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

Thursday 06 April 2023

Issue 4735

Check out our new inflight menu offering a range of meals, snacks and drinks

IATA: A Fantastic Feb For Flying Despite the uncertain economic signals, demand for air travel continues to be strong across the globe, and particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, shows the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Total traffic for Feb 2023, which is measured in revenue passenger kilometres, rose 55.5% compared to Feb 2022. This means, globally, traffic is now at 84.9% of the Feb 2019 levels. Global domestic air traffic for Feb rose 25.2% year-on-year, and was at 97.2% of the Feb 2019 figures, while international traffic climbed 89.7% on Feb 2022, and is now at 77.5% of the Feb 2019 figures. IATA director

UK/EU Strikes Continue

Strikes impacting travel are continuing in Europe, ahead of the Easter travel peak. Workers are currently striking Britain (including passport office and LHR security staff ), Portugal (Faro airport and border workers), France (air traffic controllers) and Spain (Swissport and airport workers) over various pay demands. The French air traffic controllers are among those striking across France—but have now clocked up more than 30 days on strike, says European reports. In some good news Germany’s public sector strike action is on hold.

general Willie Walsh says the aviation industry is now just about 15% below 2019 levels of demand and that gap is narrowing each month. “People are flying in ever greater numbers,” he adds.

. . . Regions

It was a good month locally, with Asia Pacific airlines seeing a 378.7% increase in Feb 2023 traffic yearon-year, while capacity rose 176.4% and the load factor increased 34.9 percentage points to 82.5%—the second highest among the regions. African airlines’ also saw a jump in seats sold, with traffic rising 90.7% versus a year ago, with Feb capacity up 61.7%. Middle Eastern airlines recorded a 75.0% traffic increase, with North American carriers’ traffic not far behind, climbing 67.4% in Feb 2023 versus the 2022 period. Also growing, albeit at smaller levels, was European and Latin American airlines, with traffic up 47.9% and 44.1% compared to the same month in 2022, respectively.

. . . Cargo

On the cargo front, IATA reports demand rose above pre-pandemic levels for the first time in eight months. While global demand fell 7.5% compared to Feb 2022, it was up 2.9% on pre-pandemic levels.

Two Category Upgrade

Silversea has just launched a promotion offering a two-category suite upgrade its classic ocean voyages or a one-category suite upgrade its expedition cruises. In addition clients will get a USD1000 shipboard credit per suite and a 15% reduced deposit for bookings by 31 May. “This is an unprecedented offer, with three amazing benefits all available at the same time,” says Silversea New Zealand’s Mel Watson. The offer applies to 130 voyages sailing from Sep through to Jun. See more details HERE.

SIN Tours Are Back

A reminder that the Free Singapore Tours (FST) are back and available for transfer and transit passengers with a transit time of 5.5 to 24 hours. Agents can book these tours for clients via the Changi Playpass website HERE. See yesterday's issue for more details.

7 Pages This Issue News...................................... p1,3-7 Fiji Airways.................................. p2

AMS Taken To Court

It looks like the Dutch government’s attempts to reduce the number of flight movements at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport— from 500,000 to 440,000 per year—will no longer go ahead, after the Dutch Court upheld the legal challenges lodged by IATA, KLM and other airlines against the move. The International Air Transport Association has welcomed the decision, with director general Willie Walsh saying this result gives vital stability for this year to the airlines using Schiphol Airport and maintains the choice and connectivity passengers value. However, Walshe warns that ‘the job is not done’. “The threat of flight cuts at Schiphol remains very real and is still the stated policy of the government,” he says. AMS yesterday announced night flight cuts without consultation, and while Walsh says airlines understand the importance of resolving issues such as noise, he wants a more balanced approach.

Runway Closure

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is closing for six hours on 02 May, local time, to allow for routine pre-monsoon maintenance and repair work (from 1100 through to 1700). Agents with clients booked to arrive or depart the airport during that time window will be impacted.

