TravelMemo 8.06F 29FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nz

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Milford Sound by Piggyback TrainMilford Dart may have been knocked back in its attempt to obtainapproval for a new tunnel through to Milford Sound, but that hasn’tstopped another company from giving it a go.Milford Sound Link Rail Ltd has applied to DoC for a concession todrill a 13.5km tunnel from beside the Dart River bridge to Gunn’s Campin the Hollyford Valley. Each end is accessible by public road and thetrip from Queenstown to Milford Sound would be cut to two hours.Based on Swiss operations like the Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon‘piggyback’ railway system, the plan calls for a 300m-long electric trainwith roll on-roll off facilities for all types of vehicles to operate the 15-minute trip, with passengers remaining in their cars and buses.The Southland Times reports that Milford Dart and MSLR have been incontact with each other on the scheme, which was unlikely to beoperational before 2015.

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TravelMemo 8.06F 29FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 2

NEW ZEALAND Ngai Tahu Tourism Partners Hukawai Glacier CentreNgai Tahu Tourism has entered into a management contractwith Franz Josef’s Hukawai Glacier Centre.The innovative industry partnership takes effect from 03MAR,lifting Ngai Tahu Tourism’s family of businesses on the WestCoast to three, including Franz Josef Glacier Guides and GlacierHot Pools (opening November).The $6.5million Hukawai Glacier Centre opened in MAR07and is home to the interactive Glacier Experience, the SouthernHemisphere’s only indoor ice climbing wall – suitable forvisitors of almost any age and ability – and a café bar.The attraction’s founding directors Jennie O’Loughlin andRoberta Giacon will retain ownership of the centre, while day-to-day operations, marketing, sales, administration, catering,customer services and staffing will be handled by Ngai TahuTourism management and staff.

“We’re committed to helping Jennie and Roberta realise thefull value and potential of their investment in Franz Josef andWest Coast tourism, while using our tourism expertise to evolvewhat’s on offer in the centre,” says Fraser Leddie, GeneralManager - West Coast Region, Ngai Tahu Tourism.“It’s also our goal to enhance the overall glacier experience forvisitors about to step outside onto the ice with our Franz JosefGlacier Guides.”A series of new initiatives are in the pipeline for the HukawaiGlacier Centre, including evening events, exhibitions, addedinteractive technology, family offers for the Glacier Experienceand famils for the local community and tourism operators.“We’ll be reviewing the customer experience on offer and itspricing, so we can deliver value that’s appealing to familiesand travellers,” says Mr Leddie.

China now Fourth Largest Source of VisitorsIn the JAN08 year, China overtook Japan to become NewZealand’s fourth largest source of visitor arrivals, according toStatistics New Zealand. The 122,000 visitor arrivals from Chinarepresented a 15% increase on the year ended JAN07.In contrast, the 119,500 visitor arrivals from Japan representeda decrease of 10%. The top three sources of visitor arrivals inthe JAN08 year were Australia (956,400), the UK (289,400)and the US (219,400).Total visitor arrivals in the JAN08 year were up 54,700 or 2%,reaching 2.472 million.

Cruisers Boost ArrivalsA huge boost in cruise ship visitors has buoyed arrival numbersin the beginning of the New Year.Figures out yesterday from Statistics New Zealand showed thatin JAN08 there were over 253,500 visitors to New Zealand, anincrease of 2.7% on the same time in 2007.A large part of the increase came from the US which recordedan almost 15% increase on the same time the year before andreflected the large number of American visitors cruising NewZealand waters.

Hickton: Tough Times AheadTourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton warnsthat a tougher global economic situation was starting to biteinto the New Zealand tourism industry.“More economic constraints mean that some sectors of ourmarket are likely to travel less while competition from otherdestinations and the lure of flights offered by low cost airlinesare tempting visitors to other destinations,” says Mr Hickton.

This is already being reflected in some markets such as Japanwhich was down 17% to 10,120 this January when comparedto JAN07, and the UK which dropped 7% to 42,400 visitorsfrom the same time last year.“There has also been a consolidation of flights to New Zealandwhich means in some markets potential visitors don’t have asmuch choice to get here as they once had,” he adds.

Winter Games Could Deliver $50mOrganisers of the 2009 Winter Games NewZealand estimate an economic benefit forthe Queenstown Lakes district of more than$30 million, and a further $20 million intothe national economy. The mini-WinterOlympics-style event will see around 700athletes from 30 countries competing insnow and ice disciplines at venues throughout the south duringthe period 28AUG-06SEP09.Olympic committees and winter sports federations fromcountries around the Pacific Rim, including China, Japan,Korea, Canada, the US, Australia and Mexico are backing theconcept with European athletes also expected to attend.Delegates from up to 12 Pacific Rim countries will be inQueenstown just after Easter to check the venues for events.The Southland Times’ Sue Fea reports that the Winter GamesNew Zealand, which is being developed by a local trust andtherefore staged and controlled in New Zealand, is likely tobecome a biennial event if it proves successful.

TravelMemo 8.06F 29FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 3

Hundertwasser Drawcard for WhangareiAn art museum designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, thefamous Austrian artist who lived in Northland and whose locallegacy is the unique public toilets in Kawakawa, is to be builtat Whangarei’s Town Basin. His sketch plans included a forestroof and two trademark decorated columns – one Europeanand the other Maori.The centre is expected to be a major tourism drawcard forWhangarei. It will be the only Hundertwasser gallery outsideVienna’s Kunsthauswien (above), which attracts a millionvisitors a year.The Whangarei city fathers, having gained agreement fromthe Hundertwasser Foundation in Vienna, which owns most ofthe artist’s other works, are planning a $9½ million conversionof the former Northland Regional Council building on thewaterfront. The work is expected to take 18 months.The Hundertwasser Foundation has offered to design thebuilding alteration according to the artist’s principles andprovide the centre’s contents – including his models, stamps,flags and various styles of art.Footnote: The Kunsthauswien sports the artist’s Koru flag,which he unsuccessfully offered free to NZ as a national flag.

