, stopping at the major cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. “We’re looking at June or July at this stage but we need to make sure we won’t clash with other road shows taking place around that time,” said Ula.
7
news
Moving
with the times
April 2012
In this ever-evolving marketplace Sean Cummins is no stranger to change. Having worked as an accountant in his early days, and later with Amadeus, HotelClub.com and AOT Group, Cummins is now Travelport country manager for Australia and New Zealand. One of the key lessons learned along the way is that in order to stay on top you need to be adaptable and move with the times - something equally true for business. “The travel industry is moving at an incredible pace and change is taking place no matter where you look,” said Cummins. “The rise of online, growth in social media and the surge in smartphone usage against a backdrop of unsteady economic conditions means that the basis for operating and competing in the travel industry will change.” This, said Cummins, is where Travelport comes in. Travelport is comprised of the global distribution systems (GDS) business, which includes the Galileo and Worldspan brands and airline IT solutions. Continuing to expand their reach and rolling out the Travelport Universal Desktop and Travelport Smartpoint App are just some of the goals this year, but Cummins said the big focus remains on helping agents step up their game by attracting and retaining more customers in a fiercely competitive and ever-changing industry. 8
Sean Cummins
news
“As travellers become savvier, travel agents too need to step up their game in attracting and retaining customers.” How long have you been in this role and what exactly does it entail?
What are your main goals in this position with Travelport?
I was appointed Travelport’s country manager for Australia and New Zealand in 2010, and over the past two years have been managing customer relationships as well as identifying new business opportunities and growing market share. I also work with our team to ensure we are delivering the best customer service and meeting product delivery expectations.
Revenue generation and market share is important, but so too is customer retention, staff motivation and customer service. These will all be goals for 2012.
What other roles have you worked in prior to joining Travelport? I’ve enjoyed working in the travel sector for much of my career, which has included senior roles with Amadeus, Flairview (Hotelclub. com) and the Constellation Hotel Group. Most recently I was head of strategic and online business development at AOT Group, a large inbound and wholesale distributor of Australian and New Zealand travel products worldwide. I also worked with Galileo (now Travelport) in the 1990s. How has this experience helped you to manage commercial operations at Travelport?
2012 will be a big year for Travelport. We have commenced launching Travelport Universal Desktop, our new selling platform, which will not only improve efficiency for agents but will help drive sales. It includes content from multiple sources that is not available in the GDS today and brings everything together on one desktop, hence its name. We will also continue the roll-out of the Travelport Smartpoint App, which allows our consultants to search, book and transact much faster than before. Is there anything new going on with Travelport right now? We have just signed a hotel cooperation deal with TravelSky, the only licensed GDS provider in mainland China. Under the new agreement, Travelport-connected agents worldwide will gain access to TravelSky’s hotel content in China via the Travelport Rooms and More hotel booking engine. We have also just announced a major merchandising milestone with KLM, which is in line with our commitment to working with airlines to grow ancillary revenues.
How do you see Travelport evolving in the market? As travellers become savvier, travel agents too need to step up their game in attracting and retaining customers. This is where technology plays an important part and also why at Travelport we are continually evolving our products and services to meet market needs. The innovations we have brought to market in the last year are a strong testament to this. What are you reading right now? Only Two Seats Left, written by the founder of Contiki, John Anderson. Can you share with us some of your guiding principles? Share knowledge, treat others the way you want to be treated, keep it simple and have fun at work - you spend a third of your life doing it!
April 2012
Being an accountant in my early days, and working within sales, operations, finance and marketing has allowed me to understand the challenges faced by my own team, and also our customers. One of the key aspects I always drive at is “the devil is in the detail”.
What are some of the key business development opportunities you have coming up for this year?
For the first time, a travel agent has undertaken a live booking of a KLM Economy Comfort seat using the new electronic miscellaneous document (EMD), alleviating the need to exit their usual booking environment. And we are expanding our offering globally, most notably in Africa where we have grown from 27 to 41 countries and enhanced operations in a further two. This followed the signing of an historic distributor agreement between Travelport and Satguru Travel and Tourism, Africa’s largest travel company outside of South Africa.
9
Malaysia
Adventure in Kuala Lumpur For clients looking to escape winter in a few months time,
Market in the middle of the city, alongside the Klang
Tourism Malaysia has come up with five reasons to spend
River, and will take you through the development of the
five days in the intriguing capital of Kuala Lumpur.
city; from early immigrants and structures that are still standing, to small lanes and stalls that are still active
1. Shop
after many years.
Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its shopping. With the
Alternatively, a day trip to the Batu Caves, only about half
favourable exchange rate, make sure clients leave plenty
an hour from the city is another option (easily reached
of room in their suitcase to pick up the latest fashions,
by train from KL Sentral Station for only two ringgit). The
electronics or local handcrafts at bargain prices. The
limestone structures are thought to be formed more than
city’s foremost shopping district is Bukit Bintang – home
400 million years ago and are now renowned as one of
to many shopping centres, cafés, restaurants, bars,
Malaysia’s most ornate Hindu shrines.
night markets and hawker-type eateries.
Nightmarket in Petaling, Chinatown
4. Explore 2. Eat
Once clients have eaten and shopped their way through
5. Play
Kuala Lumpur is a cultural mecca for cuisine with
the city, there is plenty more to see. Established in 1888,
Every traveller needs a bit of time to play and Kuala
Chinese, Indian, Malay and Nnonya on offer. While clients
the central Lake Gardens offers 91 hectares of parks
Lumpur offers some of the most exhilarating theme parks
will find something delicious on every corner, they might
and gardens for them to explore. There they will find the
in Asia. The Berjaya Times Square Theme Park is placed
like to try their hand at creating their own delicious
National Museum, Police Museum, Planetarium, Butterfly
on level five and seven of the Berjaya Times Square
creation by taking a cooking lesson.
Garden, National Mosque and a number of other religious
inner-city shopping centre on Garden Avenue.
and cultural attractions.
The Sunway Lagoon Theme Park located within the
3. Walk
Once they’ve taken in the sights on a ground level, check
Sunway Resort and Spa and Sunway Pyramid Shopping
Established in the 1850s, Kuala Lumpur has a rich
out Malaysia’s tallest attraction, the Petronas Towers. At
Centre. Here clients will find something for all tastes
history embedded with many different cultural aspects. A
88 floors they are the world’s highest twin towers. Walk
with the park divided into the Scream Park, Amusement
great way to take in all the sights is to take a guided,
across the Skybridge, a connecting two-storey bridge
Park, Wildlife Park, Water Park, and for the very daring,
heritage walk. A two-hour trail begins from Central
between the towers, at level 41 to look out over the city.
Extreme Park.
