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

Friday 31 March 2023

Issue 4732

Flying for business? Add comfort and flexibility with the Jetstar Flex bundle

More On The New Digital Arrival Cards The new on-line arrivals declaration will be rolled out from 21 Jun, replacing the current paper forms, which will mean some changes to the arrivals process for passengers arriving in New Zealand. Customs says it’s working with New Zealand border agencies, including the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (for Immigration New Zealand), Ministry for Primary Industries (for Biosecurity New Zealand), and the Ministry of Health to reintroduce the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). “The digital declaration, that will replace the paper Passenger Arrival Card, is an integral part of modernising our border experience,” says a spokesman for Customs. “This change allows us to continue developing our response to border risks and will streamline the processing of travellers into New Zealand.” The NZTD, which was first used during the pandemic, will be relaunched from 21 Jun. Passengers arriving in New Zealand will be able to complete their on-line travel declaration via HERE or by downloading the NZTD mobile app. “We are partnering with airlines, including Air New Zealand and Qantas, and New Zealand international airport teams to start scenario testing in live environments,” says the Customs spokesman. There are

five trials planned Mar-May to help the agencies gain insights. “This enables us to fine tune how the NZTD system and supporting processes will help travellers coming to New Zealand to do the right thing by completing their declaration on-line,” adds Customs.

. . . How It Works

The revamped NZTD will be linked to a passenger’s passport. “This means when a traveller’s passport is scanned (whether that be at an eGate or by a border officer) the system recognises the traveller has completed an on-line declaration,” says Customs. Arriving passengers won’t be required to show a confirmation email or QR code upon arrival. Border officers will be able to see the information a traveller has declared in their on-line form in much the same way they do now—except they’ll see the responses on a digital device rather than a paper card. Passengers will get an e-mail when they submit a NZTD to confirm what they need to do upon arrival based on what is in their declaration. “For example, if a traveller declares they are carrying shoes which have been used for outdoor activities, the e-mail will advise the traveller to have the shoes ready to show to a border officer if asked,” adds the Customs spokesman.

EK/UA Fares On Sale

Emirates’ codeshare deal with United Airlines between the US and Dubai is now open for sales. Customers can fly EK from DXB to the US with connections to UA codeshare flights ex Chicago, San Francisco and Houston and on to 150 points. The move means agents can book clients on one ticket, the same EK baggage allowance applies on both carriers, baggages can be through checked and EK Skywards members can earn and spend miles on UA. Clients will be able to book UA flights to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, adds EK.

More Air To The GC

This month Air New Zealand increased capacity on the Auckland to Gold Coast route, adding an extra 27,400 seats between city pair to meet the growing demand. “On average, over the past six months more than 91% of seats have been booked out on flights between Gold Coast and Auckland, and in recent months we have seen many flights operating at capacity,” says Adam Rowe, Queensland Airports Limited chief commercial officer.

7 Pages This Issue News....................................p1,3,5,6 Jetstar........................................... p2 Qantas.......................................... p4 Aloha Friday................................ p7

End Of A Flighties Era

People from across the travel industry and the business community turned out in force to officially farewell former Flight Centre New Zealand managing director Dave Coombes yesterday. Current Flighties Kiwi boss Tori Courtney told those at the event that Coombes had had a ‘massive impact’ on the sector and acknowledged his resilience and fight on behalf of the industry which included his advocacy for the trade—which she added had been ‘absolutely phenomenal’. Acknowledging Coombes’ unconventional approach to business she said: “I think everyone who’s had the pleasure of working with you, or negotiating with you or competiing with you would actually say you’re a pleasure to work with, it’s always a lot of laughs.” Coombsey (pictured with Jodie Burnard and Tori Courtney) humbled by the words and turnout, said he had so much to thank the ‘company, industry and country’ for. The Flighties’ business couldn’t be in better hands with Tori and team, he added. See pics HERE.