Travel Today, Thursday 06 April 2023   Page 2

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Sustainable WLG

Wellington Airport has converted $100 million of existing bank facilities into sustainability linked loans, a move that means its lending will be charged a lower interest cost and line fee for achieving the sustainable goals, and a higher rate if the goals are not achieved. Current goals include addressing greenhouse gas emissions that WLG is directly responsible for, supporting and enabling low-emission commercial flights, progressing through the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, and reducing the level of waste ending up in landfills. 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

Air NZ Readies For The Easter Rush Auckland Airport isn’t the only one bracing for a busy Easter period, as Air New Zealand notes it’s set to welcome 210,000 customers onboard a 68% increase on Easter 2022. Today the airline will carry around 50,000 Kiwis, with Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown proving popular, alongside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore, Houston and Los Angeles. And this is just the start, with NZ chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty saying the upcoming Apr school holidays will

The Murray With FTM

Francis Travel Marketing advises that it has 10% off the Murray River Paddlesteamers’ new 20242025 voyages, which have just been released. The cruises, aboard the PS Emmylou, feature three-, four- and seven-night voyages departing Apr 2024-Mar 2025. New shore experiences include a visit to the Great Aussie Beer Shed, tours of historic Echuca, a silo art tour and nature cruise, and a riverside beach picnic. The offer is available for sales to 31 Jul, and departures 01 Apr 2024-31 Apr 2025. See more details HERE.

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see NZ carry more than 700,000 passengers across its network, making it one of the busiest periods of the year. To cater for a rise in travelling families, NZ is rolling out several initiatives, including new child-friendly headphones and the popular Kia Ora Kids activity book. “We're always looking for ways to make the travel experience better for our smallest flyers,” says Geraghty.

. . . Come Prepared

NZ has joined AKL in warning travelling Kiwis to come prepared for potential delays and longer wait times at the airport. “While we're excited to have so many customers flying with us this Easter season, we also want to remind everyone that airports may be busy during this time,” says Geraghty. She encourages clients to plan ahead and leave plenty of time to get through security, check in online and pack light.

Scoot Ex New Zealand

Flydubai Meal Update

Clients traveling in economy class on flydubai can now make special meal selections based on dietary requirements, advises GSA Aviation Online. Preferred meals can be selected at time of booking or more than 24 hours prior to departure, alternatively meals can be amended on existing bookings. If booked less than 24 hours to departure, standard meals will apply. See GDS for details.

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Scoot (TR), the low-cost carrier part of the SIA Group offers travel ex New Zealand to TR destinations throughout Southeast Asia, West/ North Asia, Australia and Europe, reminds Singapore Airlines. Agents can utilise the TR network for clients by combining SQ and TR TAAP ON flightsTURN on the same SQ 618 ticket. When doing so, SQ says the TR fare bundle will default to FlyBagEat and clients baggage allowance will be determined by the most significant carrier rule on each through-checked leg. TR flights are only permitted in conjunction with SQ-operated flights. See more on Scoot HERE,

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Vivid Sydney 2023

GO Holidays has Sydney packages that include a three-hour all-inclusive Vivid Sydney Dinner Cruise Experience where clients will get 360-degree harbour views of the Vivid lightshow (on as part of Vivid Sydney 26 May-17 Jun). There are also other bonuses included depending on accommodation choice. Land packages start from $549 per person twin share for two nights at the Rydges Sydney Central, and there are options to add-on sightseeing such as a Sydney Opera House tour from $89 per adult, or Taste of Sydney food and cultural tour from $169 per adult. Sale ends 27 Apr unless otherwise specified, see more HERE.

Solo Travel Is Taking Off Post C-19 Solo travel is set to be one of the biggest trends in 2023, as a report from leading travel marketplace Wingie.com reveals that 75% of Wingie users opted for solo travel in the first quarter of the year. And, that’s just the start, with Wingie forecasting the trend to increase throughout the rest of the year. The marketplace is not the only platform reporting this trend; Solo Traveller reports that Kayak data shows searches for single-traveller flights are up 36% compared to 2022. Meanwhile, a survey by Skyscanner indicates 54% of travellers are considering going solo in 2023. Research commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line also recently found that over a third of Brits prefer to travel solo, while Google searches for solo travel since Apr 2020 have quadrupled, with demand evident across all age groups. At the same time travel providers have been catering to the trend. For example

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in the cruise sector some cruise lines have added solo passenger cabins to cater to the growing demand. At the same time it’s increasingly being recognised as a market demographic with some operators moving to waive thew solo traveller surcharge for selected cruises and trips.

. . . The Traveller

As for what kind of clients agents can expect to book solo, Wingie data shows some 74% of those who booked solo trips were men, with 39.9% between 19-32 years old and 37.6% between 33-46. Destinations trending for solos incljude the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, and Kuwait.

