TravelMemo 8.08T 11MAR08 www.travelmemo.co.nz

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Issue 8.08T

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11MAR08

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Queenstown’s Future Marketing OptionsDestinationQueenstownmembers met lastweek to discuss thefuture marketing ofQueenstown as theSouthernHemisphere’s premierfour season lake andalpine resort.The organisation’smembershipcomprises allcommercialratepayers in the townwho, directly orindirectly, contributeto the commercialrate levied to fund theRegional TourismOrganisation.

The meeting was asked to consider two options:1. Continue to implement a marketing plan similar to those of the past three years in line with the current funding.2. Increase marketing activity to meet new, identified challenges and increase funding accordingly.

Destination Queenstown CEO David Kennedy urged Queenstownbusinesspeople to be a part of the decision to guide the nextstrategic plan for promotion of tourism to the town, and saidmembers needed to be aware that DQ’s current budget of $1.8million annually fell short of other leading New Zealand RTOs.“We are the premier tourist town in New Zealand, and we cannotrely on the assumption that visitors will just come. We need to beactive and efficient in our promotional marketing.”Australia remains the key international market for Queenstownand would be the focus of increased marketing activity by DQshould additional funds be made available.“Funding erosion over the past five years means we have slippedbackwards in our ability to effectively promote to Australians.Increased funding would allow us to joint venture in marketingcampaigns with Tourism New Zealand and the airlines to achievea greater awareness of our four season destinational message.”

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TravelMemo 8.08T 11MAR08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 2

NEW ZEALAND

Making Sense of Our Competitive RankingEvery year the Swiss-based World EconomicForum publishes global comparisons rankingthe relative competitiveness of countries andtheir economies.Its latest annual Travel & TourismCompetitiveness Report shows that, while NewZealand is still in the top 20 countries out of130 when it comes to the internationalcompetitiveness of its travel and tourismindustry, we have slipped five places to rankat No.19 overall.Australia, meanwhile, has climbed the rankingsto fourth behind Switzerland, Austria andGermany, and was the only country in Asia/Oceania to make the top ten.The Forum’s Travel & TourismCompetitiveness Index aims to measure thefactors and policies that make it attractive todevelop the T&T sector in different countries.

The overall ranking results from relativeperformance on policy rules and regulations;environmental sustainability; safety andsecurity; health and hygiene; prioritisation ofTravel & Tourism; the infrastructure of air andground transport, tourism and ICT; T&T pricecompetitiveness; human resources; affinity forTravel & Tourism; and a country’s natural andcultural resources.While New Zealand has dropped 25 spots inthe past year to 50th in terms of its groundtransport infrastructure and is well down theranks on its IT and communicationsinfrastructure, CO2 emissions, purchasingpower parity, ticket taxes and airport charges,we actually do alright in other areas likely tohelp our tourism industry.New Zealand ranks second in the world for thequality of its natural environment and for the

attitude of locals towards tourists, while weare seventh in the world for the sustainabledevelopment of the tourism industry. The reportplaces New Zealand fifth for the effectivenessof its marketing and branding, a testament tothe continuing impact of the 100% Purecampaign.Some factors which affect our ranking, though,are outside our control. For instance, NewZealand’s size means we can’t claim as manynatural heritage sites as some other countriesand we’re no match for Europe when it comesto cultural heritage sites. The Governmentcame out in 8th spot for its prioritisation of theTravel and Tourism industry, but fell short onits own investment by way of tourismspending, putting New Zealand at anuncompetitive ranking of 62.Click Here for the full report.

It seems the proposed Milford Sound Link

Rail Routeburn-Hollyford piggyback rail

tunnel is projected to cost $275 million, a

figure obtained by the Southland Times by

using the Official Information Act. Rival

scheme Milford Dart’s backers, who say

their planned bus tunnel is costed at $150m,

believe the MSLR plan is uneconomic.

The largest urban Running of the Sheep in

the world takes place in Te Kuiti on 29MAR,

when six truckloads of sheep will be let

loose for a 1km dash down the main street

in the midst of the one-day Great New

Zealand Muster crowds in town for the 3-

day New Zealand Shearing Championships.

The first Ellerslie International Flower

Show to be hosted in Christchurch

next year will cost nearly $2 million to

run, but The Press reports it is

budgeted to break even.

Unique New Beers for MarchFestNew Zealand summers are increasinglyenhanced by local festivals, with the latestbeing MarchFest, a major craft beer andmusic event making its debut appearanceafter Easter in Nelson, heart of the majorhop growing region.MarchFest will be an annual festival ofbeer, food, music and fun loosely based onMunich’s Oktoberfest, and the organisersaim to develop it into the southernhemisphere’s foremost beer festival.

and varied music, including a 13-pieceOompah Band.The organisers have commissioned localcraft brewers to create special festivalbrews for the event - with the proviso thatthese beers must be brand new, unique andunavailable anywhere else in the world,and must include locally grown hops.There will be marquees, local food stalls,music and children’s entertainment as wellas local wines for non-beer drinkers.Get tickets from outlets listed atwww.marchfest.com

The event on Saturday 29MAR will featurefour brand new beers from local breweries

Short Films, Big ImpactVisitors to the Sir Edmund Hillary AlpineCentre at Aoraki Mount Cook now have moreopportunity to enjoy a 360° cinematicexperience in New Zealand’s first full domedigital planetarium.The Hermitage GM Denis Callesen says thattwo new sessions have been added to theplanetarium schedule to cater for those on tighttimeframes, including a 9.30am screening idealfor in-house guests before they check out.Planetarium movies now screen at 9.30am,11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm and 8.30pm, withdouble features on at 7pm and 10pm.The movies are:Mount Cook Space Traveller (18 mins): Avirtual tour that takes viewers deep into spaceto visit planets, stars and galaxies.Infinity Express (22 mins): Where did it allbegin? Is there life outside our solar system?Black Holes (22 mins): Travel through spaceas astronomers scan the universe to findnature’s most bizarre creations.An Explorer Pass allows visitors unlimitedaccess to the Planetarium screenings, plus the15-minute 3D movie on the Ngai Tahu legendof Aoraki, and the Museum and Hillary Galleryfor a full day. Adult ticket prices are $20 (16years+) and all children (0–16) are free whenaccompanied by an adult.

