Incorporating Tabs On Travel

Fri 29 May 15 Issue 3084Another Great Travel Today Wraparound

Friday 29 May 2015 Issue 3084

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

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5 Pages This Issue

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The future for agents got decidedly more mobile yesterday with the launch of Sabre’s new cloud-based Sabre Vero service, at the GDS tech summit in Auckland.Designed to keep pace with the huge shift to cloud-based computer infra-structure, Sabre Vero allows agents to access their agency applications as a virtual desktop, from multiple devices—and will be of particular in-terest to the burgeoning travel broker network in New Zealand, says Sabre Pacific managing director Jeremy van de Klundert.“By minimising expenditure on local hardware and office based servers, cloud computing is not only a cheaper option for travel agencies but it also delivers efficiency, flexibility and in-creases consultant productivity,” he says, adding that Sabre Vero is perfect for remote or mobile team-members and in-office hot-desking.

. . . One Stop ShopIn the changing operating landscape, travel agents now need to do more, more quickly, with fewer resources—which is why Sabre has also rolled out a new range of technology solutions, effectively making it a one stop tech shop for agents, says van de Klundert. “The competitive New Zealand land-scape requires agencies to do more with less resources, so at Sabre, we are focused on removing unnecessary costs from our partner’s business.”

Sabre Unveils Suite Of New Solutions

Rather than source from third party suppliers, van de Klundert says Sabre is ‘now offering agents a suite of solu-tions across their business which we believe will improve their productiv-ity and remove cost from their busi-ness—which ultimately will improve their bottom line’.

. . . Auto TicketingTicketing Express is Sabre’s new auto-mated ticketing solution which is said to eliminate manual ticketing tasks, reduce error (and therefore cost) and free up consultants to sell more travel.

. . . Queue AppsSabre has also rolled out three apps, available through the Sabre Red App Centre, to enable agents to better manage their queues and increase productivity, while reducing operating costs. Sabre says its research identi-fied that agents are spending up to two hours per day processing queues and it is focused on offering a solution to automate the queues process. The QBotic app allows agents to man-age schedule changes, and in turn up-dating PNRs and notifying customers or consultants of the change. QBotic PRO has the added feature of fully automating the reissue of involuntary changes also. The KLeer app auto-mates the waitlist process for agents, and notifies when a desired seat be-comes available.. . . continued on p4

Delta Pizza PartyDelta Air Lines earned big brownie points this week when it ordered pizza for passengers who were stuck on a runway in Tennessee after being diverted due to storms. The pizzas were ordered by pilots and crew, and delivered to the plane by baggage cart. DL has reportedly said it’s part of company-wide efforts to get food and drink to delayed passengers.

Key Not A Cool KidPrime Minister John Key is said to be ‘gutted’ he hasn’t made the cut for Air New Zealand’s exclusive Elite Priority One or EP1 service, which has been making headlines this week. Only the airline’s very top travellers are invited to the club, and membership is by invitation from NZ boss Christopher Luxon and his top executives only. Key reportedly said at an event on Thu that he’s not part of the club. “I’m gutted that I’m not, obviously, because clearly it sounds pretty cool,” he said.

SkyCity Measles CaseThe Auckland Regional Public Health Service has warned that a man con-firmed to have measles stayed at the Sky City Hotel from 22-24 May. The man took part in the Sky Tower Firefighter Stair Challenge and also visited a local restaurant and other facilities within the Sky City complex. The ARPHS urges anyone who vis-ited these locations and is not sure if they are immune to measles to check with their GP. Anyone who was at the locations listed and is not immune or is unsure should isolate themselves at home from 29 May-07 Jun, says the ARPHS. If they become unwell they should call their GP or Healthline.

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News & Product

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

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Celebrate our proud history at Air New Zealand’s 75th anniversary exhibition at Te Papa. Free entry.

