Friday 26 June 2015 Issue 3103

I n c o r p o r a t i n g Ta b s o n Tr a v e l

News..............................................p1-5Aloha Friday .................................... p6Southern Hospitality Roadshow ..... p7

7 Pages This Issue

Get standard seat selection with domestic Starter Plus fares Book a Jetstar Plus bundle for $19 on all domestic flights.Select your seat for free with domestic Starter Plus faresBook a Jetstar Plus bundle for $19 on all domestic flights. Standard seat selection.

Coming to a Lone Star Restaurant near you, 22 June – 2 July 2015. Sign up today and be in to win flights and a 7 night Caribbean Cruise for two.

To register, and for event and prize details visit airnzagent.co.nz/usa-roadshow

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Y’all invited to our Southern Hospitality Roadshow

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• 3 x weekly flights to both SYD & MEL from 26Oct15

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China Airlines – 6 x weekly flights from CHC this summer!

NZ Growth MomentumAir New Zealand is expecting to report normalised earnings before tax of $520-$530 million in the 12 months to 30 Jun, up from last year’s $332 mil-lion, the carrier said this week.“The strong earnings momentum has continued in the second half of the year,” says NZ. “The board has reviewed the FY16 financial plan and, given current known circumstances, the company continues to target earnings growth for the coming year,” NZ adds.The positive announcement comes as the carrier faces increased com-petition from Jetstar on regional and domestic routes.

Over 80% of New Zealand travel agents are now registered with Expedia’s TAAP programme—and it says the volume of business just keeps growing.Sp e a k i n g to Trave l To d ay at TRAVELtech in Auckland yesterday, Expedia TAAP’s Stuart Udy says the volume of bookings coming through are increasing year-on-year. He says they are very happy with the progress and the lift on production already this year. While a big focus at TRAVELtech was on consumers using mobile devices to their advantage when it comes to booking holidays, Udy says this can also be a huge benefit to agents.In particular, he says, with agents who are working out of the office, having access to TAAP on mobile devices is

very beneficial. “It works just as well for an agent as it does for the con-sumer,” he says.

. . . Expedia Cruise?While Expedia currently provides agents access to flights, hotels, rental cars, travel insurance and activities all in the one place, it is possible that we may just see cruise options being added to that list soon. Expedia senior director market man-agement Asia Pacific David Hamblin told Travel Today that it’s an option that is ‘always on the cards’, especially seeing a how fast the cruise market is growing in New Zealand. “It’s just about making the right bets at the right time,” he says. Currently, Expedia users in the US and Australia are able to book cruises through the site.

Most Kiwi Agents On TAAP; Sales Up

Big New Vietnam AirportApproval has reportedly been granted to build a USD16 billion airport in Vietnam which would serve as a com-petitor to hub airports in Singapore and Bangkok. Construction of Long Thanh is due to start in 2018 and the airport will cover a 50km² site—which is bigger than Changi and Suvarnabhumi airports combined, reports Reuters. It will be built in three phases over 30 years, with stage one, which will handle 25 million pas-sengers, due to open in 2025. By its completion in 2050, it will be able to handle up to 100 million passengers.

Tonnes Of Ciggies GoneNew Zealand Customs has destroyed more than 2.5 tonnes of abandoned tobacco and collected $1.35 million in additional duty and taxes since tobac-co duty free limits were dropped last Nov. However travellers are starting to become more aware and accepting of the change in limits, Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says. “The amount of tobacco abandoned at airports by those not wanting to pay duty is drop-ping from the 100kg Customs was ini-tially collecting every week,” Wagner says. The new limit is 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of tobacco.

