30 Years Flying To AKL Weddings SpeCial Famil BirtHday 24-28 May FareS Register Now Out NOw Incorporating Tabs on Travel Click Here Tuesday 07 May 2013 Issue 2599 CLICK HERE CLICK Europe River Cruising 2014 Preview Superdeals HERE Offers Extended To 10 May AI Crew In Trouble NZ Cartel Case On Fri MoT QF/EK Decision Air India pilots and two cabin crew are The Auckland High Court penalty facing disciplinary action after claims hearing for Air New Zealand in the the pilots left the hosties in charge of Commerce Commission’s air cargo Soon . . . Perhaps the plane while they slept. It is alleged cartel case has been moved back to Emirates and Qantas hope the New the pilots only returned to the cockpit Fri, says the Commission. The car- Zealand Ministry of Transport 40 minutes later, when auto-pilot was rier was reported to have been in talks will approve their proposed airline switched off. Meanwhile, Air India re- with the Commission on a possible partnership in the next couple of portedly says the cabin crew members settlement last month. Penalties in the weeks, EK president Tim Clark were in the cockpit too long with the cartel case have so far exceeded $35 said at the Arabian Travel Market co-pilot, who accidentally switched off million—the latest being a total of in Dubai yesterday. the auto-pilot. $9.6 million in penalties from Cathay The two carriers yesterday marked Pacific, Thai Airways and MASkargo the first anniversary of their initial Insured Against Nessie System Berhad (Malaysia Airlines’ car- partnership talks and made mention Scottish cruise company Jacobite go company). NZ is the final airline to that some regulatory authorities in right’ to check if the deal was good Cruises has reportedly taken out an face penalties in the case, first brought some countries, such as New Zea- for consumers. insurance policy against the dam- by the Commission in Dec 2008. land, were dragging the chain. Clark agreed, saying it took eight age inflicted by a possible encounter During a joint seminar, Qantas boss months to get the ACCC across the ...with the Loch Ness Monster. The Alan Joyce (pictured) said that com- line on the deal and added that ‘one company’s owner told the Daily Mail, petition watchdogs were ‘absolutely or two [regulatory authorities] re- “I don’t know what the odds of this main difficult’ on the matter, for actually happening might be, but this 6 Pages This Issue issues not to do with Emirates and is Loch Ness…How silly would we The Month of May News...... p1, p2, p4, p5 Qantas, but due to a political situa- look if it did and we weren’t covered is the Month of Lei Cruising Today...... p3 tion that has history. for it?” The last ‘sighting’ of the fabled Book Your Clients’ Definitely Dubai...... p6 “New Zealand [Ministry of Trans- monster was Mar 1933. Hawaiian Holiday Today port] has been a little bit slow, and they’ve got their own reasons for PRIVATE TOUR that,” Clark told those as the briefing. “They are just taking a bit longer and On A Plate hopefully [the approval] will come Poll through in the next week or two.” Beijing Instant Incorporating Tabs On Travel Joyce said the New Zealand regula- 3 Days/2 Nights tory authority has ‘one or two airport Do you have issues that they want to address’ but from NZD299pp a problem that the carriers were working with STOPOVER PACKAGES the New Zealand authorities on the AVAILABLE NOW! with unpaid potential deal of what the tie-up commission? could look like out of New Zealand. A spokesperson for Transport Minis- Click Here ter Gerry Brownlee says the matter is click here To Vote ‘still under consideration’ and there is 0508 4 China Your gateway to China no timeframe on a decision.

