MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY $5.50 | MAY
Vanuatu revival Get in on the action
Brunei: a tiny nation with a lot to offer
Tasmania's creative streak
Volume 40 Issue 22
Spotlight on Macau in 2012
SCENIC HOTEL TONGA
Your clients will love Scenic Hotel Tonga
$169 Opening special
An idyllic winter escape at our first overseas hotel, Scenic Hotel Tonga. Enjoy spacious rooms set amidst tropical gardens, discover secluded beaches and dip your toes in the clear blue waters. And, as if that wasn’t reason enough, we’ve put together a fantastic opening special!
*
*One night room special, tax inclusive. Offer from 1 May to 30 September 2012. See our website for terms and conditions.
There’s so much to see and do, here are just a few of our favourites: Tongatapu – the ‘Sacred South’ Stay in Tongatupu (Tonga’s main island) for your entire trip or use as a stepping stone when venturing out to Tonga’s outer island groups such as Vava’u, Ha’apai or Niuas.
Stonehenge of the South Pacific Explore the fascinating 11th century AD Ha’amonga ‘a Maui trilithon and the ancient Langi (terraced tombs) of the Tongan kings.
A nature lover’s paradise
>> Book now at www.scenichotels.co.nz or call 0800 NZ OWNED (69 69 63)
STRATEGY/5380/TT
Snorkle, kayak, sail or swim in the clear blue waters. Be sure to see the spectacular Mapu’a a Vaea blowholes, dubbed by locals as the ‘Chief’s Whistles’.
CONTENTS
Subscribe online today www2.mediaweb.co.nz/shopping MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY $5.50 | MAY
Vanuatu revival Get in on the action
VoluMe 40 Issue 22
Spotlight on Macau in 2012
Brunei: a tiny nation with a lot to offer
Tasmania's creative streak
10 NEWS 3 Arabian adventure Toni Myers attended the Arabian Travel Mart and found more than she bargained for 5 TRENZ 2012 Kathy Ombler covered New Zealand’s industry showcase, held in Queenstown this year 6 Product update 7 May the month of Lei Hawai’i heats up with Aloha Down Under
PROFILE 8 Brendan Drury from House of Travel and Orbit Corporate Travel
DESTINATIONS
16 King of the jungle Brunei packs a lot of punch 20 Spotlight on Macau in 2012 Keep an eye on Macau as one of this year’s most intriguing emerging destinations 22 Tasmanian treats Adventure tourism, divine food and wine, a thriving arts scene and wildlife fun – there’s no end to Tasmania’s tourist offering 26 Spreading the love Great Britain has a lot to celebrate this year. Ensure clients make the most of their journey by getting outside London during the 2012 festivities
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TRADE
May 2012
SUPPLE
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EDITORIAL feature
Thoughts? Front cover courtesy of Vanuatu Tourism Office
www.traveltrade.co.nz a Mediaweb magazine editor: Hayley Barnett P: +64 22 030 0472 E: hayleyb@mediaweb.co.nz MANAGING EDITOR: Graham Hawkes Group SALES MANAGER: Lisa Morris ad sales: Julianne Iudica P: +64 21 169 3541 E: juliannei@mediaweb.co.nz ADVERTISING/SALES CO-ORDINATOR: Pip Maclean P: +64 9 419 2259 E: ads@mediaweb.co.nz DESIGNER: Bex Mikaere PRODUCTION MANAGER: Fran Marshall P: 0274 304 559 E: franm@mediaweb.co.nz CIRCULATION/SUBSCRIPTIONS: Sue McDiarmid P: +649 300 2671 E: subscriptions@mediaweb.co.nz aCCOUNTANT: Pam King P: +64 9 300 2670 E: pamk@mediaweb.co.nz PUBLISHER: Toni Myers
It seems there were many hot topics of discussion amongst delegates and speakers at the latest TRENZ conference held in Queenstown recently. As the convention centre saga continues it’s obvious that we desperately need to up our game when it comes to making New Zealand an attractive destination for international events. The loss of major hotels like the Hyatt and Sheraton make that clear. Amongst myriad other benefits, this could be our golden opportunity to lure these lost hotel chains back. But, of course, there is the whole debate around how we acquire these centres. While speaking at TRENZ, Prime Minister John Key stated that proposed convention centres will receive minimal government input and was quick to brush off remarks about the pokies deal between the National Party and SkyCity Entertainment. He said those protesting the deal were simply raising a red herring. Check out coverage of the press conference on our website, www. traveltrade.co.nz.
Adventure tourism safety was also high on the agenda at TRENZ as adventure tourism takes a beating with a series of past and recent fatal accidents making headlines for various reasons. The launch of new website, www. supportadventure.co.nz by the Tourism Industry Association, might help to quell a few fears about where the industry is headed, for now. Apparently, it is the world’s first industry created website of its type. See TRENZ coverage on page five. Meantime, our social media columnist James Hacon has been doing some investigation into agents’ use of TripAdvisor. Word on the street is that the website has become central to their research for clients. What do you think? Is TripAdvisor a useful research tool? If you haven’t used it before, would you consider it? Or have you tried using it, only to find some information disingenuous? Send your thoughts to hayleyb@mediaweb.co.nz Hayley Barnett NZ Traveltrade editor
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May 2012
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2
WIN a chance to hold a city in your pocket
Lonely Planet is putting some of the world’s most popular cities in your pocket with their brand new Pocket Guides, highlighting each city’s top sights and best local experiences. Barcelona, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Prague and San Francisco Pocket Guides were launched this month and Traveltrade is giving you the chance to experience one of these for yourself. The guides cost $25 each and include comprehensive coverage of the city’s ‘mustsees’ and Lonely Planet’s trademark mapping – updated and improved for easier navigation. Additional titles will be released in the coming months. Visit our website, www.traveltrade.co.nz, and let us know which city you would prefer to visit and be in with a chance to win that city’s Lonely Planet Pocket Guide.
news
Experience
the Dubai miracle
Traveltrade publisher Toni Myers gets a taste of the startling pace of Dubai development, and finds there’s plenty of reasons for both corporate and leisure travellers to extend their stay. Everything is generous in Dubai, from the height of the world’s tallest building, to the hospitality of hotel staff, the range and opulence of five-star hotels and the sheer array of options for discerning travellers and adventurers now discovering the ‘Dubai miracle’. Those options include a great deal more than the sun, sea, beautiful pools and malls populated by a startling array of top western labels at what New Zealanders would consider bargain prices. For those after retail therapy with a local flavour, the
View from Burj Khalifa
souks have the answer: the picturesque spice markets and the gold markets – for those after bargains at the top end. Even the most ambitious shopper wouldn’t attempt to barter for the ‘world’s largest gold ring’ – 63kg of 21 carat gold. With Dubai’s growing reputation for both quality and variety of offerings, frequent travellers from down-under have been converting to Emirates in recent years as they, and their agents, have recognised the convenience of travelling to Europe via the efficient Dubai hub. Emirates’ consistent superior service and constantly growing destination network have continued to boost traffic through the hub. New Zealanders travelling for family or work reasons to the UK, for example, find the direct connections to
May 2012
3
news
May 2012
Dubai's Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel
several UK cities – including the likes of Dublin, Glasgow and Manchester – a convenient way to avoid Heathrow or Gatwick and chop hours from what’s already a 24-hour plus journey. That’s great news for clients who just want to get there as quickly and easily as possible. But just as they discovered the travel route, the Australasian market is now waking up to Dubai’s ‘extended stopover’ and destination appeal for the entire range of business, leisure, family and adventure travellers. And although much of what is promoted targets the luxury end, Dubai caters well for the mid-range traveller – in fact you get more for your money: just as Emirates’ economy and business class offerings are both above the standard experienced in many other airlines, Dubai’s hotels are recognised as providing better than their equivalent ratings elsewhere. A four-star hotel in Dubai is what you’d expect from a five-star anywhere else. The ‘miracle’ of Dubai is the sheer pace at which it sprang – literally – from little more than a desert 50 years ago. The first hotel was built in 1958, but even by 1990 its main road was little more than a desert still, with a couple of hotels. The furious growth has been mainly in the past 20 years. What has happened in that time simply has to be seen to be believed and it is impossible not to admire the vision and determination that has seen this oasis materialise. At the rate new hotels and facilities are opening one does not doubt the emirates’ ability to achieve their objective of positioning Dubai as the leading commercial and tourism hub in the world. Many businesses in the region are now headquartered here and the Exhibition Centre hosts 100 exhibitions per annum. 4
Dubai will soon be host to both the largest hotel and the largest airport in the world. In 2000 the airport handled just over 10 million passengers and by 2010 that had quadrupled to 40 million. Hotel guests numbered seven million in 2011. The ‘Arab Spring’ that brought tourism disaster for UAE’s northern neighbours has been a bonus for Dubai as European holiday makers reverted to the safest destination on the Arabian peninsula. In fact tourists notice a distinct lack of ‘security advice notices’ that are commonplace in other parts of the world. It can be relaxing and liberating to wander outside in the relative cool of the evening and feel completely safe anywhere. Less well-known here than the shopping, pool lounging and spa-luxuriating are the many and varied activities to suit more adventurous travellers. Dubai is the only place in the world that you can ski ‘on the water, on the sand, and on the snow’ all in one day. Yes – there is snow in the midst of this oasis – albeit an artificial ski-field. The facilities are great, there’s a ski-school for learners and all necessary equipment comes as part of the package. So when the kids have had enough heat and swimming, family groups can head to the slopes – possibly the last thing you’d expect to be doing in the middle of a desert. Look out for further coverage of ATM and Dubai’s attractions in the June issue of Traveltrade. Toni Myers travelled to Dubai courtesy of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce, and Shangri-La Hotel, flying Emirates.
