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MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY $5.50 | SEPTEMBER VOLUME 39 ISSUE 15

South Africa Kiwis choose quality over quantity

BIG things

PACIFIC Inside India p o o c s e SHORT h t et G s t r e p ex m o BREAKS come in small packages fr with James Tobin

This month we look at how intuitive Sabre’s new graphical view in the Sabre Red Workspace is – in a time trial. Watch the video at www.sabrepaciﬁc.co.nz

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EDITORIAL

Trouble o’head Indian full service carriers Air India, Kingﬁsher Airlines and Jet Airways are under serious pressure from no frills competitors. Their ongoing battle for survival serves as a reminder of the ferocious evolution of low-cost international travel. With huge numbers of Indians heading to the UAE

Cover shot: New Caledonia Tourism

for work, connecting routes have become a gold mine for the likes of AirAsia, flydubai and Air Arabia. Offering quick turnaround, cheap fares and a vast network of connections they are ideally positioned for the short haul market. EDITOR: Rebecca Williams Ph:+64 21 667 377 Email: rebeccaw@mediaweb.co.nz JOURNALIST: Hayley Barnett Ph:+64 22 030 0472 Email: hayleyb@mediaweb.co.nz AD SALES: Julianne Iudica Ph:+64 21 169 3541 Email: juliannei@mediaweb.co.nz DESIGNER: Bex Mikaere PUBLISHED BY:

IndiGo is the latest carrier to take a slice, with tickets to Dubai from New Delhi starting at $258 and new flights from Mumbai to Muscat and Singapore kicking off soon. Throw long-haul heavyweights such as Cathay Paciﬁc, Singapore Airlines and Emirates into the mix and it’s looking like curtains for Air India. The state-owned airline is in debt to its eyeballs despite government handouts. It is also a political puppet bandied around by India’s opposition party who are accusing the government of bleeding it dry so they can sell it oﬀ. The government have been accused of playing dirty, after refusing to issue landing rights for Lufthansa’s A380 in New Delhi reportedly because Air India had been rejected from Star Alliance.

PUBLISHER: Toni Myers

Poor old Air India is also taking a battering in the press after a series of epic

MANAGING EDITOR: Graham Hawkes GROUP SALES MANAGER: Lisa Morris PRODUCTION MANAGER: Fran Marshall

failures. Their hall of shame includes cancelling flights because they couldn’t pay for fuel, angry pilots forced to fly overtime and unpaid staff – not to mention an ousted chief and the odd emergency landing this year. Perhaps, like the recession, the aggressive emergence of low-cost travel has

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ﬂushed out businesses that were going to fail anyway. I feel for anyone whose

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airlines to turn a proﬁt something’s got to give.

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wholesalers and travel agents who have all reported strong sales

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pleasure. I was also lucky enough to discover Flight Centre’s India guru Jim Cato-

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livelihood has been (and will be) aﬀected, but as oil prices make it impossible for On land things are much happier for India. For this issue I spoke to several key India is at the absolute top of my travel bucket list so I wrote the feature with Symonds, who paints such an incredible picture of the varied appeals and attractions that it’s hard not to get swept up in the drama and chaos of the place. What I enjoyed most about speaking with Jim was his honesty. He doesn’t mince words when it comes to India’s calamity and has some surprising revelations about the destination.

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Rebecca Williams NZ Traveltrade editor

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CONTENTS

Fax: E-mail:

NEWS 4 Auckland dishes up bad service 8 Profile: Mick Cottrell Jetstar’s sales manager shares his career highlights, guiding principals and goals

10 Majestic Malacca David Gapes explores boutique hotels and cuisine September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

11 Protecting our tourism assets How seals and humans can co-exist

12 Hot deals for the cool season Innovative Travel’s top picks for skiers

FEATURES 14 India Experts share some sales advice and insider tips

18 South Africa Kiwis choose quality over quantity

21 Swimming with the sharks Cape Town’s scary thrills and your chance to win

22 Pacific short breaks Hot spots and product updates from across the islands

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28 Cruise update 29 Hot properties

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30 New and noteworthy Dracula’s new show, unusual dining options and travelSIM

AROUND TOWN 32 Pictures from the Pacific Showcase and Jetstar’s Auckland function

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Subcriptions Dept,

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NEWS

SIR RICHARD BRANSON

Kiwinauts in space Of the seven Kiwis heading into space with Virgin Galactic (VG), ﬁve booked with House

ORBITAL HOTEL

a ﬁrst-hand update.” With no set launch date in place, Cole said it

ensure we stay focused and safe,” said Wincer. For the astronauts, it has been a long wait

Of Travel’s Katrina Cole and three of them will

was important for the astronauts to share their

since bookings opened in 2007. Some have

be in the ﬁrst 100 to go up.

excitement with the only other people who can

shelled out the entire US$200,000 ticket price,

understand.

while others have just made “hefty” deposits.

Cole, who is based at the Botany store, talked and bookings just took oﬀ. “After 30 years as a travel agent, I feel privileged to be on the forefront of something new,” said Cole. She has attended two VG worldwide forums

“The astronauts are hanging out ready to go

“The more you pay the higher up the list you

but VG want to make sure the milestones are

are. There are three [Kiwis] in the ﬁrst 100 and a

in place for 100 per cent safety record – their

couple more in the next 100.”

entire brand is riding on this.” While VG can’t disclose a launch date yet,

However, if you think VG’s price tag is steep, Russian ﬁrm Orbital Technologies plans to

Carolyn Wincer said the project continued to

open a space hotel in 2016 that will cost around

and watched a test ﬂight in the Mojave Desert

progress very well with SpaceShipTwo now

US$826,000 for the two-day journey and

along with 800 astronauts and media from

well into the test ﬂight programme having

US$165,000 for a ﬁve-night stay which includes

across the world.

completed 15 test glide ﬂights.

microwave meals.

“We are lucky because Carolyn [Wincer VG

“Safety is our number one priority so we

head of astronaut sales] is a Kiwi so whenever

don’t give out a ﬂight date but move from

she comes to visit family in New Zealand we get

milestone to milestone within the project to

www.virgingalactic.com

www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

to everyone from rotary clubs to expo punters

WYNYARD QUARTER

Auckland dishes up bad service Auckland’s Viaduct is facing fresh criticism

Zealanders and overseas customers aren’t happy

after Traveltrade readers reported “unacceptable”

“It would have been good to get people skilled up in the basics of service, but that really didn’t happen. Trying to ﬁx this after the horse has already bolted is a bit of a problem.” – Jared Brixton, Kiwihost

waits for food and “shocking” service both before and during the Rugby World Cup (RWC). One reader said they were forced to wait 30 minutes for a coﬀee after trawling Wynyard Quarter for a place that didn’t boast a 60-minute wait. Another reader, Sarah Bowman, told Traveltrade she too experienced rude and slow service in the same area. “I was in Wynyard Quarter last week for lunch with a girlfriend and the service was shocking,” said Bowman. “The pizza and wine

with the service they’re providing,” said Brixton. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand chief executive Marisa Bidois said while some operators were ill-prepared, she’s proud of those that were. “I personally know the hospitality industry has been in preparation for this for the last two years,” said Bidois. “I can safely say I feel Association members were prepared and the feedback we’ve had has been reasonably good. Many took on extra staﬀ and I’m really proud of the way things were handled over the opening of the RWC, especially when there were far

were great but everything took so long to come

while now. Trying to ﬁx this after the horse has

out and the wait staﬀ seemed like they wanted

already bolted is a bit of a problem.”

to be somewhere else.”

Kiwihost is a customer service training

more people around than expected.” The Association lists 1700 member restaurants across New Zealand, oﬀering

Kiwihost managing director Jared Brixton

company who continually carry out hospitality

hospitality training programmes, support and

said it was unfortunate many businesses didn’t

surveys with local and international customers.

business advice. “We’ve done a lot of work. Of course, the

prepare for the inﬂux of customers with staﬀ

Brixton said their ﬁndings equate to less than

training. He expected more would approach

half of participants expressing satisfaction with

feedback is not always positive. Some operators

them for help before the big event.

the service they receive in New Zealand.

aren’t prepared but that happens. I’m conﬁdent

“It would have been good to have this sorted

“I don’t know if they [Auckland businesses]

we’ve done a good job.” – Hayley Barnett Did you experience Auckland’s RWC

thought they had it sorted or if the price of

said Brixton. “These businesses have known

training was too much for them - there’s a number

service? Share your thoughts with

about this [RWC and Wynyard opening] for a

of excuses that people use but, clearly, New

rebeccaw@mediaweb.co.nz

September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

Egypt visa row

ahead of time, but that really didn’t happen,”

more than 800 people were killed during

operating as normal and the product has

peddled on plans to tighten tourist visa

The Egyptian Government has back

an uprising against President Mubarak,

even been enhanced for 2012. We are

regulations after a major backlash from

who has since resigned. Elections are

as committed as ever in supporting this

tourism operators.

expected to take place in October or

amazing destination,” said Salisbury.

The new regulations would force individual tourists to get a visa in their home country prior to travel. The proposed change could not come at a worse time for Egypt, which has

November this year. The New Zealand Government still has

Innovative Travel sales and marketing manager Carol Wisker reminded agents

a travel warning in place advising against

about Innovative’s meet and assist

non-essential travel to the country.

visa service at the airport, which was

Insight Vacations general manager Dave

recently reintroduced. She said it was

experienced a reported 35 per cent drop in

Sailsbury said sales are subdued following

business as usual and the company had

visitors in the second quarter of 2011.

the turmoil, which was to be expected.

permanent staﬀ based at the airport to

The troubles began in January when

Photo Credits || Auckland Waterfront

“Our current Egyptian tour series is

look after clients.

More great rail

journeys New voyages in the Baltic States, the Middle East and Australia are part of Rail Plus’ largest ever Great Rail Journeys brochure. The new programme features 29 of the world’s most iconic rail journeys covering Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East, India, New Zealand and Australia. New additions include The Amber Train, a 15-day private train journey from Berlin to St. Petersburg via Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia (the Baltic’s Amber coast) and Minsk. Prices start at $10,481 per person twin share. Arabian Nights is another new option. The 12-day journey between Istanbul and Damascus is priced from $6797 per person twin share. The programme also includes details on luxurious new classes of travel on two of the most popular voyages. From June 2012, VIA Rail’s The Canadian will offer a Deluxe Fleet Touring Class on the three-night Vancouver-Toronto journey. Meantime, Golden Eagle Trans Siberian will offer New Imperial Suites with large fixed double beds, an en-suite, laundry service and the assistance of a personal butler. Rail Plus General Manager New Zealand Alka Thapar said this year’s brochure also included more detailed information on departures and inclusions. “In addition, we’ve responded to agent feedback by providing more internal images of the trains, making it easier for agents to illustrate the stylish and elegant facilities passengers can enjoy on the world’s greatest rail journeys,” said Thapar. www.railplus.co.nz

Europe earlybirds Globus has launched its 2012 Italy and Spain brochure with earlybird discounts of up to 10 per cent as well as free accommodation oﬀers. New for 2012 is the 10-day Italian Tapestry itinerary travelling from Venice to Sorrento, visiting Modena, Florence, Sienna, Rome, Pompeii and the Isle of Capri, priced from $3289 per person twin share.