Australia on sale from $179* Visit qantas.co.nz/agents for details

*Limited availability. Sale ends 11.59pm 8 May 2013, unless sold out prior. Selected departure dates and conditions apply. Have you sent us your latest news? if not, e-mail Tue 07 May 13 P2 [email protected] QF: Every Faith In New Local Boss Qantas’ new regional manager New going forward, says Thompson, with Zealand has a big job ahead of the airline covering the spectrum him as he takes on the competi- from full service to low-cost thanks tive Tasman market but the airline to Jetstar. has every faith in him, says a QF “We’ve got full service, people know executive. what they’re getting when they get Igor Kwiatkowski started in the Auck- onboard and that’s different to what land role month, much to QF’s delight, our competitors are doing, we’ve got Stephen Thompson told Travel Today that aimed at high yield and leisure. at ATE last week. “He knows the im- Then we’ve got Jetstar at the other end portance of the New Zealand market, of the spectrum, and the New Zealand and he knows the importance of the market does like that concept.” trade,” said Thompson. “We’ve very happy he accepted the job—but in . . . Trade Importance saying that he’s got a lot of work to do. Kwiatkowski’s job will include work- It’s a tough market in New Zealand, it’s ing with the trade, which has ‘always very competitive on the Tasman.” been a really important part for us That said, QF is in a good position in the New Zealand market,’ adds Thompson. “We’ve worked with them for a long, HA Apr Traffic Up long time and Igor will continue to Hawaiian Airlines has reported a maintain and develop those relation- 7.2% year-on-year increase in pas- ships, get creative and explore those senger numbers to 772,346 in the options,” he says. “We’re very comfort- month of Apr. Demand was up 18.9% able with our partnerships [in New in Apr, as capacity increased 25.9% Zealand].” and loads improved 4.6 points to 82.1% overall. Year-to-date passenger NZ US Fares numbers were up 7.9% to 3,171,192. Air New Zealand has short-life fares to North America for sales to 14 May QF Global Sale including Los Angeles from $1649 Now even more Qantas has fares to North America, in economy class. Return levels ex South America, Asia, Africa, Middle Auckland also include San Francisco East and UK/Europe on sale to 21 May from $1649, Las Vegas from $1655, airlines are onboard in its global sale. Fares include Bang- New York from $1925, Vancouver kok from $1129, Los Angeles from from $1869 and Mexico City from $1499, New York from $1949, Dubai $1963. Premium economy and Busi- Amadeus, helping from $1999, Johannesburg from $2199 ness Premier levels are also available. and London from $2499. Travel dates See airnzagent.co.nz travel agents embark vary, see qantas.co.nz/agents Windy WLG Disruptions ISSN 1176-5275 Air New Zealand Link and domestic on a journey of Travel Today (incorporating Tabs jet services were affected by strong on Travel) is published by winds at Wellington Airport yester- Tabs on Travel Ltd, New Zealand. day evening. Almost all Link ser- efficiency, reliability Ph +64-9-415 8111. vices into and out of the city were [email protected] cancelled for the evening. Services and accuracy. [email protected] are back to normal today. Click Here to Subscribe SQ Global Tacticals © All contents are copyright, and must not be transmitted or copied Singapore Airlines has tactical UK/ without specific approval. Europe and North Asia fares for sales PO Box 305-167, Triton Plaza, to 29 May. Inclusive return levels ex North Shore City 0757, Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch New Zealand. are from $1589 to Singapore, $1615 Bld F, 14-22 Triton Dr, Albany, to Beijing, $2390 to Istanbul, $2420 North Shore City 0632, NZ. to Amsterdam and $2619 to London. Travel dates vary and some direc- tional blackouts apply. Fares are on krisport.co.nz Tue 07 May 13 Page 3 Nat Geo Orion’s 2014 Expeditions Rhine Low Season Fares Orion Expedition Cruises has traditional highlights of South Pacific Viking River Cruises has fares from released the 2014 calendar of sail- cruising—from the Loyalty Islands, $4565pp s/t on Mar-Oct departures ings for Orion when she is re- to Samoa, Pitcairn and Easter Island. of its seven-night Rhine Getaway, EXPERT named National Geographic Orion The Nat Geo Orion will also visit says GO Holidays. The Amsterdam- under the Lindblad Expeditions- the Antarctic Peninsula for the first Basel itinerary includes six guided