October 2018
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Features Cover story 20 Business view 24 Cruise 30 Japan 14 The million dollar club 28 Industry in Focus Brian Johnston discovers what to do Find out which industry execs can when not watching World Cup rugby buy a private jet with their earnings 62 Last Word 38 Europe Jenny Piper explores Croatia from Monthly Columns the sea 02 06 Steve Jones 52 South & Central America From the publisher 08 Craig Tansley uncovers the best 02 State of the industry AFTA View time to visit Torres del Paine 08 Issues and trends 12 TTF View 58 Sri Lanka 19 Business Events News 27 CLIA View Awaken your senses in Sri Lanka
This month’s contributors
Steve Jones, Joel Katz, Jayson Westbury, Leonie Spencer, Margy Osmond, Ana Pedersen, Brian Johnston, Jenny Piper, Emma Lovell, Craig Tansley, Harry Sargant, Jacqui Tufala, Sarah Beyer, Lisa Meyers
EDITORIAL Advertising Suite 1, Level 2, 64 Talavera Rd Editor in Chief and Publisher – Bruce Piper National Sales Manager Macquarie Park NSW 2113 Australia Lisa Maroun PO Box 1010 Epping NSW 1710 Australia Co-ordinating Editor + Production – Ph: 0405 132 575 or 02 8007 6760 Tel: 1300 799 220 (+61 2 8007 6760 Sarah Beyer [email protected] Ph: 1300 799 220 or 02 8007 6760 [email protected] ART Design – Sarah Beyer, Wendy St George Contributing Editor – Jon Murrie Director – Jenny Piper www.travelbulletin.com.au 5,355904 Avg Net Distribution per Issue This publication is independently audited under the AMAA's CAB Total Distribution Audit. Editorial team – Jasmine O’Donoghue, Adam FINANCE travelBulletin is part of the Business Reporting Period: 161 Apr Apr 2017 2016 – – 30 16 Sep Sep 2017 2016 - Publisher Statement Bishop, Anastasia Prikhodko, Sarah Fairburn [email protected] Publishing Group family of publications
travelBulletin October 2018 1 State of the industry
Welcome to the October 2018 loyalty and other personal data. From the issue of travelBulletin, which For example, in the case of a contains our annual round-up of business traveller who generally publisher some of the big earners in the flies with a particular airline, surely it Australasian travel industry. The would be a temptation for the carrier Bruce Piper Million Dollar Club feature is very to present a higher price based popular each year, and in 2018 we on the fairly certain assurance the have represented the fat pay packets client will buy that fare regardless of with a comparison of the number of the cost – in contrast to a potential private jets they can all buy. new customer that the airline is It should be noted, however, that attempting to woo? NDC would the Million Dollar Club only highlights enable this, versus current platforms the income of the senior executives where fares are the same regardless who have the first world problem of of who might be purchasing them. their packages being exposed due The new Sabre AirVision Fares to working at ASX-listed companies. Optimizer product “generates fare Many of the largest businesses in recommendations by estimating each the industry are privately held, and I customer’s potential willingness to would not be surprised at all to find pay”. It suggests pricing structures that similar figures are being racked based on customer segmentation, up by their owners too – without and is part of a broader Sabre the annoying scrutiny that a public strategy to build a Digital Commercial annual report brings. Platform that “delivers end-to-end MEANWHILE a recent technology personalised retailing for airlines”. launch by Sabre has rung alarm Some fear a future where flight bells among stakeholders concerned pricing uses Facebook-like algorithms about the propensity for IATA’s New based on personal details like age, Distribution Capability standard to address, employment status, family reduce transparency in flight pricing. situation, investments and even Because NDC has the ability to gross income to adjust fare offers provide deep customer insight, some based on the client’s ability to pay. have been concerned it may result in Current technology already enables prices charged to passengers varying some of this to happen, and the rich based on such elements as their data provided by NDC will facilitate a previous purchasing patterns, carrier further evolution of this possibility.
Dream Cruises to come to Sydney construction of her sister ships with acclaimed service that IN is Asian at heart and international in spirit,” he said. Australasia will welcome its first Dream Cruises ship in Explorer Dream will be fitted with new facilities including BRIEF spring 2019, with the cruise line revealing it would bring The Palace, Dream Cruises’ luxury private enclave featuring sister brand Star Cruises’ ship, SuperStar Virgo, into the 50 suites and butler service. The ship will also sport all Dream fleet. To be renamed Explorer Dream, the ship will new food and beverage options “combining the best of East undergo a US$30 million dollar transformation in March meets West” and a new Crystal Life Spa. 2019, and then from October next year the vessel will Prior to her Australian season, the ship will homeport in homeport out of Sydney and Auckland, operating a series of Shanghai and Tianjin during the northern summer of 2019. 21 week-long itineraries. Explorer Dream will be followed by a Global Class ship Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, executive chairman of both cruise “soon after,” with the line telling travelBulletin earlier this line’s parent company, Genting Hong Kong, said the move year it planned to bring a Global Class vessel to operate in accelerated the company’s vision to “develop Dream Australasian waters in 2021. Cruises into Asia’s Global Cruise Line” by sailing outside of Asian waters. Wollongong flight revival “With her strong heritage in the Asian cruise landscape and history in the region along with her world-renowned REGIONAL carrier Fly Corporate will re-establish direct links German engineering, SuperStar Virgo’s transformation into from Wollongong to Melbourne and Brisbane after the Explorer Dream will combine the best-in-class design and recent failure of rival JetGo.
2 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 The airline announced it would launch new services from 12 WENDY wU ENTRANCES xI’AN November, with a 6.15am weekday departure from Wollongong to Melbourne’s Essendon Airport and a four times weekly 1.55pm departure to Brisbane. Fly Corporate CEO Andrew Major said the new services would provide options for direct travel from the Illawarra region, as well as giving alternatives to Sydney for travellers heading onward to other domestic and international destinations. Flights will be operated by Saab 340B Plus aircraft, with launch fares available from $199 one way. Wendy Wu Tours founder Wendy Wu and CEO Joe Karbo took part in “We have chosen to operate the biggest tourism event in China this year along with about 1,000 this service utilising Melbourne’s VIP guests. The Shaanxi Provincial Government held an elaborate and Essendon Airport given its close spectacular re-enacment of the Ancient Entrance Ceremony at the historic proximity to the Melbourne CBD, Xi’an City Gate. The glittering ceremony has in the past been reserved for lack of airport congestion together visiting heads of state and royalty, and has been likened in magnitude to with economical car parking and city the opening of the Olympic Games. transfer options,” Major said. He noted that for passengers inbound to Melbourne wanting to connect on to other domestic and platform called Rapidbook to create a Agents who wish to book and hold international destinations, there is a unique offering. air bookings for Galileo and Amadeus free shuttle bus connecting Essendon He said corporate travellers were can now do so and have them ticketed and Tullamarine airports. increasingly seeking a “leisure by Insider Journeys. shopping experience” when booking, The update is the latest investment FCTG launches “Savi” with Savi focused on providing better in technology for the company, which engagement between travel bookers has also installed Tour Plan in the Flight Centre has unveiled a new and road warriors. Saigon office and is planning an corporate travel technology platform The Flight Centre offering includes “imminent review of its website”. called “Savi” powered by Artificial exclusive modules such as Savi The move to Calypso also makes Intelligence (AI) and designed in Select, Savi Voice and Savi Credits, it easier for agents to earn rewards collaboration with Serko. Being“ able to which Kavanagh promised would through the Insider Journeys “5, 10, Launched at Flight Centre Travel deliver “significant efficiencies for 15 Incentive”, which gives agents who Group’s (FCTG) “Illuminate” corporate book Insider business travellers, travel bookers and book five travellers on a Small Group travel event at the Melbourne Cricket Journeys their companies”. Journey a 10-day trip to Vietnam, Ground last month, Savi will be product Cambodia or Laos, Mayell said. available exclusively to customers Insider moves to Calypso Those who book 10 passengers of FCM Travel Solutions, Corporate online in can earn a 14-day tour to Vietnam, Traveller, Stage and Screen and the same Helloworld’s Insider Journeys Cambodia, Laos, China, Bhutan, Campus Travel. way you can is now on the Calypso wholesale India or Burma while bookings of 15 Flight Centre said Savi “sets a new reservations system, allowing agents travellers can take a trip on any of the benchmark in booking technology for book Qantas to book its small group tours online. company’s Small Group Journeys. business travellers” and incorporates Holidays is The company said the move provides functionality that would “generate agents “access to a greater level of SQ Hotelbeds pact significant time efficiencies for an important Insider Journeys product than ever individual users and overall cost step forward before”, with sellers able to make Singapore Airlines last month savings for businesses”. for the land and air bookings online though announced a major “holiday packaging FCTG corporate executive GM, Helloworld Wholesale’s Tango platform. partnership” with accommodation James Kavanagh, told travelBulletin Insider Insider Journeys MD Tony Mayell aggregator Hotelbeds, offering bundled the company had been working with Journeys said “we know all agents using Calypso flights and hotel solutions for the Serko for several years now. brand will welcome this news. Being able to airline’s customers across the globe. “We are the largest investor in book Insider Journeys product online The move is said to allow travellers Serko’s development pipeline,” he in the same way you can book Qantas to curate their own holiday packages, said, with Savi incorporating the best Tony Mayell,” MD Holidays is an important step forward elements of another Flight Centre Insider Journeys for the Insider Journeys brand”. Continues over page
travelBulletin October 2018 3 State of the industry
Continues from previous page Cyprus-based Celestyal Cruises. Williams, who left Globus in with real-time selection of Singapore February this year for personal Ailrines flights alongside more than reasons after almost three decades 170,000 hotels. Transfers and with the organisation, will report to HEADLINES activities from the Hotelbeds platform Celestyal’s director of sales and travel will also be progressively added to services, Marios Polydorou. “He has 23 Aug FC profit hits new record the new offering. Hotelbeds Group will joined Celestyal Cruises to oversee 23 Aug QF’s record $1.6b profit provided a dedicated team, mostly and develop the company’s APAC 24 Aug Lux Escapes plans more based in Singapore, who will be business, and to enhance revenue 24 Aug FC flags wages increases responsible for “customer service, streams and maximise business pricing and product optimisation”. opportunities across the region by 27 Aug Expansion plans for SYD The combination is being labelled increasing the visibility of the Celestyal 27 Aug ScoMo shows tourism pride as “Singapore Airlines Holidays,” and Cruises brand across all distribution 28 Aug Google ups flight tools sees the relaunch of the brand after channels,” the company said. 28 Aug The Dorsett edges closer its wholesale operations were closed Williams told travelBulletin he 29 Aug Virgin hit by $653m loss down in Australia more than two years was very happy to be working for the ago after formerly being operated by operator, saying “the Celestyal cruise 29 Aug THL posts record profit the now defunct Pinpoint Holidays and experience and product is fabulous”. 30 Aug NSW upgrades target then Wendy Wu Tours. The cruise line’s Shanghai-based 30 Aug NCL looks to Aus season The move comes as Hotelbeds also business development executive, Wan 31 Aug CLIA, TAFE training pact confirmed a global consolidation of its Wang, will also report to Williams. 03 Sep Qantas Dreamliner boost retail businesses which will see legacy “Adding Stewart Williams to our 03 Sep TA’s $10m Asia campaign brands including GTA, TravelCube senior commercial team demonstrates and TravelBound combined under the our commitment to the Australasian 03 Sep On the Edge of a reveal? Bedsonline banner. Hotelbeds Group market,” said Celestyal Cruises 04 Sep TG slashes Aus capacity managing director Bedbank, Carlos CEO Chris Theiophilides. “Stewart’s 04 Sep Crystal joins QF loyalty Muonz, said “it makes strategic and role is a core component of our 05 Sep QF schedule self-service practical sense for us to continue to global commercial strategy, which 05 Sep Entire Travel Group lifts develop our travel agent proposition includes our expansion throughout 06 Sep Travel pay packets slip under one integrated global platform the APAC region, where we expect to and brand”. capture more opportunities to bring 07 Sep Facebook adds flight ads the Celestyal Cruises story to new 07 Sep World pax hit new high Cruise role for Williams passengers,” he added. 10 Sep Regulation to reap $18b STEWART Williams, formerly the Currently Celestyal operates two 11 Sep Trafalgar goes domestic long-time head of the Globus Family mid-sized cruise ships in the Greek 11 Sep Paulsen lifetime honour of Brands, has taken a new role as Islands and Eastern Mediterranean, 12 Sep Webjet packages Contiki the Asia-Pacific Regional Manager for focusing on “true cultural immersion”. 12 Sep McEvoy to head TTF board 13 Sep Flight Centre tech launch 13 Sep Dream to explore Sydney 14 Sep WTAAA payment push iceland’s cool credentials 14 Sep QF targets airport costs 17 Sep Celestyal appoints Williams THIS delegation of senior tourism officials from Iceland 17 Sep SQ, LH seek Scoot deal visited Sydney, Melbourne and 18 Sep Regulate airports – ACCC Brisbane for a series of trade 18 Sep Industry overall satisfied events last month, as part 18 Sep Airport investment at risk of the first official Promote 19 Sep TK plots SYD non-stop Iceland mission to Australia. The visit reflects strong 19 Sep BNE wins IATA conference growth in arrivals, with Iceland 19 Sep Joyce to head oneworld room nights by Aussies almost 20 Sep Travel insurance class quadrupling to 49,852 over 20 Sep QF ancillary revenue lead the last four years. Pictured 20 Sep Air NZ route suspensions from left are Þórir Garðarsson, Gray Line Iceland; Þorleifur Þór Jónsson, Promote Iceland; 21 Sep FCTG digital acquisition Íris Tryggvadóttir, Arctic Adventures; Helga Bergrós Bizouerne, Iceland Travel; Bjarni Hrafn Ingólfsson, Iceland Tours; and Ársæll Harðarson, Icelandair. 21 Sep Qantas, Cathay codeshare
4 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 Data Room All the latest statistics from the ABS and BITRE to keep you in the loop.
Domestic On Time ARRIVALS RETURNS Performance Top 10 destinations, June 18 Top 10 destinations, July 18 August 2018 Source Trend Original Trend Trend Destination Trend Original Trend Trend (000) (000) Jun 18/ Jul 17/ (000) (000) Jun 18/ Jul 17/ Jul 18 Jul 18 Jul 18 Jul 18 % % % % China 123.9 153.5 +0.9 +3.0 Indonesia 105.4 125.9 -0.9 +4.5 New Zealand 115.2 132.8 +0.2 +1.9 New Zealand 119.3 125.4 +0.3 -0.3 USA 61.7 57.3 -1.4 -6.8 USA 93.4 106.8 +0.5 +3.7 UK 58.9 39.2 -1.5 +0.2 UK 55.9 92.5 -0.1 +8.3 Japan 37.9 38.6 -0.2 +5.6 Thailand 46.5 57.5 -0.4 -5.4 Singapore 35.3 29.4 -0.9 -5.9 Italy 21.2 47.3 +0.8 +12.2 Hong Kong 26.6 29.1 +1.4 +9.2 China 51.5 43.8 +0.8 +14.0 Jetstar Qantas Malaysia 31.8 28.0 +0.7 -9.8 Singapore 36.7 40.7 +1.2 +13.7 Arrivals on time 76.2% Arrivals on time 83.4% India 30.4 22.9 +0.9 +17.7 Fiji 28.4 35.7 +0.1 -0.2 Departure on time 74.1% Departure on time 84.5% South Korea 26.0 22.0 +1.7 +3.3 Japan 40.7 32.3 +0.6 +22.4 Cancellations 2.6% Cancellations 1.7% All inbound 766.6 774.4 +0.1 +2.8 All outbound 931.8 1,133.6 +0.3 +5.8 Source: ABS Source: ABS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 2017
+ 0 Chart I International Passengers Carried (thousands) - December 2015 to December 2017 .4 Virgin Australia All airlines % Arrivals on time 77.9% Arrivals on time 80.0%
% 2200 Departure on time 80.3% Departure on time 81.5% 6 .