Students’ Big IdeasA te a m of s t ude nt s h a s won EUR30,000 for designing a com-posite ‘skin’ for aircraft that would harvest energy from natural vibra-tions in the wings to power in-flight systems like lighting and entertain-ment. The team from India presented their idea as part of the Airbus Fly Your Ideas challenge, which sees stu-dents around the world come up with innovative solutions for the future of flight. The runner-up team from Bra-zil invented a system to tackle waste reduction in-flight and cut down on the time taken to collect and sort rubbish post-flight.

QF Middle East, AfricaQantas has flights to the Middle East and Northern Africa on sale to 10 Jun, starting from $1595 to Dubai (for travel 22 Sep-20 Nov) and $2485 to Nairobi (for travel 28 May-10 Jun 13 Jul-19 Aug, 03-21 Sep, 21-30 Nov and 16 Jan-29 Feb). Book O class with upsell to Q and N available. See qantas.co.nz/agents

Etihad Airways says it achieved its ‘strongest financial results to date’ in 2014, posting a net profit of USD73 million—up 52.1% on the year before, and marking EY’s fourth consecutive year of profit.Total revenues were up 26.7% to USD7.6 bil l ion for 2014, while earnings before interest and tax increased 32.5% to USD257 mil-lion. Passenger numbers increased 22.3% to 14.8 million, while de-mand was up 23.6%, ahead of capacity increases of 21.8%. The average network-wide seat load fac-tor was 79.2%, compared to 78.0% in 2013.“Our focus is on sustainable profit-ability and our fourth year of net profits, at a time when we continue to invest in the new routes, new aircraft, new product and new in-frastructure needed to compete effectively, shows we are serious about that goal,” says EY boss James Hogan.EY’s growth is the result of a ‘unique strategy that combines industry-leading organic growth with wide-ranging partnerships and minority equity investments in other airlines around the world’, says Hogan.A key driver was the carr ier’s partnership strateg y, including codeshares and minority equity in-vestments in strategically important airlines—which EY says has given it the ‘largest route network of any Middle Eastern carrier’.Hogan adds that the carrier is cur-rently faced with ‘unprecedented external challenges’. “Of particular

EY’s Strongest Financials To Date

concern has been the rise in aggres-sive protectionist sentiment in Eu-rope and the US, where both Etihad Airways and its partner airlines are being targeted,” he says.Despite these, EY will ‘continue to grow as planned in 2015’, he says.

Saudi Arabia AdviceThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has reviewed its travel advice for Saudi Arabia, due to the ongoing threat of terrorism, after an attack on a mosque in al-Qadeeh, Eastern Province, which killed 21 people and injured many others on 22 May. There is no change to the high risk level, and MFAT continues to advise against all non-essential travel. See safetravel.govt.nz

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News & Product

JUNEScenic Information SessionsHamilton: Mon 15, Hotel Novotel.Tauranga: Tue 16, Mills Reef Winery. Auckland East/South: Wed 17, Waipuna Hotel. Auckland North: Thu 18, The Spencer on Byron Hotel.Nelson: Mon 29, Rutherford Hotel.Timaru: Tue 30, Landing Services Building.

Globus Family of Brands and Rocky Mountaineer 2016 North America LaunchHamilton: Tue 23, Jukebox Diner, 11 Railside Place, 1745.Tauranga: Wed 24, Rye- American Kitchen, 19 Wharf Street, 1745. Napier: Thu 25, Hogs Breath Café, 49 Marine Parade, 1745.

Globus Family of Brands 2016 North America LaunchAuckland Central: Tue 23, MetroLanes, Level 3, 291-297 Queen Street, 1800. Auckland North: Wed 24, Xtreme Wairau Park, 10 Target Crescent, 1800.Auckland East: Thu 25, Xtreme Botany Park, 500a Ti Rakau Drive, North Park, 1800.

JULYScenic Information SessionsDunedin: Wed 01, Hotel St Clair.Invercargill: Thu 02, The Kelvin Hotel.

Nepal Fundraiser In conjunction with South African Airways and Adventure WorldAuckland: Wed 01, Sky City Convention Centre, 1730-1800 Drinks/Nibbles,1800-1930 Travel Quiz.