Formule 1 (F1) Auckland Airport opened in August as part of a major new hospitality complex that includes fast-food outlets, a bar and a mobile phone store. The hotel provides contemporary accommodation from $79 a night for up to two people making it a good option for clients from outside Auckland. The hotel features the new “restful” Cocoon concept room with ﬂat screen TVs, wireless internet and a strong focus on sustainability. F1 offers an inexpensive breakfast buffet, with more substantial meals available during the day from the various outlets in the complex including the Szimpla Gastro Pub, health food café and coffee shop. There is parking for up to 70 cars. “The hotel is just 10-15 minutes walk to the international terminal, and we will offer complimentary transfers to the domestic and international terminals every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day,” said F1 Auckland Airport general manager Firoze Wadia. “We expect to be particularly popular with travelers from regional and outer suburban areas because with so many ﬂights leaving early in the morning, they will be able to come here the night before, get a good sleep and transfer to the airport at a more reasonable time.” www.hotelformule1.com

www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

Also new is the nine-day Best of Spain tour from Madrid to

Win a night’s accommodation at Formule 1 Auckland Airport

Barcelona, visiting Cordoba, Seville, Granada and Valencia, priced from $2189 per person twin share. Special oﬀers available include earlybird discounts of 10 per cent for all tours booked 12 months in advance and a free extra night’s accommodation in Rome with any booking of the 13-day Italian

To enter the draw visit www.traveltrade.co.nz or the Traveltrade Facebook page for details.

Mosaic itinerary made by December 31. Clients can also snap up a free extra night’s accommodation in Madrid with any booking of the 14day Spanish Fiesta itinerary for bookings by the same date. www.globustours.co.nz

Congratulations! The drawn winners of our STAX vouchers were Julie Rice from Airline Marketing and Kylee Flegg from Travel VUDA

AIR ACTION

Cutting edge Qantas Qantas (QF) will be the ﬁrst airline in the world to trial new inﬂight technology. Q Streaming will allow all customers travelling on a dedicated aircraft in October to

NEW BERLIN AIRPORT The new Berlin airport (Berlin Brandenburg – BER) will open for operation on June 3, 2012 at the premises of the current BerlinSchoenefeld airport. On the same date current airports Tegel (TXL) and Schoenefeld (SXF) will cease operations and all Berlin ﬂights will operate

Google eyes

travel market

Google has given the world a sneak preview of its travel

to/from the new airport. As of 15 September, all ﬂights on/after June 3 will be shown in CRS as to/from BER. Existing PNRs will be updated with the new code.

PREMIUM CX

stream inﬂight entertainment

technology just ﬁve months after acquiring ITA software with a view

Cathay Paciﬁc (CX) will roll out a premium

content to individual tablets

to delivering fast, ﬂexible and useful online travel search facilities.

economy product in 2012 on long and

supplied by Qantas whilst

Flight Search allows users to filter flights by airline, flight time

inﬂight. They will also be able to

and price using a map. Flights are chosen primarily based on cost

watch on their laptop computer,

and total travel time, while covering a variety of departure times

smartphone or other WIFI

and airlines.

enabled device later in the trial. Following the six-week trial, QF will assess opportunities for the application of Q Streaming

Google claim the results are not inﬂuenced by paid relationships and airlines control how their ﬂights are marketed. Currently, booking links point to airline websites but opportunities will be developed for other travel partners.

across both the domestic and

revealed closer to delivery.

AUSSIE CARBON The Australian Government will allow big fuel users such as airlines to manage their carbon liability directly under a new opt-in scheme that was revealed as part of a longterm carbon pricing strategy. Qantas has

google.com/flights

welcomed the move.

September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

international ﬂeet.

medium-haul routes. The design will be

AF-SING11224-07_NZ TravelTrade_130x177_v4p.indd 1

8/11/11 4:26 PM

Thailand’s domestic competition in 2012

NEW BOSS FOR TIGER Tiger Airways has named Andrew David as chief executive of its troubled Australian unit. David was previously chief operating ofﬁcer at Virgin Blue.

Thai Airways (TG) will launch a low-cost airline

The airline has made a series of

in July 2012 to compete with AirAsia.

management changes since its

the ability to accrue frequent ﬂyer mileage on both

Thai Smile Air (TSA) will oﬀer business and

Australian business was hit by an

in procedures, 15-20kg baggage allowances, and

almost six-week flight suspension due

economy class on both domestic and short-haul

to safety issues in July.

international routes.

TG and the Star Alliance network. “Our new sub-brand promises to give passengers high value for a good price,” Woranate said.

“Think of it as a competitive hybrid between

By 2013, Smile’s ﬂeet of 11 new 174-seat Airbus

CHANGES AT AIR CALIN

premium TG ﬂights and ultra cheap, low-cost

A320 planes are expected to ﬂy to neighbouring

Air Calin has moved to the Walshe

airlines like AirAsia and Tiger Airways,” said TSA

countries India, China and Southeast Asia,

Group and will be based at Level 6,

managing director Woranate Laprabang.

52 Swanson St. The new reservations

Woranate was conﬁdent that in-house

In its ﬁrst year of operations, using Bangkok’s

competition with low-cost subsidiary Nok Air is

details are phone: 977 2238, fax:

Suvarnabhumi Airport as its main hub, TSA will

not an issue as Nok Air only ﬂies domestically out

977 2212 and email: reservations@

replace TG in Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani,

of Don Muang airport, while Smile passengers will

aircalin.co.nz

Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai, and Surat Thani.

be able to connect to international ﬂights out of

“The main target market for these initial

Suvarnabhumi Airport. Also, Smile will ﬂy to Khon

V THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

in-country ﬂights will be the young small and

Kaen and Chiang Rai, two destinations not covered

V Australia has won Best in Region

medium business traveller as well as local traveller,

by Nok Air.

(Asia and Australasia); Best Food

government agents, who wants a relaxed, stylish

and Beverage; and Best IFE User

atmosphere on board without the premium price,”

Interface at the 2011 Airline Passenger

said Woranate.

Experience Association (APEX)

In recent news, TG has not extended its contract

TSA will oﬀer a complimentary meal and drink

Passenger Choice Awards.

Promotional campaigns will begin early next year online and across Facebook.

service, free passenger seat selections, faster check-

with Tiger Airways, oﬃcially terminating plans for a domestic alliance.

Air France launches premium product Air France has launched a new private cabin on selected long-haul ﬂights. Situated between the business and economy cabins, Premium Voyager, oﬀers 40 per cent more

To entertain passengers, a 10.4 inch (26cm)

dishes), liqueurs, wines chosen by Olivier

individual video screen delivers entertainment

Poussier and Häagen Dazs ice-cream (except on

on demand.

the Caribbean and Indian Ocean network).

Amenities from the Aﬀaires (business class)

Customers travelling in the Premium

space – 28 seats occupy an area that previously

cabin are complimentary. These include the travel

Voyageur cabin also earn Flying Blue frequent

accommodated 40 seats in the economy cabin –

kit, bottle of water, noise-reducing headphones, a

ﬂyer miles more quickly. A full fare ticket will

and a completely new ﬁxed-shell seat.

feather pillow and pure new wool blanket.

earn 25 per cent more miles than a full-fare

Various Various

Airline

AF Air France

business

premium

61 Flatbed 38 pitch 181-185 123 degrees degrees 200 cm 40% more bed length space

75 175 degrees

economy

33 pitch 118 degrees

Baggage allowance/kgs business

premium

2 pieces at 2 items 32kg per up to piece 23 kg each

2 pieces at 32kg

economy

1 piece up to 23kg

1 piece 23 kg

Inflight Entertainment Information

• Almost 400 hours of ondemand programming • 85 movies and 15 video games • Personal 6.4” TV screen (economy) • 10.4” individual screen (Premium/Business)

Each seat is equipped with personal audio-video on-demand. Customers can choose from 80 movies and games and enjoy a selection of international newspapers.

Frequent flyer programme

• Flying Blue (free membership)

Flying Blue

Not available in NZ, from Europe only

www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

KL KLM

Seat pitch/recline (inches)

www.airfrance.com

Website

by Michel Nugues (with a choice of two hot

www.airfrance.com

(10cm), a seat pitch of 97cm and plenty of legroom.

economy ticket.

Commissions

with aperitifs, champagne, meals designed

Aircraft type

recline. They also boast wide leather arm rests

www.klm.co.nz

The meal service is the same as in economy

Online/text check in

The seat is 48 cm wide, with a 123 degree

Correction: In the last issue of Traveltrade Air France commission rates and baggage weights were incorrect. The above chart, including KLM, rectifies those mistakes.

NEWS PROFILE

Understand, think big and ask why Asia is evident in the announcement of Jetstar

Mick Cottrell always knew he would end up in the travel industry, he just wasn’t sure where.

Japan so now and more so in the future I see a group of Jetstar operations (Jetstar NZ, Jetstar Australia, Jetstar Asia, Jetstar Japan etc) linked together by Jetstar longhaul operations to deliver low fares across greater Asia / Oceania. Even today Jetstar have ﬂights to over 60 destinations and 30+ in Asia and growing.

Now the New Zealand sales manager for Jetstar Airways, Cottrell is living his dream of residing in a vibrant city that allows him to

Did you always see yourself in a role like this or did you start with other plans?

How do you see Jetstar evolving in the New Zealand market? Increasing frequency and capacity where

escape to the countryside on weekends, while I was always drawn to travel. I used to go

working in a challenging industry that inspires him daily. Cottrell was drawn to New Zealand 19 years

and view the planes at Heathrow airport not far

ago when he arrived on a working holiday from London. His holiday turned into a career

the exiting comings and goings around airports

when he accepted a sales role with Ansett in

and planes.

travel agents. From there, Cottrell moved on to become

experience,” albeit on a much smaller scale. It was here he had the chance to be part of the total end to end delivery of an airline. Within the role, Cottrell was given an inside look into managing the wide array of airport operations from aircraft turnaround, freight and check-in to sales, marketing, PR and dealing with local government.

To help deliver long-term sustainable competition in New Zealand, and we are the

The feedback I’m getting is that business travellers want to access low fares and so Jetstar we evolve.

What sort of advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the airline/travel industry?

competition! And help the trade have options in order to

Like the book Start with the Why, check the

do what they do best which is oﬀer options to

‘Why’ and do some homework. Talk to people

travellers.

who are doing roles you are interested in and

What’s going on with Jetstar right now?

ﬁnd out what is really going on. The airline/ travel industry certainly looks sexy from the outside and attracts a lot of interest, however, from my personal experience, there are many

He was soon given the opportunity to use

We are focusing on how we can make

people in the travel industry be it sales, travel

booking Jetstar easier for the travel agent.

agents, airport staﬀ, cabin crew who would all

South Island, then North Island sales manager

Remember there are diﬀerent fares with

agree they work hard and often long hours. But

for the airline.

diﬀerent ﬂexibility. Not every traveller should

overall, it’s a positive and dynamic industry to

be on our lowest starter fares, but maybe on

be part of.

these skills on a larger scale, becoming the September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

Making the travel process more streamlined by delivering simple, low hassle ﬂying.

will hopefully deliver more options for them as

What are your main goals in this position with Jetstar?

area manager of the Invercargill region, which ended up becoming his “best all-round learning

including peak time travel.

from my house when I was about eight years old with my mates. I always wanted to be part of

Auckland calling on commercial customers and

travellers want low fares, every day, at all times,

Since the demise of Ansett, Cottrell has worked with Air New Zealand and within other

our more ﬂexible Starter Plus Fares or, for fast

industries, including pharmaceuticals – “these

moving business travellers, our Starter Max

companies are seriously proﬁtable!” - both in

fares – oﬀering high levels of ﬂexibility when

New Zealand and Australia, but never really

unforseen changes are needed.

strayed too far from where he started.