GUEST National Geographic fleet. time, as well as wildlife sanctuaries tours, visits to UNESCO World Heri- The vessel will venture further afield of South Georgia and the Falkland tage sites and opportunities to see SPEAKERS from Mar 2014, with new destina- Islands. glass-blowing in action. Lead-in tions in Micronesia, the Islands of Exclusive encounters with orang pricing is based on low-season de- unlock the Moluccas in Indonesia and all the utans in Borneo combine with expe- partures. GO has details. ditions to Komodo, Flores, Asmat, the SECRETS Spice Islands and the Torres Strait. Legacy Un-Cruises Voyages/Swan 2014/15 The National Geographic Orion will Un-Cruise Adventures is launching its Enrichment, Voyages of Discovery and Swan be equipped with a full roster of latest addition, the S.S. Legacy in Aug Hellenic have released details of their exploration tools, including kayaks history & culture on a series of heritage cruises taking 2014/15 seasons, with new ports of and a state-of-the art ROV (remote in Alaska’s Gold Rush history and call and early booking offers. operated vehicle reaching depths of Adriatic, Aegean the Lewis and Clark Expedition west Highlights of Voyager’s programme up to 1,000 ft.), full snorkeling gear through Oregon and Washington. are 19 new ports of call across 10 for all, and a SCUBA program that & Corinth Canal The ship, a replica Victorian steamer, counties—including points in Mada- can accommodate up to 24 divers at Voyager departs Sep 26, 2013 has been extensively renovated and gasgar, Namibia, Albania and Ice- a time, says Lindblad president and includes six room categories and sev- land—a circumnavigation of Africa, founder Sven Lindblad. eral public spaces fro a grand salon to a cruise of the British Isles in partner- Her first sailing leaves Auckland for wine bar and the Pesky Barnacle Sa- ship with the National Trust, and a Cairns through Melanesia and to loon. The Legacy will sail an 11-night Summer Solstice in the North Cape the Great Barrier Reef, before Orion Seattle-Juneau cruise on Washington, cruise taking in the midnight sun. heads north for Indonesia, before the Inside Passage and many Alaskan Meanwhile Swan Hellenic is celebrat- repositioning to Ushuaia through destinations with a focus on the area’s ing its diamond anniversary with the South Pacific. Prices start from gold mining history, priced from USD- a cruise retracing the course of the USD7965pp s/t for a 10-night Kim- 7895pp s/t. There’s also the week-long line’s first ever voyage around the E R berley Expedition, and there’s a dedi- A V Legacy of Discovery on the Columbia Greek Islands. Highlights of Minerva’s S 12 nights cated solo cabin with solo pricing S E and Snake Rivers. F R programme include a South America on each sailing. Clients that book A starting from circumnavigation, a sailing com- back-to-back cruises will receive a * memorating the 70th anniversary of from $2,560 10% discount. *NZ$, per person, share twin, subject to change eBrochures the D-Day landings in France, and an India, Oman, Myanmar and Indochina Mekong Cruise Deals Dubrovnik (overnight), 14 Day free trial sailing in Nov 2014. Cruise Holidays is World Journeys has late availabil- Kotor, Katakolon, Itea, Athens Try the Digital Press eBrochure the local GSA for both lines. ity and savings of 50% on the 27 Jul (Piraeus), Mykonos, Volos, departure of a four-night Mekong Dikili, Canakkale (Kepez), technology for 14 days HAL With Microsoft Cruise on the Jahan from Saigon Istanbul (overnight) aBsoluTely free. Holland America Line will continue to Phnom Penh. Now priced from Live URLs, email and video links to offer on-board computer and $535pp s/t, the cruise price includes VIEW DETAILS digital camera classes after the line shore excursions, entrance fees, all 12 pages from renewed its deal with Microsoft, says meals and transfers. There are also $ plus local GSA Francis Travel Marketing. 30% savings to be had on four- and 120 GST Clients of all skill levels can take seven-night cruises on the Jahan To book call Cruise Holidays Multiple brochure classes on photo editing, movie and in Jun and Jul, plus free upgrades, rates available slideshow creation, PC organisa- USD100 spa credit and 10% bar sav- 0508 CRUISE (278 473) tion, cloud storage and Windows ings, and 20% off cruises on the Jaya- (09) 523 7788 Digital Press Ph 09 309 0065 8 technology—across 20 different varman or the Jahan in Aug. Details [email protected] www.CruiseHolidays.co.nz workshops. ph: 0800 117 311.