Protecting Milford SoundThe government is to spend $13 million upgrading flood protectionin Milford Sound. The project will protect the main access road,airstrip and other infrastructure from damage or closure during a 100-year flood.The work will also protect against significant loss of tourism revenue.Fiordland National Park generates around $230 million to the nationaleconomy a year, with one third of all international visitors to NewZealand visiting the area. 90 percent of visitors to the park visitMilford Sound.Milford is a high risk area that receives 8 metres of rainfall a year,and extremely heavy rain is becoming more frequent and heavier.

Waitomo joins Great New Zealand Touring RouteThe Great New Zealand Touring Route (GNZTR) marketing grouphas added the Waitomo District Council as a full member.The GNZTR is an international marketing alliance involving TourismCoromandel, Tourism Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay Inc, DestinationRotorua, Visit Ruapehu and Destination Lake Taupo, working togetherto market two touring routes: Pacific Coast Highway and ThermalExplorer Highway.It is the only such grouping in New Zealand to produce a combinedproduct manual, employ a sales executive and have a dedicated suiteof collateral including maps and a website.

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Conservation Minister SteveChadwick have opened a 15km section of track in Horowhenuawhich will form part of Te Araroa, the national public walkwayconnecting Cape Reinga and Bluff. The track section, fromMangahao to Makahika, runs through the foothills of theTararuas, passing large rimu trees, crossing streams, andfollowing a former tramline route from early native timberlogging.

Auckland Art Gallery’s main gallery building closes its doorstoday, clearing the way for a major upgrade over the next twoand a half years. During construction, a programme ofexhibitions and events will continue across the road in the NewGallery building.

AUSTRALIA

Mortgagee Sale for Methven HotelThe four-star Methven Resort Hotel is up for tender via amortgagee sale.Opened in 1983, the 46-room property was originally afamily-owned business but most recently it has beenoperated by the Dynasty Group.The complex, set on 1.2 hectares, includes three functionrooms with the capacity for up to 685 guests in total, alarge restaurant and three bars. It has a 25m swimmingpool, three outdoor hot pools, a private sauna and spa.

Kiwi DeparturesIn the year ended JAN08, New Zealand residents departedon 1.982 million overseas trips, up 6% on the JAN07 year.There were more trips to Australia (up 42,000), China (up8,400), France (up 7,000) and the Cook Islands (up 6,300),but fewer trips to Fiji (down 8,200).New Zealand resident trips numbered 111,200 in JAN08,up 2%. Increases in trips to New Caledonia (up 1,000)and Vanuatu (up 500) were largely due to more Kiwi cruisepassengers. There were also more trips to China (up 1,000)and Canada (up 600) but 5,100 fewer trips to Australiacompared with JAN07.

Oz May Seek DabsA report from the Australian National Audit OfficeAustralia recommends that the Rudd Government shouldconsider fingerprinting passport holders in addition tousing facial recognition technology to minimise identityfraud.The report raises concerns that Australian immigrationofficers lacked access to foreign biometric matchingsystems that included fingerprints.It said the Department of Immigration and Citizenshipshould consider the need to extend the use of biometrictechnology in identifying foreign arrivals.

TravelMemo 8.06F 29FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 4

Tanoa Hotels has launched www.tanoahotels.com its newwebsite which allows visitors to take a detailed tour of allthe Tanoa properties (six in Fiji and two in NZ) and makebookings, which are instantly confirmed. A special andunique feature of the site is its Customer RelationshipManagement capability, which allows loyalty club membersand corporate clients their own access to create andmanage their bookings.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Yasawa Island Resort and Spa has teamed up with Blue LagoonCruises to offer a week in paradise - by land and sea.They have combined a four-night stay at Yasawa Island Resortand Spa with a three-night Blue Lagoon Cruise through theYasawas and Mamanucas, departing from Lautoka on the 56mMV Mystique Princess. On day four, guests leave the ship andtransfer by speedboat for their transfer to Yasawa Island Resortand Spa.Three packages are available, priced from US$5284, offering asaving of almost 20% on usual prices. Contact Yasawa IslandResort and Spa for conditions and details.

Yasawa Is Resort, Blue Lagoon Package Deal

PNG Visitor Arrivals up 32% in 2007Latest statistics reveal visitor arrivals to Papua New Guineacontinue a positive upward trend with sustained growth for thefifth successive year. Total arrivals of 102,400 during 2007represent an increase of 32%, an additional 25,000 visitors overthe 77,730 arrivals in 2006.The Australian market continues to dominate, contributing morethan 50% of total arrivals, followed by USA, Japan and theEurope and Asian markets.Business remains the main purpose for travel (60%) to PNG,however the holiday sector has shown strong growth withAustralians comprising 35% of the total. Numbers from NewZealand, North America and Europe are also showing steadygrowth.

