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TravelToday-4399-10FEB21 Flipbook PDF
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I n c o r p o r a t i n g Ta b s o n Tr a v e l
Wednesday 10 February 2021
Issue 4399
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Flighties Targets Midyear Tasman Bubble While 2021 international travel isn’t off to the first quarter start the industry had hoped, Flight Centre is still optimistic that quarantine-free Tasman travel may take-off mid-year. “Along with the rest of the industry, we don’t have a crystal ball and we can only base our plans off what the government indicates,” says Flight Centre New Zealand managing director Dave Coombes. “For transtasman and the Pacific Islands, we’ve modelled a number of scenarios, including the possibility of a travel bubble launching midyear (2021), and we’re hopeful.” The Cook Islands may be the first travel bubble to open, however Coombes says given its volume Australia would be the first meaningful destination, in terms of revenue, for Kiwi agents to sell. “It’s not going to single-handedly save the industry but it will provide at least some revenue, and will be the first step to opening up [quarantine-free] travel to other markets,” says Coombes. Flight Centre is working closely with the Australian tourism stakeholders and is in the process of expand-
ing its Aussie offering in terms of destination and product, adds Coombes. “We will offer a greater range of Aussie experiences, and authentic experiences. I also think some Kiwis will be looking at higher end experiences, because there’s still money in the eco-system and there are a lot of credits people are looking to redeem.” While Coombes wouldn’t be drawn to comment on which Aussie destinations would be most popular in 2021, the local Flighties boss did say more Kiwis may look to travel beyond the traditional gateways, like the Gold Coast; and take advantage of any new direct services such as the mooted Tasmania flights. “The more compelling the product we can produce and create the more Kiwis are going to explore,” says Coombes, adding that new city pairs would stimulate demand. “Tassie has been really inaccessible in terms of travel time and cost—to have a direct service is always a good thing, and more Kiwis are going to be looking outside the travel norm.” “It’s going to happen, we just don’t know when,” adds the pragmatic Flighties boss.
Call For Transparency
Flight Centre is currently targeting the year’s end for the start of longer-haul quarantine-free travel. “… but it is hard to know for certain, and it will depend on the eventual rollout of vaccines in New Zealand as well as the success of other countries in battling the virus,” says Coombes. “Our government is clearly prioritising health concerns over opening the borders and isn’t showing a huge sense of urgency around vaccinating Kiwis. More transparency around the vaccine rollout plan and timings would be appreciated by the industry”.
EK Comp Reminder
Agents have until 1700 tonight to enter Emirates’ latest competition to win a VIP experience for 10 people to watch the Prada Cup Finals on the Hauraki Gulf this Sun. To be in with a chance, send EK a picture of your crew at the helm in what you think it would be like to sail the EK Team New Zealand boat. E-mail entries to [email protected] with the subject Flying on Water.
NZ Axes Saudi Contract
Air New Zealand has terminated its controversial Saudi contract, with ceo Greg Foran saying it should not have happened, and ‘it will not be repeated’. NZ is now conducting a full internal review.
Has The Bubble Burst?
The likelihood of a transtasman bubble in Q1 of this year appears to be getting slimmer, following the Prime Minister’s comments yesterday. While the government agreed in principle in Dec to establish a travel bubble with Australia by the end of Mar, Jacinda Ardern said at her post-cabinet press briefing yesterday that things have changed. “We’ve had the Sydney outbreak, we’ve also had the response from Australia, to what were contained incidents related back to the border in New Zealand,” she told reporters. This refers to Australia temporarily reinstating quarantine rules for Kiwi travellers, after the recent community case, which Ardern says raised some questions regarding protocols. “We’re having to go back and check with those recent incidents, all of the activities of the different states, or the reaction to us, is in keeping in what we’re working to.” The PM wouldn’t comment whether a Q1 bubble was still on the cards, but did say she wouldn’t apologise for being cautious. “You cannot unscramble the egg,” she added.
