TravelMemo 8.06T 26FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nz

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Issue 8.06T

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26FEB08

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Domestic Visitors Targeted in CCT Autumn CampaignA new domestic marketing campaign aimed at makingChristchurch and Canterbury the favoured escape destination forNew Zealanders begins this week.The tactical campaign, A Taste of Europe Escape, includes onlineand television advertisements and print inserts in majornewspapers. It focuses on showcasing Canterbury’s diversity –including Akaroa with its historic French heritage, the TranzAlpineexcursion and the thermal spa resort of Hanmer Springs – andencourages people to book autumn packages online.

The push comes as the number of domestic passengers passingthrough Christchurch International Airport reaches a record high.Domestic passenger movements at the airport were up 19% inJAN08 compared with the same month last year, and have beenconsistently improving for the past three months.Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive ChristinePrince says the increase is an indication that people are starting torealise how much the region has to offer and reflects the low airfareson the market.“The exceptional flight deals offered by the domestic airlines aremaking it easier for people to take short breaks. Many NewZealanders currently look overseas to take short breaks oralternatively will drive to destinations. What we are offering ismore choice – another consideration. It’s not just aboutChristchurch, it’s about its amazing backyard and its ease andconvenience.’’Air New Zealand is supporting the “A Taste of Europe Escape”campaign and Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism has launchedfive tailor-made holiday packages valid to 31MAY. All can bebooked online together with Air New Zealand travel atwww.christchurchnz.comHere’s a link to their new TC commercial:http://www.christchurchnz.com/canterbury/Domestic/

Photo: Tony Bridge

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TravelMemo 8.06T 26FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 2

NEW ZEALAND

See (& Hear)WhatWe’re All About

CLICK HERE

Canny Southerners in for BargainsPacific Blue is to take delivery of a seventh 180-seat Boeing 737-800 at the end of next month, allowing it to increase its domesticfleet to three and also increase capacity on the Tasman.The Dominion Post reports that it understands DJ will soonannounce flights from Dunedin to Wellington and Invercargill toChristchurch and Auckland. Such moves would require a hugeincrease in domestic travel demand to and from the southern cities,given that Air New Zealand, which has been teasing the provinceswith the prospect of a six-month B737 trial, says that currentdemand from IVC, DUD, PMR and HLZ is just below that requiredto make a 136-seat B737-300 a paying proposition.

Lake Wanaka Winter Resort New Developments for 2008Winter sports destination, Lake Wanaka, has a number of newdevelopments at its four alpine resorts coming on stream in timefor the 2008 winter season.Among the multi-million-dollar investments is a new high speeddetachable quad chairlift at Cardrona Alpine Resort, along withnew snowmaking guns and a new expanded pizzeria restaurant inits Captain’s Basin area. The new chairlift will cut the lift time byalmost two thirds with the journey then taking just over threeminutes.The Southern Hemisphere’s only dedicated terrain park resort,Snow Park NZ, has redeveloped many of its features including anew Slopestyle lane featuring intermediate jumps and jibs and aredeveloped Half Pint Park, dedicated to beginners. Lake Wanakacan now boast regular night skiing and riding as Snow Park NZswitches on the floodlights for two evenings a week, from 4pm to9pm. This new facility is available either as an add-on to a daypass or as an individual night riding pass.Trail enhancements, snowmaking and a new beginners programmemarks developments at Treble Cone for 2008. The Saddle Basinwill feature wider groomed trails tilted to the south to help retainsnow. New state-of-the-art snow guns will enhance snow conditionsin the Home Basin and the resort introduces the internationallyrenowned Burton Learn to Ride programme for beginnersnowboarders.Visitors to Snow Farm can experience a night in the wildernessin a back country musterers’ hut following the redevelopment ofMeadows Hut. An easy ski along the Nordic tracks, the hut isnestled into a sheltered gully and can sleep up to twenty with afire for cooking and an outside BBQ. It’s also the ideal lunch stopfor day skiers enjoying New Zealand’s only Nordic ski area.

TranzScenic is currently promoting The Overlander

with a new campaign: See the Land – Not the Long

White Cloud, and an offer of $49 limited-seat fares

from Auckland to Wellington or anywhere between.

Call 0800 TRAINS.

With less than a fortnight before the big Wings and Wheels

over Waikato air show 07-09MAR, and with at least $1.15 million

in tickets sold and hundreds of thousands of dollars invested

by exhibitors and sponsors, there are doubts over whether

the event will actually take place. Investigations by the

Waikato Times last week revealed that the required resource

consent process has not been completed by the event

organiser and he has not been returning calls.

Cast your vote for QueenstownWith two days to go, Queenstown has slipped to a disastrous #26on the global leaderboard for the new Monopoly Here & Now:World edition of the board game. Destination Queenstown is askingeveryone to continue to cast their vote over the next two days.Click here

The Stash at The RemarkablesQueenstown Scene reports that Southern Alpine Recreation, incollaboration with Burton snowboard company, is spending$250,000 on a third terrain park at The Remarkables.To be known as The Stash, it will be a kilometre-long run followingthe natural lines of the skifield, using existing rocks, log featuresand concrete slabs.Scene quotes The Remarkables ski area manager Ross Lawrenceas saying they want to create their own environment with a focuson the young, active freestyle boarder and skier – something totallydifferent and aligned with what they’re about at The Remarkables.“It can be used by all levels of skiers and snowboarders and eachrun has various surprises “stashed” around the terrain,” Lawrencesays.