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09 914 4675 [email protected] clicK hErE For dETails 15344_19 News & Product Chinese SGBR Tourism Whispers Tue 07 May 13 P4 Investment Grows Queensland’s Southern Great Government has approved the re- EY, SAA Partner Barrier Reef region is welcom- development of Great Keppel Island Etihad and South African Airways are ing new tourism investment af- Resort off Yeppoon. to codeshare on each other’s services ter increasing growth in visitor The resort—the largest tourism in a new strategic partnership. numbers, including from New development for Queensland in 30 The carriers have signed an MoU to Zealand. years—will include a new beach- introduce the ‘comprehensive’ range Bundaberg, Gladstone and Capri- front hotel, several types of low rise Shanghai of codeshare and interline services, as corn grouped together under the resort accommodation, a marina, Today, Acrossia’s Jessie Zhang well as to explore other joint opportu- SGBR banner two years ago, and retail village, day spa, golf course, shares her thoughts on Shanghai. nities including reciprocal ‘earn and since entering the Kiwi market has upgraded airstrip and a 575 hectare I have visited Shanghai many times burn’ on frequent flyer programmes. been gaining traction here, said Environmental Protection Area. over the years and the one thing Initially SA will place its code on SGBR’s Krista Brown at ATE. Its first rooms are due to open in you can rely on is that the skyline 12 EY destinations flying from Abu “It’s growing, numbers are up, we’re 2016, while the Capricorn Coast will never be the same for long— Dhabi, and EY will place its code on 10 very excited to see that all the activ- Region will also have 250 new rooms some say it changes weekly, if not SA destinations from Johannesburg. ity we’ve been doing is paying off,” available in the next 18 months and daily. Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai she says. Gladstone has 286 new rooms on the World Financial Centre have had JQ Keeps Kids Safe “The key is accessibility, the fact horizon. their day in the spotlight however Jetstar has given $15,000 cash and that the Great Barrier Reef is so Other new updates include the the Shanghai Centre is already $15,000 in travel to Safekids New accessible particularly for New Zea- government looking to extend the the tallest – and it hasn’t been Zealand, which educates children on land visitors, that’s really what we’re popular turtle season at Mon Repos completed yet. scooter safety and being safe over the targeting.” Turtle Conservation Centre, with a With a population of 22 million, school holidays. The organisation is As visitor numbers increase so does review underway to create a year- Shanghai’s labour market is the fifth recipient of JQ’s quarterly investment, and the region is buzz- round visitor interpretative and extensive and multiple shifts per Flying Start programme grant. ing with the news that the State conservation experience. day enables construction to be continuous, 24/7. . . . Roadshow The other constant in Shanghai is the ever-popular Nanjing Road, The SGBR crew will be in New Zea- Industry Diary a wonderful meeting place of MAY Amazing Thailand land later this month for a roadshow locals, tourist, business people to Avalon Waterways Roadshow 2013 and workshops, and the Auckland provide a diverse range of goods 2014 Brochure Launch Auckland: Sky City Grand Hotel, event will include a special visit from and services. Here you will see Auckland (Central): Thu 09, Maison Wed 15, 1715-2030. Judy Bailey. The show is on 21 May in Vauron, McColl St, Newmarket, specialty stores like Guess, Espirit South Australia Roadshow AKL and 22 May WLG, see industry 7.15 for 7.30am, breakfast and and Apple alongside your local Auckland North: Sat 18, North diary for details. presentation. Blenheim: Tue 14, resident in a side-alley sewing Harbour Stadium, Albany, Watery Mouth Café, 7.30 for 7.45am, tailor-made clothing. The choices 0900-1100. Auckland North: breakfast and presentation. Nelson: Hong Kong Shopping of entertainment and taste of local Sat 18, Spencer on Byron Hotel, Wed 15, Trailways Hotel, 7.30 for Clients heading to Hong Kong 21 Jun- culture creates a warm, vibrant and Takapuna, 1500-1700. Auckland: 7.45am, breakfast and presentation. 