Distribution: Times are a changing - Cook Islands Africa Thailand New Caledonia Rail Journeys
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Incentives, High Yield Leisure and Business Travel Management
April May 2011 www.travelinc.co.nz
Distribution:
Times are a
changing
Cook Islands
Africa
Thailand
New Caledonia
Rail Journeys
Travelling to
Auckland for
Business?
at “The Place to Meet!”
Everything you need to plan an offshore event
packed into one day
Pacific Area I ncentives & Conferences Expo 2011
All the products and services you need – packed into one place on one day
New Zealand based organisers of offshore incentives, meetings, special interest tours,
weddings, sports tours, corporate functions and other events are always looking for new
and exciting experiences to offer their clients and delegates. The Pacific Area Incentives
and Conferences Expo is the perfect forum for buyers to plan their events for 2012 and
beyond. The exhibition attracts the best locations, venues and services from Australia,
Pacific Islands, Asia, South America, Middle East and beyond.
SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre
November 9 2011 9.00am - 5.00pm
2011
To exhibit at PAICE contact Tess Mason on +64 9 818 7807 or email tess@promag.co.nz www.paicexpo.co.nz
Online visitor registration will be available from June
Expressions of interest from hosted buyers welcome – contact Ruth Scott on ruth@promag.co.nz
AT A GLANCE
Business travel course 3 Africa 18
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Socially responsible incentives, safari options,
will bring the Fundamentals of Business Travel Cape Town, Johannesburg and more
Management Course - Certified Travel Expert
(CTE) to New Zealand on May 11 Auckland Airport 30
Business hub takes off
We’re mobile 4
More than half of business customers now use Cook Islands 34
mobile technology when it comes to searching Weddings, business events and other special
14
and booking hotels, says a new survey occasions – plus the Visit Cook Islands forum
and trade show
Rail journeys 12
New Zealanders and Australians are New Caledonia 42
increasingly embracing great rail journeys, Noumea and beyond – the destination is
which prompted Rail Plus to introduce a making new strides in New Zealand
number of new options last year Rocky Mountaineer
Thailand 46
Supply chain 15 Traditional attractions, eco-tourism, medical
Consumer choice has never been so prolific tourism and more
when it comes to purchasing travel
Western Australia 50
The economy is upbeat, the climate
Mediterranean, the lifestyle West Australian
ALSO
Editorial and news 2 Short cuts 53
Corporate Travel 5 Diary dates 53
Paparazzo 6
Human resources 10
Cover story: The Place to Meet - Crowne Plaza
Auckland continues to attract steady corporate
travel and meeting business. See full story page 11
Ph: 64 9 375 4920
Email: meetings@crowneplazaauckland.co.nz
34
Nuptials in paradise
TravelInc is registered as a magazine and is published by ProMag Publishing Ltd.
Unit 3, 208 West Coast Road, Glen Eden, PO Box 60154, Titirangi, Auckland.
internet: www.travelinc.co.nz Phone: 09 818 7807. Fax: 09 818 7864.
Publisher/Editor: Stu Freeman email: stu@promag.co.nz Advertising Manager: Trish
Freeman email: trish@promag.co.nz Assistant Editor: Ruth Scott email: ruth@promag.co.nz
Administration Manager: Lindsay King Contributors: Kathy Ombler,
Design & production: Gary Covich email: studio@promag.co.nz Printing: Image Centre
Distribution: Western Mailing ISSN: 1176-936X
The material in this publication is subject to copyright. No part of the magazine may be reproduced without the
written permission of the publisher. No responsibility is accepted by ProMag Publishing for accuracy of information
contained in the text, illustrations or advertisements. The opinions in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the
views of the publisher.
West is worth it
52
editorial / news
Scrutinising the supply chain NZ cycle trail - in
In a price driven, technology rich, environment it will survive.
Rarotonga?
the travel consumer continues to be king (or In this bumper issue we have a number Tourism New Zealand and Cook Islands
queen) and both wholesalers and retailers need of other informative features, including nine Tourism Corporation are in discussion about
to be innovative to retain relevance. pages on Africa, largely sourced from the recent working more closely together when it comes
During research for our feature on the supply Meetings Africa exhibition. Following the to promotions in long haul markets.
chain (which begins on page 15 of this issue) FIFA World Cup last year, South Africa and its The Cook Islands is also hoping to develop
new Travel Agents Association of New Zealand neighbours are ‘flavour of the month’ at present its own cycle trail, and integrate it into the
(TAANZ) chief executive Andrew Olsen didn’t and a number of adventure travel wholesalers New Zealand cycleway – a move which is
beat about the bush. ‘Customers will always say African product is flying off the shelves likely to attract active Kiwis as well as visitors
find ways to reduce costs. Agents need to (excuse the pun). Exhibitors at Meetings Africa from further afield. ‘We are in dialogue with
demonstrate their value and expertise for a were certainly optimistic and there was so Tourism New Zealand to work more closely
transparent charge.’ much information to gather at the event that in international markets. That process is just
Olsen continued: ‘If you can demonstrate some of our African copy has ‘flowed over’ to starting, but it offers great potential,’ says the
the value, the customer will come.’ the June issue. corporation’s chairman Tata Crocombe.
Probably nobody in the industry would Other highlights of our April issue include ‘We would like to offer ourselves as the
disagree with the above statement, but just features on the Cook Islands, New Caledonia, tropical island offering of New Zealand. We
how the best service, knowledge, price and rail journeys, Auckland International Airport, think we can add to the New Zealand Pure
overall result should be delivered is a matter and Thailand. brand rather than detracting from it, there is
of debate. more potential than initially meets the eye.’
TRAVELinc assistant editor Ruth Scott talked Crocombe says there is a ‘common
to a range of wholesale and retail agents to partner’ in Air New Zealand. ‘They can
get a fix on just where the distribution chain see the point of the Cook Islands adding
stands at the moment. Among other things, to the (NZ) brand in long haul markets.’
she investigates whether the traditional model Stu Freeman (Full Cook Islands feature starts page 34)
is on the way to extinction, and if not, how Editor
Discover America Seminar
First time exhibitors Heather US Consul General, Randy Berry (centre) Aloha – Emma Hollick, Adventure World The GO Holidays team were out
Anderson and Lisa Itel, and Shane Boocock (left) and Mark (right) is greeted by Simone McCaffrey, in force and ready to do business.