1 Cancellations 1.8% Cancellations 1.8% - 1950 + 1700 4. DOMESTIC AIR MARKET 8% 1450 June 2018
- 0
. Jun 17 Jun 18 Growth Yr to Yr to Growth 8 + 1200 % 3 % Jun 17 Jun 18 % . - 9 INBOUND OUTBOUND 0 % Total pax carried 4.70m 4.72m +0.5 59.30m 60.77bn +2.5 .5 + 950 % 3. Revenue pax km (RPK) 5.46bn 5.50bn +0.7 69.49bn 70.87bn +2.0 7% +0 Avail seat kms (ASK) 7.06bn 7.00bn -0.8 88.67bn 88.53bn -0.2 .1% 700 Load factor (%) 77.4 78.6 1.2* 78.4 80.1 1.7* Aircraft trips (000) 52.0 49.9 -4.1 641.7 635.1 -1.0 -3.6% Jul-17 Jul-16 *Percentage points difference +2 Jan-17 Jan-16 . Oct-17 Oct-16 Jun-17
Jun-16 3 Apr-17 Apr-16 % Feb-17 Feb-16 Mar-17 Mar-16 Dec-17 Dec-16 Dec-15 Sep-17 Sep-16 Aug-17 Aug-16 Nov-17 Nov-16 May-17 May-16 Source: BITRE
International Air Market Share Chart II InternationalInternational Passengers passengers by Major Airlines by major - Yearairline ended – year December ended June 2017 2018 INTERNATIONAL AIR ROUTES Top 10 city pairs, June 2018 QantasQantas Airways, Airways 16.7% , City pair Passengers Passengers % of total % change 16.4% YE Jun 17 YE Jun 18 18/17 Auckland-Sydney 1,604,956 1,546,716 3.8 -3.6 Others, 31.4% Singapore-Sydney 1,462,736 1,519,662 3.7 +3.9 Others, 30.7% Singapore-Melbourne 1,397,996 1,450,040 3.6 +3.7 JetstarJetstar, 9.1%, 9.1% Auckland-Melbourne 1,219,532 1,247,393 3.1 +2.3 Singapore-Perth 1,144,221 1,134,679 2.8 -0.8 Hong Kong-Sydney 1,072,024 1,076,578 2.7 +0.4 Auckland-Brisbane 964,570 965,463 2.4 +0.1 SingaporeEmirates Airlines,, 8.3% 8.1% Los Angeles-Sydney 883,685 869,202 2.1 -1.6 ChinaEtihad Airways,Southern 3.1% Denpasar-Perth 869,868 865,358 2.1 -0.5 Airlines, 3.1% Singapore-Brisbane 798,510 836,844 2.1 +4.8 Etihad AirwaysChina, 3.2% Southern Airlines, 3.1% Singapore Airlines, Top 10 City Pairs 11,418,098 11,511,935 28.3 +0.8 AirAsia X, 3.5% Emirates, 8.0% AirAsia X, 4.0% 8.1% Other City Pairs 27,242,848 29,107,407 71.7 +6.8 ALL CITY PAIRS 38,660,946 40,619,342 100.0 +5.1 CathayCathay Pacific Pacific AirAir New New Zealand, 6.6% Airways, 4.5% Zealand, 6.6% Airways, 4.6% VirginVirgin Australia Australia, ,6.1% Source: BITRE Source: BITRE 6.0%
Table I International Passengers by Uplift/Discharge City Pairs travelBulletin October 2018 5 Foreign Australian Year ended Year ended Year ended % of % Change Port Port December 2015 December 2016 December 2017 Total 2017/16
Auckland Sydney 1 540 790 1 604 944 1 579 904 4.0% -1.6% Singapore Sydney 1 461 382 1 455 015 1 485 919 3.8% 2.1% Singapore Melbourne 1 214 169 1 362 099 1 420 841 3.6% 4.3% Auckland Melbourne 1 149 693 1 193 283 1 229 495 3.1% 3.0% Singapore Perth 1 061 213 1 124 742 1 154 838 2.9% 2.7% Hong Kong Sydney 993 075 1 075 353 1 075 624 2.7% 0.0% Auckland Brisbane 968 140 964 067 970 776 2.5% 0.7% Los Angeles Sydney 909 663 906 403 887 004 2.2% -2.1% Denpasar Perth 857 009 896 951 834 897 2.1% -6.9% Singapore Brisbane 805 784 787 326 823 139 2.1% 4.5% Top 10 City Pairs 10 960 918 11 370 183 11 462 437 28.9% 0.8% Other City Pairs 23 905 731 26 246 570 28 153 377 71.1% 7.3% ALL CITY PAIRS 34 866 649 37 616 753 39 615 814 100.0% 5.3%
8 State of the industry
MAIN DOMESTIC ROUTES Most popular websites AUSTRALIAN AIRPORTS Top 10 domestic in travel - agencies International passengers through Australia’s city pairs, June 2018 July 18 compared with June 18 major international airports, June 18
City pair Passengers Passengers % change Rank Website Visits % Relative Rank City pair Passengers Passengers % of total % change YE Jun 17 YE Jun 18 share % dif Jul Jun 18 YE Jun 17 YE Jun 18 18/17 (000) (000) July 18 to Jun Sydney 15,559,762 16,431,177 40.5 +5.6 Melbourne- 1 Webjet Australia 13.34 -1.08 1 Melbourne 9,949,458 10,784,070 26.5 +8.4 8,974.5 9,250.8 +3.1 Sydney 2 Expedia Australia 10.50 +0.76 2 Brisbane 5,600,083 5,903,276 14.5 +5.4 Brisbane-Sydney 4,695.7 4,788.1 +2.0 3 Skyscanner Perth 4,423,833 4,354,646 10.7 -1.6 8.99 -1.04 3 Brisbane- Australia 3,500.5 3,556.9 +1.6 Gold Coast 1,104,987 1,070,411 2.6 -3.1 Melbourne 4 Wotif.com 7.78 +0.00 4 Adelaide 950,943 998,570 2.5 +5.0 Gold Coast- 2,712.7 2,752.4 +1.5 5 Flight Centre 5.88 -7.13 5 Cairns 648,064 672,167 1.7 +3.7 Sydney 6 Velocity Frequent 4.37 +13.79 6 Darwin 284,136 251,181 0.6 -11.6 Adelaide- Flyer 2,413.4 2,487.3 +3.1 Canberra (a) 63,932 92,917 0.2 +45.3 Melbourne 7 Luxury Escapes 3.33 -1.55 7 Townsville (b) 45,206 39,470 0.1 -12.7 Melbourne-Perth 2,048.1 2,057.8 +0.5 8 Cheap Flights Aus Gold Coast- 2.49 2.23 9 Sunshine Coast (c) 13,728 13,719 0.0 -0.1 1,992.2 2,045.6 +2.7 & NZ Melbourne 9 Lastminute.com.au 2.40 -10.61 8 Port Hedland 7,556 7,738 0.0 +2.4 Adelaide-Sydney 1,886.5 1,908.6 +1.2 10 Google Flights Aus 1.92 -6.69 10 Norfolk Island (d) 9,258 ...... Perth-Sydney 1,737.8 1,719.9 -1.0 ALL AIRPORTS 38,660,946 40,619,342 100.0 +5.1 Source: Hitwise Hobart-Melbourne 1,598.7 1,638.6 +2.5 (a) Scheduled services recommenced Sep 2016 (b) Scheduled services recommenced Sep 2015 (c) Seasonal services only (d) Scheduled services ceased May 2017 Source: BITRE Source: BITRE
The allegations were serious, in, one where indiscretions, ranging from ripping off customers real or otherwise, just won’t be with inflated mark ups, to a “toxic” tolerated no matter how profitable culture rife with hard-drinking, bullying a company may be. and harassment. It wasn’t a pretty The market clearly didn’t like picture, but one denied by the the unpalatable culture that is retailer. Skroo Turner branded it a said to pervade Flight Centre, or “beat-up”. the negativity that ensued. Not so Was it? Should the complaints many years back, I suspect only the of the few – and it was a few when financials would have truly mattered. measured against the 10,000 But it is not only Flight Centre’s employed by Flight Centre in Australia integrity that has been called into – tarnish the reputation of the question in recent weeks. Meriton entire company? And when is such was fined a whopping $3m for insidious behaviour so ingrained that rigging TripAdvisor reviews, while it becomes an integral part of the Trivago is the subject of Federal “company culture”, as was alleged. Court action amid claims the What is clear is that we are living aggregator misled consumers and Steve Jones’ in a delicate era where suspect prioritised advertisers. behaviour, be it of a personal or The market“ So, in the space of a few short Say professional nature, is being called clearly weeks we have a hotel company out on an almost daily basis. manipulating online reviews, an A fuss about nothing or institutional The reaction, therefore, was didn’t aggregator accused of fooling unethical behaviour? unsurprising, at least not from like the consumers and the country’s largest Whatever your view of the individuals or the industry at large unpalatable travel retailer apparently adding recent Flight Centre shenanigans where the relish that some greeted huge mark-ups to the cost of flights. – disgruntled or easily offended the retail behemoth squirming under culture that And here is the problem. It is not ex-staff with an axe to grind, or the national spotlight was inevitable. is said to only that trio of companies to have an unpleasant culture that needs It was the market reaction which took pervade suffered reputational damage. It is addressing, and eradicating – the me by surprise. the wider industry. If it transpired market didn’t take too kindly to the Despite record financial Flight Trivago did act dishonestly, is it an allegations contained in last month’s results, released just as the ABC Centre, isolated incident or common place ABC investigation. investigation went to air, Flight or the in the sector? Who else attempts to Even on the back of another solid Centre’s shares lost 18% of their manipulate reviews? And do other financial result, Flight Centre shares value in next to no time. It highlighted negativity travel agents mark-up flights on tumbled, wiping countless millions not only the unpredictability of the that ensued the quiet? Those are the questions off the value of the company. At time stock market, but maybe reflected consumers will be asking. of writing, they had yet to recover. the environment we are operating ” Trust is hard won, and easily lost.
6 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 DISCOVER
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Billions at stake AFTA view in airport stoush Jayson Westbury, chief executive AFTA Conflict between Australia’s airlines and privatised airports Price parity conflicts is now being played out before the Productivity Commission as it considers whether greater regulation is needed for the Unfortunately, the debate and conversation within the country’s major gateways. Australian community about hotel booking sites and the need After a long and public campaign – in which airlines have to book direct has taken a more confusing turn than perhaps accused the airports of over-charging and exploiting their was necessary, off the back of a public video rant by prominent monopoly powers – the parties have now had the chance to Australian Dick Smith. For those that have not managed to watch put their cases before a formal inquiry as the Productivity the video it can be found on Facebook, but having said that, for Commission prepares to make recommendations to the most Australian travel agents it will make you cringe. Federal Government early The ACCC took a decision several years ago to grant next year. permission for the two large American based OTAs and their Central to the probe is subsidiaries to impose “price parity” clauses within the booking Australian airports the question of whether contracts they hold with Australian hotels and motels. “ the current “light-handed” What that means is that the hotels and motels who have are currently able to approach to regulation signed up with these OTAs or hotel booking sites are not allowed use their monopoly has allowed the airports to to price rooms on particular days lower than the price they develop too much power, provide to the OTA. You might recall that the ACCC pursued one position to charge leading to soaring profits of the most prominent Australian travel companies for the exact prices that generate and high charges for both same practice, but in that case relating to airfares. excess returns, but passengers and airline It has been something that AFTA, along with the hotel industry users. In its submission associations, has been taking this is not delivering to the commission lodged up with the ACCC for some improvements in last month, industry group ACCC pursued one time. How can it be that a quality or efficiency Airlines for Australia & “ couple of American companies New Zealand (A4ANZ) of the prominent can be granted rights to do cites analysis by Frontier Australian travel something that the High Court Economics that found companies for the of Australia said an Australian greater regulation” of the airports would deliver more than travel company can’t do, when $18 billion in economic benefits. exact same practice... the applicant to the case was “Australian airports are currently able to use their exactly the same government monopoly position to charge prices that generate excess authority – the ACCC? returns, but this is not delivering improvements in quality or While Dick Smith” in his rant is attempting to say that it is efficiency,” said A4ANZ ceo Alison Roberts. better for Australian small business for consumers to book “Something has to change if consumers are to be direct rather than by the American OTAs, the problem is that the shielded from the impact of what is ahead,” she said. message gets all very confused as it unfolds. “While airlines have been able to keep downward It is important to note that the CEO of the Accommodation pressure on airfares over the past decade, globally, fares Association of Australia (AAoA) has made it clear to me and is on are expected to rise next year. It’s time for the airports to be the public record supporting Australian travel agents. However the part of a genuinely collaborative approach.” downstream impact is a confused message to consumers. However the airports argue that greater regulation The simple fact is that this complicated messaging has in would threaten billions of dollars in future investment at fact been caused by the ACCC. Even the chairman of the ACCC the country’s main gateways. In its own submission, the appears to be confused about what message should be sent to Australian Airports Association (AAA) says the major airports consumers. He has suggested travellers should book direct by have invested $15 billion in improvements since 2002, with telephone as they may get a better deal. It is 2018, right? I am plans to spend a further $20.6 billion in the next decade. sure that a message to most people that includes picking up the “Policy reform solely designed to reduce prices, as phone is unlikely to resonate as the best way to make a booking opposed to enhance efficiency… will place future investment for a hotel. at risk,” AAA’s submission said. The ACCC should apply the same rules to these American It also dismissed claims that higher airport charges OTAs as applies to all Australian OTAs and for that matter travel automatically lead to higher airfares, and says there is no agents. A level playing field should be made available to all evidence that savings would be passed on to consumers. suppliers and distributors regardless of the format, and for my “Even if modest reductions were to be imposed by a money if the Australian High Court has interpreted the law in a regulator, these would simply enhance the profits of airlines,” clear way then that should apply. the airports coalition said.
8 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 Tourism Australia Asia push
Tourism Australia last month launched its biggest ever campaign targeting key South To the 82% of Singaporeans who think and South East Asian markets, with the Australia is all about aim of challenging traveller stereotypes of cute, furry animals Australia as a tourism destination. The $10 Think again million “Undiscover Australia” promotion debuted in Jakarta, Indonesia, with the aim of bridging the gap between intention to visit and actual arrivals by “providing a more multidimensional understanding of Australia’s high-quality experiences beyond the expected tourism icons”. Tourism Australia managing director
John O’Sullivan said the region’s proximity, Port Lincoln, SA UnDiscover emerging middle class, improving aviation Australia capacity and increasingly competitive air fares presented enormous opportunities for Australian tourism. “One of the challenges the aim of showing there is “much more by an “airline marketplace” which brings we constantly face is that people from this to Australia than the typical stereotypes of together multiple airlines and online region feel they know everything about us,” koalas, kangaroos, the outback and well- travel agents to offer competitive airfares, he said. “This campaign will shine a spotlight known icons”. particularly highlighting the proximity of some on some of our undiscovered and hidden By showing a different side of the country, Australian destinations to Asia which makes holiday gems,” O’Sullivan added. Tourism Australia believes it will give high- it an ideal weekend getaway. Initially slated Different creative elements have been value travellers in the region compelling new for a four month run, Undiscover Australia developed for the major markets of India, reasons to visit. has potential to be extended to additional Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with The campaign is also being supported markets in the future.
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Clean sweep for Aust Cruise Association
The huge pipeline of newbuild cruise ships under construction means it is essential that cruise lines, destinations, ports and ground operators work together to deliver quality experiences and itineraries, according to Carnival Australia president Sture Myrmell. Myrmell, who is also the chairman of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia, was one of the keynote speakers at last month’s Australian Cruise Association (ACA) conference in Broome, Western Australia, with his presence a clear reflection of the conference theme of “Forging stronger relationships”. Myrmell said the partnership between ACA was going from strength to strength, with a combined 2018 economic impact report to be released this month along with a joint sustainability report which will showcase how the cruise sector is working on a range of Pictured lit up by a Broome Cable Beach sunset are WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia, ACA CEO Jill Abel, Carnival Australia president Sture Myrmell, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines vice president Australasia Susan Bonner. environmental fronts. He also highlighted the huge opportunity still available for cruise in Australia. Despite the local market having a Bonner, also spoke at the ACA conference, a second berth sooner than we thought”. world-leading penetration of 5.7%, “that still urging attendees to prepare for the arrival The conference wrapped up with a means more than 94% of Australians have of ever-larger cruise ships. She noted the fascinating breakfast presentation from not cruised,” he said. strong competition from other ports across the wardens of the nearby Broome Bird The Carnival president also dismissed the globe for cruise ship deployments, with Sanctuary, followed by the ACA annual concerns about worldwide cruising growth several Asian destinations already able to general meeting where a new management plateauing, noting that with an annual welcome Oasis-class vessels. Bonner urged committee was voted in. Officebearers include global total of about 27 million passengers the industry to work collaboratively to come chairman Grant Gilfillan from Ports NSW, ACA the entire sector is still smaller than many up with solutions to manage the potential CEO Jill Abel, Thor Elliott of Fremantle Ports, key tourism destinations such as Paris, influx of large numbers of cruise guests and Anne McVilly of Port Arthur Historic Site, Jay Venice, New York and Orlando. The pace of still maintain passenger satisfaction. McKenzie from Bob Wood Cruise Group, construction of new ships means that “at full The ACA conference included a Christine Cole of Tourism WA, Martin Bidgood capacity we can only grow globally at 3-5% – presentation from Port of Brisbane ceo Peter from Intercruises and Tourism NT’s Scott that is measured, steady growth,” Myrmell Keyte, who confirmed that bookings for the Lovett. During the event ACA CEO Jill Abel said. He noted that Australians are a “nation 2020/21 season had opened amid strong paid tribute to the late Tony Clementson who of sea-huggers” with cruise continuing demand from a variety of cruise lines. The had represented the NT on the committee, to afford a great option for domestic new facility, which has been underwritten and who died suddenly in late August. holidaymakers, while inbound cruise tourism through a long-term partnership with Carnival The 2019 Australian Cruise Association is also seen as a huge opportunity. Corporation, is scheduled to open in the conference will take place in early September Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines’ recently second quarter of 2020, with Keyte saying next year in Geelong, one of Victoria’s appointed vice president Australasia, Susan interest so far indicates “we’re going to need emerging cruise destinations.
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Call 1300 363 500 or visit driveaway.com.au Trafalgar team photo featuring Sally Sylvester, Trafalgar national sales manager; Dee Morocco, Trafalgar chief marketing officer; Gavin Tollman, Trafalgar CEO; Matt Cameron-Smith, Trafalgar Australasia managing director; and Cassie Zuell, Trafalgar head of marketing. Trafalgar debuts domestic program
Trafalgar global CEO Gavin Tollman has unveiled a in ways never previously imagined. Trafalgar- new program of tours in Australia and New Zealand, branded coaches on local roads will feature the with the expansion meaning the Travel Corporation brand’s rainbow colouring, and the programs brand now features programs in all seven continents. feature signature Trafalgar touches such as Developed in conjunction with sister brand AAT ‘Hidden Gems’ and ‘Be My Guest Experiences’. Kings, the 2019 Trafalgar Australasia brochure Matthew Cameron-Smith, the company’s comprises 12 trips in Australia ranging from five to Australian managing director, told travelBulletin 15 days, as well as four local “mini stays”. The New the huge contingent of Trafalgar past Zealand range includes five options taking in the North passengers was a prime market for the new and South islands, with Tollman saying the program program, which will allow them to have the will allow Aussies and Kiwis to “see your home and convenience of a Trafalgar guided holiday neighbouring regions in a whole new light”. close to home. “It costs twelve times as Trafalgar’s brand direction for 2019 focuses on much to acquire a new customer. We have “The Good Life,” inviting passengers to make “real been so successful over the past couple connections” with their destinations; have hassle-free of years, and some of that has included a holidays with “real ease”; and experience “real joy” as huge growth in repeat business. It’s an easy they take in people and places in their own backyard sell,” he said. Issues & trends
TTF view Cosmos LITE has Margy Osmond, CEO, a-la-carte Tourism & Transport Forum Australia building cruise tourism Newly appointed Globus Family of Brands managing director for Australasia, Gai Tyrrell, last month unveiled a Cruise season was kicked off a few weeks ago with Princess new Cosmos Lite touring option, combining the essential Cruises’ Majestic Princess docking in Sydney Harbour, bringing features of Cosmos trips with a personalised approach to more than 3000 passengers to the city. daily itineraries. To roll out in 2019, Cosmos Lite initially The cruise industry is growing rapidly and new figures show features ten journeys combining major cities with lesser- Australia’s cruise passenger numbers hit record numbers in 2017 known, undiscovered destinations across Europe. with 1.34 million people enjoying an ocean cruise. Tyrrell said Cosmos Lite trips include city-to-city Cruise tourism is a critical part of the Australian tourism transportation in motor coaches with complimentary wi-fi, offering – we need to support and nurture it. This is an industry as well as accommodation in comfortable hotels with daily that already pours billions of dollars into the Australian breakfasts. A professional tour director is available to help economy every year bringing visitors from all over the world curate the best sightseeing, dining and entertainment to taste the wonders of options, along with a range of MyCosmos optional Australia. Passengers on excursions which are available for purchase as desired. average are spending $527 a “Cosmos Lite gives travellers an innovative and Passengers“ on day in a port before or after independent touring option, with a new way to see, explore average are a cruise. and experience the world around them,” Tyrrell said. The We need certainty of port program “takes care of getting travellers to each destination spending $527 a options and we need the new and coordinating accommodation, but what they fill their day in a port before facilities to cope with the high days with – and the activities they plan – are completely up or after a cruise demand during the summer peak. to them”. Recently it was announced that A new CosmosGo app is also available, offering a Botany Bay will most likely be range of entertainment, dining, sightseeing and shopping ” the option for a new cruise ship suggestions. Tyrrell said Cosmos Lite holidays give terminal in New South Wales. While most agree that the iconic autonomy back to the traveller to fill their days according Sydney Harbour is the money shot, if Port Botany is an option, to their specific interests, passions and budget, “without let’s get on with it! having to stress about the itinerary fundamentals.” Rightly, the industry is very keen to see how the business case stacks up and the real feasibility of Port Botany, for both government and the tourism sector. The ingredients of this quintessential Sydney experience should not be taken lightly. Failure to find the right solution also has ramifications for our near Pacific neighbours who will also miss out on cruise traffic if Facebook takes flight Sydney loses its lustre as a cruise hub. Thinking nationally, for many cruise companies the vital destination in Australia is Sydney – if they cannot get the access they need in Sydney they will not come and therefore will not visit a wealth of other Australian regional destinations. Fixing Sydney, the national gateway, is a ‘must’ if we are going to have a slice of the global cruising ‘pie’ and see those benefits flow through to the wider Australian economy. We have to get it right. Social media giant Facebook continues to wring the most out of the travel value chain, with an initiative allowing airlines to target prospective travellers even before they search a particular booking website or app. The new “Flight Ads” solution tracks Facebook user intentions, detecting any plans to take a trip and allowing relevant advertisements to be served to them, even before they decide on a final destination. Facebook Australasia’s head of travel, Paul Nahoun, said it was important for travel advertisers to reach the right people with the right message, personalised depending on where they are in their decision journey. He said testing of the platform by Air France in the USA had boosted search traffic to the carrier’s website, and lowered the cost per search by 66%.