TravelMemo 8.08T 11MAR08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 3

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AUSTRALIA

Tiger Gears up for the BushThe Tiger Airways Australia boss surprised everyone when heannounced at the Australian National Aviation Press Club hisairline’s intention to add Airbus A319s to its Australian domesticfleet, which currently comprises 180-seat A320s.Tiger says the 144-seat A319, which is used big-time by Europe’slow fare carriers, would allow it to bring discount fares to smallerregional centres like Tamworth, provided locals extend theirrunways.Aviation observers see Tiger’s strategy as much like the oneeasyJet employs in Europe, but such moves will surely see VirginBlue quickly compete on such routes using its growing fleet ofEmbraer E-Jets. And Qantas has not been one for sitting backand readily allowing competitors on its patch.The state tourism offices will doubtless be all aflutter at thethought of squadrons of jets bringing tourist hordes to theiroverlooked rural heartlands, but there’s a question as to whetherthe bush towns only miss out on tourism because of the currentairfare cost. The bigger question is whether they have thepopulation, infrastructure or tourist appeal to sustain suchoperations.If, however, Tiger’s reason for A319s is to base at cheaper regionalairports near the big population catchments, the question is: willcity folks drive to the bush to access the cheap fares?In other news The Tiger Group will soon announce a secondbase in Oz and also intends setting up a Pilot Training Scheme.

With just a week left until theAustralian Formula One Grand Prixin Melbourne, F1GP boss BernieEcclestone is tightening the screws,threatening again to take the raceaway from Australia unless it movesto a night race under lights toimprove European viewing times.

Great Barrier Reef Code ShareCaptain Cook Cruises says it is still selling 3, 4 or 7 night cruiseson the Great Barrier Reef, although these are now sold in a codeshare arrangement with Coral Princess. The vessels and cruiseswill be marketed under both brands.Cape York Cruises will cease to operate until a suitable vessel isacquired, and Great Barrier Reef Cruises will operate on CoralPrincess (50 pax) & Coral Princess II (44 pax).The early booking Saver (EBS) fares to the Great Barrier Reefhave been rescinded and are no longer available. EBS fares toFiji, Murray and Sydney still apply.All other Captain Cook Cruises - Sydney, Murray and Fiji - operateas normal.

CCC Barrier Reef Cruise ItinerariesThe following are the new Captain Cook Cruises Great BarrierReef itineraries.

When booking through your wholesaler please specify that youwish to book a Captain Cook Cruises Great Barrier Reef Cruiseand specify cruise length, itinerary and relevant booking code,or to check availability on any of these cruises call Captain CookCruises on 0800 446 389.Wholesalers have all the new itineraries and pricing.

3-nt cruise -Cairns - Dunk - Townsville CCT3Departs Cairns Sat 11am (Alternate weeks 22MAR - 04OCT)Disembark Townsville Tue 10am3-nt cruise -Townsville – Dunk - Cairns CTC3Departs Townsville Tue at 1pm (alternate weeks 25MAR - 07OCT)Disembark Cairns Fri 1pm4-nt cruise - Cairns - Lizard - Cairns CCC4Departs Cairns Tue & Fri 5pm (alt weeks 18MAR - 14OCT, alt Fri28MAR - 10OCT) Disembark Cairns 8am Sat and Tue)7-nt cruise - Cairns - Lizard - Cairns - Dunk - Townsville CCT7Depart Cairns Tue 5pm (alt weeks 18MAR - 14OCT)Disembark Townsville Tue 10am7-nt cruise - Townsville - Dunk - Cairns - Lizard Is -Cairns CTC7Depart Townsville Tue 1pm (alt weeks 25MAR - 07OCT).Disembark Cairns 8am Tue)

First copies of Tourism

Australia’s Coastlines II

magazine have been

distributed with this week’s

New Zealand Woman’s Weekly.

The motivational publication is

also being distributed with NZ

House & Garden and NZ

Listener next week.

TravelMemo 8.08T 11MAR08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 4

SOUTH PACIFIC

Cooks-LA Service under BudgetThe Cook Islands News reports that the risk-share joint venturebetween the CI Government and Air New Zealand is operatingwithin the $2.9 million budget set aside for it in the 2006-07financial year. The tourism board chairman John McFadzienwould not, however, be drawn on how much government hadbeen paying the airline since the risk share joint kicked off.Mr McFadzien is quoted as saying that, in the ten months ofLAX/RAR flights, of those travelling 42% were from the US,25% from the UK, 17% were from Europe, 13% were NewZealanders and Australians, and 3% were from the Pacific.

More Seats Needed from NZCook Islands Tourism Board chairman John McFadzien,reporting on a recent meeting between a Cooks delegation andAir New Zealand, told the Cook Island News that among thetopics covered was the need another flight between New Zealandand Rarotonga. Air New Zealand had advised the delegationthat its current fleet upgrade meant that at any one time oneaircraft would be out of service and this would be the case forthe rest of this year.One Cooks service will, however, be upgraded from a B767 toa B777 from AUG08, providing an additional 83 seats.McFadzien said a request for additional seats had been left withthe airline for further consideration.

Qantas has released short-life special fares to Fiji from AKL($264*) and CHC ($279*), for travel 01MAR-31OCT08 withsales to 14MAR08.*Prices include all ticket surcharges and taxes and are correct

as at 07 MAR08.

Treasure Island ImprovementsTreasure Island Resort Fiji has completed the refurbishmentof its restaurant and bar area.This includes new floor tiles throughout, new Chairs andrefurbished tables, new paintwork, light fittings and ceilingfans.