Purely Inspirational Website for QueenstownDestination Queenstown’s www.queenstown-nz.co.nzwebsite has a fresh new look and ‘pure inspiration’ themeconsistent with the marketing and promotion ofQueenstown as a premier four season lake and alpineresort destination, according to Graham Budd, The DQGeneral Manager – Marketing.New features include a highlights video stream pluswebcam shots in partnership with the Skyline Gondola,Restaurant and Luge that provide round the clock viewsfrom various vantage points.The updated Trade section contains a range of informationon trade training and suggested itineraries as well asmarketing collateral.Figures show website usage continuing to grow withunique visitor numbers to the site increasing by 21% forthe months of OCT, NOV and DEC07 compared to thesame months during the previous year.

TravelMemo 8.06T 26FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 3

Maui Showcases New ModelsThe Maui Motorhomes 2008-09 brochure ishot off the presses, featuring their newMercedes Benz models.The brochure is an ideal cross-selling tool,showcasing the appeal of Australia and NewZealand as self-drive holiday destinations. Itis colourful, informative and inspiring, withstriking photography and clear, detailedproduct information. Vehicle interior picturesillustrate the unique selling points of eachmotorhome model and the brochure alsoincludes a comprehensive FAQ section.Six new models include the roomy Spirit 2Grande, the even more spacious Spirit 2 toiletshower model, the Spirit 4 with its panoramicwindows, and the new design Spirit 6 withtwo living areas and several entertainmentfeatures.

Added to the Maui Australia fleet this year isthe Spirit 4WD, perfect for adventurers andsporting an ingenious slide-out kitchen. In afirst for rental vehicle fleets in Australasia, theentire Maui 2WD motorhome fleet in Australiawill feature automatic transmission.Maui Motorhomes are cleaner and greenerthan ever. Brand new, low-emission vehicleshave already rolled off the line. Maui dedicated$50 million to introduce 740 low-emissioncampervan vehicles and three new models tothe fleet this year, the majority of which willbe supplied by Mercedes Benz. Travellers willbenefit from advanced safety features, theluxury and comfort inherent to Mercedesvehicles, and engines which deliver bettercombustion, lower emissions, more torque andreduced fuel consumption.

AUSTRALIA

Maui Teams with Native Parks Motorhome HavensA key addition to Maui’s 2008-09 offering is the chance to interface with locals andexperience more of the real New Zealand than would be possible at traditional holidayparks. To further promote low impact travel across our countryside, celebrate nativebusinesses, and provide holiday-makers with access to authentically Kiwi destinations,Maui is now in a partnership with Native Parks Motorhome Havens, which includeslifestyle farms, sheep and cattle stations, boutique wineries and country restaurants.

Savings Extend on Murray CruisesSave 25% on normal cruise prices onCaptain Cook Cruises - Murray River.The deal includes all meals,accommodation, most activities,transfers to /from ADL. Travel 01APR-30SEP08. Sales extended to 14MAR08.Wholesalers have details.

Sales Extend on 2-night Sydney Cruises

Sales have been extended to 14MAR08 on a dealsaving your clients 25% on normal cruise prices onCaptain Cook Cruises two-night Sydney HarbourCruises for travel 01APR08-31MAR09. The packageincludes all meals, accommodation, most activities,sightseeing and time for shopping.Wholesalers have details.

TravelMemo 8.06T 26FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 4

Business Events AustraliaTourism Australia has announced the roll out of Business EventsAustralia, a brand positioning specifically for the businessevents sector – one that sets Australia apart from otherdestinations.Managing Director of Tourism Australia, Geoff Buckley, says“In creating the Business Events Australia brand we want tohighlight how Australia offers a creative environment, wherepeople can connect for business, and the expertise to providetailored solutions for corporate meeting and incentiveprograms.”Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau boss, Jon Hutchison,says having a consistent brand is important in light of globalcompetition.”Each Australian city and region is active in the marketplace,presenting its individual case to capture international businessevents,” Mr Hutchison says. “But there is a need to put all thisunder one banner ‘Australia’ to create enough critical mass forall of us to break through the intense competition that we face.From today we now have that Australian brand,” he said.Over the coming year Tourism Australia will deliver acomprehensive trade marketing program for business gatheringsthrough participation in events such as AIME, exploratory trademissions, familiarisations for corporate buyers and agents, the10th Team Australia Business Events Educational in Macau,and a comprehensive PR program – all supported by theBusiness Events Australia brand positioning.

Jersey Boys Musical for MelbourneJersey Boys: The story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasonsis the latest big musical announced for Melbourne, and willhave its Australian debut at the Princess Theatre in MAR09.Jersey Boys tells the story of how Frankie Valli and the FourSeasons, a group of boys from the wrong side of the tracks,became one of America’s biggest pop sensations, selling 175million records before they were 30. The show features timelesshits including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man,Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You, Rag Doll, Working My WayBack to You and December 1963 (Oh What a Night).The show has played to 2.4 million people since its Broadwaypremiere in 2005.

Original Broadway Cast at the August Wilson Theatre, New York City.Pic: Joan Marcus (c) 2005.

The owners of Rendezvous Hotels Management Pty Ltdhave acquired the BestWestern Emerald Hotel,Perth, with settlementexpected on or around01APR08. The four star, 101-room boutique hotel willthen be renamed TheMarque Hotel Perth.