12 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 Global push for virtual cards
The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) has urged airlines to look beyond “blanket payment policies” and consider allowing the use of new, lower- cost virtual credit card options for settlements with travel agents. A statement issued by WTAAA chair Otto de Vries from the Association of South African Travel The result“ is Agents suggests a “more holistic view must be taken... that airlines instead of simply saying ‘no’ to card payments because and other of the perceptions around cost”. De Vries noted that IATA’s NewGen ISS and parts of the Transparency in Payments initiatives (travelBulletin travel value July 2018) aim to address the changing payment chain are environment and reduce risk – but the “one dimensional approach” has only focused on a single virtual card type missing out on as being representative of all virtual cards. ”Rather than the benefits encouraging commercial discussions, this has inhibited them. The result is that airlines and other parts of the that other low travel value chain are missing out on the benefits that cost virtual other lower cost virtual cards offer,” he said. cards offer same goes for travel agents... they no longer have to take The WTAAA chair noted that currently billions of on the risk of forward-dated travel, thanks to chargeback dollars are settled between travel agents and other protection they can draw on should an airline fail”. travel suppliers using systems that offer all of the ” “If the airline industry is truly behind a new generation risk-mitigation aspects desired by NewGen ISS but in a of payments, cards need to be directly in the conversation “modern way”. De Vries said the use of virtual cards by and simplicity needs to prevail, rather than further heavy- travel agents mean airlines are guaranteed to receive handed costly compliance that serves no real purpose,” 100% of their funds within a matter of days. “And the De Vries concluded. Cover The million dollar club
The recent corporate reporting season for publicly listed companies has seen some record results, with many businesses in the travel and tourism sector rewarding shareholders with strong performances, dividends and share price increases. But how have the leaders of these organisations fared this year when it comes to their own personal remuneration? Bruce Piper delved into the data to work out who the travel and tourism industry’s top earners were in 2017/18.
The 2018 Million Dollar Club 1. Graham Turner Flight Centre CEO $24,891,709
2. Alan Joyce Qantas CEO $11,475,335
3. Jamie Pherous Corporate Travel Management CEO $8,109,756
4. Chris Luxon Air New Zealand CEO (NZ$) $4,963,118
5. Andrew Burnes Helloworld CEO $4,494,618
6. Cinzia Burnes Helloworld executive director $4,455,672
7. Gareth Evans Jetstar Group CEO $4,072,319
8. John Borghetti Virgin Australia CEO $4,015,700
9. Tino La Spina Qantas CFO $3,537,292
10. Andrew David Qantas CEO domestic $3,536,959
11. Lim Kim Hai Regional Express Executive Director $3,465,540
12. Lesley Grant Qantas CEO Loyalty (to 31 Oct ‘17) $3,268,302
13. Melanie Waters-Ryan Flight Centre COO $3,084,520
14. Chris Galanty Flight Centre EGM Europe & South Africa $3,073,203
15. John Guscic Webjet managing director $2,998,537
14 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 million dollar club
16. Luke Trouchet Apollo Tourism and Leisure ceo $2,955,992
17. Karl Trouchet Apollo Tourism and Leisure cfo $2,812,131 18. Unnamed Air NZ exec ?Jodie King (chief people officer) $2,810,000
19. Dean Smith Flight Centre EGM The Americas $2,680,432
20. Olivia Wirth Qantas CEO Loyalty (from 12 Feb ’18) $2,544,874 NOTE 21. Unnamed Air NZ exec ?Cam Wallace (chief commercial officer) $1,990,000
22. Unnamed Air NZ exec ?Bruce Parton (chief operations officer) $1,810,000 To put the salaries of the top execs into real 23. Adam Campbell Flight Centre CFO $1,784,751 terms, this chart shows 24. Jane Hastings Event Hospitality ceo $1,682,959 how many private jets each one could buy with 25. Unnamed Air NZ exec ?David Morgan (chief flight ops officer) $1,630,000 their 2017/18 earnings. 26. Laura Ruffles Corporate Travel Management COO $1,585,988 The cheapest private 27. Alison Webster Qantas CEO Int’l (from 01 Nov ’17) $1,552,835 jet costs just under $3 million Australian dollars 28. Robert Sharp Virgin Australia Group Executive $1,437,393 (called the Cirrus Vision 29. Matthew Duff Event Hospitality commercial director $1,111,599 Jet), and can carry five adults non-stop between 30. Gregory Dean Event Hospitality finance director $1,006,051 New York and Dallas.
travelBulletin October 2018 15 Cover
ancy a new Lamborghini, Tesla or tourism companies have their packages came in 13th on the Million Dollar Club even a Bugatti supercar? How about weighted towards driving performance in list with a total package of just over $3 a private jet? Such aspirations are terms of improving shareholder returns, million – just ahead of FCTG executive gm beyond the wildest dreams of many and so it’s only right that if they achieve Europe Chris Galanty and Dean Smith, who of us, but for the top earners in or exceed targets they are rewarded for heads up the Americas for Flight Centre, Fthe Australian travel and aviation sector they doing so. 2017/18 produced some bumper who earnt $2.6 million. As well as good are easily achievable realities. Based on the outcomes which were reflected in short base salaries and bonuses, most of the now publicly released remuneration reports and long-term incentive payouts – but as Flight Centre top earners also reap rewards which every public company must include in in previous years, the executives who also from the company’s Business Ownership its reporting, it has been a pretty good year happen to be major shareholders are the Scheme (BOS) where they hold convertible all round, and senior executives have reaped ones who are most likely to be out shopping notes reflecting the performance of particular the benefits both in terms of their base for a new Gulfstream. business units. There’s also a further bonus salaries and bonuses, not to mention those scheme to incentivise them to stick around, all-important dividends. Travel agent top Every company on the Australian Stock Exchange must include a formal earners Remuneration Report in its annual report to Flight Centre has had a cracker of a year. ...the executives who shareholders. The document is required to Although the company’s share price has “ detail payments to the company’s directors recently dipped from record levels, the also happen to be as well as to designated “key management powerhouse surpassed just about every major shareholders are personnel” and include everything from base target in 2017/18, achieving profitability salary to bonuses, to share based incentives in all regions, an 8.5% increase in Total the ones who are most and even superannuation and travel fringe Transaction Value to almost $22 billion and a likely to be shopping benefits. Some fairly strong glasses are 14.5% increase in net profit after tax to $264 for a new Gulfstream... required to comb through the fine print, but million. With results like that it’s no wonder the effort is worth it, with the reports making that cEo Graham Turner once again came in for fascinating reading. The information at the top of this year’s travelBulletin Million generally details how salary packages are Dollar Club. Including bonuses his salary ” calculated, and gives an insight into how the package was a somewhat modest (if you with extra BOS payments based on their chiefs are incentivised to perform. There are can call it that) $1.43 million – but the hefty length of service. a few juicy nuggets in some cases too, such $1.54 per share dividend payout saw his At Helloworld Travel it’s a similar story, as details of sign-on bonuses, redundancy total income soar to almost $25 million, an although not quite on the same scale. The payouts and extra payments for relocation. increase of about 15% on the prior year. top earners are ceo Andrew Burnes and Most of the designated “key management Other Flight Centre executives did well too. executive director Cinzia Burnes, who are personnel” in Australia’s listed travel and Chief operating officer Melanie Waters-Ryan also the company’s largest shareholders.
Travel Agent top earners (top 15) Name Company Base salary Other payments Share incentives Total salary Dividends Total income Graham Turner Flight Centre managing director $654,951 $762,615 $0 $1,417,566 $23,474,143 $24,891,709 Jamie Pherous Corporate Travel Management MD $460,319 $274,837 $0 $735,156 $7,374,600 $8,109,756 Andrew Burnes Helloworld ceo $480,000 $28,620 $0 $508,620 $3,985,998 $4,494,618 Cinzia Burnes Helloworld executive director $480,000 $28,620 $0 $508,620 $3,947,052 $4,455,672 Melanie Waters-Ryan Flight Centre chief operating officer $674,957 $595,719 $1,735,727 $3,006,403 $78,117 $3,084,520 Chris Galanty Flight Centre EGM Europe & Sth Africa $547,057 $252,275 $2,270,788 $3,070,120 $3,083 $3,073,203 John Guscic Webjet managing director $850,000 $590,938 $785,789 $2,226,727 $771,810 $2,998,537 Dean Smith Flight Centre EGM The Americas $812,501 $541,668 $1,322,114 $2,676,283 $4,149 $2,680,432 Adam Campbell Flight Centre CFO $840,821 $626,431 $314,983 $1,782,235 $2,516 $1,784,751 Laura Ruffles Corporate Travel Mgt COO $588,219 $955,244 $0 $1,543,463 $42,525 $1,585,988 Chris Thelen Corporate Travel Mgt CEO Nth America $579,524 $222,776 $0 $802,300 $70,956 $873,256 Steve Fleming Corporate Travel Mgt CFO $486,417 $353,082 $0 $839,499 $9,047 $848,546 Larry Lo Corporate Travel Mgt CEO Asia $501,051 $312,268 $0 $813,319 $33,996 $847,315 Shelly Beasley Webjet group COO $495,287 $216,077 $49,267 $760,631 $33,202 $793,833 Michael Burnett Helloworld CFO $450,000 $20,757 $128,333 $599,090 $90,000 $689,090
16 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 Airline top earners
Name Company Base salary Other paymts Share incentives Total salary Divendends Total income Alan Joyce Qantas ceo $2,105,000 $5,923,000 $2,841,000 $10,869,000 $606,335 $11,475,335 Christopher Luxon Air New Zealand ceo (NZ$) $1,550,000 $1,440,897 $1,114,888 $4,105,785 $857,333 $4,963,118 Gareth Evans CEO Jetstar Group $1,040,000 $2,103,000 $836,000 $3,979,000 $93,319 $4,072,319 John Borghetti Virgin Australia ceo $1,950,000 $2,065,700 $0 $4,015,700 $0 $4,015,700 Tino La Spina Qantas cfo $930,000 $1,846,000 $711,000 $3,487,000 $50,292 $3,537,292 Andrew David Qantas domestic ceo $930,000 $1,833,000 $711,000 $3,474,000 $62,959 $3,536,959 Lim Kim Hai REX Executive Director $0 $0 $0 $0 $3,465,540 $3,465,540 Lesley Grant CEO Qantas Loyalty (to 31/10/17) $855,000 $1,666,000 $711,000 $3,232,000 $36,302 $3,268,302 Unnamed Air NZ exec ?Jodie King (chief people officer) $2,810,000 $2,810,000 Olivia Wirth CEO Qantas Loyalty (from 12/2/18) $797,000 $1,402,000 $314,000 $2,513,000 $31,874 $2,544,874 Unnamed Air NZ exec ?Cam Wallace (CCO) $1,990,000 $1,990,000 Unnamed Air NZ exec ?Bruce Parton (COO) $1,810,000 $1,810,000 Unnamed Air NZ exec ?David Morgan (CFOO) $1,630,000 $1,630,000 Alison Webster CEO Qantas Int’l (from 1/11/17) $644,000 $752,000 $147,000 $1,543,000 $9,835 $1,552,835 Robert Sharp Virgin Australia Group Executive $774,038 $663,355 $0 $1,437,393 $0 $1,437,393
The pair each drew a salary package of Constable, appointed as Group General Airline chiefs fly high just over $500,000 – much lower than the Manager Retail and Commercial in February heady days under previous administrations this year. Constable’s package for the Once again this year’s Million Dollar Club where some senior executives were paid in five months to June was worth just under was populated by senior airline executives, the millions. But when the 18c per share $600,000 – including about $200,000 for with Qantas, Virgin Australia and Air New dividend payout is taken into account that relocation and dividends on 500,000 shares. Zealand all featuring. Qantas CEO Alan overall figure increased to a total of just The team at Corporate Travel Management Joyce, who last year earned a record $24 under $9 million combined. They were the also reaped the benefit of a soaring share million due to a huge increase in the QF only Helloworld executives to reach the price – most notably ceo and founder Jamie share price, this year saw his total package Million Dollar Club this year, with chief Pherous, who came in third on the Million plummet to about $11.5 million – keeping financial officer Michael Burnett next in line, Dollar Club list with just over $8 million in him in second spot on the list and still taking home a total of $689,000. total income. Other travel agency ceos in the taking home more than twice as much as his Things may change next year, however, club included Webjet chief John Guscic, who nearest airline equivalent, Air New Zealand with because the 2017/18 figures don’t nudged $3 million this year including a handy reflect a full year with Helloworld for John $770,000 in dividends. Continues over page
travelBulletin October 2018 17 Cover
Other listed travel companies top earners Name Company Base salary Other payments Share incentives Total salary Divendends Total income Luke Trouchet Apollo Tourism and Leisure ceo $529,551 $31,255 $0 $560,806 $2,395,186 $2,955,992 Karl Trouchet Apollo Tourism and Leisure cfo $388,134 $28,811 $0 $416,945 $2,395,186 $2,812,131 Jane Hastings Event Hospitality ceo $1,279,951 $207,632 $195,376 $1,682,959 $0 $1,682,959 Mathew Duff Event Hospitality CD $629,951 $250,227 $212,384 $1,092,562 $19,037 $1,111,599 Gregory Dean Event Hospitality FD $629,951 $89,519 $210,726 $930,196 $75,855 $1,006,051 Norman Arundel Event Hospitality OD $479,415 $101,996 $148,078 $729,489 $20,806 $750,295 Jordan Rogers Event Hospitality Thredbo director $429,951 $152,901 $109,949 $692,801 $6,543 $699,344 Hans Eberstaller Event Hospitality md UK & Europe $367,541 $91,461 $109,440 $568,442 $6,136 $574,578 Darrin Grafton Serko ceo $282,266 $115,000 $41,900 $439,166 $0 $439,166 Bob Shaw Serko chief strategy officer $256,694 $80,000 $20,950 $357,644 $0 $357,644
Continues from previous page incomes to be individually identified in the report. However an educated guess would put CEO Christopher Luxon whose total package Air New Zealand chief commercial officer Cam ...an educated“ guess amounted to just under NZ$5 million. Wallace, chief people officer Jodie King, chief would put Air NZ chief Meanwhile outoing Virgin Australia ceo John operations officer Bruce Parton and chief Borghetti, who has flagged his intention flight operations officer David Morgan firmly commercial officer to depart by the end of 2019, cracked the in the Million Dollar Club. Cam Wallace, chief $4 million mark this year, placing him just people officer Jodie behind Jetstar ceo Gareth Evans whose Other industry package was worth $4.07 million. King, chief operations Qantas chief financial officer Tino La Spina winners officer Bruce Parton and domestic ceo Andrew David came in New companies entering the fray this year and chief flight at 9th and 10th on the list – just ahead of have included travel technology firm Serko Regional Express executive director Lim Limited and campervan rental specialist operations officer Kim Hai, who again in 2017/18 received no Apollo Motorhomes, both of which were David Morgan firmly in salary or bonus, but took his remuneration added to the Australian Stock Exchange in the Million Dollar Club in the form of dividends on his significant the last 12 months enabling scrutiny of their shareholding in the carrier. Other Qantas executive pay packets. Apollo chiefs Luke executives in the club this year included and Karl Trouchet came in at 16th and 17th Qantas Loyalty ceo Olivia Wirth whose on the list this year, each earning close to ” package was worth just over $2.5 million, $3 million. By contrast Serko ceo Darrin and head of Qantas International, Alison Grafton and chief strategy officer Bob Shaw Webster, who took home $1.55 million. Other were well out of the Million Dollar Club this notable mentions should go to the various year, with packages worth NZ$439,000 and unnamed Air New Zealand senior executives, NZ$357,000 respectively. If Serko is able to who have thus far managed to evade deep pay dividends in future years that is likely to scrutiny because different rules on the NZ change, however, with the pair both holding stock exchange don’t require their specific large stakes in the company.