Treasure, Bounty Transfers ClarifiedTreasure Island and Bounty Island resorts now meet any arrivingand departing flight at Nadi International airport.Clients arriving during the day can connect with South SeaCruises 0900, 1215 or 1515 daily departures and Treasure/Bounty will book clients on these services.Outside these times, they will travel on the Treasure transferservice ex Vuda marina.The Treasure representative will meet and greet guests on arrivalat the airport, take them to their airport office on the arrivalsconcourse, pre-register them, serve them with refreshments thenwalk them and their luggage over to Raffles so they can connectwith the South Sea Cruises transfers down to Denarau.On the return journey ex Treasure, those travelling on SSC willbe transferred directly to the airport if that’s their finaldestination.Transfers on either the Treasure service via Vuda Marina(15mins north of Nadi), or via Denarau on South Sea cruisesfor both Treasure and Bounty, MUST be booked via TreasureIsland reservations in Fiji.Wholesalers have details but if you need further clarification,contact Anne Radonich, NZ Sales Manager - 09 459 7441 oranne@radmarketing.co.nz

The Suva City Council plans to create more reasons for

cruise ship visitors to stay in town. It reportedly has plans

for the old war bunker in Flagstaff, a meke in Sukuna Park

and firewalking in Thurston Garden.

The moves follow news that over half of all cruise ship

visitors to Suva opt to take out-of-town tours.

The Ganilau fine dining restaurant has now beenglassed in, is air-conditioned and offers another diningoption - table side flambé. During the day the restaurantserves as a small meeting room, catering for up to 12people.The outdoor decking has now been extended to jointhe restaurant bar area for better indoor-outdoor flowand there are new wooden poolside chairs for outsidedining.Anne Radonich reminds agents that Treasure Islandcompleted the renovation of all its rooms mid last year.

Wholesalers have full details of Treasure’s current special - Stay 5 Pay 3,plus 2-for-1 meal plan for two adults, and kids stay, play and eat for just $99per stay (max two kids U12). Sales run to 30APR for travel commenced /completed 01-31MAR08, 01-11APR08, 05MAY-23JUN08, 21JUL-26SEP08. All other dates are closed out. The special includes a raft of freeinclusions.

TravelMemo 8.08T 11MAR08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 5

ASIA

Fast Ferry to AitutakiDetails have been released on a proposed inter-islandfast ferry for Cooks and the Cook Islands Herald saysit will take a year to build, will run on bio-fuel, carry80 passengers and be funded by the private sector at acost of around $10 million.The twin hulled vessel will be 35m long and just over12m wide, constructed of marine aluminum andpowered by both sails and engines. The sails will bemade of carbon fibre and the two 1000hp engines, usedmainly for maneuvering, will be designed to operateon a mix of 80% coconut oil and 20% diesel,converting later to kerosene. It will be built to NewZealand Standards.

Passengers will find aircraft-type seating with in-seatvideo, fold-down bunks on a lower level for thosewanting to sleep, and four bathrooms. The interior willbe convertible to freight space as necessary and thereare reportedly by two big game fishing chairs on thestern.Local staff will double as entertainers, using a smallstage, and there will be a bar and dance area.Plans call for the vessel to also sail to Atiu, Maukeand Mitiaro as well as Aitutaki three times per week.The company will be owned by a Cook Islander withplans to float part of the company to interestedinvestors.

Luxury Train for Tibet RunChina’s Xinhua news agency reports that the world’smost luxurious train will begin service on the Beijing-Lhasa route from 01SEP. Operating three times a week,the Qinghai-Tibet Railway Corporation trains willcarry a total of 96 passengers, with 12 passengercarriages, each with four double-bedded suites fittedout to five-star hotel standard. The trains would alsohave two dining carriages and a sightseeing carriage.The fare for the five-day journey is expected to bearound NZ$7000.

Closed for TrainingActive Asia wishes to advise agents that thisWednesday 12MAR, reservations will be closedfrom 2pm for staff training. Active Asia asksagents to be patient and email all enquiries whichwill be handled promptly on Thursday morning.Any super-urgent enquiries will be forwardedfrom Reception. Email: sales@activeasia.co.nz

Accor’s Big Plans for VietnamVietnam’s fast-growing economy has encouragedAccor to grow its hotel portfolio. Three Pullman hotelsare to be developed – the 200-room Pullman Lao Cai,150-room Pullman Sapa Resort and the 360-roomPullman Vung Tau. The Vung Tau property is expectedto open in early 2010 adjacent to a 2,000 peopleconvention centre.Accor will also develop two Mercure hotels in Hanoito accommodate the rapid increase in demand forquality mid-scale accommodation. A new 200-roomNovotel resort is planned for the rapidly emergingtourist destination of Phu Quoc, to be located fiveminutes from the Grand Mercure La Veranda, whichopened last year.Four other Novotels open over the next two years.Novotel Halong Bay will open in June, while theNovotel Nha Trang opens in late 2008, Novotel HoiAn Imperial Resort in late 2009, and Novotel HanoiOn The Park in 2010. They will join Novotels in Dalatand Phan Thiet.

Choice Hotels Australasia, represents more than 275 Comfort™, Quality™ and Clarion®hotels, suites and resorts across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region.Choice Hotels has a clean, comfortable and dependable place to stay that will makeyou feel right at home. Choice Hotels Australasia operates as a franchise organisation.

Sales Manager, New ZealandThis is a contract position as the current employee is heading off on maternity leaveafter three and a half years of working for the organisationThis role is a diverse role. The job of Sales Manager New Zealand is to maintain andgrow room night delivery to our hotels in New Zealand and secondly to our hotels inAustralia.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:A complete SALES focus on maintaining our current corporate client businessand seeking new business opportunities within the corporate market.

· Building and maintaining positive strategic relationships with the travelindustry· Attendance and delivery at important buyer trade shows· Attendance and delivery of local corporate events.· Implementation of current preferred supplier agreements with key consortiain the New Zealand market place· Solicitation and coordination of tenders for corporate business.· Delivery of presentations, workshops and updates· Business Development across all market segments.· Servicing of Key accounts, partnerships and wholesalers· Product Development and training· Working with franchisees to build business

We are looking for someone who has a minimum of 2 - 3 years in an accountmanagement position. Industry experience would be a preference. Tertiary Qualified orindustry qualified favorable. Package includes competitive salary and car allowance.

