s’
ay nd
d
li
a
Ho rl
e
nd itz r
a
l
w u
er
itz f S l To
Sw t o ai
s
Be
R
MARCH 2015
BEST OF
SWITZERLAND
Experience the best cities and towns of
Switzerland, travelling on the Glacier
Express, Wilhelm Tell Express and Golden
Pass Panoramic trains.
$
From:
per
person,
share twin
2925
11 days / 10 nights
Prices include:
•
Swiss train ticket with 8 first-class rail
transfers (from/to Swiss border or airport
rail station)
•
Excursions to Jungfraujoch and the
Gornergrat (2nd class only)
•
Reserved seats on the William Tell
Express, Bernina Express, Glacier Express
and Golden Pass Line Montreux-Interlaken
•
Lunch on board the Glacier Express
(excluding beverages)
•
Meal voucher for CHF19 pp and a
souvenir on board the William Tell Express
•
2 nights in Lucerne
•
1 night in Lugano
•
1 night in St. Moritz
•
2 nights in Zermatt
•
1 night in Montreux
•
2 nights in Interlaken
•
1 night in Zurich
•
Service charges, taxes and VAT
Day 1 | Lucerne
Arrival in Lucerne by train 1st class from the
Swiss border or airport.
Overnight in Lucerne.
Day 2 | Lucerne
Day at leisure. We recommend an optional
excursion to any of the following mountain
tops:
Mount Titlis – Titlis Rotair, Ice Flyer Chairlift,
Glacier Park & Cave
Mount Pilatus – The Golden Round Trip
Mount Rigi – Queen of the Mountains
Overnight in Lucerne. (B)
Day 3 | Lucerne to Lugano
Board the Wilhelm Tell paddle steamer for
the cruise to Flüelen (usually operated by
paddle steamer, sometimes by motor boat).
From Flüelen you continue your journey
through the famous Gotthard tunnel to
Bellinzona in a 1st class panoramic car.
Change train and continue your journey to
Lugano.
Overnight in Lugano. (B,L)
Day 4 | Lugano to St. Moritz
The Bernina Express of the Rhaetian
Railway takes you along the UNESCO World
Heritage route. Enjoy an Alpine switchback
ride, taking you from a land of swaying
palms to one of towering glaciers.
Overnight in St. Moritz. (B)
Day 5 | St. Moritz to Zermatt
Today you board the Glacier Express which
is one of the greatest train journeys in
the world! You travel from St.Moritz to
Zermatt, on a 7½ hour railway journey
across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and
across the Oberalp Pass at 2’033 metres in
altitude. Travel in comfort through the
beauty of a landscape rich in mountain
forests, alpine meadows, mountain
Prices are per person and are subject to
currency fluctuations. Exchange rates as at
02 February 2015.
streams and valleys, soaked in tradition and
centuries old culture.
Overnight in Zermatt. (B)
Day 6 | Matterhorn Excursion
The Zermatt Bergbahnen AG takes you
up to the highest cable car station in
Europe at 3883 metres altitude and a 360º
panorama. Don’t not miss the highlights
of snow-tubing; cinema lounge; Glacier
Palace; Peak Shop; and viewing platform.
Overnight in Zermatt. (B)
Day 7 | Zermatt to Montreux
Rail journey to Montreux on the shore
of Lake Geneva in the French part of
Switzerland.
Overnight in Montreux. (B)
Day 8 | Montreux to Interlaken
The GoldenPassLine takes you through
mountain villages to the Bernese Oberland.
Overnight in Interlaken. (B)
Day 9 | Excursion to Jungfraujoch
The journey to the Jungfraujoch – Top of
Europe, at 3454 metres Europe’s highest
altitude railway station, is a highlight of
your visit to Switzerland. It offers visitors
a high-Alpine wonderworld of ice, snow
and rock, which can be marvelled at from
vantage terraces, the Aletsch Glacier or in
the Ice Palace.
Overnight in Interlaken. (B)
Day 10 | Interlaken to Zurich
Take the train to the lakeside discovery
metropolis Zürich and enjoy some time at
leisure.
Overnight in Zürich. (B)
Day 11 | Depart Zurich
Depart Zurich for Swiss international
border or airport or continue your stay in
Switzerland.
Lim
ma
t
Zürich
AUSTRIA
LIECHTENSTEIN
Lucerne
2119
Pilatus
Aare
 BERN
1798
Rigi
Engelberg
3238
Titlis
Spiez Interlaken
Grindelwald
s
res
xp
e
ôn
Martigny
4478
Matterhorn
4803
Mont Blanc
Aosta
Zermatt
3090
Gornergrat
Biasca
s
Expres
Rh
Visp
Disentis
Goschenen
Andermatt
Bellinzona
ITALY
Reichenau
Filisur
Samedan
St. Moritz
ll
Te
Eiger 3970
E
ass
Jungfraujoch Mönch 4107
en P
Gol d
Zweisimmen
4158
s
Jungfrau
Gstaad
es
pr
Ex
ier
ac
Brig
Gl
Altdorf
am
illi
W
Montreux
Best of Switzerland
3-Star Hotels
4-Star Hotels
Fluelen
Lugano
Twin
Single
Twin
Single
2925
3415
3565
4295
215
305
265
445
Pontresina
Poschiavo
ess
a Expr
Bernin
11 Days | 10 Nights Rail Tour
10 May – 25 Oct 2015
Tirano
Additional nights in Zurich
Terms and Conditions may be viewed at: http://www.switzerlandholidays.com
Switzerland Holidays is operated by Holidays on Location. ATAS Accredition No. 10424
Level 5, 1 Princess Street, VIC 3101. www.holidaysonlocation.com 1300 65 10 65.
march 2015
learning the ropes
of Linkedin
simply solomons
self-drive holiDAYS
come of age
the big business of
small group tourING
vegas vibes beyond
THE strip
domestic drive
travel defies currency dive
Are you frustrated with low commissions and limited
earning potential? If you love working in travel, there’s
a way to earn more and it’s just one phone call away…
PHONE A
to find out how
“Joining Travel Counsellors has drastically improved my financial
situation,” says Suzanne Watson, a Travel Counsellor for the last
four years.
03 9034 7079
“Most Australian agents aren’t aware of the incredible earning
potential of running your own business with Travel Counsellors.”
says Suzanne.
But Suzanne’s situation isn’t unique. In Australia, more than half of
Travel Counsellors agents take home more than $70,000 on
average a year, with our top 3 earners receiving an astounding
average of $230,000 per annum. “I’ve been in the industry for 23
years and wish I had the option of joining Travel Counsellors
sooner.” she says.
Queensland based Suzanne is one of the company’s top franchise
owners bringing in over $150,000 of commission a year.
Not only does Suzanne get to enjoy the benefits of earning an
enviable income, she also gets to experience reward trips to exotic
destinations and resorts all over the world, a sweetener many top
Travel Counsellors agents get to taste each year.
“It’s a lovely feeling to get recognition – something that was
missing from my previous jobs in travel” says Suzanne. “But the
business doesn’t just walk in through the door. You get out what
you put in, and I’m driven to put in the hours. Luckily, I’ve got
brilliant head office support, the flexibility of being at home, and a
client base that grows by relationship building and
recommendation – the best way to build any business.”
“My experience and knowledge gives customers an invaluable level
of service that they’d never find online. If you’d like to chat about
the financial rewards and recognition you get at Travel
Counsellors... why not give me a call?”
Suzanne Watson
TRAVEL COUNSELLOR
Have an informal, confidential chat on 03 9034 7079
Find out more at www.travelcounsellors.com.au or email the team at connect@travelcounsellors.com.au
contents
From the managing editor
Bruce Piper
22
COVER STORY
TRAVEL DEFIES CURRENCY DIVE
features
16 32 38 45 49 52 56
Careers
Solomon Islands
Drive holidays
Domestic holidays
USA
Small group tours
Alpine Europe & rail travel
monthly
02 08 26 27 30 44 62 State of the industry
Issues and trends
Travel management
Cruising report
Industry in focus
Brochures
The last word
columns
02 07 09 12 29 Ian McMahon
Steve Jones
AFTA View
ATEC View
CLIA View
www.travelbulletin.com.au
Travel Bulletin is part of the
Travel Daily family of publications
Do travel agents in Australia have a future? In contrast to general
sentiment in some other parts of the world, the answer is a resounding
yes, according to financial analyst John O’Shea from Bell Potter
Securities, who has been a close follower of the sector for some years.
In this cracking issue of travelBulletin, Louise Wallace looks at the
latest research tracking the trends - and it’s particularly timely given
(generally uninformed) suggestions that the falling Australian dollar may
have an impact on outbound travel.
Meanwhile the dust in the industry continues to settle following the
demise of the Travel Compensation Fund nine months ago. The number
of agents who have joined the AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS)
continues to grow, and many suppliers are now insisting that they will
only deal with travel agents who are either ATAS or IATA-accredited –
meaning that although ATAS is a voluntary initiative it is, in my opinion,
likely to become difficult for mainstream agents to continue to trade
without joining the scheme.
As the industry evolves under these new conditions, and with ATAS
looking unstoppable, the next battleground looks to be the thorny
issue of consumer protection. In his regular Perspective column this
month, Ian McMahon gives an overview of moves in this area. As
predicted by AFTA ceo Jayson Westbury, the industry is coming up with
commercial solutions to ensure client funds are protected in the event
of a collapse – but it’s certainly not smooth sailing, with many of the
proposals thus far involving either extra cost to clients or, ironically,
higher premiums than agents previously paid in TCF fees.
We understand there has also been some outrage at AFTA’s decision
to mandate ATAS membership for National Travel Industry Award
nominees. Given that the awards are run by AFTA we would have
thought this was a reasonable requirement, but some agents who have
firmly opposed the scheme are believed to be somewhat upset.
Despite this, the 2015 NTIAs are shaping up to be bigger and better
than ever, with a whopping 37 categories up for grabs. That means
there will be plenty to celebrate in July – and that shouldn’t be a
problem given the industry’s propensity to party.
There’s still a way to go before the industry night of nights on 18 July,
with nominations having just closed and the all-important voting taking
place this month. Once again travelBulletin is proud to be part of the
process, and we wish all of the nominees the best of luck!
This month’s contributors
Steve Jones, Jayson Westbury, Brett Jardine, Peter Shelley, Penny Spencer, Kris
Madden, Sheriden Rhodes, Sarah Piper, Jenny Piper, Gary Walsh, Grace Lech
EDITORIAL
Managing Editor – Bruce Piper
bruce.piper@travelbulletin.com.au
Co-ordinating Editor – Louise Wallace
Ph: 02 8090 3125
louise.wallace@travelbulletin.com.au
Editor at Large – Ian McMahon
Ph: 03 9568 4464 or 0414 320 321
imcmahon@travelbulletin.com.au
Advertising
National Sales Manager
Lisa Maroun
Ph: 0405 132 575 or 02 8007 6760
lisa.maroun@travelbulletin.com.au
Production Co-ordinator
Sarah Piper
Ph: 1300 799 220 or 02 8007 6760
sarah.piper@travelbulletin.com.au
www.travelbulletin.com.au
DESIGN TEAM
Wendy St George, Hannah Power,
Brooke McRae, Sophie Swancott
FINANCE
Jenny Piper
jenny.piper@travelbulletin.com.au
4/41 Rawson Street Epping NSW 2121
PO Box 1010 Epping NSW 1710 Australia
Tel: 1300 799 220 (+61 2 8007 6760)
Fax: 1300 799 221 (+61 2 8007 6769)
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
1
state of the
industry
Red Gum deal left in the dust
Ian McMahon’s perspective
so far, so good post TCF
REMEMBER the Millennium Bug – the
Y2K virus that supposedly threatened
the world’s computers and the end of
civilisation as we knew it when our clocks
ticked over to midnight on January 1, 2000?
What happened? Absolutely nothing.
An agent recently used the Millennium
Bug as an analogy for the impact of
deregulation on our wholesale and retail
travel industry. After all the hype in the
lead up to the abolition of agent licensing
and the Travel Compensation Fund there
has been no change to the way the public
interacts with travel sellers. Nil. Nada. Zilch.
The agent who used the Millennium Bug
analogy (Ann Rogers of Wings Away Travel)
provided her consultants with detailed Q&A
responses to likely queries from the public
about the new regulatory environment.
They have never had to use them. They
have not been asked a single question.
All the agents I contacted have told
a similar story. One summed it up this
way: “Clients never used to ask us about
the TCF and they don’t ask us about
deregulation. We’re an established,
reputable agency and our clients continue
to deal with us as they always have.”
But agents are also aware this calm
could be shattered if (I should say when)
there is a major collapse of an agent or
supplier. If clients lose money, have their
travel plans shattered or are stranded
overseas, the media scrutiny on all agents
will be intense.
It would be foolish, indeed, for agents
not to have measures in place to protect
their clients. So it is reassuring to note all
of the activity that is currently taking place.
Helloworld, of course, has undertaken a
policy to provide a guarantee against the
financial failure of any of its franchisees,
while TravelManagers and Mobile Travel
Agents (MTA) have taken out the fidelity
insurance offered by Gow Gates.
More importantly, perhaps, much is also
going on to guard against supplier collapse.
The Allianz travel insurance brands
(Aussietravelcover and CHI) are offering
clients the option to insure against the
collapse of an extensive – albeit by no means
exhaustive – list of approved suppliers.
MTA has unveiled its ‘Zero Flight Risk’
scheme which provides protection against
the financial failure of suppliers, and at
the time of writing, Magellan Travel Group
was finalising a comprehensive protection
scheme for its agencies’ clients.
Some agency groups are also believed
to be reviewing suppliers, with the aim of
categorising them according to financial
risk and imposing conditions accordingly.
THREE Western Australian travel firms are
licking their wounds after the collapse of the
proposed reverse listing of mining explorer
Red Gum Resources.
Initially flagged back in June last year, the
plan was for the company to “shift focus”
to the internet travel and leisure industry by
the 100% acquisition of online travel retailer
Holiday Planet, wholesaler Asia Escape
Holidays, and corporate agency Motive Travel.
The industry watched with fascination
as the successive deals were announced,
eventually culminating in the issue of a
prospectus in November indicating the
purchases would be funded by a capital
raising worth up to $5 million.
The combined businesses, with an
aggregate TTV of around $100 million,
were set to relaunch as The Australian
Travel Group which would “deliver expanded
wholesale, retail and group tourism facilities
via a vertically integrated online travel
service platform supported by advanced
technologies”.
The deal required ratification by an
Extraordinary General Meeting, and the first
hint of trouble came when the EGM was
abruptly adjourned so that the terms of the
acquisitions could be revisited to reflect
Red Gum’s last share price of $0.005 – yes,
that’s just half a cent per share.
Just before Christmas the meeting was
resumed and revised deals approved – only
for Red Gum to hit another snag in the form
of the Australian Securities and Investments
Commission, which in late January peskily
requested that “more recent audited
historical financial information” for Holiday
Planet, Asia Escape and Motive Travel be
included in the prospectus.
business monitor
ATAS ACCREDITED AGENTS
18 February 2015
ACT52
New South Wales
825
Northern Territory
18
Queensland569
South Australia
206
Tasmania36
Victoria631
Western Australia
287
total
2624
Got something to say?
We’re all ears, so share your thoughts at
haveyoursay@travelbulletin.com.au
2
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
AUSTRALIAN AIRPORTS
International passenger through Australia’s
major international airports* – Nov 2014
Airport
Passengers
YE Nov 13
Sydney 12,874,803 Melbourne 7,244,417 Brisbane 4,643,407 Perth 3,869,351 Adelaide 779,766 Gold Coast 866,399 Cairns 497,963 Darwin 327,608 Norfolk Island 11,385
Sunshine Coast 8,405 All Airports* 31,123,504 Passengers
YE Nov 14
13,286,921 7,976,333 4,934,388 4,138,731 968,867 884,710 462,178 325,803 11,461
10,248 32,999,640 % of % change
total 14/13
40.3 +3.2
24.2 +10.1
15.0 +6.3
12.5 +7.0
2.9 +24.3
2.7 +2.1
1.4 -7.2
1.0 -0.6
0.0 +0.7
0.0 +21.9
100.0 +6.0
* Total passenger numbers also include Townsville (scheduled services ceased
October 2011) and Sunshine Coast (scheduled services from July 2013-Sept
2012, June 2013-Oct 2013 and June 2014). Source: BITRE
MAIN DOMESTIC ROUTES
Top 10 domestic city pairs at November 2014
City pair
Passengers Passengers % change
YE Nov 13 YE Nov 14 13/14
Melbourne-Sydney Brisbane-Sydney Brisbane-Melbourne Gold Coast-Sydney Adelaide-Melbourne Melbourne-Perth Adelaide - Sydney
Perth-Sydney Gold Coast-Melbourne Hobart-Melbourne (000)(000)
8 225.2
8 319.3
4 418.0
4 461.1
3 184.7
3 307.0
2 560.1
2 598.5
2 179.1
2 268.4
2 214.4
2 164.3
1 744.3
1 809.9
1 796.3
1 800.0 1671.6
1 751.2
1 389.5
1 396.5
Source: BITRE
+1.1
+1.0
+3.8
+1.5
+ 4.1
-2.4
3.8
0.2
+4.8
0.5
state of the industry
What was initially described as a
“technical issue” with ASIC clearly became
more difficult and in the end impossible
to resolve, and about two weeks later Red
Gum was forced to advise that the proposed
acquisitions would not be proceeding.
APT sets stage for future
APT looks set to go from strength to strength
with a major restructure orchestrated by ceo
Chris Hall which sees the APT, Travelmarvel,
Captain’s Choice and Botanica World
Discoveries brands operate under their own
individual chief executive officers.
Hall takes on the role of group managing
director, and the changes also establish a
new shared support structure.
Captain’s Choice will become more
closely integrated with the rest of the
business, relocating from its current
Ringwood offices to the APT head office
in Melbourne, and Debra Fox has been
The Express Travel Group has a fresh
promoted to a group-wide role as chief
new office to go with its fresh new name.
marketing officer, giving her responsibility for
The rebranding from its former identity
all trade relationships globally.
Susan Haberle will support Fox as
as the Orient Express Travel Group was
commercial manager retail. Justine Lally
flagged late last year at the Independent
is the group’s new head of marketing
Travel Group conference in Hawaii by the
Australia and New Zealand, and Nicole de
company’s ceo Tom Manwaring.
Wilde continues as vice president sales and
Moving to new premises at 160 Queen
marketing for North America, reporting
Street Melbourne Street allows all staff
to Fox.
to work on a single floor, with facilities
A new global head of operations,
including training centres, meeting rooms
innovation and procurement role has been
and lots of natural light.
taken on by David Courage, previously APT’s
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 2014
general manager of product and operations.
Chart I
International
Passengers
Carried manager
(thousands) - November
2012
to November
2014
David
Cox, formerly
general
Phil
Asker,
and Botanica
World Discoveries
of Travelmarvel, is the new ceo of APT, while
founder and co-owner Judy Vanrenen
1950
OUTBOUND
a ceo for Travelmarvel is INBOUND
now being recruited.
continues to manage this brand.
1700
Dan Kotzmann continues as Captain’s
Hall said while the business was already
1450 Choice ceo, working closely with founder
a collaborative group, “by evolving the way
New office for Express Travel group
Key partners of the company, including
representatives of airlines, tour operators
and other suppliers along with travel
agency members of the Independent,
Select and italktravel groups attended a
launch function for the office last month.
travelBulletin was honoured to join the
ranks for the event. Pictured above cutting
the celebratory cake are (from left) Quynh
Giang, general manager; Ari Magoutis,
executive general manager; and Tom
Manwaring, Express Travel Group ceo.
in which we operate, our aim is to further
accelerate our market leading positions in
each of our segments.
Continues over page
1200
business monitor
950
Oct-14
Nov-14
Sep-14
Jul-14
International Air Market Share
Aug-14
Jun-14
Apr-14
May-14
Mar-14
Jan-14
Feb-14
Dec-13
Oct-13
Nov-13
Sep-13
Jul-13
Aug-13
Jun-13
Apr-13
May-13
Mar-13
Jan-13
Feb-13
Dec-12
Nov-12
700
International passengers by major airline – year ended November 2014
Chart II
International Passengers by Major Airlines - Year ended November 2014
Qantas Airways,
16.0%
Others, 26.1%
Singapore Airlines,
8.7%
AirAsia X, 4.4%
Air New Zealand,
7.4%
Virgin Australia,
7.8%
Australian
Port
Auckland
Sydney
Year ended
Year ended
Year ended
% of
% Change
November 2012
November 2013
November 2014
Total
2014/13
4.5%
3.5%
1 360 849
1 426 583
1 476 884
74.2 5,91275.0
84.5 7,57583.1
81.9 8,03979.5
81.8 1,66879.5
86.9
8,990
84.3
82.8
38,194
80.9
184
103
279
18
204
843
2.3
1.1
2.7
0.9
1.9
1.8
Source: BITRE
International Passengers by Uplift/Discharge City Pairs (a)
Foreign
Yr to
Yr to
Growth
Nov 13 Nov 14 (%)
57.38m 57.57m +0.3
67.55bn 67.92bn +0.6
88.29bn 89.04bn +0.8
76.5
76.3
-0.2*
643.8
640.6
-0.5
Departures on Time
Arrivals on Time
Cancellations
No. %No.%No.%
Jetstar
5,852
Qantas
7,702
QantasLink 8,281
Tigerair
1,718
Virgin Australia 9,269
All Airlines
39,077
Jetstar, 8.3%
Source: BITRE
Port
Growth
(%)
-1.3
-1.1
-3.1
1.6*
-1.6
Domestic On Time Performance – December 2014
Thai Airways
International, 2.5%
Malaysia Airlines,
4.3%
Table I
Oct
Oct
13
14
4.86m 4.80m
5.63bn 5.57bn 7.31bn 7.08bn
77.1
78.7
53.3
52.4
Source: BITRE * Percentage points
Emirates, 9.7%
Cathay Pacific
Airways, 4.8%
DOMESTIC AIR MARKET – November 2014
Total pax movements
Revenue pax kms (RPK)
Avail seat kms (ASK)
Load factor (%)
Aircraft trips (000)
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
3
state of the
industry
Continues from previous page
“Together, our businesses will provide
the travel trade with the best available
product, services and experience. There
will be nothing to rival what this portfolio of
businesses can deliver,” he promised.
The question on everyone’s lips is now
what the overarching group will be called,
with Hall confirming that a new name for the
‘family of brands’ will be announced in the
coming weeks.
