Thursday 19 May 2016 Issue 3311

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

8 Pages This Issue

News................................p1, p2, p5, p6Cruising Today................................. p3News from ATE ................................ p4 Business Travel Today ..................p7-8

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Brazil Scam WarningKiwi travellers are being warned about rental scams in Brazil, includ-ing Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, as fake advertisements are appearing on commonly-used accommodation sites, says the Ministry of Foreign Af-fairs and Trade. Agents with clients looking for a rental property in Brazil, particu-larly in the build-up to the Olympics, should advise them to do appropri-ate checks to make sure it’s genuine before handing over any money or personal information, says MFAT. This includes searching for their name and email address. If the rental rates seem too good to be true or the person claims to be an English speaker but there are spell-ing and grammatical errors, these are good signs, says MFAT. Travel-lers should avoid handing over any money via money transfer without viewing the property or meeting the rental property owner.

HoT Boss Gives BackHouse of Travel agents have been out in force collecting for Hospice Aware-ness Week. Those on the collection duty included House of Travel chief executive Mark O’Donnell (pictured) who took to the streets in Auckland today for the charity—which last year provided care and support for more than 18,000 people and their families.Hospice supports one in every three people who die in New Zealand each year—and that care is offered for free. CLICK HERE for more details

EgyptAir Plane MissingA Cairo-bound Eg yptAir plane carrying 59 passengers and 10 crew ex Paris, has disappeared, says the air-line. Flight MS804 was at 37,000 ft and disappeared 80 miles before entering Egyptian airspace. The flight time is normally three hours and 45 minutes, yet the plane departed around six hours ago, say reports. Search and res-cue teams are now being assembled.

Hong Kong Airlines (HX) says it is set to grow outbound Kiwi travel with some ‘very competitive’ fares and product when it launches daily A330 flights between Auckland and Hong Kong in Nov.Auckland is HX’s second long-haul service and assistant director com-mercial Michael Burke says it’s a des-tination that has been on the carrier’s radar for two to three years.Inbound travel from China is fuelling the high demand on the AKL-HKG route, but Burke says HX is confident it will be able to work with the trade to grow the outbound market from New Zealand to Hong Kong and beyond to the 30 destinations in its Asia network.

“We’re very excited about the Auck-land services we’re offering a qual-ity product with very competitive pricing,” says Burke. The aircraft is configured with 24 regional business class seats (160 degree recline) and 259 economy seats in a 2-4-2 configu-ration. Burke says its economy offer-ing is a ‘good product’ and adds that HX’s initial business class product ‘makes sense’ for this market. How-ever, he did hint at plans of moving to an A350 aircraft on the route ‘in the next 18-months or so’.The HX services will feature full on board IFE, and a mix of Western and Hong Kong catering across both classes. “We are undoubtedly an Asian airline,” adds Burke.HX is talking to key Kiwi trade part-ners and Burke says the carrier is keen to get Kiwi agents on board to experience the product first hand.

. . . J Class AppealIndustry sources say going head to head with Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand is a bold move, but have welcomed more competition on the route. Business class seems where there may be the most opportu-nity—with HX’s filed business class levels said to be priced ‘considerably less’ than what’s currently available on the route.HX launch fares ex AKL to HKG are from $1124 economy, or from $2204 in business class.

HKG Carrier’s Ambitious Kiwi Plans

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News & Product

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IS THIS NEW ZEALAND’S MOST REWARDING ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM?

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Pricing Analyst12 month fixed term contract

Be the right hand person in a small but critical department within the Qantas New Zealand Commercial Team.

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Salisbury Moves OnAfter 25 years with The Travel C o r p o r a t i o n brands (15 years with Contiki and most-recently 10 y e a r s w i t h I n -sight Vacations), I n s i g h t ’s N e w Zealand manager Dave Salisbury (pictured) leaves 10 Jun to join Abecco, the family business.