Looking for someone who can hit the ground running and is enthusiastic.An opportunity to take the next step on your career path in the industry.

Expressions of Interest :Rochelle Fleming Sales Manager, New Zealand

Tel: +649 532 8624 Fax: +649 532 8624 Mob: +64 274 749 574Email: rochelle_fleming@choicehotels.co.nz

choicehotels.co.nzTM TMTM

TravelMemo 8.08T 11MAR08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 6

Starwood Expansion in Asia-PacStarwood currently operates more than 140 hotels in AsiaPacific, with over 80 hotels and resorts under development.More than half of these are in China, which already has 36hotels in operation there under Starwood brands. India is anotherhot spot for Starwood, where its existing 20 properties willsoon be joined by another ten. Elsewhere in Asia Pacific,Starwood’s brands are growing their footprint in Thailand,Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Macau, Japan and New Zealand.In Thailand alone, Starwood will debut 11 new hotels in thenext three years, including three Le Meridien hotels in Bangkok,Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai coming onboard this year.

AMERICAS

India is implementing a requirement for passenger details

to be transmitted to Immigration from the flight’s

embarkation point within 15 minutes of the flight departure

for India. The Advance Passenger Information System

becomes effective 01APR08.

Boutique Hawaiian Islands CruisesNo sooner has NCL America opted to withdraw two of its shipsfrom Hawaii’s waters than American Safari Cruises announcesit is deploying an American-flagged luxury yacht to the 50th

state for a season of inter-island cruising starting in DEC08.American Safari Cruises’ inter-island Hawaii cruises are verydifferent from the big-ship offering. Their 145ft Safari Explorerwill carry just 36 guests on explorations of secluded coves andbays, quaint harbours and tiny villages. The yacht travels onlyduring the day, and in the waters less travelled will visit Molokai,Lanai, 19th-century Lahaina on Maui, the Big Island and severalsnorkel/dive sites. Guests will also have an included VolcanoesNational Park helicopter tour and explore beautiful backcountrywaterfalls and exotic terrain on foot.Cruises will focus on traditional Hawaiian culture and will offeropportunities for guests to get to know local residents by visitingtheir land and their homes.The inaugural Hawaii cruise season runs to 09MAY09 and theship will return in NOV09 for a second season.The company operates four luxury yachts that carry 12 to 36guests; other destinations are Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés,Pacific Northwest and the Columbia and Snake rivers.www.amsafari.com

USA Today reports that the Transportation Security

Administration is trialling lanes designed for families with

children. The tests, at the Denver and Salt Lake City airports,

will also include “expert” lanes for pax who are

experienced in security procedures, and “casual” traveller

lanes, allowing pax to choose which they want to use.

Segregated lanes could open around the US if the tests

show the concept speeds up security lines.

Take the Road Less Travelled.....That is, a 17-day Volcano Trail expedition through Guatemala,Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. This is one of G.A.P’smost exciting trips, even for the seasoned traveller, filled withbreathtaking scenery. Tour route: Antigua - Copan, Honduras -Utila, the Bay Islands (a Caribbean-style island) - Tegucigalpa- Granada, Nicaragua - Ometepe - Monteverde Cloud Forest,

Costa Rica - La Fortuna/ Arenal Volcano - SanJose. This Roam-styletrip is priced from$940pp plus US$250local payment.Contact AdventureWorld on 09-522 5942.

AFRICA / MID EAST

March in The GalapagosThe rainy season is at its heightin the Galapagos Islands rightnow, but World Journeys saysit’s still a great time to visit asthe rain is sporadic, there’splenty of sun and thetemperature can reach up to30C. March is when marine iguanas nest on Fernandina, andsnorkelling is excellent in the warm waters of the western islands- Punta Vicente Roca in particular is amazing as you’ll findpenguins alongside tropical fish. World Journeys says there isstill some availability in April for 3, 4, or 7 night cruises aboardthe MV Santa Cruz. Call 09-360 7311.

Common Passport, Currency for GulfThe Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries Kuwait, SaudiArabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain are steadily workingtowards agreement on a regional bloc with a common passportand currency. Kuwait last week announced plans to accept thenew Gulf passport, starting next May, and a GCC currencyshould be in place by 2010.

Experience EthiopiaEthiopia is the oldest independent nation in Africa, and one ofits most fascinating countries, offering a unique culture with along history and astounding scenery. Thought to have beenfounded by Menelik, son of the Queen of Sheba and KingSolomon, Ethiopia touring offers rock-hewn churches, ancientobelisks and the forbidden medieval town of Harar, while viewsvary from the impressive Blue Nile Falls to the ruggedmountains of the Simien range.Beset by famine and poverty, Ethiopia is now on the road torecovery and its historical sights and natural wonders are uniqueto Africa. Explore the Historic Route on an in-depth 13-dayjourney, with local guides accompanying the sightseeing in eachtown. Adventure World’s Blue Nile & Lalibela small groupjourney is priced from $3,466pp share twin plus US$250 localpayment. Call 09-522 5941.

TravelMemo 8.08T 11MAR08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 7

EUROPE

Taste the WinelandsWorld Journeys says it has Stay/Pay deals on ‘gorgeous’properties in South Africa’s famous Winelands region, includingthe Grande Roche in Paarl. Dating back to 1717 this oldhomestead was restored to its original Cape Dutch splendourin 1991 and transformed into a luxury hotel. Now a member ofthe Relais & Chateaux group, the property features 29 luxurysuites and five executive rooms.Stay 5/Pay 4 nights until 31MAR and from 01NOV to31DEC08. Stay 4/Pay 3 nights from 01APR to 15MAY andfrom 01AUG to 31OCT08. This promotion also includes awelcome drink, a bottle of Paarl Wine, sun-ripened fruits andmineral water, and a free shuttle service in Paarl.World Journeys also has Stay/Pay deals on River Manor CountryHouse & Spa in the Winelands.