Outrigger Twin Towns Resort Easter Rates: A$74pp*With Easter coming early this year, and SE Queensland finallyenjoying a sunny late summer, the Outrigger Twin Towns Resortat Coolangatta Tweed Heads is offering minimum two-nightEaster stays from A$74pp per night share twin. And the samerate applies nightly on other dates from now until the end ofMAR08. *Terms & conditions apply, rate is subject to availability. Rateis AUD$148 (incl. GST) per room per night twin share. Valid to 31 Mar 08.Min 2-night stay over Easter.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Second Tonga Airline from APRMatangiTonga quotes Tonga’s Minister of Transport, Hon. PaulKaralus as saying that Air Chatham will most likely replacePeau Vava’u as Tonga’s second domestic air operator startingin April. A decision was due last Friday.Peau Vava’u, which has been out of service since the NOV06riots resulted in the destruction of their office at the Pacific RoyaleHotel, surrendered its Air Operator’s Certificate in January.Since then Tonga’s domestic air service has been serviced solelyby Airline Tonga, a Fiji Air-Teta Tours joint venture.The Minister told MatangiTonga that Air Chathamrepresentatives had formally lodged an application for thedomestic air service, having previously leased a 50-seateraircraft to Peau Vava’u. He indicated a local operator had alsoindicated an interest and, although no formal application hasbeen received, would also be looked at.

Iririki 50% off SaleIririki Island Resort & Spa in Vanuatu has extended its 50% offdeal for sales to 19MAR08. Travel remains to 30JUN08. Thespecial is based on a Stay 4 nights Pay 2 deal and can be doubled.It includes daily tropical breakfast and applies to all room gradesincluding the self-contained Deluxe Rooms.

Wedding Bonus for Aggies ResortAggie Greys Lagoon Beach Resort & Spa, Samoa is nowoffering wedding couples a bonus deal: Book ten rooms or morein the Deluxe Ocean View Rooms for the wedding party andthe bride and groom will receive a free upgrade to the All-Inclusive Meals Package for their entire stay. They will alsoget two 30-minute massages at the resort’s Manaia PolynesianSpa. Sales, travel to 31MAR09. Wholesalers have details.

Tonga’s new ‘Olovaha inter-island ferry is expected to arrivein the country in late 2009, according to a report inMatangiTonga.

TravelMemo 8.06T 26FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 5

Duelling Guitars for Norfolk Is Country Music FestThe Norfolk Island Country Music Festival 25MAY-01JUN willsee budding Johnny Cashes on both sides of the Tasman gettingready to walk the line.The 15th annual Country Music Festival decides the Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year Award and is a popular eventfor fans and performers alike as a showcase for country musicin Australasia.The Country Music Gold Pass gets festival-goers right inamongst festival activities. It includes a ‘Meet the Stars’ mixand mingle evening, reserved seating for shows on Mon, Tueand Wed evening - including the Trans Tasman Entertainer ofthe Year Award - and an ‘up-country after dark’ pass.The Norfolk Island Travel Centre has special packages toNorfolk Island with Air NZ ex AKL, WLG, CHC starting fromNZ$1,839 for seven nights.Packages include return airfares, all pre payable airline taxes(excluding NZ & Norfolk Island departure tax), and 7 nightstwin share accommodation.Call Christan for more info toll free on 0800 0088 10 or emailchristan@travelcentre.nf

Bigger, Long Range ATR for Air VanuatuAir Vanuatu has signed a contract with planemaker ATR at theSingapore Air Show to purchase its first ATR 72-500 for deliverynext year. The 70-seat aircraft will be equipped with 120-minutes ETOPS (Extended Range Twin-engine Operations)capability, which will enable Air Vanuatu to develop itsinternational network with flights to the surrounding Islandssuch as Fiji and the Solomon Islands.

ATR has sold Air Tahiti an ATR 72-500, making it the 25th

new ATR ordered by the carrier since 1986. The 66-seataircraft will be equipped with 120-minutes ETOPS which

ASIA

means Air Tahiti is able tooperate its ATR fleet overan island network as vast asEurope.

ManU Experience in MacauThe Manchester United Experience has opened at The GrandCanal Shoppes of The Venetian Macau. The 16,000sq ftManchester United Megastore operates over three levels andoffers a wide selection of ManU merchandise. Customers canselect from the latest range of Home and Away Kits for eachclub or team and the professional training range includesspecially designed apparel, equipment and other footballaccessories as well as unique memorabilia. The range ofchildren’s apparel for both babies and kids is new to both HongKong and Macau. In addition, the Nike “World of Football”offers an extensive selection of merchandise from the world’sbest known clubs and national teams.Complementing this array of merchandise is the upper level“Ultimate Interactive Football Experience” where fans canparticipate in a complete interactive encounter with the club,its history and players as well as the authentic look and feel ofthe Old Trafford Stadium itself.

Macau low cost carrier Viva Macau is reported to beplanning to double its Sydney service and will start flightsfrom Melbourne or Brisbane by the end of the year.

Tour Vietnam for $1,030In two weeks your clients can visit Vietnam from top to bottom,travelling by train, local bus, air-conditioned bus, boat and cyclo,and stay at hotels/guesthouses, onboard a train and a junk.Adventure World says variety is the spice of life and this 15-day small group guided holiday has it all.Vietnam’s scenic, historical, cultural and culinary delights arecovered on this trip that takes in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue HoiAn and Saigon.Included: 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, G.A.P tour leaderand local guides. Trip departs year-round and is priced from$1,030pp share twin plus US$250 local payment. Call AW on09-522 5946.

Rare Chance to View Mughal GardensThe Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan (the IndianPresident’s official residence in Delhi) are being opened to thegeneral public from now until 24MAR from 1000-1700 dailyexcept Mondays.