Oregon Tourism Sheehan, El Monte RV Rentals Kaua’i Visitors Bureau and Steve From left; Peta Baldwinson,
Fairbanks, Turtle Bay Resort Hawaii Sheralyn Black and Nicole Showler
The Discover America Seminar took base, with large companies, the like of Nike and Australasian markets. Representatives of the
place in Auckland mid February and Columbia Sportswear, right on their doorstep, bay area at the Discover America Seminars
the positive feedback points to North and they are well geared towards the corporate included the 355 room Radisson Fisherman’s
America’s continuing popularity as an all- market. Wharf, the Cova Hotel with 96 rooms as
round destination. Darragh Walshe, The The MICE market is certainly of interest to well as the Blue and Gold Fleet and Red and
Walshe Group says visitor numbers for just Steve Fairbanks from Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu White Fleet - both operate cruises around the
10 months of 2010 were up by 31.2% for Hawaii. ‘Set on 356 hectares on the North Shore harbour and bay area.
the entire 2009 year, and the momentum of Oahu, we have over 30,000 sqm of meeting Handlery Union Square Hotel, located in
appears to be continuing into 2011. space and offer full conference services all the heart of downtown San Francisco, has
Held at SKYCITY Auckland Convention operating alongside a 36 hole championship meeting rooms to accommodate 10 to 85
Centre, over 20 exhibitors represented the golf course, two pools, 10 tennis courts as well delegates and 284 guest rooms. Jon Handlery,
US, including new exhibitor - Oregon. No as full restaurant, bar and spa facilities’. president of Handlery Hotels, is pleased to be
strangers to the C and I industry, Lisa Itel, With Air New Zealand operating direct hosting a large New Zealand and Australian
Oregon Tourism Commission, says the state flights to San Francisco, local operators are delegation for the forthcoming Pow Wow,
has a very strong conference and corporate pleased with the increased traffic from all the taking place in the city May 21 - 25.
2 travelinc april/may 2011
NEWS
Business travel course to launch in NZ
The Global Business Travel Association
(GBTA) will bring the Fundamentals of
Business Travel Management Course
- Certified Travel Expert (CTE) to New
Zealand on May 11.
The course will follow a cocktail event, serving
as the official launch of GBTA in New Zealand on
May 10.
Both events will be held at Mercure Auckland.
The cocktail function is being sponsored by
Accor and will be an opportunity for invited
guests to enjoy the newly refitted Attica Bar on
the top floor of Mercure Auckland.
Monica Gardner, director and board chair
of GBTA Australia/New Zealand, says the aim
of bringing the CTE course to New Zealand is Accor Hotels NZ is sponsoring the GBTA cocktail function on
to heighten the awareness of GBTA within this May 10 at Mercure Auckland’s swish, new, top floor Attica Bar
country. ‘The CTE is just one service that GBTA
offers. GBTA is committed to education, training lot of organisations. Proactive and innovative Attendees will hear expert course facilitators
and networking as a means of assisting and management of this category will bring benefit on the subjects of travel safety and security,
lifting the profile of business travel managers. to the organisation and the manager.’ travel spending trends and benchmark metrics.
The CTE will provide a background of what An overview of business travel technology
the organisation has to offer and encourage Starter course will be included, along with a comprehensive
commitment to GBTA in New Zealand. discussion on travel policy, savings opportunities
‘We’d like to have business travel better and calculating the ROI of a managed travel
identified in New Zealand, with more support The Fundamentals of Business Travel programme.
and networking as well as acceptance from Management Course is GBTA’s starter course,
management to assist our endeavours. Business focusing on the basics of business travel Win a place on course
travel is one of the high expenditure items in a management. The one day workshop is
designed as a guide to the primary components
Western
of managed travel and attendees will learn how TRAVELinc magazine is sponsoring a New
each component intersects with the required Zealand attendee on the Global Business
competencies and skill sets needed in business Travel Association (GBTA) course. Everyone
Australia travel management.
The course teaches participants to maximise
who registers will be in with a chance to be
the lucky attendee who has the course fee ($495
calls for PCOs cost containment, improve efficiency and
create a managed travel culture in a company.
for members, $595 for non members) paid
for by TRAVELinc.
Tourism Western Australia and Perth
Convention Bureau are hosting a function
for professional conference and incentive
organisers in Auckland on May 20.
Being held from 9.30am to 11am at the
Great Barrier Room, The Mercure Hotel, on
Customs Street, the occasion will acquaint
New Zealand business event managers with
what Perth and greater Western Australia
ExPEriENcE ThE DiffErENcE, ExPEriENcE SPENcEr
have to offer. It will also reveal the support
that is available via the Perth Convention iBook – iGet – iStay- iPod – iTouch – iPad!
Bureau both financially and professionally The Spencer on Byron Hotel in Takapuna has launched an exciting new incentive to book your next event
to ensure the success of a conference, at the hotel during 2011. The hotel can cater for 5 to 600 and offers 7 versatile meeting rooms and is only
10 minutes drive from the CBD.
meeting or incentive trip. With daily flights
• Book an event valued $5,000 or more and get a voucher for a free night
from Auckland to Perth with Air New and breakfast for two
Zealand, Western Australia is a convenient • Book an event valued $10,000 or more and receive an iPOD Nano
• Book an event valued $20,000 or more and receive an iTouch
alternative for groups. (Western Australia’s • Book an event valued $30,000 or more and receive an iPAD!
popular trade information evening will be Terms and conditions apply.
held on Thursday May 19.) To book call +64 9 9164977
See page 50 for Western Australia famil report Email meetings@spencerbyron.co.nz.
Visit www.spencerbyron.co.nz
travelinc april/may 2011 3
news
Greening the tower
It’s been three years since Tourism Ireland and SKYCITY
started a global trend of ‘greening’ tourism icons around the
world. Since then, on St Patrick’s day at 8.15 ‘atomic time’,
Auckland’s Sky Tower leads the world when it is illuminated Sally Holyer, VisitBritain; Tony Laskey,
Contiki; Vicki Bell and Terri Small, Supreme
with Ireland’s national colour, to be followed with the lighting Tours and Travel
of icons such as Table Mountain in Cape Town, Moulin Rouge
in Paris, New York’s Empire State Building and the London Eye.