31 Aug can take advantage of a wide bustling city with an international Sun 19, Orakei Bay, Orakei, Queenstown: Tue 18, Rydges range of deals and new products flare and something for everyone. 0900-1100. Auckland East: Sun Lakeland Resort, 7.30 for 7.45, 19, Howick Golf Club, Bucklands during the Hong Kong Summer Spec- breakfast and presentation. Beach, 1400-1600. Hamilton: tacular, says the Hong Kong Tourism Royal Caribbean Product Updates Mon 20, Novotel Tainui, 1630- Board. Discounts and privileges will Hamilton: Wed 08, Easy Tiger, 186 1900. New Plymouth: Tue 21, be available across the city’s shop- Victoria St, 1800. Rotorua: Thu The Devon Hotel, 1630-1900. ping destinations, from the high-end 09, Relish Café, 1149 Tutanekai St, Wanganui: Wed 22, Kingsgate malls to the Temple Street Night 0700. Tauranga: Thu 09, Astrolabe, Hotel, 1200-1300. Palmerston Market and the themed shopping 82 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui, North: Wed 22, Kingsgate Hotel, streets. This month will also see the 1800. Palmerston North: Mon 1630-1900. Masterton: Thu 23, opening of the city’s first Topshop 13, Travelodge Bar One7Five, 175 Copthorne Hotel and Resort, and Victoria’s Secret stores, says the Whisper of the Day Cuba St. 1800. Wellington: Tue 14, 1630-1900. Hastings: Sat 25 Explore Nanjing Road Pedestrian Dockside, Shed 3 Queens Wharf, May No. 5 Café and Larder, HKTB. The city will also host the return of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Street one-way on foot and transfer 1800. Nelson: Wed 15, Trailways, Mangateretere, 0900-1100. back by sightseeing train for 5 The Tides, 66 Trafalgar Street. 1800. Carnival 21-23 Jun, and the Lan Kwai Napier: Sat 25 May Napier Yuan/1 NZD. Do take extreme Napier: Thu 16, Boardwalk Beach Sailing Club, 1300-1500. Fong Music and Beerfest 13-14 Jul. Restaurant & Bar, 8 Hardinge Rd, care though when crossing the Southern Great Barrier Reef See discoverhongkong.com 1800. Christchurch: Mon 20, Ibis streets along the way. A pedestrian roadshow Bar, 107 Hereford St, Christchurch crossing, even when the sign Auckland: Tue 21, Rydges, 1700. LH Service Upgrade Central, 1800. Dunedin: Tue 21, shows walk, definitely does not Christchurch: Wed 22, Peppers Lufthansa has upgraded the in-flight Port of Call - Sothern Cross Hotel, have the same meaning as home. Clearwater Resort, 1700. Cnr Princes & High Streets, 1800. service for first and business class Queenstown: Wed 22, Crown Plaza Explore Central North Island passengers on its long- and short- Hotel, The Bed Bar, Beach St, Trade Show haul flights. Changes to cuisine in- Queenstown, 1800. Auckland: Wed 29, Eden Park, clude serving a variety of canapés ASB Stand, 1000-1700. instead of a single appetiser, new Adventure World beverage options and new table- South America Fiesta AUGUST Auckland: Wed 15, Hopetoun Alpha. Australian Tri-state Workshop ware. There will also be ‘brand-name’ For more pics from the Tauranga: Thu 16, Classic Flyers NZ. 20-21, Melbourne Victoria. products available in washrooms on China famil CLICK HERE long-haul flights. News & Product Best In The Middle East BridgeClimb’s Kiwi The World Travel Awards has kicked off its ‘world tour’ by announcing the winners in the Middle East region. Tue 07 May 13 P5 Milestone Etihad was named the region’s overall leading airline as well as top for first Airline Internet Sites Stats class and cabin crew, while Emirates Airline website usage, “visits” by New was named as having the best busi- Zealand residents, as measured by ness class, awards programme and Experian Hitwise, for April 2013. website. 1 airnz.co.nz...... 37.53% Other winners included lead- 2 grabaseat.co.nz...... 21.91% 3 jetstar.com...... 10.77% ing business travel destina- 4 myairnz.co.nz...... 7.40% tion, Doha; best villa and best 5 qantas.com.au...... 3.63% spa, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray; best 6 emirates.com...... 2.57% new hotel, JW Marriott Marquis, 7 virginaustralia.com...... 2.51% A Kiwi has become the three honour of being the three millionth Dubai; and Atlantis, The Palm won 8 singaporeair.com...... 1.69% millionth person to scale the top climber up the bridge since the attrac- best resort in the Middle East. 9 malaysiaairlines.com...... 1.46% of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with tion opened 14 years ago. See worldtravelawards.com/winners 10 mobile.jetstar.com...... 1.01% BridgeClimb, and the long-time Around 1.5% of all climbers