Europcar, National CombineThis month the fleets of Europcar and Nationalcombine, creating the biggest fleet in the UKdaily rental market comprising over 60,000vehicles. By making services for both brandsavailable from a number of locations thatpreviously had been sole branded, Europcarand National customers have access to dailyrental from over 250 locations throughout theUK. Crucial to the development is givingcustomers of both brands the confidence thattheir transportation needs will be met everytime.Europcar customers will also now have accessto sub-contracted vehicles through National’sSpecialist Vehicle Management Centre as wellas nationwide access to luxury andperformance vehicles from Guy SalmonPrestige Rental.

Sight Jogging in RomeFor travellers who want to keep up their fitness whileviewing the must-sees, Sight Jogging’s running tours offervisitors to Rome a selection of 14 different routes tochoose from, led by experienced trainers from a varietyof countries and speaking many different languages.Springwise.com reports that one popular route is a 6.2-mile tour culminating at St. Peter’s Basilica, while anotheris 5.2-mile jaunt to the Villa Borghese. All routes are ratedfor duration, difficulty level and types of attractionscovered (“artistic and historical,” for example), and guidescan tailor the route and pace to the runners’ ages andfitness level. Sight Jogging lends heart-rate monitors toall runners at no extra charge, and baby strollers and bikesare also available for those who’d rather not run.Prices range from EUR 70 for one person up to EUR 140for four. www.sightjogging.itFootnote: Similar tours can be had in New York, Chicagoand other US cities with City Running Tours.

River cruising specialist, Beyond Travelis offering a choice of flexible deals,including free accommodation packagesor airline credit, when you book the 15-day Amsterdam to Budapest river cruiseonboard the MS Viking Danube, fordepartures between June and October.The first choice is an offer of NZ$1270air credit per couple on European airfaresbooked with Beyond Travel aboardFinnair, Austrian Airlines, Emirates orThai International.The other option is a free land package, anexample being three nights accommodationin a four-star Prague property, city tourincluding the Prague castle, tickets to aBlack Theatre performance and returnprivate car transfers.

The cruise costs from NZ$4735pp twinshare and the free accommodation dealcan be taken in either Prague, Budapestor Vienna. Packages are flexible and canbe customised to suit individual needs.The cruise must be booked and paid forbefore 30MAY08 to receive the deals.Call Beyond Travel on 0800-550-065.

Beyond Flexible River Cruise Deals

TravelMemo 8.08T 11MAR08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 8

Tours of the Palace of WestminsterThe Palace of Westminster, home of Britain’s Parliament, offersguided tours for the public.They operate during the Summer Recess, when Parliament doesnot sit and MPs work away from Westminster, starting atVictoria Tower and ending in Westminster Hall, taking in bothChambers – the House of Lords and the House of Commons –as well as other State Rooms.The Palace is open for tours this year from 28JUL-27SEP, Mon-Sat inclusive (not on Sun or Bank Holidays). Tours take about75 minutes. Admission: adults £12, students and seniors £8,children 5–16 £5, children under 5 free, family ticket (max twoadults) £30. www.parliament.uk

An Alpine InterludeNew for 2008, Tauck’s 12-day Alpine Interlude showcases theAustrian, Italian and Swiss Alps. Clients journey along theYellow Roads, such as the Grossglockner-Hochalpenstrasse,through inspiring scenery; climb to the highest railway stationin Europe aboard a cogwheel train; and take in a sweepingpanorama of alpine splendour from a cable car. Explore thecities of Zurich, Berne, Vaduz, Salzburg and Vienna. Savour areal taste of the Alps in a traditional Tyrolean Hutte, a SwissGasthof, a famous Viennese cafe, a 900-year-old monasterywinery and a schnapps distillery. The trip is priced from$6,699pp. Phone Adventure World on 09-524 5118.

TOURS

The Open Air Theatre in London’s Regent’s Park is the onlypermanent professional outdoor theatre in Britain. Since itopened in 1932, the theatre has entertained thousands of peopleevery summer with its successful seasons of Shakespeare,classics, opera, musicals and family shows. The steeply rakedauditorium with 1,240 seats is one of the largest in London,and regulars turn up early to picnic on the lawns of the park, orto visit the theatre’s bar and café set among trees lit by fairylights.For 2008 there’s Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and TwelfthNight; a new production of the classic musical Gigi starringTopol; and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream re-imagined for young audiences. This year’s productions run from02JUN-13SEP, with ticket prices from £10 to £35.www.openairtheatre.org

Theatre in a London Park

21 Nights North AfricaWorld Journeys Director Kate Gohar is escorting a small groupjourney from Carthage to Cairo in October this year visitingTunisia, Libya, and Egypt, and says her years spent living inEgypt will have prepared her well. Talking about the NorthAfrican Mediterranean coast, Kate says: “People have beenscuttling about that coastline for centuries – spice traders,conquering Romans, WWII Allied Forces, and now increasingly– travellers. The history is amazing – Carthage very nearlybecame the new Rome, and impressive ruins throughout are alegacy of not only Roman occupations but also Phoenicians,Greeks and Egyptians, plus there are the atmospheric warcemeteries of Tobruk and El Alamein”.The 21-night itinerary is priced from NZ$8880pp share twinincluding airfares from AKL/CHC; transfers; accommodation;plenty of meals; entrance fees; group visas for NZ passportholders at each border; and the services of local Englishspeaking guides. A 6-night Nile Cruise extension is availablefrom NZ$1459pp share twin. Price excludes ticketable anddeparture taxes of approx NZ$50pp, and a tipping fund ofUS$210pp. Space is filling fast.Call World Journeys on 09-360 7311.