Teresa Brooking, Walkers’
Enjoying genuine Irish and SKYCITY hospitality
World, Darragh Walshe,
in SKYCITY’s Club Lounge are, from left, Sam
Tourism Ireland, Tali Emdin,
Fowler, Air New Zealand Holidays; Julia Paley
World Expeditions and Jill
and Anne Graham, House of Travel Product
Grant, Walkers’ World
and Sara Lock, Escape Holidays
We’re Executive floor in Dunedin
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City opens its executive The executive floor offers three extra service
Mobile
floor on level eight this month (April 2011). General aspects – free 24 hour internet access for guests
manager Greg Hewland says the floor includes 11 (up to 50mb per 24 hours), free shoe polish
rooms (two of which can be sold separately or as (neutral polish) and a free drink in the house bar
a penthouse suite with an adjoining lounge area). or delivered to the room FOC. Robes and slippers
More than half of business customers now Hewland points out that the suite can be used for are standard in the rooms.
use mobile technology when it comes to small meetings and there is also a large L-shaped The executive floor rooms have 42” LED
searching and booking hotels, according to deck space ideal for cocktail functions or other televisions and radio clocks with ipod docks.
research released by Travelport. A business ‘fresh-air’ networking opportunities. The deck has Hewland says the hotel already has steady
services provider to the global travel industry, great views over the harbour and Dunedin’s new corporate business and the new rooms are
Travelport says the findings indicate a rapid Forsyth Barr Stadium. generating plenty of early interest.
increase in the use of mobile technology in the
Win with Maui Jim
business travel sector.
The survey, which polled over 600 corporate
travel buyers, travel agents, hospitality and
travel professionals globally, explored hotel
expectations and experiences of business
travellers.
Notable findings from the respondents
included:
• 80% would like to see mobile applications
offering suggested restaurants and bars around
the hotel location;
• 67% would like similar apps suggesting
recreational activities; Maui Jim has kindly offered TRAVELinc magazine a number of CONGRATULATIONS to
• 71% rank wifi as one of the most important spectacular sunglasses to give away. One pair will be given to a
lucky reader of this issue. To be in with a chance to win, just send
Heather Pattinson,
ANZ, Wellington, who
technology solutions that should be included
an email to competitions@promag.co.nz with Maui Jim in the correctly guessed that
as standard in hotel rooms (82% of surveyed
subject line. You will also need to answer the following question: Blue Lagoon Cruises
travellers expect this service to be in all rooms
What is the name of the Auckland hotel that features on the cover featured on the cover of
within five years). of this issue and in the cover story on page 11? the February issue.
4 travelinc april/may 2011
Corporate Travel
C&I – Gilpin’s
‘natural
extension’
A new team with fresh ideas has
been lined up for Gilpin Travel Events
as corporates look beyond the Rugby
World Cup later this year and get
back to consider exciting (though
still often short haul) destinations in
2012 and beyond.
Gilpin’s C&I team…Mel Snell, Tessa Anderson,
Sophie Killgour and Nicola Daverne
Account manager Tessa Anderson says that Anderson says another client is heading to ordered in what we do’ so adding the additional
while corporates often think about resorts in sun, Sydney for an exciting city experience this year. ‘For service is not a major leap.
sea and sand destinations for their incentives, the last 10 years, this group has had a resort style ‘Where the leap occurs is in creativity and that is
there are inspiring options in destinations they incentive and they wanted something different.’ what we are focusing on.’
may not have previously thought about. Sumner says Gilpin has a team with youth
‘We used Adelaide in February and the approach Promotional video and experience, without any restrictions in their
was about taking people out to experience South thinking.
Australia. For example, in the Barossa Valley we
offered three different tours.’ She says the event will include a promotional Contacts
The tours were a ‘foodie’s’ experience including video to ‘diarise the moment’ and Gilpin is also
a visit to Maggie Beer’s, a winery tour that focused assisting with aspects such as sourcing MCs and
on blending and education not just tasting, and a customising presentations. ‘By tapping into the services and contacts they
cycling tour of wineries where people could ride at Keith Sumner, managing director of Gilpin have they can bring it all together.’
their own pace. Travel, says the company is becoming more Joining Tessa Anderson in the events team
‘We had a number of special touches, including competitive in the conference and incentives (C&I) are Sophie Killgour, an award winning cruise
arriving at the InterContinental Hotel by boat area. ‘We see it as a natural extension of our one specialist; Mel Snell, who has a background as an
on the Torrens River. We also had a function on stop shop approach. Our customers want us to international corporate consultant; and Nicola
the terrace of the hotel, with wine and food deliver in this area and we they want us to fulfil Daverne, who returns to Gilpin after a year in
stations and knowledgeable staff on hand to their needs beyond the accommodation, flights Canada.
share information about the different wines and transfers.’ At the time of going to press there was another
being served.’ He says the Gilpin team are ‘natural organisers, addition to the team about to be announced.
travelinc april/may 2011 5
paparazzo
Pleasant flight
That was Tim, this is now Greeting consumers at the Flight Centre Travel Show
in Auckland – Koanne Cheong and Sian Cribbens,
No doubt about it – Tim Butcher is certainly a popular guy. The long time travel both from Flight Centre’s on-line marketing team
personality was recognised by millions (ok, we exaggerate) when he turned up
in our pages as the mystery person. As usual, there can only be one winner - a
bottle of fine wine is on its way to Carole Mills, Travel Managers, Papakura. Of
course we have another mystery to solve in this issue – scour these pages for
the circled person.
It’s certainly been a social start to 2011 as far as the travel industry goes – on
some days our photographers found themselves moving from one event to
another, to another, to….
Adventure World on road
Adventure World recently showcased a number of the products
it represents to travel agents in New Zealand.
Melissa Harris and Jo Jones,
both Adventure World, help out
behind the bar
Anthea Knott, Port Douglas
Treetops and Irene Jucker,
Dianna Schinella, Rocky Mountaineer; Gina Angsana Great Barrier Reef
McCarthy, United Travel Takapuna; Tanya
Chamberland, Brewster Travel Canada
Mamanuca moments Fiji’s Mamanuca regional roadshow travelled around the
country in February. Our photographer caught up with the
action at Stamford Plaza Auckland
Fiji smiles… Melanie Secker, World Resorts of Esava Nadalo, Fiji Visitors Bureau and Amanda Jillian Brodie and Amanda McAllister,
Distinction; Selina McGowan, Marine Tourism Inglis, Flight Centre St Heliers both House of Travel Ellerslie
Holdings; Kirstin Campbell, Ahura Resorts
6 travelinc april/may 2011
paparazzo
Striking Gold
The Gold Coast is ready for business – that At Degree Bar on the Viaduct in Auckland Gold Coast Tourism and partners also hosted a lunch
was the message when the region hit the Evita Liang, Settlers Tours; April Williams, at La Zeppa in Auckland. Catching up (from left) Wayne
Wyndham Surfers Paradise; Betty Wu, Deed, GO Holidays; Ken Holmes, Wildlife Currumbin
road around New Zealand.