Tourism Australia ‘Surprised, Disappointed’at Flight Centre OZTalk 2008 Pull-Out

Tourism Australia’s Regional Manager (NZ), Vito Anzelmi,released a statement last night following the shock decision byFlight Centre NZ to withdraw 67 of its staff from OZTalk 2008.In it, Anzelmi says: “We are surprised and disappointed that FlightCentre (NZ) has decided to override the decision of their 67consultants who had registered to participate for OZTalk RetailConference 2008 by withdrawing their consultants from theconference. This will not impact on the delivery and success ofOZTalk 2008.“Our ongoing consultations with senior managers have alwaysindicated a strong enthusiasm to participate in the event. Giventhe continued support by Tourism Australia and State & TerritoryOffices to Flight Centre’s initiatives in New Zealand, and theenthusiasm shown by the registered consultants to attend OZTalkRetail Conference, this is an unfortunate decision. The majorityof the Flight Centre travel agents who had registered to attendthe event would have been first time attendees to OZTalk RetailConference, and many have personally contacted us to expresstheir disappointment.“With Australia being the number one overseas destination forNew Zealanders, OZTalk Retail Conference is a cost effectiveopportunity to ensure that online training is matched with a first-hand interaction with Australian tourism experiences and products,ensuring travel consultants have access to a complete and diverselearning programme.“Currently we have over 200 travel agents (excluding FlightCentre travel agents) who have confirmed their interest toparticipate with strong support being shown by our industry andtrade partners, including all other major retail groups. Over thenext week we will be working towards increasing the number oftravel agents attending the conference for increased value tosellers.“We appreciate the support and commitment of the Australiantourism businesses and the New Zealand travel trade industry;and are very excited to work towards a successful OZTalk RetailConference and Travel Expo 2008.”

Queensland Natural Adventures PositioningQueensland is to be positioned as a world-leading nature andadventure tourism destination under a new TourismQueensland campaign promoting the state’s natural wonders.Tourism Minister Desley Boyle says Queensland’s NaturalAdventures campaign would target well-travelled tourists whowere keen to try new things - both domestic and international.She says the campaign will also strengthen the awareness ofthe ECO Certified brand and demand for ECO Certifiedproduct.

Business events trade fair AIME 2008, held in Melbournelast week, achieved a record attendance, with a record496 hosted buyers, up 34% on last year and 850 exhibitors(including 243 new exhibitors) from more than 40countries. Final unaudited attendance figures were 3,268,up almost 24%. AIME 2009 will be held on 17-18FEB09.

As if global warming wasn’t enough, scientists in Italybelieve that ingredients in many sunscreen brands causerapid and complete bleaching of corals, potentiallycontributing to the death of the Great Barrier Reef andother coral reefs around the world. The Telegraph reportsthat the scientists reckon between 4,000 and 6,000 tonsof UV sunscreen washes off swimmers annually in oceansworldwide.

FCL : ‘Sound Commercial Reasons’Flight Centre Ltd spokesperson MelaniePohl told TravelMemo last evening thatthe company had ‘sound commercialreasons for withdrawing its consultantsfrom OZTalk 2008. She said that FlightCentre had tried to find a workablesolution, but in the end had decided topursue inhouse training of itsconsultants.

In related news, Air New Zealand had earlier opted not toparticipate in the event.

TravelMemo 8.06F 29FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 5

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ASIA

2010 Youth Olympics for SingaporeThe IOC has announced that Singapore has won its bidto host the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in thesummer of 2010. It won out over Moscow and eightother cities, making it the first time that the Olympicflame will be lit in Southeast Asia. It will also be thefirst time Singapore has hosted a multi-disciplinarysporting event of such magnitude.The brainchild of IOC President Jacques Rogge, theYouth Olympics will bring together around 3,200athletes (the regular Olympics have 10,000) aged 14-18in 26 of the 28 Summer Games sports. A Winter YouthGames is planned for 2012.

Effective 29APR08, all Royal Brunei’s flights into andout of Shanghai will take off and land at PudongAirport Terminal 2. Royal Brunei’s check-in counterat Pudong Airport will also be relocated to Terminal2. For more info please contact Royal Brunei Airlineson 09-977 2209.

New Active Asia BrochureActive Asia has this week sent out its new 2008 Asia Brochure inthe DX to agents.This year the brochure has grown by 12 pages to 60 pages,featuring destinations from Myanmar and Thailand, to Vietnam,Cambodia and China, through to Korea and Taiwan.New for 2008 is an expanded range of great value hotels for allthe main beach resorts in Thailand including Phuket, Samui, Krabiand Pattaya. In Singapore and Hong Kong there is also a greatselection of good value hotels for stopovers or stay puts. Hotelsrange from 3 to 5 star.China and Vietnam have also been expanded to offer more productchoices. In Vietnam agents will now find additional pageshighlighting the many great places to stop, including the beachresorts of Phan Thiet, Hoi An, Nha Trang and the new emergingdestination of Phu Quoc

Asia SaleActive Asia has Vietnam,Cambodia and Laos on sale.The Ultimate Vietnam, 3-star Small Group Tour isnow only $1999 (was$2499), providing a savingof $1000 per couple. TheDiscover Vietnam, 4 StarSmall Group Tour is also onsale at $1999. Both arevalid for selected departuredates.Visit www.activeasia.co.nzor emailsales@activeasia.co.nzfor details andClick Here of the sale flyer.

“The new brochure will give agents and consumers a great reference tool for planning their holidaysand with so much great product to choose from, the team at Active Asia is always on hand to helpcustom build a package for your clients,” says Lance Mould, Reservations Manager.

