Thursday 17 December 2015 Issue 3226

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

News......................................p1, p2, p4Cruising Today................................. p3Hawaiian Airlines ............................ p5

5 Pages This Issue

AucklandNew PlymouthJetstar to fly to the biggest towns in NZ starting with ‘N’Flights are operated by Eastern Australia Airlines for Jetstar Airways.

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Plane food doesn’t have to mean plain food.

Introducing Qantas’ exciting new economy dining experience. Better food, bigger portions, exceptional service. Visit qantas.co.nz/agents for details.

Hard Rock Berlin WallAnd from the bad taste files… Hard Rock is to build a hotel at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, claiming the politi-cal site fits well with the chain’s values and visions. The Hard Rock Hotel Ber-lin Checkpoint Charlie will open 2020 on a site where the Berlin Wall once stood, and Hard Rock has claimed the location makes sense because ‘for 45 years Hard Rock has championed democratic values’. Memorabilia at the hotel will include a section of the Berlin Wall, and the organ used by Pink Floyd to record The Wall. Locals are said to be unhappy with how the historical area is being turned into an ‘Americanised’ tourist trap, complete with McDonalds and Starbucks.

Kiwi Christmas Travel UpFlight Centre says its bookings show a record number of Kiwis travelling this Christmas, with both domestic and international travel taking off.Bookings over Christmas (23-26 Dec) are up 17% on 2014, and the number travelling on Christmas Eve is up almost 25%. Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne top the destinations being booked, followed by the South Pacific, London and Thailand.

In a year in which Air New Zealand has already announced a number of major international routes, the carrier has now revealed plans to boost capacity on its Australian and Pacific Island routes for the 2016 northern summer (Mar-Oct).Extra flights and aircraft up-gauges will result in 3% more capacity on the Tasman, while the Air New Zea-land and Virgin Australia alliance combined increases capacity by 5.5% compared to 2015. There’s also timing changes to offer better connections.In the islands (excluding Hawaii), capacity will be up 5%, in line with growing demand, says the carrier.

. . . Key Tasman ChangesOn the Tasman, there’s a 3% boost on AKL-BNE thanks to extra flights; AKL-CNS will up-gauge to a 772 01 Jul-09 Oct, bringing Premium

Economy to the route; up-gauges on select AKL-MEL flights will increase capacity by 7.9%; extra AKL-OOL flights will operate during the school holidays; and AKL-SYD will increase 5.1% thanks to up-gauges.Flight time changes on BNE, MEL and OOL flights ex CHC will allow better connectivity to South Island ports.Changes in ZQN include BNE flights will be operated only by VA. SYD ca-pacity is increasing 6% and MEL 4% thanks to extra flights.

. . . And The IslandsCapacity to Fiji ex AKL is set to in-crease 9% (and more in the Apr and Jul school holidays), with a 787 service continuing for selected flights, and ex-tra return services across most of the season, peaking at 17 weekly return services 04-24 Jul. There will also be extra Fiji flights ex CHC and WLG in the holidays, and WLG-NAN flights will be extended to 15 Oct.AKL-RAR capacity will increase 4% (and further in Apr, Jul and Oct), thanks to increased frequencies; there’s extra NOU and IUE flights planned; and PPT will see extra flights and an up-gauge. APW will see extra school holiday flights; on AKL-TBU, a 772 will replace the 763; AKL-VLI will increase; and DPS flights will operate twice weekly for the entire season.The changes will be loaded in the GDS in due course.

Helloworld, Fly BuysHel loworld has conf ir med its intentions to form a partnership with Fly Buys, as revealed in a Travel Today Stop Press this morning. Helloworld will join the loyalty pro-gramme as its travel retail partner, alongside brands like New World, BNZ and Z Energy.David Libeau, general manager mar-keting for helloworld, says they’re delighted to secure the partnership with Fly Buys, which has 2.6 million active customers and reaches 75% of New Zealand households.“The coalition between helloworld and Fly Buys opens up significant marketing opportunities for hello-world,” he says. Libeau says helloworld intends to introduce the opportunity for mem-bers to redeem their points as well as earn them at helloworld stores—which was not previously available with former Fly Buys partner United Travel.

NZ Boosts Australia, Island Capacity

Fri 15 May 15 P3Thu 17 Dec 15 P2

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Membership Services Manager

ApplicAtions close thursdAy 24 december

If you are motivated and ready for a challenge, then send your CV, along with a covering letter to malcolm@firsttravel.co.nz

First Travel Group, New Zealand’s leading independent travel alliance is seeking a professional who has the skills and expertise to join them as Membership Services Manager.