CX Codeshare Bags

For clients travelling on Air New Zealand services with a Cathay Pacific codeshare AKL/HKG and HKG/AKL, NZ advises agents that the additional piece of cabin and checked baggage for CX Silver codeshare customers has ceased, effective immediately. CX Silver customers will still have access to premium check in at Auckland and Hong Kong airport, priority baggage handling, seating and airport standby, as well as lounge access. Additional baggage rules still remain for CX Diamond and Gold codeshare customers. See more HERE.

MH’s NetZero Move

Malaysia Aviation Group has partnered with Norway-based climate tech company CHOOSE in an effort to further reduce its carbon emission. The partnership will see CHOOSE develop and integrate a new software that will allow Malaysia Airlines customers to see their direct C02 impact when booking their flights, and will also provide them with the option to support verified carbon offset projects. MH says this marks a major step forward in its commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

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Viking ‘25 Season

Viking has opened its 2025 river cruise voyages for sale due to ‘overwhelming demand’. It is the first time the cruise line has had three river seasons open to book at once and comes off the back of its record-breaking sales in Jan, it adds. Clients can save thousands per couple on select itineraries for bookings by 29 May, and for new 2024/2025 river bookings made by 30 Apr Viking is offering an extra saving of AUD200 per couple. Some highlighted river cruises include its 15-day Grand European Cruise ex Amsterdam to Budapest or v.v. priced from AUD4995 per person, see HERE; the 10-day Portugal’s River of Gold voyage ex Lisbon to Porto from AUD5995 pp, see HERE; its 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary ex Cairo roundtrip from AUD7295 pp, see HERE; and the 15-day Magnificent Mekong ex Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or v.v. priced from AUD6795 pp, see HERE.

TikTok Inspired Travel Is Trending While TikTok has been copping some flack around data sharing concerns, the platform has become a heavy hitter when it comes to travel inspiration. In fact a new survey found that 60% of US TikTok users say they’ve been inspired to visit a new destination via the platform. The study by MGH also found 35% of US TikTok users have travelled to visit a new destination after seeing a video on it-that’s around 52.5 million people. And it’s not just an America trend. Locally, House of Travel’s customer engagement director Celeste Ryall says agents often hear from Gen Z and millennial customers that their travel inspiration has come from social media channels, including TikTok. “Over the last 12 months we’ve seen younger Kiwis looking to tick destinations off their bucket list, thanks in part to the FOMO-worthy content that is being created on social media.”

EK Refund Notice

Emirates reminds BSP agents who are submitting refunds for clients fully unutilised or partially utilised tickets that cannot be submitted as an RN, to do this via the Refund Notice (RN) function in BSPlink. Any refund applications that can be processed as an RN will be rejected, it says. Agents submitting premium economy downgrades can continue doing this via Refund Applications in BSPlink.

While users spanning all generations are inspired by TikTok to visit new places, the millennial generation is particularly influenced by the social media platform when it comes to their travel plans, with 45% of millennials surveyed having travelled to a new destination they saw on TikTok. MGH social media marketing director Ryan Goff says the survey highlights the undeniable influence that TikTok is having on the travel industry. “It's not only driving awareness of destinations, but it's actually taking its users to places they've never seen or been to before.” Both agree there’s potential in the platform, from a marketing perspective, for those in the travel industry. “TikTok is still largely personality driven but can offer agents a chance to build relationships with potential customers by sharing valuable travel tips and insights in a fun way,” says Ryall. Goff adds there are very few tools left that have as big of an impact across audiences of all generations.

Carbon Zero Future

Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism have joined forces launching two funding platforms to raise funds for localised climate, conservation, and biodiversity initiatives. This is to help the region overcome high-volume visitation challenges and support its goal of a regenerative, carbon zero future.

New SH Diana Sets Sail

Swan Hellenic has taken delivery of SH Diana, it’s newest and largest ship. She is now sailing to Palermo for a 10-night Mysteries of Carthage and the Moors, calling at North Africa ports before departing Lisbon 25 Apr for a nine-night Historic Ports of the Western Seaboard cruise which finishes in Amsterdam, where SH Diana will be christened. “We’re delighted to have taken delivery of this exceptionally beautiful and versatile new five-star vessel,” says Swan Hellenic ceo Andrea Zito. “As the largest ship in our fleet, she is the first to be outfitted with large tender boats as well as expedition zodiacs, offering guests a wide variety of extraordinary in-depth experiences seeing what others don’t.” See an interactive world map of Swan Hellenic itineraries HERE.