TravelMemo 8.06F 29FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 6

Escorted China & TibetWorld Journeys’ Chris Lyons, who is escorting a journey to China& Tibet on 12MAY, says the itinerary they have planned iswonderful and the standard of the hotels excellent.“The many cultural inclusions such as the acrobatic show inShanghai; performances at the Garden of the Netting Master inSuzhou; Kung Fu theatre performance in Beijing and the verycolourful Tang Dynasty dinner and show in Xian are real highlights.”The group will travel through a great range of scenery - from ricepaddies to the high plateau of Tibet. The Great Wall, Beijing in itsfinal preparations for the Olympics; a 5-star Yangtze cruise and theterracotta warriors, and Shanghai’s museum are also on the itinerary.World Journeys advises the group is no longer taking the train fromBeijing to Lhasa as the Chinese government has requisitioned theseats booked, but will instead fly and spend the spare days visitingZhengzhou and Luoyang. En route, they will also call at the 1500-year-old Shaolin Temple to see hundreds of students practicing theirkung fu.The 22-day fully escorted tour is priced from NZ$7925pp sharetwin ex AKL/WLG/CHC. Ticketable and departure taxes (approxNZ$235) and a tipping fund of US$210 per person are additional.Contact World Journeys (09) 360 7311 or info@worldjourneys.co.nz

AMERICAS

Gecko’s 14 days in Vietnam for NZ$995Vietnam remains flavour of the month (or year), says Gecko’s Griff,and is still a very popular destination for Kiwis. “Gecko’s 14-day‘Vietnam at a Glance’ tour continues to be a popular choice, withtransport on bicycle, bus, boat and train; accommodation is in goodhotels, nine breakfasts and one lunch are included and the tourincludes Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels, Dalat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue,Perfume River and Hanoi,” says Griff. “The real feature is that alltrips with Gecko’s are led by Local Leaders, so you will be travellingin Vietnam with an English speaking leader from Vietnam – it makesa huge difference.”Priced at NZ$995 plus a local payment of US$150, there is anoptional payment of NZ$10 for those who wish to off-set theircarbon emissions.

Mexico Famil ReportAdventure World’s Latin America reservation consultant EllenWalker has recently returned from Mexico where she travelledwith G.A.P Adventures on the 10-day Yucatan Panoramasmall group tour. Her thoughts and observations...........“This varied G.A.P trip takes in the highlights of Mexico’sfascinating Yucatan Peninsula at a relaxed pace and ouraccommodation was in simple but character-filled guesthouses.“We travelled by first class bus and minibus and the daysweren’t too long spent sitting. The itinerary was well balancedand offers something for everyone: one day you’ll be climbingancient Mayan temples or exploring Merida’s colonial streets,the next you’ll be swimming in underground caves; snorkelingthe reefs of the Caribbean; listening to howler monkeys inthe jungle or exploring lost cities while soaking up the cultureof one of Mexico’s most fascinating regions.“Practicing my school girl Spanish came in useful, but eventhough most people speak a little English – they do appreciatethe effort if you try some Spanish. The food was awesome –loads of tortillas and rolled Tacos and cheap, thanks to ourGAP Leader recommending some great restaurants.

“A guided tour of the famous Mayan city of Chichen Itza is adefinite high point, and we were filled in on the differenttheories and legends of the ancient city – some very gruesomeindeed. The sun-drenched island of Isla Mujeres with its whitesandy beaches provides the perfect place to finish the tripand just the best sunset to reflect on what a wonderful timeyou’ve had - lively nightlife, excellent food and the warmthof the Mexican people.”

Qantas Seeks Unlimited US AccessQantas has written to Australia’s International Air ServicesCommission seeking to revoke its existing US routearrangements in favour of an allocation of unlimitedcapacity and frequency for passenger and cargo servicesbetween Australia and the US.In the interests of commercial and operational flexibility,Qantas is also seeking the ability for this capacity to beutilised by Qantas and any of its wholly ownedsubsidiaries, and permission for them to offer code shareunder existing conditions and agreements on the routeswith British Airways, American, Mexicana, Air Pacificand Air Tahiti Nui.

Qantas South America Fare IncreaseQantas has applied a general fare increase from NewZealand to South America, effective for sales from27FEB08.Red e-Deal (V & R class) and Super Saver (M & K class)fares increased by 2-3%, although there was no change tothe low season V class Red e-Deal fare. Flexi Saver (H &B class) and Business (C class) fares increased by 8%.To avoid the increases, any existing bookings must beticketed by Tuesday 11MAR08, or within the ticketingtime limit whichever is earlier, or the new fares will apply.Your GDS now displays the new fares.

TravelMemo 8.06F 29FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 7

New Direction for Kilauea LavaUntil now hikers have been able to walk over solidified lava from Kilauea volcanoon Hawaii’s Big Island to the mouth of the lava flow as it sizzles and spits into theocean. But in the last few weeks the lava flow has changed direction dramaticallyand is building itself vertically and laterally causing dangerous shields that collapse,ooze, stall and gush on a continuously changing path. Current flows are off-limitsby foot but demand is sky-high for aerial tours.At press time, the latest eruption site is higher up the volcano, discharging lavafrom a fissure in the Pu’u Kahaualea Natural Reserve, outside the boundaries ofHawaii Volcanoes National Park.Visitors should check with the park daily as elevated sulfur dioxide levels at thesummit prompted the closure of a six km stretch of Crater Rim Drive on 20FEB,however most of the park and facilities remain open.

AFRICA

Cruise West 2009The team at World Journeys now has 2009dates and rates on small-ship cruising inAlaska. They also have details on EarlyBooking savings of up to US$1100pp for2009 cruise departures booked by12DEC08. World Journeys Director KimHouston says “Our sales of Cruise Westhave gone berserk for 2008, and we are fullyexpecting strong sales to continue into 2009as word spreads on what a great experiencethey can provide.” Contact World Journeys(09) 360 7311 or info@worldjourneys.co.nz

CC Africa Doubles Botswana Safari CircuitAdventure World advises that from next month, CC Africawill be welcoming guests to two new intimate semi-permanentluxury tented camps, Chobe Under Canvas and Savute UnderCanvas, located in the game-rich Chobe National Park andthe expansive Savute area one of Botswana’s greatestwilderness reserves.Each will consist of just six tented suites each and areavailable to guests on a nightly basis just like CC Africa’slodges. Hosted by expert CC Africa guides, guests willhave the opportunity to witness Botswana’s extraordinarydiversity and enjoy up-close and personal encounters withAfrica’s wilderness. Guests are flown into the nearestairstrip, and driven directly to their carefully positionedsemi-permanent Under Canvas camp.CC Africa is also opening two new luxurious lodges –Xaranna Tented Camp and Xudum Delta Lodge – as partof its Botswana portfolio in JUN08. Situated on the edgeof the permanent Okavango Delta, in a 25,000 ha exclusivewildlife concession, both lodges will offer water andwilderness experiences with the excitement of viewingbig game.