Settlers Tours Sanctuary; Stacey Nancarrow, GO Holidays
When the Gold Coast road show stopped in at Palmerston
Michael Stephens, Breakers Apartments; Shelly Reilly, Village Roadshow Theme Parks & North it was Brent Haines, of Stephen Parsons’ House of
Kate Wilkie, Dreamtime Resorts; Lloyd Attractions; Sandra Vella, Harbour Town; Alicia Travel who won the prize pack. Sam Cameron, Gold Coast
Hastings, Red Back Car Rentals Szerszyn, Paradise Resort Tourism Bureau, hands over the goods
Rock around Taste of Europe
the Bluestone
Parnell’s La Cigale was the venue for Singapore
Airlines’ Taste of Europe event mid February,
which saw the airline host around 200 travel
agents and industry partners for dinner.
Tourism Victoria and Pacific Blue presented
Singapore Airline’s Murray Wild (left) and
a preview of the stage show Rock of Ages to
Richard Baker (right) presents prize winnner
selected guests at Bluestone Room in Auckland. Bradford Jacobsen, Carlson Wagonlit Auckland
Central with a trip for two to Europe
Sarah Jenson,
Stars Travel;
Liz Yeo, Orbit
Corporate
Travel; Christine
Kirkland,
Singapore
Airlines and
Linda Mabey,
Stars Travel
Jade Irons, freelance journalist; Dave Skelton, Rock of Ages;
Christine Penski, visitor from New Loren Taylor, Loren Taylor
York; Kim Choe, TV3 Events Creative
Who is this mystery man? The person of intrigue for April
Ross Manson, ITN Travel Group and Lydia Stoddart and Naomi is pictured here with Leena Bhikhavidas, Harvey World
Bruce Moffatt, Pacific Blue Enright, both Pacific Blue Travel; Jonathan McWatt, Singapore Airlines and Daryl
Gove, Flight Centre Whangaparaoa
paparazzo
Sundowners with Celebrity Sunshine comes
Celebrity Cruises launched their sailings for the 2011/12 season at The
Wharf in Auckland on March 17. The Celebrity Century will sail into Auckland
November this year for her down under voyages, cruising Australia, New
to Auckland
A pre Discover America evening was a great chance for local
Zealand and the South Pacific. The 1800 passenger ship features an Ice
media and industry to catch up with the Anaheim Orange
Bar with over 100 types of Vodka Cocktails, kids clubs as well as an award
County representatives. The delegation was excited to see
winning AquaSpa by Elemis. old faces as well as meeting new while at Prime Bistro, Quay
Kristen Edgeworth
and Lianne Stott,
Street Auckland mid-February.
Travel Managers;
Prize winners all
Debbie Christian,
round with Wendy
Lets Cruise and
Meyer (right) ,
Denise Fowler, The
House of Travel
Travel Brokers are
product manager
happy to sample
USA & Canada, with
the cocktails that
Luanne Miracle (left)
are served onboard
Anaheim Orange
the Celebrity
County Visitor &
Century.
Convention Bureau
and Pip Ashford
NZ representative
AOCVCB
From left Sheralyn
Kate Osborne, district sales Black, USA
manager New Zealand, product manager
centre, collects business GO Holidays,
cards for the prize draw receiving her
packs which include Elemis goodies from
products, wine, chocolates Pip Ashford and
and slippers (among other Luanne Miracle
things) from Olivia Hall and
Alkha Daji from iCruise.
Bowled over and out Enjoying the
summer weather
and catching up
The SKAL Lloyd Tremain Bowling Tournament took place mid March with Darragh
Walshe, The
at the West End Bowling Club. Attracting teams from across the travel
Walshe Group
industry, many players dressed in costume for the competition and is Deb Martin,
enjoyed the all day bar and a full dining menu. Once negotiating the Southern
California Gray
course and the fact that this was a different bowl to 10 pin bowling,
Line
most teams were keeping their balls on the green. All teams won a
prize for their efforts, with Team Ninja’s winning ‘best dressed’ and
team QBE Insurance winning the overall trophy. Ross Manson from ITN
Group won Air Vanuatu’s return trip for two to Vanuatu.
Team Ninja’s - (not in any particular order) Team Black Balls enjoyed the day and took home Jenny Mann; Kelvin Ricketts, Michelle
Simon McGrath and Mike Southcombe, Travel fourth prize for their efforts. From left - Ross Clarke and Maggie Hunt, Marriott
Managers; Mike Carr, Stella Travel Services Manson, ITN; Tim Butcher, Travel Directions; Hotels & Resorts had a great ‘pink’ day
and Paul Smith, First Travel Group Danny Frew, Francis Travel Marketing and at the SKAL bowls tournament
Richard Froggatt, Regency Tourism
8 travelinc april/may 2011paparazzo
Register here. Welcoming agents at the
‘meeting point’ are Air New Zealand’s The Private Travel Company’s Kerry Graham Karen Pocklington, Harvey World Travel; Kerry
Geraldine Hutchison and Alex O’Connor and Shirley Waters about to board Reeves, manager aircraft programmes with
Air New Zealand; and Michael Service, Service
Boarding
Travel in the business class cabin
call for new
plane
Air New Zealand recently held a number of
‘open days’ for Gold and Gold Elite frequent
flyers and also created opportunities for
trade and media to view the new Boeing 777-
300ER. Since April 1 all NZ1 and NZ2 flights
through to London, via Los Angeles, have
Air New Zealand’s inflight entertainment ‘Flying’ premium economy – Nicky
been utilising the new aircraft. TRAVELinc was manager Matthew Wood in the ‘hospitality Henden and Sara Baldwin, both
among hundreds of travel industry personnel area’ between the two business class cabins House of Travel Albany
who checked the aircraft out in March.
Katie Radley and Tomomi Johnson, Marie Easton-Myers, Business World Ellese Tudor-Myers, Chris McLean,
both United Travel Newmarket check Travel; Lynn Retter, Cavalier CTM ready David Gregory and Michelle Robinson,
out economy class all Air New Zealand
to disembark
That’s the
spirit
Silversea Cruises’ newest, and largest ship,
Silver Spirit, called into Auckland recently as
part of its inaugural 119-day around-the-world
voyage. Travel agents and media were hosted
Senior vice president Asia Pacific for From left: Trish Ryder, Manly United Travel;
to lunch and a tour of the luxurious art-deco Silversea, Steve Odell with Keryn Martine Nunes, Silversea Cruises; Miriam
inspired, 540 berth liner. Ngare, First Travel Group (left) and Jane Overfield, Orewa United Travel and Sue
Saunders, The Travel Brokers Gartshore, United Travel CBDHuman resources
Amanda Balaam Jack Work David Penney
is director of sales for Accor Hotels’ Pullman is hotel manager at Mercure Nadi. Work, who is sales and marketing manager at Mercure
Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns. She has relocated hails from the Kulukulu Village of Nadroga, Cairns Harbourside, returning to Cairns after
from Melbourne, where she managed sales Sigatoka has had a career with Accor since 2005 six months as assistant general manager at
for the Grand Hotel Melbourne, a member of when he joined the group as duty manager in the Mercure Port Douglas Treetops Resort.
