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Monday 28 Nov 2022

DISCOVER

Issue 4691

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Silversea Set To Invite Agents Aboard Spiking small ship demand, a slew of offers and an expanding product range have helped grow Silversea’s New Zealand business through and out of the pandemic. But as the cruise line gets set to sail back into New Zealand waters, now is when agents can see the updated product first-hand, says Silversea Cruises New Zealand manager Mel Watson. “We’ve got our bonus offer running for a few more days (to 30 Nov) and we’ve also just announced our first Kiwi agent-only famil and as the Kiwi percentage of Australasia sales grows it’s all really good news,” says Watson. “But for the many agents who only started selling more high-end cruises during C-19 or haven’t yet been aboard, having our ships in Kiwi

Endeavour Named

Silver Endeavour has made one cool debut at her naming ceremony in Antarctica. The celebration was held in the Lemaire Channel, with attendees including Godmother and polar explorer Felicity Aston MBE, with an ice-sculpted champagne magnum smashed against Silver Endeavour’s hull (the line’s 64th ship) to mark the occasion. The ship will help strengthen Silversea’s expedition proposition, allowing it to grow capacity, it adds. See HERE.

waters will give agents the chance to see the product for themselves, and see what the fuss is all about—for the first time in three years.” Silversea will have record capacity in the Australasia region this cruise season and when Silver Muse, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper visit. Watson is expecting another flurry of booking activity. “For the local season there’s a higher percentage of Aussies and Kiwis onboard and some cruises are sold out,” she adds.

. . . 2023 Demand

Looking ahead Watson is expecting similar Kiwi travel demand patterns. “More Kiwis are still cruising closer to home and Australia into 2023, and particularly the Kimberleys has been popular,” she says. “The Med remains popular, and we’ve got a longer season for 2023, into Sep, there’s also more itineraries on offer with the addition of Silver Dawn and Silver Moon to the fleet—but warn clients that 2023 sailings are filling up fast.” Expedition cruising is another area of increased demand, and Watson says the addition of Silver Endeavour to its fleet offers the ultimate in luxury expedition for clients looking for a high-end expedition experience. “Expedition cruise demand has increased exponentially, and Silversea has been quick to cater to that market growth,” she adds.

QF Slams Sheldon

Qantas has issued a statement defending itself against what it claims are mistruths being shared by Australian Senator Tony Sheldon. In the latest incident Sheldon called QF ‘mongrels’ and ‘big corporate gorillas’ who ‘hoard all the bananas’. QF says the senator was elected to represent the people of NSW and not focus disproportionately on a single company. It also claims the Senator has fired off a list of mistruths that’s so long that the carrier has a dedicated page on its website to correct them. “So far this year, Senator Sheldon has taken the time to write almost 100 tweets about QF,” it says. “He’s called us to testify in front of several parliamentary inquiries he’s chaired. And he’s held press conferences to condemn how a company, which was 11 weeks from going broke during the pandemic and is now back in profit, is being run.”

Cat Napped at JFK

They say you should also double check your luggage, and a recent cat-astrophe at JFK has reiterated this statement. TSA agents were shocked to discover a live cat in a suitcase, with the traveller claiming that not only did they not know the cat was there, but it wasn’t even theirs. The cat has been identified by the New York Post as Smells, and has since been returned unharmed to its owner, who told the newspaper that Smells must have crawled into the suitcase of a visiting friend. She didn’t know her tabby was missing until airport officials reached her. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, we’re paws-itive this is one tail the feline won’t forget!

7 Pages In This Issue News....................................p1, 3, 5-7 Cover•More.....................................p2 12 Days of Christmas....................p4

Welcoming Travellers from 1st August

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PROMOTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Entry into Cover-More’s “12 Days of Christmas Gifting” Promotion 2022 (the Promotion) opens at 12:00am (NZST) on 28th November 2022 and closes at 5:00PM (NZST) on 13 December 2022 with participation open to all registered and active travel agents or travel brokers operating in New Zealand. Each day from 28th November for twelve (12) consecutive business days, Cover-More will advertise a question in the “Travel Today” publication and any agent or broker who emails Cover-More at [email protected] with the correct answer by 11:59:59PM on that relevant day will be eligible for entry into the daily prize draw. Entry is limited to one entry per agent or broker, per day. If more than one entry is received from the same agent or broker, only the first one received by us will be entered and all future or subsequent ones will be discarded. Each winner will be determined in the Promoter’s sole opinion on the basis of a single entry drawn from the pool of correct answers. The winner will be notified by email within 7 calendar days of the Promotion. Total prize pool is valued at up to $7,000. The daily prize to be awarded as part of this promotion has been set by the Promoter across each of the 12 business days. For full details of prizes on each day please check the flyer on the website of Travel Today or contact us at [email protected] Prizes are not transferrable, exchangeable, negotiable or redeemable for cash. The Promoter’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The Promoter will arrange for courier delivery of the prize through NZ Post but is not responsible for or liable to replace lost, misdirected or stolen prizes whether arising in transit or upon delivery. All prizes will be dispatched with fourteen (14) days of receipt of the contact and address details of the winner, subject to any COVID-19 restrictions causing delays in the operations of, or physical dispatching of prizes by, postal services. Entry into this Promotion is deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. The Promoter is Cover-More (NZ) Limited.