Xaranna Tented Camp features eight en-suite safari tents withprivate plunge pool.Xudum Delta Lodge has eight safari suites complete with largebathtubs and romantic al-fresco showers. Each suite also boastsa lofty hideout with magnificent views and a private plunge pool.Call Adventure World for details on 09-522 5941.

Stay/Pay with MantisWorld Journeys has deals on 5-night packages in South Africa.Stay two nights at any of the Mantis Collection Private GameReserves, Jock Safari Lodge (pictured), Sanbona or Shamwari,

Garden Route Offers

and get threecomplimentarynights at eitherLake PleasantLiving inK n y s n a ,B u s h m a n ’ sSands Hotel inthe EasternCape, any LastWord Retreat(The Constantia, The Long Beach, The Franschhoek, TheBishops Court, The St James) in and around Cape Town or theRadisson at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Validity is forstays 01MAY to 30SEP08. Call 09-360 7311 orinfo@worldjourneys.co.nz

World Journeys has Stay/Pay deals on 2008 stays in six of themost desirable properties along South Africa’s famed GardenRoute:Altes LandhausCountry Lodge,The Plettenberg,Hunters CountryHouse (pictured),Tsala TreetopLodge, GorahElephant Camp,and KeriegaGame Reserve.

Contact World Journeys as offers and their validity dates varyper property.

TravelMemo 8.06F 29FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 8

The Central & EasternEurope Specialists

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TOURS

Viking: Save A$1100 per Couple with Innovative Innovative Travel is offering A$1100 per couple savings onspecific departures of Viking River Cruises’ the “Waterways ofthe Tsars” cruise on the Viking Lomonosov : Moscow to StPetersburg: 16JUL, 26SEP and 20OCT08 and St Petersburg toMoscow: 10JUN, 28JUL, and 08OCT08. Applicable to newbookings made between now and 30MAY08. Reservations mustbe paid in full within 7 days of confirmation. Call InnovativeTravel on 0508 100111.*The discount applies to twin/double cabins. Single cabin savings are alsoavailable on application.

Booking Bridges Builds Bigger Sales Adventure World points out that Tauck Bridges family travelresults in an average of four commissions per booking (four peopletravelling). Tauck offer family trips in North America, Canada,Alaska, USA, Costa Rica, Galapagos, Italy, Spain, England andTanzania. Contact Adventure World for a Tauck Bridges brochure.

Leap Year Day – The Final Countdown EndsAdventure World has a number of specials and agent incentivesthat end today, Leap Day - Friday 29FEB08.The Specials• Cruise West Alaska Early Booking Savings - save on 2008

cruise departures.• G.A.P Adventures - take 5% off Africa comfort style trips.• A small ship cruise from Anchorage to Kobe in SEP08, early

booking saving.• Anzac Day, 6 nights from $952pp, departs 20APR08.The Agent Incentives• Win a trip for two to Oman flying Emirates. Book & ticket

EK to Dubai or beyond plus two nights in Oman.• Book any Brewster Canada product from the 2008 brochure,

and be in to win an 8-day Rockies Treasures trip for two people.• Be the Top Seller of Explore in FEB08 and win up to $150

worth of goodies. Plus prizes if you come 2nd or 3rd as well.

Cosmos Offers Free Extensionson North America Holidays

Cosmos says it will release free extensions on many of its mostpopular North American tours next month in response to increasingdemand for holidays in the USA and Canada.The Globus Family of brands has experienced compounded growthof 65% over the past two years.The extensions will be available on six of the most popular toursin the Cosmos USA and Canada 2008 brochure:

Western Canada & Rocky Mountaineer with extensionin Vancouver, total 12 days, from $2589Golden West Adventure with extension in LosAngeles, total 16 days, from $1849The Old South and Florida with extension in Orlando,total 15 days, from $1979New England Charm with extension in Boston, total11 days, from $1569Eastern US & Canada Grand Vacation with extensionin New York, total 16 days, from $2189Splendors of the Hawaiian Islands with extension inMaui, total 15 days, from $2839

Prices are per person twin share including a free two-day extension.The free extension offer is available for travel until 31DEC08,with booking and deposit required between 01MAR-31MAY08.

Cruise Europe’s Scenic RiversWorld Journeys is promoting an Early Booking Saving on Viking River Cruises’ popular12-day Paris to Prague itinerary. Save up to US$1,000 per couple on all available datesby booking and paying in full by 31MAR08. The itinerary includes two nights each inParis and Prague, and a scenic river cruise along the Moselle, Rhine and Main Rivers.Sample fine wines produced in the villages of this famous wine-producing region andmarvel at the wonderful architecture and vibrant culture in Prague. Price includes allonboard meals, shore excursions, 11 guided tours with headphones, entertainment andactivities. Call World Journeys on 09-360 7311.