NEWS
Glimpse of growing confidence The Christchurch rebuild, cycle tourism, adventure tourism safety and convention centres were hot topics at TRENZ, the New Zealand’s tourism industry showcase, held in Queenstown on May 7 to 10. And despite coming out of a difficult year, the mood among exhibitors was buoyant. Cromwell’s Goldfields Jet representative Hamish Egerton said it was the most successful TRENZ he had attended so far. “I’ve had a great three days. I think there is real optimism out there for New Zealand tourism,” said Egerton. Cycling was the buzzword this year, said Trail Journeys’ Neville Grubb, who faced his busiest appointment schedule ever after six years at TRENZ. “All were quality appointments. We’re racing away on our own Otago Rail Trail and looking at opportunities to franchise on other, new trails, to expand our brand. The trade is keen on that; it offers them a one stop shop.” New Zealand Cycle Trails project manager Richard Balm said cycle touring interest was strong from North America, Australia and Europe, with some interest also shown by Chinese wholesalers. Also at TRENZ, Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key faced questions about our adventure tourism safety record, following revelations of drug use in two tourismrelated fatal flight tragedies. Key responded that in his view it was unacceptable to have people working in the adventure tourism industry with significant drug and alcohol in their system. “We need to solve that issue, and we’re going to go away and see how we can achieve that.” Adventure tourism safety was already on the TRENZ radar, with the launch of new website, www.SupportAdventure.co.nz by the Tourism Industry Association (TIA), in conjunction
On the floor at TRENZ 2012
with Outdoors New Zealand and the Department of Labour. The website, which was created as a result of last year’s government-led Adventure Tourism Review, includes detailed information on how to develop a safety management plan, legislation relevant to the adventure and outdoor sector, and links to other useful websites. It is believed to be the world’s first industry-created website of its type. Meanwhile, the announcement that TRENZ 2013 will be held on the Auckland waterfront, in venues created for the Rugby World Cup, was welcomed by industry delegates. The timing of TRENZ 2013, from April 21-24, allows delegates to continue directly to the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE). This year’s TRENZ brought together more than 300 international buyers and travel media with some 280 New Zealand tourism operators. – Kathy Ombler
NZ boosts capacity in key markets environment where most other carriers are at best treading water and at worst going backwards or indeed, exiting markets.” Specifically, NZ is increasing services into Shanghai from four to five services a week in July, to six by February 2013. The airline is also working on initiatives to extend the length of stay and influence Chinese visitors to travel exclusively to New Zealand. North America is also getting attention. From mid-June, services to Los Angeles are increasing to 14 return per week, including three flights on Saturdays and a double daily service most other days. The AucklandVancouver route will move to five services per week between December 2012 and February 2013. A third weekly
service, increasing seats by 50 percent, will be added to Auckland-Honolulu to meet demand between October, 2012 and March, 2013. Tasman capacity was expected to increase further with the announcement of a 20 percent increase in the Auckland-Perth route, by moving to Boeing 777-200ER aircraft from September, added Thompson. Thompson was also excited about the launch of the first direct Auckland – Sunshine Coast service, which would operate on Tuesdays and Sundays between 1 July and 18 September. The re-introduction of services to Denpasar (Indonesia) twice-weekly from June to October this year, was announced in February. – Kathy Ombler 5
May 2012
After a challenging decade, Air New Zealand (NZ) is bullish looking ahead, promising added capacity and changes to key markets to meet demands. NZ deputy CEO Norm Thompson, speaking at TRENZ, said the airline will boost seats on China, North America and Australia routes. “By the end of this peak coming season we’ll be flying nine percent more seats into China and 11 percent more seats into North America than we were three years ago,” said Thompson. “That’s just over 46,000 extra seats. “By the same time Tasman capacity will be up 14 percent on 2010, while Pacific capacity will be up 31 percent and domestic capacity up 10 percent. “What’s exciting is that we are actively achieving seat growth in a trading
NEWS
Surf’s up at Salani After being wiped out by the devastating tsunami that struck Samoa in 2009, Salani Surf Resort is now back with improved facilities to attract a new market – flashpackers. Operated by surfers for surfers, Salani is situated on the South East coast of Upolu and is made up of eight ventilated and elevated fales (bungalows), all with lagoon and river views. Officially reopening its doors earlier this year, owner Chris Donato said the resort is looking forward to welcoming back its pre-tsunami guests. “We are rebuilt and ready for you guys so come down, get barreled in a beautiful place and experience our world class surfing,” he said. Donato added that apart from its
location one of its key selling points is the ability to surf minus the crowds. “You never really have a crowd here,” said Donato. “The way the resort is set up we only have eight rooms and we won’t take more than 12 surfers at the resort at any given time so basically we can guarantee that you’ll never have a crowd out there.” Samoa Tourism Authority representative Dwayne Bentley said one of Samoa’s treasures is its challenging surf breaks. “Waves are constant all year round and Samoa’s uncrowded surf spots are the best kept secret in the South Pacific region. In Samoa, you can count on nobody unexpectedly dropping in on you,” said Bentley. He added that Samoa offers a
Change of Scenic
May 2012
Changes are afoot within Scenic Hotel Group, which recently branched out and invested in a Tongan property, while over the past 12 months spending more than $10 million upgrading its properties across New Zealand. Scenic Hotel Tonga opened for business this month, featuring 76 superior rooms, a restaurant and bar, and the largest swimming pool on Tongatapu. The property is one minute from the airport and a 30-minute drive from Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa. Scenic Hotel Marlborough, formerly Heartland Hotel Marlborough, has earned a new title in the group’s portfolio as well as another star. A refit of all 54 rooms in the hotel involving new insulation and air conditioning units, along with a total overhaul of fixtures and fittings, has brought the hotel up to four-and-a-half star Qualmark level. And two other South Island hotels within Scenic Hotel Group have undergone transformations. The restaurant, bar and foyer of the landmark Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier have been redesigned and refurbished, and two accommodation wings upgraded. Scenic Hotel Dunedin City now boasts an executive floor, with 11 rooms.
Scenic Hotel Tonga 6
Salani Surf Resort
combination of tradition and activities in a laid-back setting. “We have a 3000-year-old culture called Fa’a Samoa and part of that means we respect Sunday as a day of rest so no surfing is allowed on a Sunday. But after 3000 years of practice we’ve found that it’s good for people to slow down – if only for just one day.”
Brand new Avalon cruises, ships, deals To celebrate its new brochure release, Avalon Waterways is offering savings of $1300* per couple on select 2013 European river cruises, with more than a dozen different itineraries to choose from and more than 60 available departures. Savings of $650* per couple are available on all other European cruises. Under the earlybird offers, 2013 cruises are available from $1928* per person twin share for the eightday A Taste of the Danube between Vienna and Budapest. Other discounted cruises include the 15-day Magnificent Europe between Amsterdam and Budapest (from $5776* per person twin share), the eight-day Romantic Rhine between Amsterdam and Zürich (from $2606* per person twin share) and the 11-day Burgundy and Provence between Paris and the Côte d’Azur (from $4025* per person twin share). Among the new itineraries, the eight-day Tulips of Northern Holland is priced from $2895* per person twin share. Avalon recently released its 2013 season of river cruises, backing its fleet expansion with six new itineraries. With another two of its suite ships joining the fleet next year, Avalon will offer more than 30 different European itineraries as well as 14 itineraries in Egypt, China, South-East Asia and the Galápagos Islands. Announced earlier this year, Artistry II and Expression will give Avalon a total of five suite ships when they enter service in April and May 2013, joining an overall European fleet of 12 ships. *Prices include discounts. Subject to availability and conditions. Offers on sale to June 30, 2012, or until sold out. ➦ avalonwaterways.co.nz.
NEWS
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May the month of Lei Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania is ensuring there is plenty of aloha in the air throughout their Month of May – Month of Lei activities. The month commenced with a traditional presentation of fresh flower lei on Lei Day on May 1. Lei were presented to media during the morning evoking positive comment for the Islands of Aloha. ‘May Day is Lei Day’ is a tradition that began when a local poet and artist suggested that Hawaii’s people, who had always given lei to visitors, established a special day to make and wear lei for themselves and for family and friends. Today, celebrations include concerts, lei-making competitions and displays, and cultural pageants portraying the islands’ history through hula, song, and creation of lei. In New Zealand during the month of Lei, Hawai‘i Tourism is involved in a number of travel industry partnerships to promote the destination, including a tourism delegation visit from Hawai’i as part of the Aloha Down Under Australia/New Zealand roadshow.
Aloha Down Under
The following is a list of Hawaiian attendees: • Aqua Hotels and Resorts—Loretta Pikardt • Aqua Hotels and Resorts—Robin Harlow • Aston Hotels and Resorts—Tanya Curtis • Big Island Visitors Bureau —Desiree Moana Cruz • Castle Resorts and Hotels (local rep)—Steve Woods • Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk—Susan Kaui Koehler • Halekulani and Waikiki Parc —Ms. Bonnie Bise • Hawai‘i Tourism Authority—Keli’i Wilson • Hawai‘i Tourism Authority—Michael Story • Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts—Royal Lahaina Resort and Royal Kona Resort—June Pagdilao • Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts—Royal Lahaina Resort and Royal Kona Resort—Jay Rubenstein • Hertz New Zealand (local rep)—Kerry Lahood • Kaanapali Beach Hotel—Susan Haigh-Bishop • Kaua`i Visitors Bureau—Brooke Miller-Jacobs • Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau—Sherry Duong • Miramar At Waikiki—Peter Brenner • O’ahu Visitors Bureau—Kainoa Daines • Outrigger Hotels and Resorts—Maria Alaveras • Polynesian Cultural Center—Francis Ho Ching • Roberts Hawaii—Roy Cordeiro • Starwood Hotels in Hawaii—Dale Carstensen • The Landmark Hotels Group—Roger Bright Jr. • Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk—Erica Condon • Waikiki Resort Hotel—Loren Shim
May 2012
A record number of Hawai‘i tourism specialists will be in New Zealand on 18 May as part of the Aloha Down Under roadshow. “In 2011, Hawai‘i enjoyed a 28 per cent increase in visitors from New Zealand and our Hawaiian partners want to show their aloha for the tremendous support,” said Hawai’I Tourism country manager New Zealand Darragh Walshe. “The Kiwi visitor is also well regarded for their very high length of stay at 11 days, and neighbour island visitation - 39 per cent visit at
least two of Hawai‘i’s six islands.” A total of over 20 Hawaiian partners will attend including representatives from each of the Hawaiian islands, airlines, hotels, plus tour and attraction providers. The road show consists of a series of trade events aimed at educating travel professionals on the Hawaiian Islands, plus live music and storytelling from local Hawaiian entertainers. Given the Friday timing of the Auckland event, the theme of the evening will be “Aloha Friday”.