Eventually, he found himself holding onto Auckland, the place he oﬃcially calls home,

I came back to New Zealand so that I

Where do you see Jetstar heading in the future?

where the Jetstar role appeared. Cottrell described it as “the perfect ﬁt.”

What do you get up to outside of work? What’s your idea of fun?

could easily get out of the city and get into the countryside, beach, forest, so after a week of meetings in the CBD, much typing on my

The big focus of the Jetstar Group on Greater

lap top, I enjoy heading to Piha or similar and

balancing the week out near some rolling surf. I run every morning round the harbour which again is some good balancing time out before the day kicks in.

What are you reading? I just ﬁnished reading two of Michael Hill’s books Think Bigger and Toughen Up. A great personal story of someone whose vision didn’t kick into until later in life and then looked forward and dreamed big. I just started a book called Start With Why. Why is always a great word to use to challenge yourself at all times.

What has been your greatest achievement so far, both career and personal? Moving countries. I’ve lived in England, Australia and New Zealand. Working in different industries. This reaffirms we all have more transferable skills than we realise. It helps to see what works commercially in different countries and industries and not get too one-eyed on New Zealand and commercial aviation.

Do you have any guiding principles? Do what you are passionate about, if you don’t it shows and you probably won’t get too far in your career if there is no real personal connection with the industry or the role you do. Like Stephen Covey [author of Seven Habits of Highly Eﬀective People] says: “Seek to understand before being understood”

Mick Cottrell

MALACCA

Majestic stay in Malacca David Gapes discovers the culinary delights and

shoes, gifts and food – mostly made on-site

getting from Singapore to Malacca is by bus.

local charm of Malacca during a stay at The

– can be had for very little money. The hotel’s

There’s 10 buses per day, and the cost is around

Majestic hotel.

knowledgable and friendly guide also avoids the

$50 return. Flights cost from NZ$200 return.

Travellers stopping over in Singapore can conveniently taste a more exotic side of Asia, aﬀordably – but in great luxury – at Malacca, a short drive north from Singapore.

barriers. They even help with the bargaining. Also high on The Majestic list of attractions

Or you can take a taxi from Singapore to nearby Johor Baru across the border in Malaysia ($30 each way). Arrange in advance for the cab

is its famed spa, which honours the healing

driver to guide you through the border controls.

traditions of the Chinese and Malay cultures, and

In Johor Baru you can rent a car – and a GPS –

for a two or three-day exploration of this colonial

is built around two major therapies – warming

for $220 for three days.

city is Majestic Hotel, a small (52 rooms),

and cooling (based on the customer’s body type).

An elegant, serene and vastly comfortable base

ﬁve-star hotel right in the middle of town. In a

A major attraction of Malacca is the renowned

New Zealanders don’t require visas to enter Malaysia for stays shorter than three months

bygone era, it was a plantation owner’s mansion

local cuisine, known as Nyonya/Peranakan

but advance transport bookings from an NZ

and a gentlemen’s club. Rooms cost just $300 a

– essentially it’s Chinese cooking techniques

travel agent are recommended.

night.

blended with the Malay use of herbs & spices.

Malacca is a Unesco World Heritage City

September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

sales patter, and steers you through the language

And the place to sample it is The Majestic, which

on the banks of the Malacca River. Its colonial

serves this style of food, as well as other Malaysian

architecture and fusion cuisine reﬂects its 600

delights, in its restaurant. People who love spicy

years in the global spice trade and its Portugese,

food should enrol in one of the hotel’s small two-

Dutch, English and Malay roots.

hour cooking demonstration run outdoors (in the

The Majestic caters well for the short-stay visitor with attractions like a three-hour guided

Almost as good as helping an expert at work is eating the results – three courses of chicken,

lobby and meanders along the river and through

seafood and eggs – immediately afterwards, and

a 600-year-old district of tradespeople, artisans,

washing it all down with an ice-cold Tiger beer

tailors and food stores.

(fetched by the barman from the back of the

where, unlike most other Asian shopping destinations, they won’t be hassled by spruikers and fast-talking salespeople.

Here, wonderful crafts, art, antiques, clothing,

One of the signature dishes, Ayam Ponteh (spicy chicken)

shade) by a highly skilled hotel chef.

walk that starts on the boardwalk opposite the

This is the place for adventurous shoppers

David Gapes stayed at Majestic Hotel courtesy of Tourism Malaysia.

Converted spice warehouses now backpacker lodges

The Majestic’s Peranakan cooking demonstration

fridge, who carefully removed each bottle to get to the last, and coldest.)

Majestic Hotel

Getting there: Malacca is 260km (three hours’ drive on a four-lane toll highway) from Singapore.

www.majesticmalacca.com

The simplest and most cost-eﬀective way of

www.tourismmalaysia.co.nz

LOCAL ISSUES

SEAL SWIM KAIKOURA

Protecting our greatest assets New Zealand’s seals are under threat from

the coast for their own use and the seals who

Chambers said that DOC does a good job

local “stupidity” and serious work needs to be

use that space to rest between foraging trips.

in raising awareness among tourists but the

done to protect one of our greatest tourism assets,

We will need to ﬁgure out how to prevent

treatment of seals demonstrates the lack of

according to the Department of Conservation.

them from coming inland and endangering

local education.

Several vicious seal attacks have made headlines over the last few years. The most

themselves but there’s deﬁnitely room for both.”

“New Zealanders tend to take seals for granted.

Godsiﬀ ’s excuse upon arrest was that he

There’s this ill-informed sector of society and seal

recent involved Jason Trevor Godsiﬀ (20) who

thought the seals were pests. Hayes said that

attacks really tell you something about attitudes.

clubbed 23 seals to death in Kaikoura last year.

while there is tension from locals, it largely

There’s a lot of idiots in this country.”

In a landmark ruling, he was sentenced to two

stems from misinformation.

years prison for the crime in September. Animal welfare organisations are happy with

“Much of the conﬂict lies around the belief that

Several seal attacks have hit the headlines over the last few years and SPCA CEO Robyn

seals compete for the same ﬁsh that we eat like

Kippenberger said more needs to be done to

the sentence but all agree more needs to be

blue cod, when in actual fact there’s not a lot of

ensure the animals are protected.

done to educate New Zealanders on how to

overlap. While they are opportunist feeders they

coexist with seals.

will mainly eat squid and lanternﬁsh.”

Department of Conservation (DOC) South Marlborough area manager Dave Hayes said Kiwis don’t realise the value of seals. “Seal tourism in this country is underrated,”

Whatever the locals may think of them, seals are big business for small communities. “The number of tourists who visit the seal colonies increases markedly year after year,”

“If seals are going to be used as tourist attractions there needs to be some kind of protocol to make sure they won’t be abused.” Kippenberger said the safety of tourists as well as the seals should be considered. “I’m not opposed to seals as tourist

said Hayes. “If you drive past the main viewing

attractions but people shouldn’t be able to get

is that international visitors hold them in the

point, there’s usually around 50 cars in the car

close to these animals without a ranger present.

highest esteem, but seals are often viewed

park on any given day.”

There needs to be proper signage making it

diﬀerently by Kiwis.” Along the Kaikoura Coast there has been an

Seal Swim Kaikoura manager Matt

clear that people can’t touch them. The bull

Chambers, whose family initiated a code

seals can be big so the safety of both the seals

increase in the number of seals each year, with

of conduct for seal swimming operators in

and the tourists need to be taken into account.

recent ﬁgures showing a steady 25 per cent

Kaikoura, said international tourists make up 95

growth. Before 2005, growth was slightly higher.

per cent of his clientele.

“The numbers will continue to increase. It’s

“We try to educate tourists who come to us

“As long as humans don’t get too close to the seals they generally don’t mind. They’re much swifter and more agile than us anyway, but having

a very productive coastline and this is where

and they always go away more knowledgable

said that, the babies could be manipulated and the

problems can occur,” said Hayes. “It can cause

for the experience, but the locals need to be

mothers can get very protective. People just need

friction between people who want space along

educated too,” said Chambers.

to use their common sense.”

www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

said Hayes. “What I hear on a regular basis

SKI

SORTS THROUGHOUT

MANY RE KIDS CAN SKI FREE IN

CANADA, USA AND JAP

Hot deals for the cool season ASPEN, USA

interconnected trails and lifts on the one ticket.

Banﬀ provides the three ski areas of Sunshine,

season, the Northern Hemisphere is welcoming

As we farewell New Zealand’s winter ski

Also included is the Lone Peak Tram, which takes

Norquay and Lake Louise.

theirs with cool deals to suit Kiwi ski bunnies.

visitors to the 11,166ft summit for views over

The Innovative Travel Company’s marketing

Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons.

manager Carol Wisker said now is the perfect

A number of the USA ski ﬁelds allow kids

time to take advantage of a variety of deals on

under ﬁve or six years old to ski free including

oﬀer for a large selection of resorts in the USA,

Aspen/Snowmass, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver

Innovative’s brochure for Canada oﬀer kids

Canada, Japan and Europe.

Creek, Mammoth, Heavenly and Telluride.

under 12 to ski free with some special oﬀers for

Here she gives us some ideas of where to go and what to expect in the Northern Hemisphere’s most popular ski resorts.

USA The USA is one of the best countries in

Wisker said most of the resorts featured in

lessons also available. There is plenty to attract every level of skier and

JAPAN The ski and board market for Japan has

oﬀer expert runs for those who are looking for the

rapidly developed out of New Zealand over the

ultimate challenges including Whistler, Big White,

last few years.

the world for hitting the slopes with resort

Silver Star, Kicking Horse, Jasper and Marmot

towns like Mammoth, Aspen, Snowmass,

Basin and Norquay in the Rockies.

Breckenridge and Copper Mountain, Park City

two of the best options in Canada.”

CANADA boarder in Canada and a good number of resorts

September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

“For skiers and boarders looking for amazing powder, Big White and Lake Louise would be

Wisker said Kiwis were very familiar with

Wisker said that whilst USA will receive the most attention this season due to the exchange rate, Japan was still a popular choice as it oﬀers impressive

and Salt Lake City oﬀering varied terrain for a

Canada and Whistler was a popular option,

facilities, guaranteed snow, some of the best powder

range of abilities.

providing a huge range of ski and board

in the world as well as cultural experiences.

“USA is hugely popular this coming season. Demand is huge due to the fantastic exchange rate,” said Wisker. She said clients can make the most of package deals including a seven-night stay (with

activities as well as plenty for the non-skier. “The pedestrian-only village is a very attractive feature and the ski-in/ski-out access is

Tomamu, which is renowned for its heli-skiing,

an aspect that Kiwis love at this resort.

and traditional resort Nozawa Onsen. Meantime,

“Big White, also ski-in/ski-out, is another

lift pass) at Mammoth in California priced

popular choice, especially for families as it has a

from A$549 and the popular Aspen/Snowmass

separate area for boarders.”

region, which has packages priced from A$729pp twin share. New for this season is SKI BIG SKY in Montana, which oﬀers 5300 acres of

Along with the popular resorts of Hakuba, Furano and Niseko other options include

She said the town of Banﬀ, located in the Rockies, is always high on the must do

Shiga Kogen in the Johshinetsu National Park oﬀers 21 interlinked resorts on one lift pass.