Globus Family of Brands 2016 North America LaunchNelson: Wed 01, Action Indoor Sports Stadium, 30 McPherson Street, Richmond, 1745.Pukekohe: Tue 21, Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club - Ten Pin Bowling Centre, 78 Nelson Street, 1745.

Globus Family of Brands and Rocky Mountaineer- 2016 North America LaunchLower Hutt: Mon 06, Strikenz, 399 Hutt Road, 1745.Palmerston North: Tue 07, Bowlarama Ten Pin Bowling Centre, 94 Cuba Street, 1745.Christchurch: Tue 21, Tequila Mockingbird, 98 Victoria Street, 1745.

Hawaii Tourism MCI RoadshowMon 27, Dates and venue tba.

AUGUSTBula Marau Fiji Roadshow – Around Viti LevuChristchurch: Mon 3, Novotel Christchurch, 1730-2030. Wellington: Tue 4, InterContinental, 1730-2030. Auckland: Wed 5, Stamford Hotel, 1730-2045. Hamilton: Thu 6, Novotel Tainui, 1730-2030.

Anaheim RoadshowAuckland: Mon 24, The Hilton, 1730.

OCTOBERAdventure World and Rocky Mountaineer BreakfastDunedin: Fri 02, , 0730-0830.Invercargill: Mon 05, 0730-0830.Queenstown: Mon 06, 0730-0830.Venues TBC.

Industry Diary

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For more see Monday’s Travel Today

Pushing Malaysia as a health-care destination, and in doing so, attracting at least 5000 Kiwi travellers for this purpose, is Ma-laysia Healthcare Travel Council’s (MHTC) goal for this year.Last year around 2000 Kiwis trav-elled to Malaysia for healthcare treatments, namely for cosmet-ic surgery and dental work, says MHTC senior executive market development Rubhen Nair. This year however, Nair says he hopes this number more than dou-bles, and he’s working towards tar-geting a minimum of 5000 Kiwi travellers. He says MHTC will be working with Tourism Malaysia in order to create more awareness around the fact that Malaysia is indeed a healthcare

destination, as well as a holiday destination. “Kiwis look at Malaysia as a tropical paradise. . . It is also a healthcare destination; we want people to know we are an option,” he says.Tourism Malaysia director New Zea-land Zalina Ahmad says while Ma-laysia is a great destination for all markets—families, couples, honey-mooners and the likes—she hopes more Kiwis will travel to the desti-nation for healthcare treatments. At this stage many Kiwis aren’t aware of the healthcare options Malaysia can provide, says Ahmad, but she hopes this will change. Agents can expect to see a range of packaged of-ferings which comprise of healthcare and/or cosmetic treatments along with accommodation, sightseeing and the likes.

. . . Package DealsMalaysia’s healthcare offerings will be on show at the EveryWoman Expo 30 May-01 Jun at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds. MHTC and Tourism Malaysia will have a range of package deals on display—including health screening packages, cosmetic rejuve-nation packages and dental packages.

Malaysia Med. Tourism PushDental packages start from $960, which includes four nights hotel ac-commodation, a half-day city tour and more; health screening packages, also including accommodation start from $960; rejuvenation packages start from $9707; whilst other pack-ages for body liposuction, breast surgery and male procedures start from $6000. For more information visit medicaltourism.com.my

New AKL ApproachAuckland Airport, Airways New Zealand and the Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand have announced the details of the third satellite-guided SMART Approach flight path to Auckland Airport, which will be trialled by aircraft over the next 12 months. The path, known as Yellow U23, will begin from 01 Sep and will be used by up to 10 aircraft a day between 0700-2200. It’s higher and the approach curve is wider than Smart flight paths trialled in 2012 and 2013, and is intended to reduce aircraft noise, use less fuel and deliver environmental benefits. It also enables traffic to be distributed across a variety of inbound routes, says the airport.