SQ CHC UpgradesSingapore Airlines has released a new upgrade offer from economy to busi-ness class, priced from $999 per per-son, one-way between Christchurch and Singapore. The deal is valid for clients travelling on Singapore Air-lines beyond Singapore. The offer is permitted in one direc-tion only and is valid for new and ex-isiting bookings, for sales 18 May-31 Jul and travel 01 Jun-31 Jul. For more details, see krisport.co.nz for details.

Infinity Sports and Events, a Flight Centre business, is now offering selected commissionable packages to the wider travel industry—starting with deals for the Fast 5 Netball World Series in Melbourne later this year.The events division has been op-erating for 10 months after the company identified a gap in the m a r k e t a n d m a n a g e r Me r e -

dy th Morgan says its sales to date have exceeded expectations. Given Flight Centre’s growth-focused business model, Morgan says the chain is now looking to ‘dip its toes in the water’ in terms of selling selected event packages to non-Flight Centre agents.Calling the move a win:win for the company and agents, Morgan says the division is looking to build a mutually-beneficial relationship with agents outside of the Flight Centre group.The Fast 5 land deals are billed as the most competitively priced packages to the Fast 5 Netball competition (29-30 Oct) as well as having the exclu-sive inclusion of a behind the scenes tour. Morgan stresses that Infinity Sports and Events is strictly a whole-saler, and is only interested in whole-

Flighties Events On Sale To Tradesaling the product via agents—who will earn a 10% commission.If sales to the wider trade are suc-cessful for the Fast 5 packages, Mor-gan says the company will look to make more of its packages available to all agents.

. . . Fast 5 DealsBasic Bib land packages are from $549pp share twin and include a silver match pass with access to all 18 matches, the closing ceremony and medal presentation, an official behind the scenes tour and an event supporter’s pack. The Sure Shot deal is from $995pp share twin and in-cludes the aforementioned as well as three nights’ accommodation. Add-ons (such as a ball delivery and coin toss experience) and ticket upgrades are also available.

USA Megafam Kicks OffAgents are heading off on the Brand USA and Air New Zealand Taste USA megafam today, with six states on the menu for 60 agents from across new Zealand and Australia. For updates from the trip keep an eye on Travel Today and Facebook.com/traveltodaynz. Pictured at Auckland Airport is Brand USA’S Wayne Mitcham and Air NZ’s Dani Schildenfeld, Thomas Gentz, Paige Haeata, Gracia Locke and John Stewart.

QF Sth America FaresQantas has released return South America fares from $1199 valid for sales to 07 Jun and selected travel dates 01 Sep—30 Apr.

Win A HamperAgents who book Aircalin or Air New Zealand flights to New Caledo-nia this month will go in the draw to win a luxury champagne and chocolate hamper in Tourism New Caledonia’s monthly agent incentive. Log your bookings on the New Cale-donia Specialist site to be in to win. See learnnewcal.co.nz

Thu 19 May 16 Page 3

*CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFOFrancis Travel Marketing 09 4442298 | reservations@ftmcruise.co.nz

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IndustryDiaryMAYSTA ‘Beautiful Samoa NZ Roadshow’Wellington: Tue 31, The Boatshed, 1730-1930.

JUNESTA ‘Beautiful Samoa NZ Roadshow’Christchurch: Wed 01, Hagley Oval, 1730-1930Auckland: Thu 02, Aotea Centre, Lower NZI Room, 1730-1930.

Korea Road ShowAuckland: Fri 10, Rendezvous Hotel, 1800.

Starwood ExpoAuckland: Mon 20, The Maritime Room, 1500-1930.

Globus family of brands, Rocky Mountaineer 2017 “The Americas” SeasonAuckland, Central: Mon 27, pm. Auckland, North: Tue 28, pm. Wellington: Tue 28, pm.Nelson: Wed 29, pm. Blenheim: Thu 30, pm.Venues, times tba.

