Thursday 10 March 2016 Issue 3264

News.......................... p1, p2, p4, p5, p6Cruising Today................................. p3APT ...............................................p7-8

8 Pages This Issue

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

11-13 AprilAKL • TRG • HLZ

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Gold Coast Tourism Agents Function

AucklandNapierJetstar flying to the biggest towns in NZ starting with ‘N’Flights are operated by Eastern Australia Airlines for Jetstar Airways.

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Couple’s $26k Lost BagAir New Zealand has won an appeal against a Disputes Tribunal decision around a couple who tried to claim $15,000 from the airline to replace the clothing in their lost bag.The couple travelled to London last year on an NZ flight, but their bag was left behind in Los Angeles and didn’t arrive for another nine days. They say they were told by an NZ rep that clothes lost would be replaced on a ‘like-for-like basis’, so spent more than $26,000 replacing the lost items.Travel insurance paid out $1900 and the couple brought a Disputes Tribu-nal claim for $15,000 against NZ. The carrier argued the tribunal didn’t have jurisdiction to hear the claim as it arose out of the Montreal Convention, which limited the airline’s liability to about $2125. While the tribunal found it did have jurisdiction, the High Court in Christchurch has overruled that decision, but NZ will have to pay the amount decided by the convention.

Qatar To AKL From DecQatar Airways has confirmed it will launch flights between Doha and Auckland from 03 Dec, operating a B777 on what will become the world’s longest flight. The AKL flight is one of 14 new destinations announced by the carrier on the opening day of ITB Berlin. Other new destinations in-clude Pisa, Sarajevo, Helsinki, Skopje, Nice, Marrakech and the Seychelles.“These new destinations are where our customers want to go, and where we see the most opportunity to pro-vide a best-in-class experience at great value. We look forward to grow-ing our network and welcoming new passengers to Qatar Airways,” says QR boss Akbar Al Baker.

S out h E ast Asi a once agai n dominated the regions where Kiwi travellers got the best hotel deals last year, while the US took four of the five cities where they paid the most, according to the latest Hotels.com Hotels Price Index for 2015.Thailand offered the best value for money for Kiwis, according to the index, which tracks the movement in prices that people paid for their accommodation.Bangkok was particularly good value, where prices rose by 13% but stayed low at $103pn. This was fol lowed by Phuket , w h i c h s aw a 6 % d e c l i n e t o $107pn; Kuala Lumpur hotels av-eraged $111pn; and in Bali, av-erage room rates were $134pn.

For a second year running, Paris saw the biggest fall in the average price paid by New Zealanders last year, falling 15% to $218 per night. Kiwi favourite Rarotonga also saw a fall in average prices, down 12% to $234pn; while in Australia, Brisbane rates dropped 9% to $173pn. At the same time, Sydney increased 3% to $226pn.New York took the top spot of where Kiwi travellers paid the most for a hotel, with an average cost of $341pn; followed closely by Hono-lulu ($327); San Francisco ($321); and Los Angeles ($266).

. . . And At HomeThe average price paid for a hotel room in New Zealand increased by 6% year-on-year in 2015—during which time the country welcomed record numbers of international visitors.The average price paid by both international and domestic travel-lers in New Zealand last year was $173pn, compared with $163 in 2014.Some 80% of New Zealand destina-tions on the index saw an increase in average price, led by Auckland, up 12% to $175pn, followed by Queen-stown and Palmerston North (up 11% to $235 and $133 respectively). Only Christchurch, Dunedin, Napier and Nelson saw the average price fall, all by 1%.

Where Kiwis Get The Best Hotel Deals

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Auckland Airport has been named the overall winner of the 2016 Routes Asia Marketing Awards, which recognise airports that pro-vide the best marketing support and services to airlines.The award recognises the results the airport has achieved ‘from success-fully selling Auckland as a destina-tion for international airlines’, says

airport gm aeronautical commercial Norris Carter.“We have been very focused on de-veloping strong commercial partner-ships that deliver sustainable and mutual benefits for both the airport and international airlines that fly here,” says Carter.“We have also invested in market-ing initiatives in New Zealand and overseas, and invested in market research, especially in relation to the Chinese tourism market.”The airport’s efforts have seen inter-national passenger numbers grow 7.6% to 8.5 million in the year to Jan, while eight airlines have either com-menced or announced new services in the past year (Air New Zealand, Emirates, American Airlines, Air Asia X, United Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China and Philippine Airlines).The 2016 Routes Asia Marketing Awards were voted on by a panel of leading Asia Pacific airlines. Auck-land Airport has now been short-listed for the 2016 World Routes Marketing Awards to be announced in China later this year.