Escorted North American National ParksFrom the Grand Canyon to the Canadian Rockies, this 28-daygroup escorted tour departs New Zealand 11SEP, returning08OCT08. From Las Vegas, the group heads to Arizona andUtah, to view the Grand Canyon, the spires of Bryce CanyonNP, the rock formations of Zion NP and Salt Lake City, theMormon capital. There’s a visit to Jackson Hole enroute to theimpressive Grand Tetons and ‘Old Faithful’ geyser atYellowstone NP. Cross the border into Canada, to the alpinetown of Banff, and on to Lake Louise and Jasper via the IcefieldParkway. Continue on via Lac Le Jeune to Vancouver with atrip to the famous Butchart Gardens. Farewell Canada and re-enter the US for Portland and Coos Bay in Oregon, and on tohistoric Eureka. The final National Park experience is Yosemitewith its Giant Redwoods before arriving in San Francisco, andflying home. Tour is priced from $10,270pp share twin.Phone Adventure World on 09-524 5118.

TravelMemo 8.08T 11MAR08 www.travelmemo.co.nz

AVIATION

Gecko’s Super SpecialsGecko’s Griff reports they are offering the following ‘SuperSpecials’:15% off Gecko’s Africa brochure15% off Gecko’s Asia, China & India brochure15% off Gecko’s Latin America brochure including Galapagosand AntarcticaAll the normal inclusions apply, and normal commission ratesare paid. Discount available on all departures before 30SEP08and applies to new bookings only, made and deposited between12MAR and 31MAR08. It is not in conjunction with any otheroffer.All bookings count for your 5 for 1 agent incentive.

P Class for Emirates SuitesEmirates yesterday added one more main booking class in itsreservations system and GDSs.The four reservations booking designators are now P (First Classwith private suites), F (First Class without suites), J (BusinessClass) and Y (Economy Class).The new designator P will apply to bookings made for travelafter 30MAR on aircraft featuring Emirates’ private suites,which cost US$125,000 to install, making them as comfortableas the most luxurious executive aircraft.“… Emirates private suites are a distinctive innovation initiatedby Emirates and we believe it appropriate that they are speciallydesignated,” says the airline’s New Zealand manager ChrisLethbridge.At present, 19 aircraft in the EK fleet, including all A340-500soperating on the AKL-MEL-DXB and CHC-SYD-DXB routes,have private suites. Other aircraft include recently-deliveredB777-300ERs and the new B777-200LRs, and further B777-300ERs will be retro-fitted.A number of the 58 giant Airbus A380s that Emirates has onorder will feature the new P class, including the aircraft due tooperate to Auckland from February next year.

Draconian US DemandsBritain’s Daily Mail reports that US Homeland SecuritySecretary Michael Chertoff made far-reaching new demandsin recent talks with the British Home Secretary. He wants theright to ban air passengers from flying over America en routefrom the UK to other countries – even when the flights will notland in the United States.Passengers’ passport details, travel plans and form of ticketpayment would be examined and anyone identified as having“suspicious indicators associated with travel behaviour” by USsecurity, and those on US anti-terror and so-called “no-fly” lists,would be prevented from boarding their flight.Almost every flight leaving Britain and Europe for North,Central and South America will be affected. US security officialsinsist the checks must be completed 72 hours before departureor the flight will be banned from US airspace.For safety reasons, transatlantic flights usually take the shortestroute across the Atlantic and then fly over or close to the UScoast so they can divert to an airfield quickly in an emergency.

Royal Brunei Airlines Check-In Info Royal Brunei reminds agents that passengers departing fromLondon’s Heathrow Terminal 3, must arrive 3 hours prior tothe scheduled departure of their flight.Effective 30MAR08, Royal Brunei Airlines check-in will close60 minutes prior and the Boarding Gate will close 30 minutesprior to the scheduled departure of the flight. Passengers whoare not present at the Boarding Gate by this time, will not beaccepted for travel.

FAA: Read Our LipsThe US Federal Aviation Administration intends finingSouthwest Airlines US$10.2 million for operating 46B737 Classic aircraft without performing mandatoryinspections for fuselage fatigue cracking, representingdeliberate violations of an agency airworthinessdirective. ATW Online says the fine, if it becomes final,would be the largest-ever penalty imposed by FAA onan airline for safety violations.

US Airways Amends Checked Baggage PolicyUS Airways will implement a US$25 service fee for a secondchecked bag, effective for travel on or after 05MAY08. Thenew checked bag policy will apply to all flights within the U.S.,to/from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.Customers may continue to check one bag free of charge. Inaddition, the airline will waive the fee for its most frequentcustomers including Star Alliance Silver and Gold statusmembers; confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers at timeof check in; and all Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver,Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred).Exemption from paying the US$25 fee for a second checkedbag will be extended to Active military personnel (in uniformwith ID), unaccompanied minors and those pax checking inassistive devices.The fee only applies to tickets purchased on or after 26FEB08for travel on or after 05MAY and customers may pay it at anairport kiosk with a credit card or at the check-in counter witha credit card, check or cash.

US Airways ranked number one for on-time performance

among the ten largest carriers in the US for the months of

DEC07 and JAN08. According to the Department of

Transportation, US Airways’ arrival rate of 79.5% on time

topped the majors and also improved its rankings for

baggage handling and customer complaints.

Qantas is intent on lifting its customer service game,

with news that it is planning to put its entire 20,000

passenger contact staff through a new A$10m

training academy, starting in November. The Herald-

Sun also reports that QF may spend as much as A$20m

on its biggest-ever offshore ad campaign, targeting

Asia, Europe and the US via TV commercials

showcasing the Qantas product.

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TravelMemo 8.08T 11MAR08 www.travelmemo.co.nz

Aust-Malaysia Capacity DealAustralia and Malaysia have signed a deal that will allowMalaysian and Australian carriers to operate an additional 5,000seats per week to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth,effective from this month. A further 3500 seats will be added tothe permitted capacity total from MAR09.The deal will allow for expansion of AirAsia X, Tiger and Jetstarservices.