For more see Monday’s TRAVEL TODAY

Oceania Insignia has sailed into Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour in the midst of her Around the World in 180 Days voyage, the world’s longest annual round-the-world cruise; and many Kiwis are ex-pected to join the voyage in 2017 and 2018.“New Zealanders have quickly become huge cruise fans, with many passen-gers returning time and again and embracing longer journeys where the

onboard experience is as much part of the adventure as the fascinating ports of call,” says Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings senior vice president and managing director Asia Pacific Steve Odell.“Booking an around-the-world voy-age is one of the key items on the bucket list of many Kiwis and hav-ing the flexibility to book the entire 180 days, individual segments or a number of subsequent sectors makes Insignia’s incredible itinerary even more accessible to the local market—especially with the opportunity to join the 2017 cruise in Auckland for the Australia and Indonesia leg,” he says.Bookings for the voyage, which will sail again in 2017 and 2018, are avail-able in eight key segments, beginning with a Jan departure from Miami. Clients who book before the end of Sep will receive the choice of the OLife Choice special offer of either free shore excursions, a free beverage package, free shipboard credit or free unlimited internet access; or a complimentary pre- or post-cruise land tour, avail-able for cruises to African and Asian destinations. For further details e-mail res.apac@oceaniacruises.com

Viking: Fly FreeViking River Cruises is offering its 10-day Portugal’s River of Gold itinerary, along with return economy class fares to Europe, ex AKL, WLG or CHC, from AUD5149pp, based on an 08 Dec 2017 departure ex Lisbon. Taking passen-gers through the best of Portugal and Spain, guests will spend two nights exploring Lisbon before setting sail on the Duoro River, with highlights including visiting Salamanca and sampling Portuguese specialties like salt cod and soups as well as local port and tawny wines. See vikingrivercruises.com.au

Kiwis To Cruise For Longer In 2017/18

Scenic: Combination Cruises Growing In PopularityScenic’s combination cruises have continued to grow in popularity, resulting in the line adding a number of these to its new 2017 Europe River Cruising pro-gramme, the first time it has done so. Its six new combination cruises range from the 19-day Eastern European Endeavour, which travels from Prague to Bucharest along the Danube and through the less-travelled Black Sea region, to the 27-day European Sojourn, which beings in Budapest cruising the popular Rhine-Main-Danube rivers and connecting with the Rhone in Lyon, ending in Nice. “Each itinerary in France has been designed to seamlessly connect across these diverse regions by air, rail or road, to deliver the ultimate French cruising experi-ence,” says general manger product development Aleisha Fittler. “The Seine and Bordeaux and Seine and Rhone have been our most popular combination cruises with our new 10-day Duoro river cruise also combining easily with France and proving to be a popular combination too.”

GROUPS SPECIALISTNEEDED

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News From ATE

tabs 1/4 page 9.3 x 12.5

Corporate Team Leader – SMEOrbit World Travel, AucklandOrbit Auckland is a fast paced and growing business currently seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Corporate Team Leader to jump on board and join our team.This role will see you manage the day to day running of the corporate team as well as growing profitability and market share. You will be an active link in driving sales through relationship building and supporting individuals with performance and development. Ensuring that the team produce quality work and meet the business objectives will be key. What are we looking for?• Previous Team Leader or Senior Travel Consultant experience within

the corporate travel industry• Good understanding of fares and ticketing• Passion for leading, coaching and developing a team • Strong problem solving skills and able to make decisive decisions• A high level of business acumen and professionalismSo what’s in it for you?We provide a vibrant and exciting work environment and truly value our employees and love having fun along the way! A competitive remuneration package will be on offer to the successful candidate. To apply for this great leadership opportunity, send your covering letter and CV to ndonaldson@orbit.co.nz Applications close Friday, 27th May 2016.