TravelMemo 8.06F 29FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 9

AVIATION

LAX to Test Close-Call EquipmentUS aviation officials hope to begin testing in the coming year arunway warning system at LAX to warn pilots directly ofpotential runway conflicts, something currently lacking at thevery busy airport, which had the highest number of close callsamong the nation’s busiest airports since 2000.The US$5 million runway-stoplight system relies on a seriesof computerised lights embedded along the runway and attaxiway intersections.According to a report in the LA Times, the equipment is tiedinto collision-alert systems that pinpoint where aircraft are bypicking up signals sent by ground radar and sensors on theairfield and transponders in aircraft.After the radar nails down an airplane’s position, itcommunicates it to a computer. This computer predicts whereconflicts might arise and determines which intersections – orrunway – should have red lights. It then sends a command to acomputer which turns on the lights.

Three years after facing bankruptcy, Malaysia Airlines isenjoying record-breaking profits, having achieved aturnaround from a loss of MYR133.7 million in 2006 to a netprofit of MYR852.7 million (US$260.7 million) in 2007, thebest result in the company’s 60-year history.

Qantas has launched an online resource for New Zealandtravel agents. The site – www.qantas.co.nz/agents – hasthe latest in fares, news and product information, specificto this market.

With the end of the UK government’s consultation onexpansion at London Heathrow approaching, opposition isgrowing against any plan to build a third runway. Protestersstaging photo-ops managed to climb onto the fuselage ofa BA jet and drape a banner on its tail and a similar bannerhas since been strung up on Britain’s Houses of Parliament.

Turban Removal Rule ReversedBrisbane Airport security contractors, ISS Security, have nowreversed an edict requiring their staff to insist that passengersremove for security checks religious headwear, includingturbans, veils and Jewish skull caps. It is standard airportpractice around the world that religious headwear is onlyremoved after conventional screening methods trigger an alarm.The recent unprecedented crackdown on turbans and otherculturally sensitive headgear worn by passengers at BNE wasonly abandoned after a ruckus last week when an internationalflight was delayed by the demands. Some 13 Sikhs travellingon it were told to remove their turbans and a Muslim womanwas required to remove her face veil.BNE had been criticised for broad failures of ISS screeners tomonitor passengers and baggage and regular weapons breaches,and for allegedly helped themselves to grog surrendered bytravellers, drinking it at parties, taking it home and raffling it.

On sale now, Qantas International Premium Economy willbe progressively introduced on selected B747-400 flightsfor travel from APR08 departing SYD to LHR, SIN, BKK andJNB, and for travel from MAY08 departing MEL to LHR, SINand HKG. For other routes check out the details atwww.qantas.co.nz/agents.

Emirates is offering its Skywards frequent flyer clubmembers the opportunity to buy a personalsubmarine which can dive to 50m and can stay downfor 150 minutes. The price? A cool US$200,000.It’s listed under Objects of Desire in the latest lavish150-page merchandise guide, The Emirates HighStreet. Members can redeem a mix of SkywardsMiles and cash for an array of goodies, ranging fromFisher Price toys and golf putters to a Deluxe ArtWeekend in New York or the latest Segway personaltransporter. Emirates has nearly 150,000 membersin New Zealand.

Pilots on regional NZ domestic routes could soon beprotected by perspex screens, similar to those found in taxisoverseas. This is one of the ideas being reviewed by officialsin the wake of the recent incident on a CHC-bound aircraft.The Cabinet paper released by Transport Minister AnnetteKing on the incident said security agencies believed therewas an increased short-term risk of copy-cat incidents. Butin the longer term, the terrorist threat was considered “verylow”.

Agents are reminded that sales for the Qantas Our Worldon Sale promotion end next Tuesday 04MAR08. Refer toyour GDS for further details and to your wholesaler forpackages.

Virgin Blue’s long haul airline V Australia has begunrecruiting an initial 280 cabin crew and 100 pilots inpreparation for commencing transpacific services in thefourth quarter of 2008. It has reportedly already receivedthousands of expressions of interest from experiencedB777-300ER pilots and cabin crew.

Australia’s International Air Services Commission hasgranted OzJet unlimited capacity between PalmerstonNorth and Brisbane and Sydney, and has also granted it 360seats a week between Perth and Denpasar, provided itutilises the capacity by 01APR.

Singapore Airlines has announced an A380 Business Classsurcharge of USD250 per sector for SIN-LHR vv SQ322/SQ317flights, effective for travel from 18MAR08.

QF Fuel Surcharge UpdateQantas has advised changes to fuel and insurance surchargesapplicable for Qantas sectors on tickets issued in New Zealand.The YQ charges to Hong Kong will now be provided in NewZealand dollars which will assist travel consultants whencalculating airfare plus fuel surcharge for customers. The YQcharges to Hawaii will now be aligned with USA/Canada/SouthAmerica as a per journey charge, reducing the surcharge byNZD90 for a return journey. Further details are in your GDS.

TravelMemo 8.06F 29FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 10

JUNIOR /INTERMEDIATE

CRUISE CONSULTANT

We are looking for a Processor / ReservationsConsultant to join our growing TravelRepresentation company, based in on theNorth Shore.Applicant must have computer experience.Also previous travel experience preferable,knowledge of cruising an advantage, andapplicant must have a good command of theEnglish language.Hours are Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5.30pm.

Please reply tosally@francistravelmarketing.co.nz

or P O Box 1310, Aucklandby 7th March 2008.