Fiji RoadshowTourism Fiji is inviting agents to hear about the latest on what’s happening around Viti Levu at a Bula Marau roadshow visiting Christchurch, Wel-lington, Hamilton and Auckland in Aug. There are two trips for two to Fiji up for grabs for agents. See t-mail sent today for details, CLICK HERE

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Q a n t a s h a s e x p r e s s e d i t s disappointment after the Air Transport Licensing Authority rejected Jetstar Hong Kong’s ap-plication to establish an opera-tion in Hong Kong.The LCC’s application for a license to operate scheduled air services has been under consideration by the ATLA for more than two years. Carriers including Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines have been fighting the application, saying the airline did not comply with Hong Kong law, which requires airlines to have their principal place of busi-ness in Hong Kong.Qantas, Hong-Kong based Shun Tak Holdings and China Eastern each hold a third of a stake in the joint venture. While Shun Tak has 51% of the voting rights and ultimate con-trol, and 70% of the board was from Hong Kong, the ATLA found that ultimate control of the airline would be in Australia and mainland China.

. . . Disappointing Move“This is as disappointing for the shareholders as it is for the travel-lers that Jetstar Hong Kong planned to serve,” says QF boss Alan Joyce. “It’s the travelling public who have lost out, because the message from this decision is that Hong Kong appears closed to fresh aviation investment even when it is majority locally owned and controlled.”Hong Kong is going against the trend by shutting the door to new competition while other aviation

Avianca To StarStar Alliance chief executive Mark Schwab has endorsed the inclusion of Avianca in Brazil to the Star nework, completing an integration process that started early 2014. As of 22 Jul, all flights with the O6 designator will be part of the Star network, add-ing 15 new destinations. The move marks the first step in a strategic plan to bolster Star’s network con-nectivity within Brazil.

Hong Kong Says No To Jetstar Venture

markets across Asia are opening up, says Joyce.Qantas says it will work with fel-low shareholders to review the en-terprise. As at 31 Dec, the Qantas Group’s investment in Jetstar Hong Kong was carried at AUD10 million.

EK Europe On SaleEmirates has economy and business class flights to Europe on sale to 03 Aug, from $2015 to Oslo; $2008 to Brussels/Budapest; $1995 to Bo-logna; $2158 to London; $2050 to Paris; $2272 to Rome; $2229 to Dub-lin; $2248 to Barcelona; and $2255 to Amsterdam. Business class compan-ion fares include AMS from $8465; BCN from $8458; CDG from $8996; and LGW from $8781. Single travel-ler levels are also available. See GDS for details.

AS Preferred SeatingA laska Air l ines has launched Preferred Plus seating, which sees clients able to reserve bulkhead and exit row seats for a charge (from USD15 + tax), says World Aviation. The seats are available to all pas-sengers after Mileage Plan MVP members have had an opportunity to reserve them. Preferred Plus seats also include complimentary cocktail, wine or beer and priority boarding. Rows six, 16 and 17 can be purchased within 24 hours before check-in.

QF Fuel UpdateFuel surcharges will be absorbed into base fares for Qantas flights across its international network originating in Australia, for all tickets issued on/after 01 Jul, the carrier has advised. QF announced earlier this year that it would gradually restructure its international fares so the surcharges are absorbed, and says the review is now complete. The change hasn’t impacted overall total ticket value fare levels as all-inclusive prices ad-vertised to customers already include taxes and fees. “QF will continue to price competitively, with interna-tional fares moving in line with the broader market,” says the carrier.

ISSN 1176-5275Travel Today (incorporating Tabs on Travel) is published by Tabs on Travel Ltd, New Zealand. Ph +64-9-415 8111.news@traveltoday.co.nz tony@traveltoday.co.nz

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News & Product

Fri 15 May 15 P3Fri 26 Jun 15 P3

Help your domestictravellers avoidchange fees

Add a JetstarPlus bundle for $19No change fee* for unlimited• Date changes• Time changes• Name changes

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Bangkok Cycle ToursGROUP OR PRIVATE TOURS, PICKUPS EXTRABangkok Jungle $62 pp ½dayChinatown $62 pp ½dayBangkok Sunset $62 pp ½dayOld Bangkok $86 pp x2 ½dayBangkok Countryside $248 pp x2 1day

Freo Winter GardenAustralia’s largest outdoor ice-rink is set to return to Fremantle as part of a three-week winter experience 01-26 Jul. The Winter Garden festival will see the surrounds of the Fremantle Es-planade transformed with an ice rink, falling snow, a pop-up slide, carnival rides, plus music and entertainment. The festival is free to enter, with tickets for the ice skating rink available at wintergarden.com.au.