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S o u t h Au s t r a l i a re m a i n s a ‘something different’ holiday prop-osition for Kiwis looking for great food and wine, Murray River, Out-back and wildlife experiences, with arrivals up 10% for the year end Dec 2015, says South Australian Tourism Commission’s Stacey Kerr.The local regional manager adds that the growth comes off the back of strong brand campaign activity promoting the destination on TV and digital media, which has been rolling out since Oct 2015.An emerging region for Kiwi travel-lers, adds Kerr, is the Eyre Peninsula, famous for its seafood and coastal and aquatic experiences; from swim-ming with sea lions, cage diving with great white sharks to harvesting fresh Coffin Bay oysters straight from the ocean. “The 4.5-star Port Lincoln Hotel is a great base from which to explore the region and the hotel has reported strong growth in Kiwi visitation over the past 12 months.” New Zea-land is now the hotel’s fourth largest market with many Kiwis booking in Jul for travel between Sep and Nov. Meanwhile, Tasting Eyre is the new-est day tour on the Eyre Peninsula, created by Australian Wildlife Ad-ventures, which showcases Port Lincoln and surrounds, including

wine tastings, lunch at the Fresh Fish Place, and the chance to explore Whalers Way, Mikkira Station and more.

. . . New ProductIn addition to emerging trends, ‘South Australia is buzzing with great new product and experiences for Kiwi agents and their clients,’ adds Kerr. Highlights include KI Spirit’s new gin-blending tour on Kangaroo Island, where guests can walk away with their own unique blend of gin using local bush flavours; whilst nearby, Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action, well known for its quad bike and kayaking tours at Little Sahara, is now offer-ing small group, fat-tyre bike tours across the sand dunes and through native bush for the more adventurous travellers. Plus, Chinta Air Tours are now offering clients the chance to see Lake Eyre in flood, with a day trip ex Rawnsley Park Station. The flights will give clients a unique perspective with the chance to see wildlife, outback scenery, and includes lunch at the William Creek Hotel, to name a few. See southaustralia.co.nz

SA: ‘Something Different’ Working

New Tassie Hike AccomThe Tasmanian Walking Company will build and operate new eco lodg-es on the 46km Three Capes Track (opened late 2015) in southern Tas-mania. It expects to begin its private operation on the Three Capes Track from Oct 2017, offering a four-day journey with overnight stays in two fully sustainable lodges—while after hard days walking, guests will be able to sit back as guides prepare meals, following menus designed by a team of local chefs. While the lodges are still in blueprint design phase, the facilities will be tailored to their individual lo-cations, taking advantage of the direc-tions of the light, breezes and views. Tourism Australia managing director John O’Sullivan adds that since open-ing, the Three Capes Track is already proving to be a major tourism asset, as it ‘takes in some of Australia’s most spectacular coastal scenery’. E-mail bookings@taswalkingco.com.au to register interest.

Kiwi Market, Nights RiseNoosa’s Ivory Palms Resort has seen its New Zealand market double in the past 12 months, while its average length of stay has increased from 3.5 to 4.5 nights, following the addi-tion of a jumping pillow playground attraction. Resort manager Geoff Hussin says while it’s ‘completely crazy’, the addition of the jumping pillow cemented its position as a family-friendly option, as it is also home to one-, two- and three-bed-room self-contained apartments; a children’s playground; a kids club during the school holidays; three swimming pool areas; five BBQ areas; tennis courts; a new wood fire pizza oven and an onsite res-taurant and bar, just to name a few. Hussin added that the resort is set to start refurbishments of its one- and three-bedroom apartments in a few weeks’ time, which will include kitchen and bathroom fit outs, new flooring, walls, furniture and bedding. For further details see ivorypalmsresort.com.au

Choice Adds CanberraChoice Hotels Asia-Pac has added Canberra’s Clifton Suites on North-bourne property, which last week re-launched as Pacific Suites Canberra, an Ascend Hotel Collection member, to its portfolio. It’s the seventh prop-erty the hotel franchisor has added to its portfolio this year.