2013
NOW
AVAILABL E
Twin deal with MyCEB Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) is offering a Malaysia Twin Deal incentive for Kiwi corporate and incentive planners as well as group participants. All bookings made this year for groups of 50 or more staying a minimum of three nights will receive a welcome pack and souvenirs, complimentary entry tickets to their choice of five tourist attractions, and one-way police outriders
Catch a cargo ship and be entranced by an island paradise!
for either airport or dinner transfer for each participant. Bookings of more than 100 will receive the same welcome pack and one-way police outriders, along with gala dinner entertainment and shopping discount vouchers. Two hundred participants or more will receive the same deal with the added bonus of a one-hour welcome cocktail party. The second deal is offered for corporate and incentive planners. The first 30
2012 Departures: 17 May, 28 June, 19 July, 9 & 30 August, 11 October, 1 & 22 November and 13 December 2013 Departures: 21 February, 4 April, 6 June and 29 August*
17 night package from $8499*ppts ex AKL OR $8799*ppts ex WLG/CHC Includes: 13 night cruise in Standard A cabin, four nights pre/post accommodation, transfers, all pre-payable taxes and return economy airfares. Bonus: Tahiti Circle Island Tour
planners to book 500 participants or more before 30 June, 2012 will receive a free iPad, while planners who book 800 or more will received a four-day, threenight stay in Malaysia for two persons, including return air tickets (excludes taxes), accommodation at a five-star hotel and spa treatments. Planners who book 1000 participants or more will receive five days, four nights in Malaysia for two, including air tickets (excludes taxes), accommodation in a five-star hotel, spa treatments, dinner for two and airport transfers. All confirmed bookings must be made between now and December 2012 for arrivals between now and December 2013.
April 2012
*Conditions Apply
Call
09 489 7844 or visit
www.ultimatecruising.co.nz 10
➦ myceb.com.my
Spear. Loin cloth. Feathers. Just the typical attire for work.
The tribesman of Sarawak. Once formidable headhunters. Today merely peaceful hunters. Step into the tribal world of Sarawak and you will instantly be welcomed with music, dance, wine and warm smiles. This is why Malaysia is more than just a holiday destination. It is an experience that will last you a lifetime. So, come, and embrace all that you can ever imagine, and more.
NEW CALEDONIA
Explore
New Caledonia A common misconception depicts New Caledonia as a fly and flop destination for those with bigger pockets. This year, New Caledonia Tourism aims to shatter the myths and promote the island paradise for what it really is – fun, inexpensive and a whole lot more than you can imagine.
April 2012
A Tackling old ideas about the island paradise, New Caledonia Tourism’s main focus for 2012 will be educating agents about the surprisingly economical destination and getting clients beyond the gateway of Nouméa. With the average length of stay at seven nights, New Caledonia Tourism general manager Simon Duffy said things are looking up after a hard year, but convincing agents the islands are suited to all budgets still remains a challenge. “Expense is something we’re addressing this year, very much so,” said Duffy. “We find that many agents are under the impression that New Caledonia is an expensive place to visit, but that’s just not the case.” He said a trend in apartment-style, 12
self-catered accommodation has visitors getting out of the usual resorts to explore other eating options such as the tourist-friendly markets. “If you eat at the Hilton three times a day then yes, it will be expensive,” said Duffy. “We encourage people to go down to the market which is a cultural experience in itself. You can get a nice bottle of wine for $10 to $12, and car rentals are much cheaper in Nouméa than they are here in New Zealand. We need to make these things clear.” Once seen as a fly and flop destination, the tourism board aims to push its cosmopolitan side. The European feel gives the country a key point of difference over the rest of the Pacific. “New Caledonia is a destination
where there aren’t a hundred thousand New Zealanders sitting on the beach,” said Duffy. “Many people tell us they feel like they’re in a small village in the south of France. You feel very much as if you’re part of someone else’s culture and that’s important.” Duffy urged agents to get their clients out of the gateway to experience a completely different side of the islands. “You need seven to 10 days to really get around and see New Caledonia,” said Duffy. “Something we’re guilty of over the years is promoting New Caledonia, but only selling Nouméa. You can cover the north in four days easy, then get out to the islands and also spend a little time in Nouméa.”
Onwards and upwards Heading from Noumea up to the north of New Caledonia, clients will experience a dramatic change of scenery. “On the Australian side of the north it’s very dry and barren, but when you cross to the other side it’s lush and tropical. Clients can drive through all the small villages and see how very Kanak everything is.” Kanak indigenous culture is evident throughout New Caledonia but particularly here, with much of it based on myths and legends expressed through various art forms. It takes 45 minutes to drive from one side of the island to the other. Explore the islands The Loyalty Islands are a half-hour flight from Nouméa and consist of three main islands – Lifou, Mare and Ouvea, all accessible by air. Their little sister Tiga is home to about 200 people. Clients can get over for a day trip or stay in a range of accommodation to suit two to four-star budgets. “The Loyalty Islands are promoting themselves more to the New Zealand market these days,” said Duffy. “The same goes for the Isle of Pines which really is the jewel of the South Pacific. Even walking on the sand is an experience in itself. It’s so fine that it’s like walking on icing sugar – it squeaks.” The Isle of Pines is a 25-minute flight south from Noumea. Hiking, horse riding and scuba diving are popular here but the beaches alone are worth the trip. GLP Hotels update After months of extensive renovations, Le Nouvata Hotel has re-opened with a new feel in all its public areas including the new café/bar, Le Café de la Plage, and the extension of the existing Le Parc Restaurant with a large deck overlooking Anse Vata beach for al fresco dining. The restaurant offers a new menu and features a sushi buffet on weekends. A recent refurbishment of the Venezia Conference room is complete with walls freshly painted and new conference chairs. The conference room is the largest in New Caledonia and can accommodate up to 1000 delegates theatre-style. The hotel also has a wide range of break-out and smaller rooms, located alongside the large lagoon pool or in private suites and dining rooms. The meeting room at La Promenade is located on the first floor and can accommodate up to 25 people, and for a meeting room out of the ordinary, clients can consider the chapel situated in the gardens of Escapade Island Resort. GLP Hotels has also launched its new website www. glphotels.com, which includes information and images on the five hotels that make up the group, as well as their new trade website www.glphotelspro.com, allowing agents to download videos, images and e-brochures.
B
C
D E
F Save with Tera Tera Hotels and Resorts is offering a stay four, pay three and stay seven pay five at Royal Tera Beach Resort in Noumea and stay three, pay two at Oure Tera Beach Resort in the Isles of Pines for sales until 31 May and travel until 23 December, 2012. Tera Hotels and Resorts in New Caledonia has new representation in New Zealand with Planet Travel Marketing. The group comprises the ecolodge Kanua Tera in Port Boise, the beach resort Tieti Tera at Poindimie, the beach resort Oure Tera on Isles Des Pines and most recently Royal Tera, an apartment-style hotel with full facilities and spa in Noumea, which opened in February 2011 on the site of the former Club Med. Tera stands for Traditions, Earth, Roots and Authenticity and Adventure and the brand was created in 2007 to reflect the character of the chain.