7
profile
Orbiting Brendan Drury might be new to House of Travel and Orbit, but he needs no introduction. With a solid 25 years in the industry, never deviating, Drury knows the ins and outs of the Kiwi travel market. Say hello to this not-so-new kid on the block.
It is not a job that you can walk into and start quoting complex roundthe-world itineraries. Agents need to have the technical skills and also to have travelled.
A self-confessed nerd, Brendan Drury spent much of his youth watching the planes land at Christchurch Airport, hoping to one day get a slice of the action. He moved to Auckland in adulthood and, after a lucky break, went on to notch up more than 25 years in the airline and travel industry. House of Travel (HOT) Parnell and Orbit Corporate Travel Auckland recently introduced Drury as their new owner and managing director. Prior to taking on his new position, Drury held two roles within the Stella Group including CEO Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) and GM Commercial APX. The two organisations merged in 2009. He has also held down the fort at FCm Travel Solutions as general manager and led as group manager at Air New Zealand Business Direct, now Tandem Travel. Drury worked for Air New Zealand in a variety of capacities, both locally and internationally. In Singapore he held the position of regional marketing manager, Asia/Japan. Here, he talks to Traveltrade about his new focus and reminisces about the simple days.
HOT new territory How did you get into the travel industry? I moved to Auckland in the 1980s and knocked on doors to find a job. Luckily, I stumbled on Roden Plimmer, heading up Dalgety Travel at the time (yes, I am that old). A couple of weeks after my door knock the phone rang to say, “Start Monday”. I often think about what the industry was like as I turned up to my first job as a domestic consultant. I took my own pencil case and paper to work. The industry in the eighties was full of manual tasks, including the BSP reconciliations being done with a calculator, and all tickets being reconciled coupon by coupon. The GDS was not multiple carriers, but one carrier per screen. I even hand delivered tickets each day to key customers of the time such as Countrywide Building Society.
Did you always see yourself in a role such as this or did you have other plans? Yes. I always said I would work in the travel industry and I have. Travel is such an exciting category and the products are constantly evolving, but always aspirational. How could I possibly sell anything else?
What is your strategy for the coming year in terms of building on HOT Parnell and Orbit Corporate Travel Auckland’s profile?
What sort of challenges do you foresee in the future? Attracting new staff to the industry. It is not a job that you can walk into and start quoting complex round-theworld itineraries. Agents need to have the technical skills and also to have travelled. You have to be able to step into a traveller’s shoes. Another challenge is how we harness the opportunity with technology. We will continue to see amazing technological innovations as further web applications and mobile solutions are introduced to make travel easier.
What advice can you give to agents who might be losing clients to the internet? Create value around your service. The internet has to be asked for information, whereas a human can recognise the needs of the customer and provide relevant information without prompting.
Where do you see yourself headed over the next five to 10 years? I am excited by the operation in Parnell
and that is my focus. In terms of the industry, Corporate Travel has become extremely sophisticated as it assists corporations in managing not only their costs, but also the way travel is procured through advances in technology. My challenge is to embrace these changes.
What would be the most valuable lesson you have learned from your previous work experiences? Sometimes we can make decisions too quickly. “Sleep on it” is some good advice I was once given. Also, really get in tune with customers and put yourself in their shoes.
What do you like to do outside of work? I try to keep fit with Body Combat and loads of walks up Ponsonby Road, and of course travelling!
What are you reading? I don’t have time to read right now so I always grab Conde Nast and Lonely Planet. But I did manage to finish Skin and Bones by Tom Bale recently.
If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be? John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Charlie Chaplin, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson – that would be a great dinner party!
Do you have any guiding principles? Set a clear direction and just do it. Life is too short to procrastinate.
May 2012
To carry on the great work initiated by the previous owner/operator, Mark O’Donnell, who is now the CEO of HOT Group. It is imperative that we continue providing a great experience
to our customers. Just as important is harnessing my team to continue to build on this experience. This industry is all about people. On my first day on the job there was a room decorated with balloons and welcome notes on my whiteboard including, “We like chocolate, booze and new cars”. Fun people who are passionate about the industry have contributed to the success of HOT Parnell and Orbit Corporate Travel. I am fortunate to have inherited this talented team.
9
vanuatu
Vanuatu revival
May 2012
Espirito Santo
10
Kiwi arrival figures to Vanuatu are beginning to strengthen and the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) is aiming to push it a further 15 per cent before the year is out. The tourism office has received increase funding and VTO general manager Linda Kalpoi, who was in Auckland recently for the Vanuatu Roadshow, told Traveltrade they intend to use part of this to bring New Zealand back as Vanuatu’s second source market after Australia through a series of strong tactical campaigns. “Over the past two years New Zealand has fallen behind, beaten by New Caledonia,” said Kalpoi. “But we can see the Kiwi market is coming back strongly and expect it to bounce back fully by the end of the year.” A boom in cruising has seen Vanuatu’s cruise arrivals triple over the past 12 months, although this may be to blame for a fall in air arrivals. “The cruise market has risen significantly but at the same time we have seen a drastic fall in arrivals by air so we are right now focused on a campaign that targets the cruise market in a bid to have them return to Vanuatu by air.”
The campaign, named One Day Not Enough, is being carried out in conjunction with Air Vanuatu as a monthly competition which gives cruise passengers the chance to win two return flights to Vanuatu. The promotion will be offered over the next six months and VTO hopes to highlight the fact that one day really is not enough. “The campaign seems to be working,” said Kalpoi. “We’re seeing a lot of forward bookings already from second-time visitors. Now we’re looking to address the issue of moving these second-time visitors to the outer islands.” VTO aims to get visitors beyond the gateway with extra funding by increasing online presence, beefing up marketing activities and coming up with improved tactical advertising to push arrival numbers during the low season. A sudden surge in filming on the islands is also expected to help increase exposure to Kiwis and push visitors beyond Port Vila. Chinese movie star Jackie Chan recently filmed a scene for his next action blockbuster, Chinese Zodiac, on Mount Yasur in Tanna. This, along with several Survivor series aired in different locations around the world and Korean and Hong Kong films, have prompted the Vanuatu government to set up a filming commission, to be in place before the end of 2012.
New direction for Tok Tok This year, Vanuatu’s trade show Tok Tok will invite agents and wholesalers to take part in a whole new format. The revamped show will offer participants a choice of visiting either Santo Espirito or Tanna Island during the famil, and
Overlooking Erakor Lagoon, Mangoes Resort has been designed to pamper you in privacy. A peaceful escape, this “child-free” boutique resort offers you bliss and relaxation! The resort is set amidst lush tropical flower gardens and crystal clear pools. Mangoes features 29 luxurious individual bungalows, three swimming pools, 10 private plunge pools and a well regarded restaurant.
Much more than just luxury, romance & waterfront accommodation in a tropical island paradise.... Email: mangoes@vanuatu.com.vu Ph: +678 24923 | Fax: + 678 24037
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May 2012
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11
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VTO plans to offer the same programme next year, giving you the chance to switch choices and see both islands. Agents and wholesalers will also be given more time to spend on Efate and participate in site inspections. The 11th annual tradeshow is scheduled for 29 to 31 August, 2012.
Get more at The Moorings
The Moorings Hotel is offering 50 per cent off all room rates for sales until 30 June, 2012 for travel until 31 March, 2013 blockout 15 December, 2012 to 10 January, 2013. Located on the waterfront in Port Vila only a five-minute stroll from town, the hotel features a horizon pool, tour desk and restaurant, Moos Bar and Grill, on site. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms.