4 Pages This Issue News.............................................p1-3 Domestic......................................... p4
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Wed 10 Feb 21
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Oceania’s ‘Epic’ Sales
Oceania Cruises 2023 Around the World in 180 Days voyage sold out within one day of opening for sale to the public—which ceo Bob Binder describes as ‘epic’. “Despite the challenges the world faces today, travellers are clearly bullish on the future and are embracing these new opportunities to travel the world and create lifelong memories,” he says. More than a third of the bookings come from first time, new-to-brand guests, and that 20% of world cruise guests opted to extend their voyage up to a total of 218 days. Binder adds that this reveals the tremendous pent-up demand for immersive, destination-focused cruises, and the strong allure of the small-ship experience.
TN Schedule Changes
Air Tahiti Nui has cancelled some flights between Papeete, Los Angeles and Paris. All PPT-LAX and LAX-PPT flights 14 Feb-31 Mar are cancelled; while the PPT-CDG and CDG-PPT weekly schedule is reduced to a single service each week 14-23 Feb.
EK Ops Update
Emirates flight EK004 London Heathrow-Dubai has resumed, while DXB-LHR and DXB-Manchester will remain suspended until further notice. For those Copenhagen-bound, effective 10 Feb EK passengers must have either a PCR negative certificate or a negative Rapid Antigen test result issued within 24 hours of boarding their first flight. EK261 to Sao Paulo (GRU) will also resume 11 Feb, while EK262 GRUDXB resumes 16 Feb. Emirates.com will be updated.
Today’s C-19 Global Travel Wrap-up Following the news that French Polynesia is closing its borders, all travellers granted exemptions are now required to complete a 14-day quarantine at a dedicated site in Tahiti at the passengers’ expense. Iran meanwhile has launched a vaccination programme using Russia’s Sputnik-V vaccine, and Georgia is re-opening to visitors who have had two doses of the vaccine, alongside Seychelles, Romania and Estonia. Thai island Phuket also plans to re-open to vaccinated visitors later
EK Cricket Tickets
Emirates advises agents entering its Blackcaps competition that the Blackcaps vs Bangladesh schedule has been updated. To win two tickets to watch a Blackcaps match, email [email protected] with the subject ‘Cricket Competition 2021’ and give two pieces of information which can be found on the EK C-19 Information Hub by 1700 on 16 Feb. Agents must also state which match/ es they wish to attend. The updated list is below, those who have already entered the competition and wish to withdraw must e-mail EK.RSVP@ emirates.com, all other entries will remain in the draw.1. Blackcaps v Oz at Hagley Oval, 22 Feb. 2 Blackcaps v Oz at Otago Oval on 25 Feb. 3 Blackcaps v Oz at Sky Stadium 03 Mar. 4 Blackcaps v Oz at Eden Park, 05 Mar. 5 Blackcaps v Oz at Bay Oval, 07 Mar. 6 Blackcaps v Bangladesh at Otago Oval, 20 Mar. 7 Blackcaps v Bangladesh at Hagley Oval 23 Mar; 8 Blackcaps v Bangladesh at Basin Reserve, 26 Mar. 9 Blackcaps v Bangladesh at McLean Park 30 Mar. 10 Blackcaps v Bangladesh at Eden Park 01 Apr. 11 Blackcaps Vs Bangladesh at Seddon Park, 28 Mar.
this year, pending government approval. Looking to cruise, Alaska is keen to see ships return, after slamming Canada’s cruise ban. The state says it is exploring all potential avenues, including changing existing laws, to ensure the cruise industry in Alaska resumes operations as soon as it is safe. And, as for the mystery of what started the pandemic; it appears it wasn’t a bat. An international team of experts investigating the origins of the pandemic reportedly believes it’s ‘extremely unlikely the virus came from a lab, and is likely to have originated in another animal.
QF Flexibility
Qantas is now allowing unlimited flight date changes to Jan 2022, valid on Australian domestic and transtasman services booked to at least the end of Apr. The Fly Flexible policy means the flight date can be changed to any available for sale at the time, up to 355 days in advance, with QF waiving the change fee.