King Kong Attraction For At Universal OrlandoUniversal Orlando Resort will open a new Skull Island: Reign of Kong attraction next northern summer. The attraction, at Universal’s Islands of Ad-venture, will see guests transported into a mysterious world where they must fight for their survival against hostile natives, prehistoric creatures and Kong himself. Movie director Peter Jackson is working closely with Universal to cre-ate the ride. See universalorlando.com/reignofkong

Win With NovotelNovotel Hotels and Resorts across Australia have partnered with Disney to promote its new Inside Out movie, and are offering prizes for guests who stay from now until 19 Jul. Guests need to find a toy from the film hiding in their room to win prizes including gift vouchers and movie passes. See novotel.com/insideout

N e w r e s e a r c h i n t o t r a v e l behaviours has revealed life expe-riences and cultural enrichment are the new priority for travelling youth; ‘despite what critics say about the generation being selfie obsessed and expecting quick success’. According to Topdeck’s 2015 Global Youth Travel Survey, which saw more than 31,000 people from 134 countries respond to 26 travel-re-lated questions, young people want more from their holiday than just a hotel room to plug-in their hair straightener. The survey highlighted that only 2% of the Gen Y & Z respondents would be happy to pay extra to sleep in a five-star hotel, compared to 46% who actually liked the social atmosphere of basic hotels and shared spaces. Experiencing new culture (86%) and eating the local foods (69%) were listed as common determining factors for motivating

people, aged 18-24, to travel ahead of partying (44%) and shopping (28%). Topdeck general manager Sarah Clark says young people travel-ling today definitely have higher expectations than those travelling with the company during the 1970s. “Connectivity, comfort, accessibility and social atmosphere are what they look for,” she says. “Travel is so much more accessible these days, youth travellers have grown up in a glob-ally connected community where anything is possible or attainable.”

. . . Properties AdaptShe added that as the needs of youth travellers were changing, many properties in Europe were catering to the demand by opening modern base-line hotels and hostels in ac-cessible locations, with a focus on social spaces and contemporary comforts. Clark added that youth don’t just travel to see places, ‘they travel to grow as individuals, experience new cultures and return home with a better understanding of the world’.

Gen Y & Z Not Just Seeking Selfies

New Anaheim NameThe Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau has changed its name to Visit Anaheim after more than 20 years as the AOCVB. “A year’s worth of brand exploration, consumer, meetings and travel trade re-search told us clearly that we needed a name and brand that is reflective of our organisation’s mission,” says Visit Anaheim boss Jay Burress. “Visit Anaheim is a name that travel enthusiasts and conventioneers can easily find and understand.”

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Fri 15 May 15 P3Fri 26 Jun 15 P4

all about opportunity... atlas are on the look-out for an exceptional individual to join the progressive team in our modern & funky auckland office

client account manager we are known for our attention to detail with client servicing. with this in mind, we are looking for a savvy client account manager to join our sales team.

this is a unique opportunity for a skilled professional with a keen understanding of the challenging processes involved in servicing our existing clients in the industry’s competitive field. we are seeking an ambitious, self-driven, articulate & outgoing individual who can demonstrate:

- a substantial travel management knowledge together with a reputation for great client servicing & business relationships

- a clear focus on performance driven results and a strong desire to take ownership for decisions & business outcomes

- proven experience at a senior sales level with the ability to contribute passion, innovation and expertise to the business

- advanced communication (written & verbal), negotiation, presentation & interpersonal skills

this is a challenging and rewarding role in a customer focused company. if you are excited by the prospect of being part of the atlas team, please send your CV and covering letter to

recruit@atlastravel.co.nz by mon 29 jun

Celebrate our proud history at Air New Zealand’s 75th anniversary exhibition at Te Papa. Free entry.