INNOVATIVE’S SKIMAX Innovative’s 2011/12 season programme

list year round due to its scenery and the

SKIMAX covers more than 50 resorts in

UNESCO world heritage national park area.

Canada, the USA, Japan, Korea and Europe.

Photo Credits || Kids: Biege Jones | Skier: Paul Morrison

NOZAWA ONSEN

VILLAGE, JAPAN SUNSHINE RESORT, BANFF

However, Wisker said you don’t need to be a skier or boarder to ﬁnd a deal in the programme. Each property is packaged into seven-night

stays [for Canada, USA and Japan] including ski passes and breakfast at selected properties. In Europe, seven-night stays are also packaged at every level, with either breakfast or half board on oﬀer depending on the property. Ski passes are additional in Europe. The Premium section at the start of the brochure features options for the discerning traveller including the Yongpyong Resort in South Korea known as Korea’s Ski Mecca. “This resort is hosting the alpine skiing events during the 2018 Winter Olympics and has more than 25km of groomed slopes, 15 chair lifts, a 3.7km gondola and a terrain park for all levels of skiers and boarders,” said Wisker.

ASK ABOUT OUR BOOKING INCENTIVE FOR YOU & YOUR CLIENT TO WIN A BURTONS SNOWBOARD & BINDINGS!

The best airfare can be combined with any of the seven-night packages featured in the SKIMAX programme. “There are a number of resorts which are not featured in the brochure, but are also available, so always ask,” said Wisker. “Club Med packages are featured with some early booking savings and of course these are fully www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

inclusive resorts so a great option for families. Some adults-only resorts are also available.”

AGENT INCENTIVE For every SKIMAX booking over the value of $1000 per person made and paid by November 30, agents go in the draw to win a Burton Indee snowboard and bindings for men or Social Board and bindings for women. A bonus entry is available for bookings made and paid by October 20.

Photo courtesy Banff Lake Tourism

7 night packages, 92 pages of the best resorts Pension to 5* & apartments PLUS Premium EARLY BOOKING OFFERS AVAILABLE

Download the entry form at www.skimax.co.nz under current specials.

www.innovativetravel.co.nz

Photo Credits || Village: The Innovative Travel Company | Sunshine: John Evely | Skier: Matt Power

Ph. 0508 100 111 info@skimax.co.nz www.skimax.co.nz

INDIA

Been there, sold that India can be chaotic, full on and impossible that’s why Kiwis love it. Rebecca Williams gets advice from experts with a passion for all things India and ﬁnds out how agents can conﬁdently build itineraries for everyone from couch potatoes to backpackers.

Sadly though, Cato-Symonds said things are changing in India as local housing and slums are demolished to make way for tourism. “These days clients can be shielded from the poverty somewhat if they tour the Golden Triangle and stay in ﬁve-star accommodation but change is one of the biggest crimes against India. The people, poverty, slums and back streets make India.” He urged visitors to enjoy India for what it is, experience the authenticity and take their

It takes an expert to sell India and the only qualiﬁcation you need is a stamp on your passport. Flight Centre’s resident India expert Jim September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.n .nz z

Cato-Symonds from the Ponsonby store said the best way to sell India was to go there. “It is one of the more diﬃcult places to sell

boring in comparison so I went back. Then, once I got married, I took my wife there.” With his wealth of experience, CatoSymonds is keen to share his passion for India with clients but he doesn’t pull any punches. “You have to love India for India - the colour and chaos - but some people wouldn’t go there

time to see more. “Everyone ﬂies in and sees Rajasthan but that is not India. It is like saying you went to Germany and saw Europe. “A lot of people want to go for two or three weeks and get a good feel for the destination but you really need six weeks for that minimum.”

if you haven’t been there. It’s not Fiji, you have

because of that. I thrive on it being diﬀerent

Cato-Symonds said the itinerary would

to experience it to believe it.”

and the fact that you can walk down a street

vary wildly depending on the client and their

and not bump into another Body Shop.”

ambition.

Cato-Symonds [originally from England] has visited three times, lapping up

He said Kolkata was one of his favourite

“If they are older couple it would be an

experiences across the country from Nepal to

places but he wouldn’t send clients there: “It’s

independent tour. For backpackers I would book

the “dirty backstreets of Kolkata”.

too dirty and chaotic”.

their ﬂights and maybe some accommodation

“The ﬁrst time I went was in my 20s and

However, he would have no hesitation

then just give them some pointers.”

I hated it. I spent two months there and

sending them to his other preferred spots; the

couldn’t get used to the noise and people and

Himalaya for its laid back beauty, the Ganges

because it is more arduous on the mind and

chaos. Then I went to Thailand and found it

and the Southern East Coast.”

heart than anything.

He said no great level of ﬁtness is required

SAMODE PALACE, RAJASTHAN

Safety is a common concern from ﬁrst-time travellers who are worried they are putting their health or wellbeing at risk. “It is fear of the unknown. People equate

niche product including a focus on cuisine, cooking classes and local produce. She said India continued to perform well, with ﬂexible itineraries allowing agents to tailor

poverty with violence but some of the nicest

bookings to speciﬁc ﬁtness and comfort levels.

people on earth are poor. Indians are Hindus,

“If clients want to go sightseeing early one

which is a paciﬁst religion. You are more likely

day, they can. The itinerary can change while

to get robbed on the Viaduct than in the back

they are there.”

streets of Mumbai.” When it comes to getting there Cathay

She said a mixture of accommodation was

Her favourite experience in the many trips she has made to India was watching village life while cruising Kerala’s back waters. “It is lush and green unlike the North which is dry. The food is quite diﬀerent with fresh seafood. In the north you wont get that.”

WHEN MONEY IS NO OBJECT World Journeys director Ange Pirie said it

also an option with many clients choosing a

had been a good year for India with particularly

Paciﬁc, Emirates and Singapore Airlines oﬀer

three-star tour and adding in a night at a palace

strong interest in high-end itineraries.

good connections but ﬂying Thai Airways

for something special.

means clients could stop over in Bangkok,

“Another popular way to experience the

which was “noisy and dirty and not a bad lead

destination is on the Palace On Wheels but it

into an Indian journey.”

can be expensive.”

Whichever airline clients choose, he advised

The eight-day (seven-night) itinerary from

She said Wings Over Rajasthan was a package that oﬀered a real wow factor for big spenders. “You travel by private plane and stay in the tranquil retreats of Aman Resorts. Cutting out hours of travelling time, and oﬀering the

Delhi to Delhi in an old colonial train oﬀers a

ﬂexibility of travelling where and when you

Hong Kong or Singapore so they can decompress.

grand experience for discerning clientele.

want to, this is true luxury for the very high-end

“If you are there a while you get dirt under

“It is ﬁve-star luxury and the only train

client. At just over $10,000 per person for an

your nails and it is nice to stay in a nice hotel

assigned to that route. It runs August to April

eight-day itinerary, it actually oﬀers great value

with a pool and relax before going home. If you

and availability is good but it is advisable to

for some very stylish travel.”

go straight from India to the oﬃce you will have

book in advance.”

a reverse culture shock.”

NICHE MARKETS Adventure World are launching a new India brochure late September and Asia team leader Jane Bittman hinted that it would contain more

Photo Credits || Palace: Adventure World

Bittman said many people wanted to

People are also looking to add on some relaxing time after busy itineraries and Pirie

experience train travel in India but unless

said both Goa and the Maldives were very

clients were backpacking and had all the time in

popular for this purpose.

the world she wouldn’t recommend it. “I once did a 12-hour train journey that took 22 hours. You can’t rely on it.”

Demand is also increasing for niche packages catering to the tradition, religion and spirituality of India.

www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

agents to factor in a stopover somewhere like

AMBER FORT, JAIPUR TAJ LAKE PALACE

VARANASSI, RIVER GANGES

AMAN-I-KHAN, RAJASTHAN “We get regular demand for more mind, body and soul type content, such as yoga retreats, ayurvedic (traditional medicine) resorts, and sightseeing focused on the many and varied religions of India.” With everything from the erotic carvings on the temples of Khajuraho to the Catholic churches of Goa, religion is a fascinating aspect of India for the curious traveller to explore. World Journey’s 13-day Spiritual Journey package includes yoga classes and discussions with local experts on topics such as the Hindu life cycle, the religious rites performed at the River Ganges and even the Kama Sutra. The itinerary takes in Delhi, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Agra (for the Taj Mahal), Jaipur and Mumbai. It is priced from $4095 per person share twin. Flights are additional.

FIRST TIMERS Pirie recommended the small group escorted Palaces and Wildlife of India journey departing April 1, 2012 for clients who might ﬁnd India a challenging travel prospect. September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

“The highlights of this tour include the Taj Mahal at sunrise, a boat ride

on the Ganges at Varanasi, some ﬁne and intricate temple art, visiting Amber Fort on elephant back, gazing in wonder at the Lake Palace in Udaipur and searching for tigers in Corbett National Park.” The tour is priced from $7780 per person share twin including airfares ex AKL/WLG/CHC, four-star hotels and lodges, transfers and sightseeing, entrance fees and park fees, many meals, and the services of a World Journeys host (subject to a minimum 15 passengers travelling). Airline taxes and tipping are additional costs. Meantime, House of Travel (HOT) communications manager Carly Morris said that while travel to India does not follow a particular booking trend, people often turned to the six-day Golden Triangle Tour on their ﬁrst visit.

Photo Credits || Fort/Kids: Adventure World | All others: World Journeys

Manali Dharamsala Shimla Amritsar

NEPAL Pokhara

DELHI Bikaner Jaisalmer

Mount Everest

KATHMANDU AGRA

JAIPUR Jodhpur

BHUTAN THIMPU

Gangtok

Darjeeling

Lucknow

Thanks to Cox & Kings VISAS

Varanasi

Jhansi

Visas are required for New Zealand passport holders and must be obtained in advance of travel. Visit: www.vfs-in-au.net

Khajuraho

Udaipur

Essential travel information

Kolkata

Ahmedabad

INDIA

HEALTH Bhubaneswar

MUMBAI bad Hyderabad

Goa BANGALORE Chennai

Cochin Trivandrum

SRI LANKA

“The bustling big cities of Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata can often be a bit of a shock to newcomers, but most soon warm to the vibrant and busy atmospheres surrounding them,” said Morris. “We’ve also noticed that India rail tours are also increasingly becoming popular, particularly the Tigers and Taj by Rail tours.” Morris said family travel to India was largely limited to those visiting family and relatives. However, for those families wishing to head oﬀ the beaten track, a group tour was a good option. “Peregrine Adventures oﬀer a 14-day Rajasthan Experience Family Adventure on select departure dates throughout the year.”

EXPERT BOOKING TIPS Morris advised agents to get a thorough understanding of what clients would like to get out of their trip and tailor the tour to their needs. She also advised agents to consider the time of year as climates vary from north to south. “The best time to travel to India is during the cooler months, from October to as 40+ degrees and can be quite unpleasant to travel in and the wet months of the monsoon season (mid June to September) should also be avoided.” She would also encourage clients to pre-book any travel arrangements such as sightseeing tours and transfers. “The country is home to over 16 diﬀerent dialects, which can make for a very challenging experience if you leave it until you get there.” For solo travellers, a well-organised tour with expert guides is advisable. “India is a large country and can be somewhat daunting (and occasionally risky) for solo travellers. We would advise that if your client plans to travel solo to India that you ensure they book with a tour so they are safe, have company and expert advice for the duration of their journey,” said Morris.