Have Fun Hawaii Fares from SYDHawaiian Airlines has released Le’a Le’a(Have Fun) short-lifespecial fares from Sydney to Hawaii.The fares start from AU$799 / NZ$940 return from Sydney toHonolulu, excluding surcharges and taxes of approximatelyNZ$450.Travel is permitted 23APR-30NOV; with blackouts 27JUN-20JUL and again between 01SEP-31OCT, where outbounddepartures are not permitted.Add-ons from Honolulu to Maui, the Big Island and Kauai arealso available for AU$75 each-way.Sales are permitted until 02MAY and Agents should refer totheir CRS fare displays for more details or contact HawaiianAirlines on Tel 09 977 2227.

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board has made it

clear it does not want control over Auckland International

Airport. CPPIB says it is prepared to voluntarily reduce its

voting power for all shareholder resolutions, except those

affecting the rights attaching to CPPIB shares, to 24.9% of

all voting shares on issue.

Qatar Airways has announced that it will begin flying to

Houston from Doha from later this year. Qatar already flies

to New York and Washington DC.

Effective 04APR Air Pacific will add a second 160-seat B737-

800 return service , flying Nadi – Port Vila – Honiara on

Fridays. The existing Tuesday flight operates on the same

routing.

HAL’s Volendam Headed Our WayHolland America Line is deploying ms Volendam on a series ofnine unique voyages around the Asia Pacific region next year.Volendam will sail to destinations throughout the Pacific,including exotic ports in China, Southeast Asia, Korea,Indonesia, Vietnam and Russia.The itineraries offer a comprehensive exploration of over adozen of the most popular Pacific Rim nations on cruises from14 to 19 days that are designed to enable guests to combinecruises for a truly unique and extended experience of up to 66days.Next summer, Volendam will begin her Asia Pacific duties witha series of 14-day Down Under cruises and a special 16-dayholiday sailing between Australia and New Zealand. Followingthis, the ship will begin her Asia-Pacific odyssey:15- and 19-day Indonesian Islands & Great Barrier ReefTwo new Indonesian Islands & Great Barrier Reef itinerariesare firsts of their kind among major cruise lines in the region.Several interesting ports will be visited in Indonesia, includingKomodo Island – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – as well asPadang Bai, Bali, with an abundance of shopping opportunities,and Semarang, a bustling city teeming with ancient temples.Also on these exclusive cruises, guests enjoy four days cruisingthe Great Barrier Reef, including two days of daylight cruisingthrough the world’s largest coral reef system. The 19-dayitinerary from Auckland to Singapore departs 16MAR09, andthe 15-day Singapore to Sydney cruise departs 21NOV09.New SE Asia Itinerary features Maiden Port of CallFrom Singapore to Hong Kong, Volendam is set to exploreMalaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, offering twoitineraries – a 14-day cruise starting 04APR09 and a 12-daycruise starting 07NOV09. Highlights of the new 14-day itineraryinclude a maiden call at Puerto Princesa in the Philippines,famous for its crocodile farms, underground rivers and divespots.

Named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Puerto PrincesaSubterranean River National Park features a spectacularlimestone karst landscape. An overnight stay in Laem Chabangallows guests plenty of extra time to explore Bangkok.Great Wall of China on 14- and 16-day VoyageOn Volendam’s 14- and 16-day China, Japan and Korea cruise,there’s plenty of time to explore. The itinerary offers twoovernight stays in China to ensure that guests are able to exploreShanghai and Xingang (Beijing) with optional shore excursionsto the Forbidden City, Ming Tombs and the Great Wall of China.Volendam departs on this 14-day itinerary on 18APR09 and16-day itinerary on 10OCT09.Ancient Traditions to Colossal GlaciersGuests wanting a cruise with amazing scenery and diverse portsneed only join Volendam for its Japan, Eastern Russia andAlaska itinerary. On the cruises between Kobe (Osaka) andVancouver, the ship will explore Petropavlovsk — known asRussia’s Far East - with its scores of volcanoes, as well as thescenic Kurill Islands off the coast of Russia and Alaska’sAleutian Islands and Inside Passage. There’s an overnight stayin Yokohama (Tokyo) and a maiden port visit to Otaru, one ofJapan’s leading tourist destinations on Hokkaido Island.The 19-day cruise (actually 18 calendar days due to the Dateline)departs 02MAY09, and sails from Kobe to Vancouver. The 16-day cruise in the reverse direction departs Vancouver on23SEP09, or guests can board the 15-day version from Seattleon 24SEP.First round-trip Hong Kong sailing for HAL Holland America Line is offering a round-trip Hong Kongitinerary for the first time. The 14-day journey departs 26OCT09and includes an overnight stay in Shanghai, a maiden call atthe popular Chinese resort of Sanya on Hainan Island and aVietnam visit.

CRUISING

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TravelMemo 8.08T 11MAR08 www.travelmemo.co.nz

JUST CRUISING ....

7-day Alaska Cruises from US$699

3-day Caribbean Cruises from US$299

14-day Asia & Pacific Cruises from US$1799

7-day Europe Cruises from US$999

10-day Panama Canal Cruises from US$1099

THIS WEEK’S 5-DAY FLASH SPECIALS

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New Orleans to Memphis on the American Queen

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Cruise the Mississippi7 Nights New Orleans to Memphis

Departing 21 June 2008

from NZ$3599pp share twin

Step ashore to explore historic Natchez, Civil-War eraVicksburg and Oak Alley, one of the Old South’s mostphotographed plantations. Along the way, sample diverseflavors—from Cajun to Creole, Po Boys to pralines.