are from 11 airasia.com...... 0.75% favourite says there’s plenty of po- New Zealand, and the market is stable Vanuatu Vacations 12 cathaypacific.com...... 0.62% tential to grow its market from New with plenty of growth potential, says a 13 airpacific.com...... 0.56% GO Holidays has Vanuatu packages 14 airnz.com.au...... 0.46% Zealand. spokesperson for the attraction. including Air Vanuatu flights from 15 thaiair.com...... 0.31% Late last month 11-year-old Caitlin The vast majority (95%) of Kiwis $849pp s/t for sales to 31 May. The 16 tigerairways.com...... 0.30% McWilliams of Wellington won the who take to the bridge are first-time lead-in couples package includes 17 csair.com...... 0.27% climbers, with most of them aged 30 four nights at The Moorings Vanuatu, 18 theflyingsocialnetwork.com.0.26% and over. and seven nights is from $999pp s/t. 19 airnz.com...... 0.26% New AKL Four-star BridgeClimb now operates four differ- Clients can upgrade to Mangoes Re- 20 britishairways.com...... 0.25% The Hotel Grand Chancellor ent climbs, see bridgeclimb.com sort, four nights from $999pp s/t, or Auckland City has achieved four-star seven from $1249pp s/t. QF Tasman Fares Qualmark accreditation, it says. “This NZ Aussie Sale For families there are four-night Qantas has tactical Australia fares is a significant achievement for us, Air New Zealand has flights to packages at Coconut Palms Resort from $179 ow in economy and $549 and we are pleased we have been rec- Australia on sale until tomorrow, from $929pp s/t and kids two-11 ow business class for sales to 08 May. ognised in this official capacity,” says with one-way Seat + Bag fares to from $473. There are also island The fares can be combined with a hotel manager Graham Hill. The hotel Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane start- packages at Iririki Island Resort and special on the QF Walkabout Pass. offers one- and two-bedroom suites ing at $164; Adelaide from $284; and Espiritu Santo and Tanna. Travel Details see qantas.co.nz/agents with kitchenette facilities, and one- Perth from $459. Travel dates vary. dates vary. GO has details. and two-bedroom apartments with EK Award; New A380 full kitchen and laundry. Leisure fa- Emirates received its 32nd A380 cilities include a lap pool, spa and lei- yesterday and at the same time cel- sure pool, gym and sauna plus secure ebrated being named Best Airline underground parking. There’s also Worldwide at the Business Traveller ‘boutique’ conference facilities and the Middle East awards. No. 1 Hobson Restaurant and Bar. Southern Great Barrier International Travel Professional Wanted Reef Roadshow Southern Great Barrier Reef Tourism and Tourism and Events Queensland invite Retail & Wholesale Agents and Brokers in Auckland & Christchurch to a Regional Presentation and Product Workshops Harvey World Travel Birkenhead is seeking a consultant to Come and turn your clients’ dreams into reality and discover one of join its small team in Birkenhead on Auckland’s North Shore. Queensland’s hidden secrets . . . the Southern Great Barrier Reef. This is a full time position for someone with a proven track record as an international consultant and who is able to N Auckland: Tue 21 May work well in a small, but busy store. Rydges Auckland, 5pm start. Applications, including a CV should be sent to: N Christchurch: Wed 22 May [email protected] Peppers Clearwater Resort, 5pm start Applications close: 17 May 2013

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HWT2593A CLICK HERE to register Definitely Dubai Dubai Launches Tue 07 May 13 P6 Calendar Of Events Summer Is Dubai The Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing has launched a value-add campaign designed to boost visitors over the local ‘summer’ months. Summer Is Dubai is valid for travel 07 Jun-07 Sep and includes A Long Brunch a host of initiatives such as free ac- The long Fri brunch has been commodation and meals for kids an honoured tradition among under 12 years, when staying and Dubai’s ex-pat community for a dining with their parents; discounted number of years, and now more airport transfers; shopping and din- visitors are opting for the experi- ing offers; and some of the city’s key ence—which generally includes tourism attractions are also offering a huge range of dishes, and many free entry for children. For details see also include alcohol. The term summerisdubai.com