Jetsettersblog

Australian Online Tourism Specialists

Air New Zealand announced today that it had acquired a cornerstone shareholding in Australian online tourism specialists V3 (Vcubed Pty Ltd).
Air New Zealand Deputy Chief Executive Officer Norm Thompson said the acquisition was part of the airline’s strategy to further diversify into the wider tourism sector.

V3 provides its open booking exchange (OBX™) technology for tourism suppliers and distributors in Australia, and Mr Thompson said Air New Zealand and V3, through a joint venture, would establish a similar tourism exchange in New Zealand.

The OBX™ is available to all tourism and travel operators and distributors and will be run in New Zealand as a standalone business, independent of Air New Zealand.

It works by allowing distributors to access live book-able inventory from tourism operators in a real-time marketplace, and has exciting potential for New Zealand tourism operators.

Mr Thompson said a New Zealand exchange would help local tourism businesses by providing them with a cost-effective way of increasing their reach to distributors.

“For example, it will allow a local hotel operator to offer accommodation directly to a multitude of online retailers,” he said.

Air New Zealand’s commitment to playing a role in the wider tourism industry was behind its decision to acquire a stake in V3 and establish an exchange in New Zealand, he said.

“Air New Zealand’s fortunes are inextricably linked with that of our tourism sector. What’s good for tourism in New Zealand and our tourism operators will have natural flow-on benefits for the airline.”

Having enjoyed outstanding success in the Australian market, V3 Chief Executive Officer Shane Crockett said: “We are extremely pleased to have Air New Zealand as a cornerstone investor and strategic partner for this breakthrough initiative in digital marketing for both the Australian and New Zealand tourism industries.

“Air New Zealand is the perfect strategic partner for V3 to optimise the potential of the open booking exchange technology.

“Leading the market with the unique exchange model in Australia, V3 has already seen many of the tourism industry’s key suppliers, distributors and government organisations using the open booking exchange technology and now, our partnership with Air New Zealand will extend this successful model into the New Zealand market.”

Mr Thompson said former Air New Zealand General Manager Chris Hunter had been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the new business that would offer a similar tourism exchange service in New Zealand.

Mr Hunter has long been involved in the tourism and travel business, holding a number of senior positions, most recently as General Manager Strategy and Planning for Flight Centre New Zealand. During his 21 years at Air New Zealand he held a range of positions including General Manager Global Direct Sales.

Mr Hunter said he was excited by the opportunity to positively contribute to the ongoing growth and success of the New Zealand tourism industry, and expects to make further announcements to the industry in the first half of next year as the new exchange takes shape.

Grand Pacific Tours Luxury Coach Holidays Brochure 2009-10

Grand Pacific Tours Fully Escorted Rail/Coach Holiday Brochure 2009-10Grand Pacific Tours, the New Zealand Luxury Coach Holiday specialist, has just released their 2009/10 season programmes. With some major changes incorporated.

For the first time in the company’s history all of the coach programmes are included in the one brochure. The 10, 11, 16 and 19 Day Luxury Coach Holidays plus the 19 Day Rail/Coach Holiday and the inclusion of the 15 Day Ultimate New Zealand Experience as a pull-out supplement, means that anyone contemplating a New Zealand Coach Holiday only need refer to the one brochure.

The 19 Day Rail/Coach Holiday includes an exclusive overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands on the newly built catamaran Ipipiri, which was the original Maori word for the area. Grand Pacific Tours is the only Australian Tour Operator that has been given the rights to include the overnight cruise into a tour series during its inaugural year. Accommodation is in King Staterooms with private facilities and sea-views whilst dinner will be of local produce including seafood and BBQ.

The 19 Day Grand New Zealand Tour has changed slightly with the inclusion of the wine growing Wairarapa Region on the North Island. Travellers shall be treated to a pre-dinner Wine & Cheese Experience, which will be presented by a local wine or cheese maker at the newly renovated Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Solway Park. A tour of the region incorporating Carterton, Greytown and Martinborough takes in an area that is not visited by any other tour operator.

The inclusion of the 15 Day Ultimate New Zealand Experience featuring the most expensive coach built to date in Australia within the main brochure is to highlight the diversity of product on offer by the company. Also both the 10 Day South Island and 16 Day Highlights tour shall have select departures where traveller’s can upgrade to travel on the Ultimate Coach and experience the luxury, comfort and style that has already won it accolades from the industry and past clients.

A new innovation that the company has introduced is ‘Wine Time’ where each hotel shall provide a discounted drink offer for one hour prior to dinner. This enables everyone to socialise with their fellow traveller’s reliving the day’s highlights. This is described in more detail over a two-page listing of benefits when people travel with Grand Pacific Tours.

Grand Pacific Tours will continue to guarantee all published departure dates and prices and of course there is the peace of mind that all bookings must be made through a licensed Travel Agent.