Fri 15 May 15 P3Thu 19 May 16 p5if not, e-mail

news@traveltoday.co.nz

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Agents on a Viva Expeditions and Chimu Adventures famil in Bue-nos Aires have been exploring the city’s colourful and historical neighbourhoods, while a high-light was an ‘Argentina experience’ where they learned some local lingo, enjoyed local food and wine with local hosts, and participated in an empanada making competi-tion. Pictured: 1 Erica Hendley, AMEX Travel & Lifestyle at the San Telmo markets. 2 Cindy Bakewell of NZ Travel Brokers in la Boca. 3 Carol

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Kiwi Agents Explore Buenos Aires

Patten, House of Travel Lower Hutt; Laura Mules, Orbit Christchurch; and Adam Thomas, Air New Zea-land at the Argentina experience. 4 Rachel Richards, Aspire Travel won the empanada competition with her kiwi-shaped treat. 5 Lee Johns, Air New Zealand Travel Broker and Carol Patten, House of Travel Lower Hutt.

CX London, Manchester Cathay Pacific has released special one-way fares from Auckland to London from $939. The fares are on sale to 30 Jun for travel between now and 30 Sep. Meanwhile, those looking to explore the British Isles can take advantage of the airline’s return fares from Auckland to Manchester from $2159, also for sale until 30 Jun, and for travel between 15 Oct and 30 Nov. All fares include taxes and fly via Hong Kong.

Iran Info EveningInnovative Travel invites agents to an Iran travel information evening 07 Jul 1800-1900 at the Birkenhead RSA. Attendees will have the chance to understand more about the desti-nation and learn how to sell Ancient Kingdoms Persia with confidence. The evening will be presented by Iranian-born travel specialist Abol-fazl Moghadam, in conjunction with Ancient Kingdom Holidays. E-mail bdm@innovative-travel.com by 15 Jun to register.

‘Holiday Wills’ TrendLawyers in the UK are reporting a growing trend in clients making wills shortly before they leave on holiday, because of recent terror attacks and air disasters. Some will create their will just before leaving while others are apparently making wills solely based on if they die on holiday.

Albatross 2017 DatesAlbatross Tours has released its 2017 European Summer Tour dates and is inviting agents to pre-register their clients to secure their preferred travel dates. Pre-registration is free with de-posits due in Aug to secure the dates. New 2017 tours include the 17-day Northern Spain and the Pyrenees, and the 11-day Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley. See albatrosstours.co.nz/2017-european-summer-tours

Travel Today, Thursday 19 May 2016 Page 6

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Fri 15 May 15 P3Thu 19 May 16 p6

News & Product

Trafalgar is urging clients to pre-register before heading away on their holiday so they can enjoy a ‘more personalised’ experience—and it’s promising agents the registration won’t be used to target clients.The company has launched a Manage My Booking pre-holiday registration system for guests, where they can tell Trafalgar about their interests, dietary preferences and room requirements.“Logistically, by entering passport de-tails, holidays are as seamless as pos-sible from start to finish making hotel and flight check-ins or security checks hassle-free,” says chief executive Gavin Tollman. “Most importantly, by having our guests’ emergency contact details, in the unlikely event that this informa-tion is required, it is quickly available.”The system benefits agents as much as clients so they shouldn’t be worried about encouraging clients to register, he says.“Trafalgar’s position has always been clear that your client is your client. A happy client is a loyal client. Knowing what they want is at the heart of mak-ing them happy. They will buy from

you time and again, as they should,” he says. “We want guests to be assured of the service of our joint partnership, ensuring that agents look like the professional for having recommended Trafalgar.”

Trafalgar: Why To Pre-Register Clients

ISSN 1176-5275Travel Today (incorporating Tabs on Travel) is published by Tabs on Travel Ltd, New Zealand. Ph +64-9-415 8111.news@traveltoday.co.nz tony@traveltoday.co.nz

© All contents are copyright, and must not be transmitted or copied without specific approval.PO Box 305-167, Triton Plaza, Auckland 0757, New Zealand.Bld F, 14-22 Triton Dr, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand.