First InterContinental for VietnamInterContinental Hotels opens its first property in Vietnam on06MAR. The 359-room InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, whichsoft-opened in DEC07, is set on the lake edge 10 minutes fromthe CBD and all rooms feature jutting balconies offering viewsof the city, gardens or across the water.

The 15-acreMughal Gardenswere designed bySir EdwinLutyens who wasinspired by thegardens of Jammuand Kashmir, thegardens aroundthe Taj Mahal andby Persian and Indian miniature paintings.The Musical Garden features three fountains, which dance toShehnai music and Vandemataram, while The Biodiversity Parkis another attraction, full of peacocks as well as deer, ducks,turkeys, guinea fowls, turtles, parakeets, rabbits and migratorybirds. Important medicinal and aromatic plants depicting theiruse can be seen in the educational-cum-conservation HerbalGarden, which displays more than 30 types of herbs. Organicallygrown winter season vegetables are also on display.The entry and exit into the Gardens is via Gate No. 35 of thePresident’s Estate, which is located at the extreme end of ChurchRoad, about 300m west of Cathedral Church. Visitors arerequested not to bring any water bottles, food, briefcases,handbags/ladies purses, cameras, radios/transistors, cell phones,umbrellas or arms/ammunition.

TravelMemo 8.06T 26FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 6

AMERICAS

Four per Week to VancouverCustomer demand has been so strong that Air New Zealandhas decided to increase its direct services between Aucklandand Vancouver to four a week from early December. The fourthservice will operate on Thursdays for the peak travel seasonbetween 04DEC08 and 26MAR09.Air New Zealand Group General Manager International AirlineEd Sims says that Vancouver was proving to be one of theairline’s most successful route launches in recent years.”We had always forecast strong uptake for the new service, butit’s fair to say that we’ve been pleasantly surprised by thestrength of the demand shown by customers in both markets,”he says.“We’re looking to build our services to daily as soon as possible,and will continue to work closely with the New Zealand andCanadian travel trade to further stimulate demand.”Mr Sims said there were a number of factors that had contributedto the success of the new destination – its appeal as a skiingand snowboarding destination, its convenience as a gateway tothe rest of Canada via Air Canada connections, and the supportfrom the Canadian travel trade and Tourism British Columbia.“There already is a buzz in British Columbia and Canada aboutthe great new tourism opportunities that Air New Zealand hascreated,” commented Rod Harris, president and CEO of TourismBritish Columbia.Air NZ has just picked up the Tourism Media Award at the annualTourism British Columbia Tourism Awards in recognition ofthe exceptional coverage of BC the new service had generated,which helped entice more people to visit the province.

Protests in PeruProtests against a tourism development plan in historic Cuzco, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site, led to the suspension late last week of publictransportation and airport operations. The trouble forced authorities totemporarily ground flights at Cuzco’s airport and affected train service toMachu Picchu, but police reportedly provided escorts to tourists visitingCuzco’s historic sites.Demonstrators are protesting a new law that promotes the developmentof tourism services near ancient Incan archaeological sites.

Hawaii Superferry is going to be out of commission for more than amonth after the 350ft Alabama-built car and passenger vesselsuffered hull damage while in drydock. The Superferry is now set toresume its daily runs between Honolulu and Maui on 25MAR.

AFRICA / MID EAST

Honolulu’s Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest outdoor shoppingcenter, is about to celebrate the unveiling of a new 100,000 square-foot, two-level retail wing with 30 new stores, many of them likeNordstrom new to the state. The center features 290 outlets,including nearly 70 dining options.

World’s Longest Arch Bridge for DubaiDubai Creek is to get a sixth crossing, a US$817million bridge, on completion four years from nowwill be the world’s longest arch bridge. Once built itwill measure 1,600 metres, with an arch 205 metreshigh and 667 metres long. The bridge will carry 12 lanes of traffic plus a metroline and will connect Bur Dubai with the Deira area.Its construction will involve a manmade island onwhich an Opera House will be built.New York architects Fxfowle were inspired by ‘therhythmic grace of Dubai Creek’s current, the elegantsplendor of the sand dunes adjacent to the city, thelighting patterns of the lunar cycle and the design ofthe future Opera House’, according to WorldArchitecture News.Phinda Mountain Lodge Rebuild

World Journeys reports that the R20 million rebuilding and refurbishingof CC Africa’s Phinda Mountain Lodge is on track, with 18 newlytransformed suites (complete with brand new bathrooms, new entrance,new decks, private plunge pools and outdoor showers) already open toguests. Upon completion of this enormous project, the lodge will feature25 suites in total, two of which are ideal for families.The guest area has been transformed into a spacious u-shaped buildingwith central al fresco courtyard. The intimate sitting areas lead out onto ashaded terrace and three-tiered spacious veranda with spectacular viewsof the Ubombo Mountains and bushveld. In addition, the lodge has abrand new Safari Shop, an interpretive library room, open-air boma,swimming pool and shaded observation deck.

Hotel revenues in Dubai grew 15.7% to reachUS$3.38 billion in 2007 - up from $2.92b in2006.Khalid A. Bin Sulayem, director-general ofthe Department of Tourism and CommerceMarketing (DTCM) confirms that Dubai’stourism industry is booming.He says that the tourism sector’s directcontribution to Dubai’s economy isestimated at around 18%, while indirectly itscontribution is nearly 30%.

