High-end enquiries for bespoke FIT and inter-generational holidays is the fastest growing trend following the Government announcement that the New Zealand border will re-open for longer haul travel in 2022, according to Innovative Travel managing director, Robyn Galloway.

‘Families and individuals with generous budgets are seeking bespoke arrangements and peace of mind travel, with local in-country 24/7 backup,’ Galloway says.

Innovative Travel has details on its rescheduled Jordan, Holyland and Oberammergau Passion Play tour, hosted by Rev. Mike and Patsy Hawke.

The 25-day tour will depart New Zealand on 22 May 2022 and has just a few spaces left, says Innovative travel’s managing director, Robyn Galloway.

Innovative Travel advises that The Safari Company founder, Kiwi born Andy Kibby, has returned to Nairobi in preparation for the 2022 safari season. All postponed safaris from 2020 will operate in 2022.

The company’s specially converted high deck safari truck has an additional viewing platform and spacious seating with roll up canvas windows. Whilst on safari, groups are at a maximum of 18, so all clients have the opportunity to view the wild and bird life with a clear view
at all times.

Innovative Travel has released packages for the Dubai World Expo which will operate from 1 October 2021 until 31 March 2022.

‘With NZ looking to reconnect to the world, we hope that there will be the opportunity for New Zealanders to visit the long awaited Dubai World Expo, along with expats offshore,’ says Innovative Travel MD, Robyn Galloway.

The expo will be the largest event held in the Arab world with 192 countries exhibiting and 25 million visitors expected.

Jordan has announced it is opening for partial tourism, with safety measures to allow for the recommencement of international transfer passengers, via Amman Airport, reports Innovative Travel. To transit Amman Airport all clients must provide proof of a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival, with a maximum transit time not exceeding 10 hours.

For visitors entering Jordan, pre boarding proof of a negative PCR Test within 72 hours of departure and health insurance are required. A further negative PCR test is paid for upon arrival at a cost of 28JOD (approximately US$40) per person. 

Robyn Galloway, founder of wholesale travel company Innovative Travel, has written a children’s book – one which gives travel agents a slightly different opportunity when it comes to in-store promotions, as well as being a stand alone gift in its own right.

How Santa, Rudolph and Sedrick the Camel Saved Christmas, inspired by Sedrick the Camel, was illustrated by Lizzie Swaney-Hannah. Targeting five to 11 year olds, the book is described as

The Chatham Islands are a photographers delight with the contrasting  ugged landscapes, according to Innovative Travel groups manager, Lynda Morrison.

‘August was a great time to go, the temperatures were a lot milder than my hometown Christchurch and the weather proved great for taking photos.’

The Innovative Travel ‘catch ups’ started this week with two events in Christchurch and another two set for Auckland next Tuesday 30 June. 

Managing director Robyn Galloway says the catch ups start with an overview of the company’s key destinations and how each has responded to Covid-19.  ‘Key destinations such as Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Greece and Israel have managed the crises relatively well, with a planned opening of borders, in controlled stages.’

On the local front she says Innovative’s domestic programmes in conjunction with Inspired NZ coach tours have met with a positive response. ‘This is in terms of both FIT bookings and agents putting together their own group departures, utilising the travel agent FOC offer, for 14 plus paying passengers.’  Galloway says the tours were designed with New Zealanders in mind, so are reasonably priced, with a focus on regions, and varying from six to nine days.  

On the other side of the globe, CroisiEurope 2021 earlybird cruises are now available to book. Galloway says 2021 is already fairly heavily in demand with clients transferring to next year. CroisiEurope will commence sailing in Europe next month, with stricter hygiene measures in place.

• Front: Debra Carnahan, Robbie Mehlhopt,... Front: Debra Carnahan, Robbie Mehlhopt,...
• Jenaya Soster, helloworld Travel Avonhead;... Jenaya Soster, helloworld Travel Avonhead;...
• Karen Bradshaw, World Travellers broker;... Karen Bradshaw, World Travellers broker;...
• Beth Yates, House of Travel... Beth Yates, House of Travel...
• Ron Montgomery, Spirit Travel; Sharon... Ron Montgomery, Spirit Travel; Sharon...
• Carolyn Marks, World Travellers broker;... Carolyn Marks, World Travellers broker;...
•  

Greece is preparing to open the country’s borders and is working towards a soft opening in June, with some islands also scheduled to reopen on 30 June, Innovative Travel is informing agents.

There appears to be a lack of understanding in some tourism and travel industry sectors on the collective right to charge administration/cancellation fees during a force majeure, according to Robyn Galloway, MD of Innovative Travel.