Friday 08 July 2016 Issue 3346

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Global passenger traffic results for May are showing a ‘more moder-ated pace of demand growth’, a result which has been attributed to the ‘shockwaves’ of the Brexit vote, as well as terrorist attacks. While passenger traffic rose 4.6%, on May 2015, it is the same level achieved in Apr, says the International Air Transport Association. In addition, capacity climbed 5.5%, which pushed the load factor down 0.7 percentage points to 78.7%.“After a very strong start to the year, demand growth is slipping back to-ward more historic levels,” says IATA’s director general and chief executive Tony Tyler. “A combination of factors [is] likely behind this more moderated pace of demand growth. These include continuing terrorist activity and the

fragile state of the global economy. Neither bode well for travel demand. And the shocks of Istanbul and the eco-nomic fallout of the Brexit vote make it difficult to see an early uptick.”

. . . Asia PacificIn particular, Asia-Pacific airlines’ traffic rose 5.1% in May compared to the year-ago period. Capacity in-creased 6.4%, which caused loadsto slide one percentage point to 75.1%. Strong upward momentum has stalled in recent months with growth track-ing sideways since the beginning of the year, says IATA. European carriers’ May demand climbed 2.1% over May 2015, re-flecting continuing fallout from the Brussels terror attack; whereas, seem-ingly bucking the trend, African air-lines’ traffic rose 9.5%, continuing the trend of strong growth that is linked to the expansion of long-haul net-works by the region’s carriers, particu-larly Ethiopian Airlines, adds IATA. “The shockwaves of the Brexit vote have extended worldwide and the fallout will affect the air transport industry, from both economic and regulatory perspectives. Aviation plays a vital role in supporting economic growth and development. As the post-Brexit regulatory framework is ne-gotiated between the EU and the UK it is critical that there are no steps backward for aviation connectivity,” adds Tyler.

IATA: Brexit, IST Send Shockwaves

Draught Beer In-flight?KLM is gearing up to launch the first ever air service with draught beer on tap, after years of experimenting with keg designs to ensure a ‘perfect pint’. Reports say the airline has partnered with Heineken for the innovation; and that is expected to be available on select KL flights from Aug.

SQ Thanks Kiwi TradeSi ngap ore Ai r l i nes la st n i g ht celebrated 40 years of service to New Zealand in full 70s glory. The carrier’s New Zealand manager Si-mon Turcotte also took the opportu-nity to thank the trade distribution for its support. “Our good friends and advocates in the travel agent community continue to be our most important source of sales and con-tinue to help us introduce new prod-uct and aircraft on this route…,” Turcotte said. See pg 6 for more.

MEL Airport DelaysHe av y r a i n and low cloud i n Melbourne caused chaos at the city’s airport yesterday, delaying flights and forcing a runway to close. The airport operated with a single runway for the entire day, with many passengers delayed for hours and some flights cancelled. It has today resumed operating both runways.

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Angkor Wat Dress CodeClients visiting Cambodia’s Angkor Wat will, from 04 Aug, have to ad-here to a new dress code, or they will not be allowed to access the famed site. The Apsara Authority, which oversees the archaeological site, says tourists must wear clothing that covers their knees and shoul-ders; and those wearing revealing clothing will be required to change their clothes before being allowed to enter.

WLG Agent RatesT h e re c e nt l y o p e n e d S o f i t e l Wellington has agent rates from $195 per night for travel Jul-Sep (blackout dates apply). Booking code ‘mag-nifique’ must be used. E-mail h9051-re@sofitel.com to book.

KE Refund RequestKorean Air is asking agents to pro-vide clients with notice of its reissue/refund rules/penalty at the time of ticketing (including e-ticket ITR). It adds that when combining tickets with other airline fares or a different area fare and an automatic calcula-tion does not take place, the penalty amount is 100% for adults and 75% for children.

The US Department of Transpor-tation has tentatively approved some applications to fly between the US and Cuba. A dozen US carriers applied to oper-ate scheduled services to Havana and the US DoT says Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United airlines have all received tentative approval.Delta will offer the flights ex New York, Atlanta and Miami. Alaska will operate between Los Angeles and Havana.At the same time United Airlines has been granted tentative approval to operate nonstop flights to the Cuban capital from New York/Newark and Houston.American Airlines is set to be the leading airline between the US and Cuba with the DoT tentatively giv-ing AA the nod to operate five daily flights to Havana—four ex Miami and one ex Charlotte Douglas Inter-national Airport. “AA has a rich history in the Cuban market and we are excited to con-

tinue to be the leader in providing air service between the United States and Cuba,” says AA’s chief marketing officer Andrew Nocella. “We thank Secretary Foxx and the Department of Transportation for the opportunity to serve Havana and for their leadership in restoring scheduled service between the US and Cuba after more than 50 years.”Earlier this year AA celebrated 25 years of charter service to Cuba ‘invaluable and unmatched experi-ence that positioned the airline to continue as the leading US carrier to Cuba’, adds AA.