AKL Airport Wins Routes Asia Award

Club Med Maldives FamilKiwi agents have just under a month to win themselves a place on a famil to Club Med Kani in the Maldives. The top 10 sellers of Clud Med bookings to any resorts around the world made 01 Feb-08 Apr will be in to win the five-day trip, and there’s double points for selling a combined Club Med and Singapore Airlines package, as well as bonus entries for booking Club Med Kani, Finolhu Luxury Villas, Bintan Island and Bali. For details email jodie.weeks@clubmed.com

DreamWorks PassesAir New Zealand has double passes to give away for the new DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition at Te Papa, on until 28 Mar. The exhibition fea-tures more than 400 items includ-ing concept drawings, models and artworks. Tickets will be issued on a first come first serve basis, email your name, phone number, postal address and how many you need to incentive@airnz.co.nz

AUH Flights ResumeAbu Dhabi Airport suspended all flights for a period yesterday due to severe weather in the United Arab Emirates. The airport says flight operations have resumed but passen-gers should check with their airlines for an update on flight schedules.

EK: 13% CommissionEmirates advises agents that it is offering 13% commission on its EK Dubai Stopover for bookings to 31 Mar. See emiratesagents.com/nz

Stowaway BabyPassengers on a flight who noticed movement from a woman’s carry-on bag were shocked to discover it con-tained a one-year-old baby, accord-ing to widespread reports.Passengers on the Air France flight from Istanbul to Paris notified the crew after seeing the bag move, and French authorities were on hand to meet the flight. The child was travelling without a ticket, the airline has reportedly confirmed.

Win A Red Centre TripExcite Holidays is looking for an agent to send on a luxury Red Cen-tre adventure in the Northern Ter-ritory. To be in to win, agents need to make a paid booking with Excite between 07 Mar and 31 May, with ever y booking giving them an entry in the draw. The prize includes flights for two to Ayers Rock, three nights at Sails in the Desert, Sounds of Silence dinner for two, and an Uluru sunrise and guided base walking tour. See exciteholidays.com

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Scenic’s 30th YearIn Oct this year, Scenic will celebrate its 30 year anniversary and just how far it has come since 1986 when it first started out as a domestic coach tour operator in Australia—whereas now its specialises in cruising and travelling to every continent and over 60 countries across the globe. Clients can look forward to a program of activities onboard and on tour dur-ing Oct; while agents can gear up for marketing activity in preparation for this, says Scenic. And its innova-tions are looking set to continue, with founder Glen Moroney saying this year heralds a new direction for Scenic, with the launch of its Ocean Cruise Line and the world’s first Dis-covery Yacht—Scenic Eclipse. Fur-ther details of its 30 year celebrations will be announced shortly.

Life Onboard, Full-timeAn 87-year-old American woman has been living onboard cruise ships for nearly eight years now—and she doesn’t have plans to get off anytime soon. Following the death of her husband, who told her to never stop cruising, the woman took his advice quite seriously, say reports. She sold her house, furnishings and collectibles to become a permanent resident on the ship, and now spends her time (currently living onboard Crystal Serenity) making friends with the crew and new passengers, making the most of the cocktail parties, reading, watching movies and enjoying the peace and quiet of the ship while other passengers are ashore—she doesn’t often go ashore as she has been most places plenty of times already.

Captain Cook Cruises’ MV Reef Endeavour will deliver food, clothing and basic supplies to the residents of the Lau Islands, during its current 11-night Lau Islands Cruise, after the villages were destroyed by Tropi-cal Cyclone Winston. The cruise line has partnered with Rotary Club Fiji and Sea Mercy—who have supplied the goods—as well as The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove which is col-lecting cash donations on behalf of the cruise line. “Although we don’t know exactly what to expect when we visit the islands and their villages, we do know that we will be able to deliver much needed basic supplies like clothing and food straight to them,” says Captain Cook Cruises Fiji’s Jackie Charlton.