18 travelBulletin travelBulletin OCTOBER OCTOBER 2018 2018 business events news
a city of luxury Dubai: and innovation Dubai, a rapidly evolving destination around the world”. of options, from international luxury brands known for skyscrapers, history, modern Conferences, meetings and incentive such as JW Marriott, Four Seasons and Ritz- architecture and technology, has continued programs secured in the first six Carlton, to home-grown operators such as its strong hold on the thriving business months of the year, including from bids Jumeirah and Rove Hotels,” said Jakobsen. events sector. Dubai Business Events submitted in previous years, are set to Other venues for large sized events and (DBE) reported a 29% increase in business attract over 65,000 delegates from conferences include Dubai World Trade events, delegates and incentive groups from around the world, resulting in an economic Centre, the region’s largest dedicated events the same period last year. impact of approximately AED500 million space; and Dubai Opera, with beachside “With one-third of the world’s population (A$189 million). spaces overlooking the Arabian Gulf and living within a four-hour flight, and two-thirds Jakobsen went on to say that because of desert tents. within eight hours, Dubai’s ease of access DBE’s emphasis on innovation and future Jakobsen added that Dubai’s key sectors for global markets has proven to be one of technology, there are several developments which include renewable energy, transport, the key reasons why this city has become and initiatives in the pipeline. These education, health, technology, water and a popular host destination for business include “the use of blockchain technology space, allow planners to tap into them “to meetings and events,” said Steen Jakobsen, in government departments, the growth of enhance their events and to create long- assistant vice president, Dubai Business automated transportation across the city and lasting legacies”. Events and City Operations. an ambitious space program”. Dubai’s vast range of accommodation “Dubai’s high level of safety and “In addition to bringing growth to Dubai’s offerings gives event planners a variety to security, its infrastructural investment and economy, they also provide profound choose from, with many now seeking “more development, as well as the city’s range of opportunities for knowledge exchange diversity in hotel options across multiple hotels, venues and suppliers, are also among through business events,” he said. price points,” said Jakobsen. the many factors that draw planners to the The accommodation sector has also “While there will always be a need for emirate,” he said. played an important role in underpinning the luxury and traditional business hotels, During the first half of 2018, DBE reported city’s growth as a business and increasingly planners and delegates are 125 successful bids to host business events, tourism destination. looking for more affordable options and to which Jakobsen said: “we are building “There are now more than 111,000 rooms inventory in the lifestyle segment. This is on our momentum from the first half of across the city, with inventory forecast to hit aligned with Dubai’s strategy, which has the year and gearing up to host a number 132,000 by the end of 2019. The diversity been to encourage more development of of immersive study missions to Dubai for of the hospitality offering means visitors hotels in the three- and four-star segments,” meetings and conference planners from and planners can choose from a wide range Jakobsen added.
travelBulletin October 2018 19 Business view Career in focus
market in the world, the US, and that to Ana Pedersen me became my greatest career challenge. Global Director of Corporate Sales I tackled this goal one step at a time, QBT & APX, QBT planning my next step in my career, working hard in delivering positive results. I also put myself out of my comfort zone many times. 1. What does your role involve and how long By approaching this challenge or, as I’d have you been in your current position? rather call it, this opportunity, on a step-by- My role covers several functions across step basis, I was able to fulfil this goal I’d Australia and New Zealand. I’m responsible set out for myself. for overseeing new customer acquisitions, marketing and the strategic approach to 6. What factors were central to your success? supplier relationships. I joined QBT in July Without a doubt, the most important factor 2017 upon returning to Australia after has been the unwavering support of my spending 15 years with a global travel husband and my family in pursuing my goals. management company. Having their support but also having them as a sounding board, brings you back to reality 2. How did you start out in your career? in terms of what matters most in life and Were you always destined to work in the career. Getting out of my comfort zone has travel industry? shows strong characteristics that I admire in also been imperative, as has advocating for There was never any doubt and from a very others. I gained travel industry qualifications myself at every opportunity. young age I was destined to work in travel. by completing IATA Ticketing I & II, then After completing some work experience at a later completed a postgraduate certificate in 7. Did you have a mentor, and if so, how did local travel agency during high school, I knew management at Macquarie University and I’ll you find them? the travel industry was where I wanted to be completing my MBA this December from I’ve had several key mentors throughout my develop my career. After high school I went AGSM at the UNSW. career and I continue to have them in my on a gap year to Brazil (my mother’s home life. Two of them are former leaders of mine, country) and I got my first job as a general 4. What do you love about your job? whom I respected and learnt so much from. A sales agent for USAir and Aeromexico for a In the past I fell in love with the thrill of every third mentor is someone outside the industry large travel company. It was my first travel job sales win. I’m a sales person through and who has mentored me for the past eight and it was the fact that I was bilingual and through and I love building strong, authentic years and continues to be an instrumental fluent in both English and Portuguese that relationships. While that feeling you get after listener and supporter. got me the job. I loved every minute of it and a win will never leave me, today I’m much learned so much in that first year. A year later more focused on what I can give back to my 8. What are the keys to good business? I returned to Australia and got a job at Qantas team, the industry and those around me as In my humble opinion, good business needs as a reservations agent and never looked a leader and mentor, and how I can support to be about creating value across all its back again. them in their own plans to develop, grow and stakeholder communities, in a sustainable meet their own personal objectives. manner. We need to deliver good business 3. Did you complete formal qualifications, results whilst also leaving a planet worthy for and do you think they are important? 5. What are some of the greatest challenges future generations. Our employees and their I’m a huge advocate of formal qualifications you’ve faced in your career? well-being needs to be a key focus because as it demonstrates an individual’s I’ve encountered several challenges but by earning their commitment and having them commitment to development and progress. none that I felt I couldn’t overcome. It’s how truly engaged in our business is what will I believe strongly in being accountable for you treat your challenges that’s important. I deliver excellent customer service, will inspire creating your own path forward and studying always knew I wanted to lead a global sales them to drive continuous improvement and hard and applying yourself is important and team out of the largest corporate travel will result in strong business performance.
20 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 TripAdvisor feeds the masses
TripAdvisor has unveiled a new-look “dynamic Travel Feed” which aims to expand the review site community to include brands, social media influencers and publishers. The platform, which is currently in testing ahead of a formal roll-out later this year, will allow TripAdvisor members to “create and view inspirational and helpful new forms of content,” including photos, videos and articles. Members will be able to create their own Trips which can be in-depth travel guides, Sabre going Beyond NDC itineraries or simple wish-lists of things to do while travelling. Sabre Corporation has enlisted several been certified by the International Air Transport TripAdvisor Trips can be made new partners in its “Beyond NDC” program, Association as a “Level 3 aggregator,” building private and saved for personal which involves collaboration to develop new on its previously announced NDC Level 3 use, or shared with the community solutions, leverage beta testing capabilities capability as an IT provider. The Beyond NDC to inspire others, while the new and establish a “global leadership program aims to drive the industry forward “Travel Feed” is said to help position as drivers of NDC”. Travel agency through the development, integration and users discover more relevant participants now include Australia’s testing of end-to-end capabilities to process information faster when planning Corporate Travel Management as well as NDC-enabled offers and orders. a trip. When members log into BCD Travel, while Finnair, United Airlines and Sabre vice president of NDC, Kathy the TripAdvisor app or website, Singapore Airlines are also working closely Morgan, said while the certification was the homepage will transform with Sabre under the scheme. a strong achievement, “the real work is into a personalised stream The move comes as IATA’s New Distribution being done in close collaboration with our of information, automatically Capability comes closer to reality, with some airline and agency partners. Together we will narrowing as the user searches a providers expecting to launch solutions by demonstrate a genuine capability to deliver particular geographic location. late this year or early in 2019. Sabre has also end-to-end solutions at scale”.
FINALIST 2018
Business view
Working Smarter at the ‘Coal Face’ of Travel
By Leonie Spencer returning to book through us. Customers can 2. Smarter Hours have access to all their travel documents, ith the ever-changing including 24/7 connectivity to their travel Over 60% of our yearly revenue is processed retail travel landscape, agent via an in-app messaging system, all between January and June. During this peak working smarter in our on their smartphone or tablet via the app. season, our staff will alternate weeks working businesses has never Our clients have also been impressed with 30 minutes extra to manage the demand, been so important. Below other features such as country guides, online Ware four key systems we have successfully check-in links, currency conversion and offline implemented in our business, Lifestyle maps all designed to make travelling easier. Travel Ballarat, that are helping us to keep Due to the success of the app in our own pace with today’s demanding environment, business, Smart Trips is now available as a satisfy our customer expectations, whilst white label version for other agents to access also nurturing a happy and healthy work and brand with their own name and logo too. environment for our people.
1. Modernising Customer Service Through Technology
Developing our Smart Trips App has created greater customer loyalty, with more clients
Sell travel your way Value Enjoy more as a personal travel manager UP! Join TravelManagers, Australia’s premium home-based mobile travel network and on every trip have the freedom to work the way you’ve always wanted to.
TravelManagers gives you the opportunity to work with your choice of suppliers to C Turn lookers into bookers deliver the very best travel experience, whatever type of travel you like to specialise in. with more relevant M With the latest technology and marketing tools, you’ll be able to work from anywhere, personalized content Y with more free time to see the world. CM Join over 500 personal travel managers in our community who are already enjoying a better way to work. MY In today’s competitive online travel selling and buying environment, demonstrating value is everything. With It’s time for you to enjoy travel more. CY Travelport you can drive value UP! - maximizing the return on every trip and adding value every step of the way. CMY
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18220 TravelBulletin_HP_140x210_1.0 .indd 1 9/7/18 9:38 am whilst leaving 30 minutes earlier during the 3. Operation 4. Have Fun quieter period (July to December). Banking Innovation & Celebrate these hours ensures we are better prepared and energized for the busy months. We also Our people often have the best ideas for Together implement two Power Hours – one in the innovation and improvement. Introducing an Working in travel is stressful, so morning and one in the afternoon – where we ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ box where we ask our we make sure we have lots of fun complete the most important tasks for the team to complete the following statement: in the office. We also celebrate day, avoid appointments and check anything “It would be good if we could…” has created our wins and share our worries. urgent that must be done before going home. a platform for open communication and I believe this is an essential Creating this structure helps us to feel problem-solving. The are no limitations and aspect, as creating a great culture organized, reduces stress and gives a great we encourage each other to write it down, and environment ultimately start to each new day. even if it seems silly or impossible. boosts team morale.
Leonie Spencer is the owner of Lifestyle Travel Ballarat and developer of the Smart Trips mobile app (smarttrips.com.au). Leonie started working in the industry as a travel agent in 1979. In 2002 she started Lifestyle Travel Ballarat with the vision of creating a more personalised travel experience for her clients. The agency was the winner of the Helloworld Associate Outstanding Acheivement Award in 2018 and Smart Trips received a judges commendation at NTIA 2018 for Best Travel Agent Technology Innovation.
Value UP! on every trip
C Turn lookers into bookers with more relevant M personalized content Y
CM
MY
CY In today’s competitive online travel selling and buying environment, demonstrating value is everything. With Travelport you can drive value UP! - maximizing the return on every trip and adding value every step of the way. CMY K Value UP! on every trip. Succeed and quickly embrace the technology trends and innovations that provide travelers great choice, instant results and a completely connected experience. Access our free hub with resources to help you win online Travelport.com/OTA.
Di erentiation | Conversion | Revenue | Growth
Cruise
having to leave the dining room.” For those more inclined to kick back and Magnificent relax, Majestic Princess boasts the largest thermal suite at sea. The Enclave forms part of the Lotus Spa – a day spa that Majestic takes up more than one third of Deck Five, where guests can de-stress in the Turkish Hammam, relax in the Laconium sauna, and enjoy the hydrotherapy pool before cooling down with sensory showers. An additional fee is incurred depending on the ship’s itinerary, however paying guests have unlimited use between 8am and 10pm for the duration of their cruise. The ship offers other forms of escape, including a fully equipped gymnasium with endless ocean views, an outdoor exercise area where guests can get the blood pumping with the breeze on their skin, a variety of pools on the top deck where you can enjoy a swim during the day, or return at night for a viewing of Movies Under the Stars, with a different showing each evening. During her inaugural six-month homeporting season from Sydney, Majestic Princess will sail on 16 cruises to destinations including Fiji, New Zealand and Tasmania, as well as two Asian voyages between Shanghai and Sydney, and Sydney and Hong Kong. Bookings for the vessel over the next six On Saturday 15 September, Princess liner, with its capacity to carry 3,560 guests, months are strong, with Princess confirming Cruises’ Majestic Princess sailed into her ensures there is no doubt this ship is set to Majestic will return to Australia next year, new homeport of Sydney Harbour through make waves In the Australian cruise industry. and the cruise line already predicting a jaw-dropping runway of flares to kick off “Majestic Princess is our third Royal- the Australian summer cruising season. class ship, launched in April last year,” travelBulletin was on board for a special Stuart Allison, SVP, Princess Cruises told preview of the exciting things this Royal-class travelBulletin. “Cruise continues to enjoy ship has to offer the local market. momentous growth, which means both Towering into the skyline, Majestic Princess our onboard and offshore offerings are cuts a regal silhouette. At 66m high, and continually being enhanced – as the flagship 330m long, she is both longer than the Eiffel of our fleet, she has close to five times as Tower is high, and taller than the height of many suite and balcony staterooms than a the Sydney Opera House. ship would have had 15 years ago.” As Princess Cruises’ newest and most “Enhanced” is just one way to explain how luxurious vessel, Majestic is the biggest in Majestic is breaking down the boundaries the fleet ever to visit Australian waters. The between land and sea. In addition to the 143,000 tonne mega ship’s incredible selection of everyday onboard eateries, guests can also strong growth across its entire fleet for the choose to dine at its two Michelin-starred 2019/2020 season. restaurants for a minimal extra fee. A five- “We are already gearing up for our largest course dinner at Harmony, a Cantonese- Australian and New Zealand deployment in inspired restaurant designed by renowned history, which will see a record number of chef Richard Chen costs just $35 per people cruising on Princess ships over the person, while a French-inspired offering 2019/20 season,” said Allison. “The arrival at Chef Emmanuel Renaut’s La Mer sets of Ruby Princess, combined with news of customers back a minimal $45. “We aim Majestic’s return before she has completed to offer our guests a true taste of the her maiden season here means we will have world,” said food and beverage director, two of the four latest Princess ships sailing in Karen McIntosh. “We want them to explore this region, which speaks to the momentous a world of different flavours, without growth of our market.”
24 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 Cruise360 highlights An Edge-class opportunity ship for Aus? An Edge-class ship from Celebrity This year’s Cruise Lines International Cruises may be on the horizon for Association (CLIA) Australasia Cruise360 Australia, but the company’s new conference attracted a whopping 580 local head is staying tight-lipped. attendees, including a record contingent Speaking to travelBulletin at of 90 Kiwis, making it the largest cruise the Cruise Lines International conference in the southern hemisphere. Association (CLIA) Australasia The fifth annual event highlighted the Cruise360 conference, Royal potential of the industry and unpacked Caribbean Cruises’ vice president the key theme of sustainability, along with and managing director Australia panel sessions on reputation management, and New Zealand Susan Bonner challenging the stereotypes of cruising, told travelBulletin to “watch this exploring the small ship market and how space...put the pieces together”. agents could make the most of their Bonner recently joined from partnership with cruise lines. Celebrity Cruises’ head office in “There are nearly 94% of Australians the US where she was part of the who haven’t taken a cruise yet, which really Edge build team. gives us the confidence that there is a lot “There are four Edge class ships of opportunity for further growth,” CLIA that have been committed to,” CLIA Australasia MD Joel Katz, CLIA Australasia managing director Joel Katz told Global president & CEO Cindy D’Aoust, Bonner explained. the conference. & NCLH MD Asia Pacific Steve Odell. “The rest of the world loves “We are not only meeting the demands of Australia, Australians love existing customers, but also attracting new innovative hardware, I’m from the customers to this amazing industry,” he said. small things that can be game changers as Celebrity brand and I was part of Norwegian Cruise Line president and well because there is rarely ever a single the Edge build team,” she said. CEO Andy Stuart delivered the keynote, silver bullet,” he said. Bonner said her goal in the role emphasising the cruise industry’s capacity Cruise360 also featured plenty of was to see some of Australia’s for innovation, citing examples including opportunities to catch up with suppliers at a infrastructure issues resolved Norwegian’s race track at sea and Royal trade show which ran throughout the day. “so that when we are given the Caribbean’s North Star observation pod. Close to 50 exhibitors showcased their opportunity to have additional, “Innovation is not always about the big idea, companies, with several new additions joining brand new hardware, like an Edge it’s often about a lot of smaller ideas that can the ranks for this year’s event. class ship, capacity constraints really change the business,” Stuart said. Next year’s Cruise360 will be held on are not even part of the issue,” “Big ideas are great, but think about the 30 August 2019. she said.
BOOK NOW | POCRUISES.COM.AU Cruise
sales in the local market have “stabilised”, Don’t think and the business is now in a great position to inject renewed vigour into conveying its value proposition to the trade. of us as a “It’s up to us to provide agents with the materials to convey the nuances of expedition cruise line cruising, so that they can align our product against everybody else and align them to the interests of their customers,” Lindblad said. – Lindblad The company prides itself on being able to go to many remote destinations its competitors can’t and also provide a high level of expertise on board such as trained photographers, undersea specialists and authorities on glaciers and climate change. “I think the market can grow because Australia has a disproportionately high per capita interest in the kind of thing we do, it has the highest per capita number of visitors Lindblad’s president and CEO Sven-Olof and not what’s inside”. to the Galapagos in the world – there is an Lindblad insists agents shouldn’t think of Since making its first foray into the inherent interest in nature and wildlife and in the brand as a cruise line per se, suggesting Australian market in 2013, Lindblad found the kinds of geographies we visit.” instead the company is really in the business the local economic conditions difficult for Likely to further consolidate its market of “providing people with experiences”. “a period of time”, largely driven by factors appeal is a raft of new ships Lindblad is set “We just happen to use cruise ships,” beyond its control such as a dip in the to launch over the next three years including Lindblad explains. Australian dollar not long after making the National Geographic Venture in December “Although our ships are very comfortable, company’s Aussie debut. 2018 and National Geographic Endurance in we are very much focused on what’s outside Despite the challenges, Lindblad says that the first quarter of 2020.
A RISING TIDE GATHERS ALL SHIPS
Cruise360 was this year home to a breakout session on the pinpointing unique destinations as a major factor driving growth. growth of the expedition cruising segment, with representatives “We can do things that the big ships simply can’t; apart from from four big players in the industry engaging in a robust the destinations like Norway and Iceland for which we are seeing discussion on why the space was finding so much traction of late. a lot of demand, we are also seeing a thirst for access to new The managing director of Windstar Australia Andrew Milmore destinations,” Ellis said. told the audience that one of the reasons driving the increased The panel concurred that this spike in customer demand appetite can be attributed, in part, to a desire for a greater, more must precipitate an increased investment from cruise lines in immersive experience. updating expedition ships and amenities in order for the space “We have clients jumping off the back deck into the Arctic to continue to thrive. as one of our most popular new trends and in Alaska they are “The average fleet age of an expedition ship is 32 years old… getting into kayaks and getting up close and personal with the We’ve just invested a billion dollars in new ships which is the destination,” Milmore said. biggest investment in the entire sector,” said Ponant Yacht Cruises APT’s national sales manager Scott Ellis agreed, also & Expeditions vice president Asia Pacific Monique Ponfoort.