Iririki keeps up with the play Nestled in Port Vila Bay, Iririki Island Resort is a family friendly resort that offers a private island hideaway. Now taking the family to Iririki is even better value with current specials including kids stay, play and eat free, a stay seven, pay four deal and resort credits. Iririki
is located just a four-minute ferry ride from the markets, restaurants and shopping in Port Vila, and its Kids Club is open year-round, operating daily from 10am to 6pm. Children can enjoy a host of activities including nature walks, arts and crafts, outdoor games, cultural activities and more. Child minding services are also available. ➦ iririki.com
New Terraces coming soon
tennis court, gymnasium and private swimming pools in addition to the main resort pool. Adjacent to The Terraces Vanuatu, Mangoes Restaurant offers dining and a full room service option. Clients will have the choice of either a terrace studio, or one- or two-bedroom apartment. Children over 10 years old will be welcome and child minders will available at all times. ➦ theterracesvanuatu.com
Grand strives ahead
The Terraces Vanuatu
The Grand Hotel and Casino, Port Vila
Vanuatu’s newest accommodation offering, The Terraces Vanuatu, is set to open in July this year. Set high atop a cliff overlooking Erakor lagoon, The Terraces are made up of 16 contemporary apartments and the resort itself features a floodlit
The Grand Hotel and Casino, Port Vila, has recently added a new day spa to its facilities. Operated by the Arom’essence team, who also operate a day spa at the Havannah, the spa offers a range of treatments including hot stone massage, hydrating facials and body scrubs,
No better place to unwind
10 MINUTES FROM EVERYTHING!
Idyllic beaches, tropical gardens and amazing crystal clear seas
The ideal place for business and pleasure
iririki.com Relax and unwind in a tropical paradise
p +678 28882 hotel Lini Highway, Port Vila, Vanuatu www.grandvanuatu.com proudly
May 2012
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Land diving all conducted in private therapy rooms. The hotel’s central location gives easy access to everything in the township of Port Vila and provides the perfect accommodation option for a four or seven-night base from which to explore Vanuatu and as a Port Vila add-on to outer island stays. ➦ grandvanuatu.com
Fly free with Island Escape
Clients who book a six-night Vanuatu Islands of Discovery cruise with Island Escape Small Ship Cruising before 31 May, 2012 will receive a refund on their return flights ex Auckland up to a total value of $1000 per person. The offer is valid for all seven sailings of Island Passage from July through to August 2012 from Port Vila, travelling north to the islands of Mataso, Ngune and Pele. The Vanuatu Islands of Discovery cruise costs from $2995 per person twin share for an Expedition (outside) Cabin. Prices include six nights’ en-suite accommodation (all outside cabins), shore excursions and use of tenders, kayaks, snorkel and fishing gear, all on-board chef-prepared cuisine and all port charges, taxes, fees and on-board services. ➦ islandescape.co.nz
Getting there
May 2012
Air Vanuatu (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 Air Vanuatu codeshares on. The flight time is approximately three hours. NF operates middle day arrival/departure times in Auckland that connect to all New Zealand domestic flights, and is the only airline offering business class, free meals, free drinks, and 23kg baggage for every passenger, every flight. 14
The Largest Tropical Garden in the South Pacific. Come and Discover. THE SUMMIT GARDENS The renowned Summit Gardens experience is unique in Vanuatu and has been developed to provide maximum pleasure to the visitor. The 11 named gardens, spread over 10 hectares, are all distinctly different, unfolding as a series of surprises as you follow the meandering pathways. The designs have been inspired by the great tropical gardens of Asia, Australia and America. You will be dazzled by a huge variety of colourful flora. THE SUMMIT DISTILLERY Your journey from the Earth to the Oil in a special purpose viewing factory. Enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the Sandalwood industry that has provided a livelihood for over 200 years in the Vanuatu islands.
The Summit Gardens
THE SUMMIT CAFÉ & GIFT SHOP Don’t miss the beautiful colonial style stone cottage which houses our café and gift shop. At nearly 200m above sea level, you can enjoy morning/afternoon tea or stay for lunch choosing from an exciting menu of fresh, local foods. At the same time you can take in the breathtaking views over Mele Bay, coral reefs, villages, coconut plantations, peninsulas, beaches and islands. Continue your journey to the gift shop to sample the essential oils based body care product ranges and treat yourself or buy a gift for someone else.
The Summit Distillery
What people are saying about The Summit Vanuatu "Great lunch, best tropical fruit juice we have ever had. Beautiful gardens and views to take your breath away." Sydney, Australia on Trip Advisor. "Stunning. It was just beautiful and the food was great, the guide Roy was fantastic." Melbourne, Australia on Trip Advisor.
The Summit Cafe
"Great views, food and service. I took the garden tour and it was brilliant. The skies opened up and rain fell but we were under umbrellas and my guide was completely unfazed, it is something I'll remember forever. The products they sell in the gift shop (all essential oils gathered from the gardens) were lovely." on Trip Advisor. "This place was insanely beautiful and a photographer's paradise. The beauty products from the gift shop have been lovely to use!" on Trip Advisor.
The Summit Gift Shop
Admission Fee Applies The Summit. Devil’s Point Road. Efate. +678 5660 713 info@thesummitvanuatu.com www.thesummitvanuatu.com
brunei
King of the jungle
From luxury hotels and world-class golf courses, to pristine rainforests and unspoilt beaches, Brunei is a small country that packs a lot of punch. But even with a long list of drawcards Brunei still remains a mystery to many Kiwis. Hayley Barnett looks at how clients can take advantage of this untouched oasis.
The Canopy Walk
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Since Royal Brunei Airlines suspended flights from Auckland last year, Kiwi visitor numbers have plummeted, but as the MICE market grows, and as more travellers utilise Brunei as a stopover point onto London, Brunei Tourism expects the dwindling market to improve over the coming year. “Our current focus is to inform the travelling public that Brunei is still accessible and open for business,” said Brunei Tourism representative Jacqui Brook. “It is a wonderful destination to holiday in and by travelling to Brunei through Singapore and Malaysia it can add value to a South East Asian holiday.” The Sultanate is preparing for an influx of visitors with a $130 million upgrade of the International Airport Terminal at Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei, scheduled for completion in November 2014. The development is expected to double the airports handling capacity from the current 1.5 million passengers to three million passengers annually by 2014. Another improvement in the capital is the new Waterfront Promenade in downtown Bandar Seri
Begawan (developed around the old Royal Customs House), adding to the capital city’s urban landscape and bringing new life to the downtown area. The promenade includes facilities such as a new section for restaurants, colourful night lighting and open areas that can serve for recreational activities or for the staging of events. The major developments will help to push Brunei as a family friendly holiday spot as well as a corporate The Brunei jungle
Walk along a 30-metre tower structure, which enables them to view the jungle from above the trees. The Kampong Sungai Matan water village home stay is another rising product on the travel circuit where visitors have the opportunity to stay in a traditional water village house and experience the culture and lifestyle of the local villagers. The accommodation is set up as a bed and breakfast and can include a tour where clients will experience the traditional fishing village and its activities. “I suggest clients visit Kampong Ayer where they will experience the life of a
What to expect during Ramadan
Visitors to Muslim countries may find some of their schedules affected by the holy month of Ramadan when pious Muslims are expected to pray more regularly and pay closer attention to their religious observances. Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, usually around August. It is also a lunar observance so dates vary each year within the month. Muslims abstain from food, drink, sex, smoking and anything that is deemed good or indulgent from dawn to dusk. This
View from the top of Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
incentive destination. These two very different target markets have one distinct similarity – both have a need for team-building adventure in a safe environment.
Safety first
is to teach patience, modesty and spirituality. Even children, who are not expected to observe, often fast. During this time, some restaurants and food stalls will not be open for business and tourists are asked to respect the Muslim faith by also abstaining from eating and drinking in public areas. However, hotels and resorts still serve food to guests within their walls. At the end of Ramadan there are celebrations, commonly called ‘Hari Raya’. New clothes are worn to Mosque, homes opened, feasts are shared and presents are given, especially to children. Hari Raya is also the only time of year that the Palace is opened up to the public. The Royal Family open the doors for just a couple of days and thousands of Bruneians and tourists queue for hours to meet the Sultan and his family inside the walls of the Palace. 17
May 2012
Brunei’s tropical rainforest makes up more than 70 per cent of its total landmass but, oddly enough, it has no dangerous wildlife and is free from malaria and other tropical diseases, making it one of the safest parts of Borneo. It is here that two emerging products are catering to the corporate and family markets. The Ulu-Ulu Resort in Ulu Temburong National Park is the only resort in the jungle and offers visitors a Borneo jungle experience including various walks around the national park, canoeing/kayaking and the Canopy
typical Bruneian living in a stilt house over the river in communities that are accessible only by boat and linked by wooden boardwalks,” said Brook. “Or perhaps even stay overnight in the water village home-stay to really experience life on the water in a fishing village.” Brook also recommends spending at least two days in the rainforest, staying overnight at the Ulu Ulu Resort and doing the canopy walk at dawn to experience the wildlife as it awakens. Back in the city, locals also enjoy a fairly safe environment where the culture is heavily influenced by the Muslim religion. This means visitors are expected to adhere to strict rules around drinking in public places, asking that they keep alcohol within the confines of their accommodation. Note that tourists are able to take an allocation of two bottles of wine/spirits and 12 cans of beer per person (over the age of 18 years) into the country.
A visit to the markets in Bandar Seri Begawan is a must-do
For the culture vultures
For those not visiting around the time of Ramadan, there are still plenty of opportunities to experience authentic Bruneian culture. “If clients are interested in the history of the Sultan, a visit to the Royal Regalia Museum is a ‘must do’,” said Brook. “The museum has many artefacts and ceremonial costumes along with a detailed history of the Sultan's lineage, education, coronation and family. Also on display are all the gifts that the Sultan has received from Heads of State around the world, including one from New Zealand.” Another cultural must is the Mosques, of which Brunei has many to choose from. All the Mosques are open to the public and, once covered by a long black robe available at the entrance, tourists are welcome to visit and take a look inside.
Taste of Brunei
Bruneian food is heavily influenced by the cuisine of Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. One of the more traditional and interesting dishes that Brunei has to offer is Ambuyat, a sticky ball of flavourless sago starch, which is wrapped around a bamboo fork and dipped in various sauces. Also while in Brunei, suggest clients try “the king of fruits” Durian – with its distinctive large size and unique odour.