The team at Avalon Waterways are gearing up for their 2017 season launch, with plenty of trade events scheduled around the country dur-ing Apr.The season is already set to start with a bang, with one of its newest Suite Ships, the Avalon Imagery II, to be christened in early Apr with broad-caster and ‘Mother of the Nation’ Judy Bailey as its godmother—‘making for a truly extraordinary occasion for the New Zealand market and a great way to start our 2017 season’.Not only this, but the line has had ‘a lot of interest and enquiries’ since it launched its 2017 preview offer, where clients had the chance to secure $4000

air credit per couple. “We’ve never done that before; it was big for both the agents and the consumer,” says Avalon.Agents attending the events will learn about the line’s popular itinerar-ies, such as its Magnificent Europe; Romantic Rhine; The Legendary Danube; and its France-focused itin-eraries like Burgundy & Provence, as well as what’s ‘new and exciting’ for its upcoming 2017 season—while enjoy-ing drinks and canapes. There are 19 trade events scheduled across New Zealand, which will be hosted by Avalon’s Steve Ovens, Brett Simon or Kate Imrie. To find the event closest to you, and to RSVP, CLICK HERE

RSSC’s Female CaptainRegent Seven Seas Cruises has hired its first female captain. Serena Melani of Italy has been appointed to captain the Seven Seas Mariner and is one of just a handful of women to command a major cruise vessel.

Dalton To UniworldFiona Dalton, the Qantas Holidays/Viva! Holidays general sales manager in Australia has been appointed as the new managing director for Uniworld in Australia. A replacement for Dalton is now being sought, says helloworld.

Avalon 2017 Launch, Agents Invited

Double The Fun, SavingsSeadream Yacht Club advises agents of its two sailings from Cannes to Civitavecchia, and vv, which clients can do back-to-back with savings of USD2000 per couple, or USD500pp savings for one sailing. The first sev-en-day sailing, from Cannes to Civi-tavecchia, will include an overnight in Monte Carlo and a second overnight in Bonifacio; while the second seven-day trip will sail from Civitavecchia back to Cannes, with stops at en-tirely different ports. Onboard the SeaDream I, that carries just 112-pas-sengers, the seven-day sailings are priced from USD4426pp. Promo code PS0316 must be used when booking. See seadream.com for more.

Fiji Supplies Delivered

Fri 15 May 15 P3Thu 10 Mar 16 P4

News & Product

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Geary Tonga Resort RepMike Geary from Eye 4 Travel has been appointed as the New Zealand representative for Tonga’s Liku’alofa Beach Resort. Geary will be responsible for all aspects of the sales and marketing for the resort, effective 14 Mar. The resort on the West Coast of Ton-gatapu offers 10 garden view and five ocean view fales, and was last year awarded a Tripadvisor Cer-tificate of Excellence for the fourth year running, says Geary. “There’s a fantastic staff there and it’s re-ally what comes from the ‘heart’ that really makes them different,” says Geary.

Latest UMI WinnerGraham Kevern from House of Travel Rangiora has won a GoPro HERO4 in the G Adventures Uber Massive Incentive (UMI). “I feel sure I will have to ‘share’ this with my 18-year-old daughter, as her ability to use it to its fullest is a lot higher than myself,” says Kevern. There are still two trip prizes up for grabs in the UMI, as well as more priz-es like the GoPro, which Kiwi agents can get their hands on by making a booking with G during Mar.

Wendy Wu Ex CHC, WLGWendy Wu Tours has common-rated all of its China and Japan tours be-tween Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland, so passengers from CHC and WLG will no longer face sur-charges, the company has advised.

Cathay Pacific Group’s profit increased 90.5% to HKD6 billion ($1.14 billion) in 2015, thanks to a combination of low fuel prices and strong demand in economy class.T he 2 0 1 5 prof i t comp ares to HKD3.15 billion the year before. Pas-senger revenue was HKD73 billion ($13.95 billion), a decrease of 3.5% compared to 2014. Capacity rose 5.9%, reflecting the introduction of new routes and increased frequen-cies on some other routes; while load factors grew by 2.4 percentage points to 85.7%.Economy class demand was strong but while premium class demand improved on regional routes it was not as strong as expected on some long-haul routes, notes the carrier.Tota l f uel costs decreased by HKD14.56 billion (NZ$2.78 billion) or 37.8% compared to 2014, despite increases in capacity. Fuel is still the group’s most significant cost, accounting for 34.0% of total operat-ing costs in 2015.