Brochures are available now from Grand Pacific Tours and can be ordered or viewed online at www.grandpacifictours.com  or by calling 1800 622 768.

World Extreme surfing champion Garrett McNamara reveals his secrets to big wave surfing at http://www.YogaforSurfers.com.

“Some of my friends think I’m a madman. But I like seeking out and surfing the most dangerous waves that I can find,” says McNamara, speaking to Peggy Hall at http://www.YogaforSurfers.com.

From Hawaii to Alaska and everywhere in between, big-wave charger Garrett McNamara puts himself in such heavy situations that we mortals can only look at him in awe — not even envy — unless that is, you like wondering if you’re going to make it through your next surf session alive.

How does he do it? What in nature’s name gives this extreme surfing world champion such laser focus, drive, tenacity, toughness and sheer I-Know-I-Can-Do-This confidence? Just exactly what does he do to stay in such amazing shape for big-wave surfing?

Now you can find out. McNamara himself lays it all out in a just-released video clip right at http://www.YogaforSurfers.com

Listen in as he tells Peggy Hall his secret weapon for feeling “confident and secure” in life-threatening surf.

The good news is that even if you can’t surf the unfathomable waves that Garrett does, at least you can benefit from one of his training tools.

More secrets to better surfing are revealed at http://www.YogaforSurfers.com

Eighteen leisurely days cruising the islands of the South Pacific from Sydney to Hawaii is selling aboard the luxury Dawn Princess from just $2899pp twin-share – a saving of $800 per person over previously advertised prices if booked through ecruising.travel, and including a night post-cruise in Waikiki and air from Honolulu back to Sydney*.

The 77,500 tonne Dawn Princess will cruise out of Sydney on April 18 next year for four laid-back days at sea before visiting Nuku’alofa and Vava’u in Tonga, Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, a day and a night in Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Christmas Island, and two final days at sea before arriving in Honolulu where there’s a night at the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel.

Dawn Princess, that’s the length of three football fields, offers Princess Cruises’ Anytime Dining with dishes created by chef-members of the famed Chaine des Rotisseurs gastronomic society, and a choice of a Traditional Dining Room, a specialty Steakhouse, 24-hour bistro, a poolside hamburger and hot dog grill, patisserie, pizzeria, and an ice-cream bar.

There’s also an extensive choice of bars and lounges, two nightly live-stage showrooms, late-release movies, four pools, a sports court, spa with ocean-view gym, and a “listening library.”

For full details phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

 * Air taxes and fuel surcharges applicable at time of booking are additional

Air New Zealand has just reduced business class airfares by as much as 50 percent off current prices to the Cook Islands. Business class fares were originally priced from $3,928 and are now from $1,970, a 50 percent savings. Air New Zealand offers a direct 10.5-hour flight from Los Angeles to Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands. Departing Los Angeles in the evening guests will depart LAX in the evening and wake up in the Cook Islands. Cook Islands consist of 15 islets in the South Pacific with a population of only 15,000. The five-night Rendezvous Villa, Rarotongas uses a one-bedroom villa and is priced from $2,649 per person and includes round-trip non-stop Business Class air from Los Angeles to Rarotonga on Air New Zealand. For more information, call 800-334-5323 or visit www.sunspotsintl.com.

The seven-day Cook Islands Escape is priced from $1,789 per person and includes a non-stop round trip Economy Class flight from Los Angeles to Rarotonga on Air New Zealand; six nights in a Garden Studio room hotel accommodation at the Pacific Resort, Rarotonga including one night free; a Garden Studio room including early check-in upon arrival; airport transfers including meet and greet on arrival with flower lei as well as one free night plus NZ$50 ($30) food and beverage credit per room per night. Pricing is subject to availability and correct at time of posting. Seasonal surcharges and additional taxes may apply. Rates are per person based on double occupancy, for purchase by March 31.

For more information, call 888-828-6877 or visit www.islandsinthesun.com

As our plane banked toward the atoll on its approach, the 30-plus passengers on board crane their necks and peer through the window to finally catch a glimpse of Aitutaki, one of 15 islands in the Cook Islands. Until this point, my experience of Aitutaki had been limited to travel guides and online photos. As the turquoise ink blot in the vast Cobalt blue Pacific comes into view, camera shutters begin snapping and clicking. Beside the hum of the turboprop engines, the plane is silent with awe. As I would say many times during my stay, pictures just won’t do it justice.

Located roughly half-way between the Hawaiian Island and New Zealand, the Cook Islands consist of 15 islands spread over 2 million square kilometers. While the Cook Islands were barely noteworthy when Captain Cook sailed past the area in 1777, anyone who visits them today will not easily forget the famous atolls and lush islands that comprise the Cook Islands. Furthermore, I am convinced that had Captain Cook spent a week at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki like I did, he would have quickly traded his charts and compass for a hammock and cocktail.