Accor’s exclusive MGallery collection, for the the opening team for the Sofitel Resort & Spa
past two years. on Denarau Island. Following various roles
there he became executive assistant manager
at Accor’s Novotel Nadi in 2010.
John Bristowe
is general manager of Travelodge Wellington.
He returns to his home country from Perth and
is replacing Shaarn Letele – who heads across
the Tasman in the other direction to become
hotel manager for Toga Group’s Medina
Executive Sydney Central.
Jocelyn Whiteside
Linda Halliday has been promoted to the newly created
position of director of business development
is general manager of Cruise Holidays. She at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa. She was previously
most recently worked as general manager business development manager and has been
for House of Travel’s cruise division. Cruise a key member of the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
Holidays and House of Travel recently entered since the hotel first opened its doors in 2005.
into a platinum preferred supplier agreement. Whiteside will continue her relationship with
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa’s leisure/wholesale
market, but will also assist the hotel’s director of
sales and marketing Nicholas Mina oversee the
conference department.
Tamara Pidcock
is business events manager at Tourism
Whitsundays. She has relocated to the Whitsundays
from Sydney, after a 12 month period as marketing
manager for Holiday Inn New South Wales. She has
held various other roles in the tourism industry,
both in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Lesley Immink
Lisa Dosanjh
is chief executive of the Inbound Tour Operators
Council (ITOC). Her previous experience
Joerg Boeckeler
includes establishing inbound tour company is the new sales manager - MICE for Shangri-La
NZ Educational Tours (NZET), which she ran Hotels & Resorts based in Sydney. She replaced
for 14 years. For the past three years, Immink Lori-Jean Collins, who has transferred to Oman is general manager at InterContinental
has been working for an American wholesaler. to take up the position of assistant director of Melbourne the Rialto. He was most recently at
She has also been teaching tourism, hospitality sales at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, InterContinental Dusseldorf.
and restaurant services at secondary and Muscat.
tertiary levels
10 travelinc april/may 2011Cover story
Place to meet in 2011 The award winning
Crowne Plaza Auckland continues to attract steady corporate Aria Restaurant
travel and meeting business, despite the challenges of recent
natural disasters and a sluggish economy.
Director of sales and marketing Troy Scott says and in other select executive rooms in the hotel. travellers,’ says Scott. ‘The breakfast and the
meetings business is still active and the situation ‘It’s a great product,’ says Scott. ‘There are not internet, along with the exclusivity, make the
looks positive for the winter. many lounges of that type in Auckland so it gives executive floors great value. An extra advantage
‘Everything has to be in perspective. The us a point of difference.’ is that there are always other executives in the
natural disasters in Queensland, New Zealand He says guests who can access the lounge lounge, which creates networking opportunities.
and Japan have meant that the situation is receive complimentary gourmet continental It is all part of our Place to Meet positioning.’
challenging. Prior to that the economy was breakfast, free use of internet in the lounge, The hotel’s Aria Restaurant has also had
certainly picking up and we were seeing more afternoon drinks and nibbles, complimentary success recently, winning a NZ Lamb and Beef
signs of confidence. shoe shine service, and two items of clothing award. The hotel itself was recently presented
‘In saying that, business still goes on. We’re pressed at no extra charge. the EventConnect.com Preferred Supplier Award
seeing more day meetings now and it could be ‘The product certainly appeals to our corporate for Most Preferred Venue New Zealand.
that a lot of companies are pushing their activity
forward ahead of the Rugby World Cup.’
Scott says the hotel has a lot of strong attributes
which ensures its continuing popularity – not
least among them, the Crowne Plaza’s corporate
positioning as ‘The Place to Meet.’
‘We have a dedicated Crowne meetings
director, who looks after this corporate business
and we have propositions such as Crowne Keys
and Meeting Success. All of those things work
well for us – they are a guarantee that our clients
are in safe hands.’
The hotel is centrally located and is in
Auckland’s entertainment and conferencing hub
– close to both THE EDGE and SKYCITY Auckland.
Also targeting the corporate sector is Crowne
Plaza Auckland’s Club Lounge – available for use
by guests staying in the top two executive floors A superior room at Crowne Plaza Auckland
travelinc april/may 2011 11Rail Journeys
On
Track
New Zealanders and Australians
are increasingly embracing great
rail journeys, which prompted
Rail Plus to introduce a number Getting close to Bedouin life
of new options last year. is a highlight of the Arabian
Express journey
Alka Thapar, general manager Rail Plus New Istanbul or Warsaw. The Transylvanian route
Zealand, says new offerings include El Expreso is a four day journey between Istanbul and
de la Robla in Spain, plus Chronicles of Asia on Budapest (via Bulgaria and Romania), while The
board the Eastern and Oriental from Bangkok Polish Explorer is a four day trip from Warsaw to
to Singapore and the Victoria Express between Budapest via Slovakia.
Hanoi and Sapa. Bosphorus to the Baltic is a nine day journey
Even more recent introductions to Rail Plus from Istanbul to Warsaw; the Istanbul Loop is a
are Arabian Nights and the Danube Express. seven day round trip from Budapest, travelling
Arabian Nights, introduced in March, is through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Turkey.
an 11 night journey between Istanbul and
Damascus. Highlights include a guided tour of Australian journeys
Hagia Sophia, a boat ride on the Bosphorus, the
The 11 night Arabian Express travels
ancient limestone city of Goreme, the world’s between Istanbul and Damascus
largest bazaar in Aleppo and the Crusader Castle Closer to home, two great Australian rail
of Krak des Chevaliers. Prices for a twin share journeys – The Indian Pacific and The Ghan – Gold Restaurant at no extra coast.
cabin start at $6684 per person, which includes offer a perfect product for up-market incentives
all meals (local Syrian and international style and small group tours. The Sir John Forrest London
food, as well as three feasts featuring regional Carriage accommodates up to six guests in one
delicacies), all excursions and transfers, the double bedroom and two twin cabins, all with
services of an experienced tour director and tour ensuite facilities. The carriage also includes a Rail Plus offers a private car service to transfer
guides, and hotel accommodation in Istanbul, kitchenette/bar and generous lounge area, travellers between central London train stations
Goreme, Aleppo, Palmyra and Damascus. leather lounges and large picture windows, a and hotels in the central city region. Available 24
Danube Express, introduced in late January big screen television, video/DVD, powerpoint hours a day, the transfer costs $84, which covers
this year, involves four separate routes – with screening facilities and a meeting area with up to three people in a car.
passengers departing from either Budapest, boardroom table (seating 12). Guests dine in the The service is offered to and from Kings
Your World
On Track
EUROPE/UK - USA - CANADA - JAPAN - AUSTRALIA
Contact your local travel agent
or Railplus on: P: (09) 377 5415
E: info@railplus.co.nz www.railplus.co.nz
12 travelinc april/may 2011Rail Journeys
Cross, Liverpool Street, Charing Cross, Victoria, Paddington, Marylebone, The restaurant car in the
Euston, Waterloo and St Pancras Stations. It is particularly useful for Danube Express
passengers travelling to or from St Pancras Station – the departure and
arrival point for the Eurostar train linking London with Paris and Brussels.