Travel Today, Monday 28 Nov 2022   Page 2

News & Product

Mon 28 Nov 22

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OZ Christmas Strike?

Clients planning Christmas in Australia may have to be prepared as Qantas flight attendants threaten to strike over the festive period. Flight Attendants Association of Australia vice president Angela McManus says the last thing the union and staff want to do is disrupt customers,’ it is not in our DNA’ she told Today. The 24-hour strike is set to happen in the coming weeks, and while no official date has been set, it threatens to disrupt Christmas travel for millions. The union says members want a pay increase and for proposed changes to working hours including fewer breaks to be scrapped.

. . . QF Disappointed

QF says the announcement is a ‘very disappointing step’ as negotiations for a new deal continue. The carrier told 9News that the Union has said it will minimise the impact to customers of any industrial action “and we’re urging them to stick to their word.”

LCC’s Growing In The Post-Pandemic Low cost carriers appear to be having more of an impact than many may have though when it comes to airport capacity—with OAG data showing an increase in seats from LCCs, and a decline in seats from legacy carriers at many US airports. Based on Oct 2019 capacity, the three largest airports in the USA were Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles, and all three were and are dominated by legacy carriers. At ATL the legacy share of capacity is 82%, at ORD it is 91% and at LAX it is 76%. Fast forward to Oct 2022, OAG says there’s been a steep decline in capacity at these airports, while those who are frequented by more low cost carriers are faring better.

Air NZ Groups Closed

Air New Zealand advises agents that its groups team will be closed tomorrow, Tue 29 Nov. Any urgent queries will be actioned when it reopens at 0830 Wed 30 Nov. See more details HERE.

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“When we compare the five airports with the biggest increase in capacity with the five airports with the biggest decline in capacity it appears that in general the increases are due to additional capacity being operated by low-cost airlines, while reductions are due to legacy airlines shrinking their operation,” says OAG analyst Becca Rowland. She points to Houston as an example, which has seen LCCs add 73% more capacity, while legacy airlines reduced capacity by 12%, and Dallas/FortWorth, where LCCs have added 46% more seats while legacy carriers have taken 2% out. It’s always been clear that low-cost carriers and legacy carriers pursue different strategies, and operate with very different business models, and Rowland says the response to the pandemic has only reinforced this. “Legacy carriers have sought to return to profitability by controlling costs while low-cost carriers have used their competitive advantage to attract cost-conscious travellers and make a market share grab.”

Uniworld Xmas Deals

Uniworld is getting into the festive spirit today launching 12 days of Christmas deals. The river cruise operator is unwrapping one new offer for 2023 travel at 2100 every day for the next 12 week days. The deals are valid to book from release through to 2100 16 Dec, and space is limited. For a sneak peek ahead of tonight’s launch Uniworld says it is set to offer 50% off one sailing on The Nile along the River Tosca. See more details from 2100 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

We want you to know you are amazing, and wish you a fun and exciting silly season ahead. Enjoy your families, friends and this beautiful country we call home. Love, Team Viva!

Viva is offering agents, brokers and wholesale res consultants the chance to win a $250 Icebreaker voucher, 1 x copy of ‘Shadows on the Wasteland’ book by Mike Stroud OBE and a priceless Sir Edmund Hillary framed signed stamp, with certificate of authenticity. To enter, correctly answer this question: Which former NZ Prime Minister will be joining Mike Stroud OBE on Viva’s VIP Antarctica trip next year? E-mail entries to [email protected], with subject line 12 Days of Xmas-VivaExpeditions. Entries must be received by 15 December, 1700. All winners will be notified by 16 December 2022

Travel Today, Monday 28 Nov 2022   Page 4

News & Product

Mon 28 Nov 22

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Regent: Biggest Trade Incentive Yet

Lylo To Auckland

Xmas Is Back At MUC

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Munich Airport, with this year’s Christmas and Winter Market now open, after a two-year hiatus. On at the German airport until 26 Dec, it features more than 40 booths offering handicrafts, clothing, jewellery and toys as well as festive bites such as hot chestnuts and mulled wine, a large ice rink and a lineup of live music. Details on the market can be found HERE.