Brunei Tourism’s selling tips for agents • •
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For stand-alone Brunei trips, allow at least three days and if possible up to a week to really see what the country has to offer Book a tour with a reputable company. There are plenty to choose from that can be booked from within New Zealand and locally. Clients can try to travel Brunei by themselves but it is not well set up for backpackers or independent travellers Aim at the mid/high-end client who enjoys cultural and nature holidays, perhaps those that have exhausted their options in the Middle East/Latin America and are looking for something different Aim at travellers who are 25+ Allow for some relaxation/recreational time in Brunei – the Empire Resort and Country Club is opulent and has many features to offer from a championship golf course, health spa, swimming pools, restaurants, bowling alley, movies theatre and beaches Sell it as an ‘emerging’ and ‘untouched’ destination where you feel like you are off the beaten track – Brunei is still discovering tourism so it feels very ‘new’ and less touristy than other Asian destinations Brunei is not trying to become another Bali or Phuket – it has a much slower pace and wants to keep it that way As Kiwis travelling on New Zealand passports, we don’t require a Visa to enter the country
Getting there
May 2012
Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines both offer a one-stop service from New Zealand to Brunei, with four-weekly flights between Singapore/Bandar Seri Begawan or Kuala Lumpur/Bandar Seri Begawan. While the schedules don’t always allow a same-day connection, it does suit a Singapore/Brunei or Malaysia/Brunei combination itinerary. Alternatively, MASwings has regular connections between Sabah/Brunei and Sarawak/Brunei which offers visitors an opportunity to experience the island region of Borneo. Oneworld have commenced the inclusion of Malaysia Airlines on round-theworld (RTW) airfares with Oneworld carriers – Brunei is now accessible on these RTW fares. 18
Basic facts Full name: Negara Brunei Darussalam Location: On the island of Borneo, 443km north of the equator. Surrounded on three sides by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Size: 5765sq km Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan (locally referred to as Bandar) Districts: Brunei Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong Population: Approx. 400,000 Official language: Malay Government: Constitutional Monarchy Currency: Brunei dollar (BND). The Brunei dollar is at parity and interchangeable with the Singapore Dollar Average temperature: 28 to 32 degrees Celsius all year round
Treasured memories are made in Samoa. From beachside fale to Presidential Suite, Samoa offers a complete range of holiday accommodation options. Book your clients to Samoa and let them discover firsthand, how easy it is to fall in love with our beautiful islands.
www.samoa.travel
The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific
macau
May 2012
Spotlight on Macau in 2012 One of the fastest developing tourist spots on Earth, Macau is one to watch as a top emerging destination for 2012. Change has been swift in the Asian centre with a number of new restaurants, activities, international shows, tours and attractions opening in recent months to satisfy the tastes, needs and budgets of 28 million annual visitors. “Today’s Macau is as much a mix of old and new as it is east-meets-west,” said Macau Government Tourist Office New Zealand general manager Helen Wong. “Magical remnants of old Macau now share the same Asian address as ritzy new hotels, stores, bars, restaurants and giant entertainment venues. “The fact that you can walk across cobblestones to visit 19th Century colonial buildings by day, and follow that with a climb of the mast above soaring Macau Tower at sunset speaks volumes for the character of Macau - 2012 style.” The new Cotai Central project is near completion this year and the neon lights along the Vegas-style Cotai Strip - reclaimed land linking the tiny Macau islands of Taipa and Coloane – is to spread further. This latest development will bring together three additional international hotel brands - Conrad, Sheraton and Holiday Inn - providing an extra 5800 hotel rooms and suites. In addition, 600 stores will open in the precinct, the largest number in any single location in the former Portuguese enclave. Despite the contemporary appeal of the Cotai Strip, though, change has spread to other more traditional corners of Macau. At the bottom of the 66 steps leading to Macau’s Ruins of St Paul’s is a freshly painted yellow remnant of the centre’s Portuguese architectural past which today houses a new Macau Tourism and Cultural Activities Centre, complete 20
with locally made and designed products and art work – all for sale. Clients can ride the escalator to the building’s first floor and prepare to be greeted by Carlos and the staff of Lusitanus, a newly-opened Portuguese-style café cum restaurant with egg tarts and other traditional delicacies on sale daily. Saturday evenings are reserved for a la carte diners, seated along an enclosed veranda overlooking the lit Ruins of St Paul’s, to be serenaded by a local guitarist. For interested shoppers, Lusitanus doubles as a gourmet, handicraft and design store, a highlight of this store being the shelves of Portuguese wine to be sold. Upstairs is a new Chinese tea and art showroom where guests have the chance to learn about the tea culture while sampling a beverage and specialty snacks. As with all walking tours to this central point of Macau, the pace is leisurely and normally includes a visit to the Macau Museum to take in the background of a city with more than 450 years of Chinese- Portuguese history. At the end of the tour through the tiered museum, guests find themselves immersed in more history, exploring the fortress, cannons still in place, which stood guard for centuries and was designed to prevent possible invasions. A major focal point of old Macau remains, Senado Square, with its surrounding spruced up colonial architecture, nearby churches and markets and a familiar tiled pavement with colourful waves. It is in the historic areas that weekend street performances have been extended in recent weeks. A stroll away is another new addition to a tourist’s list, Sky 21, a restaurant which specialises in fusion Asian cuisine. Upstairs is a modern bar, popular after dark for its wrap-around open veranda
and bird’s eye view of the skyline and the neon lights along the peninsula. Its addition to the list complements the more traditional institutes, among them Restaurant Litoral and A Lorcha, both within a short walk of the A-Ma Temple and specialise in creating Macanese dishes (a mix of Chinese, Portuguese, Indian and African recipes). Then there’s Antonio’s and O Manel, two dining options in Taipa Village, both specialising in Portuguese cuisine. For a different perspective of the city, a series of Macau harbour cruises, including buffet dinner cruise, have been introduced. The vessel has two enclosed dining levels and an open-air sightseeing deck beginning in the inner harbour, passing the A-Ma Temple and nearby Maritime Museum before reaching the Taipa Bridge, one of three serpent-like bridges to link the peninsula with Taipa Island, and another major city landmark, the 338-metre high Macau Tower, the venue for the highest bungee jump experience in the world. In the past year, Macau has also seen the opening of the Panda Pavilion, home to two giant panda guests from China’s Chengdu, along with the unveiling of another Cotai resort precinct, the Galaxy, which boasts three hotels – Banyan Tree, Hotel Okura and Galaxy – as well as an outdoor wave pool. Tourist interest also centres on the bars and restaurants, as well as the Vegas-style shows such as Cirque du Soleil Zaia at the Venetian and the House of the Dancing Water performance at the neighbouring City of Dreams. A newcomer to the City of Dreams, near the Hard Rock Hotel, is the trendy Cubic nightclub, where the atmosphere doesn’t liven up until around 11pm, spanning into the wee hours, to plenty of song, dance and cocktails.
Macau Government Tourist Office
Level 10, 120 Albert Street, Auckland, New Zealand T: (64-9) 308 5206
www.macautourism.gov.mo
tasmania Farm A
MON
Curringa
Promoting its self drive options is another focus, with the board asking agents to encourage their clients to spend at least 10 to 14 days exploring the destination. The island boasts short driving distances and plenty to see en route. Reilly warned summer is the most popular time to visit and therefore clients must book early if planning a self drive holiday. As for developments, a $175 million private museum opened in Hobart in January 2011, featuring everything from contemporary and avant-garde to antiquities. As Australia’s largest private museum, The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is expected to make waves not only in the arts scene, but also with curious international travellers. A virtually unknown 45-metre work by Sidney Nolan and works by Damien Hirst are already part of MONA’s ambitious narrative and works by Arthur Boyd and Charles Blackman also contribute to the estimated $100 million of art featured at MONA. “MONA is a must-do in Hobart. Even if you’re not an avid Art Lover MONA will still offer you Raoul something special,” said Reilly. e p Ca Art lovers can also visit The Design Centre and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston as well as the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart. For clients only in Tasmania for a short time, Reilly suggests staying in Hobart for at least four nights, taking in its numerous cultural offerings. “A short break in Hobart will provide clients with a taste for Tasmania and will only leave them wanting more,” said Reilly.
n a i n s a t a m s e r a t T
May 2012
Despite being Australia’s smallest state, Tasmania’s product offering continues to grow steadily as travellers discover just how diverse the island’s tourism options are.
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Adventure tourism and wine tours are two obvious drawcards for visitors to Tasmania, and now its thriving arts scene as well as wildlife attractions are providing even more reason for clients to get across the ditch and discover this majestic island for themselves. Keeping in line with key appeals, Tourism Tasmania is currently going through a re-branding process which is set to be launched in six months time. Right now, however, Tasmania is flashing its finer points. “We’re focusing strongly on niche markets and appealing to travellers’ passions, such as food and wine, golf, art, wildlife and walking/tramping,” said Tourism Tasmania representative Shelly Reilly.
Food and wine lovers
Tasmania has four large wine areas: The Tamar (North of Launceston); The North West Wine Route (Devonport); East Coast Wine Route; and the Southern Wine Route (includes Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley and Huon/Channel). Tasmania’s wines are made from grapes grown in climates similar to much-celebrated European wine regions, with mild summers and long autumn days that slowly ripen the grapes, providing intensity of flavour. The cellar door experience is as diverse as the range of wine styles, from converted heritage stables to ultra-modern cellar door restaurants. Producers are usually on hand and happy to share their passion for their wines, distinctly shaped by Tasmania’s climate and soils.
A number of food and wine-style festivals run in Tasmania such as The Taste Festival held in Hobart over New Year, Festivale in Launceston held in late February, Taste of the Huon held in March, and Taste the Harvest in Devonport also held in March. As for food, in the north from Launceston there are a number of artisan food makers, providing everything from cheese, to chocolate to beer and whiskey. Tasmania also offers clients a number of cooking schools, including The Red Feather Inn, complete with boutique accommodation, and also the Agrarian Kitchen.