Key ReSpoNSibiliTieS/AccouNTAbiliTieS• Organiseandattendconferencesandregionalmeetings

• Co-ordinatemembershipcommunication

• Administercompanyextranetandmembershipdatabases

• Createmembereducationals

• Manageexternalcustomercommunication

• Overseeandco-ordinatecustomerevents

• GroupTrainingfacilitation

eSSeNTiAl SKillS, KNowledGe ANd expeRieNce• Extensivetravelindustryexperienceisrequired

• Computerliteracy,specificallywithExcel,WordandPowerPoint

• Competentinworkingwithinternalandexternalsuppliers/stakeholders

• Attentiontodetail

• Provencommunicationskills,bothverbalandwritten

• Organisationskills

Key behAviouRAl coMpeTeNcieSDecisionmaking,accountabilityforresultsandattentiontodetail.

Vanuatu RoadshowVanuatu Tourism will be holding a New Zealand roadshow for the first time in three years in 2016. The roadshow will head to Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland 18-20 Apr, with details to be confirmed.

VA Fare ChangesVirgin Australia has advised that effective 23 Dec, due to a fare class mapping change, fare level and rule changes will apply to public structur-al VA*SQ fares ex Australia to Asia, South Asian Subcontinent, Africa and Europe. Agents should ticket any existing bookings by 2359 on 22 Dec to avoid fare increases. The GDS will be updated from 23 Dec.

The Qantas Group is expecting a ‘significant improvement’ in its profits for the first half of the 2016 financial year, thanks to its ongoing transformation programme, rev-enue growth and lower fuel prices.The group is forecasting underly-ing profit before tax in the range of AUD875 to AUD925 million for the first six months of FY2016—com-pared to AUD367 million in the same period last year.The expected result reflects strong performance from each of Qantas’ core businesses, says chief executive Alan Joyce.“We’ve seen improved revenue in our domestic and international opera-

tions, reduced costs across the group through the Qantas Transformation program, and expect another record half-year result from Qantas Loyalty,” says Joyce.The result also includes an expected AUD25 million one-off impact on Jet-star earnings from the Bali ash cloud, and an estimated AUD17 million non-cash negative impact of bond rate movements on employee provisions.QF first half results will be announced 23 Feb.

Bali Insurance AdviceCover-More says the most recent eruption of Mt Rinjani, which has been causing travel chaos in Bali since 03 Nov, has concluded—mean-ing any further eruptions occurring from the volcano would be consid-ered a new event, and coverable by insurance. The Australian Bureau of Meterology and Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre have stopped providing updates on the volcano, and Cover-More deemed the event concluded as of 14 Dec.

Christmas BonusOver 150 agents wil l receive a Christmas shopping bonus of West-field vouchers, being sent out today by LAN Airlines as part of a recent ticketing incentive. Agents were able to earn towards a $25 Westfield voucher for every ticket, with some making over $500. Plus, LATAM’s Katharine Mason says two lucky winners will be drawn for a busi-ness class trip to South America for two, including $2000 towards land arrangements.

$4000 Airport TaxiA British family reportedly took an 11-hour, 885km taxi ride from Aber-deen to London to catch their charter flight to Greece, after their Aberdeen-London flight was overbooked. The family arrived with 30 minutes to spare after the overnight taxi ride, which cost GBP1800 (almost $4000). British Airways had covered the fare and offered them compensation, but the family says they were left ‘ex-hausted, stressed, extremely sore and stiff, very unhappy with BA’.

QF: Significant Profit Improvement

Thu 17 Dec 15 Page 3

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P & O C r u i s e s Au s t r a l i a h a s appointed a full-time president, reflecting its massive growth and success in 2015. Sture Myrmell, who is currently se-nior vice president of P&O Cruises, will take responsibility for managing the brand’s operations, effective 01 Jan. Meanwhile, Carnival Australia chief executive Ann Sherry, who has been leading the day-to-day activities of P&O Cruises for the past eight years, as well as driving strategy for the region’s brands, will become Carnival Australia’s executive chairman.“Sture’s appointment is a vote of confidence in P&O Cruises and a demonstration of its overwhelming success as Australia’s major cruise brand and the backbone of the in-dustry in this region,” says Sherry.