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Starwood ExpandsStarwood Hotels & Resorts’ The Luxury Collection portfolio will un-dergo a USD300m expansion and upgrade programme to improve its hotel portfolio in North America, investing in marquee hotel conver-sions and landmark renovations in diverse US destinations, including Key West, Lake Tahoe, San Antonio and San Francisco. Starwood says it is a milestone year for the brand, adding it is on track to surpass 100 hotels in more than 30 countries by the end of 2015.

Campfire Cooking World Journeys advises of its new Campfire Cooking experience for guests on its safaris in South Africa’s Eastern Cape at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Guests can learn about preparing and cooking authen-tic South African ‘braais’ and other dishes made with local ingredients. The experience, consisting of three sessions with Kwandwe’s executive culinary team, is based on a mini-mum three-night stay at Melton Manor.

InterContinental Hotels Group is trialing and rolling out several digitally-driven innovations to provide a more personalized and interactive experience for guests, following the signing of an agree-ment in Apr with Amadeus to develop a cloud-based Guest Res-ervation System.The initiatives draw on a mixture of mobile-driven and in-hotel technolo-gies, says IHG. They include a collab-oration with the digital travel service Stay.com; mobile check in and check out; mobile folio; mobile room key technology; IHG Guest Request, a service that allows guests to make a request instantly through the IHG app; iBeacon technology; and the

IHG Translator App for Apple Watch.Mobile check in and check out is in the process of being rolled out in the Americas region and will be rolled out globally over time. IHG is currently testing new technologies in the U.S. to support mobile room keys and the pilot for iBeacon tech-nology is being implemented in a selection of hotels in China. Beacons are placed in-house in lobbies and restaurants recognize IHG Rewards Club and IHG App in close proximity and send information to the guest’s smart phone including personalized notifications and offers relevant to their stay.

Canada Holiday ExtraG O Ho l i d ays’ C a n a d a , Ro c k y Mountaineer ‘Holiday Extra’ sale has been extended to 31 Jul. Book any qualifying tour of four nights or lon-ger in duration in GoldLeaf Deluxe, GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf service and receive a free additional night in Van-couver, Calgary or Seattle. Or, book any qualifying tour of seven nights or longer in duration in GoldLeaf Deluxe, GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf ser-vice and receive an additional night in Vancouver, Calgary or Seattle, plus the choice of a free city tour or airport transfer. For travel to 31 Oct. T&C’s apply.

IHG Goes Hi-tech

Have you got a funny travel story to share? We won’t publish

your name or agency details.

Send your funny travel stories to faith@traveltoday.co.nz

The FRIDAY FilesTrue stories from the mouths of

clients, as shared by Kiwi agents.

Many years ago I was part owner of Travcour, the Visa processing company. One day an agent rang asking if NZPP holders needed a visa for Amsterdam. I told no visa for The Netherlands for up to 3 month stay. With a pained sigh she responded “ I said they are going to Amsterdam, not The Netherlands!”.

Saigon Cooking ClassE x o t i c Ho l i d a y s h a s a n e w experience, the Luke Nguyen cook-ing school, Grain, in Saigon which it says is ideal for groups and foodies. The school is located in the down-town areas and has two cooking sessions daily from Mon to Fri. Ad-ditional options include personal sessions with Luke, private classes and team building classes. E-mail info@exoticholidays.co.nz

Noosa Surf ReserveNoosa was named Australia’s newest National Surfing Reserve recently, alongside Manly/Freshwater, Marga-ret River and Phillip Island. A Nation-al Surfing Reserve is defined as an iconic place of intrinsic environmen-tal, heritage, sporting and cultural value, and the aim is for all people to be able to enjoy, understand and pro-tect special coastal environments of universal value to the surfing world. The Noosa National Surfing Reserve takes in all surf breaks from the Noosa River mouth to the northern end of Sunshine Beach, including all of Noosa’s iconic point breaks in and around the Noosa National Park.