DoT Grants Airlines Cuba Approval

Tourists Face BanAn Indian couple accused of faking their Mount Everest summit conquest could be banned from all mountains in Nepal if the allegations are found to be true, reports AAP. The couple shared photos of their supposed as-cent to the top of the world’s highest mountain, and even hosted a press conference upon completion, how-ever, fellow climbers have said the duo never quite made it to the top and in-stead photo-shopped themselves into someone else’s photos. Investigations are continuing.

Rocky BonusClients who book a qualifying 2017 Rocky Mountaineer package of eight days or more by 26 Aug will receive CAD1000 in added value. For full details, CLICK HERE

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In the wake of the Brexit vote, the spotlight has been on the UK and Europe, with many Kiwis looking to take advantage of the falling Sterling and the resulting better exchange rate. Insight from Cheapflights.co.nz re-vealed a 21% increase in flight search-es to the UK in the week following the vote, with searches from Christchurch up 53%, followed by Wellington (up 47%) and Auckland up 15%. While the Euro and other currencies within the European Union haven’t been affected like the British Pound, Travel Money NZ says many of its clients recognise now is a good time to travel to the UK and Europe, with enquiries coming in regarding what destinations offer the best value for money. In answering this question, the latest Travel Money NZ Holiday Costs In-dex (UK/Europe edition) shows how potential destinations measure up by comparing on-the-ground costs such as bottled water, a local meal out and transport from the airport to the city centre. Poland has topped the list as the best value destination, where clients can secure a taxi from the airport to the city centre from a mere $3, as op-

posed to $135 in London; a bottle of water costs $1.10, whereas in Norway it would set travellers back $5; a local meal, such as flaki in Warsaw is a steal at $5.60; or those looking for a Big Mac can expect to pay $3.50. In what may be surprising to some, Germany also sits at the top of the list, with one night’s accommodation in a two/three star property costing around $115, compared to $280 in Amsterdam; a bottle of wine could start from as little at $9.50 and a local meal, such as cur-rywurst from a Berlin takeaway shop can be purchased for $4. Croatia also offer travellers plenty of bargains, particularly for a night out with a meal and beer costing $18pp; while a coffee is only $2.30; and a taxi from Zagreb airport to the city centre can start from $25. And thanks to the fall in the Sterling, the UK no longer sits at the higher end of the scale, in fact, it is the cheapest destination for buying a bottle of coke ($1.10); while a tub of toothpaste would cost $2.80; a local meal of fish a chips would cost $8.50; and pint of beer is $7.50.At today’s exchange rates, a trav-eller converting $5000 into British Pounds would receive approximately GBP2800; 10 years ago in Jul 2006 this would have only bought around

Kiwis Capitalise On Weak GBPGBP1600, adds Travel Money. It ad-vises clients to monitor the market and purchase money for their upcom-ing trips when the rates are in favour.

Scotty’s BNE MoveTravel Money gm Australia and New Zealand Scott McCullough has moved across the Tasman to take up a new Bris-bane-based role head-ing up Travel Money’s Australia and New Zealand retail opera-tions. ‘Scotty’, started his career with Flight Centre 10 years ago with Infinity Holidays progressing up the ranks and leading multiple teams to global rec-ognition; achieved record business results in New Zealand; and was the recipient of gm outstanding achieve-ment award. “I’m thrilled to be taking on this role and looking forward to leading the New Zealand and Austra-lian businesses in what is going to be an exciting time,” says McCullough. Travel Money global gm Dion Jensen says McCullough brings to the table unmatched experience ‘and I have no doubt that under his leadership our New Zealand and Australian business-es will continue to grow and thrive’.

Hilton AKL RefurbHilton Auckland has completed a multi-million dollar renovation which has seen an extensive redesign of all rooms, including conference facilities, guest rooms and restaurants. The ho-tel adds that its offering is tailored to suit many needs, whether it be a week-end stay-cation, business comfort or experiential domestic visitors.