Product update Walker's paradise
A new walking journey on the Tasman Peninsula provides a multi-day walking experience set to open in November 2013. The five-night, six-day journey will take in the three capes of southeast Tasmania’s Tasman National Park: Cape Huay, Cape Pillar, and Cape Raoul. The walk traverses rugged coastal scenery, tall eucalypt forests, blond
sand beaches, and sea-cliffs amongst the highest in the world. The route is linked with a boat cruise, and there will be well-equipped walkers’ cabins along the route. ➦ parks.tas.gov.au
Gorge on a Gourmania Food Tour
Clients visiting Hobart are invited to discover a slice of local culture, urban history and Hobart’s best food and wine on a new Gourmania Food Tour. These tasty new tours lead clients on a foodie journey in and around Hobart where they are introduced to local cafes, providores, find restaurants and the talented people behind them – sampling delectable Tasmanian food and wine along the way. ➦ gourmaniafoodtours.com.au
Take a delicious herbaceous tour These tours take clients through the farm gate to meet a diverse group of farmers, providores and producers of find Tasmanian food and wines – and to taste their delicious produce and learn how it is provided. Get to know makers and growers of sheep and goat’s cheese,
saffron, honey, mushrooms, olives, organic beef, fruit wines, olive oil, icecream and more. Most of the facilities visited are working farms or factories that do not normally cater for visitors, making these tours a rare insight into growing top-quality produce. ➦ herbaceoustours.com.au
Search for the paranormal at Ghostly Port Arthur
Clients seeking the scary and surreal can now go ghost hunting at Port Arthur Historic Site, reputedly one of the most haunted locations in Australia. Thousands have already experienced the atmospheric Port Arthur Ghost Tours – now ghost tour enthusiasts can go one step further with a new Paranormal Investigations tour. During the tour, visitors are invited to use professional test equipment to try and detect the presence of ghosts and other paranormal activity. The investigations will be held monthly from February 2012, or are available as an exclusive group tour on request. ➦ portarthur.org.au
Tasmania Early Birds
SAVE UP TO $560 per couple
*
Highlights • See the sights of Hobart • Be amazed by spectacular three tiered Russell Falls • Relax on a Gordon River Cruise • Explore Cradle Mountain • Cruise on Wineglass Bay
Book Ea rly –
Pay Now and SAVE!
e
Pay 6 months prior to departur and SAVE up to 5%*
• Experience the beauty of Freycinet National Park • Visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
11 day Best of Tasmania
Hobart to Hobart
From $5345 per person twin share*
For more information contact our Reservations team on 0800 500 146 or email aatkings@aatkings.co.nz.
9507 TravelTrade EarlyBird 177x130.indd 1
May 2012
*Conditions: Book and pay in full 6 months prior to departure and save up to 5% per person. Advertised price is per person twin share land only and includes savings. Maximum savings are based on per couple and tour code THH. Valid for travel 01 Sept 2012 to 31 Aug 2013. Price is subject to change based on time of purchase. Valid for sale until 28 Feb 2013. For new bookings only. Not valid in conjunction with any other special or discount. Subject to availability at time of booking. AAT9507 3/05/12 5:12 PM
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Navigators cruise to Port Arthur from Hobart’s heart
Visitors can now take a full day cruise to the UNESCO World Heritage site at Port Arthur (and back) from Brooke Street Pier in the heart of Hobart’s waterfront. This journey offers history and a taste of Tasmania’s rugged coastlines where clients can spot local sea life, and wonder at the towering cliffs of Cape Raoul. ➦ navigators.net.au
Tasmanian Air Adventures takes off from Hobart
This brand new seaplane service based on the Hobart waterfront may be the most exciting way to get to Tasmania’s most beautiful places. After the watery takeoff from Hobart’s River Derwent, the service’s eight seater flies either to Port Arthur, Wineglass Bay, or into the wilderness of the Gordon River on Tasmania’s West Coast. Shorter sightseeing flights include transfers to Tasmania’s latest attraction, MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), as well as hotel transfers and custom charter flights. ➦ tasmanianairadventures.com.au
Historic Low Head Pilot Station has a makeover
Situated in Northern Tasmania at the head of the Tamar River, the Low Head Pilot Station offers visitors a chance to stay at one of the oldest maritime historic sites in Australia. This newly upgraded heritage listed property now offers a number of accommodation options including a Queenslanderstyle homestead and cottages, which were once the abodes of lighthouse keepers and their families. Experiences in the area include penguin tours, the Low Head lighthouse, and museum. ➦ museum.lowhead.com
May 2012
Tasmanian devil viewing The Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park has successfully bred Tasmanian devils in most years since it opened in 1979, and has recently undergone a redevelopment. Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9am to 5pm, later in summer. ➦ tasmaniandevilpark.com 24
Androo Kelly from the Trowunna Wildlife Park near Mole Creek has been breeding devils for some 30 years. Spotted-tail quolls are also on show at his park along with a mob of some 40 free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos. Trowunna is near one edge of Tasmania’s World Heritage Area. It’s not far from another Tasmanian celebrity, Cradle Mountain. And near to the mountain and its lakes and forests you can watch devils from a far different perspective. Devils@Cradle has nocturnal feeding tours. ➦ trowunna.com.au and ➦ devilsatcradle.com East Coast Natureworld is about 7km north of Bicheno, a fishing port and seaside holiday village. ➦ natureworld.com.au Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, near Hobart, launched a Tasmanian Wildlife Refuge experience in 2010. Visitors who sign up for this tour participate in daily health checks and observations of a variety of native animals, ‘work’ with Tasmanian devils and learn about caring for orphaned and injured wildlife. On the night-time feeding tour at Bonorong visitors go inside the enclosures with either the owner or manager of the park. As part of the two-and-a-half-hour fully-guided tour visitors will have the opportunity to hand-feed animals including quolls, tawny frogmouths and golden possums. For those who are game, there is the opportunity to hand feed a Tasmanian devil. Another highlight of the night tour is seeing the mob of over 70 forester kangaroos come together for their nightly meeting. Bookings are essential. ➦ bonorong.com.au
Salamanca Market
Pepper Bush Adventures
Craig and Janine Williams of Pepper Bush Adventures will get clients up close to the wilderness and the wildlife. Their adventures take in Tasmanian icons such as Cradle Mountain, Freycinet, Mt William and the Bay of Fires, but also focus on off-the-beaten-track experiences including the viewing of native animals in their natural habitat in remote and lesser known areas of Tasmania. Pepper Bush caters for independent travellers and specialist nature groups. Tours depart on demand and operate year-round. A new Bay of Fires to the Tarkine tour was launched in 2011. ➦ pepperbush.com.au
Getting there
The Virgin/Air New Zealand alliance is providing New Zealand travellers with greater access to the Tasmania gateway cities. Flights into Hobart or Launceston are easiest to access via transiting Melbourne. Melbourne provides travellers with the most streamlined connection with a quick walk from the international terminal to the domestic terminal. Flights can sometimes be very busy from the Main Land into Tasmania, so it’s important to book early.
Gordon River
Wineglass Bay from Mt Amos Cradle Mountain
Russell Falls
AAT Kings’ Tassie highlights months in advance for the 11-day Best Of Tasmania guided tour will save $560. Priced from $5625 per person, twin share (land only) highlights include: a tour of Hobart; Mt Field National Park; Russell Falls; a cruise on the Gordon River; Cradle Mountain National Park; Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory; Freycinet National Park; a cruise on Wineglass Bay; a tour of MONA; Port Arthur; and an AAT Kings’ You Are Invited experience at Josef Chromy Wines. Departure dates available from September 2012. And save up to $330 per couple for clients who book and pay in full six months in advance for the seven-day West Coast Escape guided tour. Priced from $3315 per person, twin share (land only) highlights include: tour of Hobart; Russell Falls; Cradle Mountain National Park; Hell’s Gate and Heritage Landing; Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory; and AAT Kings’ You Are Invited experience at Josef Chromy Wines. Departure dates available from September 2012. ➦ aatkings.co.nz
AAT savings
Inspiring Journeys’ Tasmania itinerary has been developed with an emphasis
Clients who book and pay in full six
The Forgotten Coast
Photo Credits || Tourism Tasmania & Scott Sporleder, Matador
on accommodation with a connection to its environment and meals inspired by local flavours. Beginning in Hobart, clients will explore the city sights before heading north east to Freycinet National Park. They will travel north to the Bay of Fires, then on to the Tarkine, a wilderness area in Tasmania’s north west before travelling south to Strahan to cruise the reflecting waters of the Gordon River and visit historic Sarah Island. Along the way, travellers can choose to bushwalk around Cradle Mountain, go canoeing on Dove Lake or explore the park by horseback. Travelling in a small group of 12-16 travellers and in 4WD Mercedes Benz vehicles, Inspiring Journeys encourages the traveller to discover the ‘author’ within to create their own personal travel stories. The 11-day Forgotten Coast journey is priced from $8160 per person twin share. Departure dates are available from 31 October, 2012 until 24 April, 2013. Inspiring Journeys is the Travel Corporation’s new small group touring brand represented by AAT Kings in New Zealand. 25
May 2012
AAT Kings has introduced a new Tasmania programme, giving clients access to a range of attractions and sights on the island state. The standard Guided Tour product across the 2012/13 programme offers tours from five to 11 days in length. Itineraries combine activities with You Are Invited dining and special experiences such as cruising Wineglass Bay, visiting the latest in contemporary art at MONA in Hobart and an afternoon of high tea at Shene Estate. An example You Are Invited dining experience available is lunch at Josef Chromy Wines, where guests can embrace the romance of an original 1800s’ homestead, enjoying estate-grown wines and fresh Tasmanian produce while overlooking the lake and vineyard. AAT Kings’ itineraries include all accommodation, many meals, the services of a professional Tour Director and Driver, travel in an AAT Kings coach and airport transfers. Early Payment Savings are available per couple for clients who book and pay in full six months in advance.
great britain
Spreading the ■
In the lead up to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on June 2 to 5, the London Olympics, starting in July, and London 2012, VisitBritain is doing its utmost to push regional areas to visitors. Fearing travellers may become caught up in events and spend the majority of their time in London, the tourism board has been busy promoting events and activities in surrounding cities and in the further reaches of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Here, Traveltrade provides an update of potential add-on trips outside of London during the city’s festivities, and a few upcoming deals to take advantage of.