MONEY Currency: Indian rupees come in denominations of Rs1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Rs5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, and 10 Paise. Exchange rate: 1 NZD = 38.7 INR Cash: You are not allowed to bring Indian rupees in or out of the country so you will not be able to obtain local currency before you depart for India. Changing money in more remote areas can be difﬁcult so it is best to change currency in the city locations ﬁrst. UK Pounds and US Dollars are easy to exchange. There are exchange facilities in most airports, which are normally open 24 hours a day. Cash Machines: These are available in major cities; ask your guide where they are located in each town/city.

TRANSPORT Trains: There are many excellent trains in India, however, the standard of seating and sleeping is not in line with European standards. All seats are pre-allocated at the time the tickets are issued. Should you wish to change your seat allocation, you could approach the train superintendent on board for assistance. It may be necessary for luggage to be stored separately from your seats, but this luggage will be locked in a compartment and watched over by a member of staff on the train. Road Transport: Driving in India can seem hazardous to westerners due to the complicated codes of conduct that apply. Roads are frequently narrow, bumpy, and pot-holed with stretches which are not sealed, or which are under reconstruction. If you decide to leave the hotel and go out on your own, there are various means of transport such as taxis, motor rickshaws or local buses. We do not suggest that you take local buses as they are usually overcrowded and can be quite dangerous. If taking a taxi or motor rickshaw, insist on the metre being switched on before you begin your journey or negotiate a ﬂat rate having taken the advice of the hotel staff or our local representatives. Animal Products: Do not attempt to buy any shatoosh merchandise; this is made from the wool of the Tibetan Antelope, a class 1 protected species. It is usually best to avoid vendors selling animal-derived objects such as tiger skins and elephant tusks because trade in most animal products is illegal. If you do want to purchase such merchandise, the Indian Tourist Ofﬁce strongly suggests that you insist on seeing the vendor’s permit to sell animal products and get a receipt. Time difference: GMT + 5 ½ hours. Telephone: Country code +91. Electricity: The electrical voltage in India it is 220 Volts. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public areas including hotel restaurants, bars and banquet halls.

www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

March. The summer months of April to June will see temperatures rising as high

Immunisation: Immunisation against typhoid, polio, meningitis, hepatitis A and tetanus is recommended. Travellers are advised to take precautions against malaria. Contact your doctor prior to departure. Drinking Water: Bottled water is readily available. In bigger city hotels ice is generally safe but travellers are advised to avoid it if they are unsure. Food: Best to avoid salads washed in water, uncooked ﬁsh / seafood or vegetables, diluted fruit juice, ice cream or fresh cheese. A gentle introduction to the more highly seasoned Indian foods is advised. Tipping: In tourist restaurants or hotels, a 10 per cent service charge is often added to bills. In smaller places, where tipping is optional, you need only tip a few rupees, not a percentage of your bill.

SOUTH AFRICA A

South Africa’s adventure market is at the forefront of new a bucket list promotion and Kiwis are choosing quality over quantity no matter what it costs, discovers Rebecca Williams.

they launched The Leave Ordinary Behind campaign, a nationwide consumer promotion encouraging Kiwis to tick South Africa oﬀ their bucket list. They are also looking to fashion, and have become a major sponsor of African Fashion Week, which will be held October 20-23 in Johannesburg. Attracting media and buyers from across the world, the event is an opportunity to

September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz e.c e. ..c co.n o nz

showcase the city as much as the designers.

You get what you pay for

“We are continuing to drive promotion of South Africa to our key target markets of young, adventurous couples and older, more experienced travellers,” said Ngozi. She was quick to point out the many adventure appeals outside of safaris for clients. “South Africa is home to the highest bridge bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge and visitors can live life on the edge with great white shark cage diving and diving with crocodiles.”

It is good news all round as more and more Kiwis travel to South Africa for a holiday and

per cent from the previous year.” Of these visitors, leisure is the primary

wholesalers report increased demand for high-

reason for travel (57.1 per cent) with business a

end product.

distant second.

“We have seen continued growth from the

In order to sustain the growth, the tourism

She also recommended experiencing the nightlife in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. For nature lovers, the Drakensburg Mountain range is an often overlooked option that oﬀers

New Zealand market, with April alone seeing

board is leveraging sporting connections

some of the most breathtaking scenery in the

an increase of 24.1 per cent,” said South Africa

and promoting adventure products to keep

country.

Tourism country manager Lalie Ngozi.

Kiwis interested. Their most recent activity

“In 2010, we saw an overall increase of 34.6

Photo Credits || South Africa Tourism

was during the Rugby World Cup where

“The mountains are perfect for both adventure seekers and a haven for wildlife

CAPE WINELANDS

PHINDA MOUNTAIN

CAPE TOWN

lovers, with activities including mountaineering, camping, bird watching, river crossing, trout ﬁshing, hot air ballooning and many more.” However, adventurers are not having all the fun, the luxury market out of New Zealand is also particularly buoyant. World Journeys director Angela Pirie said clients were more aware that the experience of a lifetime was worth paying a little extra for. “For ﬁrst time visitors to South Africa our Cape, Kruger and Victoria Falls itinerary is the most popular choice with the additions of Chobe

Africa

World Journeys bring you the best of Africa, with years of experience and personalised service.

Make Africa a part of your world.

National Park (most often) and the other options of Rovos Rail and Mauritius,” said Pirie. She said clients who have visited South Africa before will often combine their next visit with Botswana and also with Victoria Falls. “They are looking to spend more nights in one destination such as Phinda or Kruger. We have many stay/pay free night deals encouraging guests to stay longer for less.” Of course, a safari is a popular inclusion and Pirie encouraged

World Class Safaris, including:

accommodation only.

Áy in, walNing expedition options

www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

agents to compare a private safari lodge experience with a self-drive or

7ailor Pade ),7 itineraries

“There is so much more value in the private safari lodge experience.

but also things you cannot really put a price on such as candlelit private

Luxury rail journeys BoutiTue &ity Winelands accoPPodation

bush dinners or breakfast parcels hanging from a tree awaiting you on

Escorted “Best of Southern Africa”

Not only in terms of things you can quantify such as all meals, most beverages and all safari activities with professional trackers and rangers,

your early morning game drive. All of the personal attention and special little touches really make a safari a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” &BEYOND sales manager Chris Tinkler said New Zealand was one of the fastest growing markets for luxury and if you weigh up what you are getting – superb accommodation, service as well as a world class wildlife

Call now on (09) 360 7311 E. info@worldjourneys.co.nz www.worldjourneys.co.nz

experience – it is worth every penny.

Photo Credits || Cape Winelands, Phinda Mountain: World Journeys | Gliding: South Africa Tourism

“The cost is high but you are guaranteed quality in the product, a big five game experience is almost guaranteed,” said Tinkler. The company also offers experiences that others do not including rhino tracking, rhino notching or elephant collaring. “&BEYOND Ngala Safari Lodge and Ngala Tented Camp is our most popular product for the New Zealand market. Ngala Safari Lodge is definitely a good option for couples, families or groups as it can cater to these requirements and comes in at a very respectable and competitive rate. Ngala Tented Camp being smaller, more intimate and slightly more luxurious can then cater for couples or even honeymooners.” World Journeys have a stay four and pay three deal in the market

CULTURAL VILLAGE, WE STERN

CAPE

until October 31 for any of the six luxury lodges at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. The deal includes a complimentary rhino tracking adventure on foot accompanied by a dedicated rhino monitoring team. Angela Pirie said the groups and conference market were also gaining momentum. “In particular, ad hoc group departures where experienced agents who

The airline is also expanding its network with new operations to Bujumbura (Burundi), Kigali (Rwanda) and Cotonou (Benin) from October 31 this year. In domestic news, SA commuter subsidiary SA Airlink has announced that it will be increasing the frequency of ﬂights operating between

are passionate about Africa are utilising our experience and theirs to

Nelspruit Kruger and Livingstone. The additional ﬂight, operating on

create their own group departures.”

Saturdays, will commence March 10, 2012 with Tuesday ﬂights being

added from August 7, 2012. The schedule will then operate Mondays,

GETTING THERE

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

From New Zealand South African Airways (SA) oﬀers fares from 14 cities in New Zealand via Sydney or Perth (PER) to Johannesburg (JNB) and beyond with a seven per cent BSP commission for agents. From late October, the A340-300 aircraft will be used permanently on

www.southafrica.net www.andBeyond.com www.worldjourneys.co.nz

in-seat personal entertainment system in economy class.

www.flysaa.com

September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

the PER to JNB route, oﬀering lie ﬂat sleeper seats in business class and

Let the experts take you on safari. Is your client making tracks to Africa? South African Airways offers direct non-stop ﬂights out of Sydney and Perth to Johannesburg, with convenient code-share connections from New Zealand. We can get you to South Africa faster. Once they’re there we offer more African ﬂight connections than any other airline so they can easily get to where they need to go. For more information call us on 09 977 2237. SOU3078/AD

Photo Credits || South Africa Tourism

Jaw-some adventures in Cape Town Swimming with sharks in South Africa is a surprisingly popular full-day activity for Kiwis. Adventure World’s full-day option departs Cape Town at 6am for a full day in Shark Alley, known as the great white shark capital of the world. One at a time, thrill seekers drop into an underwater cage a couple of metres below the surface while sharks are actively fed around them. A dive certificate is not necessary – just a good stomach. For the lesser daredevil, surface viewing from the boat is an option. The tour departs daily (minimum two passengers) but can be affected by weather conditions. It is advisable to book in advance. Another option is Cape Xtreme Adventure Tours, who offer an eighthour journey with four hours on the water. The tour is priced from $219.50 per person including breakfast, lunch and complimentary beer and wine. Whale watching in season (July to December) and cape fur seal spotting are an added bonus on the tour. For clients after a few days of adventuring, White Shark Ecoventures offer one to five-day packages with standard and luxury accommodation n options. Plus for clients short of time, a helicopter transfer from Cape Town takes just 45 minutes (it is two hours from Cape Town to Gansabaai by road) and can be built into packages. White Shark pride themselves on their eco-friendly approach, which includes special motors that protect sharks from harm and a young modern fleet. www.cape-xtreme.com

WIN a shark encounter for

two at Kelly Tarlton’s THE PRIZE: Choose either a Shark Survival Experience for two people (retail $258) or a Shark Cage Experience for two ($158 retail) for thos e without a dive certificate. ENTER IF YOU DARE www.tra veltrade.co.nz or visit our Fac ebook page. Kelly Tarlton’s offers two sha rk encounters for adrenalin junkies. No dive experience is required for the Shark Cage Experience , which takes place in the predator tank. Shark Survival is a cage-free experience for certified dive rs aged 18+. Experienced guides and small groups gua rantee a fun, memorable and personal encounter with Broadnose Sevengill, School and Wobbegong sharks as well as long-tailed stingray and fish. Kellytarltons.co.nz

www.white-shark-diving.com

www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

CAPE XTREME ADVENTURE TOURS

PACIFIC

Big things come in small packages Hayley Barnett takes a look at some of the lesser known Paciﬁc Islands and ﬁnds out there’s something to suit every traveller – you just need to know where to go.