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Get a Group quote Terms and conditions apply, see the Group Bookings page at jetstar.com for details Travel Today, Friday 31 March 2023   Page 2

News & Product

Fri 31 Mar 23

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xTravel’s Xpansion

xtravel has expanded adding three new staff members. Joining the Queenstown-based team is Claire Hough, who entered the industry during C-19, and Kaye Wiggill, who returns to the travel industry having previously worked as a leisure consultant both in Queenstown and in South Africa for several years. David Adams too has returned to the trade as xtravel’s first Christchurch-based broker. xTravel now boasts a team of six full-time employed staff, six travel brokers and another three casual members, with co-owner Tori Keating saying the agency’s trajectory is moving along at lightning speed. “It’s an exciting time to be in the industry as we learn to value ourselves more, continue to demonstrate our worth to clients and suppliers, and really decide where to direct our attention.”

Boeing’s Donation

Boeing is committing USD250,000 to assist with disaster recovery and relief efforts in Mississippi and Alabama, following the deadly tornadoes last week.

Will AI Actually Replace Agents? Technology will enhance the travel experience, with advancements in not only efficiency but also the customer experience, and those in the industry are being warned of the need to keep up. Speaking at Markethub, a tourism conference in Amsterdam this week, Telefonica open innovation director Irene Gómez said technology is now blurring the line between sector and industry, as she highlights the im-

O’Sillivan Is Cruising

Kevin O’Sullivan announced earlier this week that he will be stepping down from his role as chief executive of the New Zealand Cruise Association. O’Sullivan (pictured) was at the helm of the cruise organisation at arguably the toughest time on record for the sector, the C-19 pandemic. However he says despite everything, ‘it’s been rewarding to see how resilient we are and how determined the wonderful people that make up the New Zealand cruise community are to grow our business and to be successful’. As for what retirement holds, O’Sullivan says he will be travelling internationally, and will include a few cruises here and there. “It’s still the best way to see the world after all,” he quips.

pact she thinks AI will have. on the travel industry “I envisage a future where AI will be my guide when I travel,” says Gomez. “It will know my preferences such as what type of hotel I choose and what I like to do when I’m in a new city. . .It will also give me advice on how to navigate the transport system and then ultimately, book my entire trip.” This view was shared by Ali Beklen, founder and managing partner at HotelRunner, who says the connected trip is real, and that companies across the travel sector need to invest and collaborate together to ensure they are connected and to keep up with customer demand. “Companies shouldn’t think about what customers need now, but what will be normal in 10 years--will everyone check-in to a hotel with just their photo, which contains all their personal information? And if one is doing it, we all need to.” HotelBeds chief innovation officer José María Pestaña adds that those who don’t stay at the forefront of AI, VR and the next innovation will be left behind. “The traveller of tomorrow will be different and more tech-savvy than the traveller of today.” However the tech experts don’t acknowledge the greater profile of travel agents in a post C-19 world, as more people look for a ‘real person’ to handle their booking, especially when disrupts occur and the process gets more complex

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NZ Aussie Fares

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The Australia and Beyond Sale Discover great fares across Australia, Japan, the USA and more. Save on your next adventure. Hurry, offer ends 04 April 2023, unless sold out prior.* Find out more *Sale ends 11.59pm (NZT) 04 April 2023, unless sold out prior. Selected routes, travel dates and conditions apply. Prices based on payment or qantas.com by BPAY or POLi. Check the latest travel requirements.

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News & Product

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World Greatest Places

TIME Magazine has listed 50 extraordinary places in an article called ‘The World’s Greatest Places of 2023,’ which includes some Kiwi favourites such as Phuket, Kyoto, French Polynesia, and Brisbane, as well as six Northern American destinations such as Churchill, in Manitoba Canada home to the northern lights, polar bears and beluga whales. “For wildlife experiences in North America, there is not another place that offers travellers such an up-close, front-row view as Churchill,” said Brooklyn-based journalist Nicholas DeRenzo, who visited Churchill in Aug 2022 and nominated it for the recognition. “It's an honour to have Churchill join the World's Greatest Places list only two years after Winnipeg was crowned as one of fifty extraordinary destinations to explore by TIME Magazine,” said Colin Ferguson, president and ceo of Travel Manitoba. For clients interested in heading over to Churchill, Air Canada offers flights ex Auckland to Vancouver via Sydney or Brisbane four times per week. Clients can then connect to Winnipeg and use the VIA Rail train service to Churchill it says. See more HERE. 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 i, 5 Miro Place, Albany, Auckland 0132, New Zealand. Click Here for NEW Subscriptions