Located on the west side of the Aitutaki atoll, Pacific Resort has received multiple travel awards including being named “Australasia’s Leading Boutique Hotel” by the World Travel Awards in 2007 and 2008. In addition, the resort was recently named one of the top 20 Resorts in Australia and the Pacific by Condé Nast Traveller’s 21st Annual “Reader’s Choice Awards”. The resort covers 19 beautifully-manicured acres and includes 18 bungalows, 6 villas, 3 suites, each nestled along the resort’s private beach a restaurant. Amenities include a full-service spa, an infinity pool overlooking the lagoon, snorkeling gear and kayaks, and a concierge available to arrange various activities around the island.

While some of the South Pacific nations that Captain Cook discovered during his journeys received the dubious distinction of being cannibal nations, the practice has long been abandoned. Now, the Pacific Resort Aitutaki is a haven for more culturally acceptable culinary delights. The resort features the Rapae Bay Restaurant and the Black Rock Café and Bar, each offering fresh seafood straight from the ocean. The full menus can be enjoyed in the restaurant, next to the infinity pool where endless views of the atoll and Pacific blue beyond make for a perfect appetizer, or at a private table for two on the beach.

Whether you are circling the globe in search of terra incognita or off to distant shores for cultural exploration, be sure to drop anchor at the pacific Resort Aitutaki. You just might not want to leave.

- By Misha Troyan, Jetsetters Magazine San Diego Correspondent.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Hanseatic is offering a South Pacific adventure from April 20 to May 12. Stops include Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia (Bali). Passengers meet the ship in Noumea, New Caledonia, and disembark in Benoa, Bali. With the discount now running, guests purchasing a category 1 outside cabin will get automatically upgraded to a category 3 or higher cabin, for a savings of at least 25 percent, and will also receive a $420 onboard credit.

The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are isolated in the Pacific. Highlights of this trip include a welcome ceremony on the Island of Tuam by local villagers, hiking through caves on Loh Island, Zodiac landings on the Solomon Islands, snorkeling off of the Shortland Islands, a flight over Papua New Guinea (an additional cost), and Zodiac trips on the narrow Sepik River and through the rock labyrinth off Gam in Indonesia.

The Hanseatic accommodates up to 184 guests in outside cabins that measure 237 square feet and suites of 474 square feet. Each cabin features a complimentary TV information network with private email, movies on demand and radio and cruise information.

Internet is available in the business center at an additional charge. The ship also has a swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool and fitness center. Onboard lecturers include scientists, expedition leaders and specialists who guide landings. The lecturers also offer pre- and post-excursion recaps, onboard seminars and individual meetings throughout the cruise. The voyage is priced from $12,156 per person, double occupancy, for a guaranteed outside cabin in category 3 or higher.

Not included in the cruise fare are airfare to and from the ship, transfers and excursions.

For more information, call 877-445-7447 or visit www.hl-cruises.com

Air New Zealand will next week revolutionise the domestic travel experience with a range of technical and design innovations that will help customers save time and get through the airport faster.

On 3 November at Auckland Domestic Airport, Air New Zealand will unveil its new state-ofthe- art check in and boarding experience, introducing a new layout and design, new kiosks that enable customers to print their own bag tags, a direct to conveyor belt bag drop zone to eliminate queues, new gate scanners for straight to gate check in and boarding for customers without bags and several new technological enablers for frequent flyers.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager Short Haul Airlines Bruce Parton says next week’s launch will mean a speedier journey through domestic airports, something long asked for by regular domestic commuters.

“We challenged ourselves 12 months ago to create and deliver a new experience that would allow our customers to move quickly and seamlessly through domestic airports. Our goal was to get rid of frustrating queues, cut customer waiting time and make checking in and boarding as quick and easy as possible.

“Customers will now have much greater freedom and choice – they can choose to book their seat online, obtain their boarding pass in the way that most suits them and deal with their checked baggage in a quick, efficient way.” Auckland is the first domestic airport to have the extreme makeover, to be followed by Christchurch on 17 November and Wellington soon after.

New kiosks will be progressively introduced to other larger domestic airports over coming months, and gate scanners allowing customers to scan their boarding passes will be in place at all 26 domestic terminals used by Air New Zealand from 3 November. In total, 112 new kiosks and 84 gate scanners will be introduced.

Mr Parton says the airline has invested more than $30 million in the new airport experience, which is just one of a large number of changes being made to benefit domestic travellers.

“We expect the changes to be very appealing, particularly to business travellers. Those who aren’t carrying baggage will be able to go directly to the gate and self-board, and those with baggage won’t waste any time standing in queues,” he says.

Mr Parton says some of the most exciting initiatives make use of popular technologies to streamline the boarding process.