Kiwis are branching out to discover new Paciﬁc

all. There are one or two eftpos machines and

Gurtin said her Niue holiday far exceeded

although there are no kids clubs it’s ideal for

Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Tonga.

her expectations.

families. It caters for everyone.”

Niue Tourism’s senior tourism development

“I love an adventure holiday and Nuie

Harris said the Solomon Islands are the

manager Hayden Porter said New Zealand

was better than I expected,” said Gurtin. “It

perfect getaway for those looking for an idyllic

travel to the island had increased 25 per cent

deﬁnitely appeals to travellers who prefer to do

setting with a smaller price tag.

since 2009.

stuﬀ over lying on a beach.

He said Niue catered for a smaller volume of

“The best part was the whale dive with Nuie

“When people are looking for the ultimate island, they look for that beautiful blue water,

tourist traﬃc, which allowed it to oﬀer secure

Dive company. I would deﬁnitely recommend

but what they don’t know is that a lot of those

and authentic holidays.

it to anyone. The company is pro-conservation

tourist islands are covered in resorts and

and safety comes ﬁrst.”

are extremely expensive,” said Harris. “The

“The things that are on oﬀer here simply can’t be duplicated on other islands in terms of ‘how

Another destination suited to adventurous

Solomon Islands isn’t like that. While there’s a

it used to be’. Nuie is safe, friendly and genuine -

travellers is the Solomon Islands. Tourism is

range of accommodation, there’s only one ﬁve-

not to mention the adventures on oﬀer. There’s

picking up out of Australia and local operators

star property and it’s so cheap to get around.”

everything from swimming with whales, game

hope New Zealand will follow suit.

fishing 100 metres from shore to diving in crystal clear waters.” The tourism board is keen to position Niue as more of an outdoor enthusiast’s haven rather than a beach resort. “If you are after five-star flop and drop-style September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

Adventure World travel specialist Tanya

holiday spots such as Niue, New Caledonia,

Adventure World oﬀers an 11-day, 10-night

Adventure World (New Zealand) recently

Island Hopping package that includes return

added the islands to its oﬀering and marketing

airfares to Honiara with Paciﬁc Blue, internal

manager Melissa Harris said it was slowly

ﬂights on Solomon Airlines, two nights

coming under Kiwis’ radar.

accommodation at Honiara’s Heritage Park

“A lot of New Zealanders have been to

Hotel, four nights accommodation at the

the South Paciﬁc and now want something

lagoon-side Uepi Island Resort, and four nights

resorts, it’s not going to be your cup of tea but

diﬀerent,” said Harris. “They want variety and

accommodation at the Zipolo Habu Resort

if you like the outdoors, getting experiences as

culture and you’re not necessarily going to get

departing Auckland from $2999 per person or

well as a relaxed style of service then this place

that in places like Fiji.

departing Christchurch or Wellington from

will under promise and over deliver every time.”

Photo Credits || New Caledonia Tourism

“The Solomon Islands aren’t westernised at

$3399 per person.

Ready to dive in op

en water

Much more than just luxury, private beach accommodation in a tropical island paradise...

A NEW CALEDONIAN CHILD IN CEREMONIAL DRESS

Due to its economical and child-friendly stance at most resorts, Vanuatu often appeals to families with small children said Air Vanuatu (NF) New Zealand manager Richard Elliot. “Vanuatu is a great family destination,” said Elliot. “Accommodation in a child-friendly resort is easy and there are kids clubs with wonderful caregivers. You can choose to put the kids in a club and do nothing, or stay with them and keep busy with a range of free water activities. It’s your choice.”

The dive boat await

Ph +678 776 4439 relax@villasvanuatu.com

www.vanuatuaccommodation.vu

Discover the Cook Islands

NF operates a twice-weekly service from Auckland to Port Vila Bauerfield Airport (VLI) on Wednesdays and Saturdays. A third service is operated on Sundays, which NF codeshares on. The French have a slightly different take on a family holiday. New Caledonia Tourism sales and promotions manager Virginia Hales said clients won’t find an abundance of kids’ clubs on New Caledonia’s islands, not because families aren’t catered to, but because it goes against French culture and their way of life. “There are so many good spots for families in New Caledonia, but there are not a lot of kids’ clubs,” said Hales. “It’s ingrained in French culture to want to engage with their kids and have them actively participate in social situations. It’s all about nurturing children’s development.”

Summer Specials Stay/Pay & Two Island Combo Specials now available

Hales said the islands are best suited to families with older www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

children. “There’s plenty to see and do for an active family. Activities like hiking, swimming and an aquarium visit are usually on the agenda. New Caledonia specialises in school group activities so there’s always plenty to do.” One thing to be aware of when visiting New Caledonia is its thriving nightlife. The capital city Noumea comes alive at night, providing entertainment galore for singles and young couples. “Lemon Bay in particular is absolutely hopping at night,” said Hales. “During the day, it’s great to go there for lunch or coﬀee but at night time a whole heap of incredible nightclubs open up, reminiscent of the French Riviera. There are chic, sophisticated bars

rarotonga@pacificresort.com / aitutaki@pacificresort.com temanava@pacificresort.com www.pacificresort.com / www.temanava.com

PACIFIC

HUMPBACK WHALE, NIUE as well as the typical Eurotrash clubs. There’s something for everyone.” The backpacker party scene gives this place its point of difference among the other islands, said Hales. Go Holidays product development manager Gareth Waddington said while there are still strong numbers heading to the usual Pacific destinations, Tonga is pushing its way up in terms of Kiwi visitor numbers. “We’ve seen big growth in travel to Tonga,” said Waddington. “The increased presence of the tourism board in New Zealand and an increase in advertising may have something to do with it, but Tonga’s appeals are also drawing Kiwis on their own, especially the whale watching and sailing.” Tonga is the only place, besides Niue, where travellers can dive with whales. Whale migration season runs from July to October. Tonga is also renowned for its surfing, tramping, karting, fishing and sailing. The Tonga Visitors Bureau recently rebranded with Kingdom of Tonga: The True South Pacific, focussing on its warm temperatures and LIMU, NIUE

inexpensive holidays.

Aitut aki

One O unforgettable Day

September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

NEW! Premium Beachfront Bungalows at the ONLY resort directly on world-famous Aitutaki Lagoon! info@aitutakilagoomresort.com | AitutakiLagoonResort.com

VOTED a Top 10 family-friendly resort by readers of HOLIDAYS WITH KIDS magazine! Raro’s best resort for families of all ages! info@rarotongan.co.ck | TheRarotongan.com

All-inclusive costs: Adults $459 (incl. VAT) Child (2-11 yrs) $229.50, Infants (under 2 yrs FREE) For reservations and information phone us on Tel: 22-888 or see your hotel tour desk or a local travel agent. Major Credit Cards accepted. Our Tour includes airport coach transfers from all Rarotonga hotels, round-trip airfares to Aitutaki, a fascinating island safari tour, lagoon cruise aboard the 21m catamaran Titi-ai-tonga, and a relaxing barbeque lunch of freshly caught ﬁsh. Beach towels and snorkeling gear are provided. We recommend you bring a light change of clothes, sunscreen, and your camera.

AWARDED a 2011 TripAdvisor Certiﬁcate of Excellence! Rarotonga’s best + newest adults-only absolute beachfront resort. info@sanctuaryrarotonga.com | SanctuaryRarotonga.com

Photo Credits || Niue Tourism

Tour departs from Rarotonga Airport at 8.00 AM and returns at 5.30 PM daily (except Sunday). Rarotonga hotel transfers begin at 7.00 AM for hotels furthest from the airport.

www.airraro.com

GET ACTIVE AT FATUMARU LODGE The team at Fatumaru Lodge in Vanuatu has introduced stand up surf paddling as a free activity option for guests. Equipped with the latest boards and paddles, Fatumaruâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guests can paddle to Port Vila harbour for a drink at the Baywatch Bar or Iririki Island. Fatumaru Lodge is aÂ contemporary Melanesian-style boutique hotel featuring waterfront self-contained apartments. PACIFIC RESORT AITUTAKI

CRUISE YASAWA WITH CAPTAIN COOK Captain Cook Cruises is oďŹ&#x20AC;ering value in

NEW FOR PACIFIC RESORT

PaciďŹ c Resort Aitutaki and its sister property

After the recent launch of their Eco Aquatic

Fiji with a seven-night cruise aboard Reef

in Rarotonga are also oďŹ&#x20AC;ering a two island

Endeavour for two adults and two children for

Trail, PaciďŹ c Resort Aitutaki is oďŹ&#x20AC;ering guests a

combo package, which includes two free

$6586. Price includes two staterooms and kids

stay ďŹ ve, pay four deal that includes a $50 food

domestic airfares between Rarotonga and

from 5 to 17 years can eat all they like. The oďŹ&#x20AC;er

and beverage credit per room per day.

Aitutaki and $100 food and beverage credit per

is valid for travel until March 31, 2012.

The PaciďŹ c Resort Aquatic Eco Trail is a selfguided snorkelling and education tour of PaciďŹ c

resort per stay. PaciďŹ c Resort Rarotonga recently refurbished

CROWNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STAY/PAY DEAL EXTENDED

Resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lagoon environment that identiďŹ es six

their Premium Garden Villas and are now oďŹ&#x20AC;ering

diďŹ&#x20AC;erent lagoon habitats.

a stay ďŹ ve, pay four special including a $50 food

has extended their stay ďŹ ve, pay four oďŹ&#x20AC;er to

and beverage credit per room per day for sales

September 30 for travel until March 31, 2012.

until October 31 and travel to March 31, 2012.Â

As a bonus oďŹ&#x20AC;er, guests will receive return

The Aitutaki property has also introduced a new room category, the ultimate beachfront bungalow, to cater for the growing luxury

Another PaciďŹ c Resort Hotel Group property,

Crown Beach Resort and Spa in Rarotonga

airport transfers, meal discounts (buy one

family market. The new room type has an

Te Manava Luxury Villas and Spa, is oďŹ&#x20AC;ering

meal, get one half price), early check-in, daily

interconnecting lounge area with two day beds

a stay ďŹ ve, pay three summer special in their

American breakfast, a 30-minute massage

and a large private sundeck for up to four people. Garden Villa Suites and Garden Retreat Villas for 4RAVEL4RADE -"# SEP 6 PDF !-

for two at Spa Ariki, an arrival cocktail, lobby

The two-bedroom option sleeps up to six.

lounge hospitality (for departure night ďŹ&#x201A;ights

sales to December 15 and travel to April 30, 2012.Â

Paradise in Rarotonga Stay 3 nights, receive 1 extra night FREE plus Tropical Breakfast Daily "OOK BEFORE /CTOBER 4RAVEL FROM .OVEMBER !PRIL

www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

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0LEASE CONTACT YOUR PREFERRED WHOLESALER TO MAKE A BOOKING RESERVATIONS MURIBEACHCLUBHOTEL COM WWW MURIBEACHCLUBHOTEL COM

MUR U I BEAC EACH HC CLUB LUB HO HOTEL TE EL

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only), daily happy hour oﬀers and free use of the

fully refurbished and renovated catamaran to

it the next time they are in the Cook Islands they

kayaks and snorkeling equipment.

guests on their Vaka Lagoon Cruise.

go over to Aitutaki for a couple nights. It’s a fun-

New carvings and artwork, two new toilets,

A FOUR FOR THREE IN FIJI

ﬁlled day out on the Aitutaki Lagoon.”

new snorkelling gear and beach towels have all

To celebrate the relaunch of Dolphin Island in Fiji following a lengthy refurbishment,

been added as well as a new lunch menu with local fruits, salads and fresh barbecued tuna.