Cairns Holiday InnIHG has signed a management deal for the 173-room Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside. The hotel, currently operating as the Mercure Cairns Har-bourside will undergo refurbishment before opening as a Holiday Inn later this year. It’s located at the northern end of The Esplanade, a key a access point for the Great Barrier Reef, and close to Cairns Airport and a short distance from the Cairns waterfront and harbour. It also features a pool, spa, meeting rooms, a business cen-tre and more. See ihg.com

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Fri 15 May 15 P3Fri 26 Jun 15 P5

JUNEAir New Zealand’s Southern Hospitality RoadshowWellington: Mon 29, Lone Star Restaurant, 66 Tory Street, 1800-2000.Napier: Lone Star Restaurant, Cnr Marine Parade and Emerson Street, 1830-2030.

Scenic Information SessionsNelson: Mon 29, Rutherford Hotel.Timaru: Tue 30, Landing Services Building.

JULYScenic Information SessionsDunedin: Wed 01, Hotel St Clair.Invercargill: Thu 02, The Kelvin Hotel.

Nepal Fundraiser In conjunction with South African Airways and Adventure WorldAuckland: Wed 01, Sky City Convention Centre, 1730-1800 Drinks/Nibbles,1800-1930 Travel Quiz.

Globus Family of Brands 2016 North America LaunchNelson: Wed 01, Action Indoor Sports Stadium, 30 McPherson Street, Richmond, 1745. Pukekohe: Tue 21, Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club - Ten Pin Bowling

Centre, 78 Nelson Street, 1745.

Air New Zealand’s Southern Hospitality RoadshowTauranga: Wed 01, Lone Star Restaurant, 41 The Strand, 1800-2000. Hamilton: Thu 02, Lone Star Restaurant, 185 Victoria Street, 1800-2000.

Globus Family of Brands and Rocky Mountaineer- 2016 North America LaunchLower Hutt: Mon 06, Strikenz, 399 Hutt Road, 1745. Palmerston North: Tue 07, Bowlarama Ten Pin Bowling Centre, 94 Cuba Street, 1745. Christchurch: Tue 21, Tequila Mockingbird, 98 Victoria Street, 1745.

South Pacific Association of National Tourism OffficesNelson: Tue 21, the Suburban Club, 1730.

OzFocus AucklandAuckland: Thu 23, Travel Corporation offices 131 New North Rd, Eden Terrace from 1800.

Hawaii Tourism MCI RoadshowAuckland: Fri 24, Hilton, 1730-1930.

Industry DiaryAUGUSTBula Marau Fiji Roadshow – Around Viti LevuChristchurch: Mon 3, Novotel Christchurch, 1730-2030. Wellington: Tue 4, InterContinental, 1730-2030. Auckland: Wed 5, Stamford Hotel, 1730-2045. Hamilton: Thu 6, Novotel Tainui, 1730-2030.

Anaheim RoadshowAuckland: Mon 24, The Hilton, 1730.

South Pacific Association of National Tourism OffficesNapier: Mon 24, the Crown Hotel, 1730.

SEPTEMBERTAANZ AGMAuckland: Wed 09, Heritage Hotel, from 1500.

The Travel Corporation 2016 LaunchHamilton: Mon 21, PM.Tauranga: Tue 22, AM.Auckland: Tue 22, PM.Christchurch:Wed 23, PM.Dunedin: Thu 24, PM.Nelson: Mon 28, AMWellington: Mon 28, PM

Hawkes Bay: Tue 29, PMPalmerston North: Wed 30, PMVenues tba.

OCTOBERThe Travel Corporation 2016 Launch New Plymouth: Thu 01, PMVenues tba.

Adventure World and Rocky Mountaineer BreakfastInvercargill: Mon 05, 0730-0830.Queenstown: Mon 06, 0730-0830.Venues TBC.