Meanwhile, travellers who make a Eurostar booking now have the
option of receiving an electronic ticket. Also known as TOD (ticket on
departure) an e-ticket is convenient and secure because it eliminates the
potential for passengers to lose or misplace travel documents. Passengers
simply collect their paper ticket from the station prior to departure by
entering a unique ticket reference code into a self-service machine.
Trends
Alka Thapar says that four years ago 60% of Rail Plus sales to Europe
were passes (Eurail etc) and 40% were point to point (p2p). That ratio
has flipped around – with 60% now being p2p. ‘There are several
reasons, one of which is that Europe is no longer a once-in-a-lifetime
experience for New Zealand and Australian travellers. They are visiting
more often and instead of trying to see the entire continent they are
exploring smaller areas and regions, which has reduced the need for
multi-destination passes.’
She says the expansion in the number of high speed rail journeys in
Europe has provided new options for business and leisure travellers –
and is another factor contributing to the rise of p2p ticket sales.
‘High speed rail services provide a first class travel experience,
with high-tech trains moving at up to 300kph along major transport
corridors. As a result they provide a cost-effective and more convenient
option to the domestic and intra-regional flights business travellers
may have previously opted to use.’
Dome Sweet Dome.
In addition to Rocky Mountaineer’s
world famous GoldLeaf Service,
we invite you to discover SilverLeaf
FREE
Whistler Getaway
Service, the newest way to experience ADVENTURE*
our train journeys between Vancouver
Value of
and the majestic Canadian Rockies. A
single level dome service, SilverLeaf
UP
TO $650 NZD
per person
complements our GoldLeaf Service – a
bi-level dome coach with lower level
Bi-level dome service NEW Single level dome service gourmet à la carte dining. Both services
whisk you across plunging gorges, over memorable mountain
passes, through Jasper and Banff National Parks, in a
UNESCO World Heritage site.
To begin your incredible all daylight rail
journey, contact your TAANZ travel agent or visit
rockymountaineer.com
2011 Departures – SilverLeaf Service
First Passage to the West
From Vancouver | May 13, Jun 3, Aug 5, 12, 19, 26, Sep 30
From Banff | May 15, Jun 5, Aug 7, 14, 21, 28, Oct 2
Journey through the Clouds
From Vancouver | Oct 4
From Jasper | Oct 6
Five-time World Travel Award winner as “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train”
*Payment will be in Canadian Dollars. With a qualifying 6 night vacation. Some conditions apply.
travelinc april/may 2011 13Rail / Community
Rail in the
Rocky
Mountains
More than 20,000 Australians and
New Zealanders travel on the Rocky
Mountaineer in Canada each year
and for many it is a ‘bucket list’ item,
according to director sales – Asia
Pacific, Robert Halfpenny. Rocky Mountaineer has had its best year out of
the Australian and New Zealand markets
Underlining the Australasian market’s to the West, for example, retraces the steps the fastest growing demographic for the train.
importance, as well as a growing emphasis on of 19th century explorers. Highlights include ‘They don’t want to do a full tour product, they
incentive travel, Rocky Mountaineer was a first Fraser and Thompson Canyons, Rogers Pass and are looking for more flexibility. They will do the
time exhibitor at this year’s AsiaPacific Incentives the Spiral Tunnels. It also visits the spot where train journey and then hire a car.’
and Meetings Expo (AIME). The company was the Last Spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway While drive and rail continues to be popular,
also present at an Adventure World roadshow was driven. the company has also introduced cruise-rail
held in March. Rainforest to Gold Rush takes in, among other packages from Seattle to Vancouver.
The luxury train travels by daylight through sights, the Seton and Anderson Lakes, Rocky ‘This has been our best year yet out of the
the wild beauty of Canada’s west and is one of the Mountain Trench and Mount Robson – the Australian and New Zealand markets – there’s an
best ways to experience the majestic Canadian highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. It also increasing interest in rail and the romance of it.’
Rockies – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. visits Jasper National Park. He says the focus is to push the product to
It offers three services – RedLeaf, the new Other programmes are Whistler – Sea to Sky the wholesale and retail travel agents, to make
SilverLeaf, and GoldLeaf – and a number of Climb, and Journey through the Clouds. sure they fully understand the product and
different routes and packages. The Passage Robert Halfpenny says baby boomers make up how to sell it.
Keep it in community There are also projects over the next few
months in Tanzania, Kenya, Argentina, Laos,
and Australia.
World Expeditions’ community day trip, including four days on the community The company points out that its community
project travel is going from strength work, and a five day trek. Eight nights overall are projects brochure is a starting point. ‘If you are a
spent camping, seven nights in a hotel. The trip group of friends, charity, family, school, club or
to strength, according to Tali Emdin
includes a visit to Machu Picchu. special interest group that is interested in devising
of the company’s Auckland office. your own community project travel itinerary and
World Expeditions has a whole programme Diverse projects departure date, we would be happy to advise you
of community projects and is currently on your travel plans.’
emphasising a Pomatales School Library Project
in Peru mid-July 2011. The current community projects brochure
Emdin says the projects are built into an covers a diverse selection of destinations,
overall itinerary. ‘People are away for two weeks including a Sanjwani public health mission
or more but they spend just two to five days on project in Nepal on October 1, 2011 and April
the project. That way they don’t impact hugely 8, 2012. It is a 15 day trip, including a three day
on the community by being there for any great community project and seven days trekking.
length of time.’ The first group will extend the health mission’s
She adds that everything needed for the existing building, repair the roof and plaster
World
project is bought locally, therefore keeping the walls, while the 2012 group will repair the Expeditions
money in the community. windows and doors, paint each of the rooms and has a
‘We do these projects in communities that we upgrade the furniture and fixtures. On either community
project in Peru
tend to go through in our usual programmes side of the project work, groups will follow trails in July (Photo
and they receive little or nothing in terms of through oak and rhododendron forest and supplied
government funding.’ camp in locations that showcase dramatic views by World
Expeditions)
The Pomatales School Library Project is a 16 of the Annapurna Range.