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Join a winning team! Air New Zealand Tandem Travel is the preferred corporate travel management provider for many of New Zealand’s leading companies. Our team of dedicated consultants provide exceptional service to our diverse customer base of Corporate and Government customers; we understand our client’s travel needs and challenges and are fully committed to partnering with our clients to provide world-class travel solutions.

We are seeking experienced Long Haul consultants to join our teams in Auckland & Wellington. This role is involved in providing professional and complete travel services to our valued corporate customers, whilst most importantly building lasting and successful relationships to generate business. From creating bookings to arriving at the airport - we take pride in ensuring that our client’s experience is second to none. As a Corporate Travel Consultant, you will be adept at booking travel for businesses encompassing your experience in both long haul and short haul bookings.

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AKL Film Fest MenusHeritage and CityLife Hotels in Auckland are set to sponsor the an-nual The New Zealand Film Festival 14-31 Jul; and for those planning a movie marathon, both hotels are of-fering an express dinner menu. The express menu will run 1700-1900 each day, with a selection of bread and dips, a main course and a glass of wine priced at $32.50 at CityLife’s Zest restaurant or a three-course meal in Heritage’s Hectors restaurant is $39.

English MysteryGroups of tourists have been flocking to a rural English village, cameras in hand, and locals aren’t too sure why. Reports say the residents in Kidling-ton have been shocked to see tour-ists posing in roads and by garden hedges to get photos, because they’re not sure why the area has become something of a tourist hotspot over the past few weeks. However, some have suggested it’s simply because it’s a convenient stop for those heading to nearby designer shopping outlet Bicester Village.

A definitive official opening date has been set for Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel & Bungalows (01 Aug); and interest in the prop-erty from traditional source mar-kets, including New Zealand, is already high, says director of sales & marketing Carl Amos. “We are seeing a good number bookings with longer stays then expected—seven to 10 nights—and higher categories are also be-ing booked, such as bungalows, bungalow suites and two-bedroom bungalows.” Amos also expects the introduction of new restaurants and bars to Apia will be welcomed both by guests and those staying at alter-

native properties. The property is of-fering an opening rate of USD120 per night, valid until 30 Nov; while Amos says it is connecting with key whole-salers and Samoa Tourism Author-ity to get as many agents as possible to Samoa to see the new property. Wholesalers have full details or see sheratonsamoaaggiegreyshotel.com

APTM’s Newest Client Asia Pacific Travel Marketing Services has added European DMC and in-bound tour operator Premium Incom-ing to its portfolio. Premium Incoming provides tours in Spain, Morocco, Italy, Monaco, Hungary, Germany, UK and Russia, to name a few. E-mail gaye.wood@aptms.com.au for details.

Aggie Grey’s To Open 01 Aug

SFO Fashion On ShowPassengers travelling through San Francisco International Airport can browse 85 years of airline fashion at the Fashion In Flight: A History of Air-line Uniform Design exhibition.The exhibit, which chronicles female flight attendant attire from 1930 to the present, features more than 70 en-sembles and accessories from the likes of Dior, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent and Vivienne Westwood. It explores the history and evolution of the airline uniform, its status in popular culture, and its relationship to the world of fashion. The exhibition is on until 08 Jan at International Terminal—Level 3, in the Main Hall and Aviation Mu-seum, and is pre-security so no board-ing pass is needed. Entry is free. The museum is open 1000-1630 daily. See sfomuseum.org

China Travel AdvisoryMFAT has reviewed its China travel advice and continues to advise cau-tion in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autono-mous Region due to the potential for violent civil unrest. It says there’s no significant issues elsewhere in China but that clients should take normal precautions to ensure personal safety. See safetravel.govt.nz/china for more.

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IndustryDiaryJULY Globus family of brands, Rocky Mountaineer, 2017 “The Americas” Season Hamilton: Mon 18, Hamilton Gardens Café, 1745.Tauranga: Tue 19, Macau, 1745.Napier: The Crown Hotel, 1745.

AUGUSTSPANTO roadshowPalmerston North: Tue 09, The Distinction Hotel. Time tba.New Plymouth: Wed 10, The Novotel. Time tba.

SEPTEMBERBula Marau Fiji Roadshow - Couples & LuxuryTauranga: Mon 05, Mills Reef Winery, 0700-0930.Hamilton: Mon 05, Ferrybank Reception Centre, 1730-2015.Christchurch: Tue 06, Peppers Clearwater Resort, 1730-2015.Wellington: Wed 07, InterContinental Hotel, 1730-2015.Auckland: Thu 08, Pullman Hotel, 1730-2015.Auckland North Shore: Fri 09, QBE Stadium, 0700-0930.