Bula Marau Fiji Roadshow – Luxury & CouplesNelson: Mon 12, Grand Mercure Monaco Resort, 0730-0930. Christchurch: Mon 12, Peppers Clearwater, 1730-2130. Wellington: Tue 13, Amora Hotel, 1730-2030. Auckland: Wed 14, Pullman Hotel, 1730-2045. Hamilton: Thu 15, Novotel Tainui, 1730-2030.

South Pacific Association of National Tourism OffficesTauranga: Tue 20, 1730.Rotorua: Wed 21, 1730. Venues tbc.

Bhutan Festival ToursThe many festivals of Bhutan draw hundreds of locals and tourists to ex-perience the colour, music and dance, sample local cuisine and participate in games and rituals—but there are challenges for agents planning a trip for clients, says Exotic Holidays. To assist with itinerary planning, the wholesaler has compiled a festival schedule for 2015 to ensure Kiwi travellers get the most authentic ex-periences. Details, ph 0508 396 842.

Uber Luxe SYD PackagePark Hyatt Sydney has released a special luxury AUD250, 000 package to celebrate its 25th birthday.The deal includes return first class flights from destination of choice, five nights accommodation in the two-bedroom, 350m2 Sydney Suite, handcrafted jewellery from an ex-clusive selection by Australian fine jewellery designer Stefano Canturi, luxury timepiece from luxury Swiss watch manufacturer Jaeger LeCoul-tre. There’s also a private in-suite dinner for up to eight guests, private Sydney Bridgeclimb experience for two, private scenic Sydney Seaplane Fly & Dine experience followed by lunch at a renowned waterfront res-taurant, bottle of vintage Cham-pagne, four-hour Sydney Harbour superyacht experience with seafood lunch, personal chauffeur and lim-ousine throughout stay and The Spa Caviar Dream experience for two. There’s also 25th Anniversary deals for the hoi-polloi, with discounts of 25% and treats from AUD25. See, sydney.park.hyatt.com

Passenger traffic exhibited solid growth for the month of April 2015; with Asia-Pacific airports reporting +9.3% growth and the Middle East recorded gain of +8.0% year over year.The positive growth in most of Asia-Pacific airports was contributed in part by the boost during the Easter holiday period.A number of the major airports reported close to 20% year-on-year growth: Shanghai Pudong (PVG) +19.9%, Incheon (ICN) +18.9%, Mumbai (BOM) +20.7%. Bang-kok Don Muang (DMK) contin-ued to deliver the highest growth among major Asia-Pacific airports at +42.2% whereas both Doha (D OH) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) led the Middle East with +15.5% growth.Air freight in Asia-Pacific experi-enced marginal growth of +2.6% year over year for the month. The slowing down in freight volumes reflected weaker demands from Europe and slowdown across Asian export markets.The Middle East sustained strong

growth at +14.5% due to expan-sion in both capacity and network. Among major cargo airports in the region, New Delhi (DEL) led Asia-Pacific with the highest growth rate at +19% whereas Dubai (aggregate DXB & DWC1) led the Middle East at +19.6% for the month.

ACI ASPAC Airports Almost 10% Up

Where Meals Are MadeSome industry staffers got to see behind the scenes at the LSG Sky chef kitch-ens at Auckland Airport, thanks to Hawaiian Airlines. The company provides airlines with some 20,000 meals a day and has just opened a new office and kitchen space. Pictured at the facility is House of Travel’s Shane Ogg, HoT Mt Eden; Toni Sands, HoT Botany Junction; and HoT Product’s Gabriel Brown.

Aloha FridayIncorporating Tabs On TravelFri 22 Jun 15 p6

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Sheraton Waikiki Pool In The Top 10The infinity pool at the Sheraton Waikiki (pictured) has been named in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards list of top 10 hotel pools. In at number eight, the US newspaper says the oceanfront pool is the ‘real star’ of the property (which it notes has a family-friendly activity pool, waterslide and an interactive fountain area).