14 travelinc april/may 2011Supply Chain
By Ruth Scott
Selling - inside
World Travellers (from left) Larry Lumsden,
Bill Sheppard, Graham Elliott, Graeme Moore
(chairman), Wendy van Lieshout (general
manager), Craig Corbett
and outside ‘Brand awareness of these partners is critical for
our 69 offices and brokers and we make sure
all the necessary product is available to our
the traditional channels selling staff,’ says John Willson, general manager
United Travel. ‘Product knowledge and training
is ongoing and we aim for a high standard
throughout our shops.’
Consumer choice has never been so prolific when it comes ‘Service is the key and in the current climate
to purchasing travel. Travel agents have to work smarter, most chains have a book direct directive, (with
be switched on to a huge range of product and be aware of their head office), if product overlaps.’ reports
where their competition lies. Melissa Harris, marketing manager Adventure
World. ‘We have growth in areas where other
Stu Udy, manager expedia Travel Agent World Travellers general manager, Graeme wholesalers do not have the product; our small
Distribution, talks about the ‘law of travel Moore agrees to a point. ‘We have a preferred ship cruising and the new Luxury Collection are
physics’ . agreement with Flight Centre who is the fourth being well received. Agencies have preferred
‘Travel product/inventory is perishable; biggest travel procurement operator in the agreements, yet are protective of their own
suppliers will market their products the cheapest world. Aligning to them makes good business brands. Saying that we are still working well
way; and volume of business will influence sense for our 14 offices, and we are very loyal,
price and availability. If these are applied then yet we are obliged to give our customer what
the only limit is imagination. In my experience they want and if this means sourcing outside
individual agents are extremely resourceful and preferred channels – then so be it. As a group
will sell product from any source if it’s relevant to we are focused and encourage our members to
the customers’ needs. book preferred and our reporting systems show
‘Leakage, where an agent sources product us exactly where the trend is on products.’ Stu Udy,
from outside the preferred partners happens, manager
but if this reaches a point above 10%, then it tells Brand awareness expedia
Travel Agent
me the group is not performing. Rather than Distribution,
curse they should be questioning their suppliers talks about
and embracing the source as a relevant line of United Travel has a strict buying criteria and the ‘law of
travel physics’.
business.’ focuses on recognising preferred partners.
travelinc april/may 2011 15Supply Chain
Rules Extinct, dead or alive?
The rules have not really changed in terms ‘Traditional wholesalers may survive, so long
of travel distribution over the last five years as they adhere to the laws of travel physics,’
or even more, according to Andrew Olsen, continues Udy. ‘They offer volume to suppliers,
chief executive officer of the Travel Agents in return for competitive rates. If wholesalers
Association of New Zealand (TAANZ). However, slip in their ability to provide volume and access
the way the distribution space is being competitive rates then they may naturally
Andrew ‘navigated’ has altered. disappear. Whether the competition comes
Olsen ‘Some of the more traditional agencies from online or offline, no one owes wholesalers
have merged and consolidated. That has left a living; like all of us, they need to earn a living.
opportunities in the online space. So to that ‘Agents will source the best available product
extent the players are different but the rules wherever it is available, not because they want
with the chains, but their own branding is in are the same.’ to, but because they have to.’
the forefront of their advertising – this is pretty Graeme Moore, World Travellers, is another
much across the board. Marketing dollars are Shopping around that asks the question of the traditional
precious and need to be accounted for to receive wholesale model. Are they dead? ‘Our offices
maximum exposure for each chain.’ have to be so switched on and offer a fast turn
‘As a wholesaler we are seeing less calls around that we are driven to eliminate the
Online coming in for mainstream product, but there backward and forward process. We rarely ring
is an increase in the same quote coming in wholesalers for a quote as turn around time can
from different travel agents for the same be long and clients expect instant results – even
With the internet at everyone’s fingertips, client – the usual shopping around scenario – for a complex itinerary. Wholesalers would still
United Travel has developed a website to reflect but more prolific,’ says Melissa Harris. ‘Our res need a buying group, but by loading via the
its product range. ‘We wanted to highlight our staff offer the same service, attention to detail internet, they can release the inventory to their
niche product, Unique Experiences and cruising, and price to each quote – but who gets the preferred chains and in return retailers receive
as both being tricky to purchase over the net booking is out of our hands. The agent must instant confirmation. With modern technology,
and we put a great deal of training into these,’ have the experience and ability to sell it to this can and is happening. There are many
says Willson. the client and in this market climate the best ‘dinosaur’ GDS systems that have had millions
Adventure World is keeping abreast with one wins.’ spent on them, but are still cumbersome
internet movement, but doesn’t feel threatened ‘Consumers are not stupid and travel agents and outdated.’
by the new online players. ‘Most consumers are survive because of their ability to service and
savvy and search travel sites, thus becoming provide the best products for their customers. Technology
‘experts’. We need to be up with our product If an agent wants to stay in business he/she
and destination knowledge, but the biggest needs to be able to source the best product,
issue is price and because of this we are always relevant to the customers’ needs, whether it’s ‘Embrace it’ is the general consensus. World
competitor checking with the online prices.’ preferred or not,’ Udy of expedia points out. Travellers’ quarterly conference mid March was
‘Online is a constant challenge’, says World
Travellers Graeme Moore. ‘Work out what
market you want to be in and focus. What does
it say when all you see in the market place are
the cheapest fares (to Oz). These are lower level
transactions. When World Travellers offices run
with a deal they select high end product to
send out to their database – product that is not
easily compared on the internet. Our website is
populated with preferred wholesale product –
50% to be exact. Accessible by password, they
load their product and if there is a great deal
it can be emailed out to a database – very fast
and efficient.’