Kayaking in Kenai
26 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 Cruise plan opposed
Plans for a new cruise terminal at Sydney’s CLIA view Port Botany have met with a stormy reception Joel Katz, Managing Director from local political leaders, who have CLIA Australasia vowed to fight development at the NSW Government’s preferred sites at Yarra Bay #ChooseCruise in October and Molineaux Point. The locations were named in the October is the culmination of CLIA’s through the Cruise Agent Search government’s recently released Cruise global #ChooseCruise campaign. function on the CLIA website. Development Plan, however the area’s This multi-faceted campaign brings CLIA travel agents have access Randwick Council has voted to oppose any the global cruise community together to promotions from a variety of CLIA new docking facilities and local Labor MP to raise the awareness of cruise Cruise Lines during #ChooseCruise, Matt Thistlethwaite has launched a petition travel, and encourage travellers to and these can be accessed by logging calling for the plan to be halted. #ChooseCruise as their preferred in to the Members Hub. Agents can “Our community has made it clear to us holiday option. also check out the #ChooseCruise that they do not want this terminal built in Port Travel agents are vital to the Toolkit available in the CLIA Members Botany,” said Randwick Mayor Lindsay Shurey. continual success of Hub, and download “It’s vital that we protect the beaches, green the cruise industry and a range of resources spaces and open areas at Yarra Bay.” the industry’s direct including social media link to prospective and Travel agents are images to use across Carnival ready for record returning cruisers, so “ social platforms #ChooseCruise helps vital to the continual including Facebook, Aussie season to provide the tools to success of the cruise Instagram and CARNIVAL Australia has announced it expects connect travellers with the industry and the Twitter to promote to generate $500 million in economic activity right cruise experience. the #ChooseCruise during the peak cruise season which officially CLIA is providing travel industry’s direct link campaign to commenced last month. agents with the tips, tools to prospective and their database. The cruise line plans to make a record 696 and techniques to enable returning cruisers Once again, this calls across 38 ports. them to engage with year, CLIA is rewarding “In 2008-09, our ships made fewer than clients and help them travel agents who 200 calls to local ports over the cruise plan and book the perfect share their most season...that number has more than tripled cruise holiday. ”creative (on or offline) #ChooseCruise over the past decade,” said Carnival Australia CLIA is once again partnering with activities on social media the use the president Sture Myrmell. major trade and consumer publications #ChooseCruise tag. Best-selling CLIA The local season will include a number of to focus on cruise throughout October, travel agents have the chance to win inaugural visits such as Carnival Australia’s and consumers will be encouraged weekly prizes. debut in Batemans Bay, as well as Seabourn to book a cruise holiday during For more information on how to Sojourn’s trip to Flinders Island in December. #ChooseCruise by connecting with participate in #ChooseCruise, visit a CLIA cruise specialist travel agent www.cruising.org.au Norwegian steps up Australian presence Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is preparing to boost its profile in the Australian market. Headlines August In Sydney for the recent Cruise360 conference, NCL president and CEO Andy & September 2018 Stuart announced plans for the line’s first television advertising campaign in Australia, 23 Aug P&O bids farewell to 04 Sep Cruise plan faces storm scheduled to begin this month. Pacific Jewel 06 Sep Cruise reputation focus Aiming to challenge the line’s larger rivals, 23 Aug SeaLink head to retire at C360 the campaign will convey the “freedom and 28 Aug APT 2019 Croatia cruising 06 Sep Croatia is twice as nice flexibility” of the NCL brand, Stuart said. sold out 11 Sep Carnival plans record Aussie The advertising “should drive a lot of 28 Aug Princess’ local flavour season business through travel agents,” he said, and 30 Aug Norwegian for Australian 11 Sep Lindblad bouncing back TV push would air nationally. 13 Sep Dream Cruises to bring ship to Australia in 2019/20 Stuart said Norwegian had doubled its 30 Aug Agents spirited away sales in the Australian market since opening 03 Sep Industry celebrates opportunity 13 Sep ACA conference opens a dedicated Australian office three years ago 03 Sep Innovations big and small 18 Sep Brisbane terminal considers growth and was aiming to double bookings again in 04 Sep Crystal eyes more expedition ships 18 Sep Countdown to Countess the near future.
travelBulletin October 2018 27 Industry in Focus
Dream Cruises along with Intertrips hosted these agents onboard World Dream, sailing from Hong Kong to Japan’s Okinawa Islands.
These ten itravel agents recently experienced Malaysia thanks to Viva! Holidays and Malaysia Airlines. The group stayed in Kuala Lumpur for two nights and explored the city.
Australian representatives for Destination DC, Lisa Dunn and Penny Brand from Gate 7 enjoyed the recent agent event run by Excite Holidays and Destination DC. Switzerland Tourism hosted these lucky agents on a famil to the European country. The group explored the country’s famous mountains and scenery.
Travelling Asia onboard a clipper ship was in order for this group of Cruiseco agents who were hosted by Star Clippers, with highlights being Satonda and Moyo Islands.
Robyn Davies from WOW Travel was all smiles when she won a five-night package for two to Chile & Argentina at the recent Tempo Holidays brochure launch.
28 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 October 2018
Flying to Mykonos with Qatar Airways, this group of travel agents visited all nine Myconian Collection properties and enjoyed an archaeological tour of Delos. Around 50 of Australia and New Zealand’s top travel agents earlier this month spent time discovering Darwin through Los Cabos Tourism recently hosted nine Virtuoso challenges, clues, puzzles and riddles, as a part of the Darwin agents on a famil to the destination where they were Amazing Race Experience (D.A.R.E.), Tourism NT famil. treated to a VIP experience staying in the Virtuoso’s One & Only Palmilla, Grand Velas, & The Cape.
These agents would have been thanking their lucky stars they were on a trip courtesy of 50 Degrees North, Finnair and Consolidated Travel when they saw the aurora borealis on display.
These guests enjoyed the fun and excitement of Contiki’s Travel Texas recently concluded a roadshow in Australia and New launch part for their 2019/20 Europe brochure. Zealand that included visits to Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney.
travelBulletin October 2018 29 Japan
Fukiji Temple in Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture
The Shinjuku nightlife district of Tokyo Let the Games Begin
he Rugby World Cup is one of playing in some of the nation’s top locations, craft beers, seafood and hearty bowls of the greatest shows on Earth, kicking off with their first match against Fiji in buckwheat noodles. though that’s a big claim in Sapporo on 21 September. On 29 September, you might want to Japan, where great shows Sapporo is the chief city of rugged, thinly- move on to Tokyo, where Australia tackles pop up at every turn: samurai populated northern island Hokkaido, best Wales. Tokyo is a fast-paced, exhilarating castles, gushing hot springs, known for its ski resorts such as Furano and encounter with ultra-urban Japan, and Tsnow-capped volcanoes, vending machines Niseko. It’s just as fabulous without snow, showcases its latest music, teenage trends, that sell just about anything, and a culture though, thanks to its national parks, forests fashions, cartoon animations, technology thousands of years old. The tournament’s and mountain chains. Sapporo Dome’s main and pop culture. Shinjuku district is crowded 48 rugby matches might be thrillers, but the claim to fame is its retractable surface, where with avant-garde skyscrapers and thronged sporting event’s host cities will enthral you a grass pitch slides in and out of the stadium department stores, and boasts Japan’s too. Ancient competes with ultra-modern, as needed for rugby and football games. busiest train station. In the evenings, it’s stunning scenery with urban charms. Save Give your camera a workout on a hike the epicentre of Tokyo’s incredible nightlife. some of your cheering because, long after amid glorious alpine scenery where autumn Giant video screens and neon flash above the rugby players have departed, Japan will foliage unfolds across the landscape in alleys of karaoke bars, jazz lounges, still be there – and wowing you. glorious Technicolour, and snow is beginning nightclubs and traditional kabuki theatres. The Rugby World Cup runs between 20 to dust mountaintops. As a bonus in multi- Shibuya is another Tokyo district worth September and 2 November 2019, with hued Daisetsuzan National Park, you can exploring for its youthful fashion and matches held at 12 venues across Japan. soak in Asahidake hot springs at the foot of homeware stores. More budget-conscious Many such as Yokohama, Kumamoto, Fukuoka a volcano. In Sapporo itself, the Autumn Fest Harajuku district is a must-visit for its eye- and Kobe are great travel destinations in is a showcase of the region’s agricultural popping teenagers in manga-inspired outfits, themselves. Even better, the Wallabies will be products, with food stalls serving sake, from Goth vampires to pink-clad Barbie
30 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 Japan
Mt Fuji against the tea plantations of Shizuoka Prefecture
Tokyo Tower and the urban sprawl of Tokyo Kakegawa Castle All images ©JNTO
Japan is hosting the Rugby World Cup next year, providing a great opportunity to combine sports with sightseeing in this Let the Games Begin most fascinating of nations, writes Brian Johnston.
lookalikes (usually seen on a Sunday). It’s is one of Japan’s richest thanks to eminent typical of Tokyo that you can walk on to industrial families such as Suzuki, Yamaha, serene Meiji Shrine, where wedding couples Mt Fuji looms“ across Honda and Kawai, and there’s plenty of in traditional attire parade behind the shrine Suruga Bay – which urban sprawl. Yet you’ll also find a rugged maiden and musicians. coastline, rolling countryside vivid green The island of Kyushu in southern Japan the Japanese claim is with tea plantations and wasabi farms, and is noted for its warm climate, beautiful the most beautiful bay renowned hot spring towns such as Atami landscapes, more laidback smaller cities and in the world – like a and Shuzenji. (most of all) its hot springs. The Wallabies Australia plays Uruguay in Shizuoka on take on Georgia at Oita on 5 October, right snowy mirage 11 October in a stadium just a hop from in a volcanic zone where hot water bubbles hilltop Kakegawa Castle, crammed with and you can soak with views across rice samurai armour and ninja legends. At fields and mountains. You’ll also find plenty Suginoi Palace you can” float in bubbling adjacent Ninomaru Teahouse you can sit on of historic towns such as Mameda, Kitsuki pools surrounded by elegant tropical palms. a tatami mat and admire the maple trees in and Usuki, and hills dotted with rock-carved Then there are the famous and aptly named the traditional Japanese gardens. The most Buddha statues and Shinto shrines. hells (jigoku) where thermal water turns to picturesque corner of this region, though, Nearby, rollicking Beppu attracts visitors burping milky-white and brown mud. It’s not is the Izu Peninsula, a rugged and forested from all over Japan: there are almost 3,000 rugby, but it’s still quite a spectacle. swathe of land that juts out into the Pacific gushing hot springs within the city confines, Lastly, Shizuoka Prefecture just west of Ocean and is a wonderful taste of rural Japan. and many bathhouses in which to enjoy Tokyo could hardly be a greater contrast to Mt Fuji looms across Suruga Bay – which the them. At Takegawara bathhouse you can get the heaving metropolis, even though it’s only Japanese claim is the most beautiful bay in buried up to your neck in hot black sand; at an hour away by bullet train. This prefecture the world – like a snowy mirage.
travelBulletin October 2018 31 Japan
Christian sites join heritage list
Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage sites showcase some of the most spectacular aspects of the country’s ancient culture, with new additions perhaps more familiar to western culture. Entitled “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region”, the newly inscribed group of Japanese sites is located in the north-western part of Japan’s cup gateway Kyushu island and involves 10 villages, a castle and a Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has created a dedicated website cathedral, all built between the to help travellers planning to join next year’s Rugby World Cup, offering 16th and 19th centuries. ©JNTO details of the 12 host cities including access information, local food and The sites reflect the drink, places of interest and suggested itineraries. earliest activities of Christian missionaries and The site is aimed at rugby fans wanting to explore local areas before and settlers in Japan, and according to UNESCO “bear after each match, as well as providing information on where each team is unique testimony to a cultural tradition nurtured playing, the times of each match and venue details. New information will be by hidden Christians in the Nagasaki region who added to expand the website as the official kick-off approaches, including secretly transmitted their faith during the period of recent event news, details about fan zones and further sightseeing information. prohibition from the 17th to the 19th century”. They The Rugby World Cup 2019, Japan will be held from 20 September to 2 include the 19th century Oura Cathedral in Nagasaki November, with the final match to be played at the International Stadium (pictured), the oldest surviving church in Japan. Yokohama. n See visitjapan2019.com
Buddhist temples offer sanctuary
Japan’s ancient Buddhist heritage has given it an incredible wealth of temples and monasteries, some of which offer a chance to experience more than just a fleeting visit. Temple stays, or shukubo, are a long- standing tradition in parts of Japan where pilgrims and other visitors can stay overnight and take part in many of the daily rituals of the local monks. About 90 minutes south of Osaka by train is Koyasan, one of the best locations to stay and witness the traditions and cycles of temple life. Situated on a small plateau at the top of Koyasan, it is a sacred area surrounded by thick cedar forests, dotted with ©Tokozenji / JNTO temples, halls and pagodas. With more than 100 Shingon Buddhist temples, Koyasan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers at A stay offers a chance to take part in dining and meditating are often fixed, and least 50 different options for shukubo stays. rituals with the resident monks such as guests are advised to be aware that temple Generally costing between $100 and $200 meditation sessions, and involves communal stays are more than just a form of character per night including breakfast and dinner, dining on the same vegetarian dishes served accommodation and require a respectful lodgings typically offer simple, traditional in traditional monastic life. adherence to rules and customs. Japanese rooms with tatami floors, sliding In areas such as Koyasan the temples Shukubo temple stays can be arranged doors and shared toilets. Bedding involves are accustomed to overseas visitors, but through several organisations including the futons that are rolled up by day and spread still require an adherence to important Koyasan Tourism Association. Sunrise in Serengeti on the tatami mat during the night. practices. Times for sleeping, showering, n See eng.shukubo.net
32 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 Japan
Agent Know How
travelBulletin sat down recently with JNTO to ask them how agents can get their knowledge about Japan up to scratch.
How can travel agents improve their venture away from these locations as product knowledge of Japan? other destinations that are just as easily Floating JNTO has many methods for agents accessible by the vast railway network who are interested to increase their across Japan. Every area in Japan is hotel sets sail knowledge of Japan: unique and different to the next, and n E-learning – currently a two level these lesser known destinations are A luxury floating hotel is set to open this training platform to get agents familiar often more authentic and less crowded month among the islands of Japan’s Seto with Japan as a destination. To access than the Golden Route. Inland Sea, offering 19 suites designed in our training modules visit striking contemporary style by noted architect jnto.org.au/travel-trade What makes Japan a unique destination? Yasushi Horibe. n Subscribe to JNTO’s monthly agent Japan is a great contrast of new and old, Called guntû, the hotel will change its EDM which contains tips and with a temple that can be hundreds of location regularly, mooring between islands wholesaler products. years old sitting between two high-rise in the enclosed sea that separates three of n Attend our regular seminars and buildings. Japan is also full of unique Japan’s four main islands – Honshu, Shikoku events, which are held throughout the history and culture, with great pilgrimage and Kyushu. year across Australia and in Auckland trails and heritage listed areas, just Varying its route depending on the season, (NZ). Our next major event is our Japan outside of bustling metropolises. Also it will take passengers on one-, two- or Roadshow 2018 that will be held in Japan has an exceptionally low crime three-night journeys to discover the area’s Auckland (29 November), Brisbane (4 rate, which is very appealing for those network of picturesque islands. Each journey December) and Sydney (6 December). who are looking for a safe destination will depart from Bella Vista in Onomichi n Following Visit Japan AU’s Facebook to travel through. Japanese food is also City, and although the hotel will not pull into and Instagram helps inspire travellers healthy and delicious; with a range of shore during its journeys, passengers will be and agents alike. We also share cuisines to suit all tastes and budgets able to join shore excursions or visit nearby content from JNTO partners such as from Michelin starred dining to a humble attractions such as ancient temple ruins via model course itineraries and blogs to laneway bar. tender boats. help provide useful information. Each of guntû’s suites will come with Because Japan is so unique in its culture, How can travel agents join a famil? its own terrace, encouraging passengers it is definitely a destination that is best We always recommend agents keep up to step outside to admire the views. On understood if the agent has experienced to date with JNTO by registering for our board the vessel, guests will have access it themselves, even as a traveller. agent EDM as it is the main method to an observation deck, shop, lounge, gym, we announce our activities. It is also communal hot spring area, outdoor bar, Which destinations would you recommended that you keep in touch tearoom, cocktail bar, sushi bar and char-grill recommend for first time travellers? with Sally Miles, our main liaison with counter. Dining options will allow guests to The most popular is the ‘Golden Route’ agents, either by email or by meeting up taste seasonal specialties sourced in the which mainly consists of Tokyo, Kyoto, at our seminars and events that are held local area. Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima, but can throughout the year. Our e-learning fam Rates start at Y400,000 (about $5,000) also include Hakone and The Fuji Five is one of the few that is open for retail per night for two guests, including all meals Lakes area. Though these are the most agents to apply. Subscribe to our agent and activities while on board. popular destinations, we recommend newsletter and be the first to find out n See guntu.jp/about visitors, even first time visitors, to when the next one is held.
travelBulletin October 2018 33 Japan
Fireflies light Japan’s mythology
The cherry blossoms of spring and coloured forests of autumn have become two of Japan’s greatest seasonal drawcards, but the Japanese also have a fondness for another season. In June and July – Japan’s humid summer – thousands of glowing fireflies appear at nightfall around forest streams and in secluded glens. Firefly viewing is a centuries old, traditional Japanese summer activity. Over 45 types of firefly live in Japan, but only 14 of them have glowing back-ends. Fireflies come out at night around 7.30 to 9pm and are best seen on humid days with no breeze. Top places to view them include the free Firefly Village in Gunma Prefecture, the Roman-no Mori Kyowakoku leisure park outside Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture and the Kemi Firefly Village in Nagano Prefecture. The lush gardens of the Hotel Chinzanso provide one of the few places in Tokyo where fireflies can be seen, while 25 minutes from central Tokyo by train is Seichi Park at the amusement park Yomiuri Land, which holds firefly nights JTB explores off after closing during June each year. the beaten path
Jtb Australia has introduced a series of new experiences for Australian travellers, providing adventures that take guests off the beaten track while providing hands-on activities for a closer insight into Japanese traditions. ©Tsuneaki Hiramatsu Among new options are a series of walking tours offered in conjunction with Oku Japan, available either as a guided itinerary or in self-guided form. They include a five-day self-guided walk along Japan’s Nakasendo Way – an ancient highway winding through the central mountains between Kyoto and Tokyo that can still be followed today. Japan aims for Travelling along paved village paths and unpaved mountain trails, the route has been used since feudal times and can speedy recovery be explored while staying overnight in local family-run guest houses. A 12-day guided option for small groups includes an Japan’s tourism sector is confident of a swift recovery after a English-speaking host and luggage forwarding service, while a series of natural disasters, including last month’s Typhoon Jebi five-day self-guided option involves the provision of extensive which forced the closure of Osaka’s Kansai International Airport. documentation and photographs for navigation, plus the The typhoon was the worst to hit Japan in 25 years and reassurance of an on-site emergency contact. caused extensive flooding and damage at Kansai. The airport Other experiences have been introduced with local operator occupies an artificial island and was cut-off from the mainland Beauty of Japan, including a bar-hopping backstreet tour in when a ship was blown into a connecting bridge, causing Tokyo. Visiting locations that foreign visitors seldom see, they damage that is expected to take weeks to repair. provide a chance to sample Japanese food, drink and nightlife The area was still recovering from the impact of an earthquake while learning a little about the culture. that hit Osaka in June, coinciding with extensive flooding that The operator has also allowed JTB to introduce a new Sumo caused devastation in Japan’s south-west. Another earthquake tour, in which guests can interact with wrestlers and gain insight last month in the northern island of Hokkaido caused landslides into their daily life – including a chance to dine on their staple and damage to Sapporo’s main gateway, New Chitose Airport. chanko-nabe hot pot. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) said there was a JTB has operated in Australia for almost 60 years, with determined mood in the country as it recovered from the disasters. a dedicated wholesale team based in Melbourne offering The impact on tourism is expected to be limited, especially now options including cultural tours, Ryokan accommodation, that both Kansai International Airport and New Chitose Airport are private customised tours, small-group escorted tours, self-drive back up and running, and the Japanese Government had no plans itineraries and ski packages. to change its visitor targets in light of the events. Regular updates are posted on www.japan.travel/en.