“All of Carnival Corporation’s brands around the world have a standalone president, and Sture’s appointment is recognition of the value and power of P&O Cruises in Australia and New Zealand.”Myrmell will report to Holland Amer-ica Group chief executive Stein Kruse. He’s pictured above with Sherry.

Big Changes Ahead For P&O In 2016

The Ultimate SlideRoyal Caribbean International has revealed the first look of The Ultimate Abyss, which is set to be the tallest slide on the high seas onboard Harmony of the Seas when she debuts in May. Towering more than 150 feet above sea level, the pair of side-by-side slides will release daring travellers into a 100 foot drop that twists and turns as they slide nine miles an hour, from the Pool and Sports Zone on Deck 16 to the Boardwalk on Deck 6 be-low. Harmony of the Seas will span 16 guest decks, carry 5497 guests at double occupancy and feature 2747 staterooms.

Monaco Grand Prix Themed Cruise With WindstarAim Holidays has a special themed voyage with Windstar Cruises for the 2016 Grand Prix of Monaco. The nine-night cruise from Rome to Nice, features pre- and post-cruise stays; preferred seating at the Grand Prix event; a For-mula One speaker and host will be onboard throughout; there will also be a themed cocktail parties, special dinners, a race day brunch, private limousine transfers and more. It is priced from $12,639pp. For full details, CLICK HERE

100 Seconds Of DisneyClients looking for a quick introduc-tion on what it’s like to cruise with Disney can now get an overview in 100 seconds. The cruise line has re-leased a new hyperlapse video, show-casing what’s included on a Disney Dream voyage to the Bahamas. To watch the video, CLICK HERE

MSC First In CubaMSC Cruises will this week become the first major cruise line to start operations in Cuba, and bookings from the New Zealand market have been ‘above estimations’. MSC Opera, carrying 2600 passengers, is due to arrive in Havana 18 Dec, while a second ship, MSC Armonia will join in Nov 2016, which will also see for the first time, two international ships homeporting in Havana.

Koningsdam CountdownHolland America Line has released its second Countdown to Konings-dam video, with details about the ship’s inaugural Europe and Caribbe-an itineraries, advises Francis Travel Marketing. Watch the video, HERE

Tourist OverboardA 70-year-old British tourist is feared to have fallen to her death from a luxury cruise liner as it made its way across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. Widespread reports say the woman went missing a week into a 35-night voyage aboard the Saga Sapphire ship. Staff conducted a search for her onboard, re-tracing her steps, but to no avail. The ship was also turned around to search for the woman in the water, but again to no avail. The cruise line issued a statement, saying their prayers are with the family and friends of the woman and that they are providing sup-port for her travelling companion onboard and for relatives at home.

Fri 15 May 15 P3Thu 17 Dec 15 P4

News & Product

Contact Tony 021 388 315 tony@tabsontravel.co.nz

or Angela 021 388 316angela@tabsontravel.co.nz Incorporating Tabs On Travel

Again this year Stop Press e-mail broadcasts will be published in between these dates should there be important breaking news.

Holiday Update e-mail broadcasts will also be available for timely or important product announcements by suppliers.

Merry ChristmasFri 18 Dec is our last issue for the year, Mon 18 Jan is the first issue for 2016

JANUARY 2016Rocky Mountaineer & Adventure World Road Show BreakfastsDunedin: Tue 26. Christchurch: Wed 27. Wellington: Thu 28 Location & times tbc.

FEBRUARY 2016Brand USA Discover America EventsChristchurch: Mon 22, Rydges Latimar Hotel, 1700-2130.Auckland: Tue 23, The Cloud, Queens Wharf, 1700-2130.

JAWS RoadshowDunedin: Mon 29, Scenic Southern Cross Hotel, 118 High Street, 1700-2000.

MARCH 2016JAWS RoadshowChristchurch: Tue 01, Rydges Latimer Hotel, Latimer Square, 1700-2000. Nelson: Wed 02, Rutherford Hotel, 27 Nile Street West, 1700-2000. Whangarei: Tue 08, Forum North, 7 Rust Ave, 1700-2000. Napier: Mon 14, War Memorial Conference Centre, 48 Marine Parade, 1700-2000. Wellington: Tue 15, Rydges WLG, 75 Featherston Street, 1700-2000.Palmerston North: Wed 16, Distinction Hotel, 175 Cuba Street, 1700-2000. New Plymouth: Thu 17, Novotel Hotel, Cnr Of Hobson and Leach

Streets, 1700-2000.Tauranga: Tue 22, Tauranga Yacht Club, 70 Keith Allen Drive, 1700-2000. Hamilton: Wed 23, Novotel Tainui, 7 Alma Street, 1700-2000.