Mauna Kea ProtestsThe Mauna Kea Visitors Center on Haawaii Island is closed until further notice as protests continue against the construction of a giant observatory on the mountain.Structures on the gravel road lead-ing to the summit of the mountain have been removed and the road has been temporarily closed until fur-ther notice, according to the Office of Mauna Kea Management. Construc-tion on the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) began in Apr but has been delayed by more than two months by Hawaiians, who believe the moun-tain is sacred ground. On Wed green light was given to resume construc-tion, leading to hundreds of protes-tors to again storm the mountain. See malamamaunakea.org

HVCB AppointmentErica Neves has joined the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) as manager of travel trade marketing. Neves manages the imple-mentation of HVCB’s trade market-ing efforts, overseeing integration of Island Chapters in all major initiatives and events. She also develops and coordinates travel trade events and training, including tradeshows, sales blitzes and webinars.

Aloha FestivalHote l g u e s t s , v i s i tors a n d residents are invited to enjoy a free family-friendly event, the fourth annual Festival of Aloha, presented by Mauna Kea Resort. The all-day festival, held at Ha-puna Beach Prince Hotel will fe at u re l ive Hawa i i a n mu -sic, hula performances, craft and clothing vendors and food booths. The festival will be held 20 Sep from 0930-1600. See hapunabeachprincehotel.com/events

The Hawaiian Islands of Oahu and Kauai are no strangers to starring roles in blockbuster movies—but the new Jurassic World movie is tipped to stimulate Kiwi travellers to take in some of the state’s scen-ery beyond the beaches.The Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB) says two-thirds of the movie’s Hawaii location were spent on Oahu, add-ing that visitors can now have a true ‘Jurassic’ moment with a selection of experiences that bring the movie to life, and give a taste of Oahu’s Hollywood-heritage. “Travellers are fascinated when they can immerse themselves in the loca-tion of their favourite films,” says No-elani Schilling-Wheeler, OVB’s senior director of sales & marketing. “With the release of Jurassic World, visitors have the opportunity to connect the wonder of the movie with a real-world experience on Oahu and Kauai.” “The variety of these experiences are sure to satisfy any traveller, from the adventurous to the leisurely,” she added.

. . . Kualoa’s New ToursOahu’s Kualoa Ranch, dubbed Ha-waii’s ‘movie ranch’ was featured extensively in Jurassic World—and visitors who really want a sense of being in the land of the Jurassic can tour Kaaawa Valley by ATV, horse-back or bus via the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, says the OVB.For clients looking to relive the movie Kualoa has moved swiftly to incorpo-rate spots featured in the new movie to its tours—for example, the Jeep Jungle tour now includes a stop at the spot where Indominus Rex was caged.While the ranch isn’t forecasting more Kiwis to visit [just] because of the film—it says more New Zea-landers are expected to visit as they look for new experiences beyond the beaches; ‘although we have beaches too’, quips a Kualoa spokesman.“We’ve seen a steady increase in New Zealand guests to the ranch and on our tours since the launch of Hawai-ian Airlines on the Auckland route, and we believe the release of Jurassic World will just give more Kiwis more reasons to visit.” The ranch offers commissionable tours ex Waikiki or clients can self-drive. For more see kualoa.com

Jurassic Role Stimulates Travel

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Fri 15 May 15 P3Fri 26 Jun 15 P7There was line-dancing, BBQ ribs, updates and prizes galore this week at the Air New Zealand South-ern Hospitality Roadshow events around the country.As well as updates from Air NZ and Brand USA, the showcases included a presentation from Francis Travel Mar-

keting’s Tony Smith about how agents can maximise the cruise potential that NZ’s new Houston services present.Not only will the new flights open up travel to Houston, Kiwi travellers will also be able to connect to the southern states via NZ’s codeshare flights on United Airlines.

Southern Hospitality ShowcaseOver 450 consultants have registered for the roadshow—a result NZ says has already exceeded expectations.*All agents attending one of the events are entered in a competition to win a seven-night Carnival Cruise Line Caribbean cruise for two, which will be drawn 08 Jul.