Sail In Singapore With Disney Cruise Disney Cruise Line is Singapore-bound, with the cruise line this week announcing it will homeport a new ship in the city-state for at least five years from 2025. The cruise line signed a Me m or a n du m of Understanding with the Singapore Tourism Board, and while specific details including itineraries and onboard experiences are yet-to-be-announced, STB’s chief executive Keith Tan says it reflects Disney Cruise Line’s strong confidence in Singapore and Southeast Asia. “The new Disney cruise ship will be an attraction itself and is expected to boost the tourism sector in Singapore for many years to come.” The tourism body says the addition of a Disney Cruise Line ship in Singapore has the potential to add millions of local and foreign cruise passengers across the five-year period—including a number of fly-

Sea Zero Project

Hurtigruten Norway has started its Sea Zero project in partnership with 13 research and maritime partners as it heads towards a goal of zero emission ships by 2030 it says. With a budget of EUR13 million invested in the project, the aim is to cut energy use from passenger ships by developing solutions such as state-of-the-art batteries, propulsion technology, sustainable building practices and more. “We want to build the most energy-efficient passenger ship ever. We will turn every stone to cut both energy use, waste and emissions to a minimum,” says Gerry Larsson-Fedde, Hurtigruten Norway svp for marine operations. The research phase will run through to 2025, and Hurtigruten expects the Sea Zero project will have a positive impact on the ‘sustainability of the cruise industry and the future of travel’ it says. See more HERE.

cruise passengers who will arrive in Singapore by air.

. . . The Ship

The new ship will be Disney Cruise Line’s seventh vessel and is set to feature a range of innovative Disney experiences, as well as a range of entertainment offerings and world class dining. The cruise line estimates the passenger capacity of the 208,000-gross-ton ship to be approximately 6000, with around 2300 crew members. Construction of the new ship is projected to be completed at the MV Werften shipyard in Germany, under the management of Meyer Werft, the company that built the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. See more HERE.

Viking Sale Ending

Viking’s Explorer Sale is in its final days with savings ending tonight for travel on select 2023/24/25 ocean and river cruises. Clients looking to explore Mediterranean hotspots like Dubrovnik, Venice, Rome and Monte Carlo, can save up to AUD2000 per couple on its 13-day Mediterranean Odyssey voyage from Venice to Barcelona, priced from AUD7895 per person. For a Nordic voyage ex London to Stockholm sailing the Norwegian Coast, Arctic Circle, and visiting eight countries, its 29-day Baltic Jewels & the Midnight Sun cruise is priced from AUD17,795 pp with savings up to AUD3600 per couple. Or for mountain-ringed seaside towns and natural wonders, its 11-day Alaska & the Inside Passage itinerary ex Seward to Vancouver is priced from AUD6895 pp with savings up to AUD1800 per couple. See more HERE.

News & Product

Fri 31 Mar 23

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Kiwi Agents Explore Queensland

EK Duplicate Segments

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Emirates reminds agents it has implemented a strict policy that impacts PNR’s holding duplicate confirmed flight segments. Those identified with the same flight/cabin/date will cancel within 30 minutes without warning, regardless if ticketed it says. If re-quoting, EK advises to let clients know prices are subject to availability once accepted, rather than holding the duplicate in the PNR. For agents holding duplicate waitlist segments, vendor remarks will give a specified time to cancel duplicate segments and if not actioned the oldest held segment will cancel. See HERE.