34 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018
Japan
New trains hit the rails
Japan railway operators have introduced several new updates including an art train in Setouchi, a cyclist-friendly train in Chiba, and a new JR sightseeing train in the western San’in region. The new train Art Train “La Malle de Bois” is designed with luggage in mind and features an all-white body and windows with thick black frames designed to resemble suitcases or bags. The train operates at the entrance to the Setouchi region, known for its modern art Art Train Setouchi, Daikoku Design Institute and cycling routes. The train is stocked with art books and books about islands, allowing passengers to plan their journey while on been designed specifically to transport cyclists outlets so that passengers can recharge the board the train. Travellers will also find art and their bikes between Tokyo and the Boso batteries of their electronic devices. objects such as old-fashioned cameras, train Peninsula in neighbouring Chiba Prefecture. JR West has also launched a new and ship models. Other services include train The train has six carriages with seating and sightseeing train, Ametsuchi, which serves conductors, a service counter selling drinks bike racks for 99 passengers. Each carriage the area between Tottori and Izumo Stations and local products, and free wifi. is fitted with upright bike racks and a non-slip in the San’in region in the west of Japan, The new weekend train for cyclists, the rubber floor suitable for cycling shoes. All generally considered to refer to Shimane, Boso Bicycle Base operated by JR East, has seats are equipped with electronic power Tottori and Yamaguchi prefectures.
A land with ancient culture and modern technology side by side, Japan is a fascinating destination. travelBulletin asked InsideJapan’s Harry Sargant Q&A about the best way agents can sell this beautiful country.
Is there much interest among Australians popular with families. Japan is great for signs, reliable for travel to Japan? history fans, foodies, art enthusiasts, public transport Absolutely! Aussies are heading to Japan techno-heads and more – in fact, whatever and helpful and in ever-increasing numbers, for more and you are into, chances are you can indulge humble hosts. more reasons. Gone are the days of Japan yourself and your interests in Japan. But booking your clients on a trip with a being seen as just for “ski and sakura” (the tour operator can help them to connect famous cherry blossom). Nowadays people Is there any particular time of year that is with local people, understand the culture are discovering the variety that Japan offers. best or most popular to travel to Japan? and get the most out of their visit. Group Japan is a year-round destination, with tours to Japan are a great option, as many What are the must-see highlights for first each distinct season bringing its own of Japan’s iconic must-dos are better time travellers? highlights. Spring (Mar to May) and enjoyed with others. Tokyo and Kyoto get the most attention, for autumn (September to November) are the best of Japan’s modern and traditional popular for comfortable temperatures What advice do you have for other agents sides respectively. These cities should plus the chance to see the famous cherry selling Japan? certainly be on any first-timers itinerary, but blossom or changing of the leaves. But If you are already selling it – great, keep be sure to explore further to ensure that summer and winter are also rewarding selling! If you are not selling Japan yet you get a true picture of Japan’s contrasts. times to travel, with festivals, foods and – you are missing out! Visitor numbers Venture just a little off the beaten track and cultural events to reflect the changing of to Japan are growing rapidly and it is a you will soon discover a very different side the seasons – and with fewer crowds and destination that appeals to such a variety of Japan. Try to make it to one of Japan’s often lower prices too. of travellers. Encourage customers to go other main islands during your stay. beyond just Tokyo and Kyoto, and remind Are FIT holidays more popular than clients that cherry blossom is not the What sort of travellers are visiting Japan? all-inclusive packaged options? only time to go to Japan. And of course All sorts! Travelling in Japan is clean, safe, There are many ways to travel in Japan. It InsideJapan Tours would love to help craft reliable and comfortable, making it suitable is very possible for travellers to enjoy the the perfect trip for your clients. You can for every kind of traveller. It is increasingly country independently, with ample English contact us on (07) 3186 8800.
36 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 THE ONLY WAY TO SEE JAPAN
For over 100 years we have taken joy in developing an intimate knowledge in every aspect of Japan.
Our experienced team combines with local guides to ensure we thoughtfully piece together all aspects of the perfect experience for every visitor. From our simple booking process to our on-going availability right up until your flight home, our reputation for exceptional service and captivating travellers is second to none.
1300 739 330 | jtbtravel.com.au Europe
SeeSee CroatiaCroatia fromfrom thethe SeaSea Sibenik
By Jenny Piper islands. Being such a small vessel roatia’s popularity as a we were able to call in at some really holiday destination continues amazing ports and partake in unique to grow worldwide, particularly activities that only such a boutique with Australians, and there are product can offer. plenty of reasons why. One is A great feature onboard the Queen the country’s extensive coastline and Eleganza was the chance to jump moreC than 1,000 islands stretching straight off the back deck and swim along the Adriatic Sea, meaning it’s in the crystal clear waters of secluded a fantastic place to visit in summer coves inaccessible to other vessels. when it’s hot, and a dip in the ocean Guests could also simply spend is so very inviting. And of course there time relaxing on the various decks is the Game of Thrones factor, with enjoying the serenity of the islands, many visitors flocking to Croatia to reading a book or sunbathing. This see the magnificent ancient buildings cruise is at a leisurely pace where the and landscapes featured in the itinerary may vary slightly depending popular series. on weather and the guests’ wishes! Korcula Many Aussies will visit Croatia as But for those who wish to explore part of a Mediterranean cruise, with and discover more of Croatia there large ships calling in on the big cities is plenty of chance to be a tourist as There are restaurants and bars for such as Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar, all well. The ship docks overnight in great every taste and budget as well as a of which are well worth a visit. But to ports, so passengers are able to Hidden“ vibrant night life. It’s also a pretty get a closer look at Croatia and some wander around the town at their own town to just walk around and get lost of its treasures, a small ship offers pace and have the opportunity to dine behind the in the back streets. the opportunity to explore the less at local eateries. walls is a Other ports of call included the visited islands and ports. I have just We visited the island of Hvar, delightful island of Korcula – the sixth largest returned from a week on board APT’s which has the reputation of being island in the Adriatic. Korcula town newest small ship offering – the Queen Croatia’s premium party destination. medieval is charming with medieval squares, Eleganza, a vessel purpose-built for The traffic-free marble streets and town with churches and houses. It also claims Adriatic cruising. The 49m-long ship 13th century walls – not to mention cobbled to be the birthplace of Marco Polo – has only 18 cabins accommodating an airfield for private jets -– mean although the Venetians dispute this. 34 guests to allow for an intimate the cosmopolitan Hvar town attracts streets There is a plethora of lovely dining exploration of the Dalmatian coast and celebrities as well as backpackers. ” venues overlooking the sea to sit and 38 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 Europe Krka National Park
Korcula
Sibenik monastery gardens
Vis enjoy a glass of local wine and some delicious food, along with lots of great deceived by the outward appearance shops featuring products from local of the town as the ship docks, artisans such as jewellery made with because hidden behind the walls local coral. is a delightful medieval town with One of the highlights of the trip cobbled streets that wind up to an was Vis. This island is the furthest old monastery and a hillside fort. The from the coast and was formerly a town’s back streets and alleys are military base for the Yugoslav army. dotted with cafés and gelato shops, It only opened up to tourism in 1989, and the amazing UNESCO World hence it is quaint and lacks the Heritage-listed St James Cathedral. development of other islands. Vis This stunning structure is built of was also the location for the filming stones from local islands, and its of the movie Mamma Mia, Here we most unusual feature is the frieze of go again, and it was just our luck 71 heads on the rear exterior wall, Hvar that it was screening at the local believed to be caricatures of 15th open air theatre the same night we century citizens. Sibenik is also the were in port. What fun to be singing access point to the stunning Krka Queen Eleganza those corny but familiar tunes in the National Park with its wonderful very place the movie was filmed. cascading waterfalls. Nearby is the island of Bisevo, the It’s understandable why so many home of the famous Blue Grotto. As visitors are wanting to not only part of the APT experience guests discover Croatia, but also planning were able to visit this magical cave to return. It has a freshness about it with its mystical blue waters lit up by that hasn’t been spoiled by too much the sun’s rays passing through an tourism. Croatia is clean and easy to underwater opening. take in, as well as being reasonably But my favourite place was Sibenik priced, with delightful people who are – a coastal town inaccessible to most only too happy to proudly show off large ships. Visitors shouldn’t be their home.
travelBulletin October 2018 39 Europe
New countries in expanded 2019 program for Voyages to Antiquity
Voyages to Antiquity will visit six new countries next year in an expanded European program for the small-ship cruise operator. New itinerary options include first-time visits to Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Poland and Germany, as well as new ports of call in Stockholm, Helsinki and Tromso. Sailing aboard the 350-guest Aegean Odyssey, the cultural cruise line's 2019 program offers a maiden voyage around the MV Aegean Odyssey outside Dubrovnik Baltics with three days in St Petersburg, as well as an inaugural itinerary highlighting Norway's Arctic North Cape where guests will witness the VTA's most expansive program to date.” Iceland itineraries, as well as its classic legendary 'Land of the Midnight Sun.' The 2019 season will also feature a return Mediterranean and Aegean circuits, will "We are thrilled to extend VTA's to the Black Sea, with a 14-day Black Sea also return. commitment to cultural immersion and and Greek Islands cruise on which guests will Voyages to Antiquity is also positioning enrichment to an even more varied array enjoy wine-tasting in Romania and experience itself as an ideal line for single travellers, of destinations in 2019," said the line’s the Roman Baths of Varna in Bulgaria. having increased the number of dedicated managing director Jos Dewing. “2019 will be The line’s popular Norwegian Fjords and single cabins to 39.
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Eurail expands to Aus
Eurail has teamed up with representation and is a “direct Le Boat is offering discounts on all self-drive Sydney-based travel and hospitality result of Australia recently cruises from seven to 14 nights taken in 2019 when specialist agency Example, who will becoming Eurail’s second largest booked before 30 November 2018. manage Eurail’s trade relationships, source market” the company said. The offers include 20% off Budget/Comfort boats marketing and public relations Example will work with Eurail for seven nights on 24 March through 12 April; 11 activity in the Australian market. to increase brand awareness and May to 2 May; and 5 October to 31 October 2019. “Australia is a very important product knowledge with travel Travellers can also save 15% on Budget/Comfort market for Eurail, and we are agents, while also working with the boats for other dates in 2019; 10% on Mystique/ thrilled to be increasing our focus broader travel industry to increase Royal Mystique/Vision fleet; and 5% on the new on supporting the Australian travel consumer interest surrounding Horizon fleet. trade to increase sales of Eurail European travel. The Canal du Midi is one of the top choices, Passes through the appointment Example’s head of marketing featuring vineyards and wine tasting, the medieval of Example as our on-the-ground Andrew Cavallaro said the company town of Carcassonne and waterside restaurants and representative”, said Eurail market will work closely with general sales local markets. Other options are available in France, manager Clarissa Mattos. agents along with “travel agents to the Netherlands and Canada. This is the first time the travel showcase the benefits of travelling brand has sought Australian Europe on a Eurail Pass”.
40 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 A customised trip FLEXIBILITY flexib Each client is different. At Europmundo we believe that ili y it is very important for you to be able to put together a t trip that is tailored to your client’s requirements.
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New additions in Oberammergau in winter Albatross 2019 Europe program Albatross Tours has released its 2019 Europe & UK Small Group Tour program with earlybird discounts of $700 per couple if booked and deposited before 31 October. Two new itineraries have been added for 2019 including the 21-day Scandinavia, In the Footsteps of Vikings tour which travels between Copenhagen and Oslo. It incudes visits to Bergen, the arctic capital of Tromso and UNESCO-listed Geiranger Fjord, as well as a trip on the Flam Collette reveals Railway and a cruise down the Norwegian fjords, priced from $12,887 2019/20 per person twin share. Also new is the 14-day Sardinia & Corsica, the Lands of Myths and Collette’s Europe 2019/20 brochure is now Legends which explores the two neighbouring Mediterranean islands available, featuring new additions and more with their contrasting French and Italian cultures, priced from $6,887 per opportunity to personalise tours. person twin share. The program packs in 72 tours, featuring 10 “Every Albatross tour has the same formula and has been designed Exploration tours, 43 Classic tours, five River with the Australian and New Zealand traveller in mind – small groups Cruises, four Number Spotlights and six Faith tours. travelling fewer kilometres per day allowing more ‘my time’ for Fresh Classic tour options include Classical sightseeing, a more leisurely pace with two- to five-night stays in each Greece, Treasures of Europe and Spain and Morocco location, and no later charged optional excursions,” said Albatross Tours itineraries, as well as four Classic Oberammergau managing director Euan Landsborough. Passion Play tours. The Classical Greece tour details the rich history of Greece over eight days of travel from Athens to Olympia, including a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium that held the first Olympics in 776 B.C. Also new are two Exploration tours, the Novelties of Northern Spain tour and the Northern Lights of Finland itinerary. Collette’s special departures which feature the Oberammergau Passion Play include a ticket and stay in the heart of Oberammergau, close to the Theatre itself. Corsica
EUROPE & BRITAIN 2019 ON SALE NOW CLIENTS WILL SAVE 10%* FOR A LIMITED TIME* ONLY
*Saving is based on maximum 10% Early Payment Discount. Early Payment Discount is on the land-only portion of selected holidays and can be combined with other brochure discounts where applicable, does not apply to extra nights' accommodation, optional extensions, airfares, flight supplements and surcharges, taxes and fees and airport transfers. A deposit is required on booking and the full amount must be paid by 31 Jan 2019 or no later than 45 days prior to departure from Australia for land only guided holidays (whichever comes first) to qualify for the 10% Europe and Britain Early Payment Discount. Subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. TT 270272446 Europe
Windstar 51-day Windstar Cruises has launched Monaco and France before ending in its 51-day Grand Mediterranean Barcelona on 27 August 2019. adventure adventure which will embark on “An incredible cruise like our a journey to visit ports across 51-day Grand Mediterranean cruise southern Europe aboard the on a sailing ship is exactly what 310-passenger MSY Wind Surf, people who love to travel live for,” departing 7 July 2019. said Windstar president John The cruise will call at destinations Delaney. “This Grand Mediterranean in Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar, journey represents the best of the Malta and Italy, sailing to Croatia, best, chock-full of culture, cuisine Montenegro, Greece and Turkey, and and camaraderie.” then doubling back for more cultural All itineraries are now open for immersion and travel delights in reservations.
Mandarin Oriental to western Europe
Mandarin Oriental is preparing to open Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como, in 2019 All accommodation has lake views and its first resort in western Europe, following following a refurbishment of its facilities. the property features four restaurants and the hotel group’s takeover of management The resort is located on the shores bars, including a lakeside terrace for al of CastaDiva Resort & Spa, on Lake of Lake Como and offers 76 rooms and fresco dining, a large spa with an indoor Como, Italy. suites housed in nine villas, dating from swimming pool and an outdoor floating pool The property will be rebranded as the 19th century. on the lake.
EUROPE & BRITAIN 2019 ON SALE NOW CLIENTS WILL SAVE 10%* FOR A LIMITED TIME* ONLY
*Saving is based on maximum 10% Early Payment Discount. Early Payment Discount is on the land-only portion of selected holidays and can be combined with other brochure discounts where applicable, does not apply to extra nights' accommodation, optional extensions, airfares, flight supplements and surcharges, taxes and fees and airport transfers. A deposit is required on booking and the full amount must be paid by 31 Jan 2019 or no later than 45 days prior to departure from Australia for land only guided holidays (whichever comes first) to qualify for the 10% Europe and Britain Early Payment Discount. Subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. TT 270272446 Be enchanted with the BEST OF EUROPE
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Culloden Moor PORTUGAL Inverness 1 Elgin NORWAY Salamanca Loch Ness Highlands Sognefjord Coimbra SPAIN SWEDEN Cairngorms 1 Serra Fagernes Fort William New for 2019 Ávila Cruise Pitlochry da Estrela Area Glen Coe Fátima St. Andrews Atlantic Ocean Obidos 2 1 Madrid Kvanndal Lillehammer Loch Lomond 1 Lisbon 2 Bergen Lake Mjøsa Edinburgh 2 Simple Made Easy Glasgow 1 2 Hardangerfjord Utne Värmland SCOTLAND Vemork 1 Oslo Giant’s Causeway Alloway Karlstad Be blown away by how simple touring has been North Sea 1 1 Cairnryan Telemark Derry 2 Stockholm made so special on a Cosmos tour. Leave all the La Mancha Area Mariefred Belfast 1 Seville 2 Granada Sligo NORTHERN 1 1 IRELAND Atlantic Ocean Baltic Sea essentials to us and relish in the freedom & flexibility 1 Mijas North Sea to immerse your imagination and start checking IRELAND Irish Sea Mediterranean Sea Gothenburg Galway 2 Dublin Frederikshavn 1 things off your bucket list! Tours starts from just Cliffs of Moher The Burren Rabat Fez Kilkenny 1 2 $133 per day, making it easy to get out there and Limerick 1 Casablanca Adare Waterford Middle Atlas DENMARK 1 Tramore Killarney Copenhagen turn your travel dreams into reality! Ring of 1 2 Kerry Blarney Kenmare Celtic Sea 2 Marrakesh Odense MOROCCO Book a tour of 11 days or more and SAVE $500 per couple! HIGHLIGHTS OF IRELAND & SCOTLAND SPAIN, PORTUGAL & MOROCCO FOCUS ON SCANDINAVIA 12 days | Dublin to Edinburgh 16 days | Madrid return 12 days | Copenhagen to Stockholm $2,344* $2,554* $2,624* perNow person from twin share departing 10/05/2019 perNow person from twin share departing 02/01/2019 perNow person from twin share departing 13/04/2019
2019 Europe Out Now! Tours Include: Comfy hotels | Coach with Wi-Fi | Knowledgeable guides | Must-see sights | Plenty of free time
*Terms & Conditions: All care is taken to promote correct pricing at time of printing (07/09/18), is subject to tour availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. All prices are per person, twin share and include $250 per person saving. Save $500 per couple on tours of 11 days or more valid on new bookings made and deposited by 27/11/18. Tours from $133 per day price is based on Highlights of Morocco (tour code: 6780) tour departing 02/01/19. Non-refundable deposit of $250 per person per tour is required within 7 days to secure For bookings call 1300 130 134 or visit CosmosTours.com.au reservation. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Applicable to singles - single supplement applies. Additional restrictions may apply, refer to the 2019 Cosmos Europe brochure or visit www.CosmosTours.com.au.