. . . Looking AheadThe operating environment last year was better than in 2014 but there

were still some ‘significant challeng-es’ which Cathay expects to continue this year, says chairman John Slosar.“Strong competition from other air-lines in the region, foreign currency movements and weak premium class passenger demand will put pressure on passenger yield,” he says.Overall passenger demand remains strong and the group expects to con-tinue to benefit from low fuel prices, while subsidiaries and associates are expected to continue to perform well. “We are confident of longer-term success, and we will continue to help our passengers to travel well,” says Slosar.

Cathay Profit Up 90.5% For 2015

Rocky Stay, PlayRocky Mountaineer has extended its Stay and Play offer for sales through until 08 Apr. New bookings of seven nights or more receive up to CAD600 per couple in added value, which can be used on extra hotel nights, activi-ties, tours and more. New bookings of four to six nights receive CAD200 per couple.

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All Blacks Tours today launched pack-ages around the All Blacks games in Argentina and South Africa later this year, and they’re expected to be big sellers.“We speak to a lot of All Blacks fans that have always wanted to go to these countries and the opportunity to take in some world-class rugby and sup-port their team is the perfect reason to go,” says ABT general manager David Caldwell—who adds they have received ‘a lot of enquiries about these tours over the past six months’. The All Blacks take on Argentina on 01 Oct before flying to Durban to face South Africa on 08 Oct. There’s a range of packages available, from weekend options (from $1185) to a 19-night tour taking in both countries (from $11,895pp). The packages are commissionable to agents at the new rate of 10%. Agent versions of the brochure are available on request.

Fri 15 May 15 P3Thu 10 Mar 16 P5

News & Product

Industry Diary1800. Carterton: Tue 15, Events Centre, 1800. Palmerston North: Wed 16, Pavillion Motel & Conference Centre, 1800.

SPANTO roadshowQueenstown: Tue 15, Heritage Hotel, 1730. Dunedin: Wed 16, Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, 1730.

Innovative Travel WWI Western Front Information Evening Christchurch: Thu 17, RSA 74 Armagh Street, 1730. Auckland: Tue 22, RSA Birkenhead, 1730.

APRILTourism Fiji Bula Marau Family RoadshowPalmerston North: Mon 04, Distinction Hotel, 0700-0930.Christchurch: Mon 04, Tait Conference Centre, 1730-2015. Wellington: Tue 05 April, Amora Hotel, 1730-2015. Hamilton: Wed 06, Ferrybank Reception Centre, 1730-2015. Auckland: Thu 07, Stamford Hotel, 1730-2030. Auckland North Shore: Fri 08, QBE Stadium, 0700-0930.

Avalon Waterways 2017 LaunchKerikeri: Wed 06, The Fish Bone, 1730. Lower Hutt/Wellington: Wed 06, La Bella Italia, 1745.

Whangarei: Thu 07, Dickens Inn, 1730. New Plymouth: Thu 07, Waterfront Hotel, 1745. Hamilton: Mon 11, Hamilton Gardens cafe, 1745. Tauranga: Tue 12, Macau, 1745. Dunedin: Tue 12, Wains Hotel, 1730. Auckland, East: Wed 13, Fisher House, 1745. Timaru: Wed 13, Mocca Cafe, 1730. Napier: Wed 13, Crown Hotel, 1745. Auckland, West: Thu 14, The Falls, Henderson, 1745. Palmerston North: Thu 14, Distinction, 1745. Ashburton: Thu 14, Lushingtons, 1730. Auckland, North: Tue 19, Takapuna Boating Club, 1745. Christchurch: Tue 19, Dux Central, 1745. Invercargill: Wed 20, Kelvin Hotel, 1730. Queenstown: Thu 21, Copthorne Hotel, 1745. Nelson: Wed 27, Monaco Resort, 1730. Blenheim: Thu 28, Watery Mouth Cafe, 1730.

Queensland on TourQueenstown: Wed 06-Fri 08, Skyline Queenstown.

Gold Coast Tourism Agents FunctionAuckland: Mon 11, Everybodys, 1730.Tauranga: Tue 12, Trinity Wharf, 1730. Hamilton: Wed 13, Gothenburg, 1730.

Samoa Tourism Exchange 2016Tue 12-Thu 14, details tba.