APRILTourism Fiji RoadshowPalmerston North: Mon 04, Distinction Hotel, 0700-0930.Christchurch: Mon 04, Tait Conference Centre, 1730-2015. Wellington: Tue 05 April, Amora Hotel, 1730-2015.Hamilton: Wed 06, Ferrybank Reception Centre, 1730-2015.Auckland: Thu 07, Stamford Hotel, 1730-2030.Auckland North Shore: Fri 08, QBE Stadium, 0700-0930.

Asia Now roadshowDunedin: Tue 05.Christchurch: Wed 06.Wellington: Thu 07.Tauranga: Mon 11.Hamilton: Tue 12.Auckland North: Wed 13.Auckland East: Thu 14.Venues, times tba.

Asia Road Show: Cathay Pacific/Adventure World/ Exodus Breakfast updatesNew Plymouth: Tue 19. Palmerston North: Wed 20. Wellington: Thu 21.Venues, times tba.

Industry Diary

Sheraton SurprisesSheraton has launched a ‘Delight my Delay’ campaign to cheer up travellers who have been impacted by travel delays. Launching online as well as popping up at airports and destinations throughout Dec and Jan, consumers will be able to use their delay time to play games and win prizes. They can tweet @sheratonhotels with their delay to win; at John F Kennedy Air-port 21-24 Dec a kiosk will see people scan boarding passes, with more chances to win the longer they’re delayed; and at Dubai In-ternational Airport, they can scan their pass at a vending machine which will release care packages. See sheraton.com/delightmydelay

Turkey SavingsClients can save 15% off a number of Fez Travel’s 2016 Turkey tours, advises Exotic Holidays. Highlights include the seven-day Silk Road Ex-plorer, taking in Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia and more, which is now priced from $1088pp s/t; and the 12-day Magic Explorer tour which takes in the iconic sites of western Turkey as well as a taste of the east, which is now priced from $2176pp s/t. For those with a little more time on their hands, the 23-day Black Sea & Eastern Splendours tour, which is said to be perfect for second time visitors to Turkey or those who are looking to get off the beaten track, is now priced from $6289pp s/t. The offers are valid for new bookings from 14 Dec and must be paid in full by 01 Mar, for departures between 14 Mar-31 Dec. Exotic Holidays has further details.

China Southern launched its new year-round service between Guangzhou and Christchurch yes-terday, with the first flight touch-ing down in CHC just before 1700.The flights represent another mile-stone for CZ, which was the first Chinese carrier to operate to New Zealand, and is now the first to fly to the South Island, says CHC

Ai r p or t b oss Ma l col m Joh ns . The Dreamliner flights will operate three times a week, and bring more than 70,000 seats to the route in the first year.1 The inaugural 787 flight arrives to a water cannon welcome at CHC. 2 Airport boss Malcolm Johns. 3 CZ’s COO Zhang Zifang presents a model aircraft to Minister Gerry Brownlee.

Aussie Native Bush FocusClimate action group Greenfleet plans to restore more than 100 hect-ares of native bush along Great Ocean Road, through a new joint venture with Europcar. The duo hope to secure AUD80,000 over two years to fund the planting of 20,000 trees on land near the Conservation Ecology Centre site at Cape Otway as well as a series of private and public land sites in the area. To raise the money, Europcar is seeking donations from clients. See europcar.com

China Southern’s CHC Flights Take Off

SkyCity’s NZICC BeginsThe first phase of construction on the New Zealand International Conven-tion Centre (NZICC) in Auckland officially started yesterday. SKYC-ITY Entertainment Group and its construction partner Fletcher Con-struction say the 38-month building project is a $700 million investment in the future of New Zealand’s tour-ism industry.

Tassie Beer TrailBeer lovers can make the most of the recently launched Tasmanian Beer Trail, which takes attendees on a tour of 15 breweries, large and small, advises Tourism Australia.Cl ients w i l l check out the big guns Boag’s and Cascade, as well as smal ler brewers l ike Seven Sheds and IronHouse and new brewery T-Bone Brewing Co. See tasbeertrail.com

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