HEADLINES
Jan 19 Another two Scenic ships
Jan 19 Colette lands in Australia
Jan 20 PER urges bilateral rethink
Jan 20 Fuel to drive airline boom
Airnorth changes hands
Jan 21 Magellan + Captain’s Choice
Jan 21 Ovolo plan $5.7m BLUE refurb
Jan 22 Virgin drops US fuel levy
Jan 23 Boost for China-Aus ASA
Jan 27 QF responds to fuel drop
Jan 27 Travel Indochina rebrand
Jan 28 TC builds business division
Jan 30 Goldstein to attend C360
Jan 30 MH370 declared accident
Feb 2 BYOJet reports $91m TTV
Feb 2 SkyTeam Sydney Lounge launch
Feb 4 QF continues Vancouver
Feb 4 SQ unveils Premium Economy
Feb 5 Virtuoso HQ for Australia
Feb 6 Virgin Australia yields up
Feb 6 Spencer expands north
Feb 9 QF America fares revamp
Feb 9 JETMAX adds Scoot API
Feb 10 MTA protection initiative
DARWIN-BASED Airnorth has been acquired
by resources industry specialist transport
group Bristow Helicopters, which said it was
business as usual for Airnorth’s operations
across the north of Australia.
Bristow paid about $30 million in cash
for an 85% stake in Airnorth, with further
payments totalling $17 million over the next
three years if the business meets specified
financial targets.
It’s good news for the Northern Territory,
with all Airnorth staff being retained and
operations continuing as normal to its ports
in the NT, WA, Queensland and Timor-Leste.
Bristow said the expansion into fixed-wing
operations would allow it to bid for more
oil and gas charter contracts which are
increasingly seeking a combination of fixed
wing and rotary operations.
Fuel surcharges evolving
Feb 10 Bid for Qantas Biz upgrades
Feb 11 Airnorth sold to Bristow
QANTAS has begun the arduous process of
revamping its fare structure, with the aim of
incorporating fuel surcharges into base fares
across the board.
The carrier is under heavy pressure to act
Feb 11 QF boost for Queensland
Feb 12 Govt supports VA/DL pact
Feb 12 10 year BARA authorisation
on fuel surcharges, with consumer groups,
politicians and the ACCC speaking with a
united voice about carriers keeping prices
high despite the plummeting cost of oil.
Things are particularly complex for Qantas
because of its alliance with Emirates,
meaning EK must also participate in any fare
structure revamp on their joint network to
ensure parity is retained.
Qantas says the first stage of the changes
will see fuel surcharge reductions of around
14% on average on non-alliance routes, while
base commissions will still be payable on the
published base fare and fuel surcharges.
“We will work closely with travel agents
through a structured review to discuss what
the changes mean for them,” the airline said.
The first stage of the new fare structure
will also see North America economy fares
simplified into just two seasons, while
premium economy will have no seasonality at
all on flights to the US and Canada.
Lounges proliferate at SYD
BUSINESS class travel clearly hasn’t lost its
importance to the bottom lines of carriers,
with a number of new offerings on the ground
in Sydney for customers at the pointy end.
The SkyTeam alliance has formally debuted
a dedicated lounge in Sydney – high time
given the local online capacity of SkyTeam
members such as Garuda Indonesia, China
Southern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air
and Vietnam Airlines.
It’s just the third SkyTeam lounge in the
world, joining similar facilities at London
Heathrow and Istanbul Ataturk Airports.
The new lounge follows the recent debut of
another premium offering at Sydney Airport
– a new American Express lounge which is
accessible to top tier card members.
business monitor
Week ending 31/01/15 ranked by visits
Rank Company Market share
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Rank
W/E 31/01/15 W/E 27/12/14 W/E 01/11/14
Webjet
14.90
Expedia
10.03
Wotif.com
9.49
Flight Centre
7.32
Skyscanner 5.62
Lastminute.com.au 4.12
au.edreams.com 2.30
FareCompare
1.52
STA Travel Australia 1.32
CheapOair
1.31
1
3
2
4
5
6
7
9
8
*
* Not in top 10
Source: Experian Hitwise Australia – www.hitwise.com.au 4
Rank
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
1
3
2
4
5
6
7
*
8
*
SHARE PRICES
INTERNATIONAL AIR
INTERNET AGENCY MARKET
SHARES
16 February 2015
Top 10 city pairs (at November 2014)
City pair
Passengers
YE Nov 13
Passengers
YE Nov 14
% of % change
total
13/14
Flight Centre FLT
$36.46
Helloworld HLO
$0.265
Auckland-Sydney 1,426,5831,476,884 4.5 +3.5
Singapore-Sydney 1,352,7301,366,272 4.1 +1.0
Singapore-Melbourne 1,089,386
1,146,644 3.5
+5.3
Singapore-Perth
998,7411,058,138 3.2 +5.9
Auckland-Melbourne 978,9491,037,425 3.1 +6.0
930,272
932,767
2.8
+0.3
Hong Kong-Sydney
Auckland-Brisbane
866,319 909,875
2.8
+5.0
Kuala Lumpur-Melbourne 750,177
904,177
2.7
+20.5
Los Angeles-Sydney
902,426
893,247
2.7
-1.0
Denpasar-Perth 854,651860,1372.6 +0.6
Top 10 city pairs
10,150,234 10,585,566
32.1
+4.3
Other city pairs
20,973,270 22,414,074
67.9
+6.9
ALL CITY PAIRS
31,123,504 32,999,640 100.0
+6.0
Webjet WEB
Source: BITRE
Disruptive Investments DVI
$3.37
$0.012
Qantas QAN
$2.64
Virgin Australia VAH
$0.47
Ardent Leisure AAD
$2.81
Air New Zealand AIZ
$2.50
Auckland International Airport AIA
$4.25
Sydney Airport SYD
Corporate Travel Management CTD
$5.16
$11.58
Cover-More Insurance CVO
$1.99
Regional Express REX
$1.04
Sealink SLK
$2.35
state of the industry
VA narrows first half loss
VIRGIN Australia CEO John Borghetti must have been feeling a little
more relaxed than the same time last year when delivering the
group’s half year financial results last month.
Announcing an underlying profit before tax of $10.2 million for
the 6 months ending 31 December, the figures mark an impressive
turnaround on the same time last year when the airline issued a
$45.4 million loss. Revenue was up 6% to $2.38 billion, including the
consolidation of Tigerair Australia which achieved a profit of $500,000
– its first quarterly profit since 2010.
While the group’s international business haemorrhaged $49.5
million during the half on the back of strong competition, domestic
yields increased 3% driven by the airline’s success in attracting a
larger share of higher yielding market segments.
Borghetti branded the latest round of results a “significant
improvement” from the previous period and forecast further growth
as the group forges ahead with its cost reduction program.
Meanwhile, Webjet’s TTV rocketed more than 22% to $620 million
during the same period, with revenue up more than 11% to $58.2
million. Managing director John Guscic was clearly thrilled, labelling
the figures as a “stellar result” for the business.
“Freedom
is knowing
that I can
connect
anywhere
and on any
computer.”
Lisa Metzl
Personal Travel Manager,
TravelManagers Australia
Built with you, for you,
the next generation
Amadeus Selling Platform
Connect gives you the
freedom to connect
anywhere at anytime.
In an industry-first, we’ve developed
an online platform to deliver optimal
content and workflow efficiencies,
so you can offer the fastest and most
innovative solutions to your clients
no matter where you are.
For complete freedom in the way
you work, talk to Amadeus today
and connect with the only fully
mobile online platform for travel
professionals.
MTA’s new Zero Flight Risk
With you, wherever you are.
Solo sailor Jessica Watson OAM will be the public face of a new
consumer campaign to promote Mobile Travel Agents’ new Zero
Flight Risk consumer protection offering.
MTA joint managing director Roy Merricks, who’s pictured above
with Watson, told travelBulletin the industry-leading solution
means the company will guarantee client funds in the event of a
collapse of any approved supplier.
“It’s one of the biggest developments to take place on the local
travel landscape since the TCF was dismantled,” he said.
Zero Flight Risk covers airlines, wholesalers, tour operators,
coach companies, cruiser lines, hotels, resorts, trains, car hire
companies and destination management companies.
Merrick said the fast-growing group now has 370 members
across Australia, with the Zero Flight Risk launch coinciding with
the group’s 15th birthday.
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
Connect in 2015
For more information visit
amadeus.com
5
careers
LinkedIn
101
A how to guide
for novices
and pros
The number of travel professionals
that use LinkedIn for recruitment is
staggering. Navigating the online
maze can be a daunting task but
it doesn’t have to be that way, as
Louise Wallace writes.
16
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
F
acebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and
You Tube – the list of social media
channels is exhausting. And with
the rise of Google+, Pinterest and
Instagram, it appears that social
networking is the new black.
With so many bases to cover, the
question remains, which platform holds
the most promise? Users can take their
pick from Facebook or Twitter in the social
stakes, but JITO managing director Helene
Taylor says LinkedIn is king when it comes
to recruitment.
With more than 330 million global users
spanning 200 countries, LinkedIn is a high
performer in the numbers game. Facebook
takes the podium with 1.15 billion users
followed by Twitter with over 550 million
registered users. But according to Taylor,
LinkedIn punches above its weight with 95%
of companies viewing candidates on social
media before they get to the interview stage.
But before novices slap a profile picture
and job history online, Taylor advises new
users to take a step back and consider what
they want to get out of it.
Social media forums wax lyrical about the
wide ranging features LinkedIn provides,
but Taylor says it doesn’t have to be
complicated and recruiters, job seekers and
business managers can get value out of
LinkedIn by using a few simple features.
Skill recommendations are at the top of
her list, as most organisations take a “keen
look” at how many people have penned an
individual’s performance. Gauging the merit of
LinkedIn recommendations isn’t clear cut and
users would almost certainly have received
recommendations from strangers who claim
to back their performance. But Taylor says it
doesn’t matter in the eyes of employers.
“Third party recommendation is the most
careers
powerful recommendation you can have [and]
companies look at how many people have
recommended you,” she tells travelBulletin.
Taylor suggests asking companies, employees
or clients to write recommendations, or
recommend others regularly to prompt them
to follow suit. “Dedicate one hour to getting
this up to date and it will be worth the
investment,” she says.
For businesses, Taylor says writing
LinkedIn posts is the best way to engage with
suppliers or clients. Not only will it get more
eyes on your brand, but posting engaging
posts will get your message out to the target
market and keep you top of mind with people
in the right places. And according to Taylor,
inaction comes at a cost: “If you choose
to be lazy about writing posts, chances are
your competitor isn’t. See it as a marketing
opportunity not just for yourself personally,
but professionally.”
Joining groups is another way of keeping
ahead of trends and quickly getting
messages out to market, but the key is to
select the right groups. Advertise yourself
by joining groups, but more importantly, by
participating in them. Not only will it help
to boost your profile, but joining groups
will help to connect with more people and
open doors to new opportunities, jobs and
potential clients.
Groups and posts aside, one of the
most fundamental elements of LinkedIn is
the profile – not only for job seekers, but
for potential employers. The quality of a
candidate’s profile reveals a lot about their
personality, their ability, and their level of
involvement. And while LinkedIn users are
generally classified as ‘actively passive job
seekers’, the level of detail they have put
into developing their profile can also point
towards their level of professionalism and
their willingness to change.
Regardless of whether you’re a job seeker
or a travel business, Taylor says the key to
success is consistency and posting content
that is informative and engaging, often.
But she also stresses that LinkedIn is a
unique platform that operates very differently
The
door
The
The
door
The
Thedoor
doorisisis
is
wide
wide
open.
open.
wide
wide
open.
wideopen.
open.
MSWO63569_FCA
1 112) trading as FC Appointments. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412. MSW63569
TibbarPress
Global Ad_70x210.indd
Pty Ltd (ABN 55 126 180
Tibbar
Tibbar
Global
Global
Pty
Pty
Ltd
Ltd
(ABN
(ABN
5555
126
126
180
180
112)
112)
trading
trading
as as
FCFC
Appointments.
Appointments.
ATAS
ATAS
Accreditation
Accreditation
No.
No.
A10412.
A10412.
MSW63569
MSW63569
Tibbar
Global
Pty
Ltd
(ABN
126
180
112)
trading
Appointments.
ATAS
Accreditation
No.
A10412.
MSW63569
Tibbar
Global
Pty
Ltd
(ABN
5555126
180
112)
trading
asasFCFCAppointments.
ATAS
Accreditation
No.
A10412.
MSW63569
Tibbar Global Pty Ltd (ABN 55 126 180 112) trading as FC Appointments. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412. MSW63569
Tibbar Global Pty Ltd (ABN 55 126 180 112) trading as FC Appointments. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412. MSW63569
than other social media outlets such as
Facebook. “It is not a place to share photos
and talk about what you had for lunch, it is
a professional forum,” she says. “The power
of networking is really being overlooked by a
lot of people and LinkedIn has given us this
brilliant tool to make it happen. But it’s all
about engaging with the people that matter.”
In the know
Not sure how to make your
LinkedIn profile pop? Here’s how:
1. Make an appealing and findable
LinkedIn profile
Upload a professional photograph with a
compelling headline that reels in readers.
Also, use industry-specific keywords so
that your profile will get picked up in
keyword searches.
2. Use it all
Don’t just list your job title, but fill out the
character description under each role.
Use your LinkedIn profile to showcase
everything that doesn’t fit on your
resume.
3. Connect with others
Connect with co-workers, friends,
classmates or former colleagues. The
more, the merrier. Any time you have a
good interaction with people, add them
to your network. You never know when
opportunity will strike.
4. Stay active
You’ve got to be in it to win it, so it’s
important to remain active even when
you’re not looking for work opportunities.
With
With
our
ourhelp
help
help
you
you
With
our
help
you
With
ourour
help
youyou
With
our
you
With
help
With
our
help
can
can
discover
discover
an
anyou
exciting
exciting
can
discover
an
exciting
cancan
discover
an
exciting
can
discover
an
exciting
discover
an
exciting
can
discover
an
career
career
in
travel.
travel. exciting
career
inintravel.
travel.
career
in travel.
career
in
travel.
career
in
career in travel.
1300
1300
113
113492
492
492
13001300
113
492
1300
113
492
113
1300
113
492
1300
113
492
careers@fcappointments.com.au
careers@fcappointments.com.au
careers@fcappointments.com.au
careers@fcappointments.com.au
careers@fcappointments.com.au
careers@fcappointments.com.au
careers@fcappointments.com.au
fcappointments.com
fcappointments.com
fcappointments.com
fcappointments.com
fcappointments.com
fcappointments.com
fcappointments.com
FCAppointments
FCAppts
FCAppointments
FCAppointments
FCAppts
FCAppts
FCAppointments
FCAppts
FCAppointments
FCAppts
FCAppointments
FCAppointments FCAppts
FCAppts
15/01/15 10:50 A
careers
Career
in Focus
Matt Cameron-Smith
Matt Cameron-Smith
Trafalgar Managing Director
Plan ahead, map out your career path and
keep your eyes on the prize – they’re the
fighting words that recruiters often pass on
to aspiring travel consultants. But Trafalgar
managing director Matt Cameron-Smith says
they’ve got it all wrong.
“So many people are distracted by
ambition and the pressure to progress rather
than their current job. But what they don’t
realise is that getting results now will get you
where you want to be, not thinking too far
ahead,” he says.
His words may fly in the face of recruiters’
advice, but he also speaks from experience,
having worked his way up from the bottom
of the chain to take the leading role with
Trafalgar in 2011.
With aspirations of stepping into hospitality,
Cameron-Smith took up a role with a mining
company in Western Australia after finishing
school, managing a cooking camp for over
80 men. After eight months of roughing it
without a TV or radio, he moved back to
his stomping ground, Brisbane, to pick up
some qualifications and earn a degree in HR
development. While studying part time, he
bumped shoulders with the HR manager of
Dreamworld and picked up a role working on
theme park rides. After six weeks in the job,
a sales executive role came up and CameronSmith jumped into the ring.
“I didn’t even know what a sales
executive was, but I figured I could do it,” he
18
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
recalls. Completing the interview dressed
as a train conductor after a work shift, he
landed the job and immediately hit the road
to bring in sales, tripling the bottom line
within 18 months.
He then landed a marketing job with
Southbank Parklands before moving to Sydney
in 1995 to join the Rydges Hotel Group as
sales manager for Nautilus Resort.
Many people are
‘distracted
by ambition and
the pressure to progress
rather than focusing on
their current job
’
Honing his sales skills with on the job
learning, he was then offered a role as a
business development manager in London
after a brief stint outside of the industry – a
time that he recalls as a “career defining
moment”.
“London opened my eyes to the competitive
side of tourism, and I like to win. It really
inspired me and showed me the need to lift
my game,” he recalls.
The pull back to Australia got the best of
him and Cameron-Smith returned to Australia
with Rydges before he was approached by
Tourism Australia (TA) to take up the role
as director of distribution. His ladder climb
continued with a role as TA’s general manager
of trade marketing before he was head
hunted for the Trafalgar role in 2011.
Inspired by Gavin Tollman and drawn by
the opportunity to innovate new product, the
decision was easy for Cameron-Smith who
wasted no time in progressing the company
forward.
Cameron-Smith’s journey to the top has
taken more than two decades to fall into
place – an achievement that he puts down to
taking risks and perseverance.
But his advice to others is to throw their
weight behind their career.
“You’ve got to work hard, and you’ve
got to give a sh*t. But you’ve also got to
be passionate about what you do and be
committed… that’s what makes a difference,”
he tells travelBulletin.
Cameron-Smith is also a strong believer in
stepping beyond the realms of comfort and
rolling up the sleeves when the going gets
tough. But he says sticking with a job rather
than constantly eyeing off the next step is
what saw him progress.
Discussing career shortfalls in the tourism
industry, Cameron-Smith acknowledged that
the younger generation has been slow to step
into travel because they don’t perceive it as a
viable career option. But he insisted that there
are options beyond the shopfront for those
willing to step up.
“I’m a firm believer in the fact that there
are prosperous careers in tourism, but new
experiences won’t be handed to you on a
platter and you’ve got to go and get it. Good
things come to those who work their asses
off and never give up,” he says.
MEMBER
careers
Kick career
goals And
WIN
By Louise Wallace
C
omplacency is the black hole
of career progression, and yet
most employees find themselves
in the thick of it at some point
or another. Career planners have
devised crafty plans to help employees find
their way out of a rut, but TravelCounsellors
general manager Tracy Parkinson says the
dreaded career plateau can be easily avoided
by setting a few career goals.
Sounds simple - and it is - but Parkinson
takes it one step further, and says goal
setting is crucial for career satisfaction.
“It’s only natural to hit a patch where you
stagnate, so by keeping your skills fresh and
setting the bar higher for yourself you will
remain passionate and enthusiastic about
what you do,” she says.
Defining career targets isn’t clear cut,
but Parkinson says effective goal setting
can be as simple as setting boundaries for
the number of clients consultants should
contact each month. Others may try to make
incremental changes to time management,
attend courses or set sales targets over
the financial year. But she says the most
20
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
successful travel agents make goal setting
a habit and set time aside to review and
prioritise targets. “Don’t lose momentum by
letting other things take over. Diarise it so you
It’s only natural to hit a
‘patch
where you stagnate,
so by keeping your skills
fresh and setting the bar
higher for yourself you will
remain passionate and
enthusiastic
’
can set aside time once a month to monitor
your progress and set your intentions,”
Parkinson says.
Judith O’Neill from Aspirations Consulting
says it’s also important for agents to have a
clear picture of their end target so that they
can define what kind of consultant they want
to be. Whether that’s a sales consultant,
account manager, team leader or operations
manager, she maintains that the goal should
be simple and achievable, but involve some
leg work to get there.
It all comes down to identifying
weaknesses, acknowledging where there
is room for improvement and taking action
steps to improve the outcome, she says.
Agents don’t need to read self-help books to
identify shortfalls in their career progress,
but O’Neill says planning will iron out the
creases.
Her advice is to learn from colleagues,
industry seminars and workshops, and then
glean advice and learn how to apply and
follow good business practices. “Your goal
should be to be the most knowledgeable,
reliable, trustworthy, informed and
informative person you can be,” she says.
Career progression is not as simple as
plotting a path and making it happen, but
AA Appointments managing director Adriana
D’Angelis says ambition is at its core. Her
advice is to think big and idealise what your
dream job would be in the next decade, and
then work backwards to map out smaller
steps to make it happen.
Likewise, inPlace Recruitment marketing
manager Kristi Gomm says breaking
achievable goals into bite sized pieces gives
careers
www.travelbulletin.com.au
EDITOR
Ian McMahon (03) 9568 4464
or mobile 0414 320 321
imcmahon@travelbulletin.com.au
FEATURES EDITOR
Kate Atherton – 0412 254 762
katherton@travelbulletin.com.au
travelBulletin is published by
Business Publishing Group Pty Ltd
ABN 47 112 661 613
DIRECTORS AND
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS:
Eddie Raggett (Sydney) and
Ian McMahon (Melbourne)
NATIONAL SALES
SYDNEY OFFICE
MANAGER
(02) 9969 6683
consultants Eddie
something
to9969
work
Raggett (02)
6683towards and can increase their feeling
PO Box 492 Mosman
or mobile 0408 289 599
NSW 2088
of self worth.eraggett@travelbulletin.com.au
OFFICE
But centralHAWAII
to the strategy, she says,MELBOURNE
is maintaining
momentum
(03) 9568 4464
Eddie
Raggett
(02)
9969
6683
and breakingorintimidating
goals into achievable
stepping stones.
Box 818, Carnegie
mobile 0408 289 599
Victoria 3163
eraggett@travelbulletin.com.au
“You wouldn’t set out on a car journey without a destination
in mind and PRODUCTION
the same should be applied to your career to keep
CO-ORDINATOR
Marlene Poon
– 0407
676 you
177 purpose. But you’ve got to stick
yourself challenged
and
give
mpoon@travelbulletin.com.au
with it,” she says.
ART DIRECTOR
The biggest
hurdle,
she says, is being accountable and setting
Wendy
St George
CAB Audited – circulation 5918*
wstgeorge@travelbulletin.com.au
*Average
circulation Apr
2012-Mar 2013come
realistic goals that can be controlled, which
isnetwhere
mentors
into the picture.
Lining up a coach or advisor is arguably one of the most valuable
resources in setting and achieving professional goals. There are
professional channels that facilitate mentor programs such as TIME,
but it can be as simple as speaking to someone you admire and
asking them the path they followed to reach their current position.
Not only will they be able to recommend the training required
to step into a bigger role, but they are also likely to have relevant
contacts to help get you to where you need to be in order to develop.
Consultants who work for larger organisations can also use their
human resources department for career guidance.
However you**And
get there,
will $30
helpfor
youa to
travelsetting
agentsgoals
pay only
fullprogress
year’s
your career with a big picture
view,
but
the
experts
agree
that any
subscription to travelBulletin
career progression comes with hard work, vision and perseverance.
Join the rush
subscribe
to travelBulletin,
thepursue
monthly publication
that act
“Successful people
aretothose
who
work hard,
their goals,
makes sense of the electronic news bombardment.
lawfully and ethically and most of all, enjoy their work,” O’Neill says.
SUBSCRIBE TO
travelBulletin
ONLY $50 A YEAR*
Why pay $149 a year for a travel industry newspaper when travelBulletin
provides comprehensive industry coverage for only $50 a year
(even less if you’re a travel agent).