CRUISING

Cruise Visitors SatisfiedCruise ships have been a familiar sight at ports around thecountry this summer and new research shows these tourists areenjoying what New Zealand has to offer.Tourism New Zealand’s first-ever study into cruise visitorsatisfaction found that 93% of visitors surveyed were eitherextremely satisfied or very satisfied with their New Zealandcruise experience. Nearly 70% say they are likely to return andnot necessarily on a cruise.The research, which covered the 2006/07 season, found thatcruise visitors have similar holiday preferences and expectationsto other visitors. Attributes such as friendly local people, cleanunpolluted environment, safety and natural scenery were foundto be particularly satisfying.Almost all visitors surveyed (96%) said they were likely torecommend New Zealand as a cruise destination.The current season expects to see around 101,950 cruisepassengers visit New Zealand ports, an increase of 56%compared to 2006/07.Although cruise visitors spend less time in New Zealand thanother visitors, their average spend per person of NZ$2,209 isstill significant.The research found that cruise visitors took an average of fourorganised shore excursions while in New Zealand, with nearlyhalf taking at least one independently arranged tour or excursion.

Kiwi Don Clark, well-known in this market as the formerSydney-based British Airways regional boss and lately withAmex, has been appointed to the new position of Directorof Sales for Carnival Australia, reporting to senior vicepresident Jenny Lourey, recently headhunted from QantasHolidays and also a former BA executive.

Brisbane’s Welcome for Queen Stops ShortCarnival Australia boss Ann Sherry, who was recently frank inher criticisms of Auckland’s Princes Wharf cruise terminal, hasnow focused on Brisbane’s facilities.In contrast to its Melbourne welcome, passengers on Cunard’sQueen Victoria, on its maiden visit to Brisbane this week, wereforced to wade across a flooded grain terminal, 30 minutes bybus from the city and downriver from the Gateway Bridge,which blocked the 90,000-tonne ship from berthing at thePortside cruise terminal.Ms Sherry is quoted in the Courier-Mail as saying anotherterminal needs to be built on the bay side of the bridge if

The European cruise industry has grown by 25% in the pastyear, according to the European Cruise Council. Its chair-man is quoted by Seatrade Insider as saying that in 2006there were 44 cruise lines domiciled in Europe with 118cruise ships and just over 100,000 lower berths, and a fur-ther 47 ships with just over 50,000 lower berths deployedin Europe by non-European cruise lines. More than 3.4mcruises were booked by European residents - 23% of allcruises booked globally. The council reckons 5 million Eu-ropeans a year will take cruises by 2015.

CCC Director of Sales AppointedCaptain Cook Cruises has appointed Ian Smith as its newDirector of Sales.Mr. Smith, who is new to the travel industry, previously workedfor over 19 years in a number sales and marketing roles withinthe oil industry. The cruise line says he comes to Captain CookCruises with a fresh perspective that will bring an exciting newdimension to the position.

Seabourn Sail & Stay PackageCherryl Browne at Travel Marketing Cruise World advises thatthe Yachts of Seabourn has released a special ‘Sail & StayPackage’ on Seabourn Legend.‘The Yachtsman’s Riviera’ cruise & accommodation packagedeparts Barcelona 05SEP08 and incorporates a 7-night cruisewith one night pre cruise deluxe Barcelona accommodation andone night post cruise deluxe accommodation in Nice.The special fare starts at US$4,373pp (Government Taxes &port charges vary and are advised at time of booking). Seabournalso include an Exclusive Shore Experience on each of thecruises, and for this itinerary, Seabourn guests will enjoy aprivate tour, wine tasting and entertainment at Le Chateau del’Aumerade, a distinguished winery in Provence.

Brisbane wants to becompetitive with ports inAsia keen to welcome suchships.“Plenty of ports are vyingfor business, Queensland isin competition with otherparts of Australia, Asia andNew Zealand,” Ms Sherrysaid.

TravelMemo 8.06F 29FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 11

Silversea’s New Expedition ShipUltra-luxury Silversea Cruises has announced that its newexpedition ship (originally acquired as World Discoverer II)will be renamed HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to Prince Albertof Monaco.The name is fitting for a ship that will be dedicated to theexploration and conservation of the planet’s oceans, wildlifeand indigenous cultures. The Principality of Monaco, locationof Silversea’s global headquarters, has long been recognizedas a leader in marine environment research and is home to theworld renowned Oceanographic Institute.Silversea’s adventure ship, which sets sail from London on12JUN on an Inaugural Season of 10 to 21-day polar voyages,is a Lloyd’s Register A1A ice-rated vessel purpose-built forexpedition cruising and is currently undergoing an extensivemultimillion-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard inTrieste, Italy. The ship is also being outfitted with a new fleetof eight, latest-model Zodiac boats with Yamaha four-strokeengines (for lowest possible emissions) that will allow gueststo enjoy up-close exploration and access to some of the world’smost remote landscapes.Reservations open today and a colourful self-mailer will beavailable to travel agents in a few weeks.Visit www.silversea.com/HSHPrinceAlbertII for more detailson the HSH Prince Albert II’s inaugural schedule.

ACCOMMODATIONFrom 01MAR-31AUG08 a special government bed andbreakfast rate has been launched by the Holiday Inns inChristchurch. Rates from $130 for Holiday Inn On Avon and$145 for Holiday Inn City Centre. These rates are inclusiveof GST and one buffet breakfast. Rates are commissionableon the room only portion and are available for booking viaGDS. Full details and information will be out to all BusinessTravel Agents shortly. Any queries call Caroline Horton,Business Development Manager, Holiday Inns Christchurch03 353 6190.