A â– B â– C â– D â– E â– F â– G â– H â–
Endemic snails, Isle of Pines (pg 12) Mountain biking, Southern Province (pg 13) Coconut Square, NoumÊa (pg 13) Le Nouvata Hotel’s new dining area (pg 13) Loyalty Islands Province, Mouli, OuvÊa (pg 13) Royal Tera Beach Resort in Noumea Aircalin A330 (pg 16) Aircalin routes (pg 16)
New Caledonia
where the French Riviera meets the South Pacific
April 2012
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(09) 977 2238 reservations@aircalin.co.nz
www.aircalin.com 14
Travel to the heart of New Caledonia and experience hotels like no other. Land, Traditions, Roots, Emotions, Cultural Authenticity, Adventure… are the values on which TERA hotels have been based.
Touho Airport
Koné
These delightful properties with a strong Caledonian identity are located on magical spots along a UNESCO World Heritage listed lagoon and integrate perfectly into their natural environment and local community.
Poindimié
Bourail Tontouta International Airport
Nouméa
Port Boisé
photo P. Dancel
cactusstudiographique
Ile des Pins
Chic & sleek, absolute beachfront, Romantic South Seas a brand new apartment «boutique» resort in a stunning style hotel on Anse Vata Bay natural setting
Set between lush tropical rainforest & lagoon, in the dramatic Deep South
Unique design and dream location on the East Coast’s most beautiful beach
Getting there There are four flights every week. Aircalin (SB) operates two and Air New Zealand (NZ) operates the other two with both airlines codesharing. SB offers a full service product regardless of the fare paid. All passengers receive 20kgs checked luggage as well as meal/drink/inflight entertainment service when booked under an SB flight number. If travelling as an SB passenger on New Zealand operated services they receive ‘The Works’. G
Business Class Aircalin has a full and separate business class product on the Auckland-Noumea-Auckland route. On the Thursday A330 flight there are 26 business class seats. On the A320 (Sunday) flight there are eight business class (Hibiscus) seats. Free stopover in Auckland For any clients who books a ticket for SB415 Auckland to Noumea departing on a Saturday morning, and who needs to fly to Auckland the day before to connect using fares ex Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin or Queenstown, SB will shout them their overnight stay on the Friday before at the Novotel Auckland Airport. Sales period ends 30 April, 2012, for travel 21 April to 1 September, 2012. ➦ aircalin.com
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Look out for our New Caledonia supplement coming up in the next issue of Traveltrade.
April 2012
GLP Hotels offers the largest range of accommodation options in New Caledonia
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THAILAND
FROM LEFT:
Cycling tours are a great way to see the countryside. The Royal Palace
Thai temptations
Ouwehand. “For some people it’s more about seeing the hill tribes than needing the sun, sea and sand.” New tours emerging are aimed at the more adventurous and discerning client including winery tours, biking holidays, temple tours and elephant camps. Active Asia general manager Paul Safe said an increasing number of clients are seeking more traditional areas of Thailand. “The beaches are still the most popular style holiday but for people who have been there before they usually head north,” said Safe. “I would recommend anyone going to Bangkok to at least do a day tour to Ayutthaya – an hour’s drive from Bangkok. There are some fantastic ruins and temples, then there are the lodges up north where you can visit the villages. There’s a lot to see and do.” An unusual trend emerging around Bangkok right now is winery tours. With huge demand from tourists, wineries have started popping up around the city and further into the north. “Thailand has always been predominantly spirit-based where wine has never really featured on the drinks menu and people would usually buy duty free wine because, when you would find it, it was very expensive,” said Ouwehand. “That trend has changed recently. Thailand has cottoned on to the fact that people are quite dismayed at having to pay huge prices for wine.” Active Asia has jumped onboard offering a two-day cycling winery tour. “In our ex Bangkok itineraries now we offer a tour where clients can visit the wineries just north from Bangkok, 17
April 2012
With its close proximity and amazing travel deals, Thailand is a popular leisure spot for New Zealanders and now, with the amount of second, third and fourth-time visitors, clients are more savvy and often more willing to get outside their comfort zone. A large proportion of Kiwi travellers to Thailand are repeat visitors always on the lookout for new places, said Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) representative Marieanne Ouwehand. “Clients are still wanting the beaches but they’re after less populated areas that don’t have the high rises, the hundreds of people, and the noise and nightclubs,” said Ouwehand. Many agents fall back on the easy sell by simply sending clients on a package tour of popular islands but, said Ouwehand, it pays to look at other options. A newer boutique hotel on a less visited island might be more expensive, but clients are often willing to pay for a more varied holiday. “Many second-time visitors go to their travel agent who will give them a package including the main areas like Koh Samui and Phuket, but these clients are like little dogs – they will sink their teeth into it, shake it, look on the internet and go back to their agent saying they prefer something different to the big, discounted properties. And, if they get what they want, they will be prepared to pay for it.” Many repeat travellers will avoid the beaches altogether and head up north where different tours are popping up for the discerning traveller. “There is definitely a trend with repeat travellers booking more traditional style holidays in the north,” said
Thailand has always catered well for the first-time traveller but lately the destination that offers everything has upped the ante, reinventing itself as a top holiday choice for the more discerning set.
THAILAND
Thailand's crystal clear waters are a major tourist attraction
Thailand
Va e Toulu Hoters ls
Active Asia offers a great range of Thailand options including great value hotels. Cycle Thailand
from only $659pp
CHIANG MAI to CHIANG RAI 4 days / 3 nights We have a full range of one-day and multi day Cycling tours around Thailand. See page 33 of our Asia brochure. Includes cycle hire, accommodation, support vehicle, meals and guide
Bangkok Value
from only $66 twin
The Rembrdant Hotel offers amazing value for money in a great location.