Traffic’s Dire Stats
2020 passenger traffic fell 67% yearover-year, with the number of flights recorded 97% lower than 2019 and erasing 21 years of industry shows . research published by Comprar Acciones. The data found that in 2020 airlines operated a total of 16.8 million flights, compared to 33.2 million flights in 2019. Unsurprisingly, that led to a huge passenger revenue drop, from USD612 billion in 2019 to USD191 billion. And, according to a recent study by IATA, cash burn will continue through 2021, leading to a net loss of USD38.7 billion by the end of the year.
Contiki Bridgerton Tour?
Contiki is eying a new four-day Bridgerton-inspired break, to take clients to visit locations featured in the saucy Netflix series. Fans of the show can register interest to be a ‘debutante’ on the first departure by tagging their bestie on Contiki’s Bridgerton Instagram post HERE. If the trip gets enough interest the debut tour will hit the ‘ton’ in the British summer of 2022. “Bridgerton has been the perfect antidote to see us through the ongoing lockdowns, not just for its gossip-laden storyline, sumptuous costumes, and the eye candy… but also for the gorgeous locations that many of us can only dream of visiting right now,” says Contiki’s Louise Levesque. “As our community continues to dream about going on holiday, we thought crowdsourcing this trip would be the perfect way to create some further escapism for when travel is once again possible.”
. . .Exploring The Ton
A Contiki teaser intinerary highlights locations including Lancaster House (used for Lady Bridgerton’s audience with Queen Charlotte), accommodation and hight tea at the five-star Rubens at the Palace, a visit to Greenwich including Ranger’s House on Chesterfield Walk (the wisteria-clad exterior of the Bridgerton family home), Hampton Court Palace (aka Queen Charlotte’s residence), Abbey Street (location of Madame Delacroix’s dressmaking boutique) and Holbourne Museum of Art and the Bath Assembly Rooms (both used for scenes in Lady Danbury’s mansion).
NT Product Showcase 2021 Learn what’s on offer in the NT Meet NT tourism operators and win great prizes! Starts 16 February, spaces are limited! Register now at tourismnt.com.au/trade/showcase
News & Product
Wed 10 Feb 21
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Globus Tightens Rules
The Globus family of brands (GFOB) has updated its pre-trip health & safety protocols with stricter requirements for its tours, river cruises and independent packages. Gai Tyrrell, GFOB md Australasia, says the health and safety of its travellers is the company’s number one priority. The new rules require travellers to bring proof of C-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to travel, proof of a negative C-19 test result within 72-hours of travel, or proof of recovery from a confirmed C-19 diagnosis within three months of travel. This applies to Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms tours, and is in addition to any local government regulations. GFOB will facilitate, and cover, additional C-19 testing, if required, for guests to return to their home country, as well as tests on trip if guests show symptoms. The protocols are effective from Apr. The company has also reduced the final payment window for all brands to 45 days, prior to departure.
AKL Succulent Smuggler
An Auckland woman has found herself in a prickly predicament, after she was snapped smuggling 947 succulents and cacti into the country. The woman attempted to hide the cacti in stockings strapped to her body, however, a detector dog wasn’t fooled and she was caught attempting to flush the plants in the bathroom. The plants were worth more than $10,000. She has been sentenced to intensive supervision for 12 months and 100 hours’ community work.
SQ Re-booking
Singapore Airlines has extended its rebooking/ticket fee waiver for any tickets issued on SQ ticket stock 618 05 Mar 2020-28 Feb 2021. For tickets purchased between these dates, the applicable change fees will be waived if clients are required to change their flights. This applies to travel from 05 Mar 2020, for SQ/MI/ NZ/TR flight itineraries originating from New Zealand. The re-booked flight must be made 12 months from original ticket issue date, with unlimited complimentary re-bookings allowed, if requested prior to 28 Feb. Refunds will be subject to normal fare conditions and applicable fees.
Kiwi Travel; What Will Change? Once borders open again, the way Kiwis travel will change, says one adventure operator. G Adventures has found that Kiwis travellers want to make a real difference with their holidays, once the opportunity to travel rises again. This, says G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip, can be of benefit to agents. “It’s apparent travellers want their holidays to be more meaningful after this forced hiatus for international travel,” he says. “They want their money to support local people in the destinations they go to and the best way for people to show their support now is to make a commitment to travel, so these communities can benefit later.” The findings, from a recent survey, found while ensuring their money
Win For The Whales
benefits local people was an important factor for Kiwis and Aussies (73%), so too was ensuring wildlife was protected where they go (53%).