lead-in stateroom

First Design Details of new Oceania-ClassOceania Cruises has revealed the first design details of its new Oceania-Classships scheduled for delivery in 2010 and 2011.The Oceania-Class represents an evolution of the line’s extremely popularRegatta-Class ships. This new class of mid size cruise vessels will retain allof the warmth, popular design elements and signature amenities of the Regatta-Class while affording guests an additional level of comfort, convenience andmany new luxury amenities. Designed to cruise to all corners of the globe, thenew ships will boast a cruising speed 20% faster than the Regatta-Class. Inaddition to their greater speed, the new ships will have a greater range thatenables them to undertake the itineraries to virtually any destination worldwide.The new Oceania-Class ships will be awash in rich, dark woods, Italian marble,lustrous granite, fine wool carpets and sumptuous leather. No expense is beingspared to create an array of spacious, yet intimate public spaces and luxuriousstaterooms and suites.The new ships will accommodate 1,252 guests in 626 staterooms and suiteswho will be served by more than 780 staff members. 96% of allaccommodations will feature private teak verandas and guests will dine intheir choice of six open seating restaurants. They include a classic steakhouse,a gourmet Italian restaurant, casual buffet restaurant, the Grand Dining Roomserving Continental cuisine, French and Asia restaurants. There will also beprivate dining rooms and wine cellar, and a grill & milkshake bar.

Celebrity Equinox Europe-BoundWhen Celebrity Equinox, the second in Celebrity Cruises’newest class of ships, sets sail in 2009, it will sail a short butunique season in Europe, featuring new ports and severalovernight stays, before transitioning to the Caribbean for therest of the year and the first quarter of 2010.Bookings for the Europe voyages open later this month.Celebrity Equinox will make her maiden voyage on 08AUG09with a 10-night “Best of Europe” itinerary from Southamptonto Rome, calling on ports in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy,as well as Gibraltar along the way. The ship will then sail aseries of 13- and 14-night “Ancient Empires” cruises aroundItaly, Greece, Turkey, Israel and Egypt and featuring two newports of call: Haifa and Ashdod, Israel, and an overnight stayin Alexandria, Egypt. These sailings will take place 18AUG,31AUG, 13SEP, 26SEP, 10OCT and 23OCT09.Celebrity Equinox will sport the new features unique to theSolstice class of ships, including The Lawn Club, a half-acreon the top deck of the ship featuring real, growing grass, andthe “Hot Glass Show” which presents glassblowingdemonstrations.Call Cruises Holidays on 09-523 7788.

Celebrity Galaxy is to undergo a US$4 million

makeover in April, with new carpeting and

upholstery throughout its public areas, while

the pool deck area will get new synthetic teak

decking, and striking new glass tiles

surrounding the pool.

Contemporary new carpeting will be laid in

250 staterooms, and new sinks and new

upholstery will complement the same work

that already has been completed in the

balance of the ship’s staterooms.

Vietnam Shipbuilding Corp is reported to have

purchased two cruise ferries from Italy’s

Grandi Navi Veloci. It reportedly paid EUR

265m for the 2002-built La Suprema and the

2003-built La Superba, both huge cruise ferries

capable of accommodating 2,930 passengers.

TravelMemo 8.08T 11MAR08 www.travelmemo.co.nz

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DX: BP64007Tel: 09- 449 1 449Mob: 0211 833 643Fax: 09-449 1436editor@travelmemo.co.nzwww.travelmemo.co.nz

Kevin Blackford,TravelMemo Editor/Publisher,The Memo Limited21c Commodore Parry Rd,

Milford, Auckland 0620

Copyright. No part of thispublication may be copied,reproduced or duplicated,in whole or in part, withoutthe prior written approvalof the Publisher.

Travel

PEARL’S PEARLER

Always make a friend of your neighbour, but don’t take down the fences

INDUSTRY

A Day at the Races with Blue Lagoon CruisesBlue Lagoon Cruises Sales Manager New Zealand, Melanie Secker was joined at Ellerslie lastweekend by a group of key wholesale partners invited to the Auckland Derby Day as her way ofsaying thankyou for the support the boutique island cruise specialist receives.In between hosting lunch and sampling the odd stirrup cup or two, Melanie was also on hand topresent a 7-day/6-night ‘Gold Club’ cruise to the winner of the Auckland Derby Day ‘Fashionsin the Field’ stakes, an event which Blue Lagoon has sponsored for the last three years.

Pictured at the races (L to R) Digby Lawleyfrom Flavour Travel Group, John Byrnefrom World Journeys, Cherryl Brownefrom Cruise World ( Travel Marketing),Melanie Secker (Blue Lagoon), MandyVeale from Infinity Holidays and NatalieVon Dincklage from Gullivers Pacific.

LATE BREAK

Qantas is offering agents a chance

to win return tickets to Los Angeles

for themselves and a friend flying

Qantas. Check out the details at the

airline’s new Qantas Industry Sales

website exclusively for New Zealand

travel agents. www.qantas.co.nz/

agents

Star Alliance carrier SAS Scandinavian has

announced plans to inaugurate A340-300

flights from Copenhagen to San Francisco

from northern spring next year.

GREEN MATTERS

Classified AdvertisingTravelMemo’s Classified Ad serviceoffers placement of a 75-word ad intwo consecutive issues, for just$50+GST.Email classifieds@travelmemo.co.nz

Historic ASPIRE DealAn historic deal has been signedbetween the US Federal AviationAdministration, Airways New Zealandand Airservices Australia to speed updevelopment of air traffic controlprocedures which will reduce aviation’senvironmental footprint worldwide.The agreement, known as ‘ASPIRE’ –the Asia and South Pacific Initiative toReduce Emissions – aims to provide aregional platform to showcase theregion’s leadership in global aviationemissions reductions to ensure that, asaviation grows, its environmentalimpacts are reduced over time.The three organisations have been at theforefront of technology and proceduredevelopments that already reduce fuelburn and carbon dioxide emissions onindividual flights. Airways NewZealand is internationally recognised asproviding a range of serviceefficiencies, improved procedures, andworld-leading initiatives to assistairlines in their quest to reducegreenhouse gas emissions as they flyinto and over New Zealand’s 37 millionsquare kilometres of airspace.Airways NZ estimates the annual valueof its existing fuel saving effortsthrough efficient vectoring and flowcontrol are in the vicinity of NZ$20million per year to the New Zealandairline industry.

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