Get To:Started
travelBulletin subscriptions ABN 47 112 661 613
Box 7043, Banyule Victoria 3084
To increasePOyour
chances of success, set
I
am
a travel
agent and
cheque or
money order for
milestones that
follow
theenclose
SMART
formula:
$30 (inc. GST) to cover 12 months subscription to travelBulletin
S – Specific. Be
precise about your goals and have a clear
I am not a travel agent and enclose cheque or money order for
idea of where
youGST)
wantto to
be.12 months subscription to travelBulletin
$50 (inc.
cover
M – Measurable.
Set goals that you can track so you can
Name ...................................................................................................................
monitor your progress
Job title ................................................................................................................
A – Achievable.
There’s
not much point setting goals that are
Agency name
....................................................................................................
beyond your reach. Be honest with yourself.
Company / organisation ...............................................................................
R – Relevant.
Targets that are clearly related to your goal are
Address ...............................................................................................................
preferable. They’ll also get you there faster.
.................................................................................................................................
T – Time specific. Set time frames for each target and the big
Email ....................................................................................................................
picture goal.
PRIVACY POLICY: Like you, we abhor spam. We do not pass on email
addresses (or any other details of subscribers) to third parties. We may from
time to time contact you with information we believe may be of interest to you
such as breaking news items, registration renewal notices and promotional
offers. To opt out of receiving these, tick this box
There are plenty of resources to help you upskill
and progress
training.
Here
our(resttop
picks:
*Overseaswith
subscriptions:
$70 a year (Asia
Pacific),are
$90 a year
of world)
**Offer not valid outside Australia
AFTA has a useful education and training program
University of Technology Sydney and TAFE offer many
on-campus and online programs
Global Business Travel Association hosts regular events and
has an extensive online resource library
Association of Travel Management Companies is the peak body
for business travel agents
Association of Corporate Travel Executives hosts events and
symposiums for travel managers in 29 countries
WANT YOUR EXECUTIVE
CAREER SEARCH HANDLED
CONFIDENTIALLY?
WANT YOUR CAREER SEARCH HANDLED
BY AN EXPERT? CALL AA
ARE YOU TECH SAVVY?
DOES ONLINE EXCITE YOU?
PRODUCT MANAGER
SYDNEY EXCELLENT SALARY PACKAGE
ONLINE PRODUCT MANAGER
PERTH EXCELLENT SALARY PACKAGE
This key role will see you influencing a team to deliver the overall
commercial performance of this technical product to meet market
requirements. You will be liaising with key stakeholders and third
party developers to ensure the market requirements are met.
SEO/SEM CHAMPION
Essentially, you will have a strong technical background; have
REQUIRED
excellent commercial acumen,
plus account management and
leadership skills.
Are you well connected and have strong commercial
relationships? Have you worked across various mediums in B2B,
have strong product knowledge and are target driven? If so, you
may be the perfect match for this new role. Essentially you will
PACIFIC
PRODUCT
come from
selling and relationship
driven background. You will
have proven negotiation
skills and excellent verbal and written
SPECIALIST
communication skills.
CALL AA
MARKETING SPECIALIST
CENTRAL SYD LOCATION –
MIX IT UP EXECUTIVE
IN THE MICE
MARKET
SALARY
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
MANAGER
This award
winning travel company
is looking
BRISBANE
– SALARY
PKG $100K
OTEhas
+a
for a marketing
extraordinaire.
The role
broadinspectrum
but willin focus
on online,
Experienced
the MICE market
Queensland?
Knowanalytics,
how to
drive and getEDMs
new business
over themanagement
line? Then comewith
and SEO/
join this
and database
leading event
in aThis
newlyiscreated
role. Thisto
SEMmanagement
experience company
essential.
your chance
BDM role will reward you like no other in the market currently –
showcase your skills and move to a company that
amazing incentives, inspirational leadership and long term career
continuesProven
to grow
and
canexperience
offer ongoing
development.
MICE
sales
a must.career
advancement and progression. Don’t miss this
outstanding opportunity to be part of an exciting
phase of growth!
PRODUCT MGR/TEAM LEADER
BRISBANE – UP TO $90K PKG +
HIT THE
ROAD JACK
BONUSES
SALES
Are you INDUSTRY
an experienced
ProductMANAGER
Manager look– SALARY
totravel
$80K+
ingMELB
for a new
challenge?PACKAGE
This dynamic
Do
you haveisthe
ability toformake
an impression
the VIC travel
company
looking
a product
guru towith
manage
agency
andproduct
be remembered?
fantastic
travel product
and market
lead the
team to This
success
as well
is as
looking
for a new sales
to take
over theand
VIC territory
the negotiation
ofmanager
wholesale
contracts
and manage the relationships across the state. You will be self
promotional
activity
with
suppliers.
Previous
motivated working from your home based office and be willing to
product
experience
a must
along
withA go-getter
strong attitude
get out
and about
to build sales
in your
region.
understanding of the will
travel
negotiation
win industry,
here!
& relationship building skills required along with
experience managing a team.
ONLINE INDUSTRY SALES/PRODUCT MGR
SYDNEY – SALARY PACKAGE OTE $120K
CORPORATE BDM X 4
MEL, SYD & BNE– SALARY PACKAGE OTE
MOVE THIS
BUSINESS
$120K+
GOOGLE THIS
* NEW ROLE *
If you are passionate about product and have established key
MANAGER
relationships, thisGENERAL
dynamic travel online
provider needs you!
Due to expansion
they are looking
to grow their sales team.
(SALES
& MARKETING)
Your primary objective will be to develop and secure dynamic
SYD from
CENTRAL
– EXEC
PKGE
travel products
new and existing
clienteleSAL
for their
direct
consumers.
will be
rewarded
a top salary
enjoy
This You
unique
niche
travelwith
company
is aand
specialist
in aand
fun, looking
funky environment.
in working
their field
for an experienced
General Manager for their Sales and Marketing
teams. You will be responsible for developing
LOVE
ORGANISING
TICKET
and implementing
strategicBIG
marketing
and sales
plans as wellEVENTS?
as operating budgets. Progressive
SENIOR
EVENTSexperience
DIRECTOR/
LEAD
management
in theTEAM
travel industry,
SYDNEY
– SALARY
PACKAGE
OTE $90K+
strong
business acumen
and analytical
skills
combined
exceptional
and
If your experience
lieswith
within
conference &interpersonal
incentive program
communication
skills areevent
essential
management
and you have managed
teams,in
thisthis
is arole.
rare
opportunity to join an industry leader. You’ll be well versed in the
creation and delivery of unique, motivational and exciting events
for corporate clients, including incentive groups, conferences and
launches. Top salary
package and SAVVY?
global career progression
SALES
on offer.
DON’T YOU DESERVE MORE?
FORWARD!
If you have the passion for sales and love building new
relationships
your talents
will be rewarded/here.
You’ll be joining
GENERAL
MANAGER
CEO
a leading corporate TMC offering a long term career and the real
MELB –ofSALARY
TO $220K
(DOE)
opportunity
progression.PKG
With a leading
brand behind
you, you’ll
be This
able toprominent
take aim attravel
an amazing
salaryispackage
company
lookingand
forwork with
clients.
an experiencedfantastic
Generalunique
Manager
to join their
Australian headquarters. You will be responsible
for the operational and financial performance
KNOW
HOW
TObusiness
SCHMOOZE
of the
business,
delivering
plans and
YOURtrends
SUPPLIERS?
budgets, identifying
to gain market share,
PRODUCT
SPECIALIST
along with overall
management
of the business
BRISBANE
– SALARY
PACKAGE
TO at
$85K
and
its staff. Senior
management
experience
GM/CEO
essential,
together
with adaptability
Are youlevel
a smart
negotiator?
Pride yourself
on your supplier
relationship
skills? In
thisP/L
challenging
role you
will liaise with
& flexibility.
Full
experience
req’d.
product managers and retail businesses to identify new business
opportunities along with maximising current supplier relationships
Working on a large marketing strategy your knowledge of the
industry
and strong A
business
development
skills will be the
WHAT
NEW
YEAR
key to success.
OPPORTUNITY
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT /
ACCOUNT MANAGER
PRODUCT MANAGER
AUSTRALIA’S MOST EXPERIENCED
MELB – LUCRATIVE SALARY PKG
SYDNEY CENTRAL – EXECUTIVE
TEAM
This leadingEXECUTIVE
travel technology provider isRECRUITMENT
seeking
SALARY
a competent sales professional to join their
Looking for a challenging new destination to
growing team.
market? This global travel company is seeing
You will be responsible
for building
& maintaining
huge growth and is somewhere you want to be!
Email:
executive@aaappointments.com.au
relationships with key personnel in order to
Come on board as their Product Manager and
FOR
MANY
MORE
EXECUTIVE
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
develop
new business
opportunities
& retain VACANCIES
demonstrate your ability to negotiate contracts
www.aaappointments.com
existing; account management
of a portfolio of
whilst creating demand through planning,
clients; together with contracting and
contracting and pricing, This is a great
implementation of new clients. Sales experience
opportunity to kick start your new year.
& a driven approach essential.
travelBulletin June 2013
Ph: 02 9231 2825
AUSTRALIA’S MOST EXPERIENCED
EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT TEAM
Ph: 02 9231 2825
Email: executive@aaappointments.com.au
FOR MANY MORE EXECUTIVE VACANCIES
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.aaappointments.com
cover story
Travel defies
currency dive
The struggling Australian dollar has ignited concerns about the travel industry,
with some analysts claiming that travel takes a dive when the exchange rate hits
shaky ground. But new research suggests that Australians’ affinity for travel has not
wavered and agents have a sterling future ahead, as Louise Wallace writes.
22
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
cover story
T
he Australian dollar is in the
doldrums, hitting a five and a half
year low in diabolical fashion.
After blazing at well over US$1 for
years, the light started to flicker
in 2014 and blew out last month, flat lining
at US$0.77. And rumours are mounting that
the worst is yet to come. The nose dive has
quickly ignited concerns about the flow on
effects, with leisure travel singled out as one
of the first on the chopping block.
Flight Centre managing director Graham
Turner has been outspoken on assumptions
that travel trends are married to the
performance of the Australian dollar, insisting
that consumer confidence holds all the power.
While the Australian dollar will continue to run
its own course, he asserts that Australians
will take cheaper holidays rather pull the pin
on their travel plans. “Currency in itself is not
a critical driver of Australian outbound travel,”
he announced at the group’s annual meeting
late last year. But new research shows that
he’s on the money.
between the lines
The Travel and Tourism Research report
compiled by Bell Potter Securities senior
research analyst John O’Shea found that
outbound travel has won over the wallets of
Australian travellers, with international travel
growing at a compound rate of 13% per
annum over the last eight years compared to
just 4% for domestic.
The report put the shift towards outbound
travel down to the strong Australian
economy, lower ticket prices and the rise
of discount carriers. But notably, it found
that international holiday travel expenditure
has grown at nearly double the rate of
household disposable income over the
same period.
As to be expected, travel trends fluctuated
over the eight year period and there was a
pronounced slump as the world rode the
turbulence of the global financial crisis. But
spending on holiday travel as a percentage
of household income remained virtually
constant, with Australians spending 6.5% of
household disposable income on holidays.
Presenting the figures at the ITG
conference in Hawaii late last year, O’Shea
explained that the data – compiled by
comparing ABS statistics with Tourism
Australia figures – showed that Australians
will continue to travel overseas regardless of
external factors.
“As long as our economy continues to
perform, consumer confidence will remain
buoyant and the travel industry will keep
riding a high,” he said.
Speaking to travelBulletin in more detail,
O’Shea said the figures dispelled the myths
that currency and the price of travel were
holding the reins of the travel industry and
confirmed what many have long suspected;
that Australians love to travel.
“Many have considered currency to be the
most important driver of outbound travel, but
it is in fact household expenditure. Despite
the GFC and market volatility people are still
making the choice to holiday,” he said.
O’Shea noted that outbound travel
had slowed over the past 12 months as
consumer confidence weakened, but the
travel trend had no correlation to how the
Australian dollar performed.
“Currency is a driver but not the most
important one, with the household sector
holding all the cards,” he told travelBulletin.
The research is also a beacon of light for
travel agents, with the outbound industry
“almost certain” to remain buoyant
regardless of external factors, O’Shea added.
“I can categorically say that an increasing
percentage of consumers’ income is being
poured into outbound travel regardless of
economic circumstances which is positive for
travel agents as this represents their most
important market. It’s not just my view, it’s
the facts,” he said.
Many have
‘considered
currency to
be the most important
driver of outbound
travel, but it is in fact
household expenditure.
Despite the GFC and
market volatility people
are still making the
choice to holiday
’
A bit of perspective
It’s a bold claim, and one that’s echoed by
AFTA ceo Jayson Westbury who says the data
is a clear reflection of the habits of Australian
travellers. And he is confident the trend will
continue. “It underpins what I’ve been saying;
that there is a strong future for travel agents
and as long as Australians feel secure, they
will continue to travel,” he told travelBulletin.
Westbury brushed off any notion that
the exchange rate could deter Australian
travellers from putting money on the bottom
line, branding the currency conversion
conversation as a “plaything of bored
consumer journalists”.
“When the dollar went parity we had
journalists making a bit thing of it, but we’ve
had robust years when the dollar was at
US$0.70… I doubt we’ll see anything hit
hard with the weakening dollar,” he said.
He also dismissed suggestions that the
struggling dollar would prompt Australians
Continues over page
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
23
cover story
musings on the future for travel agents.
And in his view, bricks and mortar outlets
are likely to benefit from the ongoing shift
towards international travel.
Delivering his speech to the ITG
conference, O’Shea noted that bricks and
mortar agencies remain the key source for
come from the flash site and special deals
segment, but bricks and mortar travel agents
to holiday closer to home, insisting that
remain the largest share of the flights
international travel remains king for
segment,” he said. However, O’Shea stressed
Australian travellers.
the need for agents to adapt their practices
“I don’t subscribe to the idea that domestic
to fend off the competition: “Agents need to
travel will go up. When the dollar went to
be ahead of the game and provide value-add
parity everyone said domestic would shut
to clients given that internet savvy customers
down, but I don’t believe that one swaps the
are everywhere. They need to be more than
other… when travellers walk into an agency
just order takers because customers can do
they’ve already made up their mind on the
that, and more, on the internet.”
type of holiday they’re after,” he said.
The idea is not new to travel agents
Domestic tour operators are singing a
who are hyper aware of the need to bring
different tune, with AAT Kings managing
something different to the table. But O’Shea
director telling travelBulletin that 2015 is
says the key is to pursue younger customers
shaping up to be the “best year for domestic
with features and services that are beyond
holidays in years”. APT also confirmed a
their reach to reel them in, and keep them
“renewed interest” in domestic travel this
coming back.
year, and Infinity’s Australia & New Zealand
“There is a great opportunity for bricks
area leader Steve Paterson reported
and mortar agents to grow – that’s supported
“healthy” forward bookings for Queensland
by facts – but they need to prove their value
and the Northern Territory in particular.
above and beyond online resources and
airline ticket sales, comprising 44% of the
However, he added that currency fluctuations
improve the customer experience,” he said.
market, followed by direct sales at 22%,
don’t always play on the minds of Australian
Westbury agrees, but says the message
corporate travel agents at 20% and OTAs
travellers who are more interested in the
has been in the pipeline for a few years.
at 14%. But outbound airline ticket sales
type of experiences they’re after.
Certainly agents are feeling the pressure of
are where the money is for bricks and
But O’Shea said a domestic boom
online and hitting the drawing board to look at
mortar outlets, claiming a massive 65% of
is unlikely in the near future, with data
new ways to market their services to clients,
international airline ticket sales followed
suggesting a structural shift towards
but that is unlikely to change.
by direct bookings at a much leaner 16%
outbound is likely to be a permanent fixture.
In Westbury’s view, a more pressing
“The ducks are lining up in terms of outbound and OTAs at 11%. “Agents have an ideal
consideration for agents is to be prepared
opportunity to benefit from the seismic shift
travel which provides a powerful backdrop for
when consumers voice their concerns over
to outbound which is a trend we expect to
agents,” he said, adding that the high price
the exchange rate.
question
Are Households
spending
more or less of their
Disposable
Income
continue,”
he said.
pointKey
and lack
of new hotel –
developments
in
The reality
is that big ticket
items such
O’Shea
also touched
on the emergence
Australia
overseas and
travel ahas
“no brainer”
as cruise and air are unlikely to shift much
on made
Holidays
this varied
between
Domestic
and Outbound?
of OTAs, branding them a “clear threat” for
for Aussie travellers.
with currency fluctuation, but consumers
traditional
as Purposes
travellers become
are easily
by mainstream
Outbound Travel Expenditure
for agencies
Holiday
has grown
at aswayed
CAGR
of 13% media
over
more savvy
in the travel
But in
he Household
which often
inflates the currency
discussion.
the last 8 years which is nearly
double
the space.
growth
Disposable
Income
insisted that online travel sales were only
“The chances are that consumers will voice
and three times the growthgaining
in Domestic
Holiday Travel
The faceoff between domestic and
modest ground on bricks and mortar
concerns over the exchange rate, so agents
international travel will no doubt go on, but
and still formed a “relatively small” part
have a conversation ready to go and
Households are spending more of their Disposable Income should
on Outbound
of particular interest for agents are O’Shea’s
of the market. “Future growth is likely to
have something prepared,” he said.
Continues from previous page
Agents need to be
‘ahead
of the game and
provide value-add to
clients given that internet
savvy customers are
everywhere. They need
to be more than just
order takers...
’
Holiday Travel and Household Disposable Income
•
looking ahead
•
•
In periods of material economic disruption Outbound tends to slow but transitory
travel expenditure
holiday purposes
OutboundOutbound
Travel Expenditure
Holiday Purposes
and Household
and household
Disposabledisposable
Income income
35,000
3.50%
30,000
3.00%
25,000
2.50%
20,000
2.00%
15,000
1.50%
10,000
30,000
6.0%
25,000
5.0%
20,000
4.0%
15,000
3.0%
1.00%
10,000
2.0%
5,000
0.50%
5,000
1.0%
0
0.00%
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
0.0%
0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Outbound Holiday Travel Expenditure ($m) - LHS
Domestic Holiday Travel Expenditure Total ($m) - LHS
Outbound Holiday Travel Expenditure as a % of Gross Disposable Income - RHS
Domestic Holiday Travel Expenditure as a % of Gross Disposable Income - % RHS
Source: ABS, TRA, BELL POTTER ESTIMATES
Households are spending more of their disposable income on outbound
24
Domestic
expenditure
holiday
purposes
Domestic
Travel travel
Expenditure
Holiday
Purposes
and Household
and household
disposable
Disposable
Incomeincome
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
Source: ABS, TRA, BELL POTTER ESTIMATES
Source: ABS, TRA, Bell Potter Estimates
Premium
Economy
Class.
Offer your customers a new Lufthansa travel experience.
Whether travelling for business or pleasure, your customers will quickly come to appreciate the advantages
of the new Lufthansa Premium Economy Class. The product is aimed at all those on long-haul flights who
would like more comfort and exclusivity than is available in Economy class.
You can book Premium Economy Class in conjunction with our quality partners Qantas, Cathay Pacific
and others via our direct connection hubs of Hong Kong and Beijing now, or from Singapore commencing
22nd April 2015.
More at: Lufthansa.com/au/en/premium-economy-class
Europe fares:
$2799
plus taxes
& charges
lufthansa.com
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
25
travel
management
Create a
winning
culture
By Penny Spencer
A
positive workplace culture and
a supportive team are crucial
to achieving business success.
These are among the most
important things I’ve learned
over 30 years in the travel industry.
When I started Spencer Travel in 1998, I
had a vision of the type of workplace I wanted
to create – a place where people would be
proud to work and a business that clients
would want to work with.
Having happy employees is all about
fostering the right culture, but it isn’t always
easy and you have to work on it. Employers
have to create the culture through their
values, and then they’ve got to walk the
talk. I follow a number of guidelines to help
build a positive workplace culture, and while
there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach, these
principles have helped me to build a happy
team that brings in awards and new business.
1) Schedule regular meetings with staff
Organising regular face-to-face meetings not
only ensures that staff are on top of work
items, but it also helps to track staff progress
so that employees can advance their careers
within the business. It also helps to ensure
that staff are reaching their own goals.
26
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
2) Mentoring – I’m a big advocate of passing
knowledge onto others and helping them
to progress. I have implemented various
workplace training programs and embedded
a culture of team mentoring. I have also
employed agents straight out of travel courses
and worked with them to develop their careers
which has proven to be successful.
3) Reward staff – Employers need to
regularly recognise their team’s work. Make
sure they feel appreciated, whether it’s with
a handwritten note or a verbal compliment.
Anything that commends the contribution of
staff is valued. I also give my team members
unexpected rewards such as gift vouchers
as a token of appreciation. We have also
implemented a ‘10 year One Carat Diamond
Club’ where staff receive a one carat
diamond for 10 years of service.
4) Ensure staff feel valued and respected
Listening to staff is extremely important,
as is taking their feedback onboard and
implementing their suggestions when
appropriate. Having open forums where they
can be completely honest about work issues
can be a valuable way of building mutual
respect and understanding. Also, treating
all members the way you would want to be
treated is crucial.
Being listed in BRW’s Top 50 Best Places
to Work in Australia in 2013 was a huge
achievement for us that recognised our
workplace culture. But it hasn’t come easy
and has taken our business the full 16 years
to say we have a culture that works.
But it is not only about the culture, it’s
about the type of people that your culture
brings into the business. I now have people
contacting me requesting to work at Spencer
Travel because they’ve heard about the
workplace environment, and that in itself is a
huge accolade.
It all stems from establishing positive
company values and following through on
those values. And like anything in business,
it’s about treating others with respect and
staying true to yourself.
Penny Spencer is the
managing director of
Spencer Travel and the
founder of Travel Industry
Mentor Experience (TIME).
She also launched her first
book last year titled ‘Love
what you do and never work a day in your life’ which
offers advice on business and career progression.
2015
NATIONAL TRAVEL
INDUSTRY AWARDS
DOCKSIDE PAVILION, DARLING HARBOUR
SATURDAY 18TH JULY
Hosted by media personality Andrew Daddo
Sponsored by Dubai Tourism
MAJOR SPONSOR
ING
VOT EN
OPTH ARCH
18 TOM
IL
TH APR
3
1
5PM
9AM
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSORS
SUPPER CLUB SPONSOR
For More Information
W www.afta.com.au E ntia@afta.com.au T 02 9287 9900
steve’s say
expedia flexes its muscles, again
As interesting as it is, Expedia’s proposed
US$1.3 billion acquisition of Orbitz, a deal
that will see further consolidation in the US
online industry, will not have ruffled too many
feathers in Australia.
If agreed by Orbitz shareholders and
regulators, and there must surely be some
doubt about the latter with its impact
on consumer choice, it will be the third
significant transaction for Expedia in recent
times, following deals for Travelocity and, of
course, Wotif.