180907_CEU19_TBulletin_DPS_420x297.indd 1 13/09/2018 10:28 AM Be enchanted with the BEST OF EUROPE
6830 TOUR 6910
TOUR 9030 Tours from
$133PER DAY*
Culloden Moor PORTUGAL Inverness 1 Elgin NORWAY Salamanca Loch Ness Highlands Sognefjord Coimbra SPAIN SWEDEN Cairngorms 1 Serra Fagernes Fort William New for 2019 Ávila Cruise Pitlochry da Estrela Area Glen Coe Fátima St. Andrews Atlantic Ocean Obidos 2 1 Madrid Kvanndal Lillehammer Loch Lomond 1 Lisbon 2 Bergen Lake Mjøsa Edinburgh 2 Simple Made Easy Glasgow 1 2 Hardangerfjord Utne Värmland SCOTLAND Vemork 1 Oslo Giant’s Causeway Alloway Karlstad Be blown away by how simple touring has been North Sea 1 1 Cairnryan Telemark Derry 2 Stockholm made so special on a Cosmos tour. Leave all the La Mancha Area Mariefred Belfast 1 Seville 2 Granada Sligo NORTHERN 1 1 IRELAND Atlantic Ocean Baltic Sea essentials to us and relish in the freedom & flexibility 1 Mijas North Sea to immerse your imagination and start checking IRELAND Irish Sea Mediterranean Sea Gothenburg Galway 2 Dublin Frederikshavn 1 things off your bucket list! Tours starts from just Cliffs of Moher The Burren Rabat Fez Kilkenny 1 2 $133 per day, making it easy to get out there and Limerick 1 Casablanca Adare Waterford Middle Atlas DENMARK 1 Tramore Killarney Copenhagen turn your travel dreams into reality! Ring of 1 2 Kerry Blarney Kenmare Celtic Sea 2 Marrakesh Odense MOROCCO Book a tour of 11 days or more and SAVE $500 per couple! HIGHLIGHTS OF IRELAND & SCOTLAND SPAIN, PORTUGAL & MOROCCO FOCUS ON SCANDINAVIA 12 days | Dublin to Edinburgh 16 days | Madrid return 12 days | Copenhagen to Stockholm $2,344* $2,554* $2,624* perNow person from twin share departing 10/05/2019 perNow person from twin share departing 02/01/2019 perNow person from twin share departing 13/04/2019
2019 Europe Out Now! Tours Include: Comfy hotels | Coach with Wi-Fi | Knowledgeable guides | Must-see sights | Plenty of free time
*Terms & Conditions: All care is taken to promote correct pricing at time of printing (07/09/18), is subject to tour availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. All prices are per person, twin share and include $250 per person saving. Save $500 per couple on tours of 11 days or more valid on new bookings made and deposited by 27/11/18. Tours from $133 per day price is based on Highlights of Morocco (tour code: 6780) tour departing 02/01/19. Non-refundable deposit of $250 per person per tour is required within 7 days to secure For bookings call 1300 130 134 or visit CosmosTours.com.au reservation. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Applicable to singles - single supplement applies. Additional restrictions may apply, refer to the 2019 Cosmos Europe brochure or visit www.CosmosTours.com.au.
180907_CEU19_TBulletin_DPS_420x297.indd 1 13/09/2018 10:28 AM Europe
Raffles continues Europe expansion The Raffles hotel group has extended its Like the famous Singapore original, during the 19th century and has been brought expansion outside Asia with the opening of Warsaw’s new Raffles is housed within a back to its pre-war glory. its third European property in central Warsaw. historic city landmark, painstakingly restored The property has 106 rooms and The Raffles Europejski Warsaw made its over the past four years. Originally a neo- suites, styled with blackened oak floors, debut this year during the northern summer, renaissance palace dating back to 1857 and contemporary Polish art and sleek marble- joining counterparts in Paris and Istanbul in named the Hotel Europejski, it was renowned clad bathrooms with Art Deco touches. Its the Raffles Hotels & Resorts stable. as a Grand Dame among European hotels jewel is a Presidential Suite, spread over 293m2 and home to a 19th century piano as a reminder that the room was once host to recitals and piano concerts in another chapter of its history. “We feel confident about bringing a new level of luxury to Warsaw; one that is as much about the cultural experience as the comfort,” said Julien Barbotin-Larrieu of the property’s owner, HESA. “Our aim is to provide a real sense of place, allowing guests to understand the soul of Poland by immersing themselves in the art, the gastronomy and the history which they will be surrounded with, on a level as yet unsurpassed in the capital.” Raffles also plans a further European expansion with the Raffles London set to open in 2020, among other new properties Raffles Europejski Warsaw planned for cities including Boston and Dubai. Soul Matters
France reveals lesser-known gems French tourist office Atout France has completely revamped its Australian website, revealing what it says is “an unexpected side” to a country already well known to millions of travellers. FROM BUSINESS The site has been redesigned to provide information about well-known regions and landmarks, as well as lesser-known TO PLEASURE sides to the country. “More than 1.2 million Australian tourists make their way IN SECONDS to France every year, but many spend their time in the most popular areas,” said Atout France regional manager Patrick Benhamou. “We wanted to reveal the lesser known places, UP TO activities, and sides to this wonderful country so that more Australians can experience a truly French holiday.” Individual sections of the new website, such as ‘headline events’ and ‘not to be missed’ are designed to suit a wide 25% range of interests, travel styles and travel groups. Its new OFF DISCOUNT navigation allows users to search via areas of interest including wine, fashion, seaside, and even golf. Added inspiration comes in the form of articles that highlight everything from boutique hotels to must-see attractions in lesser-known areas of France. THE CONFIDENCE OF PARTNERSHIP A key feature is a new mapping system, while other planning tools have been improved to help create holidays specifically MELIÁ PRO CORPORATE MELIÁ PRO AGENTS for couples or those with children. A detailed ‘What’s happening EXCLUSIVE RATES FOR BOOK NET PRICES now’ calendar enables visitors to plan trips around festivals, BUSINESS & LEISURE TRIPS DIRECTLY exhibitions or national events. The thousands of articles, interviews, and informational MELIÁ PRO MEETINGS & EVENTS MELIÁ PRO WHOLESALERS pages have been adapted specifically for the Australian and THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS BOOK YOUR CONTRACTED New Zealand markets. THE PERFECT EVENT HOTEL ONLINE Visit au.france.fr/en to check it out. OUR TOOL FOR PROFESSIONALS FOR FLEXIBLE AND PROFITABLE MANAGEMENT OF ALL YOUR BOOKING AND THOSE OF YOUR CLIENTS
meliapro.com Europe
Melia deploys cashless hotel technology
Spanish brand Melia Hotels this year, the bracelet system International is introducing a new is being rolled out to other Bluetooth-connected bracelet Spanish properties. for guests, allowing them to pay “When we designed the for meals and services without integration of the experience in needing cash or cards. different hotels with different Developed in conjunction with themes, we began to investigate technology company Oracle, the how we could make it easier for bracelet also allows guests to guests to move freely around access their rooms without needing all the services and spaces a key or card and is connected offered by the hotels,” said Melia to the Melia App which lets users chief operating officer Andre manage their account, set credit Gerondeau. “The answer came limits or restrict use by children. through Oracle, who helped us The bracelet is waterproof and develop the Melia bracelet in can be worn in resort pools, and record time and meeting all our can also be used for purchases needs and expectations." in on-site shops, spas and other Melia Hotels International last service providers. year opened 30 new properties. After an initial pilot project at It now operates more than 370 two of the group’s resorts earlier hotels in 43 countries.
Where to stay in Venice When looking to recommend a hotel for your clients, why not consider Hilton Molino Stucky Venice? Located on the island EARLY BIRD FARES of Giudecca, the hotel features incredible views which guests can enjoy away from the bustle of other tourists. FROM AUSTRALIA The hotel offers a free shuttle service over to the main island TO EUROPE of Venice which means that clients are never far away from the sights of the unique city. TRAVEL PERIOD As well as 379 comfortable rooms and suites, Hilton 1 OCT 2018 - 27 SEP 2019 Molino Stucky also has seven restaurants and bars, including a panoramic rooftop bar and a rooftop pool. All the rooms have spacious marble bathrooms and comfortable beds and the hotel offers an expansive breakfast, perfect for fuelling up for a day’s sightseeing. THE NORDIC WAY
Business Class Fly to Europe via Asia, USA or Japan from $ 5660* Fly around the world from $ 5710*
Economy Class Fly to Europe via Singapore or Hong Kong from $ 1655* Fly around the world from $ 2010*
* Conditions apply. Prices shown include taxes and vary depending on partner airlines, stops, date of departure and routings. Sales period from 26 September to 05 November 2018. Please refer to your GDS or preferred agent for fares pricing and rules. Europe
Silversea expands reach
Europe with Silversea has added new destinations for 2018/2019 including Reine in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, the Skellig Islands of Ireland, Back-Roads Eyemouth in the UK, and St Florent and Ile Rousse on the French island of Corsica. Back-Roads Touring has released its 2019 brochure, Onboard the Silver Spirit, travellers can cruise for 22 days while offering guests savings of up to $1,339 per couple on embracing Scandinavia and its fjords, with the opportunity to visit the selected European tours until 30 November. Arctic Circle in North Cape, Copenhagen and Stockholm, along with The brochure highlights some of St Petersburg, and the Baltic from $14,600 per person twin share. Back-Roads’ most popular tours For a warmer climate Silversea features the 17-day Rome round such as Slow Foods of Puglia trip, visiting the coastal villages of Italy, then venturing to Spain and and Highlights of Northern Spain, witnessing the islands off France from $9,400 per person twin share alongside two brand new tours on board Silver Shadow. and nine improved itineraries. The new tours include Journey through Germany exploring Bavaria, the Black Forrest and the famous Romantic Road, a history-inspired travel route built in 1950, along with the Essence of Austria tour featuring traditional cider tasting and a fish-smoking demonstration. Back-Roads Touring country manager APAC Dennis Basham said, “We are always working to improve our products and make them the best they can be, therefore the new and revised tours are a direct reflection of what our customers have asked for”. Skellig Islands, Tourism Ireland
Self drive river cruise holidays Explore Europe & Canada by canal boat Save up to 20% on 2019 cruises when booking before 30th November 2018
No licence required. No experience necessary.
Canada · France · Belgium · Holland · Italy · Germany · England · Ireland · Scotland www.leboat.com.au
AU: 1800 118 940 NZ: 0800 449 891 Europe Castle Accommodation
Europe is chock-full of castles, but there aren’t many where you can have a real sleeping beauty experience. We’ve picked out these majestic buildings where your clients can stay the night. All these castles are part of the Relais & Châteaux brand, so you know that any stay at them will be luxurious as well as rich in history.
Amberley Castle, England
Located in the Sussex countryside, Amberley Castle offers 19 luxurious rooms for guests to stay in. The castle is steeped in 900 years of history, first owned by a bishop who turned the lodge into a fortified manor house with crenellations, battlements and a portcullis. The castle changed hands several times after the reformation, before being transformed into a luxury hotel in 1989. As well as the guest rooms, the grounds include a restaurant in the Queen’s Room and high tea served every day in the lounges or on the terrace. Two of the rooms even have private access to the portcullis and its machinery. Prices to stay start from £265 per night.
Chateau de Bagnols, France
If you’ve always dreamed of living in a French castle overlooking vineyards, then a stay at Chateau de Bagnols can make that a reality. The castle is classified as a historical monument and was built in 1217 by the Lords of Oingt. It has been owned by many different people over the years before becoming a four-star luxury hotel in 1998 and later earning a fifth star. The hotel has suites in the chateau, garden and repurposed cellars. There is also a Michelin-starred restaurant called 1217, with a massive Gothic fireplace, and a spa with sauna and treatments. Prices start from €200 per night.
Burg Wernberg, Germany
Burg Wernberg was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1998, but before that it spent time as a prison, garrison, and home to the Duke of Bavaria. The castle was built in the 13th century and has a real drawbridge and moat. Today’s hotel has a range of different types of rooms located throughout the castle, along with a sauna in the vaults and a range of beauty treatments. The on-site restaurant, Kastell, offers a menu with a farm-to-table philosophy focusing on fresh regional cuisine and guests can also book private dining at the historic Castle Pub. Prices to stay start from €105 per person.
50 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 EXPERIENCE MAGNIFICENT Voyages to Antiquity invites you to enjoy EUROPE IN 2019 an intimate, inclusive Cruise Tour experience!
OUR AWARD-WINNING JOURNEYS INCLUDE: • Sightseeing shore tours in most ports of call • Hotel stays & transfers - as per the itinerary • Many evening & overnight stays in port • Experienced team of guest speakers • All meals on-board Aegean Odyssey • Wine & beer with dinner onboard • Gratuities for onboard cabin & restaurant staff ASK ABOUT OUR SOLO TRAVELLER FARES!
TOUR EXCITING NEW DESTINATIONS IN 2019 WITH OUR AWARD-WINNING SMALL SHIP CRUISES
LONDON Geiranger LONDON Honfleur Hellesylt Guernsey Olden Rouen Flam Bergen Oslo Honfleur La Rochelle Stavanger Ulvik Bordeaux Edinburgh Kristiansand La Coruna La Rochelle Vigo Aarhus Bordeaux
Oporto COPENHAGEN Oporto San Sebastian Lisbon LONDON CRUISE CRUISE LISBON CRUISE SEVILLE TOUR TOUR TOUR European Connoisseur The Norwegian Fjords The Three Rivers - Seville to London - - Copenhagen to London- - London to Lisbon - 4 June 2019 - 16 nights 16 July 2019 - 16 nights 12 August 2019 - 16 nights 2 night hotel stay & transfer in Seville Overnight onboard in Copenhagen 2 night hotel stay & transfer in London 12 night cruise onboard Aegean Odyssey 14 night cruise onboard Aegean Odyssey 12 night cruise onboard Aegean Odyssey 2 night hotel stay & transfer in London 2 night hotel stay & transfer in London 2 night hotel stay & transfer in Lisbon 9 included shore excursions 12 included shore excursions 8 included shore excursions
FROM $5,345*pp, twin share FROM $6,270*pp, twin share FROM $5,612*pp, twin share SOLO TRAVELLER FROM $6,662* SOLO TRAVELLER FROM $8,220* SOLO TRAVELLER FROM $6,662*
MEDITERRANEAN • AEGEAN • SCANDINAVIA • BALTIC • BLACK SEA REQUEST OUR EUROPEAN 2019 BROCHURE TODAY 02 9959 1345 • [email protected] • www.voyagestoantiquity.com
*All fares in AU dollars, per person, twin share based lowest available category & includes onboard gratuities & port taxes (correct as of 10 August, 2018). Valid for new bookings only. Hotel & transfers between airport, port and hotel offered on dates specified on itinerary only, at the discretion of Voyages to Antiquity. London airport transfers are from Heathrow airport only. Offers are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn or modified at any time without notice, and subject to availability at time of booking. Airfare additional. Cancellation penalties & conditions apply. Single supplements for twin occupancy cabins are calculated on the applicable full fare pricing as displayed in our current brochure and on our website www.voyagestoantiquity.com. Prices based on payment by cash or cheque only. Travel agent service fees not included. Voyages to Antiquity reserve the right to change, correct errors, withdraw from sale any or all fares, itineraries, excursions & fees. For full terms & conditions visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com or visit your local preferred Travel Agent. South & Central America To the bottom of the earth
Craig Tansley discovers Chile’s for the infamous winds of summer aren’t meadows beneath soaring granite peaks and Torres Del Paine National Park is blowing (September and October are the towers in a land of pampas and steppes. best seen far away from the crowds calmest months to visit the park, the winds There’s pink flamingos too by the road, and won’t start till November, then they’ll blow till the world’s largest birds – Andean Condors of summer… March). My first early morning here brings a – circling the blue skies above. There’s frightful chill, but by mid-morning I’m wearing more cowboys (baquenos) than cars here – I ’m told that this shouldn’t be a light sweater, and by lunch, I’m in a t-shirt. watch them maneouvre their sheep between happening right now, not right here, like pastures, finding better grass. this… out in the open. The guides I’m in Torres del Paine was once a collection of a 4WD with haven’t experienced this. But estancias (cattle and sheep farms) before I’m in Torres Del Paine National Park on Each year nearly 250,000 185,000 hectares of this region became the first day of spring, before the tourists “ national park in 1959. The park earned Iget here; and this is my reward. Outside my visitors come to Patagonia’s itself world heritage status in 1978, and door – just a few metres away – is one of the most loved national park... is now considered the fifth most beautiful world’s most elusive creatures: the puma place on Earth by National Geographic. of Patagonia. It struts by our car, returning There’s a long list of activities guests can my stare; and then someone moves in our ” choose to do. Though most visitors are here vehicle and it roars in a theaterical kind of And so I get Torres Del Paine at its most to hike; the name Torres Del Paine refers way, showing off its razor-sharp incisors. benign, and its emptiest – and it’s home to to the three distinctive granite peaks of the Then it bounds off in long strides, its back just me and the pumas. Torres Del Paine Paine mountain range which dominate the end a mass of thick, sinewy muscle. National Park is no easy place to access. I landscape, soaring up to 2,500 metres above Each year nearly 250,000 visitors come arrive here via a flight to the bottom of Chile the earth. to Patagonia’s most loved national park at Punta Arenas, then I’m driven five hours Most travellers want to hike the Paine – most of these visitors will arrive in the north. But the drive in is part of the reason Torres (Towers); you can either complete summer months of December to February; to come here: we pass four vehicles in all the full circuit in around seven to nine crowding the park. But I’m here early; at a that time in what feels like the loneliest place days – staying in mountain time others might consider too cold. In truth, I’ve been on Earth. The landscape we pass huts along the way; or these months of spring are actually warmer, is stunning: llama-like guanaco feed in green take the most
52 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 South & Central America
iconic and popular trail, the W route, in four to five days, which leads you across three different valleys. For those who’d rather hike by day and luxuriate by night with a four- course meal in front of a log fire, there is a day hike to the base of the Torres. I’m happy with this option, because some of Chile’s best luxury lodges are built out here. I set out from a deserted carpark alongside a bulging river – the Rio Ascensio, before crossing a bridge and climbing through alpine forest. There’s a long scramble up a loose rocky trail before I arrive and gaze across a frozen lake to a natural amphitheatre where the three granite peaks tower above. There’s hikes all across the park, while visitors can also The Great Southern Ice Ridge stretches down through the Torres Del Paine national park bike or horse ride. I join a baquana (cowboy) one day as he musters his flock, he lives out here with just his trusty dog and sheep for company. As the park is made up partly of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, it’s worth taking a kayak or boat ride across glacial lakes every bit as striking as the peaks above them. I drive across the park and find a black sand beach where hundreds of massive ice blocks have dropped from an enormous floating iceberg. Some icebergs here are over 50 metres high, behind them huge peaks jut down at right angles straight into fiords. These days, the popularity of the park means there is a strict overnight reservations system in place – but by avoiding the busy, windy months of summer (though don’t even consider winter when there’s only a few hours of sunlight and freezing conditions) you’ll have a chance to experience the lonely Patagonian steppe by yourselves… oh, Puma of Patagonia and the pumas.