MARCH 2016Air New Zealand Vietnam RoadshowChristchurch: Mon 14, Zaffron, 1800-2000. Dunedin: Tue 15, Vault 21 – 21 The Octagon, 1730-2000. Hamilton: Tue 22, Viet Thai Village, 1800-2000. Auckland: Wed 23, Air New Zealand Customer, Innovation and Collaboration Centre, 1800-2000.

JAWS RoadshowNapier: Mon 14, War Memorial Conference Centre, 48 Marine Parade, 1700-2000. Wellington: Tue 15, Rydges WLG, 75 Featherston Street, 1700-2000. Palmerston North: Wed 16, Distinction Hotel, 175 Cuba Street, 1700-2000. New Plymouth: Thu 17, Novotel Hotel, Cnr Of Hobson and Leach Streets, 1700-2000. Tauranga: Tue 22, Tauranga Yacht Club, 70 Keith Allen Drive, 1700-2000. Hamilton: Wed 23, Novotel Tainui, 7 Alma Street, 1700-2000.

Cook Islands RoadshowAuckland CBD: Thu 10, The Heritage Hotel, 1730-2030.

The Safari Company information eveningsTaupo: Thu 10, Catellis Motel & Conference Centre, 1800.Napier: Mon 14, War Memorial Rm1,

Vanuatu Tourism RoadshowChristchurch: Mon 18. Wellington: Tue 19. Auckland: Wed 20.Times and venues tba.

Asia Road Show: Cathay Pacific/Adventure World/ Exodus Breakfast updatesNew Plymouth: Tue 19. Palmerston North: Wed 20. Wellington: Thu 21. Times and venues tba.

Wendy Wu Tours Update & ‘Jungle Book’ film eveningChristchurch: Wed 27, Hoyts Riccarton, 1745. Wellington: Thu 28, The Embassy Theatre, 1800. Auckland: Thu 28, Rialto Newmarket, 1800.

MAYSPANTO roadshowHamilton: Tue 03, Ferrybank Reception Centre, 1730.Palmerston North & New Plymouth: TBA

Viva Expeditions and Chimu Adventures Experience South AmericaAuckland: Thu 12, Takapuna Boat Club, 1800-2000.

Adventure World Latin ExtravaganzaAuckland: Thu 12, 1730-2030, venue tba.

Contiki FlexibilityContiki has just released a Freedom Guarantee, which allows clients to change bookings or transfer deposits. Its Zero Change Fees means clients booked on any Contiki trip now have the flexibility to change their chosen trip or departure, with no fees to worry about (however normal cancel-lation fees will apply on trips changed within 45 days of departure). If the new trip is more expensive, clients can pay the difference, whilst if it is cheaper, Contiki will refund the dif-ference. Additionally, the FlexDeposit policy means once clients have paid their deposit, should they then need or choose to change their plans, the de-posit can be used as a credit towards a future Contiki adventure. If clients are unable to redeem their FlexDeposit they also have the option to gift it to a friend within five years of the original booking date. For further details see contiki.com/freedomguarantee

Sheraton GC GrandThe Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast is on its way to becom-ing Australia’s first Sheraton Grand property. Grand properties are a collection of premier hotels and re-sorts across the world, which feature ‘sophisticated design, iconic restau-rant concepts, elevated finishes and superior service’.The Grand label will help give the property a point of difference in the market, says sales manager Kerri Hamilton—who adds that the Kiwi market has been doing very well. “We’re certainly seeing some traction with being present in the market, and building those relation-ships.” The Gold Coast also seems to be a destination that’s sought after at the moment, says Hamilton.

. . . And In SydneyMeanwhile Sheraton on the Park in Sydney has also been selected for Grand status, but has put it off until it completes a planned renovation next year. It’s hoped the renova-tion, which will focus mostly on the property’s rooms, will be finished late 2017.