Are there any local implications from the
Orbitz deal? On the face of it, there doesn’t
appear to be. But it does demonstrate the
financial muscle of Expedia and its desire to
continually expand its reach and power.
The only direct impact of the acquisition in
Australia could be on Helloworld, which struck
a Strategic Alliance Agreement in late 2013
for Orbitz to power the retailer’s website,
helloworld.com.au.
The site is not without its critics. The Travel
Corporation in particular is known to be
particularly vexed at some of the content gaps,
but that’s a story for another day. And content
is Helloworld’s issue, not that of Orbitz.
Helloworld “noted” Expedia’s move for
its technology provider but downplayed any
impact, insisting the “respective obligations
of the parties” will be unaffected in the event
... there is a rising
‘generation
of consumers
who do everything online,
and travel will be
no exception
’
of the deal being pushed through. In any
case, Expedia will have more than enough on
its plate without worrying too much about the
Helloworld arrangement.
What the acquisition of Orbitz will give
Expedia is improved ability to increase
its revenue from air tickets, a traditional
stronghold of Orbitz, which was founded by a
consortium of US airlines in 2001.
Expedia has been historically strong in
hotels, but less so in air, and management
will hope this deal will provide greater traction
with airlines. That being the case, it could
be the catalyst for Expedia to compete more
effectively in the package business, the
mainstay for bricks and mortar agencies and
wholesalers.
There will be little concern among the
traditional players, nor should there be, not at
this stage anyway.
But while I tend to agree with recent
comments from Australian Federation of
Travel Agents (AFTA) chief executive Jayson
Westbury and Express Travel Group chief
executive Tom Manwaring that agents have a
strong future, I think some of the confidence
could be misplaced.
We all know Australia’s geography plays
into the hands of agencies – it’s a long
way from anywhere and itineraries can be
expensive and complex – but there is a rising
generation of consumers who do everything
online, and travel will be no exception.
A stronger Expedia may not be an
imminent risk to retailers, but the US giant
is positioning itself to become a stronger
competitor not just to Priceline, but to all
distributors of travel product.
issues &
trends
SmartFlyer & Goldman hit home base
Home-based networks are continuing to gain
ground on traditional agencies with the rise of
yet another home-based model in Australia.
Goldman Travel Corporation has announced
a joint venture with US-based travel agency
SmartFlyer to form an independent homebased model on Australian shores. Slated
to launch on 1 May, SmartFlyer Australia
aims to attract “next generation travel
consultants” with the view of becoming the
“go-to company” for Australian independent
travel agents.
Both Virtuoso agencies, the combined
venture has its sights on building a
community of “forward thinking, social media
savvy” travel advisers, with a focus on high
end leisure travel.
Goldman Travel Corporation joint managing
director Anthony Goldman told travelBulletin
that the venture had been on the agenda
for “a couple of years” but a recent spike in
interest for home-based models spurred the
company into action.
“We have been approached from a number
of people from within and outside of the
industry who have expressed interest in
working from home, so we figured that the
timing was right,” he said, adding that the
company had fielded inquiries from 10 agents
within 24 hours of announcing the venture.
Goldman said SmartFlyer Australia’s
“strong focus” on social media would set it
apart from its competitors, but stressed that
the move to add a home-based model to its
existing operations simply “made sense”.
“All we are trying to do is grow the market
in Australia, strengthen the position of travel
advisors and continue to personalise booking
David Goldman, Tom Goldman, Anthony Goldman
All we are trying to do
is grow the market in
Australia and strengthen
the position of travel
advisors
‘
’
processes over online booking engines,” he
told travelBulletin.
SmartFlyer is welcoming experienced
agents and industry newcomers to join on a
contractor basis, with all consultants to pay
“small” set-up and maintenance fees. The
rise of SmartFlyer Australia follows the launch
of home-based network Your Travel Centre
in August 2014 which was soon followed by
the launch of Savenio in December last year.
Rebranding from Travel Concepts and also a
Virtuoso member, the group promptly set up a
Sydney office and appointed Andrew Challinor
(ex MTA) to head a national recruitment drive.
With established players in the home-based
space also actively looking to expand their
networks, the options for agents who may be
considering working from home are on the
rise. Traditional agencies are still king in the
Australian marketplace, but agency groups
are thinking broader and increasingly adding
home-based models to their existing outfits
to woo consultants onboard. And, no doubt,
there will be more to follow in the year ahead.
Expedia snaps up Orbitz
While some traditional agencies are
looking at leaner balance sheets with the
rise of online travel groups, travel giant
Expedia just keeps getting fatter.
The company last month announced a
“definitive agreement” for the acquisition of
its key rival Orbitz in a deal that’s expected
to top around US$1.3 billion. The move
comes less than a month after Expedia
purchased Travelocity and not long after it
swallowed Australian-owned Wotif to expand
its presence in the Australasian market.
The company has also earmarked plans to
boost its stake in AAE Travel - a joint venture
formed with AirAsia in 2011 - to 75%.
8
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
Marking further consolidation in the
online travel sector, the Orbitz acquisition
adds to Expedia’s growing portfolio of
travel brands as it looks to muscle out its
competitors. If it receives the go-ahead from
regulators, it leaves just two major players
in the online travel space; Expedia and
Priceline, which owns Booking.com.
While Expedia CEO Dara Khosrowshahi
had previously expressed doubt that such
a merger would get through, his concerns
have since abated, announcing the deal
would allow the company to deliver “bestin-class experiences to an even wider set
of travellers”. Others aren’t so sure, with
at least one
industry group
recommending
a thorough
review to combat potential implications for
consumers.
The deal is unlikely to have much of
an effect on consumers while Priceline is
still in the running, but it does arguably
give Expedia more bargaining clout with
suppliers. For now, the flow-on effects are
still unclear in the Australia market. But no
doubt Helloworld, which struck a strategic
alliance with Orbitz 18 months ago, will be
watching closely.
issues & trends
AFTA view
“It’s now
much easier
to respond
quickly to my
customers
and get more
from my day.”
Jayson Westbury, chief executive AFTA
tough start for 2015
but future promising
As the federal parliament returns to work this month there are
plenty of questions being asked about what the future holds.
The leadership “spill” motion that was put forward by two
backbenchers of the Liberal party certainly made headlines
nationwide. What eventuated was in fact nothing, which was a big
let down for news rooms across the country. But perhaps for our
international reputation, it was the best news for us all.
I am sure the prime minister has well and truly got the
message, and if he hasn’t, we are likely to see a re-run of this
circus in a few months. But whatever happens, the country
needs to get on with it.
Consumer confidence, and
by association business
confidence, must pick up.
We are all talking ourselves
into tough economic times,
but in real terms we should
be firing on all cylinders.
Low interest rates, a
reasonable jobs market and
economic growth, even in small numbers, should form a strong
foundation for the rest of 2015.
Meanwhile, the stock market is on a run and as investors
look for greater returns than what banks can offer, many will be
scratching their heads, not knowing what to do. All the while, the
travel industry will be sitting patiently, waiting for bookings.
Confidence first and foremost comes off the back of influential
people like politicians being in a positive frame of mind. Certainty
their outlook on the future is king.
As we roll into the federal budget process, this year’s delivery,
arrangements and key messages will be telling. If this budget is
not the “best” budget our current treasurer has ever delivered, I
suspect confidence is likely to fall to an all time low. This is not
good for anyone.
I am not a negative person and I find it difficult to write things
with such a negative spin. Reality can bite hard but it is important
to find the positive side of the situation. And for the travel
industry there is much to celebrate. Forward bookings, I am told,
are looking good and despite all the doom and gloom, people
continue to book and travel overseas despite the falling value of
the Australian dollar.
The new accreditation arrangements are also settling in very
well with most of the industry now accredited, and suppliers
continuing to connect with travel agents into the future. There are
now many options for travel agents to put commercial solutions in
place that they feel are necessary for their business.
And of course the NTIA process is once again off and running
with nominations flooding in. This year’s program is bound to be
a ripper. So, I hope the travel industry can remain positive and
let’s hope Australia can come with us.
Leisa Burdette
Personal Travel Manager,
TravelManagers Australia
can
‘biteReality
hard but it is
important to find the
positive side of the
situation
Built with you, for you, the
next generation Amadeus
Selling Platform Connect
understands we all like to
work in different ways.
’
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
In an industry-first, we’ve developed
an online platform with even more
flexibility and time-saving features.
And with no installation required,
there’s no downtime, so you remain
at your most efficient and productive.
For complete freedom in the way
you work, talk to Amadeus today
and connect with the only fully
mobile online platform for travel
professionals.
With you, to make life easier.
Connect in 2015
For more information visit
amadeus.com
9
issues &
trends
rivalry heats up with collette in aus
Call it friendly rivalry or fierce competition,
but the contest in the over 50s escorted
touring market has stepped up a notch with
the Australian launch of US operator Collette.
The company – which has been operating
in the US for 96 years – officially opened the
doors to its Australian operation in Sydney
last month in a carefully orchestrated move
to tap into the ”lucrative Australian market”.
Attended by around 80 industry
representatives, the launch was everything to
be expected from a new player in an already
crowded market, with vice president of
service and international business Christian
Leibl-Cote travelling out from Rhode Island to
mark the occasion.
Speaking with travelBulletin after the event,
Leibl-Cote said feedback had been “pleasing”
since Collette’s soft launch in January, with
bookings now being received on a daily basis.
“Australia is very small compared to the rest
of our markets, but people seem to be excited,
so we expect to see an increase,” he said.
Discussing the operator’s immediate
plans, Leibl-Cote said the company was now
focused on building partnerships with agency
consortiums to further its grasp in the
Australia market and build confidence among
travel agents.
Collette is currently in negotiations with
“a number” of agency groups and expects to
make some “quick announcements” in the
coming weeks, Leibl-Cote said.
“We’re trying to partner with every
consortium – agencies are extremely
important to us and are the lifeblood of our
business,” he told travelBulletin.
Offering more than 160 four-star tours,
river cruises, small group itineraries, rail
journeys and specialty tours tailored for the
over 50s market, Collette’s key competitors
include Trafalgar, Scenic Tours and APT.
But Collette has made no secret of who it
sees as its main rival – Insight Vacations.
Collette vice president of service and international business Christian Leibl-Cote and Collette business
manager Alison Mead, joined by the Sydney team.
“Insight is a great company and we have
been competing with them in every single
market that we are located in,” Leibl-Cote
said. “They make us better and we make
them better, but we also feel that our pricing
is extremely competitive in this market.”
Insight Vacations managing director Joost
Timmer was less inclined to discuss the
competition so freely, but told travelBulletin
that Insight’s sales team in Australia was
“very established and respected within
the industry”. He also stressed that the
operator’s value proposition had facilitated
a large and loyal following. “Value is key and
one of the reasons guests love travelling with
Insight, and return to travel with us time and
time again,” he said.
Trafalgar managing director Matt CameronSmith also sat on the sidelines of the rivalry
discussion, instead highlighting the company’s
place in the escorted touring market.
“With almost 70 years of experience
in taking guests on memorable holidays
around the world, Trafalgar understands
the importance of choice and that one size
doesn’t fit all,” he told travelBulletin.
Meanwhile, chief marketing officer for APT’s
family of brands Debra Fox insisted that the
group was unfazed by Collette’s entry to the
Australia market.
“We are confident in the fact that we offer
something that is unique to anything else on
the market,” she said.
Speaking to travelBulletin back in February,
Collette’s local business manager Alison
Mead conceded that the Australia touring
market was already “crowded” and that
instilling trust in the product from travel
agents would be one of the “biggest
challenges”. But ultimately more competition
is good news for agency groups, and it can’t
be bad news for consumers either.
FOOTY TIPPING COMPETITIONS 2015
For your chance to win two Economy Class tickets to Dubai courtesy
of Emirates, register now at:
rugby.traveldaily.com.au for the Super 15 Rugby Tipping Competition
afl.traveldaily.com.au for the AFL Tipping Competition, and
nrl.traveldaily.com.au for the NRL Tipping Competition.
“Join Australia’s
fastest growing
franchise group &
secure your Exclusive
Territory, today!”
Reservoir
Glynde
Kensingto
n
With new stores opening every month, there
is no time like the present to reserve your
exclusive territory and to enjoy the lucrative
benefits of an annual bonus plan. All backed
by full marketing and branding support.
Australian
Owned &
Operated
Do ncas ter
Hornsby +
Castle Hill
Don’t miss out
“talk to us” today
Greg McCallum
Franchise Recruitment Manager
0466 519 563
OR visit www.italkagents.com.au,
www.italk.travel for our full
State and National contact details.
issues &
trends
ATEC view
Peter Shelley, managing director
Virtuoso thriving
china market remains key
In the past few months, many of our members have told me
about their hopes for the coming year and, it seems, there is a
great deal to be positive about. Speaking at a meeting of tourism
ministers in Sydney last week, I passed on this message and
some important qualifiers for our growing success.
It is true, the economic woes of Europe have largely subsided
and there is a feeling of more positive employment prospects
and a brighter economic future for many European countries.
This positive mood is unleashing years of pent up demand for
travel, and Australia stands to benefit from that tide. We are
about to see a backlog of travel demand from a number of our
traditional markets coming
to the surface at the same
time. Also, while travel
to Australia may not be
comparatively cheap with
the significant move in the
Australian dollar in the past
12 months, we can look
forward to our visitors at
least spending more when
they get here.
On top of this
re-engagement from our traditional markets, we have the
irrepressible Asian market, led solidly by Chinese visitors. From
around 400,000 visitors per annum in 2010, we have now almost
doubled the number of Chinese visitors to Australia and the trend
is set to continue. The China market has clearly risen above the
traditional western markets and global travel from this market is
set to double by 2020. With Australia currently holding claim to
around 1.7% of this market internationally, our biggest challenge
is retaining our share of an expected growth to 200 million
international Chinese travellers annually within the next 5 years.
The question is, can we hold our share?
As a destination, we have made some good inroads to shoring
up our market across Asia, including the introduction of new,
more streamlined visa processing for Chinese and Indian visitors.
This is a move ATEC has been a strong advocate for and we are
glad to see the government has recognised these barriers as an
expedient way to help support our industry and its future growth.
So far the trials of online Chinese and Indian visas have been
very positive and we are hopeful for a further expansion of this
valuable initiative.
Equally challenging will be growing our tourism infrastructure.
Even at a 1% share of the expected 2020 Chinese visitor market,
Australia will be struggling to find accommodation and flight
capacity for the increase to two million visitors a year, particularly
on top of any growth out of other markets. If we are to manage
this demand and the opportunities that come with its growth, our
businesses will need robust expansion strategies and an ability
to move fast against challenges from other regional destinations.
We have now
‘almost
doubled the
number of Chinese
visitors to Australia
and the trend is set
to continue
’
12
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
VIRTUOSO has its sights firmly set on the Australian market, with
the luxury specialist’s chairman and CEO Matthew Upchurch recently
confirming that its local office, headed up by Michael Londregan, will
be the base for expansion into Asia.
Upchurch launched a new survey into the habits and preferences of
Australian luxury travellers in Sydney in late February, with the study
conducted in partnership with Hamilton Island resort qualia. The
research showed strong growth in the luxury short break market – well
served by the proliferation of boutique lodges in recent years such as
Wolgan Valley, Southern Ocean Lodge, Longitude 131° and more.
Launching in Australia 12 years ago, Virtuoso now has 38
members in Australia operating from 60 locations. Londregan told
travelBulletin that while it’s not strictly a numbers game, he believes
there are many under-served areas across Australia which represent
significant opportunities for the group.
Globally Virtuoso members turned over around US$14 billion last
year, with the group boasting more than 1700 preferred suppliers.
Top execs sail in for Cruise3sixty
The world’s top cruise executives are set to descend on
Sydney for the second ever Australasian Cruise3sixty
conference, including a special appearance from global CLIA
chairman Adam Goldstein.
travelBulletin will be there in full force too, with publisher
Bruce Piper to also moderate a panel discussion on the
future of the domestic cruise industry. Keep your eye out for
the April issue for all the latest news and developments.
LOOK OUT FOR YOUR FREE
ECONOMY CLASS GUIDE
IN THIS ISSUE
lass
Economy C
15
Guide 20
brought to you by
&
Got something
to say? at
hts
Share your thoug
bulletin.com.au
el
haveyoursay@trav
SUBSCRIBE TO
ONLY $50 A YEAR
travelBulletin provides the latest comprehensive
industry coverage for only $50 a year.
Subscribe online at
travelbulletin.com.au
to
k
oo with
b
ce te
Fa -da
on -to
us up
e
k p
Li kee
issues &
trends
Jetsetter takes off courtesy of EK
Last year marked a number of milestones for
Jetsetter Travel owner Rane Reguson.
He mingled with celebrities at the Melbourne
Cup, received the Young Citizen of the Year
award in his local shire, and saw his business
hit new records. It’s a tidy trifecta, and one
that he attributes to winning the inaugural
Emirates Travel Consultant Scholarship at last
year’s National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs).
Opening his own agency in 2013 at the
ripe age of 19, building the business was a
steep learning curve for Reguson who had
no industry experience. But with a passion
for travel and the gift of the gab, everything
fell into place and he moved quickly when
applications opened for the Emirates
scholarship.
“I thought it was a long shot, but I had
nothing to lose and figured I would give it a
go,” he says. “When I was short listed to the
top five finalists, I knew I was in with a chance
so I poured all of my energy into winning.”
With all finalists flown to Sydney to deliver
a presentation on business performance,
client numbers and customer engagement,
Reguson played on his strengths. “I have
a lot of public speaking under my belt from
community events, so when the judging panel
asked me questions about the business,
I just ran with it and left feeling quite
confident,” he recalls.
His confidence was clearly warranted,
taking home the inaugural scholarship at
the 2014 National Travel Industry Awards.
Accepting the award in front of over 1200
industry representatives, Reguson received
a business class trip to Dubai, travel to the
Melbourne Cup in the Emirates marquee, and
$10,000 towards further education.
“I was absolutely overwhelmed - it was by
far the greatest thing that has happened to
me in my career,” he says.
has put
‘meTheonscholarship
a high platform and
opened a lot of doors
’
Speaking with travelBulletin before leaving
for his first ever trip to Dubai, Reguson said
the award had transformed his business
and earned him a solid reputation within the
industry and his community.
As a “small but growing office” in far
north Queensland, Jetsetter Travel has been
operating under Reguson’s management for
just two years. But he says the scholarship
has seen his bottom line figures improve
14
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
Rane Reguson on his Emirate business class flight to Dubai.
Barry Brown presents the award at the 2014 NTIAs. Pictured on right is Rane with his father David Reguson.
significantly since July last year.
“The store has gone ahead in leaps and
bounds and I have made many beneficial
contacts in the industry that have been great
for business,” he says. “The scholarship has
put me on a high platform and opened a lot
of doors with like-minded travel professionals
in Australia and across the globe.”
The recognition has also spurred him to
think bigger and set his sights on earning
a business degree with the $10,000
scholarship. He also has plans to expand
the store to new locations within the next
five years.
Leading up to his Dubai trip late last
month, Reguson rattled off an impressive
itinerary complete with a dune safari,
hot air ballooning and a trip to Emirates
headquarters. But the chance to strengthen
ties with Emirates divisional senior vice
president commercial operations east Barry
Brown rated particularly highly on his list.
Reguson may be just 22 years old, but he
is keen to share his knowledge with others,
and encourages all aspiring agents to enter
the 2015 awards to help build their career.
His advice is to keep the application
simple and show the judging panel what sets
applicants apart from their competitors. “It’s
an amazing award with amazing rewards and
if you are going to spend your life in travel, go
for it and give it a go,” he says.
The 2015 Emirates Travel Consultant
Scholarship will be presented at the 2015
NTIA Awards which will be held on 18 July at
Sydney’s Dockside Pavilion Darling Harbour.
Hosted Group Journeys with a Difference
For over half a century, Abercrombie & Kent has been a pioneer in the world of luxury travel. Using the expertise of over
50 offices and 2,200 staff worldwide, we’re pleased to announce our new portfolio of Hosted Group Journeys.
This series of small group journeys is creatively designed with educational elements that broaden the mind and foster
an in-depth knowledge of the destinations, their people, wildlife and culture. Group sizes are no more than 24 with
tour hosts who are entertaining and charismatic travelling companions.
MONGOLIA
Harness the pioneering spirit and join A&K’s
Managing Director, Sujata Raman, in Mongolia
to witness the renowned Golden Eagle Festival.
$5,995 per person twin share.
MOROCCO
Join well-known cook, TV personality and selfproclaimed gastronaut Geoff Jansz on an exciting
culinary and cultural journey to Morocco.
$6,895 per person twin share.
FRANCE
Trace the history and culture of France through
its art, architecture, literature and cuisine
with art curator, Lara Nicholls.
$9,935 per person twin share.
TURKEY
Travel with curator, lecturer and arts
consultant Kenneth Park on an historian’s
journey through Turkey.
$9,695 per person twin share.
ISRAEL & JORDAN
Discover two of the Middle East’s most
ancient and fascinating nations – Israel and
Jordan, with historian Kenneth Park.
$9,040 per person twin share.
INDIA
Join award-winning author Claire Scobie on
a literary journey through India, with two
days at the Jaipur Literature Festival.
$11,410 per person twin share.
Call A&K on 1300 851 925 for more information § abercrombiekent.com.au/hosted_group_tour_journeys
cruise report
Full steam ahead for cruise sector
The cruising industry had a bumper year
in 2014, trumping the forecast 21.7 million
cruisers by over one million passengers.
And in another boon for the industry, CLIA is
predicting that the trend will continue into
2015 with a record 23 million passengers to
set sail throughout the year.
Outlined in the latest State of the Cruise
Industry report, CLIA predicted that passenger
numbers would jump a further 1.3 million on
last year’s projections – representing a 4%
increase on previous estimates.
The report – compiled from global industry
sources – also found that travel agents were
central to the cruise industry’s success,
securing more bookings than any other sector.
Approximately 70% of passengers currently
book their cruise holiday with a travel agent,
the report found, with agents also facilitating
a 60% increase in 2015 bookings to date.
In other findings, CLIA identified specialty
cruising as a booming market, with luxury
yachts and “elegant ocean liners” all
experiencing growth of more than 20% year
on year since 2009.
The focus is also moving away from ship
size, with the 22 vessels set to debut this
year focusing more heavily on design and
amenities rather than passenger capacity.
However, passengers are also seeking
more global experiences, with Australia, the
Mediterranean and Asia highlighted as key
areas of growth. More than 50 ships will offer
over 1000 cruises in Asia alone this year with
a capacity for two million passengers.
The report also found that the global cruise
industry contributed $117 billion to the global
economy last year, including almost 900,000
jobs and $40 billion in wages.
With the number of ocean cruise
passengers up from 17.8 million in 2009
to 22.1 million in 2014, CLIA Australasia
general manger Brett Jardine said the
predictions heralded a “big step forward” for
the industry that signalled the worldwide love
affair with cruising was set to continue.