April 2012
• Easy walking to BTS skytrain • In Sukhumvit for great restaurants and shopping
Ph: 09 360 7669 18
• Award winning restaurants • Includes daily breakfast
www.activeasia.co.nz
where they will cycle through the countryside and sample wines at the same time,” said Safe. Resorts are also getting in on the action, many building their own wine cellars. “It’s mainly the European-run hotels who are putting wine cellars in and catering for their clients needs as Europeans are usually the ones asking for it,” said Ouwehand. “One hotel, Centara Grand in Bangkok, has the most amazing wine cellar I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s three stories high and the wait staff have to abseil from the top to retrieve your wine. Thailand really is moving with the times.” But for those who really want a true taste of Thailand, Active Asia has another newbie. Only recently released, Elephant Hills, ex Phuket or Krabi, is an elephant experience like no other. “This is more of an elephant experience,” said Safe. “At Elephant Hills they rescue abandoned elephants and baby elephants left after poaching, and take retired logging elephants. They sometimes buy them, rescuing them from a life of misery.” While clients won’t be able to ride the elephants, they will have the opportunity to bathe, feed and learn about the gentle giants. Clients will stay in luxury tented accommodation with all the usual amenities. Elephant Hills is priced from $455 per person share twin for two days. Contact Active Asia direct for more information on all other tours, www.activeasia.co.nz
FROM LEFT: Swissotel Resort Phuket Narry Hotel Patong
Thailand roadshow Don’t miss the Amazing Thailand Roadshow on 10 May. Agents are invited to The Langham Hotel for an evening of the best in Thai tourism. Thirty-seven tourism operators will be there advising agents of new developments and updates. Look out for your email invite. Bangkok’s Airport Link The Airport Link in Bangkok was officially opened at the start of this year, providing three rail link lines - two SA Express lines beginning at Phayathai Station and Makkasan Interchange, while the SA City Line begins at Phayathai Station. Phayathai-Suvarnabhumi Airport Express Route (non-stop service) This 28km route takes 18 minutes. Trains arrive every 15 minutes. Hotels situated nearby are Pullman Bangkok King Power, Siam City, and Century Park Hotel. Makkasan-Suvarnabhumi Airport Express Route (non-stop service) This 25km route takes 15 minutes. Trains arrive every 15 minutes. Hotels situated nearby: Eastin Hotel, Novotel Bangkok Platinum, Ramada DMA Bangkok, Baiyoke Sky, and Amari Watergate. SA City Line (Stops at six stations between Phayathai and Suvarabhumi) This 28km route takes 30 minutes. Trains arrive every 15 minutes.
Thailand in your hand TAT recently launched a webpage from which visitors can download apps for a wide range of smartphones to help them plan many different kinds of visits to Thailand, from honeymoons to studying martial arts and Thai culinary art. Nineteen apps are available for free download at http://mobile. tourismthailand.org for users of the iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry and Nokia. Altogether, the apps cover more than 10,000 topics in various areas such as medical tourism, Thai cooking
classes and the sights and sounds of Chiang Mai and Phuket. One app highlights the “Top 50 Amazing Experiences in Thailand.” More Variety Variety Hotels recently opened their newest property, Narry Hotel Patong, a 44-room boutique hotel located in the heart of Phuket. With choices from standard rooms to two-bedroom apartments, the new hotel caters for both short-term and long-stay guests. Complimentary features include Wi-Fi access throughout the property as well as a daily buffet breakfast. The hotel also boasts its own tailor shop for custom made clothing that can be tailored for guests in less than 48 hours. Additional facilities include Narry’s Sports Bar and Restaurant, which features a fusion of Thai, Indian, and Italian cuisine. The property is also opening a sister hotel, Narry Hotel Nana, in Bangkok in mid-2012. Located on Sukhumvit Soi 11/1, the hotel will offer 52 rooms with amenities similar to Narry Hotel Phuket, including it’s own Tailor Shop. Swissôtel rebrand Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts has opened its first Phuket property having been appointed manager of the existing Courtyard by Marriott at Kamala Beach. The property has been re-branded as Swissôtel Resort Phuket and is located in Western Phuket, overlooking the Andaman Sea. The resort has 180 suites, with a choice of one to three bedrooms, each with a separate living room and private balcony. The resort has a lagoon-style pool, adventure club and recreational activities. 19
April 2012
While the direct Airport Link provides a fast and convenient mode of transport into the city, passengers still have to make their way from
the stations to their hotel. Taxis are readily available from the street but it should be noted that some taxi drivers may reject passengers who only want to travel short distances. For this reason it is recommended that an arrival transfer be organised for first time visitors, families and elderly passengers. “After a 10-hour flight to Bangkok from New Zealand, passengers will welcome being met, escorted to their private car or van and taken directly to their hotel,” said Ouwehand. “Advise clients who are thinking of using the train service that they do so for their return rather than on arrival, unless they know exactly where they are going once they arrive at Makkasan or Phrayathai Station.” A one-way ticket on the two Airport Link Express Routes is 150baht and the City Line is 20baht per stop. The entrance to the Airport Rail Link service is located on the first floor of Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport.
What’s on in Thailand for 2012? The Tourism Authority of Thailand lists the best festivals happening around the country this year. Visakha Bucha (May full moon)
H.M. the Queens birthday (August 12)
This is the holiest of all Buddhist religious days during
The best decorated streets are to be seen in Bangkok,
the year, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death
particularly along Rajdamnoen Avenue and around the
of the Lord Buddha. As on Makha Bucha, temples
Grand Place, where government offices and streets are
throughout the country may be crowded.
garlanded with millions of fairy lights.
The Rocket Festival Yasothon – Bun Bang Fai (Second week of May)
Phichit Boat Races (September)
Chulalongkorn Day (23 October)
Phichit is located in one of the most beautiful parts of
Commemorates the death of King Rama V. Wreaths are
Traditionally, north-eastern villagers have created and
Thailand. This regatta takes place on the Nan River and
laid at the Equestrian Statue at the Royal Plaza to pay
launched rockets of all kinds and sizes in the belief that this
features numerous low-slung wooden boats raced with
homage to his memory.
will ensure plenty of rain for the rice planting season.
great gusto to the cheers of spectators.
Asanha Bucha (KHAO PANSA July full moon)
Internationally famous, this annual event brings crowds
The beginning of Buddhist Rains Retreat (Khao Phansa), a
Phuket Vegetarian Festival (Early October)
period of three months during which monks must remain in
This is one of Phuket’s major events. Residents of Chinese
100 trained elephants are assembled. Among the
their temples and strictly observe their religious duties. Most
ancestry undertake a 10-day vegetarian diet, and there
spectacular features are wild elephant hunts, tugs of
young Thai men choose to enter the monkhood at this time.
are ceremonies at local Chinese temples and parades that
war, demonstrations of log pulling skills, and a parade of
Surin Elephant Round-up (November) of visitors to the provincial city of Surin, where some
feature remarkable feats by ascetic believers.
elephants outfitted for medieval warfare.