SQ Reducing Waste

Singapore Airlines says it’s committed to reduce waste onboard, so it is giving passengers options such as its in-flight amenity kits on a request basis, or the choice to skip a meal where ‘no meal’ can be selected to minimise food wastage. Clients can preview all options up to eight days before departure via its digital in-flight menu HERE.

LAND CONTRACTING MANAGER – NEW ZEALAND

TRAVEL IS BACK!

If you are passionate about travel and believe to be a great negotiator, then this role is for you. By joining the amazing team at Helloworld Travel you will be liaising with our supplier partners to negotiate the delivery of their product through our many channels. With brands like ATS Pacific, Go Holidays and Viva Holidays, we represent a significant amount of business to our supplier partners and nurturing the relationship with every single one of them in New Zealand is the main focus of this role. As the ideal candidate, you will have: • Exceptional negotiation and presentation skills at all levels • A performance driven attitude along with exceptional communication abilities • Strong leadership skills and a proven strategic mindset • A proven ability to manage timelines with key internal stakeholders • A supportive, positive attitude and customer centric focus We are offering a very generous package, travel discounts and famils as well as training opportunities and career development.

APPLY FOR THIS EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TODAY! [email protected]

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Sydney Welcomes Two-storey Spa

Kangaroo Island Award

PADI Mermaid Courses

PADI has teamed up with Tourism New Zealand to offering mermaid courses in Northland for those aged six years and above. The courses help people become a PADI-certified mermaid as well as learn about how to respect and protect marine life. Mermaid-team members recently posed for the cameras in Northland at the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve and Whale Bay, to spread the word on International Mermaid Day (29 Mar) and highlight marine tourism in the South Pacific. Mermaid courses can be booked at Freedive Aotearoa, and prices start from $99 per person, see HERE.

Sofitel Darling Harbour has become the go to property for those looking for a spa weekend, as the doors open on Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour. Set across two levels overlooking Darling Harbour, it has been described as Sydney’s most anticipated urban retreat. It has seven spacious treatment rooms including two suites, one of which features a bath overlooking Darling Harbour. There’s also an infrared sauna, contemplation deck and relaxation lounge. Hotel gm Greg Brady says wellness has continued to grow as a key pillar for the hotel. “The multi-layered, sophisticated wellness experience offered at Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour comes as we embrace the

Applications are open now with TWO scholarships up for grabs! The Travel Industry Mentor Experience can help with: • Putting things into perspective • Opportunity to reflect & improve • Give you purpose & meaning

• Build your networks • Plus become an official ‘Aussie Expert’ by joining the Aussie Specialist Program

Email [email protected] for further details and an application form. Applications close Friday 19 May. For more information visit: TIME NZ: travelindustrymentor.co.nz Aussie Specialist Program: aussiespecialist.com

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

global shift in consumer mindset when it comes to what it means to take care of oneself and enjoy a true sense of health and wellbeing.“

. . . Menu

Signature half-day Wellness Journeys include elements of movement, nourishment/nutrition, care and rest. The packages will be released seasonally, with the current fivehour Autumn Wellness Journey including a swim or a Peloton bike session, a three-hour full body spa treatment, a light lunch and either guided meditation or mandala colouring. The Autumn Wellness Journey starts from AUD850.For those with less time, there’s facials, massages and body treatments are available. See details HERE.

South Australian-bound Kiwis have another reason to add Kangaroo Island to their itineraries, with TIME magazine featuring the island in its ‘World’s Greatest Places’ for 2023. The list names the ‘bucket-list’ destinations that everyone should consider visiting at least once in their lifetime. Kangaroo Island is no stranger to winning awards, having also made the top 10 in New York Times’ 52 places to visit this year, whilst the island’s Stokes Bay was named Australia’s best beach.

Aperitifs In Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney has a new Aperitivo offering at Mode Kitchen & Bar, available Mon-Fri 1600-1800. Priced from AUD30pp, it includes an aperitif cocktail and a buffet of Italian street food, such as focaccia, pizza, watermelon salad, cured meats and more. Reservations are recommended, see HERE.