There will be a number of new and improved options available to customers, including email, mobile phone or a permanent unique RFID identifier.

• myBoarding Pass - passengers choosing their seats online will receive a boarding pass by email featuring new 2D barcode technology in addition to their e-ticket, which can be used to confirm their seat at the kiosk or directly at the gate • mPass– a boarding pass including a 2D barcode that is sent to a mobile phone and can be scanned at the kiosk or gate; • ePass – Gold Elite, Gold and Silver Airpoints members, as well as Koru members, will be provided with this RFID tag ePass to attach to the back of their mobile phone.

This can be scanned at the kiosk or the gate and used as a boarding pass.

And from 31 October every Air New Zealand domestic and international fare purchased by a customer, including Smart Saver and grabaseat fares, will earn new Status Points that go towards their Airpoints frequent flyer status.

Air New Zealand is also introducing www.myairnz.com for loyalty members, a secure page that members can tailor with all their Air New Zealand, Airpoints and travel information.

Air New Zealand has already introduced its new piece baggage system, which provides a free baggage allowance of up to 25kg for the first bag checked in. This is a 5kg increase on the previous free allowance of 20kg.

The developments are a continuation of the airline’s overhaul of its domestic offering which started early this year with the introduction of its popular KoruHour service on weekday 737 flights, which includes complimentary morning newspapers and fresh plunger coffee, and in the evenings, complimentary beer or wine and a cheese plate. A snack selection is available throughout the day and on weekends.

Air New Zealand has also recently completed the reconfigured its fleet of 16 737 aircraft to provide a new Space+ section in the front half of the cabin, offering an additional 2-5 inches of legroom to regular travellers.

A new Koru lounge has been opened in Tauranga and the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Koru Lounges have all been expanded and had significant overhauls.

Mr Parton said Air New Zealand would continue to innovate in the airport and online environments to provide the best value and most efficient service to its customers.

For more detailed information on the changes, customers can visit www.changingthewayyoufly.co.nz

The team at Dive Worldwide has been busy researching and testing (yes they do get their feet wet) lots of new and imaginative watery destinations for 2009! The result of their endeavours to find the next diving hotspots, is a bulging new brochure packed with innovative new itineraries and ideas for Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, the Maldives, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Tonga…

After great success with more extreme underwater experiences, including ice diving in Russia, Dive Worldwide now offers cave diving courses and holidays, accompanied by world-renowned cave diver extraordinaire, Martyn Farr – ideal for divers who thrill to cold, dark sub aqua, subterranean spaces!

Other exciting developments include a new collection of whale and dolphin watching holidays, thanks to an invitation from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society for Dive Worldwide to operate their dedicated whale-watching programme Out of the Blue.

Looking ahead, with far fewer liveaboards being licensed to dive the more remote islands of Wolf and Darwin in the Galapagos archipelago, Dive Worldwide is delighted to announce it has secured four sailings on the M/V Sky Dancer, for prime weeks in 2010 and 2011 – early booking is essential!

Plunging into the pages of Dive Worldwide’s new brochure, readers will notice that there have been some big changes, including more in-depth information about the regions offered, together with relevant climate charts – always useful when planning where to go and when! All of this is backed up by a dedicated team of experts who know their product and are always happy to discuss ideas and concepts to make the perfect dive holiday a reality.

New holidays for 2009 include:

SUDAN: Royal Evolution from £2,449 p/p. The price includes flights, taxes, transfers, 14-night liveaboard, full board and diving.

COOK ISLANDS: Cook Islands Explorer from £3,535 p/p. The price includes flights, taxes, transfers, 9 nights on Rarotonga (room only) with 14 dives and 5 nights on Aitutaki (breakfast) with 6 dives.

THAILAND: Koh Ngai Diving from £1,335 p/p. The price includes flights, taxes, transfers, 7-nights hotel accommodation plus a 10-dive package with tanks and weights.

Dive Worldwide
0845 130 6980
sales@diveworldwide.com
www.diveworldwide.com

The Cook Islands Government and Air New Zealand have agreed to the continuation of the weekly direct Los Angeles-Rarotonga-Los Angeles flight beyond April 2009.

 The turmoil in global financial markets and the resulting decline in travel demand, along with recent spikes in the price of aviation fuel led to the airline undertaking a critical review of all routes including the LAX-RAR joint venture.

 “The economic analysis demonstrated the prudence of continuing to invest in this critical route to sustain earnings we receive from tourism” said Wilkie Rasmussen, minister of tourism, adding that forward booking projections for the flight for the next six to eight months are encouraging. “All over the world airlines and tourism organizations are scrambling to make sense of the present global economic situation that is affecting everyone. We must be prepared to make bold decisions to sustain people and our economy through these tough times.” A formal agreement will be signed between the Cook Islands Government and Air New Zealand within the next two weeks.

 For more information, visit www.cookislands.travel