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Explore! Worldwide is this year celebrating its 35th birthday and to celebrate it is offering a range of different specials. This includes savings of up to $1320 for solo travellers, with highlights including a Nepal journey, visiting Kathmandu valley, Pokhara, Ban-dipur and Chitwan National Park, priced from $2638. Or clients looking to travel through South East Asia will receive a free extra hotel night, with transfer, worth up to $345pp for bookings by 01 Aug. Highlights include a 13-night North Philip-

pines Explorer itinerary, visiting the colonial city of Vigan by horse-drawn carriage, the bustling metropolis of Manila as well as the sand dunes of Laoag and rice terraces in the Cordillera Mountain. It’s priced from $4079pp. In addition, clients who recommend Explore! to their friends will receive AUD120 towards their next booking. They can refer up to five friends to receive up to AUD1050. See exploreworldwide.co.nz

Explore! Celebrates 35 Years Of Tours

New Northern Lights ExpeditionAbercrombie & Kent has added a new journey into the wilderness of Finn-ish Lapland and Northern Norway as part of its Inspiring Expeditions by Geoffrey Kent. Commencing in London with an evening at Windsor Castle, clients will then travel by private jet into the Arctic Circle in north-ern Finland to stay at a remote wilderness lodge. Whilst in Finland, clients will enjoy rally car racing on a purpose built ice trak, snowmobile safaris, dogsledding and reindeer sleigh outings, lessons in winter survival skills, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and more. There is also the chance to meet with Sami nomads, shaman and their reindeer herds. Departing 25 Mar, it is priced from USD145,000pp t/s.

20% Commission OfferViva Expeditions is offering agents a 20% commission on a selection of its 2016-17 Antarctic adventures. This includes the Photographer’s First Light itinerary ex the Falkland Islands to South Georgia and on to the Antarc-tic Peninsula. Included is polar pho-tography workshops and lectures, and the chance to walk in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton and see some of the world’s largest king penguin rook-eries. It is priced from USD14,300pp for 18 days, departing 19 Nov. In addition, its New Year in Antarctica fly/sail itinerary will see clients ring in the New Year surrounded by wildlife and special landscapes. The voyage features one sea crossing for more time in Antarctica as well as a South America Christmas Day dinner in Punta Arenas at the start of the voyage. The 11-day itinerary departs 25 Dec and is priced from USD8725pp.

InterCon Fiji Golf NewsInterContinental Fiji has extended its partnership with the Fiji Interna-tional, becoming the official resort of the golf tournament until 2017. It is offering VIP Corporate Hospitality and accommodation packages dur-ing this year’s tournament 06-09 Oct. See fiji.intercontinental.com

Mauritania MoveMauritania Airlines International has signed up with Travelport in an agreement that will see it distribute its content with the commerce plat-form for the first time. Effective im-mediately, all Travelport-connected agencies will have access to the car-rier’s fares.

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Singapore Airlines last night celebrated 40 years’ service to New Zealand with a 70s-themed trade function. The winners of the ‘best getup’ com-petition were then invited to par-ticipate in a game of ‘It’s in the Bag’ after that much-loved televi-sion programme from the 70s. The ‘money’ offers were discounts off SQ airfares and the ‘bags’ contained dif-ferent levels of goodies.The winners, pictured from the left (with SQ’s New Zealand gen-eral manager Simon Turcotte on far right) were: Bradford Jacobson gave up $595 off an SQ airfare to win a bag that contained a retro 1970s clock; Angela Manase, Manase Trav-el Studio, won a magnum of Ernest Rapeneau Champagne, as served in SQ’s Premium Economy, having given up a whopping $1200 off a SQ

airfare; Chris Edward, HoT Ellerslie had a bag which contained two firm Y class tickets to Singapore, upgradable to Premium Economy, having turned down $400 off an SQ fare; and Nan Sima from Helloworld was the ‘main man’ with a bag that contained two tickets to anywhere on the SQ network, Y Class firm,

SQ Celebrates 40 Years Of Service

upgradeable to Business Class, with a possible value of $20,000. Nan turned down the ‘money’ option which was $600 off an SQ fare.

The winner of the social media #NZSQ40 competition was Bryce Read, above, from The Travel Co (Travel Managers), who won a magnum of Ernest Rapeneau.

LikeHawaii Tourism NZ

Aloha Friday Incorporating Tabs On TravelFri 08 Jul 16 p7

ALOHA WAIKIKI!From $1059* Return

(Kids 2-11 from $839)* Book K class. Sales till 11 July. No credit card fees apply. See GDS for details.