TravelMemo 8.06T 26FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 7

Tanzania Reinstalls Health Surveillance Desks

EUROPE

CC Africa’s Walking Safaris Reopen 01MAR

Rod Griffith, New Zealand Sales Manager for Peregrine,Geckos and Exodus has sent TravelMemo the following adviceregarding Yellow Fever.“As Tanzania is among countries which are at risk of beinginfected by yellow fever, Health Officials have been instructedto deal with the control and prevention of yellow fever forinternational travellers coming from infected countries and, forthis reason, “Health Surveillance Desks” which were removedin 2001, have been reinstalled in all Borders, Ports andInternational Airports.* For all travellers coming directly from Europe to Kilimanjaroand Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere) airports on direct flights,such that they did not cross / transit through an endemic countrythey will not need Yellow Fever Vaccination.

disease, although it is not mandatory - suggested by WHO).* For all travellers coming from Europe via or transiting throughan endemic country, e.g. via Nairobi or Addis Ababa, they willneed a Yellow Fever Vaccination card. This also applies topassengers in transit in airports where there is a risk of yellowfever transmission, e.g. clients arriving on an international flightin Nairobi or Addis Ababa and connecting a regional flightwithin the airport to Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam.Yellow fever vaccination is provided at Kilimanjaro and Dares Salaam airports at a cost of US$50 per passenger (this is forpassengers who are required to hold a yellow fever vaccinationcertificate but have none on arrival in Tanzania)On arrival, international & regional passengers must first go tothe health desk then to the Immigration desk; no passport willbe accepted at immigration desk without a stamp from HealthDesk.”

(You may however recommend yellow fever vaccination to yourclients for self-protection against the risk of exposure to the

CC Africa offers Walking Safaris enabling guests an exceptionalinterpretive, up close and personal African adventure. Safe andexciting, these safaris are led by specialised and highly qualifiedCC Africa rangers and trackers, who teach guests how to identifytracks and insects, birdwatch and appreciate the varied habitatsand fascinating ecology. CC Africa’s Walking Safaris can beexperienced at both Ngala and Phinda Private Game Reserves.With just four en-suite safari tents (maximum 8 guests), the

Walking Safaris camps can be booked for exclusive-use,enabling an entirely private and intimate experience. Enjoy adaily 5-hour morning walk, and a short pre-sunset walkcombined with a thrilling night drive. While observing a herdof elephant at a safe distance is possible, the emphasis is onmicro-systems, and time is spent examining the likes of spiders,ant lions and dung beetles.Contact Adventure World for more details.

Tauck Holds 2008 Europe Prices – No SurchargesAdventure World advises that Tauck World Discovery is holdingthe published all-inclusive, “one-price-up-front”prices for allits 2008 European tours, river cruises and ocean cruises. Tauckbuilds virtually everything into the prices of its land and cruiseitineraries – over 100 different cost components are included

and Tauck’s European land tours and cruises offer exclusiveexperiences like private, after-hours visits to the Vatican; galaevenings in private castles; winery visits and tastings; cookingdemonstrations and private lectures.Phone Adventure World on 09-524 5118.

What Commonwealth?Commonwealth governments are currently exercised over a aBritish Home Office Green Paper that questions the continuedavailability of the ancestry visa.The so-called ‘ancestry visa’, introduced 36 years ago by Britainas a mark of appreciation of its former dominions, is availableto Commonwealth nationals aged 17 or over, whosegrandparents were born in the UK. This visa entitles holders tolive in Britain for four years to work and eventually to settle.Statistics show that it has mainly been used by nationals ofNew Zealand, Australia and South Africa though it is technicallyavailable to Indians as well because of the Commonwealth ties.The UK government is proposing that ‘ancestry visa-holders’face the same restrictions on working there as other non-European migrants. The papers says “ We need to decidewhether a Commonwealth national’s ancestral connections tothe UK are sufficient to allow them to come here to work withoutthe need to satisfy a resident labour market test.”New Zealand intends to make submissions against any movesto scrub the facility, which comes alongside proposals tointroduce an “immigrant tax” for non-European visitors andthe requirement that non-European spouses and fiancees ofBritish nationals face and pass an English language test if theyare to enter the UK at all.

Dublin Tourism Launches Revamped WebsiteDublin Tourism has announce the launch of its “truly, madlyand deeply” revamped website – www.visitdublin.com Hereyou will find a one-stop shop with information on transport,accommodation and on the many things there are to see and doin Ireland’s vibrant, spontaneous and engaging capital, Dublin.Visitdublin.com had five million unique visitors in 2007.

Dublin is now the proud home to six Michelin-starredrestaurants. Bon Appetit in Malahide and Mint in Ranelaghrecently joined the ranks of Thornton’s, Chapter One,Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud and l’Ecrivain winning theprestigious accolade.

TravelMemo 8.06T 26FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nz

AVIATION

Stay 2 consecutive nights at a Marriott Hotel in the UK &Ireland from now until 16MAR08 and receive £100 per roomoff incremental spend at 5-star London Hotels or £50 perroom off incremental spend at 4-star London Hotels,provincial hotels and Hotel & Country Clubs.Valid Thu – Sun. Special conditions apply.