Starwood hosted wholesalers on a great race around Auckland last night, where teams had to answer questions, complete tasks and take plenty of selfies in order to win accommodation prizes.Melissa Plumb from Flight Centre won a stay at The Westin Denarau in Fiji with Air New Zealand flights. Other prize winners in-cluded Linda Hellesoe of House of Travel Product, who took home a two-night stay at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas; and Michelle Wetzell, Our Pacific, who won a two-night stay at the Le Meridien Tahiti.Pictured is: 1 Team Breezey: Michelle Wetzell, Our Pacific; Monique Chadwick, helloworld; and Starwood Fiji’s Sana Ali and Elsa Fernicle. 2 Winning team Aloft of Fun: Marieke Mendez, Starwood; Kirsty Goodhew, Flight Centre; Me-lissa Plumb, Flight Centre; Kerri Hamilton, Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast; and Linda Hellesoe, HoT Product.3 Team Fantastic Four: Matt Sturt, Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas; Jon Gwin and Laura Hill of HoT Product; and Sarah Burgenhagen, Sheraton Noosa.

Starwood’s Big Race

HoT Helping In FijiThe House of Travel Group is helping families in the Eastern Maritime Is-lands of Fiji to recover from Cyclone Winston.Together with Rosie Holidays, HoT is stocking a number of yachts with supplies which are being taken to the directly hit Makogai, Koro and Yadua islands. Supplies include tents, tar-paulins, water making machines, wa-ter purification tablets, basic medical supplies and staple foods. In phase two, they’ll bring items like basic building supplies, clothing, baby formula, nappies, insect repellent, candles, matches and soap.Last year HoT spent its sales incen-tive on helping the people of Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam in 2015, which funded the total rebuild and refurb of a classroom.

Warwick Fiji Giving Back Warwick International Hotels, with three resorts on the Coral Coast of Fiji, has distributed grocery packages to their immediate community on the Coral Coast, including to nine neigh-bouring villages and 34 settlements. Because of a lack of power following Tropical Cyclone Winston, the food delivery was made to 820 households within these areas, which is also where most of its Fiji staff come from.

Fri 15 May 15 P3Thu 10 Mar 16 P6

News & Product

Industry On The Greens At SKAL Bowls DayEight teams of four took to the greens at the Epsom Bowling Club for the annual Air Vanuatu-sponsored Skal Industry Bowls Day last Fri.The Mondo Raiders won the tournament, followed by the Regency Tourism Royals. A Christchurch Skal team led by Geoff Beaver came in third, and Beaver also won a trip to Vanuatu for bowling closest to the jack.Pictured is: 1 Gaye Wood of Regency Tourism in action. 2 The Mondo Raid-ers: David Boyce, Chris Hammonds, Margaret Rouse and Steve Kirwan.

‘Added value’ really works when the perceived value is greater than the actual cost!The cost of including a topical Lonely Planet Guide in a package is nothing compared to the value placed on it by your client.Enhancing your client relationship with Lonely Planet is ‘win/win’.Let Lonely Planet and Travel Today help!

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World Journeys is placing a huge focus on rail journeys this month, and for clients with India on their bucket-list it’s a great way to en-joy the best of the bustling coun-try while travelling in style, says visiting ground operator Perfect Travels.Represented by World Journeys in this market, Perfect Travels has a range of Indian rail journeys on offer, including the popular seven-night Palace on Wheels itinerary. Taking in the top sights of the North Indian state of Rajasthan, whilst travelling aboard a royal heritage-styled train, clients will visit the likes of Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jais-almer, Jodhpur, Agra and more. The train travels from place to place during the night so clients will have all day to enjoy the sights and sounds at each destination they visit along the way, Perfect Travel’s visit-ing executive director Adi Bajaj (pic-tured with World Journeys’ Davina Bicker) told Travel Today. He added that clients have their own guide, so whether they want to check out local restaurants, shopping bazaars, villages, forts and palaces or World Heritage sites, it doesn’t matter, it’s up to the client to decide. Clients who book this tour by 31 Jul with World Journeys can enjoy two free nights at a Deluxe Delhi hotel, a free Delhi Old & New City tour and a welcome dinner with wine, with prices starting from $5645pp t/s, with many inclusions.Other highlights include the seven-

night The Golden Chariot Southern Splendour itinerary where clients will visit the hot spots in Southern India, such as Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai, Alleppey and more. While there is also a seven-night Maha-rashtra Splendour journey where clients will visit some of the most unexplored destinations of west-central India, including the World Heritage-listed Ellora Caves; the chance to witness a traditional mar-tial arts performance at Kolhapur; visit the beaches of Goa and more. Bajaj adds that its Indian rail jour-neys are perfect for solo travellers, couples, groups, families and more. World Journeys has further details.