BE IN TO WIN! The Top 6 Bookers of GC Product in Nov are off to the fabulous Coast It’s that easy!

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises has launched what it says is its biggest trade incentive yet—offering agents the chance to earn $750 David Jones vouchers. “As we enter the holiday season, we are celebrating our valued trade partners,” says RSSC’s vp Australia and New Zealand Lisa Pile. “To get in the festive spirit we are rewarding them with a very special present with Our Gift to You, our most enticing booking incentive ever.” “We consider our travel advisors part of the Regent family, and we want to thank them for all their hard work and unwavering support,” she adds. The festive promotion is billed at its ‘richest trade partner booking incentive across the widest range of sailings the cruise line has ever offered and is an extension of Regent’s Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, running through Nov’. As such Kiwi agents and brokers will earn a $750 David Jones Gift Card for each new deposited booking on any sailing for departures 01 Jan-30 Jun. Eligible bookings need to be registered HERE by 30 Dec, and RSSC says ‘there is no limit to the number of gift

Aussie Rail Deal

Journey Beyond Rail has up to AUD1050pp off journeys on board The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern. The offer is for on select departures in a Gold Single Cabin, for bookings ending today (28 Nov).Travel dates vary between journeys, valid on the Indian Pacific for travel 01 Nov–31 Dec 2023, Great Southern Jan-Dec 2023 and The Ghan and Ghan Expedition Aug-Oct 2023. For more details see HERE.

cards travel advisors can receive’. The offer can be combined with ‘nearly all’ or RSSC’s promotions including eligible voyages in its current value-added offer, the Gift of Travel (a free pre- or post-cruise land programme on a range of destination-rich sailings across Europe plus a Black Friday Bonus for a USD300 shipboard credit per suite). The cruise line says there’s some ‘sensational sailings’ to entice clients to book 2023 travel from Indonesia to South American and Europe. “We want to provide our trade partners with as many tools as possible to be successful, whether that be rich and enticing offers for their clients or sharing our marketing and sales expertise through educational webinars,” adds Pile.

Lylo is coming to New Zealand. The budget-friendly accommodation option will make its debut in Auckland on 01 Dec, before expanding into Christchurch and Queenstown. Located at 54 Cook Street, it will offer a mix of 190 private sleeping pods, 37 private double rooms with design-led shared amenities and 70 private ensuite rooms. There will also be a large fully decked-out shared kitchen, an abundance of lounge spaces and bar Miss Lucy’s. The Christchurch and Queenstown additions will open in 2023, in the current Jucy Snooze properties. The pods, which include king single beds, a bluetooth storage locker and multiple charging points, will start from $55 per night, while the private and ensuite rooms will start from $109 and $159 per night respectively. For further details, see HERE.

News & Product

Mon 28 Nov 22

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Windstar Savings

Windstar Cruises has a 5% reduced deposit, and other perks for bookings by tomorrow (29 Nov), reminds Francis Travel Marketing. Alongside the reduced deposit, clients can choose up to USD1000 Onboard Credit per Stateroom or Suite; free upgrade to all-inclusive fares for Premium Suites Guests; or one complimentary easy stays hotel night, pre- or post-cruise, including gourmet breakfast, wifi and transfer to yacht. Yacht Club Members will also save an additional 5%, and those who refer a new-to-Windstar guest will get an additional USD100 Shipboard Credit per guest.

Active On Agents & Local Demand International travel has resumed, but Active Adventures says there’s still Kiwis keen to explore their backyard—and points to its relationship with Kiwi agents, which solidified during the pandemic, which is driving the sales. Speaking to Travel Today, Active Adventures’ agent sales manager Brian Daly says the company is now working with some strong industry partners, with room for more.

Scoot Joins IATA

Singapore Airlines’ low cost carrier Scoot is now a full member of the International Air Transport Association, IATA, having met Operational Safety Audit Standards. The airline’s ceo Leslie Thng says they honoured to become an IATA member, a move which he adds reaffirms its dedication to upholding safety. The membership will see Scoot have the opportunity to help drive priorities within the aviation industry, participate in member conferences and access IATA training.