Click Here to SubscribePresenters from Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Peru and Tierra Ho-tels Chile shared updates on South America during Adventure World’s Latin Extravaganza on 12 May 2016. Some 50 attendees joined the event at the Air New Zealand Customer In-novation and Collaboration Centre. Tori Keating, who ventured to Auckland from World Travellers Queenstown, won a nine-day Chile Package courtesy of Akorn DMC, Chile and Tierra Hotels. Pictured at the event is: 1 Adven-ture World’s Tom Wardell, Lara Kamionka and Marlene Lowe. 2 Bryce Read, Travel Managers; Tim Holden, Flight Centre; and Michelle Rowe, STA Travel. 3 Jacqui Williamson, Travel Brokers and Sharon O’Brien, Live Breath Travel.

Adventure World’s Latin Extravaganza

Tribute ExpansionStarwood Hotels & Resort’s Tribute Portfolio has announced three new signings, bringing its footprint to 20 properties worldwide. This includes its first property in China, to be located in Shanghai, and continuing to expand in Flor-ida, with signings in Tampa and Sarasota.

Dine Around ManhattanL o w e r M a n h a t t a n’s p o p u l a r community food fair, Dine Around Downtown, will return to 28 Liberty Plaza on 08 Jun from 1100-1500. Signature menu items will be avail-able from participating restaurants for between USD3-USD7, with mu-sic by The National Jazz Museum in Harlem All-Stars. It’s free and open to the public.

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Travel Today, Thursday 19 May 2016 Page 7

Hyatt HeathrowA new 170-room Hyatt Place London Heathrow/Hayes has opened, mark-ing the introduction of the Hyatt Place brand in the UK. Located less than 16km from Heathrow Airport, Hyatt Place London Heathrow/Hayes features a casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. The Heathrow Express connects guests to Central London with trains depart-ing every 15 minutes, while Oxford and Windsor are a short distance away on the M4 motorway.

Plaza Lounges At HKGPlaza Premium Group has been appointed by Cathay Pacific to operate and manage the carrier’s The Wing, The Pier and The Cabin lounges at Hong Kong International Airport, with effect from 01 May. It already operates The Bridge and The Arrival.

Corporate Travel SummitThe Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) and CAPA Centre for Aviation are hosting a Corporate Travel Day Summit in Sydney on 22 Jun. The summit will discuss themes including traveller well-being in a world of heightened risk, getting inside the corporate traveller psyche, using data better for busi-ness and busting corporate travel payment myths and facts. For de-tails CLICK HERE

A new study from Go Euro has found that when comparing major intra-European routes, travelling by rail saved clients anywhere be-tween one to four hours compared to flying (including wait time and airport transits). A train from Brussels to Paris could take only one hour 22 minutes, as opposed to five hours and 30 minutes when flying; a train from Brussels to Frankfurt takes three hours and

five minutes, whilst catching a flight would take five hours and 15 min-utes, says the study. In addition, a train from London to Paris would take only two hours and 16 minutes, whilst a flight would take three hours and 57 minutes, saving travellers one hour and 41 minutes; and those travelling by train from Barcelona to Madrid, or Madrid to Sevilla, could shave one hour and five minutes off their travel time by taking a train rather than flying. Other routes such as Dusseldorf to Amsterdam; Rome to Milan; and Brussels to Lyon, Am-sterdam or London, also proved to take much less time by train. “Train travel in Europe is not only faster, it’s often more comfortable and time-efficient in that you don’t need to turn off your electronic de-vices aboard the train. Many trains even have Wi-Fi on board and plugs to keep your devices charged,” says GoEuro’s Naren Shaam. “. . . With the expected worsening of airport secu-rity delays this (northern) summer, looking at rail options for travelling in Europe would be a smart move.”

New Jakarta AccomThe all-new, all-suites Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta at Capital Place is now confirming reservations and will be welcoming guests starting 20 Jun. The hotel is the centrepiece of a mixed-use development that also includes an office tower; whilst the hotel itself features 125 guest suites with panoramic skyline views, a spa and fitness centre, event spaces and four food and beverage options. It is 40 minutes by car from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, with easy access to all major business destinations in the city. To celebrate its grand opening, the hotel has an introductory offer with special room rate and daily credit of IDR1,000,000 through 31 Jul.