Industry Diary MAY travel&co. Ski/Board Expo Auckland: Sat 13, RNZYS, 181 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina, 1000-1700. Christchurch: Tue 16, 165 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central, 1600-2000. Viking Explorer Sessions Dunedin: Thu 04, Distinction Dunedin Hotel, 1000 and 1800. Auckland: Tue 09, Ellerslie Racecourse Event Centre, 1000 and 1800. Christchurch: Thu 11, Rydges Latimer Square, 1000 and 1800. Tauranga: Tue 16, Trinity Wharf Hotel, 1000 and 1800. Orewa: Thu 18, Wainui Golf Club, 1000 and 1800. North Shore: Tue 23, Fairway Event Centre, via Argus Place, Wairau Valley, 1000 and 1800. 1000 includes morning tea, 1800 includes drinks & canapés CLIA LIVE showcase Auckland: Tue 30 & Wed 31, Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, 09001700. JUNE Viking Explorer Sessions Hamilton: Wed 07, The Verandah, Hamilton Lake, 1000 and 1800. Queenstown: Tue 27, Hotel St Moritz, 1000 and 1800. Invercargill: Thu 29, Ascot Park Hotel, 1000 and 1800. 1000 includes morning tea, 1800 includes drinks & canapés.

Kiwi agents were among those on Air New Zealand’s inaugural Auckland to Cairns flight, taking part in a famil in conjunction with Tourism & Events Queensland. The group spent seven nights experiencing the best of the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region, with highlights such as taking an Ocean Safari, experiencing a Back Country Bliss Adventure, exploring Thala Beach Nature Reserve and heading out to Fitzroy Island, joining a Frankland Island Cruise and a Lady Douglas River Cruise. 1. On a Sailaway’s Sunset Cruise in Port Douglas is, from back row Jo Gasteen from Journey South, Flight Centre’s Thad D'Souza and NZ’s Frank Gibbons. In the next row is Mondo’s Margaret Rouse, Jill Ryan from helloworld, Amanda Southon and Catherine Johnson from House

CLIA Live Kicks Off

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) hosted the first event in its 2023 CLIA LIVE series in Melbourne this week, with the countdown now on for the Auckland function 30-31 May. CLIA Australasia director of membership and events Marita Nosic says this year’s CLIA LIVE series had been met with record interest as travel agents worked to capitalise on cruising’s worldwide revival. “Our theme for CLIA LIVE this year is ‘Cruising into the Future’ and there has been a huge interest in what cruise lines are doing as they introduce new ships and new innovations across their fleets,” Nosic explains. “CLIA LIVE is designed to help agents understand what the future of cruising will look like, allowing them to learn from multiple cruise brands in the one place at the one time.” The seminar series is on a six cities across Australia and New Zealand this year, offering agents two days to connect with representatives from the world’s ocean, river and expedition cruise lines. The Auckland event is already sold out, but for the curious see event details HERE.

of Travel and GO Holidays’ Sincere Wong. In the third row is Travel Managers’ Jillian Brodie and Rohini Jagmohan, The Travel Brokers. 2. Outside Oaks Port Douglas Resort is, from back, Mondo Travel’s Margaret Rouse, Frank Gibbons from NZ, HoT’s Catherine Johnson, Jo Gasteen from Journey South, HoT’s Amanda Southon and Thad D'Souza from Flight Centre. In the front row is GO’s Sincere Wong with Jillian Brodie from TMG, helloworld’s Jill Ryan and Rohini Jagmohan, The Travel Brokers.

Toberua No Pool Deal

Fiji’s Toberua Island has a ‘No Pool Party’ full island charter special available now, with prices starting from $10,000 per night. The special is available for travel 17 Jan-17 Mar 2024, as the resort’s pool is closed for renovations. The price caters for up to 36 guests, and includes transfers from Suva, meals, accommodation in 15 oceanfront bures and one three bedroom villa, and access to the spa, bar, restaurant, golf course and the use of non-motorised water sports. A min. five night stay applies, see HERE.

FJ HNL Fares

Fiji Airways has ow flights ex Auckland to Honolulu via Nadi from $461, or $451 ex WLG and $463 ex CHC. The fares are for sales to 15 Apr, for travel 23 Apr-15 Mar, blackouts apply.

Orbit is extra-ordinary. Are you? Orbit World Travel is the largest New Zealand-owned and operated travel management company and part of the House of Travel Group. The team at Orbit are passionate and have an absolute focus on helping our clients succeed. We are dusting off and our team in Auckland are looking for an Account Manager to join our fun, fast paced industry. As an Account Manager you will be looking after our corporate clients. We are looking for a strong team player with a genuine passion for the travel industry and who has: l Previous experience in the travel industry l A good understanding of airfares and travel product knowledge l Excellent communication and organisational skills l A strong commitment to delivering the highest level of customer service. Our people are our greatest asset, and our goal is to be an employer of choice. In return for your valuable contribution, we offer a fun and people focused culture, competitive remuneration, career progression and a supportive working environment where your expertise and ideas are highly valued.