“We'd like to see these agents taking advantage of the wonderful tours and expertise we have to offer.” Daly says its Alps to Ocean Biking Adventure, Great Walks of New Zealand and West Coast Adventures are among the most popular domestic trips with Kiwis. “Although we're still getting a strong domestic following there's been an increased interest in our North America trips as well as many of our South America departures,” he adds. It comes as the operator continues to expand its offering, particularly in America, where it has partnered with Austin Adventures. “The pandemic has been tricky for everyone but we've been able to use this event as an opportunity to bolster our position in the global travel market,” he explains. “We've been able to bring a number of new products online since our merger with Austin Adventures.” At the same time Daly says the company is working on product and more importantly, more agent focused promotions and opportunities. See more on Active Adventures HERE.

LEARN MORE

Gourmet Noosa Lunch

Salt Air Aviation has a new Winery, Brewery and Gourmet Lunch experience in Noosa. Departing from Noosa airfield, it will see clients take a scenic flight over the local beaches and hills as well as the Noosa Everglades, with a VIP landing at wineries, breweries and private dining venues for tastings. Prices are available upon request, see HERE.

Fly for business CHC>WLG 7:00am* WLG>CHC 6:10pm* Weekdays * Flight schedules are subject to change. Check jetstar.com

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News & Product

An Anaheim Thanks Mon 28 Nov 22

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FJ YVR Direct Takes Off

Fiji Airways inaugural Vancouver service has landed, signalling the start of its twice-weekly direct flights between Fiji and Vancouver. FJ ceo and md Andre Viljoen (pictured) says with the holiday season fast approaching, the timing of its newest route could not be better. “We can now connect Kiwis to Canada for the holiday season, and invite them to warm up in tropical Fiji with a convenient stopover holiday before returning to Australia well rested and relaxed.” Kiwis appear to have already caught on to this idea, as he adds that in the lead up to the launch of the flights, more and more Kiwis have been showing an interest in the new service. This, he says, indicates that there is demand which FJ can tap into. “As we continue to expand our network and launch new routes, we are creating more and more pathways for Kiwis to access popular travel destinations, cementing Fiji as a convenient connection or stopover destination to further afield.” The Airbus widebody flights to and from YVR will operate Mon and Fri, with Kiwis able to connect to the flights via FJ’s flights ex AKL, WLG and CHC. FJ New Zealand manager Sheryn Ambler, who was on the inaugural commercial flight, says (from Whistler) that it was a great flight up and that the winter holiday season is in full swing—complete with snow!

After a two year break, Lisa and Pip were delighted to share the Thanksgiving cheer from Visit Anaheim on Thu with some key travel industry members. Traditional turkey hats came out of the cupboard to assist in delivering pumpkin pies and chocolate brownies. The duo say they are extremely thankful to the amazing industry relationships and support that is given to Visit Anaheim. Photos: 1: Visit Anaheim duo Lisa Linn and Pip Ashford are pictured either side of Air New Zealand’s Rachel Pedder. 2: Visit Anaheim was 1

GO-ing the extra mile with Emma Rober tson from GO Holiday’s thanksgiving treats. 3: House of Travel’s Paula Watson and Shona Bray with their goodies from the Visit Anaheim duo Lisa Linn and Pip Ashford. 4: A couple of next-generation turkey’s, Travel Today’s Ryder and Lucca, with the plucky Visa Anaheim duo Pip Ashford and Lisa Linn, centre.

Aurora Savings Offer

Aurora Expeditions is offering individual travellers solo savings on some of its most popular Arctic and global voyages for bookings to 31 Dec, as it removes its single supplement for the festive season. The cruise line says it is noticing an increased interest in single travellers wishing to sail. Non-solo travellers can also enjoy the festive season with savings of up to 20% on all Arctic and global 2023 voyages when booked and deposited by 31 Dec. See HERE.

MH Suspends KUL-BNE

Malaysia Airlines will suspend flights between Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane from 27 Mar, citing challenges such as the continued increase in fuel costs, foreign exchange, and interest rates. on-stop flights between KUL and Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, will continue to operate as normal, with 43 direct flights a week between Australia and Malaysia.

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FJ’s LAX Fares On Sale

Fiji Airways reminds agents that it has Los Angeles fares on sale to 30 Nov, with Auckland to LAX via Nadi from $3014 return and $3514. The fares are valid for travel 02 Dec10 Dec, and 11 Dec-23. Tickets must be issued only on FJ stock or plate, adds the carrier.

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