Euro Train Travel: Where It’s Faster

EK Premium Economy?E m i r at e s i s c o n s i d e r i n g t h e possibility of introducing a premium economy class, EK boss Tim Clark told media while announcing the airline’s latest financial results. “We’re looking at all sorts of opportunities in terms of product development but clearly there’s a business case for looking seriously at premium economy,” he says. “That’s not to say we are definitely going to do it, but we are looking at it.” Such a move would bring the carrier closer in line with partner Qantas, which offers premium economy on its A380 flights to Dubai.

Events In VanuatuHoliday Inn Resort Vanuatu will offer a range of benefits for event organis-ers when it re-opens on 01 Jun, almost 15 months after closing due to dam-age inflicted by Tropical Cyclone Pam.The resort will offer both flexible and intimate conference solutions with extra benefits including food and beverage, creative room set-up and technology inclusions. There’s several packages to choose from including versatile function rooms, marquee space on the private beach and vari-ous onsite locations, with options for up to 200 delegates. Full and half day conference packages are available and include room hire, food and bever-age catering, complimentary use of lecterns, projectors and whiteboards.

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Travel Today, Thursday 19 May 2016 Page 8

The Crown Group has this week announced it’s opening a new apartment hotel brand to Parra-matta, Sydney early next year. Skye Hotel Suites will form part of the 29-storey V by Crown Group development known as Parramatta’s ‘Vertical Village’. The Sydney property will include 72 studio, one-bedroom and two-bed-room suites, and include access to V’s pool, gym, restaurant, sauna, business centre and dining and retail piazza. It will also include a 26-level sky bar (pictured) with open air ter-race and views of the Sydney sky-line. The suites will be the first of

New Crown Brand

many around the world, says Crown, which also plans to open Skye Hotel Suites in Sydney’s CBD and Green Square in the near future.Crown boss Iwan Sunito says there’s a need for luxury apartments as more people travel to Australia for business and holidays. “This has created a gap in the market as the demand increases for luxury hotel-style serviced apartments in Sydney and Australia,” he says. “Expanding into the transient short-term ac-commodation market will provide a strong foundation our continued expansion both locally and across the region.”

Wyndham RewardsWyndham has revamped its Rewards loyalty programme by introducing four distinct levels and offering spe-cial experiences among its redemp-tion options.Rewards members will now belong to one of four levels (Blue, Gold, Platinum and Diamond) and will be offered new benefits that increase by level, from rollover nights to annual point bonuses. When rewards members redeem their points for a stay in one of the programme’s top 25 destinations, they can also receive a bonus expe-rience such as indoor skydiving in Orlando or breakfast with the orang-utans at Singapore Zoo.Complementing these are a host of other member perks, including free Wi-Fi, late check-out, early check-in, room upgrades, welcome amenities and more, depending on the reward level.Member Levels benefits went live on 18 May, and current Wynd-ham Rewards members can check their status by logging into their account v ia the Wy ndham Re-wards mobile app or website. See wyndhamrewards.com

Caloundra ConferencesBreakFree Grand Pacific in Caloundra has recently completed a renovation of its conference space, including upgraded soft and hard furnishings in the two conference rooms such as new furniture and lighting. The conference upgrade follows the facelift of the resort in late 2015, which saw a full repaint to the building, renovations to the porte-cochere and refurbishments to the pool area.“Conference organisers and delegates alike will appreciate the changes we’ve incorporated to what was already a great conference and leisure resort,” says general manager Alan Golley.

Adina For FremantleA new Adina Apartment Hotel will open in Fremantle as part of a mixed-use commercial, retail and dining precinct in the West End, expected to open in Jul 2018. The hotel, opposite Fremantle’s port and cruise ship ter-minal, will occupy levels eight-11 of the 11-storey building. As well as 141 rooms (consisting of 60 studios, 73 one-bedroom apartments and eight two-bedroom apartments), it will feature a pool, gym, 235m² of meet-ing space and an on-site car park.