Skyjet Pacific Still PromotingSkyjet Pacific is taking bookings and money for its proposedcharter flights to Asia, which are now said to be taking off fromthe middle of this year, using a Boeing 767 it claims on itswebsite to have chartered, although no aircraft owner detailsare available and the site talks of alternative arrangements ifthe flights don’t eventuate.Skyjet Pacific first began advertising on the radio and TradeMelast December, with $999 return charter flights to Bali and afirst flight date of 23FEB, prompting TravelMemo to visit themseeking details (see reports 04DEC and 14DEC under Archiveon our site).The Skyjet website has since been amended and now offersfares to Bali (from $999 return), Ho Chi Minh City (from $1199)and Shanghai (from $1599) with flights available for JUL, AUGand SEP08, dates that conflict with other information received.TravelMemo has had calls indicating that a number of peoplehave already booked and paid money to Skyjet Pacific for flightsto Bali on various dates in JUN08, but the earliest date currentlybookable on the site appears to be 05JUL for a flight SKJ102from AKL to DPS with timings 1100/1600 and a price of$799.50 one way.One concerned customer has emailed TM:“We are a party of around 16 people planning to go to Balibetween 21/06 and 29/07. We are all keen to book flights withSkyjet Pacific and actually 7 have already done so. We are quite

feedback. The earliest possible flight to book is on 7/06 I think.”A number in this group have already paid by credit card andreceived what appear to them to be e-tickets, copies of whichTM is hoping to obtain.In related developments, the baliforum.com website containsmessages from other prospective travellers seeking reassuranceon Skyjet Pacific, with one dated 07FEB quoting a reply fromPaul Brett, the Gold Coast-domiciled man behind the operation:“I just received an encouraging and reassuring reply from paulat skyjet pacific. encouraging. If in the most unlikely event thatthey don’t fly, they will rebook you on the next carrier asap. ireckon you can’t ask for any more than that and The rest willbe down to the support they receive within the market. hope it’sa success”We recently emailed Skyjet Pacific with the following questions:Whose plane have you secured for these charters and is it adone deal?Where are you at with regulatory approvals from the variousgovernments?What flight frequency are you planning?We have not had an answer, and calls to 0800 SKYJET resultin a curious recorded response “The number you are trying toreach is not permitted to receive calls.”The Commerce Commission has told TM that people cancomplain to it if Skyjet Pacific doesn’t deliver what it is selling.

worried though and wonder if you have heard anymore

Auckland International Airport’s board has changed itsmind and has unanimously recommended shareholdersaccept a partial takeover bid from the Canada Pension PlanInvestment Board.

Air Nelson Wins Landing Fee CaseThe Court of Appeal last week ruled in Air Nelson’s favourover increased landing charges at Hawke’s Bay Airport. Thecourt decision quashed the increase, which dates back to 2005,and could affect the way landing charges were set at otherprovincial airports. The airline fought moves to increase landingfees by around 50% when the carrier upsized its operation intoNPE from Saabs to the bigger Bombardier Q300s even thoughit was maintaining the same schedule.

It took just 20 minutes for all 1,000 special $1 airfaresfrom Invercargill to Christchurch to be sold on theweb after Mayor Tim Shadbolt won the Air NewZealand ‘Mayor Idol’ quest run last week as part ofthe airline’s latest grabaseat promotion.

Jetstar has carried 210,000 passengers on its 28round trip flights a week across the Tasman toChristchurch during the half-year ended 31DEC07, aperformance described as ‘ahead of expectations’.

Toll Holdings has confirmed that it is in talks with potential buyersover sale of a chunk of its 63% stake in Virgin Blue. At the sametime AirAsia is quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald as saying itwould like to develop an ultra low-cost domestic Australian carrierin partnership with Virgin Blue. AirAsia apparently will only do soif Toll sells down its stake and Virgin founder Richard Branson,who owns 25.5% of Virgin Blue, regains management control.Virgin Blue boss Brett Godfrey says the ultra-cheap spin-off couldeither be launched out of his airline’s New Zealand-centric PacificBlue subsidiary or in partnership with another low-cost airline.

Domestic Security Measures AnnouncedTransport Minister Annette King says the Government willrequire immediate strengthening of security trainingrequirements for airline and airport staff to help preventdomestic hijacking attempts, and there will also be a review ofdomestic aviation security. The review will consider issues suchas whether passengers boarding aircraft with fewer than 90 seatsshould be screened.She says the review will report back in May having looked atfurther measures, such as x-ray machines and wand screeningof passengers. The costs and benefits of boosting securitymeasures further will depend on whether any changes are made.The Civil Aviation Authority will meanwhile launch a studyinto whether transparent flight-deck-barriers can be fitted tosmall aircraft.

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TravelMemo 8.06T 26FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 9

Qantas to Control JetsetQantas and Jetset Travelworld plan to merge operations in amove to create a powerful vertically integrated travel servicesbusiness. Jetset will acquire Qantas Holidays and QantasBusiness Travel from the airline, and Qantas will end up with58% of Jetset’s share capital and 4 seats on the 7-person board.The result will be an ASX-listed company called Jetset worthA$3 billion a year and with some 630 retail outlets acrossAustralia, turning over A$800 million in annual revenues frombusinesses operating under their existing trading names. Somebelieve Qantas is moving to protect its retail distribution in theface of growing competition.Former Qantas NZ boss Peter Collins, who is currently GroupGeneral Manager Qantas Holidays, will become the new entity’sGroup CEO.

Qantas says it will hire 900 new long haul flight attendantsby the end of this year in the first phase of its largest evercabin crew recruitment drive. By the end of 2010, QF willhave around 2,000 new flight attendants flying on itsinternational fleet of A380, B747 and A330 aircraft.

More Hours,Less Pay

The Sydney Morning Herald lastweek reported that Qantas hassignalled plans to establish atwo-tiered workforce that willsee some full-time employeeshired on less pay and lowerconditions than existing staff.Qantas, which is targeting A$1.5billion in annual cost savings bymid-2010, described its newfive-year enterprise agreementwith the long-haul flightattendants union as“groundbreaking.”