Huka Retreats is offering four nights for the price of three.

“Our vaka is the only boat cruise on Aitutaki that has toilet facilities,” said GZ marketing

Located on the tip of Viti Levu (20 minutes

B MANUIA REVAMP Manuia Beach Hotel on Rarotonga’s West Coast is under new management. A Cook Islands-owned company Manuia

manager Sarah Moreland. “Guests tell us that

Beach Ltd has purchased the 24-room boutique

by boat from shore), the 13-acre private island

they love being on a traditional Polynesian-

hotel and plans an upgrade once the purchase

can host a maximum of eight guests. The

style vaka and the most popular addition to the

is complete.

thatched main bure pavilion features an inﬁnity

catamaran is the sunbathing decks.”

pool and a ﬂoating pontoon.

GZ’s most popular excursion is the Aitutaki

The four for three package is available until

Day Tour (ADT) which departs Rarotonga

Principals of the company include New Zealander Sue Fletcher-Vea and Tom Vea, of Rarotonga.

December 12 and includes accommodation, all

Airport at 0800 and returns at 1730. The tour

Fletcher-Vea, the new general manager

meals, a standard bar and transfers.

includes transfers, ﬂights, safari island tour of

the hotel, said the oﬃcial ownership process

Package rates are also available from January 1

Aitutaki, lagoon cruise and barbeque lunch.

should be completed by October but from mid

to March 31, 2012 priced from A$7500.

Towels and snorkelling gear are also provided.

September a PR representative will be onsite.

www.hukaretreats.com

DAY TRIPPING ON AITUTAKI Air Rarotonga (GZ) recently introduced its

“The ADT is great for tourists that have already

The new company is planning on a number

booked their accommodation on Rarotonga but

of upgrades to the property once the takeover

still want to experience Aitutaki,” said Moreland.

is complete and these will be announced in

“We call the ADT a teaser as once people go on

due course.

Stay, Relax, Enjoy Stay at award-winning Coconut Palms Resort and experience the best of Vanuatu. With accommodation options to suit everyone’s needs from self contained apartments to share rooms for the price conscious.

Give me a break!

September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

Relax in our crystal clear pool, enjoy free wireless internet, drink from one of our bars and enjoy superb, creative island cuisine from our award winning restaurant.

Enjoy true Ni-Vanuatu hospitality. We pride ourselves on creating a memorable experience for all our guests.

New Caledonia is less than 3 hours from New Zealand - the perfect place for a beautiful short break. Coconut Palms Resort | Cornwall Street, Port Vila, Vanuatu Contact your preferred wholesaler or Email: sales@coconutpalms.vu Photo Credits || Huka Retreats | Resort: Destination Specific | Woman: Sofitel | Diving: Villa 25

09 977 2238

www.aircalin.com

They will include guest services, food and

COOK ISLANDS

beverage, room facilities and exterior improvements.

SOFITEL’S THREE-NIGHT OFFER Sofitel’s three Pacific Island resorts are offering guests who book to stay for three consecutive nights a US$100 hotel credit. The credit can be spent on any number of

Set in the inﬁnity pool, the pool component of the dive course is run by the Big Blue dive

hotel services including day spa treatments,

company. With luck, clients will have the

cocktails by the pool or afternoon drinks at the

opportunity to swim with the resident dugong

hotel bar, room service or restaurant dining.

or giant turtles in bay nearby.

Soﬁtel Fiji Resort and Spa is priced from

Villa 25 also has a honeymoon package

A$293 per night, Soﬁtel Moorea Ia Ora Beach

on oﬀer that includes seven nights luxury

Resort from A$451 per night and Soﬁtel Bora

accommodation for two people, airport transfer

Bora Marara Beach Resort and Private Island

on arrival by helicopter, bottle of bubbly on

from A$362 per night.

arrival, private chef for two nights and a one-

Accor A|Club members who take advantage of the oﬀer will also receive Triple A|Club

hour massage each for $1780 per person. Activities at Villa 25 include snorkelling,

points on all expenses during their stay,

diving, ﬁshing, horse riding, sightseeing and a

exclusive of the hotel credit.

range of cultural experiences.

Soﬁtel’s oﬀer is valid for bookings until the October 28 and for stays until October 31.

D SANCTUARY’S HONEYMOON HEAVEN Sanctuary Rarotonga recently launched

COUPLES RETREAT Luxury couples-only resort Tadrai Island Fiji opened its door to guests recently in the idyllic Selena Cove. Whilst there are still some ﬁnishing touches to

its new honeymoon spa suite and Asian grill restaurant Ginger Garden. The honeymoon suite includes a private jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, Vichy shower and spa bath and verandah. Therapists from

complete, the resort’s managing director Aaron

Spa Polynesia LUXE can provide in-room

McGrath is enthusiastic about the ﬁnal product.

treatments specially designed for him and her.

“The property delivers an eco-aware, reﬁned

The suite can be booked by couples for day spa

and natural sense of luxury in the amount of consideration given to the environment,” said McGrath. Each of the ﬁve deluxe beachfront Fijian-style villas feature a plunge pool and personal butler. Dining choices include the Na Vatu Signature

treatments together or for an overnight stay. New restaurant Ginger Garden oﬀers Asian-style favourites such as teppanyaki, wok, Korean-style steamboat, Mongolian barbeque and Sunday yum cha in an Asian-themed indoor-outdoor garden setting.

Restaurant, picnics at any of the island’s locations and the Rock Pool Bar. The Wai Siliva Alfresco Spa is located in a

ALL NEW TO THE RAROTONGAN A new crèche, nightclub and theme night

private cove. Private in-villa treatments are

has the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa

also available.

welcoming a wide range of clientele.

www.tadrai.com

The Cook Islands only resort crèche, the Banana Beach Playland Crèche, will be open

C LEARN TO DIVE AT VILLA 25 that at Villa 25 in Vanuatu. The private resort is oﬀering a dive deal that

year-round from Monday to Saturday (9am to 12noon, 2pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm). Each session costs $45 per child but look out for the regular special oﬀers of free sessions when you

includes seven nights luxury accommodation for

book. Next door to the crèche the resort oﬀers the

two people on the water’s edge, airport transfers,

new Little Dolphins Waterpark, a purpose-built

a one-hour massage for two and PADI Open

environment where splashing is encouraged.

Water dive certiﬁcation with an additional single tank dive each all for $1630 per person.

Latitude 21-30 has also opened at the

What is there to see & do? If you are only staying in Rarotonga, why not experience an Aitutaki day tour to explore the lagoon which is home to a large number of ﬁsh. Perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving. Take a four wheel drive tour up to the highlands to get some great panoramic views in Rarotonga. Get more value for your money by taking a combo tour. The Te Vara Nui Combo takes you on a cultural village tour and then an island feast buffet with entertainment by Cook Islands dancers. Interested in shopping? We have a great tour that takes you to visit black pearl wholesalers and Rarotonga’s leading art galleries. What do we offer? 16 hotels in Rarotonga ranging from 3 to 5 stars such as the Lagoon Lodge and the Crown Beach Resort. 4 hotels on Aitutaki, including the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and the 5 star Paciﬁc Resort and Spa Aitutaki. Selection of 9 tours ranging from lagoon cruises, cultural village tours and nature walks across the island.

www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

Clients looking for adventure will get just

Creative Holidays is now selling the Cook Islands, a paradise destination with plenty to see and do!

Book online using i-CREATE in your own time and ‘Earn More’, or call our team of travel specialists.

resort. Following on from the success of its ﬁre

On the outskirts of Port Vila and situated

dance show and island BBQ on Tuesdays, The

in one of the newest areas of Vanuatu, Villa 25

Rarotongan has now launched a new Saturday

is nestled in the private gated community of

show. Priced at $49 per person for dinner and the

Dream Cove.

show, guests will experience authentic umu feasts.

0800 652 441 27

CRUISE UPDATE

Orion prices slashed Due to the current strength of the Australian Dollar Orion

Captain Cook sold

Expedition Cruises has reviewed pricing and group policies. New pricing, with signiﬁcant incentives for early purchase, will apply to both Orion and Orion II 2012 itineraries. Clients can save up to 50 per cent on some sailings with prices

SeaLink Travel Group has snapped up Captain Cook Cruises (CCC) for an undisclosed sum. The sale includes 15 vessels used to service CCC’s ﬂagship operations in Sydney Harbour and an accommodated paddle wheeler cruise operation on the River Murray in South Australia.

valid until November 30. To encourage group business, Orion have made group commitments more achievable for travel partners. “For agents, we will hold prices and provide a free stateroom or suite with just ﬁve conﬁrmed cabins. For group allocations our

It also includes the related infrastructure, marina berths and

team will help you with your marketing plan and can support with

licenses. The Fijian operations are not included in the transaction.

co-op funding to ensure your group comes to fruition,” said public

CCC founder Trevor Haworth said SeaLink was the ideal tourism

relations manager Michael Corbett.

partner to add further investment and grow the business. “As a family business, we have always placed enormous value on our

www.orionexpeditions.com

staﬀ, customer and business relationships. It is very satisfying to know that SeaLink shares these same values,” he said. Haworth said CCC had performed well through one of the most challenging periods for the international and domestic tourism markets in Australia and the sale price was a fair reﬂection of the company’s performance and its strong future prospects. CCC’s Sydney and River Murray operations employ up to 300 people – all of whom are expected to be retained. The deal makes SeaLink one of the largest employers in the tourism

Cruise safari

industry with more than 650 staff across Australia and New Zealand. SeaLink chairman Giuliano Ursini said the acquisition was perfectly aligned to the company’s growth strategy. “This will be an ideal strategic fit to SeaLink Travel Group’s growing tourism operations,” he said. “It will bring us access to the Australian gateway of Sydney, where we see significant cross-sell opportunities with our combined brands and customers.” Ursini said CCC was a market leader and enjoyed excellent relationships with the tourism industry, government and tourism authorities.

American Safari Cruises have added an 86-guest ship to its adventure cruise fleet. The Safari Endeavour will set sail in Southeast Alaska summer 2012

“This acquisition will herald the most exciting growth period in

on the Discoverers’ Glacier Country cruise. The all-inclusive eight-

SeaLink’s 22-year history and will help set the future course for our

day itinerary includes two days in Glacier Bay National Park with a

company.”

national park ranger and exploration in Thomas Bay, which offers

The Haworth family will continue to be heavily involved in the business going forward.

some of the finest hiking in Southeast Alaska. Guests will have the opportunity to walk or hike along the Cascade Creek Trail or kayak in Scenery Cove.

SYDNEY SPECIAL September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

CCC is holding a two-night Sydney Harbour spa weekend cruise onboard the MV Captain Cook Explorer. The cruise will take passengers oﬀ the beaten track and up close to famous aspects of Sydney Harbour. As a special treat, if mum and daughter both cruises, CCC will

As with ASC’s other luxury adventures, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking and skiff rides allow guests to experience more remotes landscapes. The Safari Endeavour will cruise from May to September roundtrip Juneau. Inclusive fares begin at US$4,795 per person. Contact World Journeys.

guarantee 10 per cent oﬀ their fares and throw in a bottle of sparkling wine in their room on arrival. The cruise departs Friday, October 21 at 1800 with boarding from 1700 and pre-boarding spa treatments available from 1300. Prices start from A$431 per person.