. . . Off Track
Aside from more of a focus on where their spent money goes, the survey by G Adventures also found that Kiwis want to immerse themselves in local culture more. And, as travellers look to ensure their travel benefits local people in the destinations they visit, G says they are likely to visit more remote or lesser-visited places than they would have travelled to pre-pandemic. Some 46% of those sur veyed expressed a desire to avoid over-touristed destinations on their next trip, with 54% stating that they will visit more remote places/less visited areas of a destination when they ‘re-travel’.
NZ Backs Biofuel
The number of Whale Heritage Site worldwide has just doubled to four. Spain’s Tenerife-La Gomera Marine area and Dana Point, California have joined Hervey Bay, Australia and The Bluff, South Africa. The news has been welcomed locally by World Animal Protection, who hopes it will spotlight tour operators who offer tourists a wonderful experience seeing whales and dolphins in the wild while protecting the welfare of marine wildlife. “In the 21st century, as the world builds back from C-19, the tourism industry should strive towards offering activities that are wildlife-friendly and protect the environment,” says WAP’s Nick Stewart.
Exodus Planet Promise
Exodus Travels has a new Planet Promise, as part of a new partnership with Rewilding Europe. Under the initiative Exodus ensure that 100m² of Italian Apennine land will be re-wilded for every person that books a trip to Europe with the operator. Exodus will also include carbon scoring on every trip by 2022, aim to ensure at least 90% of food provided on the trips is locally sourced and eliminate single-use plastics from trip picnics and packed meals.
Industry Identity Passes
Air New Zealand us supporting the government’s in principle decision to implement a biofuels mandate. The mandate, designed to reduce the transport sectors carbon emissions, has been described as a necessary step by NZ ceo Greg Foran. “C-19 has had a huge impact on our airline, but it has not slowed our commitment to decarbonising our business,” says Foran, who adds that the announcement is a major step forward for the wider transport sector. “It’s great news for New Zealand and great news for the future of travel and our key export industries which rely on low carbon air transport.” The airline has been part of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Consortium for the past five years, which works to develop a roadmap for sustainable aviation fuel to become the norm for air travel in New Zealand.
Hotel Jetpark Hotel Auckland has advised that long-time staff member Lynn Matthews (pictured) passed away on Mon night. Lynn was a very private person, and many in the industry will not know that she had been recently diagnosed with cancer. She had been with Jetpark for over 20 years and was director of sales. Travel Today publisher Tony Dominey first got to know Lynn when she was a sales rep at Hotpac, just after Tabs on Travel started publishing, in very early 1988. Lynn had to use a ”granny’s trundle bag” to carry the brochures of all the hotels in the Hotpac programme. Lynn was a colouful and wellknown industry character who prided herself on her trusted industry relationships—and she will be missed. A memorial service for Lynn will be held in Auckland Thu 18 Feb at Purewa Crematorium, 100-102 St Johns Road, Meadowbank, at the All Saints Chapel, followed by light refreshments. If you wish to prepare a few brief words in honour of Lynn, e-mail joannep@ jetpark.co.nz While Lynn loved flowers, she also loved her dogs, and in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the SPCA. Rest in Peace Lynn.