The Millar Road FamilyThe latest stylish accommodation offering to get theNavigate Oceania promotional treatment is The MillarRoad Family, two distinctive properties, ‘Millar Road’Hawke’s Bay and ‘Esther’s Place’ Napier, both created toappeal to those interested in design and contemporary artand food and wine lovers.Millar Road comprises two cottages in the Tuki Tuki Hills,south of Napier towards Cape Kidnappers and overlookingtheir own vineyard and coastline. Pictured at right, theyare the perfect base to enjoy Hawke’s Bay food and winecountry excursions, their design is described asreminiscent of the New Zealand bach of the 1950s and1960s with relaxed interior layouts, restrained colours,natural wood finishes, neutral white backgrounds andartworks by local artists.Esther’s Place in Napier offers two new apartments idealfor romantic escapes. This elegant waterfrontaccommodation has unrestricted views of the estuary,inland Hawke’s Bay, and towards the Pacific Ocean. Styledby a leading design shop, they are lushly furnished byEsther Diamond, a trendy local home designer whospecialises in showcasing artwork from the country’s bestpracticing artists.The tariff at Millar Road Cottages and Esther’s PlaceApartments starts from $400 per couple, per night.www.millarroad.co.nz.

HotelSafeGuard.com, a US-based global,confidential, subscriber-only database of hotelguests with a history of fraud and misconduct,officially launched 12FEB and handled over1,000 applications for membership in the firstseven days.

TravelMemo 8.06F 29FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nz

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Tel: 09- 449 1 449 Mob: 0211 833 643

Fax: 09-449 1436

editor@travelmemo.co.nz

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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 wholeor in part, without the prior writtenapproval of the Publisher.

Travel

PEARL’S PEARLER

Every time I think I know where it’s at, they move it.

Last Page - Use Escape key to Exit the Control L featurePage 12

...in Stocklink’s TravelBag Envelope for RetailersBudget Accommodation Directory 59th Edition 2007/08APT Topdeck Egypt 2008/09Travel Digest Mar 2008Min of Justice Pay or Stay Flyer

GREEN MATTERS

Green Globe Gets New OwnerGTREX Capital, Inc., a holding company with subsidiaryoperations in the travel distribution industry, has so far acquired83% of Green Globe Ltd., the British company that owns the GreenGlobe brand, and expects it to become a wholly owned subsidiary.The World Travel and Tourism Council established Green Globein 1992 as a response to the UN Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit,where 182 Heads of State endorsed the Agenda 21 principles ofSustainable Development. After two years of additionaldevelopment, the Green Globe program was established as acommercial enterprise.The Green Globe logo is currently marketed by organisations thathave entered into joint ventures and/or licensing agreements withGreen Globe, Ltd. (UK) to use the brand for hotels, resorts andother tourism destinations that meet certain specific benchmarksfor sustainability.

INDUSTRY

Maui Goes GreenAs an example of Maui’s commitment to reducing itsenvironmental footprint, its 2008-09 brochure is printed on papersourced from sustainable forests, using mineral-free inks and anecologically friendly printing process.Maui has dedicated $50 million to introduce 740 low-emissioncampervan vehicles and three new models to the fleet this year,the majority of which will be supplied by Mercedes Benz.

Flight Centre AppointmentFlight Centre New Zealand has appointedAndrew Stark to the position of GeneralManager Product, responsible for thecompany’s in-house wholesale, ticketingdistribution, product development andcontracting divisions.Mr Stark will manage Flight Centre’ssupplier relationships and oversee

negotiation of all airline and land agreements.Mr Stark was previously the General Manager Product andMarketing for Flight Centre in South Africa, a position heheld for three years. Prior to joining Flight Centre he was theNational Sales Manager for the Kerzner International HotelGroup.

Central’s New Industry Rates for Travel MatesCentral Apartments & Hotels is offering half-priceaccommodation for travel agents staying in its Brisbane,Auckland or Wellington Apartment Hotels, with discountedprices starting at A$88* per room per night.Central’s eight apartment hotels are all centrally located andoffer modern hotel, studio and one- and two-bedroomapartments.Check out the details at www.centralapartmenthotels.com.au.For bookings or enquiries in Australia, call Central Resvnson 1800 077 777. For bookings or enquiries in N.Z. callCentral apartment hotels direct:AKL– Central Precinct Apartment Hotel: Ph: 0800 773 246WLG– Central Terrace Heights Serviced Apts: Ph: 0800 163 000WLG– Central Stratford Apartment Hotel: Ph: 0800 487 456*Subject to availability and conditions apply. Valid until 30JUN08.Agent rates in Australia include GST. New Zealand rates exclude GST.Bookings will be confirmed 21 days prior to check in.

House of Travel is encouraging agents to vote for Tina

Cross in TV’s Dancing With the Stars as she, like them,

supports the charity Hospice New Zealand.

Last Spaces for Pink Ladies NightTravel Managers says it still has a couple of spaces left for itsupcoming Pink Ladies event, supporting the New ZealandBreast Cancer Foundation, at La Zeppa in Freeman’s Bay,Auckland at 5.30pm on 05MAR. Two SchwarzkopfProfessional Stylists from Mod’s Hair, a top Auckland hairsalon, will be on hand to share some fun and free styling tipsplus a live demonstration.Everyone from within the Travel Industry is welcome to enjoycomplimentary tapas and wine tasting on offer, and are askedto make a small donation to the collection on the night.RSVP online at www.travelmanagers.co.nz/pinkladiesregistration

World Journeys reports that director Ange Pirie has given

birth to a girl, who has been named Kaia. Mother and baby

are both doing well.

Rendezvous Melbourne Travel Industry SpecialRendezvous Hotel Melbourne, opposite Flinders Street RailwayStation, has an industry special 01MAR-30APR08 (except 13-16MAR during the F1GP). The rate, A$159 per deluxe double/twin room per night, includes a free upgrade to a newly refurbishedCommerce Room (space available, but guaranteed for an extraA$30 per night), two glasses of bubbly in the Cocktail Bar, amorning paper and late checkout to 1pm.Bookings: res@melbourne.rendezvous.com.au