An early booking discount of 10 per cent is available. www.captaincook.com.au

Don’t miss Traveltrade’s annual cruise supplement next month. Contact juliannei@mediaweb.co.nz for information.

HOT PROPERTIES

Aspiring to greatness SEA TEMPLE IN SURFERS The ﬁve-star Sea Temple Surfers Paradise opens September 29 in the centre of the multimillion dollar foreshore redevelopment. The 77-level Soul tower features two and three-bedroom apartments with ﬂoor-to-ceiling window. www.mirvac.com

WIN A HONEYMOON Edgewater Resort & Spa in Rarotonga is giving away a honeymoon package valued at $2500 which include ﬁve nights in a Beachfront Deluxe Suite. Enter online by November 30. Edgewater also has a new wedding guide in PDF format that can be sent to clients. www.edgewater.co.ck

MATES RATES While most 20-somethings are still figuring out what they want in life, Amelia (r) and Lucy Gain were buying their first hotel. The Gain sisters purchased The Spire in Queenstown last year, a hip five-star property with a modern feel for discerning travellers. Lucy (22), who comes from a hospitality background, and IT student Amelia (24) spent months working on a business plan before jumping in the deep end; They took over in December when the property was fully booked for the summer season. “We had to be in a position to offer both guests and daily customers, a complete experience

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is offering bonaﬁde travel

of comfort, ﬁne wines, exceptional dining and of course outstanding service. We spent a great

agents the opportunity to put some sand between their

deal of time getting these factors right,” said Amelia.

toes and discover Outrigger’s coastal escapes in Thailand,

The said The Spire was currently one of the few [if not only] owner and operated ﬁve-star hotel in Queenstown. “It is an urban and contemporary hotel that contains, iconic furniture, unique New Zealand

Bali and Queensland with up to 70 per cent of standard rack rates. Pictured: Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort & Spa Noosa.

artwork.” The property targets all types of discerning travellers, families, honeymooners, small groups

STILL ON TOP

and the corporate market from all around the world. Key features include a ski concierge, pillow menu, secretarial services, babysitting, multilingual staff and a picnic hamper service. “The Spire is perfect for those looking for a real taste of the excitement on offer [in One of the first things Lucy and Amelia did upon taking over was overhaul the restaurant to create a unique new offering for both guests and locals. The result is N°5 Church Lane with Thai cuisine unlike anywhere in Central Otago. “Our very talented Thai chef mixes his authentic Thai food knowledge with local produce and flavours to create an exceptionally unique dining experience.” The Gains are actively involved with the community and have been involved with several local events including the Winter Games. “We want to continue promoting Queenstown as the destination with The Spire the facilitator to our guests having that truly memorable experience.”

InterContinental and Holiday Inn are top of the world according to the Business Traveller Asia-Paciﬁc Readers’ Poll. Holiday Inn was named Best Mid-Market Hotel Brand in the World and in Asia Paciﬁc for the 11th year. InterContinental was named Best Business Hotel Brand in the World and Best Business Hotel Brand in Europe.

www.thespire.com

Pictured: Intercontinental Singapore.

www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

Queenstown] or those who want to relax and enjoy excellent service.”

NEW

Agent low down

A little

Kunal Paranjpe Corporate Traveller

Basil with

Dunedin

How long have you been a travel agent?

your meal

I have been in the industry for four years now. I started with Flight Centre as a retail sales consultant.

Following its sell out season last year Faulty Tower The Dining Experience

What is your favorite destination to sell?

will return to the restaurant ship

Thailand seems to have something for almost

Hispaniola in October. The ship is permanently moored on

everyone. Great shopping, secluded beaches, rain forest treks and the likes. It’s also excellent

Victoria Embankment opposite the

value for money, which is always a bonus.

London Eye in London.

What do you do to amuse yourself at an airport when a ﬂight is delayed?

scripted tribute to the iconic TV series

The two-hour show is a looselyand includes a three-course meal. Faulty Towers The Dining

I strongly believe that the popular Iphone app “paper toss” was coined when someone saw

Experience will run October 4 to 30

me at an airport during a long layover. I like to

(Tuesdays to Sundays). Tickets cost £75

play my version of airport basketball with a ball

per person and are available online.

of paper and a rubbish bin. I make it interesting www.hispaniola.co.uk

by trying to shoot the paper over innocent bystanders, by closing my eyes and so on. I stop when security are alerted!

WIN THIS

What is your idea of a perfect holiday? A taste of everything. Time in a stunning city

We have two TravelSIMS up for grabs.

with good food, great shows and shopping. Quiet down time to read a book on a beach and then something physical like riding a

To go in the draw email rebeccaw@mediaweb.co.nz with your contact details.

motorcycle cross country or hiking to Everest base camp!

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

280 New Zealand Post Shop stores making

play for a local club here in Dunedin and being

its low-cost global roaming service even

out in the sun, playing some cricket followed by

more accessible.

some drinks and a BBQ. Perfect way to spend September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

TravelSIM is now available in more than

Cricket! Indian blood runs through my veins. I

a Saturday afternoon.

The prepaid mobile phone service,

travelling and avoid the dreaded bill shock from global roaming charges. “TravelSIM being a prepaid product gives travellers more control over call and data spending it also oﬀers excellent customer

launched earlier this year, oﬀers substantially

service including a sign-up phone call to

lower global roaming charges including calls,

ensure the service will work where the

What is the most radical thing you have ever done?

texts and data downloads. Customers also

customer is travelling and help with set up,”

receive free incoming calls in 117 countries.

said Currah.

I was living in a city which had a population of

TravelSIM oﬀers roaming charges at

When purchasing a TravelSIM at NZ

about eight million people. I left this city and

about a quarter of the price of current rates

Post, customers can also purchase foreign

moved to Dunedin, which has a population of

and has coverage in 190 countries around

currency, multi-currency prepaid Visa cards,

just over a hundred thousand. Getting used to

the world.

travel insurance and put their mail on hold.

life on a small scale took some getting used to.

TravelSIM New Zealand CEO James

When I moved here I had $40 in my pocket

Currah said the deal with NZ Post meant

www.travelsim.co.nz

and one suitcase. I didn’t know a soul. Dunedin

more Kiwis could keep in touch while

www.nzpost.co.nz

is home now. I love it.

English

ext ravagance

Derbyshire is hoping to attract new visitors with some extraordinary accommodation options. Traditional attractions in Derbyshire (roughly three hours from London) include Elizabethan-era Hardwick Hall, Bolsover Castle and Robin Hood countryside. However, the launch of new glamping options and upcycled pit houses has given the region a whole new twist. Clients can now spend a night under canvas in Teversal Camping and Caravanning Club Site safari tents. Set in six acres of countryside, two fully-furnished safari tents sleep up to four

Sinful new show for Dracula’s Sin & Tonic, a scintillating show for those with an appetite for sexy cabaret, has opened at Dracula’s in Melbourne. The show combines Berlin Burlesque, mischievous comedy skits and

from £40 per night. They are available April through to October.

carnival style novelty acts set to a punchy song list. A break away from

Another option is a night at a terraced row of pit houses. At

Dracula’s usual show, Sin & Tonic oﬀers a decidedly darker variety acts.

Palterton near Chesterﬁeld, former colliery houses have been refurbished to create a three star Twin Oaks Hotel. The property is completed by Orchard restaurant and six ex-pit cottages, which have been transformed into bedrooms including four suites with private terraces. Prices start from around £80 for a double room.

“Expect big hair, pale skin, black nails and homicidal dance routines, set to sustained rock chords and neurotic drumming,” said marketing manager Sarina Brunott. Tickets are priced from A$74 including a ghost train ride, live jazz, quality dinner and two hour show. Draculas, which is celebrating 30 years of operation, is open Tuesday to Saturday.

www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk www.twinoakshotel.co.uk

www.draculas.com.au

Extraordinary escapes The Radisson Hotel in Duluth Minnesota has come up with a radical new way for guests to remember their holiday. The hotel has partnered with Studio 7 Tattoo to offer a packaged experience and a very big dare. The getaway begins with king suite accommodation, a limo ride with champagne to Studio 7 Tattoos and US$200 tattoo gift certificate. Guests also receive a year’s subscription to Inked magazine. “But here is the pièce de résistance – if you are truly willing to put some ink in your armor. If you get the logo of the Radisson on your arm as your permanent tattoo the packaged experience is free,” said director of sales and marketing Doug Bremer. Agents can contact the hotel directly to enquire about pricing. The hotel also prides itself on offering out of the ordinary weekend www.traveltrade.co.nz | September 2011

getaways. Top of the list is the Ultimate Pajama Party for women, which is available for a limited time. Ladies can reserve an entire ﬂoor or presidential suite and enjoy lavish treats such as chocolate covered popcorn, wine, unlimited movies and spa-like pampering. Late check-out is also included with breakfast delivered to the door. “We noticed a lot of adult women talking about wanting to arrange a girls-only getaway with a group of their friends, and our Ultimate Pajama Party seems to ﬁt the bill,” said general manager Anthony Spears. “They can have an escape from their daily lives and just have fun and enjoy some pampering along the way at the Radisson.” www.radissonduluth.com/specials

AROUND TOWN

Paciﬁc on show for Kiwis The Taume Dance Group from Tokelau give Aucklanders a taste of the Paciﬁc.

Aucklanders escaped to a tropical oasis in their lunch breaks recently for the Pacific Showcase held inside The Cloud on Auckland’s waterfront. Held over three days in conjunction with the 40th Pacific Islands Forum, each Pacific Island displayed their cultural offerings through performances, cooking demonstrations, products, music and art.

Virginia Hayes from on Solom the om Robert Au fr New Caledonia Tourism Islands Miniﬆry of Culture and and Vanessa Marsh the om fr Ne’e Tourism and Wilson from Niue Tourism u. Burea ors Visit ds Islan on Solom

Assitants Edwina and Madison serve up some traditional Paciﬁc fare while chef Robert Oliver looks on.

Pamela and Ciara Chriﬆie from PNG Trekking Adventures

Rachel Hassard and Penina Momoisea from Air New Zealand Holidays

Supershow

Auckland Members of the New Zealand Motor Caravans Association

September 2011 | www.traveltrade.co.nz

JQ & Singapore Tourism

Joy Calvo from Lucky Travel (l) and Roselyn Velasquez from Mondo.

Motek recently launched at Covi Motorhome, Caravan and Outdoor Supershow at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds. Motek is the fusion of New Zealand brands Ci Munro, Action Motor Bodies and Maui Vehicle Sales as well as its Australian vehicle sales and manufacturing businesses.

Jetstar Asia joined the Singapore Tourism Board to host an update night for agents at Rydges Hotel in Auckland recently.

(l-r) Sam Ulrich, Travelsmart; Mathew Webb, Singapore Tourism Board; Radhika Ram and Sophie Caine, Go Holidays.

(l-r) Nicky Berriman, Club Med; Paul Safe, Active Asia and Liz Johnston, Stella Travel Services.

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airvanuatu.com airvanuatu@airvanuatu.co.nz www.vanuatu.travel

The ONLY airline offering convenient middle day arrivals and departures at Auckland every Wednesday and Saturday ensuring connections to and from all NZ domestic airports. We know our place better than anyone