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I nc or por at i n g Ta b s O n Tr ave l
In corp oratin g Tab s On Travel
What’s New In Northland Tourism Northland NZ is showcasing the region’s tourism product and latest happenings, all of which it says are tradeready and keen to work with agents. Nor t h land - b ou nd cl ient s looking for an insight into the history of Aotearoa are urged to take in the newly-opened Manea ‘Footprints of Kupe’ in Opononi. The interactive experience takes clients on a journey of discovery through the eyes of New Zealand’s first discoverer, Kupe, to Aotearoa and Hokianga. Hosted by descendants, it includes an interactive guided tour through the centre’s grounds, with cultural engagement including protocols, storytelling, songs and prayers. The 90-min experience is priced from $65pp. See maneafootprints.co.nz
including families, FIT travellers, small and large groups. Lessons start from $65pp for an hour, as do tours, while SUP yoga starts at $35pp for 90 mins. Clients can hire a SUP for $30 an hour/$100 a day, although a lesson is a prerequisite for all casual hire. Group discounts are available. See supbrotours.co.nz/
. . . Sup Bro
. . . And Art
Over on the Tutukaka Coast Sup Bro (pictured) offers eco-friendly, safe outdoor experiences from stand-up paddle board hire, as well as tours, which cater for all ages and abilities, ISSN 1176-5275 Travel Today (incorporating Tabs on Travel) is published by Tabs on Travel Ltd, New Zealand. Ph +64-9-415 8111. [email protected] [email protected] Click Here for Existing Subcription Updates © All contents are copyright, and must not be transmitted or copied without specific approval. PO Box 305-167, Triton Plaza, Auckland 0757, New Zealand. Bld F, 01-22 Triton Dr, Albany, Auckland 0132, New Zealand. Click Here for NEW Subscriptions
Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Maori Art Gallery is set to open in Whangarei this Dec. The centre will feature artworks from renowned artist Hundertwasser, as well as New Zealand’s first dedicated permanent gallery of contemporary art, the Wairau Maori Art Gallery. Set to also be an attraction is the forested rooftop featuring 200 plants, including the rarest plant in the world, and there’s also event centre and theatre offering learning programmes and discovery activities, a restaurant and store. For more options see northlandnz.com
Hamner Hours
Hamner Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is extending its summer opening hours, given the support it has received from domestic visitors. The thermal pool complex will be open 1000-2100 to 02 May.
Spend less on flights, and more on adventure Fly to Queenstown with Jetstar Book at
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See Stewart Island
New Zealand Traveller has limited availability on its seven-day Stewart Island cruise package, departing Queenstown 06 Mar. The package is priced from $4199pp twin share, now for sales to 10 Feb, and it includes one-night pre-cruise at the Millennium Hotel, a TSS Earnslaw cruise and dinner, return coach and ferry transfers between
Queenstown and Stewart Island, a four-night night cruise around Stewart Island on Milford Wanderer with a private cabin, meals, discovery excursions with local guides, one-night post-cruise at Millennium Hotel and a Gondola & Skyline Restaurant Dinner. See more details HERE.
Lindis Valentines Escape
Viva Expeditions has a luxury Valentines weekend getaway at the luxury hidden lodge, The Lindis, valid for bookings to 28 Feb. Priced from $3250 per couple, the getaway includes three nights at the lodge, meals and pre-dinner drinks, guided horse riding, a guided ecological and farm tour and self-guided activities such as clay shooting, archery and walking. Situated on a 6000 acre high country station the lodge is bordered on three sides by conservation parks. See more here click HERE.
Dine At QT WLG’s Hippo
Clutha Campaign
Clutha Development has launched a new campaign, encouraging Kiwis to visit the district this summer. The Stay A While campaign covers the Catlins, Lawrence and the Clutha Gold Cycling and Walking Trail, and highlights not only the ‘unspoilt’ natural attractions but also the local people. “People often say ‘the further South you go, the friendlier people are’ and that is definitely true in our case,” says Linda Moore, ceo of Clutha Development. “We wanted to capture our genuinely warm and welcoming spirit through highlighting real people you can actually meet on your travels this summer.” The campaign video, along with stories about the people featured in it, and local itineraries can be found at cluthanz.com/stayawhile/
QT Wellington’s Hippopotamus Restaurant and Bar is re-opening 11 Feb, with a renewed focus on spotlighting sustainable producers and a theatrical dining style. A new menu includes dishes such as Two Point rack of coastal lamb with Waikanae nasturtium capers, Canterbury dunsinane’s black garlic, buttered jus, kumara gnocchi, beetroot velvet, heirloom carrots and crispy kale. On the dessert front there’s Pamu deer milk gelato and crème caramel with Otaki honey comb, freeze dried maunka honey, Lot’8 citrus olive oil snow, wattle-seed sable breton and salt flower. See more at qthotels.com/ wellington