CLIA chairman Adam Goldstein echoed his
comments, branding it an “exciting time” for
the industry.
THE NEW AND SIMPLE
THE NEW AND SIMPLE
WAY TO SELL CRUISE TO
WAY TO SELL CRUISE TO
YOUR CUSTOMERS.
YOUR CUSTOMERS.
WE MAKE BOOKING CRUISES SIMPLE
WE MAKE BOOKING CRUISES SIMPLE
✔ Free service with no ongoing fee
✔ Free
service
with no
ongoing
Try a new
wholesale
cruise
systemfee
with an amazing range of
international
packaged
cruise
content
✔ Try
a new wholesale
cruise
system
with an amazing range of
cruise
✔ international
Specialising inpackaged
international
cruisecontent
packages – we take the
stress out of producing
unique
product
with good
margins
✔ Specialising
in international
cruise
packages
– we
take the
stress
out
of
producing
unique
product
with
good
margins
✔ Instant marketing collateral
✔ Instant
marketing
collateral
Full reservations
support
(Average
wait less
than 60 seconds)
✔ Full
reservations
support
less
✔ (Average
Simple andwait
easy
to than
use 60 seconds)
✔ Simple
and easy
use
Independent
- weto
are
not linked to any buying group
✔ Independent - we are not linked to any buying group
For Further Information Call 1300 790 942 • www.cruisefusion.com.au
For Further Information Call 1300 790 942 • www.cruisefusion.com.au
cruise report
strong start for Cruisefusion
Cruise1st has vowed to expand the
inventory of its trade arm following a
“pleasing” response from travel agencies
within months of the brand’s launch.
Cruise1st managing director Carl Frier
told travelBulletin that Cruisefusion was
“gathering momentum” since its launch late
last year, adding that the brand was on track
to achieving its target of 60 new users by the
end of February.
Attributing the growth to Cruisefusion’s
“extensive” inventory of more than 80 prepackaged tours, he said the growth in user
numbers showed that the cruise platform was
“filling a gap” in the market. Frier also flagged
plans to expand the brand’s inventory to
encourage new agents to come onboard.
“We’d love to increase our inventory, we
need to, but it’s also a decision that is driven
by suppliers. We don’t want to do deals with
suppliers where we can’t give them value, we
only want to do deals where there is traffic
and interest in the market,” he said.
Cruisefusion recently added Pandaw to its
line up and plans to add more “high end”
suppliers to its portfolio. “High end travel is
where the interest is, and the business has
the ability to move with the trends,” Frier said.
Cruisefusion has no plans to print
brochures, with Frier insisting the company is
“purely a digital business”.
Image courtesy of Cunard
Marshall walks plank in P&O management shuffle
Carnival Australia has restructured its
top management ranks in a move that will
leave P&O senior vice president Tammy
Marshall leave the company.
The shake up sees Sture Myrmell fill
Marshall’s shoes in an expanded role as
senior vice president for P&O Cruises,
while Marshall will leave later this month
after completing some special projects.
Marshall joined the company 2.5 years
ago after over a decade with The Travel
Corporation, working across its Contiki and
AAT Kings brands in senior management
roles. She also has extensive accounting
experience and previously held the leading
sales and marketing post with Alpine World.
Myrmell’s new role expands his former
position as vice president hotel operations,
while Peter Little has also been promoted
to an expanded role as senior vice
president fleet operations.
Carnival Australia said the changes
have it all
YOUR CLIENTS
REALLY CAN
came ahead of planned fleet expansions
to concentrate on “enhancing the onboard
guest experience” and further aligning the
company with the Holland America Group.
“We are indebted to Tammy for her
leadership in P&O Cruises’ continuing story
of growth, innovation and customer focus,”
said Carnival Australia ceo Ann Sherry.
Certainly, Marshall’s acumen will set her in
good stead for the future and she will soon
re-emerge in a leading travel industry role.
Redefine their concept of cruising, discover a lifestyle of luxury aboard our six-star fleet and
enjoy the world’s Most Inclusive Luxury Experience™.
There is so much to discover and explore in 2015 and the 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony
Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner and 490-guest all-suite Seven Seas Navigator
are the most luxurious way to explore Asia, Africa, Alaska, Caribbean, Canada/New England,
Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Pacific and South America. And…only Regent Seven Seas
Cruises® offers FREE UNLIMITED SHORE EXCURSIONS* in EVERY port of call.
Extraordinary savings now available on eight Northen European voyages including:
BALTIC
| 26 July 2015 | Seven Seas Voyager
10-nights Copenhagen to Stockholm including 2 nights in St. Petersburg from US$4,399* (Cat. G)
THE MOST INCLUSIVE LUXURY CRUISE EXPERIENCE TM
• FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions in all ports* • Pre-paid gratuities • Unlimited beverages including fine wines,
premium spirits, bottled water, soft drinks, coffee and teas served throughout the ship • 24-hour room service and
no charge for specialty restaurants • BONUS one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel package for Concierge Suite and
higher guests* • FREE WiFi for Concierge Suites and above of up to 500 minutes per suite*• and much more
FOR RESERVATIONS AND BROCHURES
CONTACT WILTRANS INTERNATIONAL
ON 1800 251 174
28
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
* Cruise fares subject to review 31 March 2015. At the time of your purchase, fares may be higher. For current fares and promotional offers, please contact Wiltrans
International. Fares listed are in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy in category as stated and are subject to availability. All fares and offers are for
new bookings only, are capacity controlled and subject to availability, may not be combined with other offers and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.
Fares are based on published Full Brochure Fares; fares may not include Personal Charges, Optional Facilities and Services Fees as defined in the Terms and Conditions
of the Guest Ticket Contract. FREE Unlimited Shore Excursion reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis & number of shore excursions are subject
to availability. Bonus one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel package applies for guests 1 & 2 only in Concierge Suites and higher only. Hotels are subject to change without
notice. The number of FREE WiFi minutes received will be based on the length of the voyage. Issue Date: 13 February 2015.
cruise report
CLIA view
Brett Jardine, general manager CLIA Australasia
australian market gains ground
The Australian cruise industry has been
the standout success story for tourism over
the last decade and is now ranked number
one in the world for market growth and
penetration.
In fact, CLIA’s annual source market
studies show the total number of
Australians taking a cruise around the
world has grown by an enviable average of
20% a year over the last 11 years.
punches
‘wellAustralia
above its weight in
the international cruise
industry
’
With the equivalent of 3.6% of the
Australian population taking a cruise in
2013, Australia has become the first nation
to ever achieve a stronger penetration
rate than the world’s largest passenger
source market, North America. In 2013, the
equivalent of 3.3% of the North American
population took a cruise.
Australia punches well above its weight
in the international cruise industry despite
still being a relatively young cruise market.
This is certainly refreshing news for
our retail travel distribution as cruising
continues to deliver a significant portion of
at-source commission revenue for agents
who are tuned into the value a cruise
holiday delivers.
But it’s not just agents that benefit from
our industry. Late last year CLIA released an
independent study which showed the cruise
industry’s economic output in Australia in
2013 reached a massive $3.2 billion.
Direct expenditure by passengers, crew
and cruise lines accounted for $1.72
billion of this figure with indirect and
induced economic output accounting for
the remaining $1.49 billion. The report
also found that the cruise industry
generated $1.59 billion in value added
contribution, $940 million in wages and
employed 14,000 people across Australia
last year.
The study was the first independent
report to assess how much cruise lines,
passengers and crew spend across the
country. It’s also allowed us to demonstrate
to governments and businesses around
the country the enormous value that every
cruise ship brings to the local economy.
Our story here in Australia reflects the
global experience, with cruising making a
significant impact around the world. Total
economic output in 2013 reached more than
US$117 billion as the industry delivered
891,000 jobs and generated US$38 billion
in wages. In Australia, while Sydney remains
the key gateway for the industry, other cities
now have cruise ships regularly based in
their ports, and calls to regional towns are
on the rise. As we celebrate the busiest
months of the calendar, it’s gratifying to
see the benefits of cruising are spreading
throughout our nation.
Feb 10 Cruise bosses revel in the sails
Feb 12 P&O shuffles its top ranks
Feb 12 Star starts huge new build
Feb 12 Speed up on sulphur cap
Feb 12 Royal Rendezvous in Long Beach
Feb 12 Agents delight in Azamara dining
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
FROM…
KAREN CHRISTENSEN
General Manager & Director
Sales/Marketing, Australasia
AWE-INSPIRING
ARCTIC EXPEDITIONS
Abundant wildlife and dramatic
landscapes, luminous under the
Midnight Sun, create memories
and emotions your clients won’t
forget on Silver Explorer’s Arctic
expeditions. Follow in the wake
of the Vikings to Greenland or
explore Svalbard where the polar
bear roams freely.
10 day Expedition Svalbard and
12 day Expedition Greenland
voyages depart from June to July,
2015. Fares from au$10,100pp.
For a copy of Silversea’s 2015
Expeditions brochure, visit
tifs.com.au. For more information
or to book call 1300 306 872 or
visit silversea.com/expeditions
CRUISE headlines february 2015
Feb 3 Crystal two-year window
Feb 3 APAC in focus at CSM 2015
Feb 3 Carnival colours up for rapid ride
Feb 5 Build begins on Oasis IV
Feb 5 Landmark lifeguard case
Feb 10 Cruise boom to continue
Feb 10 Celebrity ANZAC voyage
COMMUNIQU É
Visit silversea.com for full terms
and conditions. Fare based on V7514.
29
industry in focus
ress Travel Group’s new
Pictured at the launch of Exp
runs
, italktravel, Sue Saville who
offices are Greg McCallum
vel.
Tra
e
Karen Kenter of Braesid
six italktravel agencies and
These agents kicked back on a small luxury boat with Paradise Cruises on
a Cathay Pacific & Venture Holidays famil to Vietnam that explored the
historic city of Hoi An, Hanoi, Da Nang and Hue.
These ITG agents got a taste of the good life onboard Azamara
Quest, courtesy of Azamara Club Cruises.
These Viva! Holidays agents wasted no time jumping into the water
at Aitutaki on a Cook Islands Tourism famil last year.
for these
Avarua put on a show
urant in downtown
ar.
Trader Jack’s Resta
e last ye
nds Tourism famil lat
agents on a Cook Isla
30
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
Toasting the luxurious SkyTeam Sydney Exclusive Lounge at its recent launch,
pictured from left are Sydney Airport CEO Ms Kerrie Mather, SkyTeam CEO
Mr Michael Wisbrun and Plaza Premium Lounge CEO Mr Song Hoi-See.
MARCH 2015
These agents soaked up the sun on a recent famil where they joined the
G’Day Philippines team at Discovery Shores Resort, Boracay.
Where else but Bo
racay could thes
e excited ladies
Tatiana Volfnan
be parasa iling?
from Exotic Voya
ge and G’day Ph
founder Rose De
ilippines colos Santos soak
ed up some sun
where they staye
on a recent fami
d at Discovery Sh
l
ores Resort.
These industry folk let their hair down at the launch of Collette’s
Australia operation in Sydney last month. Held at Pullman Quay
Grand Sydney Harbour, the event brought together more than
80 industry partners from across the country.
These sunkissed agents circumnavigated Hawaii’s Big Island, walked
through Thurston Lava Tube, and watched the Royal Kona Resort’s
Journeys of the South Pacific Luau performance against the backdrop of
an impressive sunset during a recent Hawaii famil.
Agents Josie Wright, Jessica Cox, Lauren Box and Brett Ramsden explored
the Rarotonga’s lush highlands on a Coconut Quad Adventure Tour on a
recent famil courtesy of Cook Islands Tourism and Viva! Holidays.
We can spot at least one pair of blue suede shoes! These agents
channelled ‘the King’ on an Insight Vacations famil to the Deep South of
the USA to experience the Rhythms & Flavours of America itinerary.
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
31
Solomons
Solomons
By Kris Madden
S
nuggled between Vanuatu and
Papua New Guinea, and less than
a three hour flight from Australia,
the 992 islands of the Solomon
Islands are one of the last
frontiers of adventure travel.
From the moment you arrive in the capital,
Honiara, you feel like you’ve stepped back in
time. It’s all here; shark-callers and crocodile
worshippers, WWII history, world-class diving
and snorkelling, diverse cultures, and ancient
customs that are still remarkably alive.
In this land of contrasts with scenery
reminiscent of a David Attenborough
documentary, you’ll find jungle-clad peaks,
steaming volcanoes, crashing waterfalls, mistenshrouded rainforests, crystal clear lagoons,
and brilliant coral reefs. Every Pacific race is
present in this South Pacific melting-pot, from
blue-black Papuans to chocolate-coloured
32
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
blond Melanesians, bronze-skinned
Micronesians, and fair-complexioned
Polynesians, many still living much as their
ancestors did centuries ago.
Our adventure begins on Guadacanal
Island, the gateway to the Solomons and the
site of some of WWII’s longest and bloodiest
battles. Led by our knowledgeable guide,
Michael Ramosaea, we’re taken on a tour
to a small outdoor museum. WWII remnants
such as Japanese war planes and rusting
artillery provide an insight into the tragic
battles that took place here. The nearby sea
floors are littered with warships from both the
Japanese and US forces, preserved in time
and sea salt, and now offering some of the
best wreck diving in the world.
But to really experience “The Sollys”
as it’s affectionately known, you need to
venture out to one of its many islands,
inhabited or otherwise. Gizo, a one hour
flight from Honiara, is a good jumping-off
point to visit some of the sun-soaked
islands in the region.
Fatboys Resort, run by the efficient (and
handsome) Manu, is one of those special
places, complete with open-air bungalows
and a restaurant that juts out over the water
so you can snorkel straight off the deck, or
watch the friendly black-tipped reef sharks
that mill around below. Fresh crayfish plucked
straight from the ocean graces the menu
each day.
From Fatboys, we take a short walk through
the jungle to the delightful Babanga Village
for a peek into traditional island life. This is
one of the most original village experiences
you can imagine. There is a basic but
charming homestay here where guests can
experience true village life while still having
their own privacy and a few modern amenities
like flushing toilets and hot showers.
We’re a boat ride away from Kennedy
Island, notable for its role in the story of
Solomons
Need to Know
• The Solomon Islands are made up of 992 islands, the six main
ones being Choiseul, Isabel, Malaita, New Georgia, Guadalcanal
and Makira. Honiara International Airport on Guadalcanal Island is
the main gateway.
• Airlines flying to Honiara include the national carrier, Solomon
Airlines, in addition to Virgin Australia, Air Niugini and Fiji Airways.
Australian citizens do not require a visa.
• Solomon Airlines offers around 600 scheduled flights a month
linking 31 airstrips in the Solomons. Island-hopping routes such as
Honiara-Gizo-Munda-Seghe-Honiara and Honiara-Bellona-RennellHoniara allow several islands to be visited without backtracking.
Domestic flights can be heavily booked, so advance bookings are
recommended.
• The Solomons are ideal for adventurous travellers seeking
authentic experiences, history and culture, and world-class diving.
The WWII relics of Guadalcanal, scuba diving in the Western
Solomons, and traditional village life on the other islands are just
some of the highlights.
• The people of the Solomons are made up of Oceania’s three
main cultural groups; Melanesian, Polynesian, and Micronesian.
• If your clients can’t live without internet, infinity pools and their
hairdryer for a week, then the Solomons may not be right for them.
However it is the perfect place to escape the pressures of the
modern world.
• Don’t expect five-star resorts. The main style of tourist
accommodation across the islands is grass-roofed bungalows,
some with an over water restaurant/bar.
• Visitors mostly dine as the locals do – on fish caught that
morning, grilled or cooked in coconut milk and lime.
• The Solomon Islands have a warm, tropical climate – the average
day time temperature ranges from 25-30 degrees Celsius. The wet
season is from November to April. April to November is the best
time to visit.
PT-109 when former US President John
Kennedy (then a lieutenant) swam for his life
after his craft was rammed by a Japanese
destroyer.
From Gizo, it’s a 15-minute flight with
Solomon Airlines to Munda, originally the
centre of the head-hunting Roviana people.
Mysterious Skull Island is a must-visit,
complete with the skulls of past warrior
and chiefs; as is “Barney” Paulsen’s minimuseum, displaying relics such as hand
grenades, ammunition, helmets, and dog
tags left by the US and Japanese in the
jungle. His collection is known as the Peter
Joseph WWII Museum – named after Peter
Joseph Palatini, the American soldier whose
dog tag he first found.
We wander around traditional markets
selling fresh produce and the ubiquitous betel
nut, which almost everyone chews. The mildly
sedative fruit is the Solomon Islands’ version
of kava. The handicrafts here are authentic
Queensland-based Go Tours Travel is one of the largest Solomon
Islands operators that offers a large range of product and also
specialises in surf tours. Their website is a great source of
information with a large range of wholesale accommodation.
g www.gotours.com.au
Allways Dive Expeditions is a major dive operator but also caters
for non-diving partners.
g www.allwaysdive.com.au
The Dive Adventures website contains general information about
the Solomon Islands and information about scuba diving.
g www.diveadventures.com.au
and untainted by mass commercialism. Finely
carved wooden objects exhibit exceptional
workmanship and the woven baskets
and trays are of very high quality. Another
excellent purchase is the shell money of
Malaita, made into beautiful necklaces.
Little has changed in the Solomon
Islands since WWII, and that’s just one of
the reasons it’s such a breathtakingly fresh
destination. It’s aeons from any place in
the South Pacific I’ve ever experienced, and
therein lies its charm.
Don’t expect white-sand beaches, ritzy
resorts and wild nightlife here – the Solomon
Islands is not your average beach-holiday
destination. With just a smattering of
traditional guesthouses and comfortable
eco-resorts, it’s tailor-made for ecotourism
and those seeking an authentic experience,
off the beaten track. But the best part is that
with no crowds, you’ll feel like you have the
whole place to yourself.
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
33
Solomons
Solomon
Airlines
launches direct Sydney service
The Solomon Islands will be more accessible for Australians with
the launch of Solomon Airlines’ new direct Sydney to Honiara return
service from 2 June 2015 (subject to government approval).
Scheduled to operate ex-Honiara on Mondays and ex-Sydney on
Tuesdays, the carrier will use its flagship Airbus A320 on the new
route which has been specifically timed to offer seamless flight
linkage between several Australian cities.
The carrier’s Airbus A320 is configured to 16 executive business
class seats and 120 economy class seats, and offers a full in flight
service including meals, beverages and entertainment.
The new direct route will complement Solomon Airlines’ current
four times weekly services from Brisbane, as well as flights to and
from Fiji and Vanuatu. Solomon Airlines, which celebrated 52 years
of service last October, also operates an extensive domestic network
around the Solomon Islands between the nation’s capital of Honiara,
Seghe, Munda, Gizo, Kira and Santa Cruz.
Open to all passengers, the airline’s ‘Belama Club’ membership
offers several incentives ranging from priority check-in and express
clearance to additional baggage allowances, preferential seating
and exclusive access to the ‘Belama Club Lounge’ in Honiara
International Airport.
Q&A
All aboard
for the Solomons
Ponant’s 14-night Indonesia, Papua and the Solomon Islands cruise
on board the luxury Le Soleal departs Manado on 25 November
2015, exploring some rarely visited locations across northern PNG
and the Solomon Islands, finishing in Guadalcanal. Prices start from
$6,520 pp twin share for a deluxe stateroom.
Wild Earth Travel has an expedition cruise aboard the Spirit of
Enderby following the path traditionally known in birding circles as
the Western Pacific Odyssey or WPO. It’s considered one of the
must-do expeditions for any birdwatcher. Prices start from US$6300
per person (shared facilities) with one departure on 6 April 2015.
Princess Cruises has six itineraries visiting the Solomon Islands in
2015 on board Sun Princess and Dawn Princess. The 13-day round
trip departing 14 April 2015 from Sydney to PNG and the Solomon
Islands starts from $1,699 pp for an interior stateroom.
Silversea has a 16-night cruise from Palau to Fiji aboard the luxury
Silver Discoverer departing 28 Sep 2015. Visiting Gizo, Kennedy
Island and Marovo Lagoon, prices start from $17,250 pp twin share.
Queensland-based Go Tours Travel is one of the largest operators in the
Solomon Islands. travelBulletin’s Kris Madden asked manager Nick Blanche
for his top tips on selling the destination to clients.
What distinguishes the Solomon Islands
from other South Pacific destinations?
The Solomons’ traditional customs and
beliefs have not been tainted by the modern
world. The fishing is world class and the
waves are completely uncrowded – just
what surfers live for. That is in addition
to healthy and colourful coral reefs with
plentiful marine life and WWII shipwrecks
to be explored. With 992 islands, cars
are obsolete, old fashioned handwritten
letters are delivered in person, and time is
measured by the tides and moon.
What are your top tips for agents wanting
to sell the Solomon Islands?
Find out exactly what activities your client
is looking for. Fishing, surfing, diving,
rainforests and wildlife treks, village life,
WWII history or a romantic getaway are just
some activities to consider.
Secondly, their preferred style of
accommodation is important as there is a
huge difference from village stays to resorts.
Length of stay is another consideration,
as a multi destination visit can deliver a
completely different experience.
How can agents improve their Solomon
Islands product knowledge?
Our website www.gotours.com.au is a great
source of information and we have the
largest range of wholesale accommodation
for the Solomon Islands.
Which destinations or lodgings in the
Solomon Islands are best suited for
families, couples and adventure seekers?
Papatura Island Retreat in Santa Isabel
is a good choice for all travellers. Uepi
Island Resort, Fatboys, Wilderness
Lodge, and Oravae Cottage are great for
34
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
couples looking for a romantic getaway
or adventurous families who don’t need
a TV for amusement. For adventure, a
village stay such as Kmaga Village on the
Eastern coast of Santa Isabel displays true
Solomon Islands hospitality in a typical
village environment. The Arnavon Islands
are a unique option where travellers can
assist rangers with their nightly monitoring
of turtle egg laying. Mavo Lodge on Ramata
Island is ideal for families, couples and eco
adventure travellers.
Can agents join famils with your company?
We are running a famil in conjunction with
the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau later
this year. Contact us for more information
if you want to see for yourself what the
Solomon Islands are all about.
n www.gotours.com.au
So Solomons, So Different!
Experience a culture, rich with traditional customs, art, dance
and the iconic sound of the panpipe music of ‘Are Are’.
Be mesmerized by the natural beauty of our many wildlife and
marine parks including Marovo lagoon in the Western Province,
the largest saltwater lagoon in the world and home to an
array of teeming marine life.
Catch a glimpse of the fierceness of World War II battles and
be touched by the bravery of soldiers by visiting historic war
sites in and outside Honiara, on land and underwater.
Feel the spirit of adventure and enjoy a special piece of
paradise or simply relax and discover a culture with a
welcoming smile welcoming smile.
Explore the hidden paradise of the South Pacific archipelago,
comprising of a vast group of 922 breathtaking tropical islands.