Four Seasons has opened the new Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina—offering options for every-one from families and adventurers to honeymooners.Set on the beachfront at Ko Olina on Ohau’s leeward coast, Four Seasons says the 371-room and suite resort of-fers the island’s most luxurious multi-faceted resort experience with sandy beaches and lush tropical gardens. All rooms have private lanai (balconies) and there’s five resturaunts and bars on-site as well as a spa, fitness com-plex, tennis courts, a wedding cha-pel—and activities in the bay.For couples there’s an adults-only beach and pool as well as in-room massages, candlelit dinners on the private lanai, or even a bucket of popcorn and a bottle of champagne for snuggling up to an in-room movie.For those taking the kids there’s a sheltered beach lagoon with all man-ner of water toys and games as well as a family pool. Children’s menus are in the restaurants (and kids five and under eat free) and the Naupaka Spa has a series of treatments created

especially for younger guests ages 10 and up. There’s also an on-site Kids for All Seasons club offering ukulele lessons, hula shows for kids aged five-12 years. There’s also a Young Adult Centre which gives teens their own cyber café, private movie theatre and games.Those staying at the hotel also get ac-cess to the Ko Olina Golf Club and the Ko Olina Marina.

. . . Opening DealTo celebrate the opening of the property, Four Seasons is offering a fourth-night free deal (with rates from around USD709 per night) for travel by 15 Dec, subject to availability. Launch spa and golf packages are also available. Wholesalers have details.

Sky High In KauaiAgents can offer clients looking at a Kauai visit on their next Hawaiian trip a little sky high holiday inspira-tion. Matador Network, said to be the largest independent travel publisher, created a video of the many outdoor activities visitors can experience while on the island. The video was filmed in part using a drone camera, and in some cases permits were granted for the first time to get the coverage. To see for yourself, CLICK HERE

Oahu Luxury Beyond Waikiki

Aulani SavingsDisney’s Aulani Resort in Ko Olina, which comes complete with its own lazy river, incred-ible kids’ club, character dining and much more is offering Kiwi travellers savings of 30% for stays of five nights or longer, for travel 21 Aug-20 Nov and 25 Nov-19 Dec. The offer applies to sales to 25 Sep for most standard view, island view and poolside view rooms, studios and villas. Contact wholesalers for details.

Serenity’s EngagedThe first daughter of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines’ Lindsey Mor-gan (aka Serenity) is now touting the family’s ziplining adventure as a life-changing experience. Morgan was up in Hawaii sam-pling the seven crossing zipline adventure at the family’s Kualoa ranch—when her Kiwi boyfriend Chris O’Neil proposed. Congrats and much aloha Serenity—and apparently you’re all invited to the wedding. We heard special group fares will be released shortly from HA. Some people will do anything to stay in the country?

OceanFest ReminderThe annual Duke’s OceanFest is on in Waikiki 20-28 Aug featuring ocean sports said to be close to Duke Ka-hanamoku’s heart (surfing, paddle-boarding, swimming, tandem beach volleyball, and stand-up paddling.The festival celebrates Kahanamoku’s life as his spirit that still lives on in the Hawaiian people. Some events are open to the public. A lifeguard competition and beach volleyball games will be held in front of Outrig-ger Waikiki Beach. Clients can build a trip around the event with Outrig-ger’s Duke’s OceanFest VIP Package.

Turtle Bay From USD329Turtle Bay Resort is offering its premier rooms, which have unob-structed views of the ocean, bays and surrounding surf breaks, from USD329 for bookings to 15 Jul and travel to 01 Sep.

Kiwis In Race Line-upAt least seven teams from New Zea-land are set to compete in the Queen Lili’uokalani long distance canoe race being held off the Kona Coast in Sep, advises the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The now annual event was created by Louis and Mary Jane Kahanamoku (brother to Hawaii’s legendary water-man Duke Kahanamoku) and is the world’s largest long distance outrigger canoe race. The five days of festivities are due to start 01 Sep with outrigger canoe races in Kona. The signature 18-mile long distance race is slated for 03 Sep, says the STO. kaiopua.org

Kona Coffee FestThe annual Kona Coffee Cultural Fes-tival (this year 04-13 Nov) celebrates the legacy and cultural traditions of Hawaii Island’s Kona Coast coffee-growing region. The festival schedule has activities for all ages and interests, as well as tastings of Kona-grown cof-fee. For more, see konacoffeefest.com