can be over-used in Dubai (some hotels even offer an evening brunch), but almost always repre- sents great value for money. Most As Dubai looks to reposition itself under Beliebers Fiona Stewart, left, hotels offer some sort of buffet from a regional events destination with QF Holidays’ Davielle Gardner, brunch option, each with their to a global event hub, the city has Kim Houston from World Journeys own point of difference such as a launched Dubai Calendar—an an- and Angelya Vassilidis Balaguer from bottomless glass of champagne nual events calendar for residents DTCM are pictured at Bieber’s Sat or cocktails. A recent addition to and visitors alike. night concert. the brunch club is the Vintage The on-line portal showcases the Brunch at the Address Hotel’s huge range of events on throughout . . . App and Widget Calabar restaurant. It includes live the year—and gives would-be visi- Dubai Calendar has launched an entertainment, alcoholic drinks tors a reason to travel to Dubai. event widget which agents can up- (including cocktails) and even a The city’s Department of Tourism load to their websites to keep clients churros station, and costs AED and Commerce Marketing plans up-to-date on what’s happening, and Rainbird Back To DXB 425 and runs 1200-1600. Pictured to work with its industry partners when, in Dubai. There’s also an An- Dubai’s Department of Tour- enjoying a cocktail at the brunch around the globe to raise awareness droid and iPhone app available. For ism and Commerce Marketing is World Journeys’ Kim Houston. (DTCM) has created a new role of its event calendar, and Dubai Cal- details see dubaicalendar.ae in its Australia and New Zealand endar hopes to provide a significant team as it looks to grow market role in helping to double Dubai visi- share here, and has appointed a tor numbers by 2020. familiar face to take the reins. Dubai’s expanded event focus has Veronica Rainbird, who played a seen the destination become a fixture ‘key role’ in DTCM’s launch Down on the global touring circuit with Under in 2010, will take on the many headline acts now including role of general manager trade events in Dubai. Justin Bieber was relations and partnerships, says the latest concert in Dubai’s long DTCM Australia and New Zea- line-up of international acts. Despite land director Julie King. waiting over two hours for the teen Rainbird, who is also familiar as sensation to come on stage, down marketing and brand director for Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd, For more photos, see will be instrumental in the NTO’s our Facebook page plans moving forward, says King. “Veronica brings a wealth of ex- >>CLICK HERE<< pertise with her from extensive Bright Lights And Bargain Buys experience in hotels, convention There’s no doubting Dubai is now a modern cosmopolitan city—but by bureaus, tourism boards in NSW UAE Tourism Growth night, Dubai’s heritage creek area comes to life, with abras (local water tax- and QLD and retail travel agency Tourism in the UAE is growing is) ferrying travellers across the creek, alongside floating restaurants, past a groups. Not to mention her previ- significantly faster than the world backdrop of dramatically lit heritage buildings. The creekside Diera area is ous insight and excellent relation- GDP growth average, shows the World also home to a number of traditional souks including the textile and gold ships with our partners in Dubai Travel & Tourism Council Economic souk—which are at their best in the evenings. As well as the expected tour- and also across the travel industry Impact 2013 outlook. The report flags ist tat there’s a host of bargains to be found, and while bartering is expected, in Australia and New Zealand.” strong industry development and per- the vendors are not very aggressive by global standards. Also worth a visit, Rainbird is pictured at Arabian formance in the Middle East region back in downtown Dubai, is the fountains in front of the Dubai Mall. While Travel Mart with DTCM head of this year, and shows that tourism in the fountains ‘play’ at regular intervals throughout the day, the night-time region for Australia and New Zea- the Emirates contributed 14% to the performances are spectacular, including lights and the back drop of the Burj land Mohamed Almuhairi. UAE economy in 2012, compared to Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. the global average of 9%.