In his media briefing following last week’s Qantas profitannouncement, the airline’s CEO Geoff Dixon said Jetstar’scost base was about the same as that of Tiger Airways andabout 20% lower than Virgin Blue’s, based on numbersreleased last week by DJ. He says the Qantas full serviceoperation has about a 35% margin over Virgin with a lot ofplans already under way for further enhancement of theproduct within the domestic market.

OpenSkies, the new British Airways subsidiary airlinelaunched to operate direct services from Europe to the US,has applied to the US authorities for operational approvalsand is planning Paris-JFK flights from JUN08.

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The agreement will see new cabin crew work 30% more hourson 25% less pay than the airline’s existing long-haul flightattendants, a deal expected to save QF at least A$40 million ayear in labour costs.The union is quoted as saying it had no choice but to sign thedeal, given QF’s plans to hire cut-rate staff via a subsidiarycompany whether it struck a deal with the union or not.The deal is seen as representing the first move by Qantas toseek the increased efficiencies and lower wages that it alreadyhas achieved from Jetstar.

Our Airline in Deal with Air Marshall IslandsThe Fiji Times Online reports that Nauru and the MarshallIslands have signed an air service agreement as part of an effortto mount flights into Fiji by Nauru’s Our Airline, whosepredecessor Air Nauru ceased operating there in late 2005 inthe wake of the repossession of its sole leased B737. Our Airlinehas since been unable to gain access to Fiji using a B737 thatTaiwan funded in 2006 and Air Pacific is presently the onlyairline flying the Nadi-Kiribati route.Now the Marshall Islands, which has an air service agreementwith Fiji, is looking to fly to Fiji, sharing on the Our Airlinesjet. It has apparently sought approval from Fiji, but has yet toget a response.

British Airways and the British Air Line Pilots Association(BALPA) have now agreed to refer issues relating to thelaunch of the BA subsidiary, OpenSkies, to a conciliationprocess with an independent third party.

Qantas Frequent Flyer Profit RevealedQantas has indicated that an enhanced Frequent Flyer scheme,due for roll-out this year will allow members the option ofredeeming their points on any seat on any plane provided theypay a points premium. They will also be able to exchange pointsfor merchandise or shopping vouchers.For the first time and perhaps as a sales pitch to potential buyersof the programme, Qantas has revealed that the five-million-member scheme made a pre-tax profit of A$62 million onrevenues of A$400 million in the half-year to 31DEC07. QFFgenerates 60% of its revenue outside Qantas.

Air New Zealand pax numbers grew 5.8% in JAN08 on thesame month last year. Long haul numbers grew 11.7%.

TravelMemo 8.06T 26FEB08 www.travelmemo.co.nz

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Peace Officers for Cruise ShipsA California Senator has introduced a bill that would require peaceofficers to travel on cruise ships sailing from California ports.According to a story in the LA Times, the passing of such legislationwould mean the state had the country’s most stringent regulationsmonitoring the cruise industry, which has come under congressionaland public scrutiny in recent years after several high-profile casesof missing people, passengers overboard and sexual assault.The peace officer, whose salary would be funded by a US$1-a-daytax on passengers, would also serve as a licensed marine engineerto monitor compliance with environmental laws.Cruise ships hire their own security officers, but increasingly, USlawmakers and law enforcement officials are questioning whetherthat is sufficient. Congressional subcommittees have held hearingsinto how the industry handles potentially criminal incidents andcomplaints aboard their floating cities.Sen. Joe Simitian is quoted as saying “On board security worksfor the cruise line — not for the passengers and not for the public.There’s an inherent conflict of interest between the public relationsgoals of the employer and the public safety requirements of thepassenger.”

Steering QE2Our story on the final visit of Cunard’s QE2prompted correspondence from Tony Polglase,founder publisher of TravelMemo’spredecessor The Monday Memo.Tony pointed out that, among the celebritieswho had voyaged on QE2, we had omitted hisname, particularly as he had taken the helmwhile the mighty ship traversed a “ratherdicey” section of the Mediterranean especiallyas he had shown them how to use their GPS.It seems Tony recognised the equipment on theship’s bridge as being just like a GPS he’d usedduring two circumnavigations aboard his 36ftSouthampton-built yacht.The Officer of the Watch said they didn’t useit because it was really only a back-up to threeother systems and, besides, they’d lost themanual for it.Tony was able to show how it worked and theofficer was chuffed that he’d now be able tobrief his junior officers on its operation. AndTony was rewarded with a nice bottle of winefor his troubles.

Glitzy Christening Planned for MSC PoesiaMSC Cruises will celebrate the christening of MSC Poesia, in Dover, Englandon 05APR, with a VIP star-studded midnight event to mark the first everlaunch of an MSC Cruises’ ship outside of Italy. Ageless beauty SophiaLoren will be godmother to MSC Poesia and will be guest of honour at theceremony.Performing at the ceremony will be Italian opera legend Andrea Bocelli andmulti award winning singer/songwriter KT Tunstall as well as jazz supremo,20-year-old Peter Grant, accompanied by the renowned Ronnie Scott band.Throughout the evening, US artist Brian Olsen, will provide entertainmentwith his unique style of dramatic performance art.Festivities will continue late into the night onboard the ship, with BBC RadioOne DJ, Fearne Cotton, entertaining celebrity revellers and guests.The Musica-class MSC Poesia, weighing in at 89,600 tonnes and with 1,275cabins providing double occupancy for 2,550 passengers, will be based inVenice for the northern summer of 2008.From APR08 to NOV08, she will undertake seven night cruises from Venicewith calls at Bari (Italy), Katakolon (Greece), Izmir and Istanbul in Turkeyand then Dubrovnik in Croatia before returning to Venice. Fares start atNZ$1320pp, including port charges, all meals and entertainment onboard,children’s club plus Captain’s cocktail party and gala dinner. Children under18 cruise free when sharing a cabin with two adults, conditions apply.Call 0508 4278 473 for a brochure.