Royal Pavilion at night, Brighton, East Sussex, England
UK Car Rental $38 * FROM
PER DAY
Valid for collections 06 June - 30 June 12
Includes:
✓ Unlimited Kilometres ✓ Collision Damage Waiver ✓ Theft Protection ✓ Third party Insurance
love
✓ Local Taxes ✓ Vehicle Licensing Fee ✓ Additional Driver ✓ 24hr Peugeot Roadside Assistance
Brighton up
From fashion and flags to getting down with FatBoy Slim, Brighton and Hove has a host of events planned to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The Brighton Museum has opened a new display celebrating the union jack as an inspiration for British fashion in Fashion and the Flag, with the Jubilee weekend also seeing the finale of Brighton Fashion Week. Andrew Marr hosts an evening talk about the ‘Diamond Queen’ at Charleston House on 1 June, with the Big Jubilee Lunch on 3 June, seeing street parties taking place across the city. Also keep an eye out on for the Diamond Jubilee Shopping Showcase, highlighting some of the best regal finds in Brighton, including a life-size cut-out of the Queen.
The great Welsh outdoors
*Conditions apply. NZD Price based on 7 days rental of an economy car in low season. Price correct as of 04 May 2012 and is subject to currency flucuations and change without notice. Price excludes charges and taxes imposed by third parties. Further conditions apply, contact DriveAway for full details. ABN 67 107 041 Lic No 2TA6087
May 2012
Call 0800 885 590 or visit www.driveaway.co.nz 26
This month saw the opening of 870 miles of the Wales Coast Path. The path provides a continuous walking route around the whole of Wales, from the outskirts of Chester in the north to Chepstow in the south. The journey will take walkers from the mouth of the River Dee, along the north Wales coast with its seaside towns, over the Menai Strait onto the Isle of Anglesey, from the LlÅ·n Peninsula down the sweep of Cardigan Bay, through Britain’s only coastal National Park in Pembrokeshire, along miles of sand, via Gower, along the waterfront of Cardiff Bay and Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, to the market town of Chepstow. The whole path will be accessible to walkers and, where practical, some sections will also be suitable for cyclists, families with pushchairs, people with restricted mobility and horse riders.
Continued on page 28 ❱
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Olympic exhibition, London
■
❱ Continued from page 26
Celebrate in Northern Ireland
The London 2012 Festival – the culmination of the four-year Cultural Olympiad – spills over into Northern Ireland, opening in Londonderry on Midsummer’s Day (21 June) with the international Peace One Day Concert. But on 30 June, Northern Ireland will celebrate 2012 again, this time through its association with giants – from the mythical giant of Finn McCool and the Giant’s Causeway to Gulliver’s Travels written by Jonathan Swift who was inspired by the Belfast landscape. Land of Giants will be the largest outdoor theatre and arts event ever staged in Northern Ireland and takes place on the very slipways where Titanic was launched. Also in June, art and culture lovers can enjoy the Northern Ireland coastline as part of the London 2012 Festival. Peace Camp will celebrate the UK’s coastlines through a new living artwork by opera and theatre director Deborah
There’s plenty to celebrate in London for 2012
Warner, in collaboration with actor Fiona Shaw and creative producers Artichoke.
May and June and only pay for a fourberth model. ➦ driveaway.co.nz
Have a ball in Scotland
Rail Plus Eurail earlybirds
This year there will be a special exhibition of ballgowns with a diamond theme to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The gowns, which belong to Her Majesty the Queen, will be on display in the Castle Ballroom. In the Stables will be a display of images depicting Her Majesty’s enjoyment of and association with horses throughout her 60 year reign. The exhibition will run until 31 July, 2012.
DriveAway UK deals
DriveAway Holidays is currently offering UK car rental from $38 per day based on an economy sized vehicle for seven days rental period, collecting between 8 and 31 May and 6 and 30 June, which includes free second driver. Alternatively, clients can rent the sixberth Rambler Motorhome between
Rail Plus is offering an extra day’s travel for free to clients who pay for a six-, eight- or 10-day Eurail Select Pass before 28 May, 2012. A Eurail Select Pass allows travellers to explore three, four or five adjoining European countries. Passes offer unlimited travel and are valid for a choice of five, six, eight, 10 or 15 days within a two month period (days do not need to be consecutive). The new Eurail Select Pass - Free Day Promotion means, for instance, that any traveller booking a six-day pass (priced from $562 Adult Saver) will now enjoy seven days travel for no extra cost. To qualify for the Free Day deal, all bookings must be paid and ticketed by 3pm on 28 May, 2012 (passes are issued open dated but must be validated within six months of issue). ➦ railplus.co.nz
Australia’s Great Rail Journeys 60% OFF Companion Fare
Buy 1 adult and get the 2nd one with 60% OFF on The Indian Pacific or The Ghan Booking Period: 01– 31 May 2012. Travel Period: 01 May – 31 December 2012. Train Services: The Ghan: Darwin to Adelaide and Indian Pacific: Perth to Sydney
Indian Pacific Travel on this epic journey through the Blue Mountains,
May 2012
the ever changing outbackand across the awe inspiring Nullarbor Plain.
The Ghan Travelling through the heart of Australia between Darwin, Alice Springs and Adelaide this is truly one of the great train journeys of the world.
For more infomation visit www.railplus.co.nz or contact your local travel agent
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A D V E R T O R I A L
KLM, serving 13 destinations in the UK. KLM operates 13 weekly flights from Auckland to Amsterdam in cooperation with our code share partners Malaysia Airlines and China Southern. The airline offers also an additional 113 flights weekly with partners Air New Zealand, JetStar, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways. When travelling to the UK, KLM serves more than 71 daily flights to 13 UK destinations via Amsterdam Schiphol. •
Aberdeen
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Birmingham
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Bristol
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Cardiff
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Durham
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Edinburgh
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Glasgow
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Humberside
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Leeds
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London Heathrow
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Manchester
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Newcastle
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Norwich
Bristol
Exclusive benefits from check-in up to baggage delivery High value passengers benefit from the following SkyPriority advantages free of charge, from check-in up to baggage delivery: •
Priority at check-in: dedicated check-in counters at all airports and priority baggage drop-off desks
SkyPriority: consistent streamlined services for SkyTeam Premium passengers
•
Priority right up to the boarding gate: faster, privileged access through security checkpoints and passport control
Recently, KLM and the other SkyTeam member airlines introduced SkyPriority, a range of consistent ground services which are identical the world over for high value passengers.
•
Priority at boarding
•
Priority baggage delivery.
This new service is available at Amsterdam-Schiphol.
Available at 1,000 airports worldwide by 2013 including Atlanta, Guangzhou, London-Heathrow, Nairobi, Shanghai, Taipei and Urumqi.
May 2012
For more information on fares and products visit www.afkl.biz or call 09 918 9825.
Easily recognizable, the SkyPriority logo appears on boarding passes and all airport signage.
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s o c i a l m e d i a
Up in the air about mobile apps ■ James Hacon is an international speaker, writer and consultant in marketing for travel and tourism. ➥ www.jameshacon.com Last month I touched on the travel trade’s use of mobile applications. After a flight-filled month of domestic and Australian bound travel I thought I’d carry on with the subject by doing a little digging into what airlines are up to in the mobile world. Virtually all the airlines I searched had an in-depth mobile site, a move many companies are now opting to take rather than the costly task of building multiple versions of a mobile application for each of the major operating systems – whether it be Apple’s IOS, Android's Linux-based operating system or a Windows' powered device. For this reason it didn’t come as too much of a surprise that a lengthy search of key airlines serving the New Zealand market had a mixed result with some airlines not yet moving into this space at all. The way leading airlines are utilising mobile apps can be broken down into three main approaches: Frequent Flyer The most popular use comes in the form of a dedicated app for a frequent flyer programme – like that of Qantas Frequent Flyer - an approach that doesn’t look to develop new business, instead giving frequent flyers all the usual functionality associated with their membership that they would find on the website, from checking point balances to seeing what’s up for grabs with your reward points.
May 2012
eCommerce Orientated Many of the large full-service carriers, including Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa, have created all inclusive style apps. These give much the same usability as their website including live booking, reservation management and flight statuses whilst still allowing their customers access to the frequent flyer account. Looking from within the viewpoint of the airlines ecommerce department, I can understand how direct booking functionality would seem a natural inclusion within the app – encouraging the opportunity to book direct and therefore increasing profit-margins. From a trade perspective, I can understand the reluctance of travel agents who would be reluctant to encourage apps that had direct booking capability.