TIME NZ & AussiE spEciAlisT progrAM

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Tibet Now Open

Tibet is now open to international travellers, however, World Journeys advises there are numerous requirements in place. Travellers must have a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, and must be travelling on an itinerary with a licensed tour guide, as independent travel is not allowed. World Journeys itineraries are allowed in the country, and agents can find details of these HERE.

Industry Diary APRIL eXplore Tourism Show 2023 Auckland: Thu 27, Eden Park Stadium, 0900-1500. Entry by registration. MAY 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 Amazing Thailand Roadshow 2023 Auckland: Mon 08, Crowne Plaza, 1630 registration for 1700. 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. Beautiful Samoa NZ Roadshow Christchurch: Mon 15. Wellington: Tu e 1 6 . Ham i lton : We d 1 7 . Auckland: Thu 18 May. Times/ venues tba. CLIA LIVE showcase Auckland: Tue 30 & Wed 31, Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, 09001700.

Coral Expands To The Spice Islands Coral Expeditions is expanding, with four new voyages to the Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands, set to depart in early 2025. The new 18-night extended voyages come as Coral’s commercial director Jeff Gillies says the cruise line has se en ‘extraordinar y demand’ for this region. “The chance to swim with the majestic whale sharks is the major attraction, however many guests fall in love with the people of Papua and their traditions,” he adds.

GO Has Availability

For clients looking to book the 113-day Auckland roundtrip 2025 Princess World Cruise, GO Cruising advises that many cabin types have sold out directly with Princess, but that the wholesaler still has the following availability: Two x Mini Suite (MB) from $61,109 per person twin share, one x Balcony (BB) from $40,891pp twin share, and two x Oceanview (OC) from $36,711pp twin share. All include an AUD2185 onboard credit per cabin. GO Cruising is also still running its cruise sale week promo where clients can get bonus onboard credit and pay a half price deposit until 11 Apr. Contact GO reservations to book.

Kids Club At Karen’s

The new expeditions are scheduled for the peak summer season JanMar 2025, hosted on Coral Geographer. Highlights will include three days in Raja Ampat, swimming with whale sharks at Cenderawasih Bay, visiting Wayag's 'gumdrop' islands, and the chance to learn the customs and cultures of West Papua and Indonesia. Prices start from AUD17,590 per person, and, as is the case with most Coral Expeditions voyages in remote international regions, the company will charter a jet aircraft for guest transfers from Darwin to Sorong and return. See more details HERE.

Wilkinson At WJs

T h e Wo r l d Journeys team has grown, with the addition of Sarah Wilkinson to its finals team. Wilkinson is a familiar face, having been with the company pre-pandemic and director Kate Couling says it’s fantastic to have her back on board. “Sarah’s destination knowledge and attention to detail are exemplary, so we are very lucky to have her back.” World Journeys is still producing printed and bound A5 itineraries, along with a handy travel wallet, bag tag and pen for bookings over $3000.

Anger Issues At NSN

Nelson Airport has been experiencing angry passengers following flight cancellations, as well as witnessing reckless driving around the airport carparks and roads, with some people driving over footpaths. Mark Thompson, Nelson Airport chief executive, said at a joint committee meeting of the Tasman District and Nelson city councils, that frontline staff training will be taking place to help them manage and deal with unruly behaviour.

PART TIME – GROUPS MANAGER Tours Direct is 100% New Zealand owned and operated, specialising in escorted tours to some of the world’s most exotic and intriguing destinations.

We are looking for an experienced Groups Manager to join our enthusiastic team. Located in the Auckland CBD we can offer a 20 hour week with flexibility. It’s essential you have an in-depth knowledge of Amadeus and preferably group experience. The job involves being responsible for handling the practical side of group bookings; airfares, insurance, database, documents and customer service.

Interactive diner Karen’s, now open in Auckland, takes patrons on a rude but fun journey. This school holidays the diner is running a kids club ‘for the little sh*ts!’ it says. An adult must be present, but the Karens will take over for an hour and a half of fun and games. Tickets are $25 per person and include a burger and fries as well as a Karen's Diner insult hat. Sessions run over lunchtime during the school holidays and can be booked via OpenTable for the Auckland outlet.

A meticulous attention to detail, excellent people and time management skills and a positive outlook is needed.

If this role appeals to you, please call Mandy Page 09 368 1640 or email [email protected]