Flight Centre’s retail leader, Maree Hansen says
that both here and across the Tasman indicators
are that travellers are moving away from online
booking and dealing with ‘bricks and mortar’
outlets. ‘Figures show that aside from airline
direct, for simple point to point fares, other
online travel retailers have had no significant
impact on the market. In saying that, the internet
provides both clients and consultants with a
fantastic research resource.’ ‘Bricks and mortar’ - United Travel Katikati
16 travelinc april/may 2011Supply Chain
“ExpEdia
pays ME for
intErnEt
Bookings”
Best rates,
More rooms,
anywhere
Attendance at roadshows is up - Aaron Russ from Heritage
Expeditions and Lindblad Expeditions presents to Tauranga
Expedia’s TAAP
agents while on the recent Adventure World roadshow allows your agency
to gain access to the
blogged the whole time to those who couldn’t client, this has more value than mere dollars.’
attend and saw one member comment (about world’s largest and
the intranet site) that the support network Slice of the pie best online travel
throughout the chain made them feel like
they were in an office with 85 consultants. ‘It
inventory
is one of the most effective tools we have for ‘Brokers are continuing to work hard,’ says and rates
communication around the troops,’ says Moore. Melissa Harris, Adventure World. ‘Some are
United Travel’s John Willson says they are thriving and have a strong client base. Their
always looking at ways to assist their offices. ‘We clients are happy to continue the relationship
need to streamline the processing side and we and build on the personal one to one service.
are about to roll out smoother invoicing and Our recent roadshow highlighted that across
ticketing processes freeing up the consultants’ the board attendance is up, particularly in the
time and allowing them to concentrate on number of brokers now attending. Many are
selling rather than being bogged down with realising the need to upskill and be more product
back room work.’ aware than ever before as the competition
Flight Centre’s Maree Hansen says it is key is fierce.’
to offer clients a more seamless service from Knowing their clients’ needs is what stands out
an internal company point of view. ‘Updated for the brokers that deal with World Journeys.
IT solutions for Flight Centre mean more ‘We are finding that it is mainly those who have
productivity for consultants resulting in a faster worked in travel agencies for years and have
turnaround of quotes and documentation.’ built up their own loyal clientele are the ones
Cloud computing is great, says Moore. ‘World who are thriving,’ reports Clegg.
Travellers Christchurch had everyone working TAANZ’s Andrew Olsen says brokers have
somewhere, (since the office was destroyed become an important part of the overall travel
by the quake) yet they felt they were still in an distribution chain. ‘We want to make sure travel
office, and, things to come – Cloud Phones – brokers are understood and supported and that
perfect for overloading situations.’ their line of business is complementary to the
distribution chain and the rules that govern it.
Loyalties If we adopt them we can ensure that everyone
is working to a regulated system with all the
existing checks and balances.’ Join the Expedia Travel Agents
World Journey’s marketing manager Caroline Olsen says that the proliferation of travel Affiliate Program
Clegg says that some agents and clients will brokers does raise questions. ‘Are we seeing Visit
always try to go direct and of course, that is their a phenomenon whereby brokers are mature www.expediaaccess.com/nz
prerogative. ‘As a boutique wholesaler we make a sales persons with an already established client Email
huge effort to provide a very high level of service base? If that is the case what happens to those expedia-nz@discovertheworld.co.nz
with expert knowledge. This, combined with clients once the broker retires or moves out of
personalised attention, training and marketing the industry?’
opportunities for agents, first hand expert Olsen says it is also worth considering whether
knowledge, and a strong relationship with our the proliferation of brokers is encouraging more
suppliers world-wide, ensures an element of people to travel. ‘Or are we simply slicing the pie
loyalty and security. For a discerning agent/ a bit further?’
travelinc april/may 2011 17Africa
Luxury safaris get NZ push
World Journeys recently hosted a
luxury safari agent evening with
&Beyond’s new New Zealand sales
manager Chris Tinkler.
Tinkler emphasised the strong foundations
of conservation and community principles that
drive everything the company does. Globally
recognised as one of the world’s pioneering Under canvas in the
luxury ecotourism companies, &Beyond owns Serengeti with & Beyond
and operates 46 lodges and camps in some
of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas. is planned by someone who has actually the simplicity of canvas ‘tents’ with the elegant
‘Our mantra is ‘Care of the Land, Care of the experienced Africa and &Beyond themselves, to ambience of an exclusive club. Just nine
Wildlife, Care of the People’, and it’s evident in ensure they get precisely the experience they tented suites on raised platforms are situated
everything we do, from solar powered camps, to desire, that suits not just their time and budget, under a canopy of Ebony trees, each with
the reintroduction of cheetah at Phinda, and our but their special interests and personal style. their own private deck overlooking absolutely
Positive Health programme which has reached ‘Birding, ancient history, cuisine, activities, or breathtaking views of the ever-changing
over 30,000 individuals amongst staff and rural a more family focus can all be catered for, and Okavango Delta. ‘Lamplit cocktails on an island
communities. Our staff and the communities it’s also important to ensure they experience a in the river, or a walking safari with al fresco
they belong to are an essential element of who variety of environments. You’ll see quite different picnic, are amongst the real ‘client delights’ the
we are,’ says Tinkler. wildlife amongst lush riverine bushland to what staff here put together for guests,’ he says.
‘It is imperative that there are benefits you’ll see out on the salt pans, or in the Delta.
to communities in these wilderness areas, Each camp or lodge has something uniquely Under canvas
particularly in terms of employment, education special about it, its own personality, and its own
and health. Many of our rangers and trackers way of delighting the client.’
are from the local communities. They are not The company also operates mobile tented
only trained to the highest standards, but also Okavango safaris, designed specifically to allow guests to
bring their rich cultures and traditions alive for get closer to the wildlife in some more remote
our guests.’ regions of, for example, the Serengeti National
According to World Journeys, one of the best Park. ‘Our Serengeti Under Canvas product is
Safari experience selling &Beyond properties in this market is designed to follow the annual movement of
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp, situated right the plains game across the Serengeti-Mara
in the middle of the Okavango Delta. Tinkler ecosystem. These luxurious tented camps
Tinkler explained to the agents what a guest puts this down to its winning combination of move around the park year round, bringing
with &Beyond can expect from their safari. lush grasslands with delta waterways, and all guests within reach of the Great Migration.
‘Firstly it’s important that your client’s itinerary the game that brings, plus the combination of With only eight tents at each private campsite,
the camps are entirely intimate and exclusive. A
comfortable drive brings guests into the midst of
moving masses of wildebeest and zebra, ready
to witness the natural drama as vast herds battle
obstacles and predators to reach rich grasslands.
‘Remember though, this isn’t camping as
we know it. Crisp linens, crystal glasses and
chandeliers, and a personal butler bringing
hot water for an alfresco bucket shower in an
ensuite bedroom. It is the simplicity of camping,
with no mains electricity and running water, but
softened by convenient touches like a flush w.c,
power outlets in the vehicles and a personal
butler.’
World Journeys team members Ange Pirie,
Kirstine Dawson, Chris Lyons, Brett Barclay and
Ann Mellor have all experienced &Beyond.
Director Pirie says the company is experiencing
extremely strong sales to Africa, and urges
agents to get their clients’ requests in as early as
possible to ensure there is availability.
18 travelinc april/may 2011You can also read