India By Rail With World Journeys

Niue Endurance EventsNelson-based endurance athlete Nathan Fa’avae is set to take on new adventures in Niue as the ambas-sador for the nation’s triathlon-style Rockman Series, advises Niue Tour-ism. Fa’avae will be in Niue to help and encourage kids between the ages of 07-14 for the Junior Rockman Anchor Cup triathlon in 20 and 21 Apr; inspire adults taking part in the Rockman triathlon event 16-19 May; and get on his bike for the Ride the Rock cycling challenge 06-08 Jun, along with New Zealand The Bachelor star Art Green. To find out more about the Rockman Series see niueisland.com

Luxury Hotel RoadshowSome of the world’s luxury hotels will be on show for the first time this month with the inaugural Virtuoso New Zealand Travel Week roadshow. Virtuoso Asia-Pacific managing direc-tor Michael Londregan says this is the first time the company has offered access to their hotel partners through a local event, and reflects the growing demand for luxury travel from New Zealand travellers. “Last year saw a sizable increase, of more than 6%, in the number of New Zealanders travelling internationally, with a large number of these travellers seeking out luxury experiences,” he says. “With over 30 Virtuoso partner hotels and resorts on show, the road-show event will give local Virtuoso advisors the most up to date informa-tion on some of the most sought after luxury hotels across the world.”Over 40 luxury advisors are set to attend the session, to be held at the Aotea Centre in Auckland, 14 Mar.

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Book selected Royal Collection cruise holidays and you’ll Fly Free* to Europe, including air taxes of up to $250 per person.

2. FLY BUSINESS CLASS FOR $5,995^

Book selected Royal Collection cruise holidays in a Category T suite or above on Concerto ships and Category A suite or above on Aria ships, and you can fly Business Class for $5,995 per person, including taxes of up to $300 per person.

3. FLY FROM $795 INCLUDING TAXES^

Book a Royal Collection cruise holiday between 15-24 days and you’ll fly to Europe for $795 per person including taxes. On Royal Collection cruise holidays of 8-14 days, you’ll fly to Europe for $995 per person including taxes.

4. PAY NO SOLO SUPPLEMENT^

Book a Royal Collection cruise holiday departing in March, April, October, November or December and you’ll pay no solo supplement on the cruise portion of your holiday. Ask about our solo offers from May to September.

5. TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS AND SAVE*When six or more people book a European River cruise holiday of 15 days or more together, you will each receive $400 per person off your tour price.

6. EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT*Book a holiday of 8-14 days and pay in full 10 months prior to departure and you will save $200 a person. On holidays of 15 days or more, you will save $400 per person.