All images courtesy Craig Tansley
travelBulletin October 2018 53 South & Central America
Ethical Focus
Latin America and Polar specialists, Chimu Adventures has recently launched the Travel Revolution, travel itineraries that focus on sustainability. “[Through Travel Revolution] we are looking to promote products which offer incredible experiences and are also ethical,” said Greg Carter, Chimu’s co-founder. One such product is the Galapagos Safari Camp, where the African style safari tents allow guests to discover their inner Darwin from dry land. Another is Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador, where the water is sourced from the local rivers, filtered and treated before it returns to the forest. The water treatment plant works biologically, using bacteria. For this reason, the lodge supplies bio-degradable soaps, shampoos and conditioners for guests to use, which don’t affect the water treatment system. Chimu also offers guests a chance to stay at Laguna Lodge in Guatemala which aims “to aid in the achieving of the United Nations Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals by protecting and conserving assets of nature and culture through sustainable tourism,” said Cater. He added that the Galapagos continues to be a popular option for and the company expects it to continue growing as “small ship cruising popularity increases”. “Chimu had one of its best years ever in terms of bookings with July and August performing well and we expect to see an increase in travellers coming from India and China.” Galapagos safari camp viewpoint-deck
Explore the alternative
Intrepid’s new South America Program of dramatic landscapes and snow-capped on a 10-day adventure, priced from $3,412; offers travellers alternative adventure options peaks. The 13-day tour includes eight days along with The Valley of Tears, a four-day to avoid overtourism, such as walking through of hiking and is priced from $2,470. trek through the Andes to the glacial valleys and over Andean peaks on a Another itinerary is the hike to the site of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 seven-day trek. base camp of Aconcagua, the Southern plane crash. The eight-day tour is priced “Intrepid recorded growth of 68% to South Hemisphere’s highest mountain at 5,000m, from $2,735. America this year from Australian travellers and according to our Adventure Travel Index the number one thing that Australians want on an adventure is to go to places less visited by mainstream tourists,” said Intrepid Travel South America product manager Martin Ruffo. “We’ll be putting the adventure in adventure travel as we take our very first groups to the Glacier of Tears, the summit of Mt Bonete and the Choquequirao Inca site in 2019. “While Mt Everest and Machu Picchu are always going to be high on the traditional bucket list, there are alternatives which are less trodden, just as beautiful and sometimes even more special,” Ruffo added. The program features a trek to Peru’s Choquequirao which takes travellers deep into the wild of the Peruvian Andes, along Patagonia ©Intrepid steep trails and scenic passes with views
54 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 ® SMALL GROUP TOURING SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA 2019/20 MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE UP EARLYBIRD SAVE TO SPECIAL * Our South & Central America 2019/20 Small $ Group Touring program is out now and 1000 available with an earlybird saving of up to PER PERSON Small Groups $1000 per person for a limited time. Our maximum group size in South & Central America is 20 people, because smaller groups make for a better PERU New holiday experience. Peru In-Style Tour Luxury Tour Machu Return International Picchu Hiram Bingham Train days now from was $12,595 pp Lima 1 Flights Sacred Valley $ 2 2 17 11,595pp SAVE $1000 Included with the world’s Cusco (2,2) leading airlines, with 4 Andean Explorer LUXURY EXPERIENCES flexibility to extend or Train Travel to magical Machu Picchu on the Colca 1 Lake Titicaca upgrade to business class. Canyon 2 Hiram Bingham train. Sit back, relax and 2 Puno indulge in a decadent brunch, accompanied No Hidden Extras Arequipa by a selection of Peruvian wines. Journey We include all the must see through the majestic High Andes Mountains sights plus unique local on the luxurious Andean Explorer train. experiences. Even taxes Savour lunch in one of the elegant dining cars. and tips are included where 2019 DATES: 16 Jul, 17 Sep & 25 Nov appropriate. 2020 DATES: 28 Jan & 31 Mar Unique Itineraries Designed to give your client the perfect balance between Ultimate Chile Mexico & sightseeing and leisure, and & Argentina Costa Rica enough time to really get to know the places we visit.
days now from was $15,995 pp days now from was $14,595 pp $ $ 2019/20 22 14,995pp SAVE $1000 23 13,995pp SAVE $600 BROCHURE Visit a traditional Atacameño farm to discover Board an authentic Mexican trajinera for a AVAILABLE how produce is grown in the desert Learn traditional lunch Visit the indigenous villages all about Chile’s Mapuche culture and enjoy a of San Juan Chamula & Zincantan to learn Order through Tifs. traditional lunch at Kila-Leufu farm Spend two about the Mayan culture and traditions still alive nights in a luxury treehouse lodge in the heart of today Venture into the Costa Rican wilds, the Patagonian rainforest Explore Los Glaciares boarding a boat on the fringe of Tortuguero National Park and hear the thundering sound of National Park Learn to make authentic the ice breaking from Perito Moreno Glacier tortillas like a local and enjoy a shared lunch 2019 DATES: 21 Sep, 19 Oct & 23 Nov 2019 DATES: 28 Apr, 9 Jun, 4 Aug, 15 Sep, 27 2020 DATES: 4 Jan, 8 Feb & 7 Mar Oct & 1 Dec • 2020 DATES: 26 Jan & 1 Mar
For a list of departure dates, detailed itineraries and other tours go to bunniktours.com.au
Call We do the work us on 1300 125 007 Phone answered in 3 rings - no queues email [email protected] One stop shop www.bunniktours.com.au Personal service & commitment
*To be eligible for our earlybird saving of $1000 ($600 for Central America tours) you need to book, pay a deposit and applicable airfare payment by 26th Oct 2018. **The saving of $500 ($300 for Central America tours) is valid between 27th Oct 2018 and 21st Dec 2018. Savings are applicable to new bookings with travel dates from 2019/20 program only. All prices shown are per person based on twin share & incorporate earlybird discount. Singles rooms are available at a supplement, check our website for details. Prices are correct at time of printing but are subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure cities. Bunnik Travel Pty Ltd. ATAS accreditation #A10484 • CATO Registered Operator No. TO1078. South & Central America
Travel In Style AA says hey to BA Bunnik Tour has unveiled its South and through South & Central America means Central America program for the 2019/20 our travellers can enjoy a series of in-depth Australians have always been tour season and it features five new tours experiences that are difficult to arrange great travellers to the US, with the as well as 11 returning favourites, such as by yourself and impossible to access as a destination perennially popular. South American Explorer and Ultimate Chile larger group. But with South America heating & Argentina. “We also expect to see growth in up as a bucket-list trip for many, “South and Central America sales numbers for our In-Style range. Our In-Style American Airlines now offers the have continued to grow year-on-year and small group tours combine 5-star luxury perfect way for clients to combine we are seeing strong interest across the with boutique accommodation, culinary the two continents. range,” said Bunnik’s national marketing delights and premium special experiences.” From 19 December, American manager Catherine Kelly. “Ecuador and Making its debut is the 17-Day Peru Airlines will begin services the Galapagos continue to be highlight In-Style tour, which includes Lima, Cusco between Los Angeles and Buenos destinations for us given the unique and a Hiram Bingham train through the Aires, Argentina. The flights landscapes, colourful culture and wildlife Sacred Valley to the ancient ruins of Machu will make AA the first and only diversity awaiting. Touring in a small group Picchu. Guests then venture down to Lake airline to offer a non-stop service Titicaca, and the Colca Canyon, before their between the two cities. The route journey concludes in Arequipa. will be flown three times a week by the airline’s Dreamliner, meaning that Australians can fly all the way to LAX and onto Buenos Aires on the spacious aircraft type. AA’s VP of network and schedule planning, Vasu Raja said they were “excited to add more nonstop flights to places like Buenos Aires, maximising connections across our network.” Uros Islands, Peru
Postcard from... Chile Wow! What a trip! Amazingly spoilt to experience Chile! We have been all the way south to Chilean Patagonia and have enjoyed the colour and fun of bohemian Valparaiso. We have walked up hills (in sleet!) traipsed over inland beaches to view glaciers, enjoyed the warm Chilean sun on our faces in central Millahue, climbed the cobblestone streets of Valparaiso and discovered hidden gems in Santiago. And Gauchos we are – we rode through the expansive terrain of Patagonia and the stunning vineyards of Millahue. And hotel hotel hotels! Spoilt from beginning to end! All incredible in every way – locations, staff, views, unique, home away from homes the Singular Patagonia, Tierra Patagonia, Vina Vik Millahue Retreats, Hotel Casa Higueras. Looking forward to heading home by flying next to Antarctica and planning the next adventure!
From Lisa Meyers, WOW! Travel
56 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 Flying Reimagined. Dreamliner all the way to LA. aa.com
American Airlines and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc. oneworld is a mark of the oneworld Alliance, LLC. © 2018 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved. Sri Lanka
Immerse your senses in Sri Lanka
58 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 Sri Lanka
From a thriving city to lush green along winding roads and through lush coconut tea plantations. Beautiful beaches plantations, to reach the Pinnewala Elephant to wildlife sanctuaries. Sri Lanka Orphanage, which is home to more than 90 rescued elephants from around the country, is an absolute treat for the senses, this facility offers a sanctuary and refuge for writes Emma Lovell. these magnificent mammals. Visitors can watch as the elephants take their majestic daily march from the orphanage olombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, through the streets to the local river for a will instantly immerse you in the bath and play. Guests will also have the vibrant culture of busy city life. The opportunity to watch babies feeding and best way to see this fascinating even offer some fruit treats to some of the city is by auto rickshaw tour. more mature elephants. As an educational Nothing formal, just speak to a facility and a nature reserve, Pinnewala Kandy to Ella train rickshaw driver near your hotel, agree on a Elephant Orphanage is world-class and now Cprice and ask to be taken around the main sites of Colombo for a day. On your tour, you’ll see the diversity of you. Make sure to leave time for shopping as religions present in Sri Lanka. Towering The one thing you Kandy and the surrounding villages are the Catholic Cathedrals, pretty Christian “ centre of Sri Lanka’s handicraft items. You’ll churches, Buddhist temples over lakes cannot miss in this find exquisite gold and silver jewellery as well and Hindu temples with an elephant giving region is the train ride as precious gems, including world famous blessings out the front. Admire the colourful from Kandy to Ella. blue and star sapphires. kites as you drive by Galle Face Beach. Make The one thing you cannot miss in this sure to request a few stops along the way Many believe it’s the region is the train ride from Kandy to Ella. at the many jewellery and fashion stores to most scenic train ride Many believe it’s the most scenic train ride sample the beautiful wares. in the entire world in the entire world. If you dare, stand at the Colombo has a bevy of five-star hotels and open doors or hang your head out the window worldwide chains to choose from. But for a as you pass over sky high bridges, gazing relaxing and authentic experience, try the down over green valleys and rushing rivers charming boutique accommodation of the synonymous with the” Sri Lankan elephant. below. Experience the culture of Sri Lanka as Colombo Court Hotel and Spa. Offering a stylish You can comfortably visit the exotic you travel through villages, tea plantations and welcoming retreat near to the centre. Pinnewala in a one-day return trip from and thick forests. It’s an exotic train ride The culinary delights on offer in Colombo Colombo, or continue on your travels further you’ll never forget. were certainly a highlight for me. It’s all east towards the stunning hill stations and tea Wherever you choose to travel in Sri Lanka, about taste! You’ll find a delicious fusion of plantations that Sri Lanka is so well known you will feel warm and welcomed. From flavours with a generous amount of spices for. Travel to the exotic city of Kandy, encircled trying on local fashions, to sampling the and heat thrown into the mix. For a delicious by hills with a tranquil lake at its centre. wicked spices of the curries and embracing and unforgettable meal, you must head to the Breathtaking views await you at every point. the stunning landscapes. The people are so Ministry of Crab at The Old Dutch Hospital Kandy is home to the renowned temple incredibly inviting and eager to share their food precinct. Mind blowing flavours with only which enshrines the Tooth Relic of the culture with you. Sri Lanka will immerse you the freshest of seafood on offer. Buddha. Legends and traditions are at home entirely in its exotic beauty. It’s a sensory To explore more of the tropical side to here, lovingly kept alive by the friendly locals delight and a destination that deserves to be Sri Lanka, it’s time to head to Negombo, a who will delight in sharing the folklore with on your travel wish list. beach resort area north of Colombo, just 30 minutes from the international airport. Arrive to the sounds of the ocean and instantly relax as you rest up at one of the many resorts lining the golden sand beaches. The agenda in Negombo is simple. Lie on the beach, swim in the pool, enjoy fresh seafood, indulge in a massage and repeat. Watch from the shore as locals head out in traditional fishing boats to bring in the catch of the day. The culture of this humble island meets the sea and sand in Negombo. It’s time to get in touch with nature as you get up close and personal with the magnificent elephants of Sri Lanka. Travel three hours east from Colombo, heading
travelBulletin October 2018 59 Sri Lanka
WOMEN DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES
FOR women who enjoy the idea of globetrotting on their lonesome, Sri Lanka Unbound has crafted an itinerary specifically catering to the appetites of solo female travellers. The 14-day adventure comes with visits to one of the country’s large tea plantations, the opportunity to participate in cooking classes run by locals, a boat safari in the Gal Oya National Park, and a luxury beach stay at a five-star resort in Tangalle. Small group tours are also included, run by the tour operator’s Melbourne-based Sri Lanka specialist Glenda McMillan-Andersson. Highlights of the trip include a visit to the Galle Fort in Tangalle, relaxing in the Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge with views of the Knuckles Mountain Ranges, and checking out the plethora of street cafes, boutiques and artisan workshops in the Sri Lankan capital of Columbo. The Sri Lankan Discovery package is priced from $7,940 per person and includes English speaking guides throughout and entrance fees for all attractions listed in the itinerary.
Tea Plantation Sri Lanka
CONTIKI GETS REAL ABOUT SRI LANKA
For the younger traveller with an adventurous spirit, Contiki’s 10-day Pure Sri Lanka tour encompasses a wide range of activities from elephant watching in the Udawalawe National Park to swimming at the country’s most popular beaches in Unawatuna. “Travelling with Contiki is the best way to immerse yourself in its breadth and diversity; from tea plantations, safaris, beaches and national parks, this amazing trip delivers what the young Aussie travellers crave,” said Contiki marketing director Vanessa Fletcher. Designed to maximise time exploring, the tour kicks off in the west coast city of Negombo, famous for its local fish markets and Dutch-style canal system, before Kandy Temple of the Tooth, (©McKay Savage) moving on to the Sri Lankan cultural hub of Kandy, a place to satisfy your cravings for Buddhist temples and take a guided tour of where travellers will have a chance to The package comes with 12 meals and the Temple of the Tooth, famed for its claim wander the streets and take in the city’s nine nights’ accommodation in twin share to house the canine tooth of Buddha. multicultural charm – or for those brave of lodging, and team of local guides. All up there are six stops on the round- heart even try a few of the locally grown Pure Sri Lanka is priced from $1,890 trip, finishing in the capital of Colombo cobra chillies. per person.
60 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 Sri Lanka
Anantara takes luxury to new heights
EXPERIENCING Sri Lanka from a different perspective is quite literally possible with Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas’ new private jet experience. The hotel brand has recently partnered with private airline MJets to provide its guests with private jet transport for its guests wanting to travel in style between Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Maldives. Features on board the aircraft include fully reclining seats and entertainment systems, Sri Lanka to add a dash with each jet able to accommodate up to eight passengers on each flight. of luxury in 2019 When passengers touch down in the country’s capital Colombo, they will receive limousine Sri Lanka will soon be home to a new hotels and hospitality has been with transport to the luxurious Anantara Peace Haven six-suite luxury boutique hotel in the me from a very young age,” he added. Resort, a beachfront property that boasts views small town of Ahangama located in the The property will feature suites with of the Indian Ocean and amenities including spa country’s southern province. private balconies, sea-facing private treatments and cliffside dining, as well a close Slated to open in the second half of baths, rain showers, double vanities proximity to popular surfing spots, rainforests, and 2019, the Harding Boutique Hotel is and king beds wrapped in Egyptian the old fort town of Tangall. the latest venture by Sri Lankan- cotton linens. Location was chosen The private jets experience is designed intimate Australian entrepreneur Paul Harding, with serenity in mind, nestled amongst couple celebrations or larger group parties, with a project that is for good reason close dense coconut groves to the east and prices available upon request. to his family’s heart. west with ocean & beach frontage to “My great uncle was one of the the south. first hoteliers and great pioneers in Architecture and interiors have been the country, opening The Blue Lagoon inspired by Sri Lanka’s vernacular – the country’s first hotel designed modernist movement and were by Geoffrey Bawa – the father of Sri- designed by British architect Jonathan Lankan modernism,” Harding said. Ashmore, founder of an award-winning “There must have been something design and architecture practice in in the family as my love for boutique Dubai and London.
Get to know your BDM
What is your favourite destination? luxury. Beautiful, intimate ships with Europe is definitely a favourite for me. The exceptional personalised service. I also history, the culture, the European luxe get to work with some of the best, most lifestyle, and the diverse cuisine. well respected trade partners in the I’ve been to the Greek Islands a few industry. It’s a tough gig, but someone has times, and they always deliver. I was lucky to do it. enough to cruise the Greek Islands last year on board our brand new flag ship – What destinations are on your bucket list? The Silver Muse. My bucket list is overflowing... I have my Name: Jacqui Tufala (Haraldstad) sights on a couple of expedition cruises. What do you love about your job? I really want to go to Iceland and up into How long have you been working as a Not only do I get to talk all day long about the Arctic. Silversea have just released BDM for Silversea? travelling to some of the most fascinating 2020/2021 itineraries and we are cruising Almost two years with Silversea, more than places in the world. I also get to talk about the New Zealand Sub Antarctic islands 15 years in cruise and I love it. taking our guests there in superlative which also looks spectacular.
travelBulletin October 2018 61 Last word Sudoku Medium
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APP Happy: Infinite Flight
CRAVING a visit to that exotic destination on the other side of the world? Or perhaps you’ve always dreamt of taking off from Sydney in the pilot seat… Infinite Flight can (kind of) solve those problems for you. This comprehensive flight simulator is available on Apple and Android devices, and gives users the opportunity to get behind the joystick of all their favourite airliners at their favourite destinations. It’s a simple user interface that’s easy to learn, which is a refreshing difference from most complex simulator apps that are aimed at hobby pilots or flight simulator experts. There is a plethora of aircraft available to fly so users won’t quickly tire of the game – whether you choose to fly a vintage warplane or a hulking A380, there’s something to suit every player’s wants and mood. Most of the planes are available in a variety of different liveries, so you can fly with your favourite airline, and with hundreds of airports to choose from, its as easy as setting your course and flying. Infinite Flight is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
62 travelBulletin OCTOBER 2018 “AGENT SPECIFIC” package rates now on TAAP.
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