Candle Festival – Ubon Ratchathani (July full moon)
Chonburi Buffaloe Races (October)
‘Khao Phansa’ is observed in the north-eastern city of
The water buffalo is one of the mainstays of Thai rural
River Kwai Bridge Week – Kanchanaburi (Late November – early December)
Ubon Ratchathani with this lovely festival that displays
life, but in this annual event it is put to more amusing
The bridge on the River Kwai is the setting for this week-
artistic skills such as carved beeswax candles, some
uses, namely in buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo
long series of events. Highlights include a light and
of them several metres tall, are exhibited in colourful
against man. Beauty contests add to the fun of a festival
sound presentation at the bridge, archaeological and
parades before being presented to local temples.
that attracts crowds from nearby seaside resorts.
historical exhibitions, and rides on vintage trains.
Bangkok Airways New Zealand April 2012
Level 10, 120 Albert Street, Auckland Tel: +64 9 969 7600 E-mail: bangkokair@airlinemarketing.co.nz
20
Sometimes serene, often action packed, always amazing.
Hundreds of islands, countless beaches. Some for the young at heart with action packed water sports and parties late into moonlit nights. Some you can walk for miles without seeing another soul. And others, where you’ll find local fishermen repairing their nets or painting their colourful boats. The beaches of Thailand. For the romantic, for the family, for the thrillseeking adventurer. Where you can re-charge, be inspired, be refreshed or simply be amazed. Whether you’re a regular visitor to Amazing Thailand or you are planning your first trip, your perfect beach is just a flight away. Tourism Authority of Thailand, 137 Sunnybrae Rd, Glenfield, Auckland, New Zealand 0627, +64 9 444 2298
www.thailand.net.au
news | WINE | TRAVEL FOOD
Pureindulgence Food and wine intensifies the experience of travelling by bringing out the best in a country’s culture. Here’s a taste of some of the tours and themes that will appeal to your foodie clients.
Culinary Travel World Journeys bring you the best of the world’s cuisines and wines through travel, including: • The Winelands of South Africa • Culinary Italy – 3 packages • Gourmet Tour of Sicily • Culinary Delights of Vietnam • Flavours of Montreal • Culinary Delights of Quebec City • Chilean Coast & Wine Valleys
E. info@worldjourneys.co.nz www.worldjourneys.co.nz April 2012
Call now on (09) 360 7311 or 0800 11 73 11
22
Cuisine and travel go hand-in-hand so it’s no surprise that food and wine tours are becoming increasingly popular with Kiwi travellers. World Journeys representative Caroline Clegg said the rising interest around food and wine in New Zealand flows on to the types of experiences Kiwis are looking for when they head overseas. “Food and wine should always be an integral and enjoyable part of travel, as it is often through food that you can access the essence of another country,” said Clegg. “The Italians and their love of food, the amazing cuisines of Asia and the wines of Chile are a case in point, and this is something we always try to build into an itinerary where possible to give that local flavour.” The Innovative Travel Co. managing director Robyn Galloway said she believes the trend has come about with the rising popularity of cooking shows, along with the increased number of frequent travellers looking for another adventure. “Cooking shows on TV featuring international destinations and many appealing international recipes have opened our minds and palates to some very different tastes,” said Galloway. “Also, the travel industry has developed immensely over the years and there are many more frequent travellers. The more frequent the traveller, the more likely they are to want to diversify and focus more on one or two destinations and what they have to offer.” Galloway said it’s important for agents to find out exactly what their clients are looking to get out of a culinary tour. She advised agents to delve into the minds of their
IMAGES FROM LEFT: Market stall in Provence, France | Central Market Hall, Budapest | Hungary Modica chocolate sampling | Wine barrels in Santa Cruz
clients and find out where their tastebuds are at but, most importantly, make sure they book well in advance.
European delights
La Dolce Vita World Journeys offers a five-day package in Italy called A culinary holiday in Italy: Hidden Amalfi, which is based in a family run boutique hotel in Massa Lubrense surrounded by the coastlines of Sorrento and Amalfi. Owned by the family of Antonio Cacace from La Bella Italia Wellington, clients can immerse themselves in local culture, exploring the area with the hotel’s guide, dining on Mediterranean cuisine on the terrace overlooking the Gulf of Naples and Capri, and enjoying cooking lessons and visits to the local lemon grove, complete with limoncello tastings. Priced from $1961 per person share twin, this includes four nights’ four-star accommodation with breakfast, a boat trip to Capri, return transfers from Naples, and a Passeggiata guided walk around the historic Massa Lubrense region. Innovative Tuscany The Innovative Travel Co. offers a self-drive holiday, Tuscany Gastronomic Tour, which is featured in the CIT Best of Italy brochure in 2012. Based around seven days in Tuscany, there are plenty of opportunities to visit local vineyards and sample traditional Tuscan cuisine, including some of their famous cheeses and desserts. A “slow food” welcome dinner is also included. This is priced from A$1520 per person/share twin.
said the Innovative Travel Co. recently booked a family who wanted to sample many of the top Michelin star restaurants through France and Spain. “They booked everything in advance to ensure they were able to eat at the restaurants on their number one list,” she said. The Innovative Travel Co.’s French-born product manager Anthony Fau delivers local knowledge for the diverse range of destinations the tour company now covers.
Eastern eats
Taste Eastern Europe Local cooking classes are the key to appealing to clients booking on Innovative’s Eastern Europe taste tours in
with India | France | Italy | Russia | Hungary | Austria | Transylvania & more
Savouring Sicily Sicily is known not only for its Mafia connections, but for its local delicacies such as Modica chocolate, Ricotta, Pachino tomatoes, plentiful seafood and Nero d’Avola wine. World Journey’s six-day Gourmet Tour of Sicily offers a cultural experience including visits to such villages as Ragusa, Noto, Modica and Siracusa to enjoy their art, history and cuisine. Priced from $4192 per person share twin (for a group of two), this includes five nights in four-star boutique hotels, private transfers and excursions, breakfasts daily, three lunches and one dinner, plus two cooking lessons.
Toll Free 0508 100111
www.innovative-travel.com
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April 2012
Bon appetit France and Spain are also popular for foodies. Galloway
IMAGES FROM LEFT: A food market in Vietnam | Quebec City | Italian pasta
Hungary and Austria, said Galloway. The tours include local markets and reservations at top local restaurants which are impossible to book short notice, thereby ensuring clients are able to sample the best restaurants locally during their stay. A Taste of Hungary is a five-day tour ex Budapest priced from A$1912 per person share twin. A Taste of Austria is five days/four nights ex Vienna priced from A$1436 per person share twin.
Asian Fusion
Culinary tour of India With the diversity of Indian food there are now many ways to taste India. In the new Ancient Kingdoms India brochure The Innovative Travel Co. have featured a Culinary Tour of North India, which is 10 days ex Delhi and costs from A$2355 per person share twin. DELICIOUS Vietnam Vietnamese cuisine is highly regarded as one of the world’s best, but few realise the variations that are found in the regional cuisines. Just like the country’s geographical divisions, the food can also be separated into South, Central, and Northern style. World Journeys have created a 12-day culinary tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, which explores Vietnamese culture, history, beaches, and food, and includes cooking courses. Priced from $3666 per person share twin, this includes independent touring with local English speaking guides, 10 night’s hotel accommodation, one-night aboard a traditional junk boat in Halong Bay; flights Ho Chi Minh City > Danang and Hue > Hanoi; transfers and all transport; sightseeing and entrance fees; cooking classes; boat trips in Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta; 11 breakfasts, nine lunches and eight dinners.
