Industry News
CLIA showcase returns
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has announced the return of its Cruise Port & Destination Virtual Showcase, giving travel agent members a chance to gain practical insight into top cruise destinations around the world.
The week-long webinar programme will run from July 19 to 26 with presentations from 12 CLIA Executive Partners, each providing information to ensure cruise clients get the most from their visits.
Sounds Air on Amadeus
Blenheim based carrier Sounds Air has signed with Amadeus to make its content available to travel sellers across the world through the Amadeus Travel Platform. Sounds Air is hosted by the Takeflite Solutions passenger service system and this development is a result of a new partnership between Amadeus and Takeflite that provides enhanced global distribution options to regional airlines.
CHC's new arrival lounge
Christchurch Airport has unveiled a permanent and purpose-built welcome lounge in the terminal to support incentive and conference organisers wanting to theme, publicise and welcome their events and its participants.
‘Business events start in our city when people touch down,’ says the airport’s general manager trade development Scott Callaway.
Out of the Covid ashes: Wendy Wu’s expanded portfolio here to stay
A whole new portfolio, the largest expansion of product in Wendy Wu Tours’ history, is an enduring and positive result of the Covid pandemic, the company’s founder says,
‘Of course Covid was devastating for us and for the whole industry,’ says founder Wendy Wu. ‘However, out of the ashes of that we have expanded into places like Scotland, Portugal, Jordan, Egypt, Israel and central Asia. In the past we have always added a destination at a time.’
Avoid hiccups during rebound
Rental car specialist DriveAway says the strong and resurgence of bookings has highlighted both opportunities and challenges for trade and their clients after two years of closed borders.
Alison Hopkirk, NZ business development manager with DriveAway says that commissions on bookings tend to be higher than they were before the pandemic.
Outbound and inbound back but Viva set on keeping domestic in mix
Domestic travel with an eye to exceptional experiences for Kiwis will remain a focus for Viva Expeditions, even as its pre-pandemic business starts to gain momentum again, says founder Rachel Williams.
With offices here and in South America, Viva is back promoting two-way travel between the destinations. However, successful forays into the local market have shown Williams the worth of having domestic product with a difference on offer.
Travel club in good shape
New Zealand’s five Skal Clubs have come through the last two years holding membership and are now starting to see numbers increase, says Skal International New Zealand president Sally Attfield.
The fellowship orientated club for travel and tourism professionals held its national AGM and congress in Wellington over the weekend, which also marked the 65th anniversary since the club started in the city.
The highlight of the event was a dinner at the Grand Hall in Parliament.
Expedia TAAP: New features
Features such as the new TAAP Quotation tool have proved a hit with New Zealand agents, says Expedia TAAP’s director travel agent distribution, Stuart Udy. This tool enables a TAAP agent to create a quote in seconds.
‘NZ agents have embraced the feature in just a few weeks and are among the top adopters worldwide,’ says Udy.
Club Med launches new loyalty programme
Club Med has launched a new loyalty programme for New Zealand travel industry partners.
It comes as the company also unveils its revamped Club Med Travel Agent Portal featuring a new booking service.
Stuba moves for NZ trade
Recognising and responding to the changing needs and challenges of travel trade partners remains the top priority for Stuba, says the accommodation wholesaler’s BDM New Zealand and Queensland, Lisa Linn.
‘We constantly receive feedback about how supportive Stuba has been over the last two years with processing refunds and handling credits,’ says Linn.
Intrepid's female leadership team
Intrepid Travel has announced key leadership changes to its Australia-New Zealand management team, representing Intrepid’s first all-female regional leadership team.
This includes Sarah Clark returning as ANZ managing director, and Yvette Thompson promoted to general manager - sales and partnerships to lead all partner relationships and commercial agreements.
Club Med's plans for NZ trade
A visit by key executives, the naming of a brand manager for this market and a revamped travel agent portal are all evidence of Club Med’s new emphasis and refreshed approach to the New Zealand trade.
Brendon King is now brand manager for New Zealand, having been in a BDM role with the New South Wales market in recent years, while Michelle Davies has been appointed general manager Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. Both were in market this month along with Lisa Bacon, head of sales – trade and MICE.
Companies form School Travel Collective
Competing tour operators have banded together to restore confidence in school travel and mitigate financial risks to parents, students and schools for future tours.
The School Travel Collective Inc (STC) is addressing the two main questions asked by parents ask when contemplating sending their child on a school trip: Is my child going to be safe? Is my money going to be safe?
New platform launches for booking rail journeys
A new specialist operator created by local rail experts aims to make booking international train journeys easier for New Zealand travel agents.
The brainchild of Rail Europe’s former CEO for New Zealand and Australia, James Dunne, Rail Online offers a booking platform, created in partnership with global rail technology provider SilverRail, whose software currently facilitates more than 30 million online rail bookings each year.