Passport System UpdateIt’s now easier and faster to get a RealMe verified identity when apply-ing for passports online, says Minister of Internal Affairs Peter Dunne. Kiwis can now tick a box to verify their identity with RealMe when renewing an adult passport online. They can use a RealMe verified identity to open bank accounts, enrol to vote and more. “Adult passport renewal online cus-tomers are required to have a RealMe login and it is a simple step to upgrade their RealMe account to a RealMe verified identity using the passport photo they submit as part of their ap-plication, at no extra cost,” says Dunne. See realme.govt.nz

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News & Product

Dubai Marina HotelInterContinental Hotels Group has announced the opening of InterCon-tinental Dubai Marina, a 132 guest room luxury hotel with 196 fully serviced residential suites. Part of the Bay Central development, the hotel is located within walking dis-tance of the Dubai tram and metro, and local tourist attractions includ-ing Jumeirah Beach Road and The Walk in JBR. The hotel boasts views of the Dubai Marina and is home to nine restau-rants, lounges and bars, an outdoor swimming pool, male and female spas, gym facilities, nine meeting rooms and more. Plus, the Marina Social restaurant, British Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton’s first in the Middle East, is due to open Sep, and is set to be the ‘jewel in the hotel’s crown’.

Shrek’s LON AdventureMerlin Entertainments has joined forces with DreamWorks Animation to create a new visitor attraction based on Shrek, advises London & Partners. The landmark attraction featuring Shrek and friends will open at London’s County Hall, South Bank during its summer and will be the first of an initial rollout of six attractions over the next nine years. The attraction will feature a Shrek interactive walkthrough adventure, a character courtyard where visitors will be able to meet Shrek and his swamp friends, along with characters from Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon. See shreksadventure.com

Have you got a funny travel story to share? We won’t publish

your name or agency details.

Send your funny travel stories to faith@traveltoday.co.nz

The FRIDAY FilesTrue stories from the mouths of

clients, as shared by Kiwi agents.

I once had a couple of young girls come into the shop on a Saturday morning and as I was looking for seats for one of them for later in the year, the other girl asked me what time the flight departs today? I said ‘Sorry, what do you mean?’ She said ‘Oh I was just wondering what time you needed to be at the airport to hostess on the plane?’

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Calling data the hidden gold in to-day’s agencies, Sabre Pacific manag-ing director Jeremy van de Klundert says Sabre is looking at ways to unlock data to give the agencies ‘actionable insights’ that enhance their success. “Those agencies that are leveraging the power of data are the ones we see really succeeding,” he adds. Sabre says its new and improved Travel Intelligence offering makes the date more accessible and use-ful for both corporate and leisure agents. It is a data tool which the GDS says ‘mines powerful infor-mation from Sabre Agency Man-

Galapagos EruptionA volcano has erupted in the Galapagos Islands, sending fire, smoke and lava more than 10km into the air, Viva Expeditions reports.The Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island erupted for the first time in 33 years on Mon. Experts say the eruption poses no risk to people living on the is-land. The island is also home to the world’s only population of pink iguanas but they are not in im-mediate danger, officials say. The iguanas, which share the habitat with yellow iguanas and giant Che-lonoidis becki tortoises, are situated on the north-west flank, currently safe from the lava.

ager to draw meaningful insights for agents’. There’s a choice of over 100 comprehensive reports, and new dashboards—including interactive dashboard reporting on mobile devices.Pictured at the Sabre Tech Summit in Auckland yesterday is:1 United Travel duo John Willson and Paul Borrie.2 Air New Zealand’s Rachel Lilley and Andrew Barnard from APX.3 Checking out Sabre’s Tripcase app on the new Apple watch was incred-ibly popular at yesterday’s Sabre Tech Summit.4 Jeremy Shanahan from United Travel Takapuna with Sabre’s Matt Chappell.4 Adrian Turner from Harvey World Travel and Sabre Pacific managing director Jeremy van de Klundert.

Hotel Indigo LAInterContinental Hotels Group has announced the signing of the first Hotel Indigo hotel in Los Angeles. The 350-room, 18-story Hilton In-digo Downtown Los Angeles will be the flagship hotel at Metropolis, a more than AUD1 billion mixed-use development located in the heart of Downtown LA. Currently under construction, the hotel is set to open in 2016. Me-tropolis will also feature three resi-dential towers and a curated retail experience.