April 2012
American dream
Canadian Cuisine World Journeys said visitors to Eastern Canada are often delighted by the cuisine they experience in the great cities of Quebec and Montreal. Their three-day Culinary Delights of Quebec City includes a guided pedicab historical and culinary tour of the entire Old 24
Port District. Clients will have a chance to discover the Old Port Public Market where they will meet its sellers and explore artisan products made in Quebec, including liqueurs and Quebec cheeses. A gourmet dinner at La Patriarche is the finishing touch. Priced from $498 per person share twin this includes two night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast, an Historical and Culinary tour of Old Quebec City in a pedicab, and a gourmet dinner at Le Patriarche Restaurant. The Chilean Coast and Wine Valleys The wines of both Chile and Argentina are now sold around the world, offering reds in particular. World Journeys offer a five-day Chilean Coast and Wine Valley tour out of Santiago which visits the coastal resort of Vina del Mar, the colourful port town of Valparaiso, and heads inland to the Valley of Colchagua - home to many of Chile’s new boutique wineries. A highlight is wine tasting in the wineries around the town of Santa Cruz. Priced from $1142 per person share twin this includes independent touring with local English speaking guides, four nights’ four-star accommodation with breakfast, transfers and transport, sightseeing and entrance fees, and two lunches.
Aussie treasure
Inspired by the secret South Inspiring Journeys’ eight-day Secret South journey combines some South Australian remote travel treasures with the state’s food and wine appeals. The tour is priced from $5980 per person, twin share, and key highlights include learning about geology at the Wadlata Outback Centre; jumping on a guided boat cruise to the upper reaches of the Spencer Gulf; and an afternoon 4WD tour of Nilpena Station. Other talking points are a gourmet Highlight Lunch with a wine-tasting lesson at the North Star Hotel in nearby Melrose; a stay in the heart of the Clare Valley; and wine-tasting in the stone cellars of Reilly’s Wines before the journey finishes up in Adelaide. Departure dates are available from 5 May to 6 October, 2012. ➦ inspiringjourneys.co.nz
Variety is the
spice of life
Hawai’i has long been home to fresh produce and a variety of flavours, providing a selection of food as diverse as its people. In 1991, 12 award-winning chefs took this diversity and kicked it up to a new level, ultimately putting Hawai’i on the national and international culinary map. What became of this collaboration was Hawai’i Regional Cuisine, a unique culinary movement that takes the island’s freshest ingredients and blends them with the cuisine of the world. No longer was Hawai’i fare viewed as consisting only of traditional luau foods, but also of the finest ingredients found in the Aloha State. This year marks the 21st anniversary of this defining movement.
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Hawai`i Food and Wine Festival The 2012 Hawai`i Food and Wine Festival (HFWF) is set to be bigger and better than ever this year, with more chefs, more events, and of course, more food and wine.
From September 6-9, the culinary scene in Hawai`i will reach gastronomic proportions as superstar chefs and vintners showcase their expertise in fine dining during the expanded four-day event being held at The MODERN Honolulu, Halekulani, Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort and Spa, and Ko Olina Resort with Aulani, Disney Resort and Spa, and JW Marriott Ihilani. Featuring at least 50 internationally acclaimed master chefs from the United States, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Philippines and Australia, the festival will showcase top chefs creating innovative dishes inspired by the diverse culinary and cultural traditions of the Hawaiian Islands, and will also promote the importance of food security and supporting local farmers, ranchers and fisherman to ensure Hawai`i’s sustainable future. HFWF highlights the island’s return to a sustainable eco-system of agriculture, environment and economy. Proceeds from HFWF will benefit the Hawai`i Agricultural Foundation, the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, Paepae O He`eia and Papahana O Kuaola. Over four days, HFWF will serve up exciting cooking demos, wine tastings with top sommeliers, culinary workshops, industry seminars and field excursions during our daytime events, plus signature dining experiences over four nights. 25
April 2012
Budget meals abound While vacationing in Hawai’i, clients will save money by venturing out and dining at Hawai’i’s great haunts – some even recognised by the renowned James Beard Foundation. Here’s a list of some “foodie” areas to venture to while in Hawai’i: • While driving north along the main stretch on Kauai, look for roadside stands with long lines. The lines are an indication of delicious food at a reasonable price. From hamburgers to saimin to plate lunches, you’ll be able
•
to indulge in some of the local favourites. On the outskirt of Waikiki on Oahu, the Kapahulu area has some great plate lunch joints and bakeries to fulfill that sweet tooth. On Saturdays, check out the Farmers’ Market at the nearby Kapiolani Community College for fresh locally grown, locally raised and locally made items. Kihei and Kahului on Maui are two great towns to find bargain eats due to their proximity to residential areas. While driving along the main roadways, family-owned restaurants are dotted along the street fronts. Grab something for the road on the way to many of the islands’ favourite tourist attractions. After browsing the stands at the Hilo Farmers’ Market on Hawai’i’s Big Island, take a stroll in the surrounding areas to find some places for lunch or dinner. This small community provides a gamut of ethnic cuisine from a bistro-style café to Thai to Hawai’i regional cuisine.