30
Adding to the experience Air New Zealand’s mPass is an application I’m well versed in, having used it on many occasions. With more than 100,000 downloads, this popular app takes an approach that seems more focussed on adding value to my Air New Zealand experience than encouraging me to book. Whilst it does have a button dedicated to new bookings, this simply takes me to a button to make a call – something I’m not likely to do, particularly if it would be just as easy to call my travel agent. The main functionality allows me paperless checkin with my iPhone, checks my flight details and terminal information as well as viewing my Airpoints balance. Whilst there is certainly room for Air New Zealand to add to the functionality, I see avoiding the live booking option as a positive move in supporting the travel trade, adding to the experience rather than seeming to be competing. Although not directly serving the New Zealand market, I felt it would be remiss of me not to give a special mention to KLM whilst looking at experience focused applications. This major European airline has taken the idea of adding value to new heights, with their funky range of mobile apps. I spent nearly half an hour getting to grips with two in particular. KLM TripShake is a light-hearted app designed for nothing more than fun, with a simple shake of your device the application takes you to farfetched destinations, inspiring travel with stunning photography and multimedia. KLM Passport is a little more useful whilst still retaining the amusement, with the functionality to record and share your travel experiences on video to earn virtual stamps from across the world. I’d recommend downloading the apps of the various airlines yourself to see what functionality they incorporate and to see whether you would be prepared to recommend them as added value to your customers. If you have a little more spare time, be sure to download the KLM apps for a bit of light-hearted fun. Be sure to look out for news from Air New Zealand, as they have some exciting new mobile applications to announce in the coming months.
h u m a n r e s o u r c e s
D O L L A R S A N D S E N S E
Can a boss be
Remuneration Options
‘too nice’? ■ Diane Hallifax Human Resource Advisor Everest Group Limited
■ Paul Davies pauldavies@travelaccounting.co.nz www.travelaccounting.co.nz
Joe Bloggs didn’t like confronting people or making decisions that favoured one employee over another. He wouldn’t address absenteeism or poor performance because he wanted to give everyone a chance. He was happy to let staff take time off without recording their leave or even applying for it. Joe felt it was better to be the “father figure” than actually deal with issues professionally in his business. What harm could there be in this way of management? This approach may have worked until one day Joe decided he should talk to the poor performer about his absenteeism. The employee left in a huff and never returned. Two months later Joe received a letter from a lawyer saying the employee had been constructively dismissed. Many letters were sent between the parties’ representatives, mediation took place and sadly for Joe, money exchanged hands because he hadn’t managed the poor performer’s behaviours properly when he worked for Joe. So what happens when a boss is too benevolent? • Ideas get overshadowed by others in the business who are more assertive about making their cases. • Mediocrity flourishes as underperformers become the norm. • Needed change is delayed as bosses hesitate to nudge people out of their comfort zones. • Bullies and big-mouths win. • Lastly, the boss loses respect.
Late last year I conducted a survey of our Travel Agency Clients Remuneration and then proposed the following options:
The do’s and don’ts of being a better boss The key is to learn to be professionally friendly. It’s hard to define what kind of behaviour and attitude a “friendly boss” has that a buddy-boss lacks. Some experts suggest that it boils down to learning how to acknowledge employee’s contributions and helping them achieve their career goals without becoming overly kind. When underperforming employees are not held accountable for poor performance it can lead to accusations of favouritism. One of the most difficult situations in which bosses must draw the line between friend and manager is when they are promoted over their former peers. Understandably, the pressure to be well liked is strong, but it makes it difficult to hold employees responsible for their mistakes. You can be sympathetic to your troubled employee’s problems, but you shouldn’t let that get in the way of business.
Junior consultants
What to consider:
•
Consider the culture of your agency: competitive – individual targets and bonuses; cooperative – office targets and bonuses • Consider non cash incentives: travel/educationals taken in quiet months • Consider the likelihood of staff leaving • Consider the state of your business Reach a compromise between what is financially best for you and rewarding for your employees. Bonuses and targets should always be set on commissions/income earned by your agency. Perfomance-based remuneration The key to any remuneration system is to ensure that total payroll costs do not exceed between 40 and 45 per cent of total commissions earned. The key to a successful remuneration system is that it must be both affordable for the business and motivational for the salespeople. This performance-based remuneration system has three integral parts:
Base salary (paid weekly or fortnightly): junior consultant up to $25k; intermediate consultant up to $30k; senior consultant up to $40k. Set an annual target for your staff member at two and a half times their annual salary. Spread this according to your expected monthly/quarterly per cent of earnings. This becomes the staff member’s monthly and quarterly target. Measure the actual vs. target for each quarter – if they exceed the target for the quarter, pay a bonus of 45 per cent of the excess over target. Annual Bonus: bonus level paid at 50 per cent of actual commissions less quarterly bonuses paid. The grid below illustrates what a consultant can earn if certain targets are achieved: Base salary $20k Target $50k
Actual $70k
Base salary $25k Target $62.5k Actual $70k
Bonus $10k
Cost 43%
Bonus $4218.75 Cost 42%
Intermediate consultants Base salary $30k Target $75k
Actual $90k
Base salary $35k Target $87.5k Actual $90k
Bonus $7.5k
Cost 42%
Bonus $1,856
Cost 41%
Senior consultants Base salary $35k Target $87.5k Actual $110k Bonus $11,250
Cost 42%
Base salary $40k Target $100k Actual $110k Bonus $5000
Cost 41%
Base salary $35k Target $87.5k Actual $80k
Bonus $168
Cost 44%
Base salary $40k Target $100k Actual $80k
Bonus $0
Cost 50%
May 2012
If the base is set lower you are at less risk of overpaying anyone if they under achieve. If the base is set higher you are rewarding consultants who achieve higher than target. Another option is to set a target and pay commission over the target. Advantage: simple to operate. Disadvantage: doesn’t reward the sales consultants on a regular basis OR pay Commission on every sale. Advantage: simple to operate. Disadvantage: may reward poor sales performance.
31
u t a u n Va les Party pix
sizz
The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) offered Auckland agents an extensive product update and a bit of island relief during the working week with their funfilled road show. Around 70 Kiwi agents attended.
Bob Devereux and Lynn Earl, The Travel Brokers; and Adrian Chisholm, Tourism Property Brokers.
VTO New Zealand rep Jacquie Carson, marketing manager Allan Kalfabun and general manager Linda Kalpoi
Flight Centre’s Rachel Molloy, Leah van Leeuween and Stacey Mitchell
Air Vanuatu New Zealand’s Maddy Mann, Richard Elliott and Bianca Laloyer
Allan Kalfabun, VTO; Michelle Clements, Mangoes Resort; and Laura Wadsworth, Grand Hotel/ Iririki Resort
May 2012
Bali up close
Indonesian ambassador to New Zealand Antonius Agus Sriyono and Bali Village secretary general Rhudy Antara
32
Tandem Travel’s Glenis Hogg and Margaret Jones
Bali Village and Air New Zealand (NZ) gave destination updates and presentations to agents at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland, following NZ’s announcement of flights to Bali starting in June
Cindy Kapea and Lisa Harris, Mondo Travel; Ketut Budha, Jayakarta Bali Resort; Gordon Bayne and Mandy Veale, Mondo Travel
The NZ team from left: David Meaclem, Jo Kennedy, Mark Reeves, Carl Amos (Starwood Hotels), Hylda Bloomfield and Bianca Georg
PAnorAmA | ViStA | ViSionAry | ArtiStry ii | EXPrESSion
2013 AVALON OPEN FOR SALE We are excited to announce the arrival of Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary in May 2012. PLUS we’re building 2 NEW suite ships Avalon Artistry II and Avalon Expression for 2013. With 5 suite ships here’s 5 Suite Facts to kick-start your 2013 Avalon sales. 2013 EUROPE
EARLYBIRD SPECIALS
SAVE $1300
SAVE $650
SAVE $400
Book select 2013 Avalon Waterways European river cruises and SAVE $1300 per couple.
Book ANY 2013 Avalon Waterways European river cruise and SAVE $650 per couple.
Book ANY 2013 Avalon Waterways Exotics river cruise and SAVE $400 per couple.
PER COUPLE*
PER COUPLE*
PER COUPLE*
FIVE
FOUR
THREE
TWO
SUITE SHIPS
DINING OPTIONS
EARLYBIRD DEALS
FULL DECKS OF PANORAMA SUITES
FIVE SUItE ShIPS
INTROdUcINg 2 NEW sUITE sHIps
OUR 4 dIsTINcT dININg OpTIONs
Avalon Artistry II Avalon Expression
Panorama Bistro A La Carte Dining Room Sky Bistro Club Lounge
As a result of the success of the Panorama, Vista and Visionary, they will be joined by another two new suite ships in 2013, enhancing what is already the most modern fleet in Europe and offering the highest standard of river cruise available.
With Avalon, cuisine is part of the journey. Avalon makes mealtime a wonderful part of the adventure with the type of variety and choice your clients will truly savour.
OuR SuITE SHIP FLEET New! New!
inspired BY YOU.
CRUiSing On thE DAnUbE AnD RhinE
cONsUMER sAVINgs
pANORAMA sUITEs
sAVE $1300 per couple*
Wall-to-wall panoramic windows open to create a unique Open-Air BalconySM
Avalon Artistry II Avalon Expression Avalon Vista Avalon Visionary Avalon Panorama
Sample itineraries include:
MAgniFiCEnt EUROPE 15 days between Amsterdam and Budapest
From $6426 pp twin share (Cat E) departing 30/10/2013
ROMAntiC RhinE 8 days between Zurich and Amsterdam From $3282 pp twin share (Cat E) departing 03/11/2013
www.avalonwaterways.co.nz
When you book select 2013 European river cruises
sAVE $650 per couple* When you book ANY 2013 Avalon Waterways European river cruise.
sAVE $400 per couple*
When you book ANY 2013 Avalon Waterways Egypt or Asia exotic river cruise or Galapagos Islands small-ship cruise *see website for details
ONE
NUMBER TO CALL
0800 456 287
2013 Avalon brochure out now
Start booking Avalon river cruises today www.globusfamily.co.nz/onlinebookings
www.avalonwaterways.co.nz
Innovative design with 30% more cabin space than industry standard, our suite ships feature two whole decks of all-suite accomodation.
A skyline glittering with gold. An ancient monarchy revered. A culture steeped in respect. History dating back a millennium. Tranquillity. Mystique. Opulence. Brunei a Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures
Brunei Tourism (New Zealand) Level 6 52 Swanson Street Auckland, New Zealand Tel: (09) 977 2259 Email: BruneiTourismNZ@walshegroup.com