Sabre: Data Is The Hidden Gold

. . . continued from p1

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Aloha FridayIncorporating Tabs On TravelFri 29 May 15 p5

Surfing, SUP-ing And Sunset Sailing

A g r o u p o f K i w i a g e n t s experienced highlights of Oahu and Maui on famil with Hawaii Tourism and Air New Zealand last week.Highlights of the trip included Pearl Harbour, Haleiwa, North Shore surf-ing beaches, the Big Kahuna Luau and learning to surf (or stand-up paddle board) on Oahu. The group then travelled to Maui where they had a great night on a sunset sail launching straight from Kaanapali Beach with Trilogy. There was also ziplining on Haleakala, hiking through East Maui and expe-riencing the local Maui Friday Town Party in Kihei.Pictured is:1 Megan Hornblow, Hawaii Tour-ism Oceania being photobombed by

Tanya Cross, United Travel. 2 Back: Tanya Cross, United Trav-el; Jennifer Hughes, Flight Centre; Charlene Forbes, Travelsmart; Kate Rule-Munro, World Travellers; Rob-ert Tomlinson, Best Travel. Front: Shelley Hibbert, Cruise Connections; Megan Hornblow, Hawaii Tourism Oceania; Lynette Demler, House of Travel - Calder & Lawson; Cody from Trilogy (Maui); James Leslie, Air New Zealand; Katrina Harding, NZ Travel Brokers.3 Luau performers with Kate Rule-Munro, World Travellers and Char-lene Forbes, Travelsmart.4 Honu, one of the group’s new friends found on Ho’okipa Beach, Maui.5 Charlene Forbes, Travelsmart; Katrina Harding, NZ Travel Brokers; Kate Rule-Munro, World Travellers; Tanya Cross, United Travel; James Leslie, Air New Zealand; Jennifer Hughes, Flight Centre; Shelley Hub-bert, Cruise Connections.

USS Arizona ClosedVisitors are currently unable to dis-embark at the USS Arizona Memo-rial in Pearl Harbor after the floating dock was damaged by a Navy ship. Until the dock is repaired, visitors are able to take a boat to view the USS Arizona Memorial from another area of Battleship Row, the National Park Service has advised. Divers have reported no damage to the USS Arizona herself, and the Navy hopes to have the dock repaired by 04 Jun.

Ala Moana Fireworks, Sale For 04 JulAla Moana will once again sponsor Hawaii’s largest fourth of Jul fireworks display at the Ala Moana Beach Park this 04 Jul—and over the 03-05 Jul weekend, the shopping centre will run special sales and entertainment.The free fireworks show begins at 2030, and is the only fireworks show in Hawaii to launch from three separate platforms.At the shopping centre, there will be free musical performances each day 03-05 Jul, and shoppers can also pick up a 20% Savings Pass valid at partici-pating stores throughout Ala Moana. The pass is available at guest services or can be downloaded at alamoanacenter.com

Keiki Hula CompetitionTwenty-five children aged from five to 17 will compete in Maui’s only children’s hula competition, Hula O Na Keiki, at Kaanapali Beach Hotel 13-15 Nov. The competition is open to students from around the world and includes ancient and modern dance styles with both personal and tradi-tional interpretations, by dancers who perform solo or in pairs. The hotel will also host weekend festivities like arts and crafts from the islands, cultural and hula workshops, and Hawaiian entertainment. See kbhmaui.comTwo-For-One

Celebrating 50 years of timelessness, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is hosting a two for one promotion through to 30 Sep. Enjoy two nights in a beach-front wing room for the price of one, including daily breakfast buffet for two at Manta, the hotel’s signature restaurant. The rooms are located just steps away from Kaunaoa Bay. See princeresortshawaii.com

Dinosaurs UnleashedMore than a dozen life-like anima-tronic dinosaurs will be on exhibit at the Bishop Museum for Dinosaurs Unleashed through to 07 Sep. Visi-tors can learn about the creatures, create bone imprints and con-trol a robotic dinosaur skeleton. Visit bishopmuseum.org for details.

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