IMAGES FROM LEFT: Tucking into some garlic shrimp at a North Shore shrimp truck | Poke | Many of Hawai‘i’s restaurants have a unique character and ambiance
IMAGES FROM LEFT: Peppers Parehua Resort | Peppers Parehua villa
A taste of heaven
April 2012
When dealing with wine buffs, you don’t need to send them far. We have our own little piece of paradise right here amongst Kiwi vines. Martinborough is a haven for wine and food aficionados, and now Peppers is raising the bar with the launch of their newest property on the edge of this charming colonial town. Nothing beats sitting in the sun with a view of grape vines disappearing off into the distance, a glass of pinot noir in one hand and a chunk of blue cheese in the other. You could be anywhere in New Zealand but no location quite matches up to the quaint and picturesque beauty that is Martinborough. The official unveiling of Peppers Parehua recently added a newly rebranded property to the region, making it the fifth property in the Peppers New Zealand network. The rebranded site offers 28 cottages and villa-style accommodation just outside the centre of Martinborough, well within biking distance of the 20 vineyards that make up the emerging wine area. Although tucked away in its own little pocket, this area is no secret to Wellingtonians who travel less than one and a half hours from the capital. They tend to drive over for the day or, more sensibly, ride the train – a scenic journey which is an adventure in itself. Although many of the wineries specialise in pinot noir, most vineyards 26
here offer a range of wine from classic chardonnay to the not-so-common ‘après’ wine liqueur. Whatever your wine tipple, you’ll find it here. Cycling has become a popular way of exploring the vineyards and Peppers Parehua offers bikes for hire from the property and can offer suggestions on where to go and what to see. But if you prefer to lay back and let someone else do the work, jump on a tour. The Martinborough Gourmet Wine Tour with Tranzit Tours is an exploration of the area’s boutique vineyards that takes clients behind the scenes to discover who makes these award-winning wines, how they make them and how they ended up here. Clients will also get to sample some locally grown produce at the famous Village Café and high tea at In.gred’di. ent, while leaving time to take a look around the wide array of craft and antique stores. It’s not all wineries and cutesy village antiques. To mix up a trip to the region make sure clients stop by Olivo, the oldest commercial olive grove in the region. Owners Helen and John Meehan take tours of the olive grove and give a full report of the olive year, as well as a tasting session of their extra virgin blend with infused flavours such as smoked chilli (amazing on chocolate ice cream, advised Helen), porcini and smoked paprika.
Pepper’s corporate deal The new Pepper’s Parehua offers venues for up to 80 delegates including the Terrace Room leading into a covered outdoor area, the Boardroom and the Pavilion. Peppers Parehua is currently offering Full Day Delegate Packages from $55 per person (based on a minimum 10 delegates), including room hire, morning and afternoon tea, lunch, refreshments on arrival, complimentary whiteboard, flipchart and an arrival pack. There are also accommodation rates for delegates from $220 per night. The offer is valid until 20 December 2012, subject to availability. Mothers Day special Peppers Parehua has also devised the Mothers Day Brunch Package which includes two nights from either Friday or Saturday. Clients will stay in a secluded cottage, enjoy a cooked breakfast for two each morning, a local bottle of wine on arrival, a onehour massage for mum and a Sunday Mothers Day Brunch in the Pavilion Restaurant, not to mention a late check-out of 1pm, all from $980. Valid from 11-13 May, 2012. ➦ peppers.co.nz
Editor Hayley Barnett travelled to Martinborough courtesy of Peppers Parehua Resort and Air New Zealand.
IMAGE ABOVE: Mantra Group regional general manager New Zealand Ken Harris; owner Chris Stone; Mantra Group director of resort operations Mark Hodge; owner Brent Oliver; Peppers Parehua Martinborough general manager Simon Tocker; owner Jack Stone; owner John O’Sullivan and Mantra Group director of marketing Ken Minniken
Ajo Blanco – Almond Gazpacho Courtesy of Olivo
At its best with the consistency of thick cream and made a day ahead. 200g blanched raw almonds 2 cloves garlic, peeled 1 teaspoon sea salt 200g white bread, soaked in water 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons sherry vinegar 800ml – 1 litre cold water 50ml extra virgin olive oil to garnish 1 honeydew or rock melon Place the almonds, garlic and salt into a food processor and process until finely ground. Drain the bread, add to the almonds and mix until you have a thin paste. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the consistency is like mayonnaise.
Add the vinegar and begin to thin the gazpacho with cold water until it is like thick cream. Refrigerate for several hours until it is nicely chilled, preferably overnight. Cut the melon in half and scoop out the seeds. Use a melon baler to scoop out the flesh to make little melon balls. Place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and chill. To serve, place a melon ball in the bottom of a shot glass, pour over the gazpacho and drizzle with a few drops of extra virgin olive oil on top to garnish. Serve immediately. Makes approximately 1.5 litres.
WIN!
Experience the newly rebranded Peppers Parehua Martinborough for yourself. Win a night for two in a secluded cottage at Peppers Parehua with breakfast, three-course dinner and complimentary bike hire, all worth $700.* Simply visit traveltrade.co.nz and answer the questions to be in to win. April 2012
*Conditions apply, subject to availability. Block-out dates may apply. Valid for 12 months from date of issue.
27
ADVERTORIAL
Committed to being travellers’ preferred hub Aéroports de Paris and Air France united at Paris-Charles de Gaulle to develop services at the leading European hub. Aéroports de Paris and Air France have united their joint ambitions at Paris-Charles de Gaulle to improve the services offered to passengers, attract more international traffic and therefore strengthen Europe’s leading connecting hub.
New services at the Hub in 2012 . the largest lounge on services at the the AirNew France network Hub in 2012
. a museum
. the largest lounge on
the Airhotel France network . an airside
To do this, they have come up with a collaborative program, Hub 2012, a complementary approach to passenger service. New infrastructures and a concentration of the Air France hub 2012, year of transformation of the airport, will mark the opening of new services, including satellite 4, the new departure lounge at terminal 2E. Representing an investment of 580 million euros for the designer and Aéroports de Paris, satellite 4 will be dedicated to long-haul flights and wide-bodied aircraft and will accommodate up to 7.8 million passengers.
. an airside hotel
This new boarding satellite will enable Air France to concentrate its activities to the east of the hub, in terminals 2E, 2F and 2G. In the long-term, the Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub will be able to accommodate close to 42 million passengers per year (compared with 34 million passengers in 2010). This new configuration will provide Aéroports de Paris with the opportunity to reorganize new installations in favour of other airlines.
. a single security checkpoint
Easier and faster connections
. a museum
. SkyPriority
. a single security checkpoint . SkyPriority
At the end of 2012, terminal F will be reconfigured to accommodate only flights dedicated to European traffic. Passengers from the Schengen area will use dedicated easier and faster connecting channels. New services reflecting Paris, the world’s leading tourist destination From summer 2012, satellite 4 will accommodate a lounge for Air France’s Business class customers with a surface area of over 3,000 square meters, the largest of its network. Aéroports de Paris will also be innovating with new services in a large area devoted to shopping and relaxation. Before the end of the year, satellite 4 will see the launch of a museum exhibiting original works of art. There will also be an airside service area of 4,500 sq. m. located in the ‘Galerie Parisienne’ (satellite 3). This will be dedicated to connecting passengers and will include a hotel. The Air France hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle in 2012 N W
E S
Boarding pier Satellite 4
Gates K
Gates L Gates M
European traffic (Schengen*): short and medium-haul International traffic: medium and long-haul Connecting channels single security checkpoint
Boarding pier at terminal 2E
Boarding pier Satellite 3 (Galerie Parisienne)
*from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.