Applications to [email protected] by 27 March 2023

Aloha Friday A Beginners Guide To Hiking & Dining G ot a c t i ve c l i e nt s heading to Hawaii Island who are also keen to explore H a w a i i ’s c u l i n a r y scene? Hawaiian Airlines has compiled the best hikes across the islands and where to grab a bite afterwards. In Hilo, send clients chasing waterfalls at Akaka Falls (pictgured) which is a paved loop trail that’s less than a kilometre long, exploring tropical forest and two waterfalls. Instagram friendly? Most definitely. Afterwards, clients can head to the heart of Hilo to Restaurant Kenichi, which offers a variety of ramen dashi and local classics. The must try is the

Malama: Adopt A Goose

Clients looking to fully embrace the Malama spirit on their next trip to Hawaii can adopting a goose. The Nene, Hawai’s state bird, is the only wild goose found within the neighbour Islands and is currently endangered. The Adopt a Nene programme is helping re-introduce the birds to Maui, and prevent their extinction. Adoption starts from USD30 and includes adoption papers and certificate, information about your Nene, and more. See HERE.

char-grilled yuzu-miso butterfish, and the lilikoi chiffon pie. Hiking through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a popular choice for many Kiwis on Hawaii Island, with the top pick for the seasoned hiker being the 5.3km Kilauea Iki loop, which visits the site of a 1959 eruption. Afterwards, have clients treat themselves at Café Ono at Volcano Garden Arts, which specialises in homemade organic dishes that are all vegetarian. Next is the Kau Coast, home to the 9.8km Punaluu to Kamehame Beach hike. The trail passes by petroglyphs and a sacred heiau, with Honu (turtle) also seen during breeding season (Jun-Nov). For a post-hike bite, there’s Punaluu Bake Shop in nearby Naalehu, which offers malasadas, turnovers, pastries and pies. Wrapping up the list is Kona’s Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, where clients will find a 3.2km 1871 Trail, which journeys past remains of heiau (temples), lava tubes and the ancient fishing village of Kiilae. End the day at Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill, which boasts creative dishes like poke nachos, luau oyster, tempura ahi belly, and seven flavours of poke, including a vegan one.

Maui Food Line-up

Maui-bound clients are advised that the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival will be held on the island 08-11 Jun. One of Hawaii’s longest-running culinary events, it brings together world-renowned winemakers, sommeliers and chefs for themed tastings, wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, and lunches, with evening gala culinary events to also feature. Tickets are on sale now, with accommodation packages available with host hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Maui. See details HERE.

Children’s Festival

Families travellingt to Oahu in May are recommended to add the the seventh Annual Ko Olina Children’s Festival, on the 20th, to their itinerary. A benefit for the Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children, the festival will feature arts and crafts, fun family activities, food and snack booths, live performances, and a feature film on the beach at sunset. Special room rates at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina are available for 2023 Children’s Festival ticket holders. See more details on the festival and the event programme HERE.

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Apr Merrie Monarch

Hilo will celebrate the 60th annual Merrie Monarch Festival 09-15 Apr. Highlights include a threeday hula competition, which features some of the best halau hula (hula schools) from Hawai'i and the continental US, as well as a town parade and arts and craft fair. Tickets for the hula competition often sell out months in advance, but clients can watch the event live on-line, and the festival’s other events on-line are open to the public. See HERE.

Free Hula Shows

Princeville Shopping Centre on Kauai features free Hula performances every Sat 1330-1430. The shows, by Aunty Bev's Hula Halau, take place at the open-air Food Court, behind the Post Office.

Art At Kona Beach

Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort has opened the recently renovated Herb Kane Gallery, home to an extensive collection of artwork and artefacts created by the late renowned Native Hawaiian artist and historian Herb Kawainui. See details HERE.

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