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Carnival’s Circle CCarnival Cruise Lines has introduced ‘Circle C’ for the 12- to14-year-old age group, with new clubs, a full schedule ofactivities and staff. The program complements Camp Carnival,for younger kids, and Club 02, for 15- to 17-year-olds.The new Circle C facilities include a dance floor with a high-tech sound and lighting system, large plasma screen TVs formovies and music videos, and a touch-screen jukebox. Alsofeatured are gaming pods.Events include sports, water games, late-night movies and‘swimming under the stars’ pool parties.Circle C facilities are already in place on Carnival Legend,Pride, Victory and Valor with Carnival Imagination, Inspiration,Liberty, Fantasy, Paradise and Glory scheduled to be retrofittedby the end of the year. The balance of the fleet is to be completedby 2010.

ACCOMMODATION

Cruise Passengers to be Welcomed ProperlyCruise ship passengers will be properly welcomed to Wellingtonwith the installation of a new gateway and better access to thecity, Mayor Kerry Prendergast says.“The view of Wellington from the railings of a cruise ship on afine Summer’s morning is stunning. Passengers do, however,have to disembark at a working port which understandably isnot quite as stunning or visitor friendly. We need to improvethat so those visitors enter and leave Wellington on a high note,”she says.The improvements include the installation of a portal, orgateway, on the wharf and improvements to the walkway alongWaterloo Quay to Bunny Street. A new asphalt footpath willbe laid and three attractive shelters will be built along thewalkway where visitors and passengers can rest and get theirbearings from information and interpretation panels. The areaaround the shelters will be enhanced with plants. There will beinterpretation panels and maps on the Wharf and at each of theshelters. The improvements will cost approximately $50,000and will be completed by October. They are the beginning ofa $1.5m improvement to Waterloo Quay over the next 3 years.

Cunard’s QE2 and Queen Victoria during their Royal Rendezvous on Sydney Harbour on the weekend.

Accor AppointmentsAccor Asia Pacific has appointed SimonHarper as General Manager, GrandMercure Puka Park Resort. He joins Accorfrom the Haast World Heritage Hotel,where he has been Hotel Manager sincemid-2006. Mr Harper has more than tenyears experience in the hospitality industryin both Australia and New Zealand

In other news, Brian Townsend, untilrecently General Manager, NovotelPalmerston North, has been appointedGeneral Manager, Tradewinds Hotel &Convention Centre in Suva, whichcomes under Accor management nextmonth.

Atholwood RevampedAtholwood Luxury Country Accommodation on theBronte Peninsula between Nelson and the Abel TasmanNational Park, has just emerged from a year of renovationand upgrading. The property now features two king-sizeB&B suites and two first class, self-contained apartments,stylishly fitted out. Set in two hectares of gardensoverlooking the picturesque Waimea Estuary, Atholwoodhas a salt water pool, spa and sundeck, and BBQ facilities.Check out www.atholwood.co.nz.

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Still an Opportunity to Winwith the Discover America ShowsLast week’s Discover America seminars inChristchurch and Wellington were a resoundingsuccess, with 400 travel agents attending the twoshows. The local Visit USA Committee whoorganise the annual show say that feedback fromboth the US visiting presenters as well as thoseattending has been extremely positive, aided by thehilarity of the MC, comedienne Michele A’Court.For an example of how dedication and enthusiasmis rewarded, you can’t go past Gloria Reynolds fromUnited Travel who travelled up to Auckland all theway from Waikanae and took out one of the fourGrand Prizes on offer.The good news is that if you happened to miss outon attending either of the shows, there is still achance, not only to check out the details of thevisiting presenters, but also to win a trip for two toAmerica with Air Pacific and Handlery Hotels.Simply visit the website www.visitusa.co.nz andclick on the Uncle Sam icon found on the ‘2008Presenters’ page under the Events section.For the record, the major prize winners were:Prize courtesy of Qantas, Anaheim, Hertz & Disney –Chiquita Halliwell, Flight Centre South City.Prize courtesy of Air New Zealand, United Airlines,San Francisco & Hertz – Maxine Arden, FlightCentre Westgate.Prize courtesy of Air Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines,Miramar & Outrigger – Gloria Reynolds, UnitedTravel Waikanae.Prize courtesy of Qantas, American Airlines,Anaheim, Disney California & Francis TravelMarketing – Cherryl Donovan, United Travel TeAtatu.

Puttin’ on the RitzSusie Williams, Hogan & Associates sales manager, fortuitouslytimed her Hawke’s Bay sales visit to coincide with Napier’s ArtDeco Weekend. Dressed appropriately, Susie made a hit whenshe called on agents to promote Voyages Hotels & Resorts, TuiTai, Norfolk Island and other Hogans products. Susie describedthe Napier atmosphere as part time-warp, part movie set, withclassic cars everywhere, locals and visitors dressed to the nines,Cunard’s Queen Victoria in port, and everyone having fun.

Making an impression at Searle Travel,

Taradale (L to R) Kelly Geary, Marcia

Heathcote, Karen Searle, Jody Rossiter and

Where’d-She-Get-That-Hat.

Susie with the team from Cox World Travel, Napier (L to R)

John Bunce, Cathy Baylis, Susie, and Eric Cox.

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