SAVE up to

$6,500per couple^

SAVE up to

$4,510per couple^

SAVE up to

$800per couple^

SAVE up to

$11,050 per solo

traveller^

SAVE up to

$800per couple^

SAVE up to

$8,710per couple^

Travel Today, Thursday 10 March 2016 Page 7

EXPERIENCES & INCLUSIONS

*Conditions apply. Information correct as of 14 January 2016 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. A limited number of all SuperDeal offers are available on select itineraries, suites and departures. All offers are available until 15 May 2016 unless sold out prior. All offers are strictly limited and may be withdrawn at any time. Only one SuperDeal offer per person applies and cannot be combined with any other offer, unless specified. ALL AIRFARE OFFERS: All flights (excluding business class offers) are based on wholesale airfares in economy class (H class) with Singapore Airlines depending on routing (or another airline of APT’s choosing). Offers are available from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. Flights must be booked by APT. All offers are subject to availability of airline and booking class. Once class is sold out surcharges apply. Flights must be booked by APT. Airline schedules are subject to change without notice and APT is not liable for any additional costs incurred due to airline schedule changes. A first non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per person is due within seven days of booking. A second non-refundable deposit of $2,000 per person is due by 31 October 2016. Final payment is due 100 days prior to the tour’s departure date. All air is ticketed upon receipt of the first deposit. Any changes made after ticketing, may incur an amendment or cancellation fee. FLY FREE INCLUDING TAXES: Offer is available as indicated in Europe 2017 Pre-Release brochure. Offer includes airfare. APT will pay air taxes of up to $250 per person. Surcharges will apply if air taxes exceed this amount. Saving of up to $6,500 per couple is based on an airfare of $3,250 per person including $250 air taxes when booking on a EURCRSP32 departure (July). FLY FOR $795/$995: Offers available as indicated in Europe 2017 Pre-Release brochure. Offers include airfare. APT will pay air taxes of up to $250 per person. Surcharges will apply if air taxes exceed this amount. Saving of up to $4,510 per couple is based on an airfare of $3,050 per person including $250 air taxes when booking an EURC15 departure (May). FLY BUSINESS CLASS FOR $5,995: Offer is available on Royal Collection holidays that include a river cruise of 14 nights or more in categoty T & above on Concerto ships and Category A & above on Aria ships. Offer excludes Douro, Basque Country & Bordeaux (EUDBC20/EUDBC17), Croatia & Balkan Peninsula (EUMCRC26/EUMCC26/EUMCRC29/EUMCC29) and Portugal & Spain with Rhine & Rhone (EURCRSP32/EURCRSP29). Offer includes air taxes up to the value of $300 per person. Saving of up to $8,710 per couple is based on an airfare of $10,350 per person including $300 air taxes when booking a Cat. T on a EUMC15 departure. PAY NO SOLO SUPPLEMENT: Offer is available on all cabin categories on Royal Collection cruises departing in March, April, October, November and December 2017. Offer applies on cruise and upgrade price only. Standard solo supplement applies for city stays and land extensions. Saving of up to $11,050 is based on booking a Cat. OS+ on a EUMC15 departure (October). AIR CREDIT: Offer is available as indicated on itinerary page. Airfare must be booked by APT. Credit cannot be redeemed for cash and is not transferable. TRAVELLING WITH FRIENDS: Offer available when six or more people book at the same time and travel together on the same tour departure date. Not combinable with any other group discount. This offer is combinable with applicable airfare and Early Payment Discount. When booking a tour of 15 days or more duration the ’15 days or more’ must be part of the tour and not made up of pre or post tour accommodation. EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT: Tour must be paid in full 10 months prior to departure date. This offer is combinable with applicable airfare offer, Solo Traveller Offer and Travelling with Friends discount. Please refer to APT’s 2017 Pre-Release Europe River Cruising Brochure or our website for full terms and conditions. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 44 004 684 619. APT3781_NZ

YOUR TRAVEL AGENTORDER YOUR FREE BROCHURE & DVD TODAY

APT CRUISE & TOUR DIRECTOROn Royal Collection holidays, an APT Cruise Director is present for your entire cruise, while an APT Tour Director escorts Land Journeys and Grand City Stays.

COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGESOn a Royal Collection cruise, a wide range of beverages are served at your discretion, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks and European tea and coffee.

EXCLUSIVE! SIGNATURE INVITATIONSHand-picked by APT, these exclusive or unique experiences complement your sightseeing, and are included on all Royal Collection holidays.

PRIVATE BUTLER SERVICEOn APT’s Royal Collection cruises, guests in select suites aboard our Concerto River Ships will enjoy the personalised attention of their own private butler.

AWARD- WINNING SERVICEOur experienced staff provide the ultimate in first-class service and have become renowned as a highlight of the APT journey. You’ll arrive as a guest and leave feeling like family.

GRATUITIES & PORT CHARGES Enjoy peace of mind knowing your port charges are covered and there’s no additional tipping required on board or onshore. You won’t need to worry about any unexpected extra expenses.

EXCLUSIVE! TWIN BALCONY SUITES™Aboard APT’s Concerto River Ships, our exclusive Twin Balcony Suites feature two unique balcony areas, and are the most well-appointed suites afloat.

EXCLUSIVE! A WEALTH OF DINING CHOICESAll meals during your cruise are included and we offer up to seven different dining experiences in a variety of locations on board.

EXCLUSIVE! FREEDOM OF CHOICEWe offer a choice of sightseeing activities in a range of places on your Royal Collection holiday, so that you can tailor your journey to suit your tastes.

SMALLER GROUP EXCURSIONSStep ashore and explore the landmarks and hidden gems of Europe. You’ll never miss a word of your guide’s insightful commentary with our lightweight wireless audio headsets.

INCLUDED INCLUDED

INCLUDED INCLUDED

INCLUDED INCLUDED

INCLUDED INCLUDED

INCLUDED INCLUDED

Travel Today, Thursday 10 March 2016 Page 8