Explore Honiara’s cosmopolitan and colourful food market
in downtown Honiara, a vibrant and lively melting pot
of the Solomons!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau Head Office
PO Box 321, Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands
call (677) 22442 or email info@sivb.com.sb
www.visitsolomons.com.sb
SO SOLOMONS, SO DIFFERENT!
visitsolomons.com.sb
Solomons
Slowly, slowly for SIVB
Receiving less than 25,000 visitors a year, including
approximately 11,000 Australians, the Solomon Islands
remains pristine in almost every respect – and the local visitors
bureau plans to keep it that way.
Josefa Tuamoto, chief executive of Solomon Islands Visitors
Bureau (SIVB) and former chief executive of Tourism Fiji, says
Australia currently takes the podium as the country’s largest
source of visitor arrivals, followed by Papua New Guinea, the
United States and New Zealand.
“A key component of our overall blueprint for the future of
Solomon Islands tourism is to see the tourism sector become
the prime source of our country’s foreign exchange earnings
within the next 10 years. One of our key objectives is to
broaden the Solomon Islands’ appeal to attract a more diverse
range of visitors,” says Tuamoto.
While the destination is renowned as a magnet for scuba
divers, surfers, backpackers and World War II veterans,
Tuamoto’s plans involve positioning the Solomon Islands as a
“multi-faceted” destination that appeals to a wide demographic
of travellers including families, weddings and honeymoons,
culture seekers, and the seniors market.
However, he says that the Solomon Islands “doesn’t do
big numbers”, instead focusing on its strengths as a cultural
destination that appeals to a diverse clientele.
SIVB is targeting a total of just 32,000 visitors per annum
over the next five years.
“We don’t want to be like Fiji or Samoa,” he says. “Any
tourism growth must be sustainable and benefit both the
community and visitors. Introducing the type of responsible
tourism product that conserves our pristine environment while
helping to improve the welfare of the local people is very much
the way forward for us.”
Nick Blanch of Queensland-based wholesaler Go Tours Travel,
says proximity is what distinguishes “The Sollys” from other
South Pacific destinations, and while it’s close to Brisbane, it is
still remote and isolated.
“As a multi-island destination, clients can have completely
different experiences such as helping rangers with turtle
hatchlings, visiting rarely seen villages, trekking through ancient
rainforest, diving WWII wrecks, or just lazing in a hammock.
A few hours’ flying and you’re at a private island retreat or
laughing with local villagers forgotten by time,” he says.
Battlefield tours of Guadalcanal
WWII remnants provide an insight into
the tragic battles that took place here.
36
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
While there is much excitement about the
100 year anniversary of Gallipoli, it pays
to remember that 2015 is also the 70th
anniversary of the end of WWII.
On 7 August 1942, allied forces landed
on the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon
Islands, the first step in a battle that was to
become the turning point in the Pacific War.
Guadalcanal offers more war sites and relics
than any other island in the Pacific.
Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours is offering
the chance to walk in the footsteps of the
marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen who
fought in this iconic WWII campaign, and to
commemorate the anniversary of the battle.
The tour, led by McLachlan himself,
visits the key sites on Guadalcanal and
its neighbouring islands, exploring famous
battlefields such as Alligator Creek, Bloody
Ridge, Henderson Airfield, the Gifu, Mt
Austen, Tulagi, and the Matanikau River.
McLachlan is one of Australia’s leading war
historians and battlefield guides, and has
spent more than a decade following in the
footsteps of Australian troops on battlefields
around the world. He is an expert on the
battles of Guadalcanal.
Highlights include travel to the moving
anniversary commemorations on 9 August
which trace the footsteps of Australian
troops, including a memorial service for the
HMAS Canberra on the anniversary of her
sinking.
Prices for the five-day tour which departs
5 August 2015 start from $2197 per
person and include four nights of firstclass accommodation, all excursions and
sightseeing, anniversary commemorations
at the US Memorial and HMAS Canberra
Memorial, daily breakfast and transfers.
g www.battlefields.com.au
drive holidays
Create your own
adventure
Self-drive touring comes of age
The nsw South Coast boasts some
of the most pristine beaches on
the planet. Sheriden Rhodes
followed the open road on a recent
motorhome journey.
“Is this the way to the Sea Cliff Bridge?”
we ask the attendant manning the booth at
the entrance to the Royal National Park, just
south of Sydney. “Well it takes a bit longer,”
she admits, “but it’s a whole lot prettier.”
How right she is, as we proceed along the
Grand Pacific Drive, passing through what
is the world’s second oldest national park.
The scenic route, which passes the quaint
Audley Weir and continues through the park’s
verdant rainforest, is well worth the detour
to explore what the locals call “Nasho”,
Sydney’s incredibly beautiful backyard. As
we leave the park with the smell of eucalypt
38
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
wafting through the open windows, the views
from Bald Hill lookout are dramatic, taking
in the Illawarra escarpment, the Tasman
Sea, and out to the South Pacific Ocean. Our
Apollo Motorhome practically pulls over on
its own accord as we take in the 360-degree
panorama with the Sea Cliff Bridge in the
distance, and below us the beach where
aviation pioneer Lawrence Hargrave first
took flight.
We’re motorhome virgins on a five-day
journey with loose plans to make it as far
south as Uladulla on the NSW South Coast.
We want to see where the road takes us
instead of sticking to a strict schedule. At
least, that’s the plan anyway.
It feels liberating as we head down the
escarpment towards Thirroul, travelling first
across the snaking Sea Cliff Bridge with
ocean views so expansive you can see
the curvature of the earth. We stop for a
late lunch at the quaint shopping strip in
Austinmer where we stumble across the
Fireworks Café. Locals are gathered at a
table basking in the sunshine, smiling as we
approach. “Welcome,” says one of them with
a warm grin, “you’ll love it here.”
Indeed we do, returning again for dinner.
It’s a cold night, but inside the packed eatery
where the menu is handwritten on the tiled
walls of the former butcher shop, we feel
toasty warm as we tuck into slow cooked
chicken and mash followed by a pudding of
drunken apples and cream.
Earlier we’d found the ideal spot to spend
our first night with bonus ocean views thrown
in – just down the road at the Bulli Caravan
Park, north of Wollongong. It’s one of the
things we liked most about our motorhome
journey; the fact you can literally stop when
you find a spot that takes your fancy.
We pack up early the next day and push
drive holidays
South Island wins
over Aussies
Queenstown , NZ
Photo courtesy of Paul Bica
New Zealand is continuing to gain
favour among Australian travellers, with
self-drive holidays seeing continued
growth year round.
Tourism New Zealand general
manager of Australia Tony Saunders told
travelBulletin that the South Island was a
hot favourite among Australian travellers,
particularly campervan holidays which
combine nature and adventure activities.
Dunedin, Queenstown and the Nelson
region had traditionally lured travellers
for the array of nature and food and wine
experiences, Saunders said, but the
Canterbury region was also gaining traction
as Christchurch’s recovery continues.
“There is now a lot of new
accommodation coming online in
Christchurch, and the Canterbury region is
really coming back. Australians are also
on for Huskisson where we take a whale
watching cruise with Jervis Bay Wild. About
20 minutes into the journey, the telltale sign
of spouting water is seen off the bow. We
spend the next hour or so watching a group
of four young whales breach, roll, descend
and then surface again, tales slapping the
surface. Just as we’re turning towards the
towering cliffs of Point Perpendicular, a small
pair of flippers is seen breaking the water’s
surface; an inquisitive seal has come for a
closer look.
Sunny skies greet us the following day
and we find we have the stunning 1.5 km
stretch of Green Patch Beach on Jervis Bay
to ourselves. A regular camping spot in my
teens, it’s teeming with kangaroos, wallabies,
and holidaying families with barefoot kids
wandering from dawn to dusk under the
sizzling summer sun. I’m thrilled to see it
hasn’t changed.
Further south as we approach the outskirts
of Ulladulla, we visit the picturesque Cupitt’s
Winery, a small family run boutique winery
and restaurant set in the rolling hills behind
the country township of Milton. With views
to Burrill Lake and the Budawang Ranges,
long tables have been set up in a marquee
becoming more aware of the diversity of
New Zealand and are combining drive
holidays with campervan and rail travel,”
he said.
Saunders also noted that Australians
were typically staying longer, averaging
12 days, and increasingly travelling in the
shoulder seasons to take advantage of
cheaper airfares and accommodation.
“Australians have recognized that
March through to May is an attractive time
to travel, and they are taking more time to
discover the island by combining activities
over 2-3 weeks,” he said. “We expect the
trend to continue as Australians discover
that New Zealand is a year round driving
destination.”
Britz Campervans, Europcar, Budget
Rent a Car and Maui Rentals operate in
New Zealand year round.
overlooking the vines, and kids run freely
on the swathe of green grass fronting the
restaurant.
Over the next few days we explore rock
pools packed with tiny starfish and sea snails
off Dolphin Point, mosey around the shops at
Milton (the coffee at Little Gunga is excellent),
and dine at Rick Stein’s at Bannister’s Point
Lodge in Mollymook where the million dollar
views almost outdo the food.
Reluctantly, with another school term about
to start, we turn our motorhome north, vowing
to return for more of the coast’s pristine
beaches, abundant wildlife, generous hearted
locals and old school charm. One thing is for
certain – we’ll be back.
n Sheriden Rhodes travelled courtesy of
Apollo Motorhome Holidays and Destination
NSW. See www.visitnsw.com and
www.grandpacificdrive.com.au.
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
39
drive holidays
Aussies opt
for USA drive
Australians are taking up more self drive
holidays in the USA, with Compass Cars
reporting a “significant and constant growth”
in the US in recent years.
Kylee Kay, managing director of Asia Pacific
Travel Marketing Services (APTMS) – the firm
which owns Compass Cars – said the number
of options in the USA has boomed in recent
years, with Aussies particularly interested
in point-to-point car rentals and motorhome
holidays.
Australian travellers have also been quick
to take up motorcycling tours in Hawaii and
Vegas, with operators such as EagleRider
Motorcycle Tours offering self-drive tours from
Los Angeles to Chicago from US$2751.
“The USA is a top pick for self-drive
itineraries and the left hand drive difference
doesn’t seem to be too much of an issue for
travellers,” Kay said.
She recommended drive rental companies
such as Alamo in the USA and the Enterprise
group of companies in the UK and Europe,
noting that both firms have relatively young
fleets and options where travellers can
choose their own car at major airport depots.
However, she urged agents to consider oneway fees, non-English signposting and overall
traffic conditions when helping clients to plan
self-drive holidays.
EU savings
Car rental provider GlobalCARS is offering
a range of discounts on Renault vehicles
for bookings secured by the end of March.
Brand new Renault vehicles are
available from $30 per day, with
leases of 45 days or more to include
seven free days. The special includes
Renault’s round the clock roadside
assistance which covers all deliveries
through western Europe. In addition to
breakdowns, the service also extends to
lost keys, punctures and fuel inversion.
Vehicles are available for pick up in
30 locations throughout France free of
charge, while vehicles which are picked
up in central Europe incur a small
fee. Rates cover unlimited kilometres,
roadside assistance and full insurance
with zero excess.
n www.globalcars.com.au.
the great Aussie drive holiday
Apollo turns 30
Apollo Motorhome Holidays is
celebrating its 30th birthday by offering
up to 50% off rentals throughout the year.
One way bookings to Broome or Darwin
from selected cities receive a 25%
discount on the daily rate, while one way
travel to Hobart from any Apollo branch in
September receives a 25% discount and
a bonus $350 travel allowance.
Apollo is also offering a $15 per night
special for travellers who relocate new
vehicles from the manufacturing plant in
Iowa to one of four branch locations in the
USA including San Francisco, Los Angeles,
Denver and Las Vegas. Conditions apply.
Agents are advised to book directly via
their Apollo account. To set up an account,
email reservations@apollocamper.com.
40
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
Sunshine Coast Destination has released
two new self-drive itineraries to capitalise
on what it expects will be the return of
Australian drive holidays.
Speaking at an industry event in Sydney
last month, Sunshine Coast Destination
chief executive Simon Ambrose gave special
mention to drive holidays, noting that
operators had reported a “significant rise”
in bookings over the 2014/15 summer
period, particularly for camping holidays and
luxury getaways.
With petrol prices falling from $1.50 to
below $1, teamed with the falling Australian
dollar, he added that the time was ripe for a
revival of the drive market.
“We are going to concentrate increasingly
on the drive market in 2015 with the launch
of two major new initiatives – the Great
Australian Beach Drive in partnership with
Australia’s Nature Coast, and the launch of
the Heritage Surf Trail,” he said. “Both of
these products will provide a perfect reason
for visitors to get in their cars and explore the
region’s sensational coastline.”
Located along Queensland’s Sunshine
and Fraser Coasts, the Great Beach Drive
features over 100 km of beach driving and
covers stretches of Australian bushland,
while the Heritage Surf Trail traces some of
the country’s most iconic surf breaks.
Sunshine Coast Destination plans to
promote the driving routes in international
markets in the coming months, with
each itinerary to be linked with activities,
accommodation and dining experiences.
n Visit www.australiasnaturecoast.com.
EUROPE
BY CAR
ST INCLU
O
M
IVE OFFE
DR
E SELFSIV
World’s
No:1
Discover Europe in 2015
at your own pace
in a brand new Renault
R
★★★★★
FULLY INCLUSIVE OFFER
RENAULT
2015
FULL VEHICLE INSURANCE WITH NO EXCESS IN 42 COUNTRIES
Includes: punctured tyres, lost or stolen keys to your vehicle and fuel inversion.
EURODRIVE
Travel with peace of mind
Driver’s age 18+
No Upper Limit!
For more information, please contact
t1300 55 1160
www.renaulteurodrive.com.au
drive holidays
Q&A
Drive holidays are wining favour with Australian travellers for their freedom and
flexibility, but there are a few things to take into account when selling them to
clients. TravelManagers consultant Kirsty Whittaker ran us through the nuts and
bolts of drive holidays.
Are you seeing any trends out of the
Australia market for drive holidays?
Australians are choosing to include
self-drive itineraries into their larger
holiday plans for a more localised travel
experience. They are also increasingly
looking for unique experiences such as
hiring a Ford Mustang to drive through the
US, hiring a Porsche to zip through the
Italian countryside, or a Jeep to cover the
Hawaiian Islands.
Are some destinations more popular than
others for drive holidays?
Europe is always a favourite as the border
crossings are easy and travellers have
the freedom to explore the countryside.
The USA is another popular self-drive
destination with fabulous roads and open
highways, making it an easy option. New
Zealand also features heavily as a selfdriving favourite that allows travellers to
head to the mountains in the winter months
at their own pace.
What are the big selling points when it
comes to self-drive itineraries?
Freedom, flexibility and the thrill of making
it from A to B via C, D and E. Getting lost
is a selling point, as odd as that may
seem. Some of the best finds on holidays
are those unexpected wrong turns down
country lanes. Pricing is also a bonus
understand the basic terms you can then
spot differences and work out what is the
best for your client. Educating customers
about pick-up procedures and the need
to check the vehicle over for damage can
also be a challenge, along with insurance
options. Doing this in advance will avoid
any post-holiday complaints.
as rentals are excellent value for money,
especially for longer rental periods. The
price of fuel has also dropped, meaning
self-drive holidays are currently exceptional
value for money.
What are the biggest challenges for
agents in selling drive holidays?
Terms and conditions which vary for
vehicle type and rental contract. It can be
quite overwhelming at first, but once you
Any tips that could make it easier for
agents to sell self-drive holidays?
Learn which cities have exclusion zones
so that your clients don’t come home with
a driving fine, educate them about all the
fees expected, and highlight this on their
travel voucher.
Always ask about one-way drop-off fees
as the client may get charged even if it’s
in the same city but a different location.
Clients will most likely be asked to fit their
own baby seats, so tell them to allow extra
time upon collection.
Also remind your clients to take advantage
of the special pre-paid fill up rates,
especially for larger drop-off locations
such as Heathrow. It will take the stress
out of trying to fill up and get to the airport
at the same time.
Finally, include a printed sheet advising
travellers about international licences and
which countries require them. It is always
handy if clients decide to travel further
than they first thought.
DISCOVERCOMPASS
COMPASS CAR
CAR RENTAL...
RENTAL...
DISCOVER
DISCOVERCOMPASS
COMPASS CAR
CAR RENTAL...
RENTAL...
DISCOVER
Leading
Brands
and
Exceptional
Service!
Leading
Brands
and
Exceptional
Service!
LeadingBrands
Brands
and
Exceptional
Service!
Leading
and
Exceptional
Service!
EEarly
Bird
Biddddeals
ddeals
dll OUT
l OUT
OUT
NOW!
Early
Bird
Bi
ddeals
NOW!
EEarly
Bird
Bi
ddeals
lOUT
NOW!
EEarly
llll Bird
Bi
d
NOW!
Call
1300
132835
835
Call
1300
132
835
Call
1300
132
835
Call
1300
132
visit
www.compasscarrental.com.au
oror
visit
www.compasscarrental.com.au
visit
www.compasscarrental.com.au
oror
visit
www.compasscarrental.com.au
TOMORROW
PEAKS WILL
PIERCE THE SKY.
Here’s a chance to set yourself apart with an expert knowledge
in New Zealand and all its many regions. Join the 100%
Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. Members of the
programme gain significant advantages when promoting
New Zealand, through increased knowledge of the country
and its regions as well as special events and ongoing training
provided by Tourism New Zealand.
To find out more, visit traveltrade.newzealand.com
Every day a different journey.
Aoraki Mt Cook. Via Christchurch.
www.traveltrade.newzealand.com
brochures
Abercrombie & Kent’s third
Escapes collection is now on agency
shelves, featuring 19 short journeys
across seven countries. New to
the line up is the six-day Tastes of
Thailand culinary tour where guests
can sample Bangkok’s street food,
participate in cooking classes, and
dine in iconic restaurants. Prices
lead in from $1495 per person. The
brochure also debuts a range of
new hotels including Indonesia’s Nihiwatu, Bali’s Banyan Tree
Ungasan and Vietnam’s Amanoi.
44
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
Acacia Travel’s latest brochure
features over 90 tours and six
different styles of travel, including a
number of new additions. Alongside
two new voluntourism projects
and three escorted small group
safaris in South Africa, Acacia has
also introduced a new collection of
overland tours in East Africa. The
11-day Best of East Africa tour covers
Kenya and Tanzania, visiting the
Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti
National Park from $5973 per person.
APT’s latest Europe River Cruising
brochure features two new luxury
river cruising ships for 2016 – MS
AmaStella and MS AmaViola. The new
11-day Bordeaux River Cruise begins
with three nights in Paris before
travelling to Bordeaux by high speed
train to board the 74-suite luxury
river cruise vessel, MS AmaDolce.
Also featured in the brochure are a
range of land tours attached to river
cruises covering the Rhine, Rhone and
Moselle and Duoro.
Cox & Kings’ latest Small Group &
Private Journeys program features a
range of new itineraries covering the
Middle East, Africa, Latin America and
Europe. Among the additions is the
eight-day Splendours of Andalucia tour
which includes travel to Alhambra in
Granada and the mosque in Cordoba.
Also included are revised tours
covering Japan, China and South
Africa, and reduced prices to some
destinations.
a range of new hotels have joined
the ranks in Creative Holidays’
2015 Abu Dhabi, Oman and Qatar
brochure. A total of 15 hotels are
new to this year’s line up in addition
to the seven-night Ultimate UAE
package which visits Dubai, Abu
Dhabi and Doha from $2685. Several
exclusive itineraries are also featured
in addition to new properties in
downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach and
The Palm.
Infinity Holidays has released its
Tasmania brochure for 2015/16 which
debuts six new hotels and several new
tours. Among the latest additions are
the Bruny Island Long Weekend from
$1680 and a five-night East Coast
to Cradle Mountain tour from $1500
for adults and $970 for children. The
brochure covers luxury packages,
car and motorcycle hire, self-drive
itineraries and attraction passes, and
highlights a number of romantic and
luxury getaways.
New Horizons Holidays has
launched its Bali brochure for 2015
which features a selection of new
properties. The program also includes
a number of tailored itineraries such
as the Diving around Bali tour priced
from $3324 per person. Also included
is the four-day His & Her Indulgence
package from $599 per person
and the five-day Holistic Experience
from $1399. The brochure can be
accessed via the Layar app.
A SELECTION of new FreeChoice
activities have been added to Scenic
Tours’ 2015/16 Western Australia
& Northern Territory brochure. The
new Scenic Enrich itinerary includes
a guided tour of Kununarra in the
Eastern Kimberly region, while other
additions include a cruise on the
Corroboree Billabong in the Mary
River Wetlands. Earlybird deals are
available until the end of March
including free flights on all bookings.
Domestic
Holidays
Industry divided on
domestic revival
Harbour Bridge Australia, Interior Photos. CC: bit.ly/1z2oDLm
By Louise Wallace
D
OMESTIC tourism has been
through the wringer in recent
years as more Australians
pack their passports and head
overseas. The latest ABS data
provides a pretty clear indication of where
the industry is heading, with Australian
departures topping around 760,000 in 2014
compared to around 360,000 in 2004.
Everyone who’s anyone in the industry
has put in their two cents worth as to why
outbound travel keeps growing, but the latest
IBISWorld Tourism in Australia report put
the surge down to the high Australian dollar
and aggressive discounting from airlines. It
also pinned domestic tourism as the poorer
sister of overseas travel. “Domestic tourism
has struggled to sustain the growth exhibited
over the past few years [and] less has been
spent on domestic tourism, thus hampering
industry revenue growth,” the report said.
There’s no denying that domestic tourism
has plateaued - it has been trending that way
for some time. But the weakening Australian
dollar has provided a glimmer of hope for
domestic operators who are hopeful that it
will prompt a shift in traveller habits.
AAT Kings and Infinity Travel told
travelBulletin that domestic bookings were
up in 2015, while APT reported a “renewed
interest” in domestic travel on the back of
the currency slump.
TTF chief executive Margy Osmond said
the softening Australian dollar was the
turnaround that the domestic industry
had been waiting for to inject some much
needed love into the sector. Citing research
conducted by the TTF late last year, Osmond
said the domestic industry was going
strong, with an online survey of over 1000
participants showing that 85% of Australians
planned to holiday at home over the 2014
the dollar
‘willThehavefallaofpositive
impact
on domestic tourism...
Locals will be encouraged
to spend their money
at home
’
Christmas period. Just one in seven intended
to travel overseas, the report found, with
most choosing their holiday destination
based on cost.
“The fall of the dollar will have a positive
impact on domestic tourism. Not only will
locals be encouraged to spend their money
at home, but those visiting from abroad will
have approximately 20% more to spend when
they get here,” she told travelBulletin.