April 2012
Air France Trade Help Desk 09 918 98 25
28
human resources
All aboard ■ Diane Hallifax
Human Resource Advisor Everest Group Limited
How people are treated when they start a new job determines whether they become productive quickly, whether they become engaged and how long they will stay with your business. Most large organisations have a structured induction process, however we find that smaller businesses don’t and expect new staff to hit the ground running. Generally, new employees learn by asking others, as well as by trial-and-error. There are not many small businesses where a new employee gets a thorough grounding in what the business is all about, who’s who and what’s really what. Giving them that can make all the difference. Here are some tips on designing your own onboard experience: ➤ Plan ahead Prior to the new employee joining you, make sure you have their workstation, office supplies, business cards and equipment in place. All too often someone joins a business and for the first few days they do not have the tools to do their job due to lack of foresight and planning. You can be sure that the employee will find this frustrating and it does not present you in a professional manner. ➤ Assign a buddy Assign a buddy who they can speak with in relation to day-to-day operations and who can support them through their orientation period. The buddy should be someone who exhibits the kind of behavior that your business would like all its employees to exhibit. They may take the person out for lunch once a week, or just catch up for a coffee every few days.
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and schedule meetings with key members in the business during the week. ➤ Think long-term The induction may extend over several months and may include visits to different business locations, spending a day working on the factory floor or scheduled visits with key stakeholders. Mix it up and expose people to different parts of your business. ➤ Use technology You may have resources in your system that a new person can look at and review. This helps a new employee to familiarise themselves with your systems and the tools they may be required to use. ➤ Educate managers The relationship with a manager is one of the most significant in an employee’s work life. Ensure managers schedule time with the new employee to start building a productive working relationship. These may seem like straight forward steps to take. However you can be sure that most businesses do not spend time on these actions and therefore put at risk the return on recruitment investment. Following through with these simple steps will support you in building your reputation as a business that is interested in new employees getting off to a great start.
April 2012
➤ Make the on-boarding process formal Develop a checklist that covers everything a new person needs to know. It may include information on the company history, the values of the business, meeting the team, explanation of the performance review process and initial expectations, health and safety, access to the IT systems, professional development and training, and where the toilets are. You may include a lunch with the team on the first day
Plan
29
social media
DOLLARS AND SENSE
Mobile solutions app-ealing to the travel trade ■ James Hacon is an international speaker, writer and consultant in marketing for travel and tourism. ➥ www.jameshacon.com
April 2012
I feel it would be fair to say that many of the high street travel giants have been slow to join the online race in any proactive way, perhaps hoping that without their involvement it would slow the continuous attrition of market share to the web. In many cases, these companies are still lagging behind in terms of their online presence in comparison to their international counterparts – pigeonholing the many aspects of the online world into one, small, under-resourced ‘eCommerce’ department. With the continued growth of mobile technology we have seen an app built for almost everything in recent years. Our technology obsessed population just love their mobile devices. I’d say travellers would be lost without the aid of an iPad or Android - me being no exception. There are 30,555 active travel applications for Apple devices – that’s more than five per cent of all apps, making travel the seventh most popular category. These range from regional or national official applications, often created by regional tourism organisations, to global brands like TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet. In recent years there’s been a slow but continuous trickle of mobile application releases, from travel brands that may have traditionally been most associated with the wholesale or retail travel trade. One app that seems to stand out is Peregrine Adventures, which is well promoted within their own literature, and interestingly seems to be popular amongst agents. The company launched their app in May 2011 and have far exceeded their own target of 10,000 downloads in the first year, with 16,000-plus to date. Not bad for a company whose tours are certainly not aimed, or priced, at a younger audience. Upon downloading and investigating the app, I was surprised to find that it is not much more than an appbased brochure, giving information on their trips and offerings with a little more interactivity. You can find similar apps available for many other well-known travel brands including Kuoni and Virgin Holidays. The development of an app is a great step in the right direction by these companies. Although I can’t help hoping we start to see more use of mobile applications in supporting the journey with interactive guides and visitor information by the travel trade, rather than just a direct sell. Peregrine Adventures have one feature that I feel really fits this notion, by way of an interactive postcard function – be sure to check it out.
30
Work together,
stay together We prepare more than 100 sets of travel agency accounts each year and there is a large variation in the profitability from one agency to another. Why are some agencies more profitable than others? This does not depend upon the location. Some agencies are more profitable than others because the owners and staff are focused upon the aspects of their business that make them more profitable. ➤
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They value their own time and skills and expect to be rewarded for this. You have spent many years training to offer the advice that your clients receive. If you do not value this then they will definitely not. Last year, our corporate and leisure travel agency clients’ gross margins varied from 8.5 per cent up to 14.6 per cent. They work to grow the business in a cost effective manner. Your database and customer relationships are your most valuable asset. These need to be nurtured with constant communication that is relevant to the customer. This is an inexpensive but effective method of marketing. Our top 10 clients spend on average 4.8 per cent of their income on advertising. They develop their own travel products that are unique. Tours may be escorted and the product they sell is not easily available. This enables you to get your margin up as our wholesaler clients are achieving 12 per cent up to 22 per cent. They are in control of their financial position. With the production of timely monthly accounts this enables them to be careful with their expenditure and put in place a financial plan to achieve their financial goals. All of our top 10 clients prepare and review their accounts monthly. They seek assistance in the things that they are not good at. They recognise their own strengths and weaknesses and use good professional advisors. Their staff carries the same philosophy through to the customer and is well rewarded for achieving results. Regular training and constant communication is part of their everyday job. Our top 10 clients spend on average 50 per cent of their income on staff.
■ Paul Davies pauldavies@travelaccounting.co.nz ➥ Visit us at www.travelaccounting.co.nz
EVENTS
Fa’a Samoa Kiwi agents and wholesalers traded their office wear for sarongs at the annual Samoa Tourism Exchange 2012 and the new Fa’a Samoa Roadshow recently.
Samoa’s prime minister and minister of tourism Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi
Annette Houghton, The Travel Brokers; Charlotte Chan Mow Brunt, Orator Hotel; and Lynn Earl, The Travel Brokers
Carissa Rush, Flight Centre; Jennifer Hughes, Flight Centre (left); and Jarrod Patterson, Student Flights (right) with the team at Aggie Grey’s Hotel
Le Manumea Hotel’s Luna Marsters-Paul and Frieda Paul
April 2012
Lawsyn Russell, House of Travel; Dwayne Bentley, Samoa Tourism Authority; and Julie Sloane, United Travel 32
Megan Lowish, Flight Centre, walks across the Falealupo Rainforest canopy walkway
Amber McMahon, Executive Travel; Jody Sinkinson, The Travel Brokers; and Carissa Rush, Flight Centre at Va-i-moana Seaside Lodge
Samoa Tourism Authority’s marketing manager Dwayne Bentley, CEO Sonja Hunter and NZ marketing manager Fasitau Ula
Aggie Grey’s Hotel dancers
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