But while the TTF is confident the domestic
sector will make a comeback, analysts
aren’t so sure. Senior research analyst John
O’Shea claims that international travel has
won favour among Australian travellers and
the domestic sector is unlikely to claw its
way back. Drawing on ABS figures which
show spending on outbound travel tripled
that of domestic holiday spend from 20052013 (see page 22), he told travelBulletin
that the trend was likely to continue “for the
foreseeable future”. But the TTF is unfazed,
insisting that domestic tourism comprises
the bulk of tourism spend in Australia. “It is
important that we continue to focus on and
grow this part of the industry,” Osmond said.
The argy bargy between the domestic and
international sectors has made headlines
before, but regardless of which takes the
podium, domestic has been a consistent
contributor to the Australian economy,
injecting $40 billion to the economy in 2013.
However, as outbound travel continues
to gain momentum, the question remains
whether the trend for domestic is structural
or cyclical. Tourism Australia did not comment
on the matter, insisting that its focus is
now “exclusively” focused on international
inbound travel. But Destination NSW CEO
Sandra Chipchase said it was a “bit of both”.
“Domestic tourism has fluctuated over the
years and growth in domestic has come at
a time where domestic dollar is at a record
high, but it has also slowed when
the dollar has been less favourable,
so it’s both structural and cyclical,” she said.
Chipchase acknowledged that domestic
tourism had been in the “doldrums” for the
past decade and international travel had
taken the focus away from domestic. But
she also pointed towards the latest Tourism
Research Australia update which showed a
5% increase in domestic overnight trips and
a 4% jump in expenditure to $53.7 billion.
“It’s heartening for us to see that the
groundwork is paying off and the 2020
Tourism targets for the domestic sector are
tracking quite well,” she said.
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
45
Domestic
HOLIDAYS
Sweet seclusion
Norfolk Island may be a speck in the ocean off Australia’s coastline, but there is more to this tiny
destination than meets the eye, as Sarah Piper discovered on a recent visit.
W
hen he first arrived on
Norfolk Island in 1774,
Captain James Cook
described it as “paradise
on earth”, and after a few
days spent on the island, it’s hard to disagree.
For one, unlike anywhere on the mainland
of Australia, you can see both awe-inspiring
sunrises and spectacular sunsets. The
rugged coast is broken up by beaches
beautiful enough to rival some of the most
idyllic elsewhere in the world, and the
famous Norfolk pines provide some cool
shade when you get too hot sunbaking. There
is also bsnorkelling on the reef directly off
the beaches at Emily Bay and Slaughter Bay.
The Norfolk Island locals are among the
friendliest people you’ve ever met. Always
ready with a smile and a wave, they are very
willing to share with visitors what they love
about their island home.
Taking a whirlwind tour around the island
to orient ourselves, it’s hard not to be
stunned by the beauty of this place. Driving
down to the World Heritage listed area of
Kingston, I was struck both by the wind and
the remoteness of Norfolk. In the distance
are the little uninhabited Nepean and Phillip
islands and then just miles and miles of
open ocean.
Spread out below is Kingston, home of the
early settlers and convicts alike. You really
feel for those who made this place their
home between 1788 and 1885. The ruins
are a fascinating place. The high enclosure
46
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
wall around the old prison is still standing
but not much is left inside. You can make
out where the gaol was and there is plenty to
keep kids with vivid imaginations entertained.
Other buildings from that era remain in
varying states of preservation, including
Government House, the Old Military Barracks,
the salt house, a crank mill and houses along
Quality Row, some of which house museums.
Life was pretty brutal for those convicts
living on Norfolk Island and exploring the
museums and convict cemetery provides
some insight into these people’s lives. The
convict cemetery is particularly enlightening,
looking at the names on the gravestones
and how they died. Pinetree Tours offers a
Convict Settlement tour which is particularly
good if your clients are interested in hearing
more about the early years of European
settlement on Norfolk.
The food on Norfolk is delicious and an
absolute highlight, and the progressive
dinner is a must for visitors. The hospitality
offered by the locals is pretty humbling, as
three island families open up their homes
for guests to enjoy one course of dinner at
each. It’s a real chance to get a glimpse into
these people’s lives and a really eye-opening
learning experience.
Norfolk Island really has it all and caters
for a range of ages, from the youngest littlies
to the grandparents. With its rich and special
history, beautiful landscapes, friendly locals
and amazing food, it’s definitely worth a visit
at least once (or twice).
NEED TO KNOW
Getting there
Air New Zealand is the only carrier that
services Norfolk Island. Less than three
hours from Sydney, flights depart five
times weekly from Australia and New
Zealand. There are twice weekly services
from Sydney, twice weekly from Brisbane
and once weekly from Auckland, all flown
using an A320.
Getting around
Despite the tiny size of Norfolk (8km
x 5km), it is quite rugged and spread
out. Car hire is a must in order to see
it all, particularly as there is no public
transport.
Where to stay
There are a huge range of
accommodation options on Norfolk.
Affluent clients looking to get away from
it all can try Ponderosa with its own day
spa, or the Tin Sheds which was voted
as the best luxury serviced apartment
in Australasia at the 2014 World Luxury
Hotel Awards. Paradise Hotel and
Governor’s Lodge are great mid-range
options with spacious and comfortable
rooms and all standard amenities.
DOMESTIC HOLIDAYS
Major events are a key driver for domestic tourism as
Australians look to make the most of what’s in their own
backyard. Here’s a run down of the top events in 2015.
vic
What: Vivid Festival
Where: Sydney CBD
When: May 22 – June 8
Description: Vivid Sydney is an
annual festival of light, music
and new ideas encompassing
installations and performances
from local and international
musicians. Public talks and
debates also feature highly.
What: Melbourne International
Comedy Festival
When: 25 March – 19 April
Where: Melbourne Town Hall
Description: This is one of the
world’s largest comedy festivals
which showcases international
talent across all genres including
stand-up, cabaret, theatre, street
performance, film, TV and radio.
Image courtesy of James Horan
NSW
What’s on
What: Perisher Peak Festival
Where: Perisher Valley
When: June 5 – June 8
Description: The Perisher
Peak Festival kicks off the
annual snow season at
Perisher Valley with a number
of concerts over four days.
What: Sydney Royal Easter Show
Where: Sydney Showground
When: March 26 – April 8
Description: This annual agricultural
event is packed with livestock
displays, events and rides for the
whole family. Expect to see craft
displays, wood chopping shows,
animal parades and fashion shows
over two weeks.
What: Melbourne International
Film Festival
When: 30 July – 16 Aug
Where: Melbourne CBD
Description: As Australia’s
largest showcase of new local
filmmaking talent, this 17-day
event features a range of
international cinematography
accompanied by a host of
gala events.
What: Rip Curl Pro
When: 15-26 April
Where: Bells Beach
Description: The ASP World
Tour’s top 34 male surfers,
one Rip Curl Wildcard
and one local Victorian
Wildcard will compete in the
year’s second ASP surfing
competition.
sA
QLD
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2010, Surf Glassy. CC: bit.ly/1E3hzDW
What: Noosa International
Food and Wine Festival
When: 14-17 May
Where: Noosa Pride
Description: Foodies from
around the world descend on
Noosa for Australia’s premier
food, wine and lifestyle event
to celebrate all the best
things in life.
What: Castrol Edge Gold Coast 600
When: 23-25 October
Where: Surfers Paradise
Description: Rev heads, this one
is for you. This street circuit V8
Supercar event is held on a tight
track that winds around the public
streets of Surfers Paradise, with
great views from neighbouring
buildings.
Noosa Food Wine
CC: bit.ly/1ETu5XY
Gold Coast 600
Tom Reynolds. CC: bit.ly/1yTuy4u
What: Adelaide Festival 2015
When: February 27 – March 15
Where: Adelaide
Description: Featuring more than 40
music, theatre and dance events, the
Adelaide Festival runs alongside Writers’
Week. Events include music acts from
Tim Burton films, contemporary ballet
performances and cultural displays.
What: Come Out Children’s
Festival
When: 22-30 May
Where: Adelaide CBD
Description: This year’s
line-up is filled with
international and local
performances, and
installations centred on the
theme of ‘Building Bridges.’
What: OzAsia Festival
When: 23 September –
4 October
Where: Adelaide CBD
Description: This international
arts festival features dance,
theatre, music, film and
food events plus interactive
discussions to connect
audiences from across Asia.
Adelaide Festival Theatre Courtyard
Dwayne Madden. CC: bit.ly/1DnjdkJ
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
47
Domestic
HOLIDAYS
Topdeck ramps up
Australia offering
Topdeck has added a number of new
hotels and itineraries to its Australian
product line up to encourage more Aussie
travellers to holiday at home.
The 67-page brochure features a number
of additions including the new Spirit of the
Pacific tour which covers the east coast
of Australia and the South Island of New
Zealand over 22 days.
Highlights include a rainforest walk in
Springbrook National Park, a Milford Sound
experience, and overnight sailing in the
Whitsunday Islands, with group numbers
capped at 15 passengers.
Also new to the offering are a number of
hotels and a two-night stay on Daydream
Island to complement a number of cultural
tours and day activities. Options include
all inclusive tours in the Northern Territory,
sunrise experiences in Uluru and bungee
jumping in New Zealand.
See www.topdeck.travel for details.
Multi adventure TOURS
Multi adventure tours have driven a
spike in bookings for adventure specialist
Tasmanian Expeditions which has reported
a 180% increase in bookings for its flagship
bike, kayak and walk itinerary.
Multi adventure tours have performed
strongly in the US market for over a decade,
but Tasmanian Expeditions brand marketing
manager Brad Atwal said the tours – which
combine several activities – are gaining
favour in Australia, particularly among
affluent 40-45 year olds and repeat visitors.
“Multi adventure tours have exceeded
our expectations as travellers become
more adventurous and look to explore the
lesser known regions of well known
destinations,” he told travelBulletin.
Tasmanian Expeditions recently released
a bike, hike and paddle itinerary in northern
Tasmania following strong demand for
its cycle, kayak and walk Tasmania tour.
Highlights include riding around the Great
Western Tiers, kayaking to Lake Barrington
and hiking at the Tarkine over five days.
While bookings have been “slow” in the
tour’s early stages, Atwal said the style of
travel had showed promise. He also flagged
plans to launch more multi-activity options in
the future. “We have seen a steady increase
in the number of people who don’t want to
commit to one activity and we’re confident
that will continue,” he said.
Short break boom
Australian travellers are making the
most of their holiday time by taking
shorter domestic holidays at more regular
intervals, tour operators have reported.
Infinity Australia & New Zealand
Area Leader Steve Paterson reported
“healthy” forward bookings in Australia,
with particular interest for itineraries in
Queensland and Northern Territory.
Attributing the trend to Australians’
“passion for travel”, he added that
travellers were also taking shorter
holidays more regularly.
“A lot of our customers are choosing
shorter getaways at quality properties
and taking up a tour or two whilst away,
making the most of their escape,” he
said. “It’s all about the destination and
what there is to experience.”
AAT Kings managing director Anthony
Hayes reported a similar trend, noting that
demand for domestic travel had gained
momentum this year.
“We’re already seeing a trend that
Australians are starting to look closer
to home for their holidays this year…
Aussies travelling domestically typically
travel for a shorter length of time, though
more regularly,” he told travelBulletin.
Hayes also gave special mention
to destinations which cover multiple
experiences such as culture, soft
adventure and history, adding that the
operator has seen a “real peak” in
interest for Tasmania and South Australia.
AAT Kings recently released its 2015/16
Australia & NZ Brilliant Breaks program
including six new short breaks ranging
from two to nine days. New to the program
is the four-day Margaret River Wine &
Wilderness tour which includes a guided
tour through Mammoth Cave and walk to
Cape Track from $1255 twin share.
City Staycations
Australia’s beaches have earned it high acclaim among international travellers, but hoteliers
are putting the romance back into city stays with ‘staycation’ packages for travellers who want to
explore Australia’s major cities.
Hilton Sydney has launched a Shopping Escape package which includes a $100 shopping
credit, foot massage and one-night stay from $239 per room. Also new to the hotel’s line up is a
TGIF package including a one-night stay and three complimentary cocktails at the in-house bar.
Meanwhile, Next Hotel Brisbane is offering a one night package for two including free wireless,
four free minibar items per day, late checkout and breakfast from $229 until 30 April, and Mantra
St Kilda Road in Melbourne is offering 15% savings for stays of five nights or more.
48
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
USA
Vegas Vibes
Venturing beyond the Strip
Paris Hotel Las Vegas – Light Trails on the Strip, Ben Sprent
By Jenny Piper
I
T’S BEEN been 10 years since I first visited
Las Vegas. After a few days of staying at
what felt like an RSL club on steroids, with
not much to do but spend my hard earned
cash at the ever hungry slot machines, I
was not in a hurry to return. But Las Vegas
has undergone a transformation in the last 10
years. It is no longer just about gambling. On a
recent visit I got the chance to see what else
is on offer to attract the 44 million visitors the
city gets each year.
Food and Dining
Every casino on the strip offers a massive
array of dining options for different budgets.
For foodies who like to name drop, there is
a celebrity chef restaurant on every corner,
or so it seems. Gordan Ramsay, Nobu
Matsuhisa, Guy Fieir and Wolfgang Puck are
among them, just to name a few. But if buffet
is more in line with your clients’ style, the
Bellagio buffet is one to try. On Friday and
Saturday nights, the Gourmet Dinner Service
includes a caviar station with an unlimited
supply of the ‘world’s finest caviars’ for
diners to try.
Fusion style restaurants abound, with
venues such as Sushi Samba at The Venetian
worth a try. This funky eatery prides itself on
its blend of Brazilian, Peruvian and Japanese
culinary influences. Not a combination
you would expect, but dishes such as
Japanese dumplings, Wagyu beef gyozas and
Anticuchos (a Peruvian style street food of
marinated meat skewers) prove that anything
is possible.
If your clients are after something out
there, the Elvis pizza at the MGM Grand’s
Crush restaurant is a must. The offering of
shared plate salads, woodfired pizzas and
pasta make for a relaxed dining experience,
but the Elvis-inspired pizza with its creamed
peanut butter sauce topped with banana,
bacon and Nutella has to be sampled. It’s
actually not as bad as it sounds.
Activities
For adrenaline junkies who are keen to
break away from the gambling scene, the
Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower is the
place to go. Here, 350m above the strip are
four one-of-a kind thrills for those who dare,
including the Skyjump; a controlled free fall
from the 108th floor.
For those who crave speed closer to
ground, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is
the place to be. Here a variety of operators
give rev heads a chance to live out their
dreams on the track in performance vehicles
such as Porsches, Ferraris, Lambourghinis
and Aston Martins. But that’s only half of the
equation, with endless opportunities also on
offer for race track enthusiasts.
The Richard Petty Driving Experience is
just one option that allows rev heads to kit
up in a racing suit and helmet, climb into a
car through the window and get ready to ride
shotgun with a professional driver at speeds
of over 240km/hr. Those daring enough to
give it a try also get to keep video footage
of their reaction to re-live the experience
back home.
If driving around in circles on the speedway
fails to whet the appetite of your clients,
there’s always the Drag Racing Experience
for the ultimate rush. On the tamer side of
things, there are also options such as hot
air ballooning tours, indoor sky diving and go
kart racing. For travellers who are keen to
experience some of the great outdoors, there
are numerous golf courses and Las Vegas is
in the middle of the Mojave desert so there
Continues over page
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
49
USA
Continues from previous page
are great national parks and recreational
areas to explore for nature lovers.
Red Rock Canyon is also a short 20
minute drive from the heart of downtown,
offering horseback trail riding, mountain
biking or hiking.
Culture
Las Vegas has a fascinating history and
a bit of a chequered past with its links to
organised crime. The Mob Museum, located
in the former Las Vegas Post Office and
Courthouse details the Mob’s past activities
such as prostitution, boot legging and its
money skimming operations. It also touches
on law enforcement and how higher forces
have tried to put an end to their criminal
activities.
A visit to the Neon Museum is also
worthwhile for those who are nostalgic about
the old Vegas. The ‘Boneyard’ is the resting
place for many of the iconic Vegas signs
from places such as Caesars Palace, The
Golden Nugget and The Stardust, and
tours reveal each sign’s unique story and
50
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
how it fits into Las Vegas history.
Both of these museums are located in
the old downtown area of Las Vegas; the
original gambling district before ‘The Strip’
took over. The once-tired area has undergone
an urban revitalisation in the last three years
as part of the Downtown Project which has
seen the emergence of new businesses
and infrastructure to breathe new life to the
area. It’s still early days, but the area is fast
becoming a hip part of town with lots of bars,
restaurants and shopping options.
The Container Park with its shops, bars
and restaurants provides a glimpse into
the new area, or clients can take a wander
through the streets to see the amazing
street art that now adorns some of the older
buildings in the area.
The murals are the result of the street art
project from the ‘Life is Beautiful’ festival
which first hit the scene in Vegas back in
2013. Attracting around 60,000 patrons in
its first year, the festival, which sees 15 city
blocks close down over three days for music,
food and art celebrations, has achieved quick
success, attracting over 90,000 visitors in its
second year and landing performers such as
Kanye West and the Foo Fighters. Scheduled
for September, the 2015 line up is set to
trump previous years.
The Rest
Of course a visit to Las Vegas would not be
complete without shopping and shows.
The options are endless and your clients
won’t be disappointed by the likes of Elton
John, Britney Spears, and Aussie favourites
Human Nature. Cirque du Soleil is also a
staple in Vegas, and of course the shopping
leaves nothing to be desired with everything
from Louis Vuitton to Marshalls.
Aussie shoppers also have to stop for
a visit to the outlets – no self-respecting
shopper can return home without at least one
item to brag about to their colleagues.
While Las Vegas will continue to woo
travellers for its casinos with all the bells and
whistles, your clients don’t need to be high
rollers to have fun.
No doubt Vegas will evolve as the city’s
transformation continues, but the new-look
Vegas has come a long way from the days of
old and I won’t be waiting another decade to
make that repeat trip.
Expedia TAAP,
that’s why your
customers keep
coming back.
Earn great commission
and get your clients
out there.
JOIN TODAY AT
www.expedia.com.au/taap
Telephone
1800 726 618
Email
expedia-au@discovertheworld.com.au
small group
tours
The big business of
small group
touring
By Gary Walsh
S
MALL group tours are big
business and few segments of
the travel industry have grown so
strongly in recent years. Australian
operators were among the
pioneers in this sector – think of the likes of
Australian Himalayan Expeditions (which later
became World Expeditions) and Peregrine
Adventures which began trekking in Nepal
back in the 1970s – and they remain in the
vanguard to this day.
Defining what constitutes a small group tour
is an issue in itself, with different tour operators
offering group sizes ranging from 12 to
28. The topic has divided some operators,
but what remains constant is the view that
small groups have notable advantages over
‘traditional’ tours of up to 50 passengers.
52
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
Bunnik Tours product director Marion
Bunnik voices a long list of strengths of small
group touring, including less waiting time to
board coaches and more time with guides.
That’s in addition to more space on coaches,
better views, faster hotel check-in and more
accommodation choices.
“In the past, small groups were typically
the domain of adventure tour operators,
however as the travelling public has
become more educated and discerning the
mainstream market has certainly moved
towards smaller group sizes which provide a
more personalised experience,” Bunnik says.
Paul Hole, who co-founded Insider
Journeys in 1993 says the benefits of small
group tours go beyond group sizes. In his view
it is an “intimate” style of travel that provides
the right balance of organised insight with
“spontaneous experiences”.
Our travellers tell us
‘once
they’ve tried a small
group journey that they are
hooked regardless of how
they travelled in the past
’
“Certainly this is only possible with smaller
group sizes, but if you don’t do the hard work
to provide unique experiences and insights,
you will fall short of meeting this type of
travellers’ expectations,” he says.
Hole says the travel landscape has come
a long way since the early 90s and travellers
are becoming more receptive to small
group tours. While he admits that he has
no “specific” evidence to confirm that small
small group tours
Timing key for
travellers
Ray over terrace rice field in Sapa, Trung Chi. Phi Phi Hoang CC: bit.ly/1EoAMxq
Insider Journeys has reported a rise in
interest for small group tours of varying
durations as travellers look to make the
most of their limited holiday time.
Managing director Paul Hole said that
one of the most notable trends in the
small groups market was for Australians
to take up tailored itineraries of shorter
durations, or for several weeks at a time.
The niche wholesaler, which rebranded
from Travel Indochina earlier this year to
“better reflect” its expanding destination
portfolio, has broadened its product range
in response to the trend.
“Across our more than 70 itineraries
with 1000 departures, we now offer
journeys varying in length from five days
through to a 26-day multi-country option
in response to our passengers’ differing
abilities to take time off work,” he said.
group touring is gaining ground on other travel
sectors, he says small group operators are
sitting pretty if Insider Journeys’ booking
sheets are anything to go by.
“Our travellers tell us once they’ve tried
a small group journey they are hooked
regardless of how they travelled in the past;
our repeat travel numbers are high and our
levels of referral even higher,” Hole says.
Meanwhile, Albatross Tours marketing
Manager Michele Zavaglia says group sizes
are crucial for traveller satisfaction. With the
company’s European summer tour departures
capped at 28 passengers, group sizes
generally average around 22 passengers.
“We consider our group size to be relatively
small compared to many of the other larger
European tour operators who can carry
up to 50 travellers at a time. We believe
22-28 travellers on one tour is the perfect
number as anything less than this can cause
challenges if there is a strong or difficult
traveller on board,” she says.
A&K is another specialist in the small
group space, with tours catering for 18-24
passengers. But as managing director
Sujata Raman explains, it’s not all about
the numbers. “It’s not just about how many
passengers are in a group, but the number of
passengers to a guide,” she says, adding that
it is often more valuable to break groups into
smaller units for day tours.
Echoing Hole’s comments, Raman says
travellers are “definitely” more receptive
to small group touring, particularly at the
higher end of the market. “The experience
for the traveller is more inclusive and
immersive. Travelling in a group also allows
access to experiences and sites that would
be cost prohibitive if you were travelling
The 26-day Inside Vietnam and
Cambodia tour covers lesser known areas
including Hanoi, Sapa, Mai Chau, Ninh
Binh and Halong Bay.
It also “delves deeper” into both
countries and visits Cambodia’s isolated
temple ruins of Boeng Mealea. Other
highlights include a visit to the ethnic
hilltribe villages in Lech Valley, located in
northern Vietnam.
The trip costs from $4835 per person
twin share and includes 20 nights of hotel
accommodation, three nights on overnight
trains in four-berth cabins, one overnight
boat trip, an overnight homestay, some
meals and internal flights as required.
The group size is limited to a maximum
of 16 passengers and all tours with more
than one traveller are guaranteed to
depart, Hole said.
individually,” Raman says.
Rounding out the leaders in small
group touring, Contours Travel director Ted
Dziadkiewicz says smaller groups deliver
experiences that are more meaningful for
travellers. It also allows clients to cover more
ground and have more personal experiences,
he added. “We cannot, for example, take 30
people on a ‘walk of discovery’ to the back
streets of a historical city. That would be
extremely intrusive for the locals and not at
all personal,” Dziadkiewicz says.
While small group tours continue to gain
favour among Australian travellers, operators
are becoming more competitive with smaller
group sizes and more experiential tours. No
doubt, the rivalry between small and large
group touring will continue, but operators are
turning their focus to tailored itineraries that
reel in repeat business.
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
53
small group
tours
Wong vows to honour 20 pax limit
Helen Wong’s Tours is continuing its strong
hold in the small group touring market, with
all group sizes capped at 20 passengers.
Founder and managing director Helen
Wong capped all tours several years ago
to allow travellers to cover more ground in
“intimate sizes”.
Following continued success in the small
group touring market, Wong confirmed that
the travel company
would continue with the
limited group sizes as
a commitment to loyal
customers.
“Keeping the groups
to such intimate sizes
provides good interaction
among the passengers
and enables everyone to receive and
appreciate personal attention from both the
guide and driver,” she said.
While costs are generally higher for smaller
tour groups, Wong said many passengers
are happy to front up the additional costs in
exchange for a more personalised service.
“Booking a small group tour over a much
larger one is a matter of
choice but the beauty of
travelling in small groups
over individual travel is that
new friendships are made
among passengers across
Australia,” Wong said.
Outlined in the latest
Helen Wong’s Tours China
and Vietnam brochure is
the 12-day China Discovery
priced from $3990 per
person, and the 14-day
China Odyssey from $4470.
Also available is the 12-day
Glimpse of Vietnam tour
and the 14-day Halong to
Mekong itinerary priced
Li River, Guilin
from $3490.
A&K tour guarantee
Experience The Real Latin America
in a Small Group Tour!
Max.
o
pass f 16
enge
rs
“Thank you for an awesome trip! Our Tour Leader was
absolutely outstanding. We greatly enjoyed the ‘off the
beaten track’ places wherever we happened to be! Besides
the magnificent highlights – Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro
& Iguazu Falls; the day that stands out for me was the visit
to the Agua Pura Community Project in Peru. We helped
put water filters together; and we got to interact with
delightful children.”
- Jan, November 2014
The CONTOURS
Collection
1300 135 391
A&K is again welcoming guests on its Sri Lanka Pearl of the Indian
Ocean itinerary, with groups of two or more guests guaranteed to depart.
The 10-night tour covers several UNESCO World Heritage sites on a
single itinerary including Polonnaruwa, Sinjaraja and Sigiriya Rock fortress.
The tour includes a visit to Galle fort with a published author, a walking
tour of Colombo’s Pettah Bazaar, and a tour with a local artist as part
of the Artisan Connections program. Also included is a visit to the Royal
Botanic Garden with a botany professor. Priced from US$3495, group
sizes are capped at 24 passengers.
From Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca is another itinerary with
guaranteed departures for groups of two or more passengers. Highlights
include a dawn hike at Machu Picchu, a visit to the Larco Herrera
Museum, a cruise on Lake Titicaca and two nights on the private Suasi
Island. Prices for the 12-night trip lead in from US$6300 per person.
Fully Escorted Small Group
Tours of South America,
Mexico & Cuba
www.thecontourscollection.com
Cuso, Peru
YE ARS
CONTOURS TRAVEL
54
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
small group tours
Aurora adds Africa
AURORA Expeditions has added Africa to
its 2015 program with the new 15-day
African Cruise Safari covering South
Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Starting in Cape Town, the tour takes
in the city’s rich history, the iconic Table
Mountain and its nearby wine regions
before flying to Victoria Falls and delving
into the heart of some of Africa’s greatest
wildlife convergences. Safaris are based
in luxurious safari lodges in the Hwange
and Chobe National Parks.
Aurora will run two departures from
Johannesburg on April 16 and April 23.
Prices lead in from $7990 per person
twin share including accommodation,
transport, excursions and most meals.
Cape Town
Q&A
Lake in Udaipur, Rajasthan
India in the limelight
Bunnik Tours product director Marion Bunnik
has singled out India as an ideal destination
for small group touring, with group sizes and
local guides providing the right balance for
first time visitors.
Noting that some travellers are reluctant
to travel independently in India, Bunnik said
small group tours provide the safety and
knowledge required for visitors to make the
most of their holiday.
“India is a place where having a local
guide helps visitors to get much more from
their holiday experience – giving them an
understanding of the culture and rich history
of this vast country,” Bunnik said.
The Colours of Rajasthan tour starts in
Mumbai and includes visits to grand palaces,
deserts and forts over 19 days. Priced from
$5260 per person twin share, highlights
include a camel ride across the desert, a visit
to Gandhi’s house in Mumbai, and a visit to
the temple at Karni Matai. Group sizes are
limited to 20 passengers.
Bunnik Tours has also released a special
departure in November 2015 that includes
travel to the camel fair at Pushkar. The
21-day tour includes two nights at Pushkar,
priced from $5960 per person twin share.
Other small group tours are available in Asia,
Africa, Europe, South and Central America,
and the Middle East with departures ranging
from 13 to 36 days.
Small group tours have gone from strength to strength in recent years, but some
travellers have been slower to catch on than others. Gary Walsh picked up some
great selling tips from Steven Boxall who is the general manager of two Helloworld
agencies in Queensland as well as the wholesale operation Escorted Journeys.
How well do small group tours sell?
The interest in small group tours has really
exploded over the past five years. It’s due to
a combination of regular travellers looking
for more variety in terms of destinations and
experiences, as well as first time travellers
knowing exactly what they are looking for –
a more unique and boutique experience.
Do any parts of the world sell
particularly well?
It’s really only limited by your imagination.
Is any form of travel best suited to
small groups?
Small groups are perfect for soft adventure
trips, but they are also excellent for any
type of trip where you want to provide
clients with a more in-depth or hands on
experience. By nature, a smaller group
will allow access to different types of
transport and accommodation, providing
clients with something special and
something their family of friends haven’t
done.
Are small group tours best suited to
younger travellers?
The demographic is not really important and
it’s more about the experience that clients
are looking for, provided that they are with
like-minded people. We have had age gaps
of up to 60 years on our escorted journeys
with no problems. What aspects of small group tours do you
highlight to clients?
I highlight the fact that they are fully
inclusive holidays, even with tipping
included. Smaller numbers deliver a
more personalised experience with fellow
travellers and local guides. They are perfect
for single travellers as it is easy for them to
mix in. There are also experiences that your
family and friends can only dream of such
as unique accommodation.
Are there any negatives associated with
small group tours – personality clashes for
instance?
The biggest issues are business related. For
small groups to be good value for money,
you simply cannot make the same income
as you would with large groups.
If you plan a group for 30 people and you
end up getting 50 or even 60, the financial
return can be amazing. If you plan a small group tour and are
limited at 16 people you have capped your
earning potential. In saying that, the return
comes when the clients come back and
book again and again with you on small
group experiences.
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
55
Alpine europe
& rail travel
Riding the
rail trail
By Grace Lech
T
he Eurail Pass hardly needs
an introduction, having earned
a reputation as the leader in
European rail travel. Having sold
Europe to clients for well over a
decade, the words Eurail Pass have crossed
my lips countless times. But a recent trip
to Europe allowed me to experience the rail
network first hand.
Purchasing a 15-day flexi pass allowed me
to travel within 24 countries, all embracing
their own culture, cuisine and language. While
cars are often the norm in Australia, trains
are the main state of play in Europe as it’s
fast, efficient and cost effective. And when
you consider the logistics of air travel, it’s
easy to see why.
For instance, take into account travel
time to the airport plus a minimum 2-3 hour
check-in, in addition to security processes
and drudgery -- none of which is seemingly
evident with train travel.
And then there are restrictive airline
luggage allowances which constantly come
under scrutiny, and the stress of wondering
56
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
if your baggage will arrive in one piece.
Add to that the arduous task of hailing a
taxi and finding your hotel, which is often
situated within walking distance from a
major train station.
While clients travelling by train are
not locked into itineraries before leaving
Australia, it is preferable to reserve seats
ahead of time to lock in travel plans.
Some trains may not require compulsory
reservations, but it is best to book,
particularly during peak times such as the
European summer to avoid last minute seat
changes, and to ensure a happy repeat client.
Determining whether seats are reserved
once onboard varies between train coaches,
but generally the seat numbers will be lit up
for pre-booked journeys. Booking early will
not only lock in travel plans, but it will also
secure a seat for the whole duration of the
trip – even before leaving Australia. Rail Plus
handles all of these requests provided that
it is within the advance purchase period, as
pass holder seats are limited.
Seat reservations can be made at most
train stations, even for ongoing journeys, but
travellers cannot be guaranteed forward-facing
seats, as trains habitually arrive at a station
in one direction and depart in another.
Seat reservations are compulsory for all
high speed trains, particularly the TGV in
France and City Night Line trains (CNL) in
Germany where cabins can only be booked if
holding a First Class pass.
twisting and turning
‘isThe
purposely unhurried and
the scenery can be simply
breathtaking
’
Travelling overnight comes with the bonus
of saving a night’s accommodation and if the
journey commences after 7pm, travellers can
mark their pass with the following day’s date
for further travel. The ‘S Bahn’ in Germany is
also included in the city’s network, provided
that the date is marked on the pass.
A word of warning to your clients – my
conductor on the CNL mentioned that the
train is commonly divvied up during the night
alpine europe & rail travel
Travelling on TGV (image credit: Rail Plus)
Bergen Station, Kamil Porembinski CC: bit.ly/1MhJnrK
at major transit points, so passengers are
advised to store their baggage in the correct
compartment rather than moving to more
comfortable areas, only to find themselves
without baggage in the morning. Also, before
boarding a train with your pass, ensure your
clients fill in the date of travel because they
will lose a day of travel if they change their
mind. In terms of cost, it’s also worth noting
that ticket prices increase in line with major
events due to supply and demand.
Rail journeys are generally faster running
north to south (and vice versa) compared
east to west. Take the countryside of Spain
and Switzerland for instance, where trips
can be much slower due to the mountainous
terrain. However, the twisting and turning is
purposely unhurried and the scenery can be
simply breathtaking.
My own journey commenced in Bergen,
but as my flexi pass was not yet valid, I
purchased a one-way ticket to Oslo. As an
example of cost, a Second Class ticket in
October was A$159, highlighting that the
First Class Eurail pass is excellent value in
terms of price, flexibility and comfort.
Whilst in Berlin, I prepared for the Santa
Claus experience in Lapland and opted to
take the scenic excursion by fast train and
ferry. Travel on the ferry was included from
Puttgarden to Malmo, and onwards travel
towards Stockholm was a delight as the
countryside was powdered with perfect white
snow. Upon arrival I caught the Viking Line
ferry across to Helsinki, and although not
included in the Eurail pass, Viking Lines offers
a 50% discount for Eurail pass holders.
The Santa Claus Express offered a modern
and clean service, operating a return daily
service between Helsinki and Rovaniemi
with two overnight services. First Class
Eurail pass holders pay only EU$188 return.
I did meet Santa onboard and he sent his
greetings to everyone Down Under, as he
knew it had been quite hot and I would be
returning soon.
Just like Santa, there is an enchantment
about rail travel which evokes a feeling of
childlike wonder, and waiting for the sound of
the shrilling whistle and a mighty ‘toot’ from
the driver has its own thrill.
n Grace Lech is the owner of independent
travel agency, Grace Travel Club.
To read more about her travels, visit her blog
www.travelgracefully.com.au.
The cost of getting around
First Class Fares
Adult Adult Saver
(2-5 people)
Rail Plus 60+ Saver*
(2-5 people)
15 days continuous
$927
$786
$752
21 days continuous
$1,193
$1,017
$974
1 month continuous
$1,466
$1,250
$1,197
2 months continuous
$2,066
$1,757
$1,682
3 months continuous
$2,546
$2,166
$2,074
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
57
Alpine europe
& rail travel
Self-guided TRAVEL sector picks up
Walking and cycling holiday specialist UTracks has seen a spike in
interest for walking tours in the European Alps, with the self-guided
sector growing four-fold since 2006.
UTracks brand marketing manager Brad Atwal told travelBulletin
that the wholesaler’s seven-day Mont Blanc Guided Walk was a
consistent favourite that had remained at almost full capacity for
over five years.
Guided walks in the Alps remain the most popular option, he said,
but the self-guided sector was a stand out performer that had grown
from 10% - 40% in the past eight years.
“The self-guided active holiday really has its roots in Europe, and
as the Australian market adapts to this concept, return travellers are
becoming more confident,” he said.
Atwal added that cycle and walking trails were a “huge” market in
Europe with significant infrastructure compared to Australia, making
self-guided holidays particularly appealing for foreign travellers.
“Mont Blanc is a key drawcard and we have worked hard to
ensure there is an itinerary for nearly every segment of traveller,”
he said, adding that the Alpine Pass Route in Switzerland, the
Dolomites in Italy and the Pyrenees in France were favourites among
Australian travellers.
Utracks has added a number of itineraries to its line up including
the 10-day Chamonix to Zermatt tour and the Mont Blanc Family Walk
which travels from the Chamonix Valley to Courmayeur.
HoL Swiss expansion
S ON LOCA
AY
T
ID
CELEBRATING
N
IO
HO
L
Holidays on Location has expanded its
Switzerland product range to include new rail
product, city stays and more luxury options.
Outlined in the 2015/16 Switzerland Holidays
brochure, new options also include travel to
Mount Titlis in Switzerland
Switzerland
HolidayS
for the first time. A number
of apartment stays and
city packages in Basel and
Geneva have also been
added, in addition to new rail
product including the eightday Swiss Cities itinerary
which covers Zurich, Lucerne,
36
Bern and Geneva.
Holidays on Location
business development
manager John de Steiger told travelBulletin that
the additions were part of a concentrated push
to capture a larger share of the Switzerland
travel market.
“These changes and additions make this an
even more diverse and comprehensive set of
options for the Australian traveller, particularly
with the increase in apartment accommodation,
city packages, and the St Moritz and Zermatt ski
packages,” he said.
YEARS
197
9- 2 0 1 5
Your Destination specialist | switzerlanD
rail, citY staYs, coach touring, cYcling/hiking, groups & incentives
www.switzerlandholidays.com | TEL: 1300 65 10 65
58
2 0 15
3 - 16
4
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
headwater’s 2015 offer
Adventure World has released the latest Headwater Holidays brochure, with
a range of biking options in Spain and walking tours in the Swiss Alps.
The 92-page program features itineraries covering France, Italy, Portugal,
Austria and Switzerland, including e-bike options in Spain and Sicily.
Also included is the seven-day Classic Swiss Alps Walk through Kandersteg,
Blausee, the Gasterntal Valley and Oeschinensee. Priced from $1686 per
person, it includes accommodation, all meals including picnic lunches,
baggage transfers between hotels, and briefings on walking routes.
Headwater’s self-guided Austrian Lakes walk is also seeing continued
interest, covering snow-capped peaks and unspoiled forest trails over eight
days. Departing Salzburg, highlights include day trips to Strobl, Bad Ischl,
Gilgen and Fuschl with accommodation in four-star hotels. Departures are
scheduled from March to September, with an option to extend the itinerary
with the Austrian Riviera Walk.
n Visit www.headwater.com for details.
Switzerland
Explore
by Rail
Snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and lush valleys, Switzerland sits at the top of
every travellers’ bucket list. Rail Plus offers not only Swiss Travel Passes and point to point
tickets, but a variety of Swiss Scenic Trains dedicated to introduce you to some of the
most beautiful landscapes in Europe.
Swiss Travel Pass | FREE Swiss Family Card | Glacier Express
GoldenPass Line | Bernina Express | Wilhelm Tell | Chocolate Train
Tickets to see the Jungfraujoch and Mt Titlis
P: 1300 555 003
E: info@railplus.com.au W: www.railplus.com.au
Alpine europe
& rail travel
Point to point travel gains ground
Rail travel is gaining traction among Aussie
travellers, with Rail Plus reporting a surge in
point to point bookings in Europe.
Rail Plus CEO James Dunne told
travelBulletin that 2014 saw a “significant
increase” in point to point travel in Italy, the
UK and France as more inventory came online
throughout the year.
Sales for multi-destination passes also
increased over the year, Dunne said, but
point to point travel was the standout
performer as travellers opted to visit more
regional areas.
“Australian travellers are visiting Europe
more often, but they are also visiting more
specific regions and point to point travel for
high speed rail is a more viable option. Sales
in passes did grow, but not at the same rate
as point to point,” he said.
With travel between Italy and Spain
representing the market of most growth,
Dunne attributed the trend to increased air
access and attractive deals such as free
travel for children aged under 12 on Eurail.
Targeted marketing efforts have also helped
to build the profile of iconic rail journeys such
as the Orient Express, he added.
Dunne said Australians had been slower to
embrace rail than some other nationalities,
and highlighted the need to increase
awareness of high speed rail travel and
simplify booking processes for agents.
Eurail family appeal
Eurail is targeting family travel in 2015
with the launch of free child passes for
children under the age of 12.
The offer extends to two children for
each adult saver pass, with additional
children able to purchase a Youth Pass.
Families can save more than $500, with
child passes leading in from $288 per
person. Adult global saver passes cost from
60
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
$576 per person. Eurail passes can be
purchased for 15-day, 21-day or one month
durations, with customers receiving up to
five days of free travel when booked by the
end of March.
New destinations have been added to
the network including Poland, Montenegro,
Serbia and Bosnia. All Eurail passes must
be validated within six months of issue date.
Building a more robust conversation about
the benefits of rail travel would also help to
get Australians onboard, he added.
“Rail is not typically in the GDS system so
we have to make sure we provide a certain
level of information to agents to ensure
they are comfortable selling rail as part of
itineraries. We’re aware that rail is often only
a small part of an itinerary – we don’t want
rail to replace itineraries, but we do want to
be a part of it,” he said.
Dunne was confident that rail travel
would continue to gain momentum among
Australian travellers, with new services to
Provence and Amsterdam in 2016 likely to
prompt Australians to “book in numbers”.
Grand Train Tour
now available
Swiss Travel System is welcoming
guests aboard the new Grand Train Tour
of Switzerland which covers travel across
the country in one ticket.
Guests can travel Switzerland’s
most iconic routes within a single fare,
including Zurich to St Gallen, GoldenPass
Line on to Montreaux, and the Pre-alpine
Express to Lucerne. Also including public
transport in one ticket, prices lead in
from €171 for a three-day pass in Second
Class, to €629 for one months’ validity.
Travel can be commenced from any point,
but seat reservations are required on
panoramic trains.
The Swiss Travel Pass is also available,
providing access to over 480 museums
and most travel on trains and buses.
Children under the age of 16 travel free
with a parent.
n See www.swisstravelsystem.com
for more details.
SPECTACULAR!
New HD touch screen: now with a larger screen for you to enjoy
the latest movie releases, cartoons, music and games, from take off to landing.
ageNtcoNNect.biz
Gradually installed on long-haul flight on a part of Boeing 777 fleet as of June 2014.
the last word
Celebrity spotting
FUN Facts:
Did you know…
Contrary to popular belief, Arizona’s Grand
Canyon is not the world’s largest canyon.
Tsangpo Canyon in Tibet takes the title, with the
Grand Canyon as runner up.
Less than 1% of the world’s population have
travelled to Antarctica.
Send your celebrity pics to celebrity@travelbulletin.com.au
and keep your eye out for the next issue of travelBulletin.
Could these guys be twins? Eric Stonestreet has been around the traps, but
his gig as Cameron Tucker on Modern Family has landed him two Emmys.
William Kaafi from Creative Cruising wasted no time landing a happy snap
when bumping shoulders with the US star in Sydney. Cheese!
Where in the World?
Any idea where you’d be standing if you were taking
this picture? If you’ve got any clue, drop us a line at
comps@travelbulletin.com.au for your chance to win a
double movie ticket. You’ve gotta be in it to win it!
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida spans an
area twice the size of Manhattan and is the
biggest single site employer in the US with over
50,000 employees.
Online check-in services were first used by
Alaska Airlines in 1999.
Las Vegas has the most hotel rooms of any city in
the world, with more than 124,000.
Watch it!
For Android users, here’s a sneaky but
stylish way of getting around without looking
like a tourist. Motorola’s Moto 360 features
a swipe-motion interface allowing users
to access virtual boarding passes, flight
alerts and traffic updates on the go. The
smart watch also features voice control
allowing travellers to send text messages
and check the weather while juggling their
hand luggage. The Moto 360 syncs to
smartphones and claims to have all-day
battery life, priced from AU$329.
In the Hot Seat
Bench International
general manager
Martin Edwards tells
travelBulletin his top
travel tips and reveals
what makes him tick
when he’s on the road.
3. What is one thing you cannot leave home
without? My iPhone with all the pics and
movies of my little boy… ahh.
8. Who is one person you wish you could
sit next to on a plane? Ranulph Fiennes –
probably the world’s greatest living explorer.
4. What is the one item you most commonly
leave at home? My wife.
9. What is one food you would like to see
added to an airline menu? Eton Mess.
5. Top travel tip? Know when to put your
camera down and just enjoy the moment.
1. What is your favourite holiday spot and
why? Kenya’s Masai Mara – it is the perfect
spot to escape from day to day life and
somewhere you never know what kind of
animal you will see next.
6. What three features do you look for when
choosing a hotel? I look for five features…
stars. Although the location, character and
service is extremely important.
2. What is one of the most exotic
destinations you have travelled to? The
Prehentian Islands in Malaysia.
7. What is your favourite piece of luggage?
My trusty backpack from when I travelled
around the world for one year.
62
travelBulletin MARCH 2015
10. Greatest fear? My luggage not
turning up.
11. Most treasured possession?
My passport.
12. Guiltiest pleasure? Arriving at the airport,
walking past all the queues and heading
straight to the priority line. Bliss!
13. Where are you travelling to next?
I’m heading to one of the world’s Seven
Natural Wonders, Victoria Falls in Africa.
Around every
corner there’s
a different
landscape!
Apart from our cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages,
award-winning visitor experiences, UNESCO World
Heritage Sites, the island of Ireland is a treasure
trove of unique and authentic experiences.
We’ve also got some of the best touring routes
in the world! Out on the very edge of Europe,
the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way comprises
2500kms of fully signposted roads and places
of discovery. In the north, along the enchanting
Causeway Coastal Route, the Giant’s Causeway is
like nowhere else on earth.
There are world renowned golf courses to play, a
plethora of walking and cycling trails to discover,
as well as adrenaline-filled activities to thrill even
your most active clients. And for those who like to
exercise their taste buds, our home grown produce
will astound even the most discerning palates.
We’ve certainly got enough to fill a 14 day holiday,
but if your clients are travelling to other parts of
Europe in 2015, make sure you add on Ireland.
It’s not only the places, but the welcoming faces
and warm hospitality that make Ireland so special.
Become an Ireland Specialist.
You could earn yourself a trip to the
Emerald Isle!
www.irelandspecialists.com
For more information
Visit: www.ireland.com
Tel: (02) 9964 6900
facebook.com/discoverirelandoz
@gotoirelandoz